Happy Saturday

Ignoring The Message

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15

There was once a ranger in the Yellowstone National Park that led a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the various flowers and animals in the park, that he ignored the messages coming through his two-way radio.

They soon became distracting while he was talking, so he just switched his radio off. But as the group neared the tower at the top of the mountain, they were met by a nearly breathless lookout. He asked why the ranger hadn’t responded to any of the messages on his radio.

A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group, and the authorities were frantically trying to warn them of the danger that followed. When we ignore the message God sends, we put ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us in danger. It is so important to keep constant communication with the Lord.

Are there those around you who don’t know of the danger that lies ahead if they aren’t believers in Jesus? Do they know that Satan stalks them day and night looking to devour them? As believers, it is our responsibility to make sure others know of the most important message in the world—the saving knowledge of Jesus!

The message is clear and should be passed along with urgency. Warn those you love of what awaits them if they don’t answer the call of Jesus. Open the lines of communication and seek to be a witness to others toward the path of righteousness.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to open the right opportunities for you to share Christ with those in your life that aren’t believers. Pray that He will give you the words to say and the answers to give as you share the message of hope and truth.

Great is Thy faithfulness

1. "Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
• "Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
    Morning by morning new mercies I see;
  All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
      "Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188 www.hopepublishing.com All rights reserved.  Used by permission.

Daily Smile 
Reasons churches don't ask clown ministries to return:
      
      1. They force people to smile during the 8 am service.
      2. It's hard to say with dignity, "The sermon today will be given by Brother Umpa-Doody."
      3. Whoopee cushions inevitably appear under pew cushions
      4. Sermons take a lot longer when they are in pantomime.
      5. Many denominations do not recognizeReasons Churches Don't Ask Clown Ministries to Return seltzer water baptism.
      6. Dribble glasses used during the communion service.
      7. They have to pay janitors extra to get all of the silly string off the ceiling.
      8. The kids pop their balloons during closing prayer.