Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL

Forty-one states in the U.S. are currently battling widespread influenza
outbreaks, including Illinois, where six people - all older than 50 - have
died, according to the state's Department of Public Health. The U.S. Center
for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least 18 children have
died in the U.S. during this flu season.

Some emergency rooms in the U.S. have been overwhelmed with so many flu
patients that they've had to turn some of them and others with
non-life-threatening conditions away due to lack of space.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL was one of eight hospitals in
the country on "bypass" on Monday and Tuesday. "On bypass" means that the
hospital asks ambulances to take patients to other hospitals if they can do
so safely. The situation is due to influenza; Northwestern recently
reported a 20 percent increase in flu patients every day.

Hospitals turning patients away?? That's how bad the flu season is right
now!

Yet there is ANOTHER condition that is much more serious and
life-threatening.

The most serious condition affecting mankind is SIN. "For ALL have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The situation is
UNIVERSAL, affecting every person of every tribe of every nation. And, it
is DEADLY, for "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

But God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross to
redeem us from sin (John 3:16). His blood is the remedy that will heal our
sin-sick souls and give us eternal life (Ephesians 1:7).

And Jesus won't turn anyone away who is willing to submit his life to Him.

On one occasion, some scribes and Pharisees were disturbed because Jesus ate
with some tax collectors and sinners. Jesus told them: "Those who are well
have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to
call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke 5:27-32).

That's Good News because ALL of us need the Great Physician!

Jesus will heal the sin-sick souls of those who will place their faith and
trust in Him (Acts16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized
(immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1
John 1:7).

Won't YOU allow the Great Physician to heal your sin-sick soul? You won't
be "bypassed" or turned away - if you will humble yourself and come to Him
on His terms.

David A. Sargent