DOES GOD HAVE FRECKLES

     Daisy Smith was busy cleaning house. Of course there wasn't a lot to clean but there was some laundry and as she went into Louie's room to put his clean clothes away she couldn't help but notice a rather forlorn looking, freckle faced, red headed boy sitting on his bed with a Bible in hand. “Hello there” Daisy said but got no response.

      As she finished putting Louie's clean clothes away she walked over and sat down beside him. “Are you okay?” she asked but still Louie gave no response. Next she tried waving her hands in front of his face but still Louie didn't respond. “I'm going to tickle you if you don't say something.” Daisy said next to which Louie giggled and said “Alright”

      “What has you so preoccupied?” Daisy asked “Well,” Louie started to answer, “Ever since the science fair I have been wondering, Does God have freckles?” “Does God have freckles?” Daisy repeated wondering what brought that on. “Yeah.” Louie said, “And what color is He? Does he look like me or Barney? By the way, did you know Barney now has freckles?”

      “Why did you want to ...” Daisy started to ask but finished her sentence with “Barney doesn’t have freckles.” “He does now.” Louie said, “And so do a lot more people thanks to Harold.” “Uhm,” Daisy started to say, “Does this have something to do with the science fair? Randy said he almost blew up the church working on some kind of potion.”

      “Since he couldn’t make a potion that would take away evil,” Louie answered, Daisy, “He tried making a potion that would make us more like God.” “Not another potion.” Randy said sticking his head in the door. “It tasted like banana soup.” Louie said lowering his head and looking at the floor. “You mean you had some?” Daisy said in surprise. “Lots of people were taking it.” Louie replied.

      “And did people become more like God?” Randy asked. “I’m not sure.” Louie said looking up at Randy, “As for myself nothing happened. I don’t feel any different. As for everybody else, well, they don’t appear to be any more like God unless God has freckles.” “Freckles?” Randy said a bit puzzled.

      “Yeah,” Louie piped up, “Everybody that was drinking the potion looks like me now. They are covered with freckles.” After a slight pause, Louie added, “So, does God have freckles?” “NO” Randy said. “Than I guess the potion didn’t work.” Louie said After a long pause, Louie asked “Would you like to hear how my science project did at the fair?”

      “I would love to.” Daisy said “But I need to get some supper in the oven. Can you tell me about it while I'm working?” “Uh, oh.” Louie said when he heard that, “You might not want to use the oven for a while. My experiment kind of, well it, uhm.” How about we all go out to eat.” Randy piped in to which everyone readily agreed.

      Many believe that millions and billions of years ago a bunch of pond scum produced life which mutated over time into human beings. If this were true we would be nothing more than over sized mutations. Science shows us that, that can't happen and God's word tells us it didn't happen. God's word tells us that we were created in God's image.

      When the LORD God made the heavens and the earth, there were no plants or grain growing on the earth, for the LORD God had not sent any rain. And no one was there to cultivate the soil. But water came up out of the ground and watered all the land. And the LORD God formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person. Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he placed the man he had created. … to tend and care for it. But the LORD God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him." … So the LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam's ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib and brought her to Adam. "At last!" Adam exclaimed. "She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called `woman,' because she was taken out of a man."

Genesis 2:4-25 (NLT)

      Genesis 1:27 says God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (ESV) Psalm 139:13-16 Tells of His creating us while in the womb For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. (ESV)

     With this in mind, How special might we be?

• Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (ESV) .
• 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)
• 1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (ESV)

     God Himself does not have a body, Jesus tells us in the New Testament that He is spirit but He did take on a body in Jesus and Jesus tells us that if we've seen Him we've seen God. And while God may not have a body like us we do have a spirit, we have a part of us that is not physical but more like God, a part we don't really see and all to often forget exists. We need to remember that we are God's creation.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you see yourself and those around you as being created in God's image?
• Are you letting God's image be seen in you?

FUTURISTIC FORCE FIELDS

     Randy Smith was having a good day. He had finished up work at the office early and was on his way home to enjoy some time with Louie before he had to go on a call to visit someone at the hospital. As he drove home he thought of Harold at the Monastery and wondered if Bill ever made it there and if he even remembered why he was going. He even laughed a little thinking about Bill's story.

      After tossing his suit coat over a chair, Randy headed to Louie's room and as he approached the door he heard some strange noises. “Beep, beep, beep. Come in spaceship At-a-wak. This is commander Louie.” “Spaceship At-a-wak?” Randy said to himself, “That doesn't sound familiar.” “Is that you admiral?” Randy heard coming from Louie's room next.

      “Admiral? Admiral who?” Randy said as he picked his head through Louie's door. “Let me speak to Admiral Halftrak.” He heard Louie say and than he heard what sounded like a bunch of laser shots. “What are you playing?” Randy asked but Louie never heard him and started shouting amongst more laser sounds “Space ship At-a-wak come in. I’m under attack and I need help.”

      “Louie?” Randy called out again. “Come in Admiral Halftak!” Louie said in response, “I can’t hold out much longer, my shields are giving way, ” and then there was the sound of a loud explosion and Louie flopped over as if he was dead. “Louie?” Randy called out, “Are you okay?” But Louie didn't answer. Finally, he walked over to where Louie was laying on the floor and as he bent over Louie shouted out “BOO!”

      “Aagh.” Randy screamed jumping back, “What are you doing?” “Just playing with Harold’s new super sonic force field shields.” Louie said as he sat up, “He brought it over for me to use before he left but it never seem to work.” “What is it?” Randy asked as he looked it over. “Some kind of force field shield.” Louie said, “It is suppose to protect you from anything.”

      “If it is suppose to protect you from anything,” Randy went on to say, “How come you got blown up?” “I forgot to turn it on all the way again.” Louie said “I keep thinking I can wipe out the enemy on my own with out the shield at full strength.” “And you keep losing.” Randy stated, “How do you know you lose?

      “It's part of the shields programing I guess.” Louie said shrugging his shoulders. “Why don’t you try using it the right way.” Randy suggested. “That wouldn’t be any fun.” Louie replied. “Well, then,” Randy said, “How about letting me have a turn.” “No can do.” Louie said, “ I got to go. I just got a message from space station Bean Bag. They need my help.” “Well turn you shields on!” Randy said as he heard a loud blast come from the shield.

      Hebrews 10:36 reads For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (ESV) We need endurance especially when trials come at us, when Satan tries to pull us down to his level. To give us some encouragement when it comes to our faith, the writer of Hebrews gives us the faith chapter (chapter 11), a list of heroes faith.

• By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice
• By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death
• By faith Noah in reverent fear constructed an ark
• By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
• By faith he went to live in the land of promise
• By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive
• By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac
• By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau
• By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph
• By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus
• By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents
• By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter
• By faith he left Egypt
• By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood
• By faith the people crossed the Red Sea
• By faith the walls of Jericho fell down
• By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish
• By Faith – the list goes on

      We are looking at the Armor of God and this week we come to the shield of Faith. Ephesians 6:16 says In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;(ESV)

      What kind of arrows do you suppose Satan sends are way – doubt? Lies or half truths? Temptations? Promises he can't keep? Bad council? I'm sure we could go on. Satan will do what he can to bring us down, to destroy our faith and yet our faith is our shield to protect us to help us to endure.

      We have a great list of examples of those who endured because of their faith, whom couldn't be brought down because of their faith.

      Here are a few verses on faith.

• 1 John 5:4-5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (ESV)
• Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (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)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How strong is your shield of faith?
• Do you lay your shield down or hold it up?

LOST OR JUST HIDING

     “I hate this time of year.” Sergeant Robert Halfway thought to himself while he was busy writing reports. “Every year it's the same thing. Why can't we just eliminate Halloween. It would make life here at the station so much easier. And look here, another report about aliens. That reminds me, I still haven't checked out Louie's story. Maybe I should give Bill a call.”

     Reaching for his phone, Sergeant Halfway started to dial the number for Bill Peterson, a number he knew by heart from how many time Harold had been in trouble, but before he could dial the first number, Bill poked his head into the door. “Well, Hi there Bill.” Halfway said putting down the phone, “I was just getting ready to call you.”

     “Have you seen Harold lately?” Bill asked “No,” Halfway said cautiously, “I was just getting ready to call you about him. Is he in some kind of trouble again?” “He seems to have disappeared.” Bill replied. “Disappeared?” Robert asked remembering Louie's story, “Harold's always disappearing.” “That's true” Bill said “But this time no one can find him.”

     “No one can find him?” Halfway questioned, “Isn't that a good thing?” “Louie said some green aliens came and took him away.” Bill said. “Yeah,” Halfway said, “He told me the same story. Aliens that shoot laser beams out of there eyes.” “Louie told you about Harold's disappearance?' Bill said a bit surprised. “Yeah.” Robert continued, “He said they were trying to scare somebody in the cemetery when space aliens came and took Harold away.”

     “The cemetery?!” Bill exclaimed, “Louie never told me about that. That makes things even worse.” “Why?” Robert asked. “The newspaper said something strange landed in the cemetery.” Bill answered, “And it said a whole bunch of trees were destroyed. It was if they had been hit by powerful laser beams.” “Hmmm.” Halfway responded, “Louie said they shot some trees. But there are no such things as space aliens.”

     “But Harold is still missing.” Bill reminded Sergeant Halfway, “And Louie did say that space aliens grabbed him.” “Well,” Halfway said with a humph, “If you want my opinion, Harold is just hiding somewhere. “I sure hope you're right.” Bill said, “After all, it’s not like Harold to miss turkey and mashed potatoes three days in a row.” “You're right.” Robert said in agreement, “That isn’t like Harold.”

     “Gramps is trying to put a search team together right now.” Bill said, “But he's having a very hard time. Nobody wants Harold to be found.” “But if he is lost...” Halfway added, “He might not survive. I'll send one of my officers over to help as soon as I can spare one.” “Thank you.” Bill said and then left.

      So, what has happened to Harold? Did aliens take him? Is he just hiding? Have you ever wished you could hide? Have you ever done something that you wish you had never done? Have you ever felt guilty and not want anyone to know? Have you ever said I don't want to do that and disappeared, just gone into hiding?

     Think about these people

• Adam and Eve sinned against God and tried to hide. Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.' " But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. - Genesis 3:1-8 (ESV)
• Jonah heard God, didn't agree with Him and tried to run away. Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me." But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3 (ESV)
• David sinned, left behind evidence and tried to cover it up. In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, "I am pregnant." ... In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. In the letter he wrote, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die." 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (ESV)

      We often try to hide or cover up, We are often lost and unwilling to be found, yet, we cannot hide from God

     We may try to hide behind excuses, we may hide from responsibility, we may try to hide from consequences but we can never hide from God.

     Psalm 139:1-12 - O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• What are things in your life you wish could be hidden?
• Knowing God can see everything and everywhere, what will you do?

SCARED STIFF

      Sergeant Halfway was standing behind the counter at the police station looking over a report that had just come in. Gladys Fisher had reported seeing aliens down at the cemetery again. “Where does she come up with these stories?” Robert thought to himself. “This is the fifth time this month. When will she learn? Well, I suppose I should go at least look at the sky.”

     As Sergeant Halfway reached for his coat to go look, Louie Blackwood, came bursting into the police station shaking in fright hollering “POLICE! POLICE!” “Whoa.” Halfway said walking over to Louie, “Are you okay?” “They got him! They got him!” Louie screamed out. “What are you talking about?” Halfway asked. “They came out of no where and they got him.” Came Louie response.

     “Got Who?” Halfway asked as he kneeled down to look Louie in the eye. “We tried to get away.” Louie said still shaking, “But they got him.” “Louie!” Sergeant Halfway half shouted, “Calm down. You're shaking like an earthquake.” “DON’T LET THEM GET ME TOO!” Louie screamed. “Let who get you?” Halfway said trying to calm Louie down. “THE SPACE ALIENS!” Louie screamed back.

     “Space aliens.” Halfway said with a laugh. I think you've been hanging around Gladys too much. When Louie heard that he started crying. “It's not that bad.” Sergeant Halfway tried to assure Louie. “But they got Harold.” Louie cried. “Who's got Harold?” Halfway asked. “The space aliens got him.” Louie replied.

 

     “There's no such thing as space aliens.” Halfway tried to explain. “Yes there is.” Louie countered, “I saw them, and they got Harold.” “Is this some kind of Halloween prank?” Halfway asked not believing Louie. “No!” Louie plead, “I really saw them. They were down at the Pupperville Cemetery.”

     When Sergeant Halfway heard the cemetery, his ears perked up. “What were you doing at the cemetery?” He demanded to know. “ Harold and I were going to try and scare somebody.” Louie started to explain, “But we didn’t know there were real space aliens hiding out there too. “If I know Harold,” Halfway said with a sigh, “He’s probably still out there in the cemetery laughing is head off for scaring you and Gladys too.”

     “He wasn't laughing.” Louie said shaking his head, “He was screaming.” “Probably trying to scare you even more.” Halfway said. “But I saw the aliens.” Louie claimed, “They were huge and green with things sticking out of there heads and they glowed and shot laser beams out of their eyes. They even shot up a bunch of trees, I can even show them to you.”

     “Alright.” Halfway said, “If it will make you feel better I'll do some checking around, but I'm telling you, there is no such thing as aliens.”

     From Genesis to Revelation it happened. It happened to the weak as well to the strong. It happened to Louie and it happens to us. From time to time we become afraid and we need to be encouraged Let's look at some people in the Bible who God had to send encouragement to.

• Jacob – On his trip to Egypt - Genesis 46:2-3 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here am I." Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. (ESV)
• Joshua – As he prepares for battle - Joshua 11:4-6 And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight with Israel. And the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire." (ESV)
• Elijah – Going to meet an enemy king - 2 Kings 1:13-15 Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, "O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight. Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight." Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, "Go down with him; do not be afraid of him." So he arose and went down with him to the king (ESV)
• Paul – While preaching in Corinth - Acts 18:9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, (ESV)
• John – While receiving a vision - Revelation 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, (ESV)

     When it comes to fear, to being afraid, to being scared Remember this:

• God delivers from fears - Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (ESV)
• God will give strength - Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)
• Put God first and do not worry - Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (ESV)
• We're valuable to God - Matthew 10:31-32 - Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, (ESV)
• There's no fear in love - 1 John 4:16-18 - So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What are the fears that you hold on to and why?
• How can turning them over to God help you?

FOOEY LOUIE

     It was a wet September morning, with nothing to do outside so Barney Lee decided to do what he likes doing best, Bible study. To do so, Barney invited Louie Blackwood over, not only because he liked to study the Bible too but because Barney thought Louie might be know something about Sunday's sermon.

     “Hey, Louie!” Barney called out when Louie arrived, I heard that Randy is going to preach on the 8^th commandment next week. Do you know what it is?” “I sure do.” Louie replied coming over to sit at the table next to Barney. “Well,” Barney said, “What is it? I want to be prepared for the next sermon ahead of time.”

     “You should already know that the 8^th commandment is the pitcher's commandment.” Louie told Barney. “What!?” Barney exclaimed when he heard that, “The pitcher's commandment? There's no such thing as the pitcher's commandment and baseball isn't even in the Bible.” “Of course it is.” Louie giggled, “Haven't you ever heard of the 'Big Inning'” “Oh brother's” Barney moaned.

     “I got that one from Randy's notes for Sunday.” Barney said. “So, then,” Barney smiled, “Did you see what the sermon was about?” “Of course I did.” Louie exclaimed, “It's the pitcher’s commandment. “Thou shalt not steal.” You don’t steal first, you don’t steal second, you don’t steal third and you don’t steal home.”

     “What?!” Barney exclaimed, “You can’t steal first! Besides, that's a different kind of stealing.” “Well,” Louie replied, “That might be, bust someone still stole all the base.” “But you can't steal first base.” Barney protested. “Then where is it?” Louie asked. “Where is what?” Barney asked. “First Base!” Louie exclaimed, “Somebody stole it. Literally.”

     “Well,” Barney said a bit puzzled, “Who would have done that?” “I don't think so.” Came Louie reply, “He's out of town?” “Who's out of town?” Barney questioned. “That's right.” Louie answered. “What?” Barney said a bit puzzled. “No.” Louie replied, “He's been playing second.” “Who's been playing second?” Barney asked still puzzled. “Couldn't be.” Louie said. “I told you he's out of town. What's playing second.”

     “I don't know.” Barney exclaimed. “No Louie shouted back, “He's over on third.” “Who's on third?” Barney asked still puzzled. “Couldn't be!” Louie shouted back, “I told you Who is out of town.” Who's out of town?” Barney asked still not getting it. “That's right.” Louie said with a big smile and then Barney finally got it.

     “You had me going.” Barney said and then told Louie, “I've got a not from Yesterday for you.” “So, what does the pitcher want?” Louie asked. “He wanted you to know that he put all the bases away for the season.” Barney said. “So,” Louie giggled, They weren't stolen after all.”

      Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, "Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth." And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:1-3 (ESV)

     When God tells you to do something what do you do?

     Jacob had been living with Laban many years and Laban had continued to be unfair toward Jacob. God knew this and made Jacob rich and Laban became unfriendly toward him. It was time for Jacob to go.

     Jacob tells his wives the plan to leave and they agree. Laban goes to sheer and Jacob flees but wait. Rachel has plans of her own plans that almost get her killed.

      ... Rachel stole her father's household gods. … When it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled, he took his kinsmen with him and pursued him for seven days and followed close after him into the hill country of Gilead. ... And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead. And Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre? And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly. It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.' And now you have gone away because you longed greatly for your father's house, but why did you steal my gods?" Jacob answered and said to Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force. Anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our kinsmen point out what I have that is yours, and take it." Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. So Laban went into Jacob's tent and into Leah's tent and into the tent of the two female servants, but he did not find them. And he went out of Leah's tent and entered Rachel's. Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them in the camel's saddle and sat on them. Laban felt all about the tent, but did not find them. And she said to her father, "Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me." So he searched but did not find the household gods.

Genesis 31:19-35 (ESV)

     The 8^th commandment simply states - You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 (ESV) Rachel stoled her father's gods – idols – thankfully, out God can not be stolen but that's another story. Rachel stole and God has no like for thieves.

• Exodus 22:1 - If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. (ESV)
• Exodus 22:7 - If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. (ESV)
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV)
• Ephesians 4:28 - Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What is it that you might steal?
• Why would you steal it?

LOOK OUT FOR ME

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, - Mark 8:34b (NASB)

      As many of you may know, Louie Blackwood is sort of a quiet person and is often overlooked. By many of the kids he is looked at as being unimportant. It could be because of his red hair, it could be due to his freckles and it might even have something to do with the fact that he is an orphan. On the other hand, might just be the people he knows, like one Stella Peterson.

     As Louie sat by himself on the merry-go-round at the play ground, minding his own business, he was rudely interrupted by a loud trumpet blast. “Now entering – Queen Stella” Came a loud call after the trumpet blast and on to the play ground walked Stella wearing some kind of make shift crown. “All bow before your queen.” she called out as she came towards Louie.

     “Stella.” Louie started complaining but was cut off. “ That’s Queen Stella and you will address me as such.” Stella said smugly. “Okay,” Louie wondered, “What have you been watching?” “Alice in Wonderland.” Stella answered, “And I am going to be just like the Queen of Hearts.” “Isn't that the one who wanted Alice's head cut off?” Louie asked.

     “That is correct.” Stella replied, “And I am going to have the same thing done to Harold. Not only that but I want it on a silver platter.” “Isn't that going a little too far?” Louie asked. “For Harold? Never” Stella said with a sinister laugh, “Besides, I am a real Queen.” “Since when.” Louie quipped, “There's no way you could ever be a queen.”

     “But I am.” Stella assured him, “My Family is of royal descent and I can even prove it.” “How” Louie wanted to know. “I bought a computer program that lets me trace my family history and see who I’m related to.” Stella told Louie. “And you found your name in it?” Louie asked. “Well, no, not really.” Stella replied, “But it did have Peterson, sort of. He was Peter the Great.”

     “And you're related to him?” Louie asked in disbelief. “Yeah,” Stella assured him, “And that makes me a queen and since I am a queen, I am number one and everybody is suppose to serve me.” “Something is not right here.” Louie injected. “Everything is right.” Stella went on, “And I can't wait until I tell Harold that he must worship me and no other because I am a queen.”

     “Worship you?” Louie exclaimed, “I can't do that!” “Yes you will!” Stella ordered, “In fact, Everybody will fall down and worship me. Praise be to Queen Stella!” “Well,” Louie said smugly, “If you're a queen than that makes Harold a king.” When Stella heard that she froze. “And I can't wait to tell him.” Louie finished.

     “You wouldn't” Stella said with a scowl, “Do you know what will happen if you do that? He’ll let it go to his head.” “Just like you.” Louie said with a grin. After a few rather awkward moments of silence, Stella said, “I think I need to do some more research.” and then quietly left.

     Are you like Stella? Wanting to be the center of attention? Wanting to be praised? Wanting to be worshiped? Is it all about self?

     In the last chapter of 2 Kings, the kingdom of Judah went into captivity. The Babylonian king was now in control but, it was not for the reason he thought. Romans 13:1b tells us No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God. (NCV) The Babylonian king needed to be reminded of that, you may have heard of him and this story. His name is Nebuchadnezzar and his story is found in Daniel 4

      King Nebuchadnezzar sent this letter to the people, nations, and those who speak every language in all the world: I wish you peace and great wealth! The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me that I am happy to tell you about. His wonderful acts are great, and his miracles are mighty. His kingdom goes on forever, and his rule continues from now on. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was happy and successful at my palace, but I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying on my bed, I saw pictures and visions in my mind that alarmed me. So I ordered all the wise men of Babylon to come to me and tell me what my dream meant. The fortune-tellers, magicians, and wise men came, and I told them about the dream. But they could not tell me what it meant. Finally, Daniel came to me. I told my dream to him. … Then Daniel was very quiet for a while, because his understanding of the dream frightened him. So the king said, “Do not let the dream or its meaning make you afraid.“... You saw a tree in your dream that grew large and strong. Its top touched the sky, and it could be seen from all over the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, and it had plenty of fruit for everyone to eat. It was a home for the wild animals, and its branches were nesting places for the birds. O king, you are that tree! You have become great and powerful, like the tall tree that touched the sky. Your power reaches to the far parts of the earth. “O king, you saw an observer, a holy angel, coming down from heaven who said, ’Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and its roots in the ground with a band of iron and bronze around it; leave it in the field with the grass. Let him become wet with dew and live like a wild animal for seven years.’ “This is the meaning of the dream, O king. The Most High God has commanded these things to happen to my master the king: You will be forced away from people to live among the wild animals. People will feed you grass like an ox, and dew from the sky will make you wet. Seven years will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ruler over every kingdom on earth, and he gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses. “Since the stump of the tree and its roots were left in the ground, your kingdom will be given back to you when you learn that one in heaven rules your kingdom. So, O king, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.“ … Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon, he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.“ The words were still in his mouth when a voice from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these things will happen to you: Your royal power has been taken away from you. You will be forced away from people. You will live with the wild animals and will be fed grass like an ox. Seven years will pass before you learn this lesson: The Most High God rules over every kingdom on earth and gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.“ Immediately the words came true. (NCV)

     The first of the ten commandments reads - "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 20:2-3 (ESV) God wants 1^st place not 2^nd, 3^rd or what ever. But all too often we put other no-name gods before Him. God is to be number one in everything.

• In our giving - Deuteronomy 17:1 "You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep in which is a blemish, any defect whatever, for that is an abomination to the LORD your God. (ESV)
• Above our families - Matthew 10:37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (ESV)
• Over our wealth- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
• And let's not forget self - Mark 8:34b If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. (NASB)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What does the first commandment mean to you?
• What no-name gods -including self - are you putting ahead of God?

BEHAVING

Love is not rude, 1 Corinthians 13:5a (NCV)

      It had been another long day for Randy and he couldn't wait till he was home and in bed sleeping. There was a slight problem with that though for he knew he would be up late talking with the missionary family that was visiting and not only were they visiting, they were staying at his house. After saying a short prayer, Randy locked up and headed home.

     When Randy got home, he walked into a vary quiet house. “Where is everybody?” he wondered and then he caught a glimpse of a clock. He knew he had had a long day but until he saw the clock, he hadn't know how long. It was 2:00 in the morning. With out a sound, he quietly headed to his bedroom where he found his wife laying in bed quietly humming.

     “You won’t believe what one little boy did today?” Daisy said as he crawled in beside her. “Oh Boy!” Randy thought for lately he had been hearing that statement a lot and it was always about one particular boy. “What did Harold do this time?” he asked. “Harold?” Daisy responded, “Who said anything about Harold? It was Louie.”

     “Oh Boy!” Randy said out loud, “What kind of trouble has he gotten himself into.” “Trouble?” Daisy replied, “Who said anything about trouble?” “You mean, Louie isn't in trouble?” Randy asked. “No.” Daisy said, “And right no, I couldn’t be more proud of him.” “He didn't bring another elephant home, did he?” Randy asked hoping he had done something else.

     “Well,” Daisy said, “I’m sure you know we have some missionaries visiting us from Africa.” “Yeah, the Bezaks.” Randy said, “And I'm sorry I was so late getting home.” “That's okay Dear.” Daisy said as she snuggled up to her hubby, “Louie helped make the evening perfect.” “Wow.” Randy said to himself, “I wish I would have been here.”

     “Being in a strange place,” Daisy said, “There baby girl wanted to cry and cry but thanks to Louie, she didn't. Louie willingly went and helped calm her down so the mom could have a rest.” “Wow.” Randy said but this time out loud and with a big yawn. “He got the baby quiet. I could use someone like that during my sermons on Sunday.”

     “Not only did he quiet the baby,” Daisy continued, “He willingly gave up his room for them to sleep in and he went and slept in he basement. I wish every kid could be like Louie. And to think you thought I was talking about Harold, why, if Harold behaved like that we would think the world had come to an end and besides, even if Harold gave up his room it would take weeks to find his bed. Come to think of it, I wish every adult could be like Louie too, don't you agree Dear?”

     “Zzzzzzz” came Randy's reply followed by some quiet snoring. “Oh, well.” Daisy said and started quietly humming.

     In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. - Judges 21:25 (NKJV)

     Israel did not have a king, or a president, or a governor, or.... From the time of Joshua's death to the end of Joshua, it was God who was suppose to lead Israel through the Levitical Priesthood and He sort of was. I say sort of because there was a problem.

     At the beginning of 1 Samuel we find Eli as the high priest and he had two sons Hophni and Phinehas. - Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD. The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw." And if the man said to him, "Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish," he would say, "No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force." Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.

1 Samuel 2:12-17 (ESV)

     Two sons who “served God” but didn't know God. People would bring sacrifices to God, part of which would be for the priests. These men were taking what was not theirs and sometimes they would take it by force. I would have to say that unlike Louie, Hophni and Phinehas were rude, they didn't behave in a loving manner.

     According to Paul love is not rude, the sixth definition in Paul's list in 1 Corinthians 13:5. One of the ways we show love is though our behavior which is important to God.

     We often think of the book of Proverbs as being a book of wise sayings but we don't always think about why it was written. From the first few verses of Proverbs we learn that in part it was written to guide our behavior. Proverbs 1:1-3 - The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; (NASB)

     Here are a few more verses that talk about our behavior

• 1 Peter 1:15 - But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; (NASB)
• 1 Peter 2:12 - Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. (NASB)
• James 3:13 - Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. (NASB)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you more apt to act like Louie or Hophni and Phinehas?
• Which way would God see you as behaving?

PARKING LOT ELEPHANT

What is desirable in a man is his kindness, Proverbs 19:22a (NASB)

      It was Thursday afternoon as Randy sat in his office working on his sermon for the coming Sunday. The topic of his message was love and this time it was suppose to focus on kindness, the second part of Paul's description of love form 1 Corinthians 13. As he poured over illustrations on kindness he started to dose off only to be scared half to death by a loud blast from an elephant.

      When he jumped form hearing the blast, he tipped over his desk sending papers everywhere. “that sounded like an elephant.” Randy said out loud, “I must have been dreaming. There isn't an elephant within in a hundred miles of here.” After picking up his desk, Randy got on the floor to pick up a mess of papers and as he crawled under his desk, he heard another loud blast from an elephant, jumped up and banged his head on his desk tipping it over again.

     “I couldn't have been dreaming that time.” Randy said out loud and ten he heard someone outside his office window saying “Sit George! Sit!.....That a boy George, Nice elephant.” Going over to the window, Randy opened it all the way and stuck his head out and there in the middle of the parking lot was Louie sitting on top of an elephant.

     “Louie!” Randy shouted out the window, “Can't you keep that thing quiet? I'm trying to nap, I mean work on my sermon.” Pulling his head back in the window, Randy started to head back to his desk when he suddenly realized that there really wan an elephant in the parking lot. Turning back to the parking lot, he hollered to Louie to come to the window.

     “What are you doing with an elephant?” Randy blurted out as soon as Louie made it to the window. “Just taking him home for the weekend.” Louie replied rather nonchalant and the elephant let out another blast causing Randy to jump again and this time he banged his head on the window. “I said I would take care of him over the weekend.” Louie explained, “He needs to be walked everyday.”

     “And just where did you find an elephant?” Randy asked as the elephant got down on one knee and looked him in the eye. “At the animal shelter.” Louie replied, “You should know by now that I always go down there on Thursdays to help take care of the animals.” “Yeah,” Randy nodded, “I should remember but I forget because I'm often here working.”

     “Do you remember when my parents were killed on the mission field?” Louie asked. “Yeah.” Randy nodded again, “That was a tough time for all of us.” It was my dog that helped me through that tough time.” Louie said, “Ever since then, I've tried to help animals whenever I can.” “You do love animals.” Randy said “But an elephant? Where are we going to keep him?”

     “I could keep him in my bedroom? But right now I need to give George some more exercise.”Louie said with a smile but Randy never heard him for he had just come up with a great illustration on kindness for his sermon – that is, if he could find it.

     Louie was kind to animals. We read in scripture that kindness is a desirable trait. We also read that it is part of the definition of Love. Kindness is what a young woman does in our story when her father was doing just the opposite.

     Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land." Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel .... Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, "Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live." Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?" And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go." So the girl went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, "Because," she said, "I drew him out of the water."

Exodus 1:8-2:10 (ESV)

     Second in Paul's list of what love is is kindness for it says in 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, (NASB) Kindness is a part of love and the Bible reminds to be kind to others from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

• Zechariah 7:9 Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, (ESV)
• Galatians 6:10 Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. (NLT)

     John tells us in his first epistle that when we love we are to show that love by our actions. 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. (NLT) Being kind is a way of acting out our love. Here are some ideas on how we can show kindness.

• Matthew 5:42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. (NASB)
• Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. (NASB)
• Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)
• Galatians 6:2 Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How are you showing your love through kindness?
• Are you showing kindness to EVERYONE?

THE PERFECT PRESENT

Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above - James 1:17 (NLT)

      It was almost Christmas in Pupperville and a gentle snow was falling on the ice skating pond as Louie practiced his Figure eights. Unfortunately, he wasn't paying attention to where he was going and crash, he ran right into a young lady and went sprawling to the ice. As Louie pushed himself up, he turned to apologize.

     “I'm sorry.” he said, “Are you okay?” “NO.” came a muffled reply as the young lady lay face first into a snow bank. Hearing that made Louie feel really bad. “Are you hurt?” He asked. “No,” came another muffled reply and than the young lady sat up and said “It's almost Christmas.”

     As it turned out, the young lady was Bernadette, and Louie knew her well. “It's almost Christmas?” Louie puzzled out loud, “What's Christmas got to do with anything?” “We're opening presents in two more days and I'm nor ready!” Bernadette growled. “ I got my Dad finished first, than all my friends but I don’t know what to get for my MOM!”

     “That shouldn't be hard since you're both girls.” Louie said trying to calm her down. “I didn’t think it would be either but I want to get her the perfect present.” Bernadette told Louie, “I’ve gone through every catalog in the house at least a dozen times and I’ve searched and searched on the Internet.”

     “Did you check all the stores in Pupperville?” Louie asked as he started to think of some way to help her. “Stores?” Bernadette replied in disgust, “Stores? You mean actually go out with all those other people and shop? Are you crazy?” “It's not that bad walking through the stores.” Louie tried to encourage her, “Besides, I thought girls like to shop.”

     “Well, I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if I knew Harold wouldn’t be there.” Bernadette told him. “But he has a booth set up outside the mall and he's trying to sell a ton of things. He even tried to sell me a bunch of dead frogs. He said they would be the perfect present for my Mom.”

     “Where in the world would Harold have gotten that much stuff?” Louie asked. “He wouldn't say.” Bernadette told him. “Every time I asked, Harold said it was a secret. And then tried to sell me some other gross thing.” “Were people actually buying stuff from him? Louie asked. “I don't know.” Bernadette told him “But his booth was the busiest one there.”

     After a few minutes of silence, Louie told Bernadette “You could give yourself to your mom.” “I guess I have enough wrapping paper to wrap myself.” Bernadette sighed, “So, what did you get Daisy for Christmas?” “Uhm, I, Uhm.” Louie stammered, “I think I forgot. I better rush over to Harold's booth and see if I can find something?” “What!?” Bernadette exclaimed when she heard that but Louie never heard her for he was on the way.

     In Isaiah we read of vineyard, a vineyard planted by God. I will sing about the one I love, a song about my loved one’s vineyard: The one I love had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He broke up the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted it with the finest vines. He built a tower in the middle of it and even hewed out a winepress there. He expected it to yield good grapes, but it yielded worthless grapes.

Isaiah 5:1-2 (HCSB)

     God loves to give and when it came to the vineyard that He planted, he gave it everything it could need so as to produce the perfect grapes but what He got was worthless. God's giving doesn't always end up being for naught.

     There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared [it] in the presence of all peoples— a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.

Luke 2:25-32 (HCSB)

     Although it happened 8 days later, God gave Simeon his wish. Simeon was aloud to see the Christ child and when he did, he praised God. Sometime later it was men giving gifts to God. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.” Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

Matthew 2:1-12 (HCSB)

     There are two types of giving in the Christmas story. There is God's giving

• John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV)
• 1 Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (ESV)

     And than there is our giving

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (ESV)
• Luke 6:38 - give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you willing to accept God's gift of His Son.
• Are you willing to Give yourself to God

IN JESUS' NAME

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, - Colossians 3:17a (ESV)

      Some people eat nuts. Some people are nuts. Some people drive people nuts. Harold Peterson is one of those people who fits all three descriptions. He eats nuts, he is nuts and he drives everybody nuts but lately he is being driven nuts along with his good friend Barney by a kid in school who thinks Jesus' name is some kind of magic word.

     It was during phy-ed class that Harold first noticed it. On that particular day he was playing catcher in a game of kick ball. Every time the kid would come up to kick the ball he would shout “I kick you in the name of Jesus.” Half the time he would miss the ball and once, Harold told Barney, “He fell flat on his back.”

     “In math class last week,” Barney said next, “The teacher called him to the front of the class to work a math problem on the board. The problem was kind of hard but no to hard. Anyway after five minutes he circled his answer and said 'The answer is 35 in Jesus' name.' 35 wasn't even close to being the right answer.”

     “He's been really annoying at lunch everyday for the last two weeks.” Harold continued. “Worse than you?” Barney questioned. “Way worse.” Harold responded, “He had just about everyone, including the cooks, ready to throw him in the compost pile. He must have said 'I eat this in the name of Jesus.' a hundred times at every meal.”

     As the boys continued to talk about the kid at school, Louie walked up. “Is he the same kid that got caught passing notes in Jesus' name in history and shooting rubber bands in Jesus' name in English class?” Louie asked. Barney and Harold looked at each other and than at Louie and said in unison “In Jesus' name.” and then cracked up laughing.

     “That kid must think Jesus' name is some kind of magic word” Barney said through his laughter. “Why would anyone want to use Jesus' name like that?” “Well,” Louie stammered, “ Randy uses Jesus' name after his prayers.” “Yeah,” Barney responded, But he knows how to use it properly.”

     “Anyway,” Louie told them, “I just saw him in the back of Sgt. Halfway's police car.” “What?” Harold asked “Did some one get tired of him saying 'In Jesus' name.' after everything he did?” “Sort of.” Louie continued, “He was caught shoplifting. He tried to walk out of the supermarket with a big bag of candy and said he didn't need to pay for it because he was taking it in Jesus' name.”

     “I hope the judge throw the book at him for being such a nuisance.” Barney said happily. “And I hope he does it in Jesus' name.” Harold added and than all three burst into laughter.

     Proverbs 22:1a A good name is more desirable than great riches; (NIV) - To many people fail to realize the importance of a good name and when I talk about a good name I’m not talking about a name like Frank or George being a better than a name like Buster or Nim Com Poop. I’m talking about a name that has behind it a good reputation.

     There are people who have great reputations, people from whom you would love to be associated with, people for whom the mere mention of their name can make things happen, can get things done. Jesus has one of those names. Think of some of the things that were and are done in Jesus' name:

• In Jesus' name Peter made a lame man walk – Acts 3:6
• In Jesus' name demons became subject to the disciples – Luke 10:17
• In Jesus' name we are to be baptized for salvation – Acts 2:38
• In Jesus' name we are to give thanks – Ephesians 5:20
• In Jesus' name we are to do all things – Colossians 3:17

     And of course, staying true to the theme of this series, when we pray we are to ask for things in Jesus' name - John 16:23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. (NLT)

     So, what does it mean to ask for something in another’s name? Is it simply some magic word to be used? I suppose it could mean that the name of the person doing the asking is insufficient to get the request fulfilled, or it could also mean that we are asking so that another receives the credit or glory, or maybe both.

     If a man who has money in a bank authorizes us to draw it, we are said to do it in his name. If a son authorizes us to apply to his father for aid because we are his friends, we do it in the name of the son, and the favor will be bestowed on us from the regard which the parent has to his son, and through him to all his friends.

     If we are to ask for things or do things in Jesus' name we need to make sure we can. The Bible gives us examples of demons being cast out in Jesus' name but it also give example of those who tried and failed. In Acts 19 we read of the failures of the sons of Sceva.

      Some Jews who travelled around and drove out evil spirits also tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to do this. They said to the evil spirits, "I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches." Seven brothers, who were the sons of a Jewish High Priest named Sceva, were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them, "I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you—who are you?" The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off. - Acts 19:13-16 (TEV)

     They tried it in Jesus’ name and failed miserably. They failed miserably because the were not known, they weren't really followers of Jesus and it's likely they had no faith. Once in Matthew 17:14-20 the disciples tried to cast out a demon and failed and when they asked Jesus why He told them they failed because of their lack of faith.

     The name of Jesus is wonderful. Through the years some have tried to use it to accomplish their wrong doings and in so doing have given the world a bad view of the name of Jesus. Before we try to do something in Jesus’ name, let’s make sure we are doing it right, that we are doing what He would have us to do, Let’s make sure we are ready - even in prayer, to do it in Jesus' name.

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you show respect to Jesus' name?
• Do you pray in Jesus' name and mean it?

I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!

"… I would not hear," says the LORD of hosts,- Zechariah 7:13b (ESV)

      One of Robert Grey's best kept secrets is his hearing aides. Those little devices that people hide in their ears so they can hear what people are saying to them. Robert has had one in both of his ears for years but he has hid them so well that no one has ever noticed and up until last weekend they had never been a problem.

     Last weekend, Robert decided to take a bunch of the boys from church on a fishing trip, a trip that turned into a nightmare for the boys. In deciding where to go, Robert decided the best place to take them was deep into the back waters on his favorite fishing lake. He was sure that all the boys would have a good chance to catch some big ones.

     Getting to the fishing spot with the boys was no problem in his fancy fishing boat and soon everyone was having a great time, or at least the boys were. Robert was not enjoying himself like he thought he would and it was probably due to the fact that the boys kept bonking him in the head with their fishing poles.

     Once, Louie hit him in his right ear and knocked his hearing aide out and it fell in the water. “At least I still have one in my other ear.” Robert thought to himself but the next thing he knew, it was in the water too. This time it was Barney's fishing pole that hit him. Not wanting to tell the boys about losing his hearing aids falling in the water, Robert just sat silent and hoped nobody was asking him anything.

     Late in the afternoon the weather started to change and before long it a light mist filled the air. Soon the boys were complaining about getting wet and wanting to go home. Of course Robert couldn't hear a word they were saying and kept giving them weird answers in hopes that one of them might make sense. When it started to poor, Robert finally decided to head for shore. He had the boys put their fishing poles away and pull up the anchor and away they went.

     As they broke into the open a very strong wind gust hit them and blew Roberts glasses off and into the water. Not only could Robert not hear the boys yelling at him, now he couldn't see where he was going. Before he knew it, he was heading in the wrong direction. To make matters worse, He was heading right towards the dam.

     As the boys began too panic a miracle happened, or at least they thought it was. The boat ran out of gas and with a little bit of help from the wind they somehow managed to drift right to the landing. When they hit shore, Robert quickly jumped out of the boat and headed to where he thought he parked his truck. Luckily all the other trucks had left and he somehow found his. Once inside the truck he found his back up hearing aides and another pair of glasses.

     To keep the boys from knowing he hadn't been able to hear them he asked them if they wanted to go for another wild ride. Those boys replied by getting the boat out of the water and onto the trailer in record time. “I guess that means no!” Robert said and jumped in the truck and took off. The boys hollered at him to wait for them but Robert never heard them – he forgot to turn his hearing aides on. As the boys watched Robert pull away, Harold said “It will probably be safer for us to walk home anyway.” to which the rest of the boys said “Amen!”

     How often do we compare God to Robert Grey? You may say never but think again. Robert couldn't hear and if we admit it or not we may often think God doesn't hear either. That was the cry of Habakkuk’s prayer at the beginning of his book. - How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, "Violence!" Yet You do not save. Habakkuk 1:2(NAS)

     From Habakkuk’s standpoint things looked pretty bleak. God had abandoned Israel. All of Israel was in turmoil while the enemy was ruling over them and the enemy was getting by with their wickedness. Habakkuk couldn’t take it any longer and cries out “Why aren’t you listening God, Why aren’t you hearing our prayers.”

     For us, it may sound more like this - Nothing is going our way, work is a bother, money is scarce, friends and family are getting on our nerves, our dreams are becoming nightmares as sleepless nights are chasing us down. Not even God seems to care. We pray, but get no answer and in frustration holler toward the heavens with a clinched fist “Why aren’t you listening God, Why aren’t you hearing my prayers.”

     Like Robert, there are times that God does not hear, not because of a missing hearing aide but because of us. Think about these verses...

• Proverbs 21:13 - If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard. (TEV)
• James 4:3 - You ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure. (HCSB)
• Proverbs 28:9 - If you refuse to obey what you have been taught, your prayers will not be heard. (NCV)
• Isaiah 59:1-2 - Look! Listen! GOD's arm is not amputated—he can still save. GOD's ears are not stopped up—he can still hear. There's nothing wrong with God; the wrong is in you. Your wrongheaded lives caused the split between you and God. Your sins got between you so that he doesn't hear. (MSG)
• Zechariah 7:13 - "As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear," says the LORD of hosts, (ESV)
• Matthew 6:5,7 - “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray so people will see them. I tell you the truth, they already have their full reward....“And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words. (NCV)
• James 4:2b - You do not have, because you do not ask. (ESV)

     If we want to pray to be heard by God we need to examine ourselves for God needs no hearing aide.

      Here's something to Ponder

• Do you want to be heard when you pray?
• Are you keeping yourself from being heard?