Send in the Clown

"Patches"
"Welcome to the Lighthouse Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 2010 Big Top Circus!!!"

The Ringleader's opening annoucement echoes as only a memory now. As I begin to reflect on last week's Vacation Bible School I am comforted in knowing Jesus Christ IS God, loves each of us unconditionally, came to this earth to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world.

As I sat eating popcorn and sno-cones, watching the strong man, lion tamer, clowns, illusionist, unicycling bear, man on stilts, caged 'beast', the faces of children and all the wonderful exciting things around me; it was easy to see God's Love for us through it all.

Our Pastor stood and shared God's Love each night and, once again, the Gospel Message became so real to me. Not only is the Gospel message the way to Heaven, it is an encouragement that sin has been defeated and reassurance of our home in Heaven. The Gospel Message is not only the method in which God has chosen to save lost souls, but also one that continually reassures, encourages and soothes.

Sometimes, I feel like one of those clumsy, shy clowns as I try to live a life for GOD, tripping and stumbling, stuttering and stammering. Like "Dipstick" the clown at VBS who was overcome by the APE and ended up making him do tricks, I feel the devil often "takes over", makes me jump through hoops and puts fear in me so that I am not very good in furthering God's Kingdom. I really do want to be a clown for Jesus and share the way of eternal life... HE is the answer!

Today I want to share the BIBLE WAY (the only True way) to eternal salvation. My hearts prayer is that you will trust Christ today.

The first step to salvation is to realize that we are all sinners.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:Romans 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Romans 3:23

I mean, who hasn't sinned? Ever told a lie? stolen anything (yes, cookies from mom's cookie jar count)? Of course, we all have sinned!

Next, you must know that because of sin there must be a price paid:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:23

God being a Just God, must punish sin.

This price can be paid by you with an eternity in Hell, or you can accept that Jesus Christ paid for your sin by suffering death on a cross:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8

To accept Jesus’ payment for your sin simply call on His name and ask Him to forgive your sins and save you. Yes it is that easy... we tend to like to complicate things, but God has made it so simple!


That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Romans 10:9-13

If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, take time right now to pray, confessing your sin and asking Him to save you.

When you accept Jesus, He is faithful to do what He said He would - He forgives you and saves you.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.1 John 5:13

If you have read this and come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour please take the time to send a comment to give God the Glory that He deserves!

"Dear Lord, thank you for your Perfect Plan. You know that my heart is so full today as I realize that over 40 souls were kept from eternal fires of Hell. You also know that I am sad to think that there are so many that have not heard, or will not hear, or even worse, have heard, but continue to reject You. I pray that your Holy spirit will draw souls to this blog that would like to accept you and your FREE pardon of sin today and you would honor your Word that says "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37 You are an awesome wonderful God and I love you! Thank you for loving us. Help me to stay on my knees, seeking your help in leading the Cross Driven life."

"....I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

THE NEED FOR CHANGE

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:3


Today's journal entry rings a familiar tune in what we have heard since pre-election days. But the type of change I'm talking about has nothing to do with the poor horse by the name of "Change" that the politicians continue to beat to death.

The change in which I'm journaling about today, is the change that is brought about only by the Holy Spirit of God. This type of change comes only through a complete humbling and yielding to the Mighty Hand of God; realizing first, our great need for change in our hearts.

The Lord speaks through my Sunday School Lesson for this coming Sunday. I love the story that prefaces our lesson...

" A man from the back mountains of Tennessee took his family to a shopping center and, for the very first time in his life, encountered an elevator. He watched as a haggardly old woman entered the elevator and the doors closed behind her. A few minutes later the doors opened and a beautiful young woman marched smartly out of the doors. The father hollered to his young son, "Billy! Go get your maw and let's run her through this thing!".

"If only it were that easy!", you may say. Actually, if we do it according to the Bible way, it is that easy. The hard part is that the flesh doesn't like the realizing and humbling. Once that is down, the rest is easy. IF you, in your spirit, truly yield to the Holy Spirit to do the Work God promised He will do. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak. Mark 14:38

But even before that, we must have a realization that before there can be growth, there must be birth. Have you experienced the new birth in Jesus Christ? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:16

If you have experienced the new-birth, there is the old nature that needs to be dealt with. If we don't realize that our sinful nature was crucified at the cross, we will never experience victory.

There is no greater life than one that is yielded to God. Yielding to God will lead to a changed life that reflects Grace. We must be willing to look to God and His Word for the Power to change.

"Dear Lord, I confess to you that I am totally helpless with out You. I long for the true change that only Your Power can bring. I humbly admit my need for change and believe your Word and yield to your Spirit. Thank you for honoring your promises as I journey on this cross-driven road of life".

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart;
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Refrain:
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart; And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart.