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It was the love, not the nails, that held Him on the cross. Those are the opening words to a song that is perfect for today. As we begin our Lenten journey on this Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us. His love was boundless and will not be outdone. Jesus hung on the cross to pay a ransom for us. Was it the only way? Probably not but the transgressions had created a gulf between God and His people. Out of His love, He sent His only Son to come to earth. After being arrested, humiliated, beaten, crucified, and buried, He was lifted up for our sins. Jesus Christ lives today and His life allows us to come to the Father. So what does your plan for the next forty days look like? Have you thought about what you will do to draw closer to God? Make it something big. Think about making an impact. Be bold! Think in the positive and focus on making the world a better place with your sacrifices. Remember how Jesus Christ was covered with stripes from the whips they used on Him. Remember how they stuck a crown of thorns into His head. Remember how He carried his own cross to his death. Our small sacrifices can never match His but they can draw us nearer to Him. So what does the world need right now? The Church needs to rise up. We need to pray our country back to spiritual health. Forget about the multiple distractions. Go to your favorite place and have a face-to-face conversation with Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you in your journey. Ask Him to guide your sacrifice. Turn it over to Him. You cannot have a better Lenten season than by having Jesus Christ use you as His instrument. I am praying that you have a blessed Lenten journey.

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