Wednesday 6/20/12 Hide and Seek 3

The word of God came to John, son of Zechariah, in the desert.  He went into all the country around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'"

Good Salvation Wednesday, my dear brothers and sisters.  I have a question for you ... Which president of the United States of America made the most appearances in church?  More than any other!  It would be George Washington, as he gets put in the offering basket more than any other of the presidents.  Okay, so much for my tired jokes.  What is no joke is how we need to get the word of Salvation, the Good News of our Lord Jesus, out to the lost.  BUT FIRST.  Stand in front of the mirror and take a good deep look.  Are you saved?  If Jesus would come back today, would you go home?  After addressing ourselves, then we need to get ready and go to work for the Lord, saying these words ... REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR!!

Hide and Seek Day 3 6/20/12:  Luke 3:2B - The word of God came to  John, son of Zechariah, in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written i the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'" (NIV)

Matthew 4:17 - From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near." (NIV)

As I look at this silly kids' game of hide and seek, I just can't get around the fact of how people still try and hide from Jesus, or at least hide their sins.  I also keep thinking how as we kids, or the one "IT" would give the warning "Ready or not, here I come" and then go and get those who are hiding.  Today God led me to two scriptures that both have the same warning, and yes, it is a warning ... We are to repent for the Kingdom of God is near and these words were spoken by both John the Baptist and also Jesus.  Brothers and sisters, these are the warnings that we have been sent that we need to get our act together.  These warnings that appear in our Bible and those we hear from our pastors, and those who are working for Jesus to get the word out ring so true.  Let me just put the word out today by quoting Jesus ... "REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR."

When we played Hide and Seek we counted down and gave a warning.  Some parents count up and give warnings ... Yes, not too long ago a young lad of about 5 was acting up in the food store.  His mother said, "Behave, and if you don't I am going to count."  My parents were school teachers and they did not say, behave or I am going to count.  I knew they could count.  My parents said behave and I am not telling you again, and they did not.  I had a choice, behave or get my backside warmed up right there and then.  The modern parent gives a warning, I told you to behave, 1, 2, 3, I am counting, 1, 2, 3, I mean it, I am counting, 1, 2, 3.  About that time I wanted to say, lady, you are too nice, yell 10 and hit the brat!

I do have another question today.  I know that John and Jesus both put out the same message, "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is Near."  And I know about heaven, but where is "Kingdom Come"?  I mean when I was really bad my mamma would say, "DANIEL, I am going to knock you to kingdom come."  When she said that, I would pray, God, now would be a good time for You to return.  Please, Lord, let Kingdom Come, Your Kingdom come now.  My mamma was good to me, but when I heard "DANIEL," I knew I was in big trouble, otherwise I was her sweet little Danny Boy.  Of course if she called out "DANIEL WEBSTER", I was toast!!  But folks, as a kid around a tad today, the warning I want to put out on this date, this first day of summer 2012, and this Salvation Wednesday, call out this ... REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR ... REPENT, FOR JESUS IS COMING BACK.

Dear Father in Heaven, help me to repent, and then help me to live with You each day of my life and help me to try my best not to sin.  Help me, Lord, to seek out the lost and bring them to You to be saved.  I want to work for You.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

Now go forth sharing your blessings and sharing these words.  REPENT, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR ...  Love ya, Pastor Dan.