TAKEN WITH THE WRONG CROWD

     It was New Years morning and kids were still zonked out around the McDonald's farm house form the New Years eve party the night before but since the animals didn't party, they were up and needed taken care of so John put on his warm clothes and headed out to the barn. “Hopefully someone will wake and come help me.” He thought to himself.

      As he sat next to one of the cows to milk her, he started singing “Old McDonald.” As he sang he started to notice the animals were joining in on cue. “I sure have some smart animals.” he said out loud. “Of course we are.” came a reply in a deep voice. As he continued singing, and animals kept sounding on cue, John suddenly stopped, “Wait a minute,” He said “Animals don't talk. Who's in here with me?”

      The next thing John knew, Harold Peterson fell out of the hay loft landing next to him. “Ouch” he said sitting up and shaking hay out of his hair. “What were you doing in the hay loft?” John asked

seeing Harold would be alright. “Oh, I was just following Tracy to see what she was up to?” “She should be up tp helping me with the chores.” John said.

      “I kind of figured that but she wasn't acting normal?” Harold said. “What do you mean?” John asked. “Well,” Harold said, “I've never known her to like to sew but all she kept talking about to night was sewing.” “Sewing?” John said “Tracy doesn't like to sew. Are you sure she was talking about sewing?”

      “Well, I'm not 100 percent sure.” Harold said, “But see kept muttering something about how she was suppose to get some flag sewn. And on top of that, I heard her tell one of the other kids that she was Betsy Ross.” “I take it you never payed attention in History class at school?” John said. “Betsy Ross was the person who sewed the first flag for the United States.” “Paying attention cost too much.” Harold said and then after a short pause added, “Oh, no. She must have the disease too.”

     “But how would she have got it?” Harold asked, “It was Mindy and Cindy who helped my sister escape from the hospital.” “To make a long story short,” John said, “After Mindy and Cindy helped Stella escape they brought her here to the farm and hid her in Tracy's fort.” “Didn't Tracy know she was sick?” Harold asked, “She should have known better.”

      “I think she did know better.” John said, “At least she claimed to know better. Tracy told me that she tried to talk them out of it.” “But she helped them anyways.” Harold added. “Bad company corrupts good morals. Or something like that. I think that's in the Bible.” “Yeah, I'm sure it is.” John said, “By the way, can you take over the milking for me? I need to go find Betsy, I mean Tracy, and get her to the hospital.”

 

      And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD. - Genesis 13:10-13 (ESV)

      Sometimes we see things we know are not right and yet we go along with them, like Tracy going along with Cindy and Mindy, Like Lot going along with Sodom.... After all, he needed to take care of his family and possessions.... Of course, there were consequences for his choice. The first of which is found in Genesis 14

      In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).... four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. After his return the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.' I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. (ESV)

      Lot was living in the city of the wicked and while Abram rescued them because of Lot, he would have nothing to do with them and their stuff – he preferred to take God's side and gives a tithe to God's high priest Melchizedek.

      One can only wonder why Lot was in Sodom. The Bible says...

• My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them. - Proverbs 1:10 (NCV)
• Don’t follow the ways of the wicked; don’t do what evil people do. - Proverbs 4:14 (NCV)
• But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. - 1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)
• Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." - 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)
• Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. - Romans 6:13 (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Will you follow the crowd even if you know you shouldn't?
• Would you lead others astray?

GOING SOMEWHERE?

     It was early December and John McDonald was out in the barn doing chores or at least he was suppose to be doing them. Seeing how Christmas would soon be here, his mind kept wandering, wondering about travel plans. Three times he accidentally knocked over the milk bucket and once he sat on a pitch fork. Still he had a hard time paying attention to what he was suppose to be doing.

     “What do you think we should do?” He asked one of the cows and he heard what he thought was the cow say “I, I, I don't know.” “Huh!” John exclaimed and fell backward off his milking stool, “Cows don't talk.” Looking around the barn he quickly spotted Harold Peterson sitting on a bail of hay. “I thought you were in the hospital.” John said, “Does this mean your well. Does this mean you are yourself again?”

     “I, I, I, I’m scared.” Harold said, “I have to leave.” “You've never been scared before.” John said, Why should this time be any different.” “This time, I have to take all that I have and go.” Harold said, “I'm moving.” “I don't remember your parents saying anything about moving.” John said, “Where are you going?” “I don’t know.” Harold said, “And that's why I'm so scared.”

     Something wasn't making sense and John was starting to wonder if Harold was all right. “You're not going alone are you?” he asked. “No.” Harold said, “I’m bringing my wife with me.” “Wife!” John exclaimed as he choked on the gum he had been chewing, “Since when have you been married?”

     “Sarah and I have been married for a long time.” Harold said. “Harold,” John said, “Did you escape from the hospital? “Harold?” Harold questioned, “I'm not Harold. I'm Abraham.” “As in the father of Isaac?” John asked. “No.” Harold replied, “We don’t have any kids yet, but God has promised to make me a great nation.”

     Hearing that made John think of what he heard Martha say in church the previous week and started to put two and two together. “You must still be under the influence of that potion that exploded in your lab.” He said. “I don’t know anything about a potion or a lab.” Harold said, “I just know I’m suppose to pack everything up and leave and I’m scared.”

     “Well, I think I may know of someone who might be able to help you.” John told him “Just go to the corner of Elm and Mary street and you will find a big building there with the letters H-o-s-p-I-t-a-l on the front.” “Thank you kind sir.” Harold said, “Who should I ask for?” “Just ask for Doctor.” John said “And if you wait a few minutes I'll even take you there.” “Thank you so much for your help.” Harold said “I'll wait. I'm in no hurry to move.”

     Dr Seuss has a book titled “Marvin K Mooney Will You Please Go Now” In which Marvin K Mooney is told to go now. So, what do you do when someone tells you to go? What if it was God telling you to go? What if He promised great things? Abraham, the guy Harold thought he was is just such a man but God hadn't changed his name yet. He was still being called Abram.

      Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev.

Genesis 12:1-9 (NASB)

     Leaving all you have known for a place and a promise could be scary. Here are some great promises to those who follow God's bidding.

• If God calls us, He'll be with us - Genesis 26:24 The LORD appeared to him that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my servant Abraham.“ (NCV)
• If we run out, God will take care of us - 1 Kings 17:13 “Don’t worry,“ Elijah said to her. “Go home and cook your food as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread from the flour you have, and bring it to me. Then cook something for yourself and your son. (NCV)
• If in trouble God help is bigger - 2 Kings 6:16 Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.“ (NCV)
• If weak, God will give strength - Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (NLT)
• If suffering, God is still there - Isaiah 43:2-3 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! (MSG)
• Remember, You're important to God - Matthew 10:30-31 God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. (NCV)

     If you grab yourself a Bible and read the stories around these verses they will make even more sense but even with these snippets, you can see God will take care of us it we will follow Him , do as He asks and go where He wants us to.

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Where might God ask you to go?
• Would you be willing to go as Abraham did?

WORK, WORK, WORK

     It was time. Time to fix all the damages that had occurred to the church building from the tornado and what better way to do it than host a WORK AT THE CHURCH AND BARBECUE. With all the work that needed to be done some people thought there wouldn't be enough workers but with the offer of a barbecue when the work was done, well it was supplies they didn't have enough of.

     It wasn't long before John McDonald and his daughter Tracy headed off to get some of those supplies. When they arrived and Frank's Do-It-Yourself Hardware store they not only found the supplies they were looking for but they also found someone who wasn't working. It was Cindy Miller and she was, will, not doing anything.

     “Hey, Cindy.” Tracy called out, “Don't you know what weekend this is?” “I know what it is.” Cindy said with a sigh, “It's a weekend for work.” “So you do know.” John said. “I thought everybody knew this was the weekend we all have to work.” Cindy sighed again. “I guess so.” John said, “But it is also the weekend we celebrate work and all the people who do it.”

     “Celebrate work!” Cindy exclaimed in shock, “Why would anybody want to celebrate such a thing?” “Well,” John said, “Aren't you thankful for all the workers and the work they do?” “I guess so.” Cindy replied, “As long as it isn’t me that has to do the work.”

     “Oh yeah,” Tracy said, “It Mindy who likes to work.” “You can say that again.” Cindy said, “When it comes to work I avoid it like the plague. Why else do you think I’m here and not helping at the church.” “That's too bad.” John said, “There is plenty of work around the building and work is a good thing especially when you are doing it for God.” “You could have even helped Daisy in the kitchen.” Tracy added.

     “What.” Cindy Scoffed, “Did the tornado scatter all the pots and pans?” “The kitchen is fine.” John said. “She working on the food for after were done.” Tracy added, “Obviously you weren't listening to the announcement.” “Announcement?” Cindy questioned. “Yes.” John said, “There having a big barbecue dinner after the work is done.”

     “They are!” Cindy said with excitement, “I better get over there for that.” “It won't do you any good.” Tracy said. “Why not?” Cindy demanded to know. “ I love barbecues.” “That may be.” John sad “But the dinner is only for those who work.” “WHAT?!” Cindy hollered “That's what you get fo not working.” Tracy said.

     “Well then.” Cindy said with her nose in the air, “I guess I might as well go home and do nothing.” And then she hopped on her bike and took off. “I'm glad you're such a good worker.” John said to his daughter as they loaded the stuff in John's truck. “So am I.” Tracy said “And I can't wait for the barbecue. Do you think we should have told her about the hayride she'll miss too?” “I'm sure she'll find out soon enough.” John said, “We better get back to the church.”

For the people had a mind to work. - Nehemiah 4:6b (ESV)

     How many of you enjoy work? How many of you try to avoid work? What happens when we fail to work? In Nehemiah the people had a mind to work and as a result, something got done. It all started in Nehemiah 2:1-5 where we read In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. And the king said to me, "Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart." Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, "Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" Then the king said to me, "What are you requesting?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it." (ESV)

     Nehemiah made a request of the king to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and if we were to keep reading, we would learn that he received it. We would also learn that Nehemiah would ride to Jerusalem and inspect the walls, that he would incite the people to rebuild the walls. We would learn that the people started working everywhere and they were teased and then more trouble came and they had to stand guard but, work went on and 52 days later the wall was done.

     It's amazing what can get done when someone or a group of people have a mind to work. There are some who would think work to be a four letter word – meaning it is a bad thing but work is a part of life and comes from God Himself.

• Exodus 34:21 Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. (ESV)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, (NIV)
• 1 Corinthians 3:9 We are God’s workers, working together; you are like God’s farm, God’s house. (NCV)
• Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. (ESV)
• Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help the poor by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (NLT)
• Ephesians 4:28 If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder as you celebrate Labor Day.

• Do you value the work that you have been allowed to do?
• Are you grateful for the work for which you reap the benefits?

THE BIG STORM

     It had been a long busy day for John McDonald working on his farm and he was looking forward to a good nights sleep. Tracy had slipped off to her room and drifted off to sleep hours ago. John laid his head down on his pillow and with a matter of minutes he was sleeping soundly only to be awaken by someone banging on his door.

     “I don't believe this” John said to himself as he slipped a robe on and headed to the door. Opening the door he found Bill Peterson standing their drenched from head to foot. “Excuse me.” Bill said, “But but do you have a chainsaw?” “I guess that depends on who you ask.” John said leaving bill with a confused look on his face.

     “It's a joke.” John said, “My daughter keeps telling me I don't have a 'real' chainsaw. But yes I do have one.” “Good.” Bill said, Can I borrow it, I need it to get into the church building.” “At this time of the night?” John asked, “What's wrong with using the door? And why can't you wait until morning?”

     “Can't open it and can't wait.” Bill said, “There are people stuck inside.” “then why don't they open it?” John said, “I'm trying to get some sleep.” “Too many trees.” Bill said, “That's why I need the chainsaw.” “Huh?” John said, “What's going on? Why do you have trees in the church building?” “I think it was a tornado.” Bill said, “But it hasn't been confirmed yet.”

     “A tornado!” John said as his eyes popped wide open. “Yes.” Bill said, “The old folks were at the church planning a mission trip when it hit and that's why I need the chainsaw tonight.” “If that's the case than you can use it.” John said, “I'll even get dressed and come help. But just so you know, I don't have any gas.”

     “No Gas?” Bill exclaimed, “What good is a chainsaw without gas?” “Well I had some.” John said, “But it got dumped out. We can get some at the Corner Mart on our way back to the church.” “No can do.” Bill said shaking his head, “The tornado destroyed it.” “I guess I can't help you then.” John said. “Have you tried asking God for help?”

     “Well, yeah.” Bill said, “We asked him first but all he sent was a bunch of kids who said they could help but what help can they be?” “Well,” John said, God can use them just like he uses us and they can get into place we can't. Just think of all the places Harold use to get into.” “Yeah maybe.” Bill said hesitantly and then Tracy came running up behind Bill totally drenched.

     “Tracy?” John called out, “I thought you went to bed ours ago.” “No time to explain, dad.” Tracy said, “We need your tractor to help lift the trees of the church building, can you help us.” What a great idea.” John said, “Let me get dressed and I'll be right down.” “I'll go get things ready.” Tracy called out and took off. “I'll go tell everyone help is coming.” Bill said and then he took off. “What is sleep?” John asked and went to get dressed to help.

     Again Jesus began teaching by the lake. A great crowd gathered around him, so he sat down in a boat near the shore. All the people stayed on the shore close to the water. - Mark 4:1 (NCV) Jesus was along side the sea and a large crowd came to hear His teaching. As a result of the crowd, Jesus got into a boat with His disciples. No, He didn't leave, He sat down and taught till evening. Then He decided to leave and that is where our story begins.

      That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go across the lake.“ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them. A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water. Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!“ Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!“ Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm. Jesus said to his followers, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?“ The followers were very afraid and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!“

Mark 4:35-41 (NCV)

     After deciding to go to the other side, the disciples started rowing, while Jesus laid down to sleep. In the meantime a strong wind came up and the waves got high and the boat started to fill with water and the disciples thought they were goners and finally one of them woke Jesus up and He said “You better swim for it? No, He said “Peace be still.” and it was.

     Who should we trust in / rely on. In past stories we saw how God sent Harold to be a hero and while other didn't see how, God used him to solve the towns problems. God sent kids to help at the church when the Tornado hit and while Bill couldn't see how kids could help, they came up with the solution. We need to trust and rely on God even if we can't make sense of His answers.

     The Palmists is one who had much to say on trusting God.

• Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. (ESV)
• Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (ESV)
• Psalm 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. (ESV)
• Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (ESV)

     Even Solomon had something to say years later

• Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (ESV)
• Proverbs 28:25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What are the times in your life that you have needed to trust God even though His ways didn't make sense?
• Do you tend to rely on man over God?

JAIL BREAK

     It was a great day, a great day to be fishing. Once again the guys from the church in Pupperville were gathered at the fishing dock at the park having a meeting of the minds while trying to catch some fish. Apparently news had gotten back to Randy by way of Daisy who had talked to April who had been talking to Barney about how church was boring and people were leaving as a result.

     As the guys discussed different ideas on how to keep church from becoming boring, Bill Peterson let out a holler. “I Got a bite!” he yelled. After fighting with it for nearly fifteen minutes, John McDonald finally reached down with the net and hauled him in. As Bill picked him up Robert Grey grabbed a camera and took take a picture of him with the fish.

     As soon as the picture was taken they gathered around the camera to see the pic and that's when they saw him. “Isn't that Bud in the picture?” Tim Henderson asked, “You know, the guy that shot Harold?” “Can't be” Bill said, “He's in jail.” “You're tight though.” Robert said, “It sure looks like him. By the way, Bill. You better get that fish back in the water before the police catch you an put you in jail for having too big of a fish.”

     As Bill slowly set the fish back in the water he heard a loud whistle and looked up to see a police officer running toward him. It was Sergeant Halfway and as he approached, the guys could here him hollering “Jail Break, Jail Break, Bud escaped.” “It was him!” Tim hollered. “We just saw him over that way.” Pointing to a tree.

     “We need to catch him.” Sergeant Halfway said and all the guys but Bill threw down their fishing poles and said “Lets go.” and took off with the Sergeant.” Bill decided to stay behind because he wasn't sure if he could handle coming face to face with Bud but he soon found out for Bud came sneaking around the fishing pure and with his fishing rod in hand, Bill cast it Bud's way and caught him.

     “I didn't do it, I didn't do it.” Bud yelled as Bill reeled him in. “Didn't what?” Bill Snapped at him “Break out of jail or shoot Harold?” “Neither one!” Bud said shaking in fear. “ You’re not going to convince me.” Bill said, “My own daughter saw you shoot Harold.” “No she didn’t.” Bud snapped back, “She only saw me aim the gun and pull the trigger. Someone else shot Harold.”

     “Try again!” Bill said “Nobodies going to believe you. Where did Sergeant Halfway go?” “You can't let them get me.” Bud cried out. “I'm innocent. The devil made me do it. He’s the one they need to put in jail.” As he said those words, he heard the police whistle and tried to get away but it was too late. Bill had reeled him in close enough and dropped the fishing net over him.

     A minute later, Sergeant Halfway hauled cuffed him and hauled him away. “No! I'm innocent” Bud cried out again. “The devil is the one you want.” I' don't think so.” Sergeant Halfway said “And you should be thankful Bill here didn't try to shoot you after what you did to his son.” “Great.” Bud said to himself “I sure picked the wrong person to try and save me.”

     It's not uncommon to find people in the news who do something stupid and then try to blame someone else, Often time they'll even try to blame the victim. Even in Bible times we find those who want to pass the blame. Take for instance...

     Adam & Eve - Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the LORD God had made. "Really?" he asked the woman. "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?" "Of course we may eat it," the woman told him. "It's only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die." "You won't die!" the serpent hissed. "God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil." The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves. Toward evening they heard the LORD God walking about in the garden, so they hid themselves among the trees. The LORD God called to Adam, "Where are you?" He replied, "I heard you, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." "Who told you that you were naked?" the LORD God asked. "Have you eaten the fruit I commanded you not to eat?" "Yes," Adam admitted, "but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." Then the LORD God asked the woman, "How could you do such a thing?" "The serpent tricked me," she replied. "That's why I ate it." - Genesis 3:1-13 (NLT)

      And what about Aaron - Aaron said to the people, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, sons, and daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.“ So all the people took their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from the people and formed it with a tool and made a statue of a calf. Then the people said, “Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!“ When Aaron saw all this, he built an altar before the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a special feast to honor the LORD.“ The people got up early the next morning and offered whole burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. They sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up and sinned sexually. … When Moses came close to the camp, he saw the gold calf and the dancing, and he became very angry. He threw down the stone tablets that he was carrying and broke them at the bottom of the mountain. Then he took the calf that the people had made and melted it in the fire. He ground it into powder. Then he threw the powder into the water and forced the Israelites to drink it. Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you? Why did you cause them to do such a terrible sin?“ Aaron answered, “Don’t be angry, master. You know that these people are always ready to do wrong. The people said to me, ’Moses led us out of Egypt, but we don’t know what has happened to him. Make us gods who will lead us.’ So I told the people, ’Take off your gold jewelry.’ When they gave me the gold, I threw it into the fire and out came this calf!“ - Exodus 32:2-24 (NCV)

     Even King Saul tried to pass the blame. - Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to appoint you king over Israel. Now listen to his message. This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: ’When the Israelites came out of Egypt, the Amalekites tried to stop them from going to Canaan. So I will punish them. Now go, attack the Amalekites and destroy everything they own as an offering to the LORD. Don’t let anything live. Put to death men and women, children and small babies, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’ “ So Saul called the army together at Telaim. There were two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand men from Judah. … Saul and the army let Agag live, along with the best sheep, fat cattle, and lambs. They let every good animal live, because they did not want to destroy them. But when they found an animal that was weak or useless, they killed it. … When Samuel came to Saul, Saul said, “May the LORD bless you! I have obeyed the LORD’S commands. But Samuel said, “Then why do I hear cattle mooing and sheep bleating?“ Saul answered, “The soldiers took them from the Amalekites. They saved the best sheep and cattle to offer as sacrifices to the LORD your God, but we destroyed all the other animals.“ - 1 Samuel 15:1-35 (NCV)

     Here are somethings to remember when it comes to passing the blame

• 2 Chronicles 19:7 Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes." (ESV)
• Colossians 3:25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. (ESV)
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)

     There's more that could be said but I think you can get the point – Adam, Eve, Aaron & Saul all did.

 

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways have you tried to pass blame to someone or something else?
• Why would you want to pass blame when you know God sees all?

SHOW DOWN

     After spending nearly 20 minutes trying to real in the big fish, Bill and Randy finally netted their catch. “Wow!” Tim exclaimed, That's got to be the biggest fish I've ever seen.” “It's bigger than anything I've ever caught.” John added. “Well, I had one bigger.” Robert Grey said as he joined the group fishing on the dock. “He was so big I had to shoot him.”

      As Robert said those words the sound of a gun shot echoed through the park. “You didn't have to shoot him again.” Robert called out. “No-one here has a gun.” Tim said “I wonder who shot then? Bill asked and then was run over buy a bald headed, dark skinned guy with a sinister laugh.” “Who was that?” Randy asked has he helped Bill back on his feet.

      Before anyone could answer Randy, Stella went running by “HE SHOT HIM, HE SHOT HIM.” At the top of her lungs. The next thing the guys new the air was filled with the sound of sirens. “I'm going to go and see if I can find out what's going.” John Said and took off in the direction they had heard the shot come from.

      While the guys were waiting for John to return, Tim's pager went off “I'm needed at the hospital right away.” He said after looking at his pager, “Someone HAS been shot.” and off he ran. Five minutes later, John came back huffing and puffing. “Bill,” He said, 'It's Harold. Harold's been shot. You better get to the hospital.”

      “Let's go!” Robert said to Bill. I”ll drive. He may be your son, but he's my grandson or something like that.” As they took off, John looked at Randy, “And I thought Harold was going to be the hero and stop all the rebelling going on. I guess he won’t be stopping anything now.” he said. “I should head up to the hospital too.” Randy said and then changed his mind, “No, I need to get to the church and call a prayer meeting.”

      Wondering what to do now that he was alone, John started to clean up the fishing tackle the guys left on the dock when Sergeant Halfway showed up. “John.” he called out, “I need to talk to you about the shooting. I need to know if you saw or heard anything unusual around here.”

      “Yeah I did.” John said, “I was sitting down there on the dock when here she come, running through the park screaming 'He Shot Him.' at the top of her lungs.” “Who did you see?” Halfway asked, “It was Stella.” John answered, Harold's sister. “Hmm.” Sergeant Halfway said, “I wonder who 'he' is?”

      “I don't know if this will help you or not.” John said, “But earlier today we saw Stella running through the park looking for someone she called 'Bud.'” “Did she say anything else about this Bud guy?” Sergeant Halfway asked. “No but from what we did get her to say, it sounded like he was behind this rebellion thing going on.”

      “That might be a clue.” Halfway said, “Anything else?” “Yeah,” John said, “Just after the shot a bald headed, dark skinned, guy ran through here with a sinister laugh. I think he was headed towards the boat house down by the landing.” “Thanks John,” Halfway said, “I'll get my men searching right away.”

      Conflict between good and evil is a part of life. While they may often operate side by side, eventually a show down, a confrontation will occur.

Now Korah, Dathan and Abiram took men and they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, "You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" When Moses heard it, he fell on his face, and he said to Korah and all his company, "In the morning the LORD will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him. … And let every one of you take his censer and put incense on it, and every one of you bring before the LORD his censer, 250 censers; you also, and Aaron, each his censer." So every man took his censer and put fire in them and laid incense on them and stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron. Then Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. … And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Say to the congregation, Get away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram." Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spoke to the congregation, saying, "Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins." … And Moses said, "Hereby you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, and that it has not been of my own accord. If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD." And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. … And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.

Numbers 16: (ESV)

     Many such conflicts can be found throughout the Bible and time. When such times arise we need to remember the words found in Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (ESV)

 

      Here are some more encouraging words for such times.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (ESV)
• Joshua 23:8 but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day. (ESV)
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• When conflict comes your way, what do you hold to?
• In what ways do you tackle conflict?

TROUBLES BREWING

     Bill Peterson, John McDonald and Randy Smith were having a “meeting of the minds” as they called it while sitting on the local fishing peer. Wanting to try and piece together a few more ideas and pieces to the rebellion yet not wanting to waste a beautiful day they decided this was going to be a win win situation even if they didn't catch a fish.

     “You did tell Robert and Tim where we were meeting, Bill?” John asked. “Yeah” Bill replied, “But I think I told them the wrong time. They should be here soon though.” “Does anybody know if Harold ever found anybody to listen to him?” Randy asked. “Why? Do you need some pointers for your sermons?” John said with a laugh.

     “Any other time I would have thought that to be funny.” Randy said “But, wait, who's that over their behind that tree?” “I don't see anybody.” Bill said as he turned to look. “Me neither.” John said. “Well, I'm sure I saw someone over there.” Randy said, “And it looked almost like it could have been Stella.”

     “STELLA! We know you're over there.” Bill called out wondering if someone was really there and to his surprise, someone answered back “I’m not here.” Everyone immediately recognized Stella's voice and Bill called out “Alright, Stella. What is going on here? Why are you spying on us from behind that tree?”

     “I'm not spying on you.” Stella called out, “I'm looking for Bud.” “Bud?” John asked, “Who in the world is Bud?” “Bud?” Stella repeated, “Did I say Bud? I meant MUD. Yeah, That's what I meant, mud.” “But I was sure you said Bud.” John said “Yeah, I heard you say Bud too.” Randy added. “No.” Stella replied, “You couldn’t have. Nobody is suppose to know He’s here.”

     “Know who is here?” Bill asked. “Bud!” Stella replied to which all three guys said “BUD!?” in unison. “Where? Where?” Stella said coming out of here hiding spot and looking all around. “So you did say Bud.” John said. “What's going on Stella?” Randy piped in. “You better come clean” Bill added, “you're already in a heap of trouble.”

     “Harold’s messing up our plans.” Stella said, “He’s become a mister nice guy, and he’s being obedient. And that’s going to mess up our plans.” Plans for what?” John asked, “Plans to take over the city?” “'Yes” Stella replied, And that's not all, but now we have to stop Harold or he’s going to ruin everything. And I’ve already said to much.”

     “Well you better keep talking.” Came another voice. It was Tim. But Stella didn't keep talking, she took off on the run. Bill was about to chase after her but Randy yelled out that he got a bite and he got sidetracked helping keep Randy from falling in the water.

     Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, cause it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money." But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."

1 Kings 21:1-3 (ESV)

     Have you ever seen something you wanted? Ahab saw something he wanted and he offered to buy it or trade for it which was the right thing to do for we shouldn't steal but as the story goes, he was told no deal, he pouts about it, his wife - the wicked queen - finds out and trouble starts brewing.

     Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, "Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?" And he said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, 'Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.' And he answered, 'I will not give you my vineyard.' " And Jezebel his wife said to him, "Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. And she wrote in the letters, "Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, 'You have cursed God and the king.' Then take him out and stone him to death." And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned; he is dead." As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, "Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead." And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

1 Kings 21:4-16 (ESV)

     When you read through the Bible it seems like trouble is always brewing. So God warns us.

• Proverbs 6:12-14 - Some people are wicked and no good. They go around telling lies, winking with their eyes, tapping with their feet, and making signs with their fingers. They make evil plans in their hearts and are always starting arguments. (NCV)
• Proverbs 1:10-16 - My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them. They will say, “Come with us. Let’s ambush and kill someone; let’s attack some innocent people just for fun. Let’s swallow them alive, as death does; let’s swallow them whole, as the grave does. We will take all kinds of valuable things and fill our houses with stolen goods. Come join us, and we will share with you stolen goods.“ My child, do not go along with them; do not do what they do. They are eager to do evil and are quick to kill. (NCV)
• Proverbs 14:22 - Those who make evil plans will be ruined, but those who plan to do good will be loved and trusted. (NCV)
• Proverbs 19:22 - What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. (NASB)
• Proverbs 12:2 - The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what way might you brew trouble?
• In what ways do you avoid trouble?

NO ONE WILL LISTEN

     John McDonald raises a lot of his own food on his farm but sometimes he still needs to go to town to do some grocery shopping. That's where he was when he turned his cart to head down the breakfast aisle and ran smack dab into someone almost knocking them over. “Sorry sir.” John said, “Are you okay?” “I think I'll be alright, John.” he said as he stood back up.

     “You know who I am?” John asked a bit puzzled. “Do I know you?” “Five months in a monastery and nobody knows who you are.” came the reply. “What's happened around here?” “Monastery?” John said thinking out loud, “Wait a minute. Is that you Harold? I thought you looked sort of familiar.”

     “Yeah.... It's me.” Harold replied. “WOW!” John said, “Welcome back.” “Thank you.” Harold said sounding a little depressed, “That’s the first welcome I’ve received all week.” “WOW!” John said again, “You’ve been back for a whole week already....” “What’s happened to this town?” Harold said not wanting to talk about the monastery again. “It’s like its falling apart.”

     “You mean you don’t know!” John said, “Haven’t you heard of the great conspiracy and rebellion going on? Oh wait, you've been gone for the past five months.” “Oh that.” Harold said, “Yeah, I know about it.” “You’re suppose to be the answer to the problem.” John said. “WHAT!” Harold exclaimed when he heard that, “Says who?”

     “Well,” John decided to explain, “The church was praying for God to send them a hero and He sent you.” “So,” Harold said after a long pause, “That's why God sent me back.” “Yeah,” John said, “You could say God surprised all of us.” “Well,” Harold said shaking his head, “There could be a problem with me being the hero.”

     “What’s that?” John asked. “No one will listen to me.” Harold said, “ It’s as if I have become to good for them.” “I suppose that could make it a little difficult.” John said, But then again, I’m sure God knows what He is doing.” “I'm sure He does.” Harold said in agreement, “But I'm not sure I do. Besides, I've got a bigger problem at hand.”

     “What could be bigger than the town falling apart?” John asked. “I can’t find any oatmeal.” Harold said, “And I'm starving.” “I tell you what.” John said, “Since your saving us, I'll save you. Come out to the farm, I have an entire silo filled with oats. You can eat oatmeal till it's running out your ears.” “Sounds good to me.” Harold said, “I'll head right over.”

     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."

Exodus 16:2-3 (ESV)

     Israel constantly suffered from a short memory, a memory of who they were suppose to be following and what He could do for them. God had a plan to take care of His people in the wilderness as we will see, but along with Israel's short memory, it appears some couldn't hear so well either.

     And the LORD said to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.' " In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.' " And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, "Let no one leave any of it over till the morning." But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, he said to them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.' " So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none." On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none.

Exodus 16:11-27 (ESV)

     Do you do a better job of listening than the Israelites did? The Bible talks of listening in several places and while the Bible reminds us that God listens as in - Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. (ESV) it also reminds us that we need to be listeners.

• James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (ESV)
• Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. (ESV)
• Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. (ESV)
• Deuteronomy 6:3 Listen closely, Israel, to everything I say. Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. (NLT)

     There is an old saying that goes something like this – God gave us two ears and only one mouth, therefore we should listen twice as much as we talk. Are you taking the time to listen? Here's Something To Ponder

• In what way do you take the time to listen to God and others?
• How do you appreciate others when they listen to you?

STOLEN GOODS

     Rhonda Clay was a great nurse and sometimes she liked to volunteer her services as a nurse to help others on the mission field but doing so took money. To help pay for the mission trip she was planning to take, along with a couple others from the church, she was working on a bake sale at the church.

     As Rhonda was working away in the kitchen, she heard a someone scream “HHHEEELLLPPP!!!” Dropping everything she was doing, Rhonda flew out of the kitchen to see who needed help. It was John McDonald, who was going on the trip as well to help train people on farming techniques.

     “John, are you okay?” Rhonda asked as she looked him over to see if he was hurt in someway. “Quick, call the police!” John hollered in response. “It's GONE! GONE! GONE!” “What's Gone?” Rhonda asked, “You're tractor?” “It was right there in the cupboard.” John replied.

      “Well,” Rhonda half laughed, “If it was in your cupboard, I don’t think it could have been your tractor.” “It wasn't in my cupboard.” John said, “It was in the church's cupboard.” “What was in the cupboard” Rhonda asked, “Some dishes?” “Our mission trip!” John said exasperated.

     “Our mission trip?” Rhonda asked a bit puzzled, “What do you mean 'Our mission trip' was in the cupboard?” “Not the trip.” John said looking at Rhonda funny, “The money for the trip.” When she heard that Rhonda's eyes grew three sizes, “Don't tell me our money for the mission trip is gone? That was a lot of money?”

     “It is.” John assured her, “It's gone, stolen, ripped off, what ever you want to call it, it's G O N E gone.” “was it locked in the cupboard?” Rhonda asked? “Of course it was.” John said. “You don’t leave that kind of money laying around for somebody to steal.” “Are you sure somebody stole it and didn't just move it?” Rhonda asked.

     “I'm positive.” John said, “The lock was broke off the cupboard and the box the money was in was smashed to pieces.” “Wow.” was all that Rhonda could say as her heart started to break. She knew a lot of people were counting on her coming to help. “Should we call out the national guard?” John asked. “I think the police might be fine to start with.” Rhonda said quietly.

     “This is just getting to be too much.” John said, “All these weird things happening all over Pupperville. And Harold isn’t even here.” “Who knew about the money?” Rhonda quietly asked. “Just the youth group and .... my ..... self.” John started to say and then stopped, “I just got an idea.” he said. “I think I may know who stole the money, and who has been causing all these weird things going on. I need to go and call a town meeting, can you call the police?” “I'm on it.” Rhonda said and picked up her phone as John took off for the town hall.”

      Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. - Joshua 6:1-2 (ESV)

     You may already know the story of Joshua and the battle for Jericho Jericho was a city with walls around it for protection, big walls. Israel wasn't trained as warriors but God had special plans for this city, plans to destroy it and own its possessions. Let's see what happens.

      You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him." … On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD." … And they burned the city with fire, and everything in it. Only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. ... But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel.

Joshua 6:3-7:1 (ESV)

     Do you think God is serious when He says not to do something? In Exodus 20:15 we read these four simple words You shall not steal. (ESV) Somebody stole the money for the missions trip, Achan stole away something that God had plans for. God said You shall not steal.

     How serious do you think God is when He says You shall not steal? Try these verses.

• Ezekiel 22:29-31 The people cheat others and steal. They hurt people who are poor and needy. They cheat foreigners and do not treat them fairly. I looked for someone to build up the walls and to stand before me where the walls are broken to defend these people so I would not have to destroy them. But I could not find anyone. So I let them see my anger. I destroyed them with an anger that was like fire because of all the things they have done, says the Lord GOD. (NCV)
• 1 Corinthians 6:10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers—none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. (NLT)

     Why does one steal? or Where does stealing come from? Matthew 15:19 says it comes from the heart - For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (ESV)

     What do we do with our wants instead of stealing? Be content with what we have, ask God for what we don't have and work....

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What would you ever be tempted to steal?
• In what ways can you be content with what you already have?

WEED SEED

     Unable to get his lawn tractor to start, Bill headed to the local handy man's “Fix It Up” shop to see about getting it fixed. “What a beautiful week we have had.” Bill said to the sales clerk, “With the warm weather the frost is going out of the ground and I want to get my lawn tractor going so I can get my garden ready.”

      “Did you say garden?!” Came a voice from behind him. “I sure did.” Bill said as he turned to see who he was addressing. “I was afraid of that.” the voice said. It was John McDonald. “You should feel right at home in a garden.” Bill said as he stuck out his hand to shake John's, “Or is a garden too small for you?

      “Even a small garden is too big now.” John said a bit dejected. “Wow!” Bill exclaimed, “What’s going on? Did some one steal your tractor?” “I’m beginning to wish they would have.” John said, “Then maybe none of this would have happened.” “What happened?” Bill asked. “Somebody got into my storage shed without me knowing it.”

      “Did they do something to your tractor?” Bill asked. “The tractor doesn't fit in the shed.” John said, “But, they did something even worse. I spent a couple days getting my field ready to plant and on Wednesday I planted my seeds, or at least I thought I did.” “What did you plant?” Bill asked, “Something good to eat?”

      “WEEDS!” John said, “I planted weeds.” “Why in the world did you plant weeds?” Bill asked, “You can't eat them.” “I didn't plant weeds.” John said in response. “Wait a minute.” Bill injected, “I thought you just said you planted weeds?” “I did.” John said, “But I didn’t plant them. At least not on purpose.” “You've lost me.” Bill said and so did the sales clerk.

      “Somebody got into my shed and hid all of my good seed and replaced it with weed seeds.” John explained. “How in the world do you tell all those seeds apart.” Bill asked. “It's not always easy,” John continued, “But I found where they switched them.” “If you knew somebody switched them,” Bill said, “Why did you plant them?”

      “Because I didn’t find out until after I planted them.” John said. “Are you going to be able to plant your good seeds?” Bill wondered. “Yes.” John said, “But I won’t get much crop out of them because of this. The weeds will take all the food away from the good seeds.” Things sure are getting weirder around Pupperville,” Bill said, “I better go make sure my seeds are okay.” and then Bill left without getting what he needed from the sales clerk.

      That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables,

Matthew 13:1-3a (ESV)

      Can you imagine having so many people show up for church, that the preacher would have to get in a boat on the lake. Well, maybe your church isn't on a beach on a lake but that's what was happening to Jesus so He got in a boat and started to teach in parables – stories with a spiritual meaning. In Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus started teaching a parable tat involved planting.

      He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.' " (ESV)

      Jesus' disciples didn't understand it so Jesus went on to explain it in verses 37-43 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. (ESV)

      In Galatians 6:7-8 we read Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (NLT) If you plant weed seeds in your fields or gardens like John you'll get weeds. If you plant weed seeds in your life, you'll get weeds. This fits with Proverbs 22:8 which says Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end. (NLT)

      2 Corinthians 9:6 adds another important lesson about planting. Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest. (NCV) If you plant lots of seeds you'll get lots of plants.

      When it comes to what we will reap we need to remember these verses.

• Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
• Hebrews 10:26 If we decide to go on sinning after we have learned the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins. (NCV)
• Romans 8:6-8 If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What kind of seeds are you planting in your life?
• What kinds of plants have you been harvesting?