That Changes Everything!

Great Friday!

As I write this note, I have just returned from carrying the cross throughout Lawrence County with 25 others. What an awesome experience it is! As I carried the cross, God spoke to me using the words of an ancient hymn. With the weight of the cross bearing down on my shoulder (which is likely less than half the size of Jesus’ cross) God impressed upon me that I could not physically bear the weight of my own sins: my own laziness, my own disobedience, my own pride or lust, my own anger or deceit. Yet, Jesus bore the weight of my sins along with the sins of all humanity. His sacrifice was sufficient for all sin…even mine and yours. All we need do, all we can do is to trust in Him. As Augustus Toplady wrote so long ago, “Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.” My prayer is that you will hide yourself in the Rock of Ages and this Easter fully know the power of the Resurrection!

Invite With a Ride

And of course, my favorite...

Invite 3 - Funny!! from andrewmanzano on GodTube.

What's the Worst That Could Happen?

CHURCH INVITE from beamerfilms on GodTube.

Invite

Hey Beulah...Easter's coming and I was serious about that standing room only comment...it was from God! Let's start training for the invite...no matter who we meet...

Invite by The Sound Tank from andrewmanzano on GodTube.

Pray for Storm Victims in Southern Illinois

By now all have heard of the tornados that struck in deep Southern Illinois early this morning. The good great news I just heard was that the number who have died has been revised to a lower number…praise God! Now, I know several are wanting to help and there are many different ways we can help, but one of the most effective ways to help is to fall to our face in prayer, with intercession on their behalf. Now, don’t just say you’ll pray, or offer up a small prayer while you’re reminded of it…I am speaking of fervent, heartfelt prayer asking God first to meet physical, emotional, and financial needs. Secondly ask God to use these people, this tragedy to glorify Himself. Pray that the testimonies about how God protected people, comforted and provided for people and how He used people to help those in need will flow from the lips of those affected like the waters of a river flow in the springtime. Remember, our God is worthy of our praise in both good times and in time of distress and despair. Then pray for God to direct you as to how you can help. One way to pray is to ask God to enable you to help them in proportion to the help you will need in the future…that seems like the best way to “pay it forward!”

Love Packages, Butler, IL

If you are looking for someplace to do some mission work for youth or adults that is close, inexpensive, and life-changing, I would like to suggest Love Packages at Butler, IL. You can work for hours or days and know that your time will be used by God to change the lives of hundreds around the world! Here’s Steve’s story…I cannot recommend it enough. Watch this (and other Love Packages videos on YouTube) and then call Steve!