GETTING IN THE WAY

     Helen Grey was wondering what she should make for supper, not for herself but for some of the families who's kids had contracted whatever it was that Stella and Harold had created. Rummaging through her pantry, Helen didn't hear her daughter come in and she didn't even hear her walk up behind her until Martha started to sob.

     “Now, now.” Helen said putting her arm around Martha, “It's going to be alright. The doc said they were going to get better.” I know.” Martha said, “But, but, that's not it.” “Is something else wrong?” Helen asked as a look of concern came over her face. With her head bowed low Martha said “Do you have some money I can borrow?”

     “Money?!” Helen responded, “Is that all? That's not so bad. How much do you need?” “Two hundred and fifty.” Martha started to answer. “That is a little bit.” Martha injected, “But I think I can help.” “Thousand.” Helen finished saying. Martha pulled away from Helen and looking her in the eye asked, “Did you say two hundred and fifty thousand?”

     “Yeah.” Martha said and started to cry harder. “That's a lot of MONEY!” Helen said. “I know.” Martha said between her sobs, “But that's what they said it would cost.” “No wonder you're crying.” Helen said, I would be too if I had a two hundred and fifty thousand dollar hospital bill.” “HOSPITAL BILL?” Martha said looking up. “I forgot about that.”

     “Than what do you need two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for?” Helen asked in surprise. “Bill.” Martha said. “What bill?” Helen asked, “Is there another bill besides the hospital bill?” “My husband Bill.” Helen said, “He needs the money.” But why does he need the money?” Martha asked.
Because he's in jail.” Helen said, “He needs it to post bail.”

     “What in the world is he doing in jail?” Helen said in surprise. “The hospital had him arrested and put in jail.” Martha said, “He kept trying to help the doctors cure Harold and Stella.” “Is that so bad?” Helen asked. “It was.” Martha said, “Because he thought he knew better than the doctors and kept getting in the way and making things worse.” “And they put him in jail for that?” Helen asked.

     “It was the only way they could get him out of the way so they could get their job done.” Martha said with a sigh. “Well, I'm sorry.” Helen said, “I don’t have that much money to lend you.” “I didn't think so.” Helen said “Oh well, well, maybe this way the doctors can finish curing the kids. See you later. Is there anything I can do to help you so I can take my mind off of everything.?” “Sure.” Helen said, “Peel me some potatoes. I think I know what I'm going to make.”

     But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what can you give me? I have no son, so my slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die.“ Abram said, “Look, you have given me no son, so a slave born in my house will inherit everything I have.“ Then the LORD spoke his word to Abram: “He will not be the one to inherit what you have. You will have a son of your own who will inherit what you have.“ - Genesis 15:2-4 (NCV)

     Abram was going to make a slave his heir but God said NO! God told Abran he would have a son of his own but guess what? His wife didn't seem to be having children, they were getting old and something needed to be done but who should do it? Should God be allowed or does someone else need to try and get the job done?

     Sarai, Abram’s wife, had no children, but she had a slave girl from Egypt named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, “Look, the LORD has not allowed me to have children, so have sexual relations with my slave girl. If she has a child, maybe I can have my own family through her.“ Abram did what Sarai said. It was after he had lived ten years in Canaan that Sarai gave Hagar to her husband Abram. (Hagar was her slave girl from Egypt.) Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When Hagar learned she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress Sarai badly. Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is your fault. I gave my slave girl to you, and when she became pregnant, she began to treat me badly. Let the LORD decide who is right—you or me.“ But Abram said to Sarai, “You are Hagar’s mistress. Do anything you want to her.“ Then Sarai was hard on Hagar, and Hagar ran away. The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the desert, by the road to Shur. The angel said, “Hagar, Sarai’s slave girl, where have you come from? Where are you going?“ Hagar answered, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.“ The angel of the LORD said to her, “Go home to your mistress and obey her.“ The angel also said, “I will give you so many descendants they cannot be counted.“ The angel added, “You are now pregnant, and you will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your cries. Ishmael will be like a wild donkey. He will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will attack all his brothers.“ ...

Genesis 16:1-16 (NCV)

     In Isaiah 55:6-9 we read - So you should look for the LORD before it is too late; you should call to him while he is near. The wicked should stop doing wrong, and they should stop their evil thoughts. They should return to the LORD so he may have mercy on them. They should come to our God, because he will freely forgive them. The LORD says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (NCV) - God knows what He is doing but we don't always know. Sometimes we try to help Him along by “Playing god” ourselves. Trouble usually follows. In the above story we saw how trouble resulted when Abram and Sarai tried to help God along.

• In verse 4 we saw hatred from pride
• In verse 6 we saw harsh treatment from jealousy
• In verse 12 we saw a curse of trouble that would go on always

     We also see how God stepped in after things had been messed up.

• In verse 11 we see that God knows what He is doing.
• In verse 9 we see that God asks for submission
• In verse 10 we see God make a promise

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways have you tired to help God along as if you knew better?
• In what ways had God had to fix things after you've messed them up?

LIVING ON AND ON AND ON

     Daisy was spending an afternoon volunteering at the local hospital helping out where ever they needed her. As she made her way down one of the halls pushing an overloaded cart she literally bumped into Mrs. Gray whom she couldn't see over the cart. “HMPHF” Helen growled. “I'm sorry.” Daisy said immediately.

      “I'm okay.” Helen quickly assured Daisy, “I'm growling at Harold.” “Oh.” Daisy said and started to push the cart along the way and then whirled around “Harold!” she shouted, “Mindy didn't try and kill him did she? She was pretty angry at him last week.” “No.” Helen said, “But if I catch him I might.”

      “Not you too.” Daisy said, “Don't tell me you drank Harold’s latest potion.” “I'm not that desperate.” Helen said, “At least not yet, I have plenty of years ahead of me.” “Huh, What are you talking about?” Daisy asked. “Robert went and drank another one of Harold’s potions.” “Not another one!” Daisy exclaimed, “What’s the potion for this time?”

      “He claimed it was suppose to make a person live on and on and on so they could have more time to do things.” Helen said “And Robert drank it.” “It didn't work did it?” Daisy asked, not sure how she would know. “Just the opposite.” Helen told her, “It almost killed him. That's why I'm here. Robert is in the hospital.”

      “Where in the world did Harold come up with the idea for this potion?” Daisy asked. “I guess he got the idea from watching science fiction shows on television.” Helen said. “He learned how to make people live longer from science shows?” Daisy questioned. “Actually,” Helen corrected here, “ They were science fiction shows. No one really lives forever.”

      “Well, Harold believed what he saw and tried to repeat it.” Helen said, “And then once he copied their formula, Robert decided he wanted to avoid dying and drank it all.” “And now he's in the hospital.” Daisy said shaking her head. “What was in that potion?” “Don't know.” Helen said, “In fact Harold didn’t even know. I just wish He’d stop making them.”

      “What if everybody else would stop drinking them?” Daisy asked. “Yeah, I suppose that would work too. “ Helen said with a sigh, “I know I sure learned my lesson with all those freckles.” “Don't tell me you drank that potion too?” Daisy asked in shock. But Helen never answered instead Helen said, “ I think I heard Robert yelling for me.” and took off.

     Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—

Genesis 3:22 (ESV)

      Somewhere in the Garden of Eden was a tree that if eaten would give life, would make it so man would live forever. Interesting enough is that man was not told he couldn't eat from this tree, even though he didn't. Starting in Genesis 4:17 through 5:32 we find that men began to multiply and fill the earth and that they lived......long.

• Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.
• Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

      When you look at the age of people today, nobody live to be that old. Something changed. Even though these ages are not forever they are long after the flood. Interestingly enough there are legends outside of the Bible that attribute long ages to people in days gone by.

     Death is a part of life, we don't live forever, the Bible tells us...

• Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned. Romans 5:12 (NCV)
• Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. Hebrews 9:27 (TEV)
• None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue those who practice it. Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)
• Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)
• So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

      Too often we live as if we will live forever, we fail to number our days.

Here's Something To Ponder

• Does death cause you to fear?
• God does offer a plan for life after death, are you willing to follow it?

STARTING IN THE MIDDLE

      Not every day is a sunny day in Pupperville. Some days it rains and rains and rains. Thursday was one of those days and the Greys found themselves sitting in their easy chairs relaxing, well at least Helen was relaxing. Robert was having trouble relaxing and kept fidgeting around and wondering back and forth looking out the window at the rain.

      “Why can't you just sit still?” Helen finally said, “You're starting to drive me crazy.” “I can't!” Robert said, “I'm bored.” “Well,” Helen said, “What happened to that good book you told me you were reading? You could sit and read that book.” “Uhm,” Robert said, “ I think I spoke to soon about that book being a good book.”

      “What do you mean?” Helen asked. “Well,” Robert went on to explain, “I thought the book was going to be a good one, but I guess titles can be misleading. As it turned out I couldn’t understand anything that was happening in the book so I sort of threw it on the burn pile.”

      “What was the book about?” Helen asked, “Didn't you say it was an old western?” “I thought it was an old western.” Robert replied, “It was called “Trouble on Cactus Hill”, another adventure with the smokin’ gun slinger.” “That sure sound like a western to me.” Helen said in agreement, “So why didn't you understand it?”

      “ When I started reading it,” Robert answered, “I thought there would be some old fashion gun battles between the good guys and bad guys but the chapter I was reading was on building some kind of radio to call for help or something like that.” What chapter was that?” Helen asked. “Oh, I don't know.” Robert said, “It was somewhere toward the middle of the book.”

      “Do you mean to tell me you didn't start at the beginning?” Helen said almost scolding as she said it. “Beginnings are sooooooo boring.” Robert protested, “I always start in the middle.” “So, that's your problem.” Helen said. “You mean the books problem.” Robert said back, “They never make the middle of the books so you can understand them.”

      “Robert!” Helen said in a stern voice, “If you want a book to make sense you need to start at the beginning. If you don’t you’ll miss out on a valuable part of the story.” “I suppose I could try that.” Robert said with a sigh, “ Last week I was reading a book that made no sense and when I looked at the start of the book I found out I was reading the phone book.” “The Phone book!” Helen said in surprise but before she could say more Robert interrupted her. “Don't ask!” He said I suppose I should go dig those books out of the burn pile and try reading that western again. This time I'll start at the beginning.”

      Outside of God, everything has a beginning but if we don't know the beginning we can get things messed up like those who should have know the beginning...

      Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?" And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." They said* to Him, "Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?" He said* to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.

Matthew 19:3-8 (NASB)

      The Pharisees, the ones who should have known what the Bible said, test Jesus on divorce. When Jesus answers he goes to the source they should have know and he takes them back to the beginning, back to Genesis, what we know as the first book of the Bible.

      In Hebrews 5:12 we read You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. (NLT) We need to know the basics, we need to know the beginnings and what better place to begin than in Genesis for there are many things we find beginning in Genesis such as: creation, sin, clothes, marriage, prophesy, judgment, redemption, life and death, people groups, various languages....

      Genesis is often used in the New Testament. Let's look at some of these uses...

• John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (ESV)
• 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (ESV)
• Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. (ESV)
• 1 Peter 3:20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. (ESV)
• Matthew 24:37-39 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (ESV)
• Luke 17:28-32 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot's wife. (ESV)

      And there are many more. From this we can see that the beginning book of the Bible is important and it helps us to explain many things and warn us as well. Over the months to come, Pupperville Ponderings will be focused on the book of beginning to see what we can see, to find things on which to ponder. In the mean time...

      Here's Something To Ponder

• What are somethings that have failed to make sense to you because you missed the beginning?
• Are you able to see how understanding the beginning can affect how we see the ending?

REBELLION RULES

     Mr Grey's findings were becoming the talk of the town. Robert had done a great job of presenting his findings to the town council meeting and when he got done, nearly fifty more residents stood up and told the council how weird things had happed to them as well and their kids were almost always behind the happening.

     As Bill and Robert sat around Robert's kitchen table going over the meeting minutes, Helen came running in to the house yelling “STOP THE PRESSES. It’s happened again. “What's happened again?” Bill asked. “Not more weird things?” Robert added. “YES!” Helen yelled out, “ I thought the town council was going to put a stop to all this weird stuff.”

     “The council would love to put an end to all this weird stuff.” Bill said, “But the truth be known, they don't know how.” “Huh?” Helen said, “What do you mean?” “Well,” Robert spoke up, “You already know that we've learned all the kids in town have become part of a conspiracy, and in our meeting we sort of learned that it seems have something to do with something called “Rebellion Rules.”

     “How did you learn that?” Helen asked. “Believe it or not,” Bill answered, “From your granddaughter. “When I confronted Stella a few days ago she 'Rebellion Rules.” When I pushed her more for an explanation as to what they were rebelling against she said 'Anything and everything. parents, teachers, police and even God.”

     “This is really getting serious.” Helen said. “We know.” Robert answered. “No.” Helen said, I mean it is REALLY getting serious. Louie just ended up in the hospital.” “What?” Bill said, “Is he okay? What happened?” “I don't know.” Helen said, “But if these kids keep rebelling I have a feeling things are going to get worse for everyone.”

     “I wish I knew what in the world has gotten into these kids.” Robert said a little sad, “The vandalism was bad enough but now people are getting hurt.” “Maybe that's what's gotten into them.” Bill Piped up, “The World.” “Huh?” Robert and Helen questioned.

     “You know.” Bill said, “The me first attitude, and the I only want to do what I want to do attitude. All of that together leads to chaos, confusion, and calamity.” “Well, if something doesn’t happen soon,” Helen responded, “The whole town could be ruined. What is the council's next move? I was too busy serving refreshments at the last one to here how it ended.”

     “I don't know.” Bill answered, “They’re having another meeting tomorrow to discuss the problem and possible solutions. “Well, if you want my two cents.” Helen said, “I think a large whip would do wonders. I'll talk at you later. I'm meeting up with Daisy at the hospital to pray for Louie.”

     And God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:1-3 (ESV)

     You may recognize this passage as the beginning of the ten commandments. God asks first place and obedience but Israel was not one to quickly follow God's laws. As we look deeper in to Israel's life as God's people we find them rebelling more often than they should.

     When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, "Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." So Aaron said to them, "Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD." And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. - Exodus 32:1-6 (ESV)

      And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger. They abandoned the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the LORD was against them for harm, as the LORD had warned, and as the LORD had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress. Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the LORD, and they did not do so. Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. - Judges 2:11-29 (ESV)

     Over the years, not much has changed. The first chapter of Romans could apply today as much as it did in the time of Judges, and the first century. In Romans 1:28-30 we read People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So God left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking and to do things they should not do. They are filled with every kind of sin, evil, selfishness, and hatred. They are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, lying, and thinking the worst about each other. They gossip and say evil things about each other. They hate God. They are rude and conceited and brag about themselves. They invent ways of doing evil. They do not obey their parents. (NCV)

     Add to this Romans 13:2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (NIV) and 1 Samuel 15:23 Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king." (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways have you rebelled against God?
• In what ways do you strive to obey God?

CONSPIRACY

     It was getting close to supper time and Mrs Grey was busy in the kitchen cooking up some spaghetti. At the same time she was working on some bars for a town council meeting. She didn't normally make bars for the meeting but she was sure it was going to be along one so she volunteered along with several others to make some goodies.

      Soon it was time to set the table but when she got to the dining room, she found Robert going over stacks of papers spread all over the table. “Are all these papers for the meeting tonight?” she asked as she knew her husband had been the primary investigator. “C - O - N -S - T - I - P - A - T - I - O – N” came his reply.

      “Constipation?” Helen said, “You haven't even had supper yet.” “No, no, no can’t you spell.” Robert said looking up at his wife, “I spelled conspiracy.” “You spelled constipation.” Helen said “Conspiracy is spelled C – O – N – S – P – I – R – A – C – Y” “Oh,” Robert said, “I guess you're right. That looks better anyway.”

      “Why do you need to spell conspiracy?” Helen asked, “Is that from your investigation?” “It sure is.” Robert said, “And I think I have uncovered a conspiracy.” “Well, I think you need to uncover the table so we can eat.” Helen said, “By the way, what did you learn from all your interrogating?”

      “Well,” Robert started, “You better sit down. All the troubles around town have been caused by the youth.” “Are you saying the kids are behind all the weird things going on?” Helen asked as she took a chair. “Stella was behind the messy room, and you’ll never guess who was caused all the problems at the church.” “Louie?” Helen said hesitantly.

      “You got it.” Robert said. “The green spray cans were found in his room. I've also learned that it was Barney who was guilty of changing the sermon on Randy, the Miller twins canceled the youth group meeting, shy Bernadette stole the mission trip money...” “What!?” Helen exclaimed, “Bernadette a thief? What's this town coming too?”

      “It keeps going.” Robert said. “Old McDonald’s daughter was found guilty of switching all the seeds around and there were dozens and dozens of other kids around town that were doing the same sort of things.” “But why?” Helen said shaking her head, “Why would they do such a thing?” “I'm not 100% certain.” Robert said, “But I think there is some kind of conspiracy going on and when we meet tonight we might be able to figure it out.”

      “Well,” Helen said, “I sure hope they can get to the root of the problem.” “I do too.” Robert said, “And I sure hope that smoke detector going off isn't supper. I'm starving.” “Opps!” Helen said and took off for the kitchen.

     Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.- 2 Samuel 14:33 (ESV)

      Absalom was the son of king David. After killing his brother he fled for his life. In time, he was allowed back but that became a problem. Look at what he did....

      After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?" And when he said, "Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel," Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you." Then Absalom would say, "Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice." And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron. For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, 'If the LORD will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the LORD.' " The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, 'Absalom is king at Hebron!' " With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.

2 Samuel 15:1-12 (ESV)

      Sitting in the gates, diverting the people to himself, putting down the king, Absalom was winning the hearts of the people. After four years of such conspiring, he declared himself king and David had to run for his life.

      Through the Bible, the Old Testament for sure, there were many different plots, conspiracies.

• Sin speaks to the wicked in their hearts. They have no fear of God. They think too much of themselves so they don’t see their sin and hate it. Their words are wicked lies; they are no longer wise or good. At night they make evil plans; what they do leads to nothing good. They don’t refuse things that are evil. Psalm 36:1-4 (NCV)
• The wicked make evil plans against good people. They grind their teeth at them in anger. But the Lord laughs at the wicked, because he sees that their day is coming. The wicked draw their swords and bend their bows to kill the poor and helpless, to kill those who are honest. But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will break. Psalm 37:12-15 (NCV)
• How terrible it will be for people who plan wickedness, who lie on their beds and make evil plans. When the morning light comes, they do what they planned, because they have the power to do so. They want fields, so they take them; they want houses, so they take them away. They cheat people to get their houses; they rob them even of their property. That is why the LORD says: “Look, I am planning trouble against such people, and you won’t be able to save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, because it will be a terrible time. At that time people will make fun of you and sing this sad song about you: ’We are completely ruined; the LORD has taken away my people’s land. Yes, he has taken it away from me and divided our fields among our enemies!’ “ Micah 2:1-4 (NCV)

      In these verse we not only read of those who conspire but of the trouble that is to be fall them.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways have you suffered as the result of another's conspiring?
• In what way's have other suffered as the result of your conspiring?

THE BALD GUY

     Things had been really quiet around the police station while Harold was visiting the monastery and Sergeant Halfway was somewhat enjoying the quiet, well, almost. For the Sergeant it had become almost too quiet. So much so, he was getting bored. “Well,” he said to himself, “I guess that's another day.” and grabbed his coat and headed for the door but he never made it.

      Although it was quitting time, he had his duty to fulfill and when the phone started ringing, he had to answer it. “Hello.” he said. “This is Sergeant Halfway, can I help you?” “My husband is missing.” came the frantic voice on the other end of the line. “Alright.” he said slumping back into his chair, “What is his name?

      “It's Robert Grey.” came the voice on the line. “Is this Helen?” Halfway asked. “If I remember correctly, he's not lost, he went to the monastery a couple weeks ago to visit Harold, or did he forget where he was going?” “Oh, he made it there alright,” Helen replied, “And came home a couple days ago.”

      Hearing that, Halfway forgot about Robert being lost and started asking how Harold was doing. “He seems to be doing alright.” Helen said, “But I guess he's been kind of cold.” “Cold?” Sergeant Halfway laughed, “I've never heard of a kid that eats as much as Harold does ever get cold.” “Well,” Martha said, “He hasn't been able to eat like that and Robert said they don't keep the monastery heated and remember that mop of hair that sits on Harold's head?” “How could I knot?” Halfway replied. “Well,” Helen continued, “It's gone. Robert said he shaved it clean off.”

      Hearing that must have put Sergeant Halfway into shock. After several moments of silence, he finally said, “Do, you mean he is bald?” “Balder than my husband.” Helen replied. “I bet he looks funny.” Halfway half laughed. “That's what my husband thought too.” Helen responded. “I once shaved my head bald too and I remember looking funny.” Halfway laughed. “You still do.” Helen replied with a laugh.

      Not liking the direction the conversation was going after that remark, Sergeant Halfway turned things back to the missing Robert. “So,” He said, “What can you tell me about your missing husband?” “Well,” Helen said, “I told you that Harold shaved his head so he asked Robert to find his space helmet and send it to him so he could keep his head warm.”

      “So,” Halfway asked, “What does this helmet have to do with your husband missing?” “Robert went to find it and hasn't been seen since.” Helen told him. “When and where did he go to look for it?” Halfway asked. “He went looking for it two days ago in Harold's room.” Helen said. When he heard that, Sergeant Halfway started sputtering, “I think you'll be on your own on this one.” he said, “I can't spare anybody to help in case they get lost too. I will pray for you though.” “Alright.” Helen sighed, “I guess I'll just wait.”

     What do you do with the things you consider valuable? In Matthew 13:45-46 Jesus tells of a man who found something he considered to be valuable - a pearl of great value. So, he sold all he had to buy it, took it home and then.... Did he take care of it? We usually don't want to lose things of value but I know of four men who all lost something that I would consider valuable.

      The first was a man named Goliath. Goliath makes a challenge, David accepts and... Here's the story in brief. And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. And as he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. And David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. - 1 Samuel 17:20-51 (ESV)

      The second man was Saul. He was in a battle with the Philistines And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Thus Saul died. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. So they cut off his head. - 1 Samuel 31:1-10 (ESV)

      The third man was Ish-bosheth and he was taking a nap when they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, - 2 Samuel 4:5-8 (ESV)

      Are you seeing a pattern? You may then guess what Sheba lost. Sheba led a revolt against David, lost and ran. Joab found him. And all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah. They cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down. Then a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, 'Come here, that I may speak to you.' " Joab answered, "Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city." And the woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall." Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab.- 2 Samuel 20:1-22 (ESV)

      Do you see the pattern? Heads are valuable, at least I wouldn't want to lose mine. In Ephesians 6:17 Paul says and take the helmet of salvation, (ESV) and as we all know, the helmet protects the head and the head contains the brain or the mind. Here are some versus o the mind.

• Romans 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (ESV)
• Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)
• Ephesians 4:22-24 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (ESV)
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (ESV)

      The mind is very important so lets use it and Ponder On These Things.

• Do you go out go the way to protect your mind – what goes in?
• Do you use your mind in a proper way before God?

THE 4TH NO MORE

     It was the Saturday after the 4^th of July and the Girls are Girls club was meeting at the park to talk about all the fun they had enjoyed over the past week. They talked about the parade, and the carnival and the fireworks. They talked about picnics and family trips and boys.

     Arriving late to the gathering was Mindy Miller. “Did you have a wonderful 4^th of July?” Tracy called out to her as she jumped off her bike. “Don't ever mention that day again!” Mindy growled back at her. “The 4^th of July?” Tracy asked to which Mindy replied with a scream. “What's wrong with the 4^th of July?” Mindy questioned but Mindy just screamed again.

     “Is something wrong, Mindy” Stella asked a little perplexed by Mindy's screams. “The 4^th reminds me of independence which reminds me of freedom which, which, which,” Mindy started to answer and then screamed again. “This wouldn't have something to do with wanting to do only what you wanted to, would it?” Came the sound of the leader's voice, the leader being Helen Grey.

     When Mindy heard Helen she just turned at her and growled. “I take it you learned something about responsibility and consequences.” Helen commented. “If I Ever Try Such A Foolish Thing Again As To Never Listen.” Mindy stated in return, “MAKE ME!” “I take it then” Helen said, “Things didn't go so well.” “You can say that again.” Mindy's sister chirped in.

     After giving Cindy the evil eye, Mindy told everyone about her horrible 4^th of July. “I woke up on the forth and decided I wouldn't make my bed.” She told them. “Further more, I decided I wasn't going to clean my room, I would eat what ever I wanted and go where ever I wanted too. I was even going to stay up till midnight but I couldn't stay awake and sleeping was miserable.”

     While Mindy was telling everyone what had happened, Cindy sat back and giggled for she knew all to well what had happened. “Have you ever tried to sleep on a lumpy bed with a tummy ache and a sunburn?” Mindy asked “I even missed the parade and the fireworks because I didn't listen and I heard they were great.”

     “And now.” Cindy piped in giggling, “Her favorite china doll is broke into a hundred pieces.” “Shut up!” Mindy hollered at her sister. “So,” Helen asked, “was freedom to do what ever you really wanted really worth it?” Bowing her head, Mindy admitted “Not really. I think from now on I'm going to listen, besides I should have know things wouldn't have worked out.”

     “Why do you say that?” Helen asked. “Because,” Mindy answered, “They never work out for Harold.” “That's for sure.” Stella chirped in, “You should here what happened to him on the fourth.” “No Thanks!” all the girls said in unison. “Let's talk about girl stuff.”

     Can you think of times when obedience to rules would have saved you problems. Can you see how Mindy would have saved herself a lot of problems had she forgone her desired freedom and had done what she had been told to do?

     Sometimes God says to do something and we don't know why but we should still do it and sometimes God says not to do something and we don't know why but we should still not to it. Jeroboam was king of the newly Divided Kingdom and was well in to idolatry when a “Man Of God” was sent to him. This story is about the “Man Of God”

      And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the LORD to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. And the man cried against the altar by the word of the LORD … And the king said to the man of God, "Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward." And the man of God said to the king, "If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, for so was it commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.' " So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel. Now an old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. And their father said to them, "Which way did he go?" And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. And he said to his sons, "Saddle the donkey for me." So they saddled the donkey for him and he mounted it. And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, "Are you the man of God who came from Judah?" And he said, "I am." Then he said to him, "Come home with me and eat bread." And he said, "I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.' " And he said to him, "I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.' " But he lied to him. So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water. And as they sat at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back. And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, "Thus says the LORD, 'Because you have disobeyed the word of the LORD and have not kept the command that the LORD your God commanded you, but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, "Eat no bread and drink no water," your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.' " And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back. And as he went away a lion met him on the road and killed him.

1 Kings 13:1-24 (ESV)

     God doesn't tell us to do or not to do things to keep us from enjoying life but that we might enjoy life. One of the reasons Jesus came was for us to have life and to be able to live it to its fullest - John 10:10 - A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness. (NCV) We need to remember that rules are their for a reason and it not to break them for God knows what happens when we do.

• Joshua 1:8 - Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. (NCV)
• Psalm 119:9 - How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word. (NCV)
• Psalm 119:11 - I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you. (NCV)
• Psalm 119:92 - If I had not loved your teachings, I would have died from my sufferings. (NCV)
• Psalm 119:93 - I will never forget your orders, because you have given me life by them. (NCV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How often have you wished you had obeyed the rules and avoided the consequences?
• How much do you appreciate those who don't listen to you when they should?

I'LL DO IT MY WAY

For freedom Christ has set us free; - Galatians 5:1a (ESV)

     Helen Grey was finding summer to be almost perfect except for the heat. Helen Grey was one of those people that preferred cooler weather, much cooler than the 90's that had been baking Pupperville for the last week. Despite the heat, Helen knew that the churches flower gardens needed to be taken care of and she had found the perfect help, or so she thought.

     As the Girls are Girls club pulled up in the parking lot on their bicycles Mindy Miller hollered out “I'm Not Helping!” “What do you mean you're not helping?” Helen called out to her, “You promised to help like the rest of your club.”

     “I don’t care.” Mindy hollered back, “I’m tired of doing things for other people. Including you and this church.” “Then why did you bother to show up?” Helen wanted to know. “To let you know that you are not my boss” Mindy answered, “And that from now on I am my own boss.”

     “Mindy!” Helen said in disgust, “You know I’ve never made you do anything. Not even volunteer to help here today.” “Well, ugh,” Mindy stammered, “From now on I will only do what I want to do. I’m going to be just like everybody else.” “Everybody else?” Helen questioned, “What are you talking about?”

     “Yeah,” Mindy said, “From now on I do what I want when I want to. Besides this is a free country and I shouldn’t have to obey anybody.” “Mindy!” Helen exclaimed in shock, “What's happened to you?” “Nothing!” Mindy replied. “Than why the change in attitude?” Helen Demanded to know. “You never behaved this rudely before.”

     “If you must know,” Mindy snorted, “Independence Day is this coming week and I thought I would declare mine as well.” “That's not a good idea.” Helen injected. “My parents didn’t think so either,” Mindy replied, “but I don’t care. I will do what ever I want when I want and they won’t be able to stop me. Besides, they’re letting me be independent.”

     “What?” Helen gasped, “They’re actually going along with this scheme of yours.” “Not that they have a choice,” Mindy laughed, “But yes.” “Well,” Helen said shaking her head, “Along with independence there comes responsibility. Are you ready for that?” “That’s what me parents said.” Mindy frowned, “But I don’t care I don’t want responsibility I want to be free.”

     “And of course, you can’t forget consequences.” Helen added. “Cons a what?” Mindy said a little puzzled, “Have you been talking to my parents because they said something about cons a what’s too and that I would have to learn them the hard way. Hey! I got an idea, maybe you could teach me what cons a whatever they are, are. Well, maybe later, my favorite show is on TV and I need to get going. Hope you girls have fun weeding the flowers.”

     Mindy wanted her independence. She wanted to be free. But just how free can she be? Should she be? Does she really want to be?

     So Israel took his journey with all that he had … and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, Genesis 46:1-6 (ESV)

     Israel moves to the land of Egypt. Once there a prophecy is fulfilled that was given to Abraham in Genesis 15:13 where the LORD said to Abram, "Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. (ESV) At the end of those 400 years the people cry out, God hears their cry and sends help in the man called Moses. But just how free did the Israelite want to be? Let's follow the Israelites as they travel out of Egypt and towards the promise land.

• Exodus 14:10-12 - When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." (ESV)
• Exodus 16:2-3 - And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger. (ESV) "
• Numbers 13:31-14:4 Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are." So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, "The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them." Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to one another, "Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt." (ESV)

     God set the Israelites free but it seems that's not what they wanted. We are told Christ set us free (Galatians 5:1) but like Israel do we really want our freedom?

     John 8:31-34 - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. (ESV) - NOT SLAVES? At the time this was said the Jews were under bondage to to Rome. They were not free nor were they free from sin. They were slaves. Romans 6:16 says Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? It's Independence Day week in the USA but how free are we?

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How Free can you truly be?
• To whom or what would you rather be enslaved?

IT'S NOT FAIR

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. - Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)

      After taking her daughter to the hospital to be checked out because she looked at Harold's spotlessly clean room, Martha was back to normal and Harold was actually keeping his promise to keep his room clean. Everything was going just perfect at the Peterson household or that's what Helen Grey thought until she bumped into Stella.

     “Grumble, grumble, grumble.” Stella grumbled as she bumped into her Grandma at the shopping mall. “Whoa.” Helen said, What's all the grumbling about?.” “Harold!” Stella snapped, “I hate him.” “Does this mean he's no longer keeping his promise?” Helen asked. “I wished he wasn't” Stella snapped again.

     “I would have thought everyone would be happy to see Harold finally keeping a promise?” Helen said a bit puzzled. “Not this one.” Stella snapped again. “But he's being good.” Helen reminded her. “Yeah,” Stella replied, “And even when he’s being good he causes trouble for me.” “What's he doing this time” Helen had to ask. “Keeping his room clean.” Stella replied, “And I hate it.”

     “Excuse me?” Helen said with a stern face, “How is Harold keeping his room clean causing trouble for you? Is he dumping everything in your room?” “He’s not dumping it any where.” Stella responded, “He’s just keeping his room spotlessly clean, and I mean spotless.” “Well, good for Harold.” Helen said “That means everything should be great.”

     “Are you crazy!?” Stella shouted when she heard that, “Would you like your mom to see Harold’s room.” “What?” Helen said a bit puzzled, “My mom isn't even living.” “Well, if she was,” Stella snapped back, “And she saw Harold's room she would make you go clean yours.” “Now, I think I'm starting to understand.” Helen said “You're jealous.”

     “Mom always used to think my room was clean and I never had to clean it up.” Stella said, “Now that Harold’s room is soooooo clean she thinks my room is a disaster waiting to happen.” “so what's the problem?” Helen injected. “I can’t stand it any more!” Stella continued, “He’s getting all the attention and I have to clean MY room or I won’t get any supper.”

     “There's nothing wrong with cleaning your room.” Helen said. “Are you crazy?” Stella snapped back, “Do you now how much work that would be? I wish Harold had never cleaned his room then Mom wouldn’t know what clean was. I wish his room was still a big big mess.” You don't really mean that, do you? Helen asked in shock.

     “I meant every word of it.” Stella claimed, “I wish his room was still a disaster. It would be a lot easier than cleaning mine.” When she heard herself say that, Stella got a nasty grin on her face, “I wonder.” she said and than with a sinister laugh she took off on the run.

     Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.

2 Corinthians 10:11-13(ESV)

     Who do you compare yourself to? When I first wrote the puppet play that became this story, my oldest daughter, like Stella had claimed her room was clean – in comparison to her brothers. It wasn't clean. Often times in fun, my wife and I make similar comparisons between “our” sides of the bedroom.

     We often compare ourselves to each other but how often do we compare ourselves to God? How often do we make Him our example to model our lives after?

      When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. … Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them." So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking for a king from him. … But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, "No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." 1 Samuel 8 (ESV)

     Instead of looking to God and His words to them, the people of Israel were looking to the nations around them and comparing themselves to them. Instead of saying those nations needed to reject human leaders and replace them with God, they chose to say we need a human leader and reject God.

     Here are some versus that remind us of where are examples to compare ourselves to should come from.

• In John 13:15 Jesus is speaking and He says I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV)
• In Philippians 2:5 Paul says Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (ESV) – we are to have the mind of Christ
• In Ephesians 5:1 Paul says Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (ESV)

     There are many more verse that can be looked at and I would encourage you to do so. In the mean time.....

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Who do you compare yourself to in attempt to make yourself look good?
• How do you look when you compare yourself to God?

TO GOOD TO BE TRUE

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. - John 14:14 (ESV)

     It was getting late and Mr. Grey was getting a bit nervous. He was suppose to be taking his wife out to eat and she wasn't home. “Where could she be?” he kept muttering as he paced back and forth peaking out the window every few minutes. Finally, about two hours past their scheduled departure time, Robert heard the car pull into the garage.

     “You won't believe my afternoon.” Helen said as she walked in the door. “Try me!” Robert said. “I've been sitting in the emergency room at the hospital.” “Are you okay?” Robert asked becoming a little concerned. “I'm just fine.” Helen told him, “But I'm not so sure I can say the same for our daughter.”

     “What happened to Martha?” Robert asked. “She listened to me” Helen told Robert, “She actually listened to me, like, why couldn't she have done that when she was a kid.” Confused, at how that could have sent them to the emergency room, Robert again asked, “What happened to Martha?”

     “When I went to visit Martha this afternoon, I found her in dream land, dancing around the living room.” Helen said, “She claimed she was having the best dream ever and said it had something to do with Harold cleaning his room for her for Christmas and claiming he was going to keep it clean.” “And that sent her to the emergency room?” Robert interrupted.

     “Weren't you listening?” Helen scolded, “I told you she went because she listened to me. I told her to go look and see if Harold's room was actually clean. So she could know if she was just dreaming or if Harold had really cleaned his room.” “Why would anyone think Harold would have cleaned his room?” Robert interrupted again, “Are you feeling okay dear?”

     “I had good reason to think he had cleaned his room.” Helen said, “And as it turned out, I was right. When Martha opened Harold's bedroom door the shock of seeing his room spotlessly clean was too much. Martha let out a blood curdling scream and fainted or something. I ended up taking her to the emergency room as a result.”

     “Maybe I should go see if I'm still in bed dreaming.” Robert thought out loud, “So, is Martha going to be alright?” “Don't know yet.” Helen told him, “The hospital ran a bunch of tests but when Martha told the doctor what happened, he went into shock and she had to leave. I got her home but she's still feeling light headed and all jittery.”

     “Maybe I'm not dreaming then.” Robert said when he heard about the doctor. “Well then,” he continued, let's go celebrate. Harold cleaned his room and Martha finally listened to her mom.” “Yeah,” Helen smiled, “We better go celebrate before I wake up and realize I've just been dreaming about Martha.”

     Martha's dream, her wish that Harold would clean his room came true. Have you ever had a dream or a wish come true? I believe I can say I have and I can say I have many more dreams and wishes still waiting......... But I'm not here to talk about me. I want to turn the attention to the Bible. Who there can you think of that had a dream or wish come true? While there are many, I would like to focus for a moment on a famous example of a dream and a wish coming true.

     Solomon had just become king and as the new king of Israel one of the first things he did was to fulfill the dying wishes of his father David. He did and now it was time to receive a wish of his own.

      Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

1 Kings 3:3-15 (ESV)

     Solomon's dream came true, God gave him wisdom and much more. We are not Solomon but what are the chances that God would grant us our dreams and wishes?

• Matthew 7:7,8 - Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)
• Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. (ESV)
• James 1:5,6 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (ESV)
• John 15:7 - If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV)
• 1 John 3:22 - and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. (ESV)
• 1 John 5:14 - And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (ESV)
• John 14:13,14 - Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you believe God can grant you your wishes?
• Do you trust God to make your dreams come true?

I MUST BE DREAMING

I will keep my promises to the LORD - Psalm 116:14a (NLT)

      It was the first day of the new year and Martha was in a sort of a daze as she hummed and danced around her living room as she carefully took down Christmas decorations and put them away. As she took some garland of the tree she started spinning it around her head as she continued to dance around the room only to be interrupted by the sound of a door bell.

     After a slight pause in her dancing, Martha said “Nah, I'm not going to answer it.” and started spinning in circles. A few minutes later her daze was broken by the sound of her mom calling out her name. “Martha!” Helen called out, “What are you trying to do to your old mom, keeping her waiting at the door in this cold?” “Uhm...” was all that Martha could say.

     “Are you okay?” Helen asked “I don’t think I could be better, at least at the moment.” Martha replied. “You weren't drinking too much champaign last night were you?” Helen asked. “You know I don't drink that stuff, Mom. But I did have the most wonderful, fantastic, magnificent dream in the whole world.”

     “I suppose it's safe to say you weren't dreaming about Harold.” Helen said but Martha's response almost put her in shock. “It was all about Harold and it the best dream I’ve ever had.” “Wait a minute, time out,” Helen sputtered, “I thought he only gave you nightmares.” “That's only when I'm awake.” Martha replied.

     “So, what was your dream about?” Helen asked a little curious. “Harold cleaned his room.” Martha giggled, “He cleaned it from top to bottom as a Christmas present for me and then he promised he would keep it clean all year.” “That would be a wonderful dream.” Helen said, “But to get his room clean he’d need a Tractor and a a dump truck, and and some way to get rid of all that stuff.” After saying that, Helen's mind started to whir. “Uhm,” she said “Have you been in his room lately?”

     “No!” Martha said like her mom should have known better than to ask. “Well,” Helen started to say, “Rumor has it that just before Christmas Harold was looking for a dump truck, a tractor, and he was selling stuff at a flea market. I even heard he tried to sell Bernadette a box of dead frogs.”

     “Are you saying it might not have been a dream?” Martha said adding “I know, you're not really here and I'm still dreaming.” “I guess there's one way to find out.” Helen told Martha, “Just meander on over to Harold's room and take a look.” “Do I have to?” Martha asked, “I’m afraid to. I don’t think I could handle the shock of finding his room clean.”

     “Go check his room!” Helen told her daughter in a stern voice. Slowly, Martha headed towards Harold's room leaving Martha holding a pile of garland. A few minutes later came a blood curdling scream and then nothing.

     How do you feel when someone breaks a promise they made to you? Do you feel disappointed, angry, indifferent, joyful, shocked, etc. In today's story we learn that Harold made a promise but....... Harold's not known for keeping his promises. How about you? Have you ever broke a promise yourself?

     David and Jonathan were best friends but Jonathan's father, King Saul, wanted to kill David and the time had come when David and Jonathan had to part and go separate ways but before they go David makes a promise

      Then Jonathan told David, "I promise by the LORD, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the LORD kill me if I don't warn you so you can escape and live. May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father. And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies." So Jonathan made a covenant with David, saying, "May the LORD destroy all your enemies!" And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. 1 Samuel 20:12-17 (NLT)

     Now, in the days of David and Jonathan showing kindness or love of any sort to anyone that could potentially lay claim to the throne was a rarity. More often than naught, when a new king came to power he would kill off the previous kings family to secure his position. Not so with David for he had made a promise.

     One day David began wondering if anyone in Saul's family was still alive, for he had promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to them. He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. "Are you Ziba?" the king asked. "Yes sir, I am," Ziba replied. The king then asked him, "Is anyone still alive from Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them in any way I can." Ziba replied, "Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive, but he is crippled." "Where is he?" the king asked. "In Lo-debar," Ziba told him, "at the home of Makir son of Ammiel." So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home. His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low in great fear and said, "I am your servant." But David said, "Don't be afraid! I've asked you to come so that I can be kind to you because of my vow to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the land that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you may live here with me at the palace!" Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the king. "Should the king show such kindness to a dead dog like me?" he exclaimed. Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for his family. But Mephibosheth will live here at the palace with me." Ziba, who had fifteen sons and twenty servants, replied, "Yes, my lord; I will do all that you have commanded." And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly with David, as though he were one of his own sons. 2 Samuel 9:1-11 (NLT)

     God / Jesus Christ make promises one of which we read of in 1 John 2:25 And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life. (TEV)

     When God makes a promise He keeps them. Abraham realized this. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. Romans 4:20-21 (NLT)

     I believe God wants us to keep our promises as well, especially to Him. If you make a promise to give something to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, because the LORD your God demands it from you. Do not be guilty of sin. But if you do not make the promise, you will not be guilty. You must do whatever you say you will do, because you chose to make the promise to the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (NCV)  Jesus once said that what we do or don't do to others we are doing to Him.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Would you like it if God failed to keep His promises to you?
• How well do you keep your promises?