HIDING IN FEAR

     Everything in Pupperville was back to normal, or at least, Randy thought. As a result, he, along with several other church board members, decided to have a special Sunday evening service to honor Bill Peterson and encourage him after everything his family had put the town through. But there was a problem. Bill was missing.

      “Psst” Martha called out to Randy from a side room near the front of the church. “Not yet, Bill” Randy whispered back. “I'm not Bill.” Martha said in return, “Bill is missing.” “Missing!” Randy shouted catching the attention of everyone in the congregation. “What do you mean Bill is missing?”

“He's missing.” Martha repeated.

      “He can't be.” Randy said. “I asked him this morning to help me tonight. I was going to have him tell me more about his past experiences with the Peterson disease. He said he would.” “Well,” Martha said, “He's missing. He's disappeared. He's gone.” “But he can't be. He's suppose to be helping me.”

      “I think he went into hiding.” Martha said, “Hiding?” Randy said, “What would he be hiding from?” Martha pointed to the people in the church and said “Them, He's hiding from them and everyone else in Pupperville.” “But why?” Randy asked, “We're here to honor and encourage him.” I know that.” Martha said, But he doesn't. He’s afraid that everybody is going dip him in tar and cover him with feathers and then torture him.”

      “I thought he told me an angel had told him everything was going to be alright.” Randy said. “He did.” Martha replied, “But after he stopped to think about the meeting tonight he panicked and now no one can find him.” “But there's no one here that wants to tar and feather him.” Randy said, “In fact, nobody in town wants to tar and feather him, they want to thank him.”

 

      “I know that!” Martha said. “even though I don;t know why?” “It's because of what Harold did.” Randy said. “After all, It's what Harold did that brought all of this on.” “Actually,” Martha interrupted, “Stella was the one. She tried to sabotage Harold's lab and it blew up and somehow caused the disease.”

      “Well,” Randy said, “Even if that is true, the people still rememberer how Harold almost died when he came to help the town during the great conspiracy.” “Yeah, he did do that.” Martha said, “that was a scary time.” “Not only that,” Randy continued, “But most of the town’s people think they have better memories now since the disease hit.” I guess that angel was right.” Martha said. Now if that angel was just tell me where Bill is hiding.”

      The two men said to Lot, “Do you have any other relatives in this city? Do you have any sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or any other relatives? If you do, tell them to leave now, because we are about to destroy this city. The LORD has heard of all the evil that is here, so he has sent us to destroy it.“

Genesis 19:12-13 (NCV)

      Lot was living in Sodom and Gomorrah but it was soon to be destroyed because it was so evil. Yet, Lot was hesitant to leave and then his wife turned back and was turned to salt and now more problems arise. Let's look at what happens next.

      Early the next morning, Abraham got up and went to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the Jordan Valley and saw smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace. God destroyed the cities in the valley, but he remembered what Abraham had asked. So God saved Lot’s life, but he destroyed the city where Lot had lived. Lot was afraid to continue living in Zoar, so he and his two daughters went to live in the mountains in a cave. One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old. Everywhere on the earth women and men marry, but there are no men around here for us to marry. Let’s get our father drunk and have sexual relations with him. We can use him to have children and continue our family.“ That night the two girls got their father drunk, and the older daughter went and had sexual relations with him. But Lot did not know when she lay down or when she got up. The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I had sexual relations with my father. Let’s get him drunk again tonight so you can go and have sexual relations with him, too. In this way we can use our father to have children to continue our family.“ So that night they got their father drunk again, and the younger daughter went and had sexual relations with him. Again, Lot did not know when she lay down or when she got up. So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the ancestor of all the Moabite people who are still living today. The younger daughter also gave birth to a son and named him Ben-Ammi. He is the father of all the Ammonite people who are still living today.

Genesis 19:27-38 (NCV)

      After making it out of Sodom and Gomorrah, thanks to Abraham, and being afraid to stay in Zoar, Lot heads to the mountains and lives in a cave. His two daughters, thinking there is no men left, get their father drunk and then use their father to get themselves pregnant. Both had children that became problems to Israel and the world event to this day. There are lessons that can be found here.

• We need to prayer for others to be saved as Abraham prayed for Lot. James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (ESV)
• Lot didn't really need to fear when God was looking after him. Neither did Bill Peterson, neither do we. Isaiah 49:14-16 But Jerusalem said, “The LORD has left me; the Lord has forgotten me.“ The LORD answers, “Can a woman forget the baby she nurses? Can she feel no kindness for the child to which she gave birth? Even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you. See, I have written your name on my hand. Jerusalem, I always think about your walls. (NCV) Hebrews 6:10 God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them. (NCV)
• Sin can have a lasting affect. Look what Sodom and Gomorrah did for Lot's daughters and how the worlds suffers yet today. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (ESV) Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you needlessly hide in fear?
• Are you willing to trust God when he says all will be fine?

GETTING IN THE WAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 16:1-16 (NCV)

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

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

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM

     It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the church was packed. “I pray that all of you had a very thankful thanksgiving.” Randy said as he got ready to deliver his morning sermon. Looking over the sanctuary he was pleased to see so many visitors but he was concerned that one family appeared to be missing but then, in came Stella Peterson yelling out “WHERE DID HE GO?”

     “Why can't we have a normal service around Thanksgiving.” Randy mumbled to himself and then said, “Excuse me, Stella, but we are in the middle...” “I AM NOT Stella!” Stella said interrupting him, “I am your queen, Jezebel. Now you will tell me where Elijah went or I’ll have your head cut off.” “Oh great.” Randy mumbled, “Why are you pretending to be Jezebel?”

     “How dare you insult me.” Stella Said, “I never pretend. “Look around you, Stella.” Randy said, “This is not Israel.” Looking around Stella says “Where did they all come from and what are they doing here in my court?” “This is not your court.” Randy said, “This is a church and they are here to worship God.”

“WHAT!” Stella yelled out, “Kill them all, we will serve Baal and Baal only.” and then took off on the run. “WOW!” Randy said as he turned his attention back to the audience, “She almost seemed to believe she was Queen Jezebel. Anyways, back to this morning mess...” “Excuse me!” sad Martha Peterson interrupting him mid sentence. “Have you seen Stella?”

     “You just missed her.” Randy said, “She was in here pretending to be Queen Jezebel.” “Jezebel?” Martha said, “Which way did she go? I’ve got to catch her and get her back to the hospital.” “Hospital?” Randy said, “What's wrong?” “ Last week she tried to sabotage Harold’s lab that he had been using to make all those potions with.” Martha answered, “And something went wrong.”

     “What do you mean?” Randy asked a bit concerned. “ She mixed a strange concoction together.” Martha went on to explain, “And it exploded all over her and Harold.” “Well she seemed her normal self when she was here.” Randy said a bit confused. “I thought you said she was pretending to be Jezebel.” Martha said. “Yeah,” Randy confirmed, “But isn't pretending normal for her?”

     “Normally yes.” Martha said, But this time she’s not pretending. The explosion messed up her mind and she really thinks she is Jezebel at least for the moment.” What do you mean by that?” Randy asked. “Every so often she starts thinking she’s someone else.” Martha told him, “And she keeps wondering where everybody came form.”

     “Oh.” Randy said, “What about Harold?” “Last time I saw him he thought he was Moses and he kept asking where all the people came from too, but he’s still in the hospital.” Martha said. “well good luck catching her.” Randy said and then turning to the audience he said, “Let's all pray for Harold and Stella right now.”

     Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite. Joshua 3:10 (NASB)

     When reading the above verse, one question you may ask yourself is “Who are all these people?” followed by “How did they get there?” Not only here but many times in the Bible names show up and you may wonder the same things. Genesis 10 and 11 helps us to understand some of where these people came from. Several of the names mentioned in Joshua can be found in verses 15-17. Remember the Philistines and the giant Goliath that David fought? You can find their origins in these verses as well.

     Wedged into these list of names is a unique story. A story that tells us why and how these peoples, these nations spread out.

     Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV)

     People were growing in numbers and they wanted to build a tower and city toward heaven – not necessarily what they were supposed to be doing. Therefore, God mixed up their languages and as a result they quit and scattered.

    We are told in Acts 17:26 that God made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,(NASB) We may not always want to believe it but all the people on the earth are related to one man through Noah to Adam. Science has even confirmed this even though evolutionist like to spread out the time scale.

     The following link is a great article covering the origins of nations and how the grandsons of Noah spread out from the tower of Babel - http://creation.com/the-sixteen-grandsons-of-noah

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you able to trace your lineage back to one of these?
• Are you willing to believe we all came from one man?

SPRING CLEANING

     Against her better judgment, Martha sent Bill to the store to pick up some items while she kept busy with her spring cleaning. When Bill arrived at the store, he pulled out the list he had been given by his wife and headed to the hardware section of the store to find some picture hooks. He should have went there last.

      “Well, hi, Bill.” came a familiar voice. It was Doc Henderson or Tim when he was not at work. “Hi Tim.” Bill returned greetings, “Are you enjoying the warm spring weather we are having?” “Sure am.” Tim replied, “I'm helping my wife do some spring cleaning and she sent me down here with a list of things to get. “Same here.” Bill said.

      “What kind of things did Martha send you out for?” Tim asked. “For starters,” Bill started to say, “I need to find some picture hooks and then some markers to make a for sale sign, and then...” Tim interrupted, “”For sale sign?” Tim said, “Are you moving?” “No,” Bill said, “Were just having a cleaning out Harold's room sale.”

      “I thought Harold was gone?” Tim said a bit puzzled, “Did he come home?” “No,” Bill said with a grin, “We just decided that since he was gone we would clean his room and sell all his 'Extra' stuff that he never uses. We're sure he'll never miss it since he never uses it.” Why doesn't he use it?” Tim asked. “Because he can never find it.” Bill said.

      “What have you found so far, if I dare ask?” Tim said, “Is there anything my boys might be interested in?” “There might be.” Bill replied, “So far I've found three extra ball gloves, Almost a hundred different video games, three garbage bags full of school assignments, ….” You're not planning on selling those are you?” Tim injected.

      “No.” Bill laughed, “ Why would anybody want to pay for D- work. Those are going to the trash. Speaking of trash, I think I'm suppose to buy some garbage bags.” “I need some of them too.” Tim said, “Let's head over to the trash can aisle. By the way, when are you having the sale.” “I'd say it will be at least another week.” Bill said.

      “Speaking of sales.” Tim said as they rounded the corner to the trash aisle, “They are having a 50 % of sale over in the tool aisle.” “They are?!” Bill lit up. “Why are we wasting time over here?” “Because are wives sent us shopping.” Tim reminded Bill. “They are counting on us for help.” “Yeah, I know.” Bill sighed, “But a 50% off sale – I can't pass that up.”

      Two hours later, Bill headed for the parking lot pushing a cart full of tools, unfortunately, he forgot what he was there for and when he got home Martha was rather upset and sent him back which was another mistake.

      Now it came about when the king lived in his house, and the LORD had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains."

2 Samuel 7:1-2 (NASB)

      After David had brought the ark to Jerusalem, he decided it was time to build a temple for God, but God said no! And Solomon built the temple instead and what a glorious temple it was but something happened or should I say didn't happen. The temple was left to itself and deteriorated until Josiah decided to do some spring cleaning.

      Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem; He did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the way of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left. Now in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan to the house of the LORD saying, "Go up to Hilkiah the high priest that he may count the money brought in to the house of the LORD which the doorkeepers have gathered from the people. "Let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD, and let them give it to the workmen who are in the house of the LORD to repair the damages of the house, to the carpenters and the builders and the masons and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the house. "Only no accounting shall be made with them for the money delivered into their hands, for they deal faithfully."

2 Kings 22:1-8 (NASB)

      Like the Peterson's cleaning Harold's room, Like Josiah cleaning up the temple, sometimes we need to do some cleaning up of ourselves. God's word talks in various place of the idea of cleaning up ourselves. Take these verses for instance:

• Isaiah 1:16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, (NASB)
• 2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (ESV)
• Acts 22:16 And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord.' (NLT)

      In a sense, cleaning ourselves up is like making ourselves new....

• Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught to leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy. (NCV)

     But cleaning is not always enough. Once clean we need to take care of what is cleaned or it may become worse off as we see in Matthew 12:43-45

• Matthew 12:43-45 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." (ESV)

     So, here is something we can do -

• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)

     And Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you like to spring clean in your life?
• Do you work to keep your life clean?

THE LIGHT SABER

     It was laundry day at the Peterson house and even though Harold was gone, the amount of Laundry had not diminished. “Really.” Martha thought to herself, “How can one teenage girl go through so many clothes in just one week.” As she headed up stairs to Stella's room to drop of the first basket load she her attention was caught by some weird sounds coming from the TV room.

      Normally, hearing weird sounds from the TV room would have been normal but the TV was broke. Leaning her ear against the door tot he TV room she heard someone say “And you thought you’d never escape.” followed by another voice saying, “ I think you are the one who will never escape.”

      “Did Bill get the TV fixed?” Martha thought to herself as she pressed her ear even harder to the door. “Don’t under estimate my use of the force.” came the first voice she heard followed by “You are but a learner, I am the master. Prepare to be eliminated.” “That doesn't sound like the TV.” Martha thought, “It sounds more like Bill.”

      “Not so fast. I didn’t come all this way unprepared. I have Sting.” Came the first voice again followed by “So, you have made for yourself a light saber. I am impressed. Never the less I have the experience. I have the dark side of the force.” and then the first voice spoke again, “The dark side is no match for the light. Draw your sword.” All of this was followed by what sounded like a tornado going through the TV room.

      “Alright!” Martha yelled out as she pushed the door open, “What's going on in here?” Startled by Martha's presence, Bill let out a scream. After Bill caught his breath, Martha again asked, “What's going on in here?” “Uhm,” Bill said looking around a bit embarrassed, “Playing with Harold's light saber.”

      “Aren’t you a little old for light sabers?” Martha asked. “Well, maybe.” Bill said, “But somebody has to defeat the evil Over Lord and this light saber is just what is needed.” “I think you've been hanging around Harold too long.” Martha said shaking her head.

      “Maybe.” Bill said again, “But, I haven’t seen him in over a month. On the other hand, maybe I'm missing him.” “Yeah.” Martha sighed, “I guess I'm missing him too.” After standing there in silence for what seemed for ever, Martha suddenly through her basket of clothes at Bill, whirled around and grabbed another one of Harold's light saber and took off after Bill. “Don't forget the Black Queen.” she said as they started swing light sabers at each other.

      It's a football game and you're winning by 1 point. Time is running out and the other team has the ball. Suddenly the crowd starts to yell “DEFENSE! DEFENSE!” Why? So the losing team doesn't score. Sometimes when God doesn't want us to do things, He puts up a defense to stop us.

      In Genesis we read of a cherubim (angel) with a sword God used as a defense. Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"— therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:22-24 (NASB)

      Adam and Eve had the life, they had few rules but they had to break an important one. God kicked them out of the garden among other things, Then, with a flaming sword kept them out.

      Later we read of another sword in the hands of an angel. But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again. The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" Then Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?" And he said, "No." Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground. Numbers 22:22-31 (NASB)

      Balak saw people coming and wanted them cursed. He thought God's prophet would help. Balaam decided to go but his donkey wouldn't. Why? Because an angel with a sword was blocking the way.

      As we continue looking at Ephesians 6 we come to the second part of verse 17 - and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (ESV) - The sword of the Spirit, it is more than a weapon, it is for protection, it is a defense. Let's think about the power of words to coll things down and protect us.

• Hebrews 4:12 says For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV) We can see that the sword, that words, especially God's word hold power.
• Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (ESV) One of the best ways to protect us.
• Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (ESV)
• Proverbs 15:23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (ESV)
• Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you use God's word to protect you or hurt you?
• Do your words act to protect you or to harm others?

NEVER GROWING UP

     Daisy Smith was hosting a scrap booking party and had invited the moms in the congregation along with their daughter to join her in the fellowship hall of the church to work on their pictures. To her delight there was a rather large turn out and they spent hours pouring over pictures, drinking coffee, eating various deserts, and laughing at family stories.

      One such story involved Bernadette Henderson and how she managed to mix things up on another of the ten commandments. It all started, according to Martha Peterson, when Bernadette stopped by to play with Stella, or at least that what she thought she was doing there but in Bernadette's words, she had come to warn her.

     “Warn me?” Martha said, “Warn me of what? I asked her.” “Weren't you listening to the sermon on Sunday?” Bernadette asked me and that started rambling on about how I was breaking the seventh commandment. And if she was here today she would have probably told us that most of us were.” When the ladies heard that several of them gasped in horror for they knew what the seventh commandment was.

     “'WHAT?' I gasped, I never broke that commandment.” Martha said she told Bernadette. “'Yes you did.' Bernadette insisted, 'You grew up.' 'Well, yeah', I told her 'But what does that have to do with the seventh commandment? And here is what she said, 'It says “Thou shalt not commit adultery and you became an adult.”

     After a bit of laughter, Martha continued her story, “'I think you’re a little mixed up.' I told her, 'I didn't brake the seventh commandment.' 'Are you telling me you never grew up? Bernadette asked when I said that, 'You sure look older than 18.' I am older than 18 I assured her. ' Than that means your an adult and if you’re an adult you broke the seventh commandment.' Bernadette insisted to me.”

     “It took me nearly half an hour,” Martha continued, “Before I was able to convince her that becoming an adult doesn't mean you commit adultery. 'You mean it’s safe to grow up?' She finally asked. 'Yes, I told her, She could grow up and become an adult.' Still she said she didn't want to become an adult but stay a kids forever. When I asked her how she was going to keep from growing up, she said she was just going to quit having birthdays.”

     “Sounds like all of us.” someone piped in when they heard that. “I quit having birthdays years ago.” someone else added and then everybody laughed. Once the laughter settled down, Martha finished her story telling them how Bernadette said she had to go tell a whole bunch of people, including her mom, that they had not committed adultery.

     When I think of adultery there are two things that immediately come to mind – the seventh commandment - Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery. (NASB) and the story of David and Bathsheba. What doesn't come to mind is growing up / becoming an adult.

     The story of David and Bathsheba can be found in 2 Samuel 1. Here is a part of that story - Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, "I am pregnant." (NASB)

     So, what is adultery? The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes it as follows: An act of unfaithfulness in marriage that occurs when one of the marriage partners voluntarily engages in sexual intercourse with a person other than the marriage partner.

     When you read through the Bible, you can find many stories of adultery besides that of David and Bathsheba. You can also read that God is serious when it comes to keeping the 7^th commandment.

    

• Deuteronomy 22:22 If a man is found lying with a married woman, then both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman; thus you shall purge the evil from Israel. (NASB)
• Leviticus 20:10 'If there is a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. (NASB)

     Remember the woman in the New Testament that was brought before Jesus. She had committed adultery – not sure why they didn't bring the man – and her accusers wanted Jesus to say she deserved to be executed for they knew what the law said. Jesus agreed but showed her mercy after the accusers walked away.

     Jesus lets us know in the New Testament that adultery goes beyond the physical act in Matthew 5:27-28 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (NASB)

     Of course, this doesn't mean all sex is out, after all God created it. I don't quote from the Message paraphrase very often but here Hebrews 13:4 Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex. (MSG)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• How serious are you willing to take the 7^th commandment?
• How guilty are you in light of Jesus word's in Matthew?

KILLING HAROLD

     “What a storm.” Randy said as he looked over the church lawn. One of the big trees had been blown down by the parking lot, there were branches every where you looked and even some of the shingles were strewn about the lawn. “We'll never get this cleaned up in time for Sunday.” Randy said shaking his head. “At least not without help.”

     As Randy started picking up branches and dragging them to the fire pit, he heard a load commotion coming from somewhere inside the church. Forgetting where he was going, Randy walked towards the building so he could hear what was going on. “HAROLD!! HAROLD!!” he heard someone yelling, “WHERE ARE YOU HAROLD!!” It was Martha Peterson.

     Not wanting to get involved Randy turned to go back to cleaning up the yard but he didn't get very far. “HAROLD, ARE YOU OUT THERE?” Martha yelled out the door and then headed towards Randy. “I'm not Harold” Randy called back. “I know that.” Martha snorted, “But have you seen him?” “No. I haven’t.” Randy told her, “But I sure could use his help. Look at this mess.”

     “I'm sure I saw him come this way!” Martha snapped. “Did you need him for something?” Randy asked as he grabbed at a pile of branches. “I sure did.” Martha stated. “Well, I would ask if I could help.” Randy said, “But I'm very busy.” “That's alright.” Martha growled, “It's Harold I want to kill, not you.”

     “WHAT???!!!” Randy exclaimed when he heard that, “You don’t mean that do you?” “Let’s just hope the Police find him before I do.” Martha growled, “He tied to burn down our garage.” “Now, calm down, Martha.” Randy told her, “When did he try to do it?” “Last night during the big thunderstorm.” Martha said, “And if it hadn’t been raining we wouldn’t have a house now.”

     “No wonder your upset.” Randy said, “What was he doing playing with matches?” “Who knows.” Martha said, “All I know is he came running down the stairs screaming fire.” “I didn't know your garage has stairs?” Randy interrupted. “It doesn't.” Martha told him, “He was in the house. “Huh?” Randy said with a puzzled look on his face. “If Harold was in the house how could he have set your garage on fire?”

     After thinking about that for a moment, Martha finally said “I don’t know. But if it happened it must have been Harold. And now I can't find him.” “Didn’t you say it happened during a big Thunderstorm?” Randy asked, “And did it ever occur to you that maybe lightning set your garage on fire?”

     After thinking about it some more, Martha said “Now that you mention it there was a bright flash and loud thunder just before he hollered fire. And there was a big hole in the roof like it had been struck by lightning.” “And you wanted to kill Harold for that?” Randy asked. “Well,” Martha said calmly, I guess he can live for now. I better get going though, I'm afraid if I stay any longer you'll put me to work. See you Sunday.”

      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. - Genesis 3:6-7 (ESV)

 

      Adam and Eve had just committed the first sin – one result of that sin was the expulsion from their home, the Garden of Eden. On their own they started having children, the first two being Cain and Able. As time elapsed and the boys grew up, Cain became a gardener and Able became a shepherd and …. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."

Genesis 4:3-12 (ESV)

     Both Cain and Able brought offerings to God. Abel's was accepted while Cains was rejected. Anger filled Cain and Able was killed. Cain was caught by God and punished to be a wanderer and the ground was cursed as well.

     Somebody once asked if any of the commandments applied to family. The answer was found in the 6^th commandment - Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder. (ESV) Have you ever felt like killing a family member?

     Mark 7:21 tells us that murder originates in the heart - For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, (ESV)

     1 John 3:15 takes things a bit farther and says Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (ESV)

     Revelation 21:8 adds even more to the last part of 1 John 3:15 in that it says But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (ESV)

     In Romans 13:9 Paul gives us an easy way to keep the 6^th commandment and any others he said The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (ESV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• If hating a brother makes you a murderer, are you a murderer?
• Do you value life the way God values life?

HAROLD “NO HOPE”

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things... 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)

      After hearing her husbands story about his run in with Bernadette and her story about Giant June bugs, Daisy felt inspired to write one of her poems. As she strolled through the park she kept muttering possible lines and rhymes to herself but once and a while she said things out loud and people would look at her funny. On one of those times she blurted out “Giant June Bugs” and someone she knew heard her.

     “Giant June Bugs!!!” Martha called out, “Not you too!!!” “Well, hi Martha.” Daisy said as she looked up, “Beautiful day for a stroll in the park.” “Were you just talking about Giant June Bugs?” Martha asked. “The ones that are the size of a moose?” Daisy asked in return. “I thought so.” Martha said, “You were talking about them.”

     “Well, yeah, I was just talking about them.” Daisy said, “I'm working on writing a poem about them.” “I take it you’ve been talking to Harold?” Martha sort of asked. “No.” Daisy said shaking her head, “I haven’t seen Harold for quite some time. I heard about Giant June Bugs from my husband who heard about them from Bernadette.”

     “From Bernadette?” Martha said in surprise. “Yeah,” Daisy replied. “Randy said She was convinced that they would come and destroy us if we planted a garden.” “So, she's the one behind all this!” Martha injected. “Actually no.” Daisy continued, “Randy said “Harold told her about them. I presume he was the one that made them up.”

     “Your probably right on that.” Martha said. “He has been using them to keep from planting our garden.” “But I thought Harold liked food.” Daisy said a bit puzzled. “He does.” Martha affirmed, “But have you ever known Harold to like work.” “Now that you mention it.” Daisy said shaking her head. “No!”

     “He’s been telling everybody that Giant June Bugs will come and attack us if he plants the garden.” Martha said, “I’m beginning to believe that child is a hopeless case. I keep hoping for the best and getting the, the, well what ever is worse than the worse.” “Sounds like our Harold.” Daisy laughed, “Have you ever thought of fighting fire with fire?”

     “But he hasn’t started any fires, at least not yet.” Martha said a bit puzzled as to what Martha meant. “Not a real fire!” Daisy laughed, “I mean, if he won’t plant because of Giant June Bugs maybe you could tell him about the Red Ringers that will come if he doesn’t plant the garden.” “What are Red Ringers?” Martha asked, still a bit puzzled.

     “Nothing,” Daisy said with a smile, “But with Harold’s imagination it just might get him planting.” “I get you now.” Martha grinned, “Maybe there’s hope yet. Well, I better get going. I've got some Red Ringer Rumors to spread.”

     Psalm 39:7 reads - And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (ESV) This Psalm, this verse, was written by King David, who according to the Bible was a man after God's own heart. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' Acts 13:22 (ESV) Even though David was a man after God's own heart, he was still human and like us, he made mistakes. In 2 Samuel we read of some of those mistakes in a familiar story starting in the 11^th chapter.(ESV)

      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. Then she returned to her house. And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, "I am pregnant." … 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." And as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant men. And the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uriah the Hittite also died. … When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. … And the LORD sent Nathan to David. … David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die." Then Nathan went to his house. And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm." But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead." Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." He said, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

     Love hopes all things. David loved his child, David loved God, David held on to hope in hoping that God would change His mind and spare the child. Hope can keep us going when things look impossible, hope can keep us looking for the best when nothing good can be seen

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you easily give up on others when things seem impossible?
• When other have hope in you do you let them down?

IT'S NOT FAIR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 10:11-13(ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

TO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Kings 3:3-15 (ESV)

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

I MUST BE DREAMING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

THE PERFECT THANK YOU GIFT

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Give thanks in everything, - 1 Thessalonians 5:18a (HCSB)

     Ever since Harold Peterson had manged to catch a live skunk, people had been avoiding him like he was the worst kind of plague. For some people, however, avoiding him was next to impossible since they lived with him. Martha, Harold's mom, was one of those people and in desperation she headed to church to talk to Randy Smith to see what he would think of her idea.

     As Martha walked into Randy's office, Randy started sniffing the air. “You don't smell like skunk.” he finally said. “Does that mean everything is okay now?” “Not in the least.” Martha replied, “I don't smell like skunk because I found some strong perfume that somehow cancels out the skunk smell.”

     “So,” Randy said as kicked back in his chair, “What have you been up to, and how can I help you?” “well,” Martha started to say as she sat down in the chair opposite Randy's, “I've been doing a lot of thinking.” “That's always good.” Randy told her, “So, what have you been thinking about?” “Thanksgiving.” Martha answered.

     “Oh.” Randy said some what shocked, “I thought you would have been thinking Harold and getting rid of that skunk I heard he caught.” “Well,” Martha admitted, “I guess I have been think a little bit about Harold and the skunk he caught. Well, maybe a lot but I wasn't thinking of getting rid of the skunk.”

     “You're not actually thinking of keeping it” Randy asked as his eye got as big as saucers. “Well,” Martha said, “Being that it's almost thanksgiving, I was thinking about giving God a gift.” When Randy heard that his eyes got even bigger and his mouth dropped open, “You’re not thinking of giving the skunk to God as a gift?”

     “No” Martha told him and Randy gave a sigh of relief. “I was thinking of something else. I was reading in Exodus 22:29 where it says The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me. And I was thinking, Harold's my first born son and....” “Stop right there.” Randy interrupted her. “You can’t give Harold away. He your own flesh and blood.”

     “You mean his father’s flesh and blood.” Martha snapped back, “Besides, God's word says to give him to Him. Besides,” Martha continued, “I think I would rather have the skunk.” “And just how do you plan to give him to God.” Randy asked “That's easy.” Martha replied, “I’ll just, just, just. I don’t know. How do I give him to God?”

     “Don’t ask me.” Randy told Martha, “Besides, would you like to have Harold given to you as a thank you gift?” “Harold as a thank you gift?” Martha snorted, “I thought he was a punishment. Oh well, so much for that idea.”

     On that day David decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord by Asaph and his relatives: Give thanks to the Lord; call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him; sing praise to Him; tell about all His wonderful works!

1 Chronicles 16:7-9 (HCSB)

     Imagine, a day set aside to give thanks. Does such a day really exist? Such a day is suppose to exit on the 4^th Thursday of November in America but how much thanks is given, and how do we do it? Martha thought of giving a gift as a way of giving thanks, well maybe not exactly. If we want to know more about giving thanks we can look at those in the Bible who were thankful and took the time to give thanks.

     David was a king who was thankful. He was the one who wrote the above verses from 1 Chronicles and we can find much of his thankfulness in his Psalms. The verse above were written just after the return of the Arc to Jerusalem. The following verses were written at various times.

• Psalm 106:1 - Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. (HCSB) – Here's a reason to give thanks – because God is good and His love endures.
• Psalm 107:1- Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. (HCSB) – The reason repeats.
• Psalm 108:3 - I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. (ESV) – Here's a way to give thanks – with singing, not in solitude but in the open.
• Psalm 111:1 - Praise the LORD!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. (ESV) – Again we can give thanks in front of people and with our whole heart. We need to get into giving thanks.

     Of course, we may not always think it easy to be thankful, to want to give thanks. Imagine being in Daniel's shoes.

     Darius decided to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, stationed throughout the realm, and over them three administrators, including Daniel. These satraps would be accountable to them so that the king would not be defrauded. Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit, so the king planned to set him over the whole realm. The administrators and satraps, therefore, kept trying to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom. But they could find no charge or corruption, for he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Then these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said to him, “May King Darius live forever. All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that for 30 days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den. Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.” So King Darius signed the document. When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:1-10 (HCSB)

      His life is on the line and he takes to time to give thanks, would you? There is more to say on giving thanks but I think this is enough to absorb for now.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you giving thanks when you should be giving thanks?
• Is your thankfulness for real?