January 6, 2011 The Big Trip 4-3

"Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him."

Good Families and Schools day morning to all of you my dear brothers and sisters. Today, the day we pray for our schools and all who go through the doors of them and remember please those who work for the schools and don't often get in the buildings. I am talking about those school bus drivers. Please also pray for families and remember please pray for the family of God. Prayers also for Kathleen, Ron, Eleanor, Dolores and this request in from prayer Rob Campbell:

Jennifer goes for another echo stress test Thursday morning at 11am to check her heart. The doctors are still puzzled as to why she gets dizzy, blurred vision, and numbness after during the basketball games. Let's put it in the hands of the almighty doctor to help direct us in the right direction to find the answer for her. She is very frustrated because they cannot figure out the answer.

Jenny's coaches, Jen Quay, Fultz, and Bill Reighter have been fantastic at helping us with Jennifer and watching over her during practice and games. They can tell exactly when she needs to come out to rest, drink, and eat. Please lift them up in prayers especially Coach Quay as rumblings are beginning to surface about her being fired as the girls basketball coach. She does a fantastic job with the girls and is building a quality program for years to come.

Thank you again.
Rob Campbell

The Big Trip 4-3: Matthew 3:1 - In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the desert of Judea 2 and saying, "repent for the kingdom of Heaven is near. 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'" (NIV)

"Who was that bearded man that some called wild?" (From the song, John The Baptist, Neil Enloe, singer/song writer.) I was told once that if anyone really looked like John the Baptist, it might have been me. I guess I have that wild look, but hey, it could not have been me, my head is still on, although not always straight. If you recall one of the very first things we heard about John was when he jumped for joy in the womb of his mother when she was in her sixth month and Mary, the mother of Jesus came and told John's mother about being with child and the child was to save us all from our sins. This child of course was Jesus. Maybe if we really think about it, John was giving a big kick maybe wanting out so he could get to work for Jesus. So I have been to concerts when Dave, Duane and Neil sang the song John The Baptist and they look at me as looking sort of wild, and yes, I guess that is a fact, and my coats are not made of camel hair, but some of our riding jackets are leather. But locusts to eat, would they be like eating a shrimp that was on the land? I guess if one was hungry enough you might try them. Gosh, with all those little stink bugs around one might think about a "stinky pie." Let me get serious again... John was the forerunner for our Lord Jesus, walking around telling people to be ready for the Kingdom of God is near. He was telling that to everyone who would listen. Now let's fast forward to today! Should we not all be like John The Baptist, should we not all be telling the GOOD NEWS of our Lord Jesus coming back? Should we not all be telling everyone who will listen and even finding ways to get the message to those who will not listen? Should that message sound something like this... Prepare yourself for the Lord will be returning soon. Make way for Him, for He is coming back for His church, His people. Prepare the way for Him, as He made us all a promise and that promise has not been filled yet, and we do not even know when it will be filled. And as a fact, Jesus does not know when He will get the call to return for us, but I am sure it will be soon... REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS COMING SOON, BEHOLD, JESUS IS COMING BACK, COMING BACK FOR HIS CHURCH. Prepare the way of your heart, and invite Jesus in. Prepare yourself for Jesus and then announce to others this same message... Prepare your hearts for Jesus, repent of your sins for time is running out. Prepare by confessing with your mouth and believing in your hearts that Jesus is Lord. Prepare the way.

Brothers and sisters, John The Baptist did the job he was sent to do, and it cost him his head. Yes, old John was beheaded, and now I ask you this... It is a very hard question to ask and one that requires some thinking about the answer. Are you willing to go out as John The Baptist did and make those statements? Most would say "yes" until I add in this part. Are you willing to go out as John The Baptist did and make those statements, even if you knew it was going to cost you, well, cost you your head? Your life? Folks, John The Baptist is not the only one that lost his life for our Lord Jesus, there have been many since then, and it is still going on. When we speak out for Jesus, we are really putting our life on the line for Him, but that is ok, for after all, did He not lay His life down for us? So we know that Jesus laid down His life for us to get into heaven, should we not be willing to put our life on the line for Him? I am ready, willing and able. I love Jesus and want to make this statement today as I close.

PREPARE THE WAY FOR JESUS, FOR HE IS COMING BACK SOON FOR HIS PEOPLE, FOR HIS CHURCH. PREPARE THE WAY FOR JESUS FOR HE MIGHT JUST COME BACK BEFORE I GET TO FINISH THIS MESSAGE. Prepare the way for the Lord, for He will be returning to fullfill a promise that He made to us. Be ready, and brothers and sisters, please tell others...

Dear Father in Heaven, I want to work for You each day, I waited all too long before I started to work for You, dear Lord, but I am on board now and I want to work for You till You return or till You call me home. I pray others will also pray this same prayer today. Lord, help us to prepare the way for Your return by repenting of our sins and working hard for You getting out the word. The word of Love... In the name of Jesus, I pray... Amen.

Now go forth telling others to "Prepare the way for the Lord." And also take time along the way to witness for Him and to share those blessings He has on loan to You.
Love ya, Pastor Dan.