On Saturday we had a wonderful outreach to our community, and it involved a dramatic portrayal of the Christmas story and a wonderful craft show and eating venues. We decided that it was prudent to have some security folks on hand just to let folks know that we needed to behave ourselves. Our three security people never showed up! But we had a wonderfully behaved and polite crowd. On Sunday, we had a tired but grateful group of worshipers in church and as I got about halfway through my message I could see through the glass front doors and into my view came three uniformed security guards! One of our folks went out and talked to them and I’m watching him tell them that they were a day late…they missed the appointed time. I was so stunned by watching this that I actually stopped my message and told the crowd facing me what was going on behind them! Our guy explained that the time contracted for had passed…that they were too late. We and they both took it with good humor, and they left. I thought about what had happened…they missed the appointed time. I realized that it was a reminder that we only have so much time here on earth and that either we will be taken from this planet through our own death or Jesus will return and it will be all over. Well, what about those who never choose to accept the forgiveness and love of this Jesus? The Bible says that we end up, like those security guards, turned away. But instead of being turned away from a short job and just heading back home, the Bible says that we miss heaven and eternity with God. That the time had passed and that it is too late. Don’t let that happen to you and the ones you love. God is crazy in love with you. Only you can stop him from rescuing you and yours. And to make sure that you don’t miss heaven…all it takes is a simple prayer of faith, asking for his forgiveness of your sins and giving him permission to lead your life. So easy to do and yet so hard for so many of us. Don’t be left outside, like our security guards, and told that it is too late for you. Receive this love and kindness that our God has for everyone who wants him. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Hebrews 3:12-14 CEV My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. (13) You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. (14) We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let's hold tightly to our faith until the end.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Hebrews 3:12-14 CEV My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. (13) You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don't, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. (14) We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let's hold tightly to our faith until the end.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ