Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and I so love hymns about the cross like this one called “The Power of the Cross” by Keith Getty and Stewart Townend. Sing it if you know it…
Oh to see the dawn of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary
Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten then
Nailed to a cross of wood
This the Power of the Cross, Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross
Can’t quite sing like I used to, but I’m not the same person I used to be... this body’s not the same that it used to be... don’t have the lungs I used to have. Being disabled means, well, the encroachments always get a little bit tighter and that’s why the cross of Jesus means so much to me these days.
Like on my morning routine. Now, I should describe that that routine usually includes somebody else getting me up, getting me dressed, then I eat breakfast and head out the front door. I haven’t altered that routine in years. And it’s a habit that means a lot to me, including the habit of preaching the Gospel to myself each and every morning. I learned how to do that by reading a little book by C.J. Mahaney many years ago called “The Cross-Centered Life.” I’ll never forget, he said something like this in his book, he says, “Do you want to live a cross-centered life? A cross-centered life is made up of cross-centered days.” And that’s how I’ve come to live these days.
My friend, C.J., tells us how to keep the flame of the Gospel burning brightly in the drizzle of our everyday lives. As we begin our day -- as you begin your day -- preach the Gospel to yourself – your audience is your heart, and you need to remind your heart of things that matter most to God. Yes, you are saved, but daily the Bible says you are being saved; and in the future, God's Word tells us you will be saved. So it stands to reason the Gospel is something that was necessary not only when you first believed, but the Gospel is necessary now, just as it will be in the future. So constantly you and I must remind ourselves of what the Gospel is and how God is impressing it on our lives.
Next, we have to memorize the Gospel – God wants us to tuck His promises into our hearts so that wherever we are, whatever time of day, we can be strengthened by eternal truth. Next, pray the Gospel – never forget to thank God for the forgiveness of sins, always acknowledge transgressions, and speak to your Lord about eternal things.
Then, sing the Gospel -- lift to the Lord the songs that center on the cross, like this one I just sang, “The Power of the Cross.” Choose a worship CD that includes a variety of songs about what Jesus accomplished on the cross. And, lastly, study the Gospel – it’s the only way to grow. You can’t do it on your own, though. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you … it will mean your life will totally focus on the cross of Jesus!
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