 I looked at him in disbelief (he did not ... yes, he did). It is
amazing how many things can go through your mind in a split second.
(My life is a mess! There is not any hope! Now God is embarrassing
me by pointing me out in front of thousands of people. Not only
that, he wants me to sing ... I can't sing. I mean ... I really
can't sing!)He said it again, "Sing 'Jesus loves me.'"
I embarrassingly -- realizing at that moment, everyone all over
the auditorium is looking at me -- stated again, "I cannot sing."
With firmness, yet gentleness, he said it a third and final time,
"Sing 'Jesus loves me.'"
Finally, reluctantly, I did it. I sang "Jesus Loves Me," just
like I used to as a kid in church. The singing was horrific!
He even said, "You're right, you cannot sing," and then he went
on with his concert.
As I sat there, I sank lower in the seat, and God and I had a
one-sided conversation: "That was really good, God ... embarrassing
me in front of thousands of people ... but I deserve it...," and I
wept.
Life sucked! I did not see any hope of life ever being good
again. I just wanted to die!
Have you been there? Perhaps you are there right now ... hopeless
... almost lifeless.
Easter means you do not have to stay there! Easter is the
greatest demonstration of love ever shown in the history of the
world. Read this and think about it ... what amazing love!
Now hope does not
disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were
still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For
scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good
man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own
love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. (Romans 5:5-8)
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I thought God was embarrassing me, when in reality He was
reaching out to me. He made me declare a truth that is not only true
for me, but you also. No matter what you have done. No matter where
you are right now. The truth is: Jesus loves me ... He loves you! He
proved it a long time ago and He still proves it today.
I did not mention it earlier, and I did not know it when I agreed
to attend the concert. The title of both his current album and tour
was "Welcome Back." The whole tour and album were based on one of
his sons who fell away from the Lord and then came back to the Lord.
Ron Kenoly had no idea that on that night in Louisville, Ky.,
that he was reaching out to another prodigal ... another seemingly
hopeless cause ... a screwed-up life ... a failure ... but God knew.
He did when he sent His Son to die on the cross and rise from the
dead that first Easter morning. He did when he spoke through Ron to
me, causing me to declare before thousands how much He loves me. He
knows right now as you are reading this and He is reaching out to
you.
He did not ... yes, He did ... and I am so glad He did!
If you want to hear more about this love -- the greatest love
ever -- join us Easter Sunday as I speak about the love God has for
each of us. When you experience the love of God, your life will
never be the same! This Easter ... there is hope! No matter
what ... Jesus loves you, and so do I!
[By LARRY CRAWFORD, pastor of Open
Arms Christian Fellowship]
 |
He did not ... yes, He did!
