Dear Father in Heaven: I love You. Please forgive me of my sins. Praise You, Jesus, for sending us new neighbors that love You. Please, Lord, watch over this young family and the others who just moved in across the street. Protect them from going onto the road. Lord, please protect all Your children that are out riding school buses and keep their drivers alert and other traffic alert for those big yellow buses. Lord, please bless me now with a message and help me get it dispatched. In Jesus' Name, I give praise and pray. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, I know I have talked to you about the donkey before, but once again I wanted to bring it up. As we finish up summer and some will be traveling over the upcoming Labor Day weekend, please pray before you go on the road and please give thanks when you get back home safe. Also put "feet on those prayers" by being a safe driver yourself. Now let me get to the message.
Salvation Wednesday: August 31, 2016: The Donkey
Luke 19:30 - "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.'" (NIV)
Please take time to read from your Bibles The Triumphal Entry, Luke 19:28/44
Today I received a new calendar from one of the animal rescues we support and one of the pictures on the information was a donkey. It reminded me of how each and every donkey has a cross on its back. I have never heard another pastor mention it in a message, however, I am sure some have. Did a donkey have a cross on its back when Jesus rode it into Jerusalem? I don't know, but I do know this. That donkey colt had upon its back the one who DIED ON THE CROSS!!! I can find only two places in the Bible where Jesus rode on a donkey. The first would have been while He was still in his mother's womb. As you will recall, Joseph and Mary went to sign up to pay taxes and Mary was in the motherly way on that ride. I will save the rest of that story for Christmas and then touch again on the Triumphal Entry next Easter. Gosh, I just took us through fall, winter, and around to spring again. Please, when you go to a farm or petting zoo, take time to find the cross on the donkey's back. And remember our salvation came from Jesus dying on the Cross.
Brothers and sisters, I did want to tell you this, that since we closed the food pantry a few years back and then after praying changed the mission for Jesus to handing out Bibles, with an order going in tomorrow have now gone over 100 of the Read-N-Grow Picture Bibles. We have also handed out several Counselor Bibles to police and firefighters, placed Bibles in our doctor's waiting rooms (with permission) and also have given out nearly a dozen Expositor's Study Bibles (KJV). I am bringing this up just to let you know that we will in some way work for Jesus until the day He returns or calls us home. And if we can do it, so can you!!! Also, please, if someone asks you to pray for them, stop and do it right on the spot. Thee is not one of you that cannot pray with someone if they ask. God will help you.
I am going to end right now as our church service is coming on TV.
Now go forth and share the love of Jesus. Love ya.
Pastor Dan
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday 8/28/16 "Living Stones"
Dear Father in Heaven: Please forgive me of my sins. Thanks for dying on the Cross for me and all others who seek You. I have been a long time away from the computer and am seeking Your help for a comeback. Please help me now with a message and then to get it dispatched. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters: Please keep me in your prayers as I try to get back to daily writing again. It has been very hot in our computer room plus I have not been receiving messages from our Lord Jesus as I once did. More than likely because I have not been listening like I should, for I am 100% sure God is still watching over me.
Last Saturday I preached at a funeral and it was the first time I was in the pulpit since leaving The Bridges years ago. It went wonderfully and it really felt great to be out stomping for Jesus. Today the title of the message God gave to me is "Living Stones."
Sunday: August 28, 2016: "Living Stones"
The term "Living Stones" I first heard of in a message from the late Pastor Karen Engle Layman. Pastor Karen was pastor at Hope United Methodist Church when I attended there years ago.
Psalm 118:22 - The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, 23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes: (NIV)
I am sure over the years you have seen many buildings built of stone. A lot of old farmhouses had stone foundations, different than the smooth block that we see laid today in construction. Still today you will see some homes being built out of mountain stone. The old Salem meeting house at Hope United Methodist Church was built of stone. I don't know today if there are many stone masons in that trade. It is very time-consuming and requires men or women of great passions for their work and very strong to lift the stones. If you take a good look at stones, they come in many shapes and sizes, some small and some large, some with lots of rough edges and others with fewer rough edges, but know that all have some rough edges. If you have ever watched a stone mason you will find they sort the stones first and lay them in some sort of order and then mix their mud (cement) in small amounts at a time as they lay up those stones. They also have chip hammers so as to chip away at the edges to fit together as they need to be to build up the building. The Bible in our scripture tells us that "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone." A capstone is the final stone on the top and must be near perfect on one side as it is placed in that place and the roof is placed on top of it. Today not man stone walls become load-bearing as wood studding is placed up to support a roof.
All of us have those edges and our Master Builder, Jesus Christ, chips away at us to get us to come to Him. You will not find that the Master Builder will toss any of the stones aside, and if one becomes in a pile of those stones it is by their own choice as they did not accept Jesus Christ, The Master Builder, as their Savior. I am telling you right now that Jesus Christ has never tossed me aside but has had to pick me up and work on me to smooth out the rough edges over and over again in my life. As much as I keep trying I don't know if I will ever fall into the class of a capstone, but I surely want to keep working at it until I get the call to go to Jesus.
Please, brothers and sisters, don't ever stop letting Jesus work on you. Each day we need to try harder to live and walk like Jesus walked, and that is not easy. Satan has so many traps set for us to fall into. What we need to do is think like this: If Satan is trying to get to you, smash him with a rough-edged rock. I know it is not easy out there and it is getting harder and harder. Remember this, look up, now down. If you are at a low point, look up even more. Try to help others the best you can, and try and do something to promote Jesus each and every day in some way, shape or form. While God did build in a day of rest for us, that does not mean we stop working for Him.
Again, the title of my message, "Living Stones," was inspired by the late Pastor Karen Engle Layman, but the message was given to me from God. Today I need to tell you, like it or not, you are indeed a "Living Stone."
Now go forth sharing the love of Jesus. Love ya.
Pastor Dan
Dear brothers and sisters: Please keep me in your prayers as I try to get back to daily writing again. It has been very hot in our computer room plus I have not been receiving messages from our Lord Jesus as I once did. More than likely because I have not been listening like I should, for I am 100% sure God is still watching over me.
Last Saturday I preached at a funeral and it was the first time I was in the pulpit since leaving The Bridges years ago. It went wonderfully and it really felt great to be out stomping for Jesus. Today the title of the message God gave to me is "Living Stones."
Sunday: August 28, 2016: "Living Stones"
The term "Living Stones" I first heard of in a message from the late Pastor Karen Engle Layman. Pastor Karen was pastor at Hope United Methodist Church when I attended there years ago.
Psalm 118:22 - The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, 23 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes: (NIV)
I am sure over the years you have seen many buildings built of stone. A lot of old farmhouses had stone foundations, different than the smooth block that we see laid today in construction. Still today you will see some homes being built out of mountain stone. The old Salem meeting house at Hope United Methodist Church was built of stone. I don't know today if there are many stone masons in that trade. It is very time-consuming and requires men or women of great passions for their work and very strong to lift the stones. If you take a good look at stones, they come in many shapes and sizes, some small and some large, some with lots of rough edges and others with fewer rough edges, but know that all have some rough edges. If you have ever watched a stone mason you will find they sort the stones first and lay them in some sort of order and then mix their mud (cement) in small amounts at a time as they lay up those stones. They also have chip hammers so as to chip away at the edges to fit together as they need to be to build up the building. The Bible in our scripture tells us that "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone." A capstone is the final stone on the top and must be near perfect on one side as it is placed in that place and the roof is placed on top of it. Today not man stone walls become load-bearing as wood studding is placed up to support a roof.
All of us have those edges and our Master Builder, Jesus Christ, chips away at us to get us to come to Him. You will not find that the Master Builder will toss any of the stones aside, and if one becomes in a pile of those stones it is by their own choice as they did not accept Jesus Christ, The Master Builder, as their Savior. I am telling you right now that Jesus Christ has never tossed me aside but has had to pick me up and work on me to smooth out the rough edges over and over again in my life. As much as I keep trying I don't know if I will ever fall into the class of a capstone, but I surely want to keep working at it until I get the call to go to Jesus.
Please, brothers and sisters, don't ever stop letting Jesus work on you. Each day we need to try harder to live and walk like Jesus walked, and that is not easy. Satan has so many traps set for us to fall into. What we need to do is think like this: If Satan is trying to get to you, smash him with a rough-edged rock. I know it is not easy out there and it is getting harder and harder. Remember this, look up, now down. If you are at a low point, look up even more. Try to help others the best you can, and try and do something to promote Jesus each and every day in some way, shape or form. While God did build in a day of rest for us, that does not mean we stop working for Him.
Again, the title of my message, "Living Stones," was inspired by the late Pastor Karen Engle Layman, but the message was given to me from God. Today I need to tell you, like it or not, you are indeed a "Living Stone."
Now go forth sharing the love of Jesus. Love ya.
Pastor Dan
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Salvation Wednesday 8/17/16 Going Home
Today I was contacted by the family of a dear friend who had just been called home to Jesus. As I put notes down for her funeral, I thought it might work well for salvation message. So here are my notes for the funeral. Please pray for the family of Edna.
John 11:25/26 - Jesus said to them: "I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Do you believe this?" (NIV)
Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you: Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NIV)
I don't remember the date, but I can remember the first time Edna walked into our church service at the Bridges. She had just moved in. I went back and sat down beside her and asked her her name and told her mine. I asked her where she lived and she told me on Laurel Lane in Colonial Park. I asked her if she knew the Witmers and she said yes. They also lived in Laurel Lane. It did not take me long to know that Edna loved to laugh and have fun. I started calling her "Laurel Lane." Today I know where Edna is because I know she was saved, "Born Again," and I know that because I asked her. Edna was one of the best people at making new people feel welcome and she also was one of the best in getting new people out to church. Edna and I hit it off great and she also did with my dear wife Dolores. It could be dull at her table at lunch if she was not there, but when she would arrive she would have people laughing within minutes. And she loved picking on me, she just loved it. Another reason I know where Edna is today is because she confessed herself over to Jesus in one of our church services. She loved Jesus. I asked her one time shortly after she had moved in if she liked it at the Bridges and she said NO!! But I will make the best of it. It was about a year later I asked her that same question saying, Edna, do you like it here? She said no, but I am making the best of it. I never heard her complain about anything. Whatever food they served, she ate without complaint.
I want you to know that this is the first service I have done at the Bridges since I left. Why? Because Edna was so special to us, she really was. With her smiles and laughs she would get people to come to church and I don't know how many people might have come to Jesus because of her. Again she was special and I am sure God's Son Jesus who died for all of us thought the same.
We had some very special songs we sang at the Bridges when I was pastor there. One was there is "Room at the Cross" for you. It goes like this.
Room At the Cross
The Cross upon which Jesus died
Is a shelter in which we can hide.
And its grace so free is sufficient for me,
And deep is its fountain, as wide as the sea.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
The hand of my Savior is strong.
And the love of my Savior is long.
Through sunshine or rain, through loss or in gain
The Blood flows from Calvary to cleanse every stain.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have found Him a friend
And have turned from the sins they have sinned,
The Savior still waits to open the gates
And welcome a sinner before it's too late.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
Just because people go to retirement homes and nursing homes does not mean they stop working for Jesus. Not Edna, anyway, not our dear sweet Edna. She traveled on for God, she walked it out together. There is a scripture in Romans that I like and want to talk to you about.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (NIV)
It does not say some things, it says "all things." It goes on to say that is for those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose.
Now her work here on earth is finished and she has been promoted to heaven.
Listen to these words of assurance found in 2 Corinthians 5:6 - Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (NIV)
In other words, Edna has checked out of The Bridges and she has checked out of her earthly tent, that body of bones. And she has checked in to Heaven with Jesus. PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD.
But for we who remain and loved and still love Edna, life must go on. We need to search our own souls and take a look deep into our hearts, for if we really want to see Edna again and more so want to be with Jesus face to face, we need to take a look at a few things. To get into heaven we need to have what we call a relationship with Christ, a relationship with our Lord Jesus. Edna, I am sure, had a personal relationship with Jesus. I know because I asked her already. So today I ask all of you this question.
Who needs Salvation through Jesus? The only ones who need Salvation through Jesus are those not wanting to go to Hell. I want to walk you down a road today, one that most pastors might referr to as Romans Road to Salvation.
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Again, the scriptures tell that ALL fall short, because we are all sinners, yes, even me and you. And I even put me ahead of you on this one. When did sin get started?
Romans 5:12 - Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
The very first man that God created sinned, and since then all men have sinned except one and His name was/is Jesus. Did you know you can get paid to sin? Well yes, a lot of people have jobs that they get paid for and are just a plain out and out sin. Abortion doctors and nurses get paid, those running the gambling tables get paid, in some states prostitution is legal and the "ladies of the night" (I cleaned that up) get paid. But let me talk about scripture. All of us are sinners and sinners get paid. Look here.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There was a saying years ago that all you ever needed to do in life was "pay taxes and die." According to the Bible, we only need to pay taxes. Yes, while we are to give to the government what is due them, we can escape death and have eternal life with Jesus. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT, WOW, WHAT A BLESSING.
So how do we "sign on" for this free gift from God?
Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:13 - For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
What I have just set before you in scripture is sometimes called "Romans Road to Salvation." I think it is "GOD'S ROAD TO SALVATION, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST."
Is thee any other way to get to heaven, other than through Jesus Christ? No! Not according to the Bible, and the Bible is the Real Book of Truth. Here is the scripture that tells us that.
John 14:6 - Jesus answered: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Now why was all this done? This was done because God loves us very much, even though we have sinned over and over again, God has loved us, and He even loves those who really hate Him. Here is proof. Again I go back to the Bible.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."
Today as I close up my message I need to ask all of you, if right now the Lord would return or right now He would even just call out your name as He did Edna's Wednesday, would you be ready? Are you Born Again? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Not just know Him, but really and truly love Him? On behalf of Edna and Jesus, I invite you to the cross today. I would like to lead you in a prayer, my closing prayer today, but maybe one that will open a relationship with Jesus and you. Or maybe you have that relationship and just need to spruce it up a tad. I can't pray it for you, only lead you. Please pray with me now.
Next week services will be held at Indiantown Gap. When a veteran is laid to rest, a trumpet plays Taps. Someday the trumpet of God will sound and those who are dead in Christ will be risen up with a new body to meet with Jesus in the clouds. Praise God.
One other thing we did at The Bridges each week was close with the refrain of this song, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
John 11:25/26 - Jesus said to them: "I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Do you believe this?" (NIV)
Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you: Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NIV)
I don't remember the date, but I can remember the first time Edna walked into our church service at the Bridges. She had just moved in. I went back and sat down beside her and asked her her name and told her mine. I asked her where she lived and she told me on Laurel Lane in Colonial Park. I asked her if she knew the Witmers and she said yes. They also lived in Laurel Lane. It did not take me long to know that Edna loved to laugh and have fun. I started calling her "Laurel Lane." Today I know where Edna is because I know she was saved, "Born Again," and I know that because I asked her. Edna was one of the best people at making new people feel welcome and she also was one of the best in getting new people out to church. Edna and I hit it off great and she also did with my dear wife Dolores. It could be dull at her table at lunch if she was not there, but when she would arrive she would have people laughing within minutes. And she loved picking on me, she just loved it. Another reason I know where Edna is today is because she confessed herself over to Jesus in one of our church services. She loved Jesus. I asked her one time shortly after she had moved in if she liked it at the Bridges and she said NO!! But I will make the best of it. It was about a year later I asked her that same question saying, Edna, do you like it here? She said no, but I am making the best of it. I never heard her complain about anything. Whatever food they served, she ate without complaint.
I want you to know that this is the first service I have done at the Bridges since I left. Why? Because Edna was so special to us, she really was. With her smiles and laughs she would get people to come to church and I don't know how many people might have come to Jesus because of her. Again she was special and I am sure God's Son Jesus who died for all of us thought the same.
We had some very special songs we sang at the Bridges when I was pastor there. One was there is "Room at the Cross" for you. It goes like this.
Room At the Cross
The Cross upon which Jesus died
Is a shelter in which we can hide.
And its grace so free is sufficient for me,
And deep is its fountain, as wide as the sea.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
The hand of my Savior is strong.
And the love of my Savior is long.
Through sunshine or rain, through loss or in gain
The Blood flows from Calvary to cleanse every stain.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have found Him a friend
And have turned from the sins they have sinned,
The Savior still waits to open the gates
And welcome a sinner before it's too late.
There's room at the cross for you.
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come, there's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
Just because people go to retirement homes and nursing homes does not mean they stop working for Jesus. Not Edna, anyway, not our dear sweet Edna. She traveled on for God, she walked it out together. There is a scripture in Romans that I like and want to talk to you about.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (NIV)
It does not say some things, it says "all things." It goes on to say that is for those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose.
Now her work here on earth is finished and she has been promoted to heaven.
Listen to these words of assurance found in 2 Corinthians 5:6 - Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (NIV)
In other words, Edna has checked out of The Bridges and she has checked out of her earthly tent, that body of bones. And she has checked in to Heaven with Jesus. PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD.
But for we who remain and loved and still love Edna, life must go on. We need to search our own souls and take a look deep into our hearts, for if we really want to see Edna again and more so want to be with Jesus face to face, we need to take a look at a few things. To get into heaven we need to have what we call a relationship with Christ, a relationship with our Lord Jesus. Edna, I am sure, had a personal relationship with Jesus. I know because I asked her already. So today I ask all of you this question.
Who needs Salvation through Jesus? The only ones who need Salvation through Jesus are those not wanting to go to Hell. I want to walk you down a road today, one that most pastors might referr to as Romans Road to Salvation.
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Again, the scriptures tell that ALL fall short, because we are all sinners, yes, even me and you. And I even put me ahead of you on this one. When did sin get started?
Romans 5:12 - Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
The very first man that God created sinned, and since then all men have sinned except one and His name was/is Jesus. Did you know you can get paid to sin? Well yes, a lot of people have jobs that they get paid for and are just a plain out and out sin. Abortion doctors and nurses get paid, those running the gambling tables get paid, in some states prostitution is legal and the "ladies of the night" (I cleaned that up) get paid. But let me talk about scripture. All of us are sinners and sinners get paid. Look here.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There was a saying years ago that all you ever needed to do in life was "pay taxes and die." According to the Bible, we only need to pay taxes. Yes, while we are to give to the government what is due them, we can escape death and have eternal life with Jesus. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT, WOW, WHAT A BLESSING.
So how do we "sign on" for this free gift from God?
Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:13 - For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
What I have just set before you in scripture is sometimes called "Romans Road to Salvation." I think it is "GOD'S ROAD TO SALVATION, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST."
Is thee any other way to get to heaven, other than through Jesus Christ? No! Not according to the Bible, and the Bible is the Real Book of Truth. Here is the scripture that tells us that.
John 14:6 - Jesus answered: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Now why was all this done? This was done because God loves us very much, even though we have sinned over and over again, God has loved us, and He even loves those who really hate Him. Here is proof. Again I go back to the Bible.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."
Today as I close up my message I need to ask all of you, if right now the Lord would return or right now He would even just call out your name as He did Edna's Wednesday, would you be ready? Are you Born Again? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Not just know Him, but really and truly love Him? On behalf of Edna and Jesus, I invite you to the cross today. I would like to lead you in a prayer, my closing prayer today, but maybe one that will open a relationship with Jesus and you. Or maybe you have that relationship and just need to spruce it up a tad. I can't pray it for you, only lead you. Please pray with me now.
Next week services will be held at Indiantown Gap. When a veteran is laid to rest, a trumpet plays Taps. Someday the trumpet of God will sound and those who are dead in Christ will be risen up with a new body to meet with Jesus in the clouds. Praise God.
One other thing we did at The Bridges each week was close with the refrain of this song, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee.
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Salvation Wednesday 8/10/16 Where Did They Go?
Dear Father in Heaven: I love You! Please forgive me of my sins. Thank You. I am coming back to the computer to write for You after a long time away from it. Please, Lord, help me with messages as lately my mind is a blank when it comes to writing. Help me, please, and then help me to get it dispatched. Each day people are trying to attach the computer and I need help blocking things. Dear Lord, Dolores and I are so blessed. Thanks for all the untold blessings You send upon us each and every day. Please help us to reach out in the fields of harvest to bring in the lost to be saved by You. Please be with Bob Campbell and help him, Lord, as the doctors say his leg must come off. Please also be with the priest from St. Katherine Drexel as he has a knee replaced today. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, it has been a long time since I felt up to writing. My writing for God to me has always been a gift from Him, and lately I just cannot get a message in my mind that seems to be coming from Him. Today I feel He is giving me one.
Today my message asks a question, Where Did They Go? When I say they, I am talking about our family and friends who have passed and gone on to their next lives.
Salvation Wednesday: August 10, 2016: Where Did They Go?
1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord's own Word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. (NIV)
Dear brothers and sisters: you see him when your car needs service and you call on him when it breaks down. He is a great mechanic and has trusted you to pay when you can. He looks sometimes like he needs a bath, and you don't know if he has ever entered a church. His garage is called "Dan's Garage" but most folks call this nice man but not so well-groomed "Dirty Dan" and the garage has picked up the name of "Dirty Dan's Garage." You love how your gets fixed so you go there. Sometimes in church you have even talked about him while getting snacks and coffee between services. One man, whose name was also Dan, gave money to have this snack bar built into the church, so the place was called "Dan's Diner." People at the church did not know much about Dan who paid all the bills on "Dan's Diner" and once in awhile they would think about him. At about the same time both of these men named Dan passed away. Where Did They Go? Lots of times we think of the one who gave so much time to the church they attended surely went to heaven, but did they?
Some who go to church work all the events, they cook meals, donate things and when gathered together talking to each other they talk about everyone in the church. Dirty Dan from the garage did not go to church as he did not have good clothes to wear as so many people and a lot even from the local church never paid him for his work. Dan was however faithful to God and did pray and know and love Jesus with all his heart and had long already confessed his sins over to Christ. But those who went to Dan's Diner and worked hard around the church would even talk about old Dirty Dan, but not one of those goody two-shoes ever invited him to church.
Dirty Dan lived his life loving Jesus and helping others with their cars even when the could not pay. They never heard one thing from Dan about those who stuck him for their bills. Even Dirty Dan did not bug them. Dan's Diner looked good and when that Dan died people had a plaque put on the wall thanking him for the nice snack area. And on Sundays people would still gather between church and Sunday School and gossip about others, sometimes even about the pastor.
So Where Did They Go? If I were to guess and since it is my story, I will tell you that I believe that Dirty Dan lived to please Jesus and the other Dan who had that diner did not please Him nearly as much and might not even be Born Again.
Recently in a United Methodist Church, the female pastor came out and confessed that she was gay and was going to live with a female from the church. The church board took this up at council and they decided to replace this pastor. However, they gave her a year's salary in advance, saying she was a good pastor. The pastor, in a statement with the news media, stated that over the years the laws have changed and the church needs to catch up with the times. Well, miss pastor, the laws might have changed, however, the Bible, the Word of God, has not and neither has Jesus. So many pastors are not preaching the true Word of God and instead are falling into the old trap of what is happening today. Brothers and sisters, if you are attending a church where the Word of God, the complete and full Word of God, is NOT preached, you need to FIND ANOTHER CHURCH. Get up and run to the nearest exit. If you are putting money into that church, you are supporting what that church does, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
How long has it been since you heard a message about the cross and how Jesus died on the cross for you? How long or has it ever happened where your pastor had an Altar Call, calling people to come to Christ? You should be hearing something about salvation each and every time you hear a message. Brothers and sisters, the death of Jesus on the cross and why He did it is what being a Christian is all about. And to be Born Again you must have faith in it and confess it and believe it and live it.
So as you look at those in the casket at a viewing or funeral service, ask yourself, Where Did They Go? And then ask yourself, if you die, Where Will You Go? To put it to you the only way I know how is to say this: You have TWO choices. You can be Born Again and go to Heaven or regardless of how much you did at your church, if you are not Born Again, you are going to Hell. Heaven or Hell, it is your choice today. I made my choice long ago. Will you pray this with me today and get started?
Dear Father in Heaven: I confess that I am a sinner and I do believe with all my heart that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sin debt. I accept that gift today and believe in my heart that Jesus die on the cross and was risen from the dead. I believe in heaven and hell and right now, Lord, I want to make my choice to go to heaven. Save me, Jesus, save me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Now go forth, off to war for Jesus. Love ya.
Pastor Dan
Open up your heart and sing this today!
Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome (Dottie Rambo, David Huntsinger)
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace,
Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace,
Thou art welcome in this place.
Dear brothers and sisters, it has been a long time since I felt up to writing. My writing for God to me has always been a gift from Him, and lately I just cannot get a message in my mind that seems to be coming from Him. Today I feel He is giving me one.
Today my message asks a question, Where Did They Go? When I say they, I am talking about our family and friends who have passed and gone on to their next lives.
Salvation Wednesday: August 10, 2016: Where Did They Go?
1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord's own Word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. (NIV)
Dear brothers and sisters: you see him when your car needs service and you call on him when it breaks down. He is a great mechanic and has trusted you to pay when you can. He looks sometimes like he needs a bath, and you don't know if he has ever entered a church. His garage is called "Dan's Garage" but most folks call this nice man but not so well-groomed "Dirty Dan" and the garage has picked up the name of "Dirty Dan's Garage." You love how your gets fixed so you go there. Sometimes in church you have even talked about him while getting snacks and coffee between services. One man, whose name was also Dan, gave money to have this snack bar built into the church, so the place was called "Dan's Diner." People at the church did not know much about Dan who paid all the bills on "Dan's Diner" and once in awhile they would think about him. At about the same time both of these men named Dan passed away. Where Did They Go? Lots of times we think of the one who gave so much time to the church they attended surely went to heaven, but did they?
Some who go to church work all the events, they cook meals, donate things and when gathered together talking to each other they talk about everyone in the church. Dirty Dan from the garage did not go to church as he did not have good clothes to wear as so many people and a lot even from the local church never paid him for his work. Dan was however faithful to God and did pray and know and love Jesus with all his heart and had long already confessed his sins over to Christ. But those who went to Dan's Diner and worked hard around the church would even talk about old Dirty Dan, but not one of those goody two-shoes ever invited him to church.
Dirty Dan lived his life loving Jesus and helping others with their cars even when the could not pay. They never heard one thing from Dan about those who stuck him for their bills. Even Dirty Dan did not bug them. Dan's Diner looked good and when that Dan died people had a plaque put on the wall thanking him for the nice snack area. And on Sundays people would still gather between church and Sunday School and gossip about others, sometimes even about the pastor.
So Where Did They Go? If I were to guess and since it is my story, I will tell you that I believe that Dirty Dan lived to please Jesus and the other Dan who had that diner did not please Him nearly as much and might not even be Born Again.
Recently in a United Methodist Church, the female pastor came out and confessed that she was gay and was going to live with a female from the church. The church board took this up at council and they decided to replace this pastor. However, they gave her a year's salary in advance, saying she was a good pastor. The pastor, in a statement with the news media, stated that over the years the laws have changed and the church needs to catch up with the times. Well, miss pastor, the laws might have changed, however, the Bible, the Word of God, has not and neither has Jesus. So many pastors are not preaching the true Word of God and instead are falling into the old trap of what is happening today. Brothers and sisters, if you are attending a church where the Word of God, the complete and full Word of God, is NOT preached, you need to FIND ANOTHER CHURCH. Get up and run to the nearest exit. If you are putting money into that church, you are supporting what that church does, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
How long has it been since you heard a message about the cross and how Jesus died on the cross for you? How long or has it ever happened where your pastor had an Altar Call, calling people to come to Christ? You should be hearing something about salvation each and every time you hear a message. Brothers and sisters, the death of Jesus on the cross and why He did it is what being a Christian is all about. And to be Born Again you must have faith in it and confess it and believe it and live it.
So as you look at those in the casket at a viewing or funeral service, ask yourself, Where Did They Go? And then ask yourself, if you die, Where Will You Go? To put it to you the only way I know how is to say this: You have TWO choices. You can be Born Again and go to Heaven or regardless of how much you did at your church, if you are not Born Again, you are going to Hell. Heaven or Hell, it is your choice today. I made my choice long ago. Will you pray this with me today and get started?
Dear Father in Heaven: I confess that I am a sinner and I do believe with all my heart that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sin debt. I accept that gift today and believe in my heart that Jesus die on the cross and was risen from the dead. I believe in heaven and hell and right now, Lord, I want to make my choice to go to heaven. Save me, Jesus, save me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Now go forth, off to war for Jesus. Love ya.
Pastor Dan
Open up your heart and sing this today!
Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome (Dottie Rambo, David Huntsinger)
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace,
Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place.
Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace,
Thou art welcome in this place.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
