And it is the fact of Easter that proves the relevance of God's love for you today.  If he can defeat death, what can't he do for you?  What problem can't he help you solve?  What sin can't he forgive?  What burden can't he lift?  What future can't he see?  What can't he do for you today?  He promises that nothing can separate you from his love.  And Easter proves that he keeps his promises.

Today is the best day of the year to give him your life.  Not just your Easter Sunday or worship attendance or occasional time in Bible study and prayer.  Not just your belief in him--your life entrusted to him.  The Easter Christ wants to empower you, use you, guide you, bless you.  He wants to make you more than a conqueror.  But he can use only what you'll give him, and bless only what you'll put into his hands. 

If your relationship with Jesus is only for Easter, you're missing the best parts.  You're missing all he wants to do with and for and through and in and by your life.  Easter proves that he is worthy of your trust and your life.  Give them both to him today.

On Thursday, as I was praying about this Easter message, I sensed the Spirit's direction to close in a very different way than I had planned.

I had a wonderful story which I don't get to tell today.  There is no pain like that of an undelivered address--maybe next year.  Instead, I feel myself under order to call you on this Easter Sunday to the highest and greatest commitment of faith I have discovered outside the pages of Scripture.

These words challenge and inspire me every time I consider them.  They were sent to me years ago, and immediately arrested and captured me.  They were found in the journal of a young pastor in Zimbabwe who was martyred for his faith.  I have shared them often since I first received them, and have been led by the Holy Spirit to share them with you today.

Let's make this confession ours right now:

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."  I have Holy Spirit power.  The die has been cast.  I've stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I am a disciple of His.  I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.  I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.  I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.  I now live by his presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, or slow up 'til I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus.  I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all know, and work 'til He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me—my colors will be clear.

Amen?