During the month of January of each year, Pastor Tim has asked everyone to take a close look at our community. We were encouraged to slow down, look around, and listen to those around us. Especially those who were in need.  We were to ask God to help us see those that He wanted us to stop what we were doing or where we are going and help. And during that month, we were to take the same amount that would normally be given to Fresh Wind as an offering and work to meet the needs of people that God revealed to us. 

Many needs were found in our local community during the month of January. It left no question that we have individuals and families facing uncertainty in these hard economic times. People are searching for answers and help. And even though the "Do You See" month of January is over, the need to help others is not. There are those in our community that have been, or soon may be, needing help more than ever before. Be there to help. You can make a difference and introduce Jesus into the lives of individuals and families.

During the Holy Week before Easter Sunday, Pastor Tim asked that we think about placing at the foot of the cross one thing that we wanted to get rid of - to lay it down once and for all. Something obsessive or sinful that stood between us and our relationship with God. That obstacle could have been un-forgiveness, jealousy, a food item, surfing the Internet, a TV program... or for that matter TV. Whatever that thing was, to “lay it down” and not pick it up again.

We were encouraged to bring that item and lay it at the altar of the church. If it was a perishable item, or something we coveted but didn’t have, we could bring a letter, picture or drawing that represented it.  We left those burdens there at the foot of the cross at the altar. Our items remained there all week. The curch prayed that God would give us the strength to let it go. To lay it down and let whatever it was go once and for all. Allowing us to be drawn that much closer to Him.

Then, come Easter Sunday, all of the burdens of our "stuff" and sin were gone. Completely taken away, setting us free from the confines of this world we live in. We then celebrated together the resurrection of the One who paid with His life so that all of this could be possible - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Do not dispair if you missed bringing your "thing" to church that week. Jesus' death and resurrection was sufficient to cover any sin of anyone who calls upon Him at any time. He bought us freedom from our bondage to sin. So, if you have asked Jesus into your life, you have the power to lay that item down and walk away from it right now.

“¹⁷The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.” – Galatians 5:17 (NLT)

“²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” – Galatians 5:24 (NLT)

“²And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” – 1 Peter 4:2 (NLT)

“⁴And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.” – 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)

“¹²So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” – Romans 8:12 (NLT)