THE UNWANTED LETTER

     “How many of you like to get mail?” Randy Smith asked as he opened up the men's Thursday night Bible study. “I know I do, unless of course the mail is a bill asking me for money.” Upon hearing that a chuckle arose from the guys in the room. “Speaking of bills,” Randy continued, “Has anyone seen Bill? He's usually here early checking over the snacks.”

      “Randy.” Came Bill's voice. He was shacking like crazy and stuttering as he spoke, “I….I….I...” he said. Is something wrong, Bill?” Randy asked, “You're shaking worse than a ...” “I got a letter in the mail.” Bill said cutting Randy off. “A letter in the mail!” Randy exclaimed, “That's great because you can help me with...” “NO!” Bill shouted.

      “What?” Randy said taken aback, “You've helped me before.” “NO!” Bill shouted again, “You don''t understand.” “Come on Bill,” Randy said, “It won’t be that hard, and you’re among friends, you don’t need to keep stuttering and shaking. Why don't you tell us about your letter.”

      With his head bowed low, Bill started to read the letter. “Dear Bill,” he read. “Sounds like a normal opening.” Randy injected. “If you ever want to see..” Bill continued. “There’s a lot of things I would like to see.” Randy added. “Your Son again.” Bill said. “The sun is outside right ... “ Randy started to say but then stopped and asked, “Bill, how did they spell sun?”

      “S - O – N” Bill spelled out. “What?” Randy said, “What kind of letter is that?” “A ransom letter.” Bill said. “A ransom letter?” Randy said a bit confused. “They said I would never see Harold alive again if I didn’t give them the formula.” “You're sounding serious.” “John McDonald said, “Are you sure this is for real?”

      “I'm scared.” Bill said. “What did they say they wanted?” Dr. Henderson asked. “The formula.” Bill answered, “The one that created the Peterson disease.” “But you don't have that.” Tim said, “We couldn't even replicate it in the hospital lab.” “What am I going to do?” Bill asked, “I’ll never see Harold alive again.”

      “Why wasn't I informed about this.” Sergeant Halfway piped up. “Did the letter say why they wanted the formula?” “No” Bill said, “It just ended with a big Ha, Ha, Ha.” “Did the letter say who it was from?” Sergeant Halfway asked. “No.” Bill Said, “Not only that but the letter was made form words and letters from Magazines, so the FBI can’t even cross check the hand writing.”

      “FBI!?” Sergeant Halfway shouted, “How did they find out about this before I did?” “Your fellow officers have been trying to get a hold of you all day.” Bill said, “Is your radio on?” After making a quick check, “Sergeant Halfway gulped, “It is now. I better get to the station and see if I can help.” “And I think, instead of talking about letters tonight.” Randy added, “We should simply pray.”

      The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.

Genesis 21:1-3 (ESV)

       God had promised Abraham that he would one day have a son with his wife Sarah, a promise that he kept but then came the test. How much did Abraham really Love Isaac, Would he trust God to see him through, and would he see his son alive when all was done?

      After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. … And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father!" And he said, "Here am I, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." ...

Genesis 22:1-19 (ESV)

      There are some things we can learn from this story, there are things we can look at and ponder such as…

• We will be tested
  • Exodus 20:20 Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin." (ESV)
  • Psalm 11:5 The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. (ESV)
• Obedience is required
  • Deuteronomy 32:46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. (ESV)
  • Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (ESV)
• Faith Will Be Needed
  • 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)
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways have you been tested?
• In what ways do you trust the Lord to see you through times of testing?

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?

TROUBLE DOWN IN PUPPERVILLE

     It was a beautiful day and Randy thought he would take advantage of the day and get out and walk the neighbor hood, and visit some of the families from church. His third stop brought him to the Peterson house and as he was about to knock on the door, the door flew open and Bill plowed right into him knocking him to the ground with Bill landing on top.

      “Help!” Randy called out, “I'm being attacked.” “Help?” Bill exclaimed, “I'm the one that needs help.” “What's wrong?” Randy said as Bill rolled off of him and sat up. “The great escape.” Bill exclaimed, “Martha just called from the hospital and I've got to go.” “Who escaped?” Randy asked as he sat up next. “Stella!” Bill said.

     “Does that mean she's still in the hospital?” Randy asked. “No!” Bill exclaimed, “She's escaped.” “Does that mean she's not better yet?” Randy asked. “Something like that.” Bill said, “But it may be worse.” “Who does she think she is this time?” Randy asked “Herself?” Bill said hesitantly. “Than she's alright.” Randy said about ready to say “Praise the Lord.”

     “Not according to the doctor.” Bill said, “According to him she's gotten worse.” “I'm confused.” Randy said. “Her memory has returned.” Bill explained, “But there's more wrong than just that. For starters, whatever she has, has become contagious.” “Oh, no!” Randy exclaimed, “You need to find her.”

     “I know.” Bill said, “Have you seen her?” “No I haven't.” Randy said, “And I've been out and about in the neighborhood.” “Are you sure?” Bill asked, “She's wearing a disguise.” “A disguise?” Randy said, “What kind of disguise?” “I’m not a hundred percent certain.” Bill said, “All I know, is that is how she escaped. From the hospital.”

     “Where did she get a disguise?” Randy asked. “My wife thinks the Miller twins brought to her.” Bill answered. “Surely the nurses at the hospital would have known it was her.” Randy said. “Martha said they claimed she was their sister.” Bill said, “And since they did it as people were changing shifts, everybody was still uncertain who all was there.”

     “Well, what’s the worse thing that could happen if they don’t find her.” Randy asked. “We may all end up losing our memories.” Bill said, But even worse, if it isn't treated, the doctor thinks we could all die.” “Well if it's that serious, why are you sitting here talking to me?” Randy said “Go find her!” “I’m going, I’m going.” Bill said as he stood up and took off. “I'll keep my eyes open for her.” Randy called out after him and then got up and headed to the next house on the block.”

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret? Claiming Stella was A sister was a lie about like the one that Abraham told in Genesis 12:10-20 and while it may have seemed nobody would have known, it was known and caused a major problem.

     At that time there was a severe famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to wait it out. As he was approaching the borders of Egypt, Abram said to Sarai, "You are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, `This is his wife. Let's kill him; then we can have her!' But if you say you are my sister, then the Egyptians will treat me well because of their interest in you, and they will spare my life." And sure enough, when they arrived in Egypt, everyone spoke of her beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to their king, the pharaoh, and she was taken into his harem. Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, cattle, donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. But the LORD sent a terrible plague upon Pharaoh's household because of Sarai, Abram's wife. So Pharaoh called for Abram and accused him sharply. "What is this you have done to me?" he demanded. "Why didn't you tell me she was your wife? Why were you willing to let me marry her, saying she was your sister? Here is your wife! Take her and be gone!" Pharaoh then sent them out of the country under armed escort—Abram and his wife, with all their household and belongings.

Genesis 12:10-20 (NLT)

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret?

     Proverbs 25:26 Says - A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well. (NCV) Abram gave into evil, he did what God hates, he lied. Proverbs 12:22 says - The LORD hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises. (NCV)

     Abram lied because he feared men over God.

• Proverbs 29:25 Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the LORD, you will be safe. (NCV)
• Luke 12:4 I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. (NCV)

     Lying originates with the Devil - John 8:44 says You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (ESV)

     Lies come but they will not last forever even if we think they will for God knows all. Proverbs 12:19 says - Truth will continue forever, but lies are only for a moment. (NCV) Abram lied, but God knew what was going on and He brought trouble on Pharaoh's household. Abrams lie affected more then just himself. Stella's lie will affect others as well.

     So, Here's Something To Ponder

• What lies have you told thinking you were doing good?
• In what ways have lies got you into deeper trouble?

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?

ALMOST WENT TO HEAVEN

     Randy was excited about his sermon he had prepared for this special Sunday morning. Unable to contain his excitement, he headed to the church building early and paced up and down the aisles in the sanctuary. “When will they get here? When will they get here?” He kept muttering to himself. Finally he heard a door open and the sound of footsteps.

     “ Hello” Came a voice echoing through the church building, “Is, is is izzy, izzy, SHEW Body here?” “Bless you.” Randy said as he met up with the voice. It was Robert Grey and Randy was excited to welcome to finally see someone. “I'm glad to see you back with us.” he told him. “Not as glad as I,I, am, am, ah, ahh, ahhhh, CHOW.”

     “Are you alright Robert?” Randy asked as he reached out to shake his hand, “You keep sneezing.” “Yeah.” Robert said as he grabbed Randy's hand, “The sneezing is just a left o, ooohh, ohh SHOW, SHOW, over symptom from drinking Harold’s potion.” “Why did you ever drink that potion in the first place?” Randy asked.

     “Because Harold said it would make me live forever,” Robert said, “Or at least a long, long, long la, la, la, LABLOUIE, time.” “And instead it almost killed you.” Randy said in return with a chuckle. “Don’t remind me.” Robert said with a shake of his head, “I never want to go through that again. I thought I was going to go to heaven already.”

     “So,” Randy asked, “If Harold came out with another potion would you leave it alone?” “I wouldn’t even think twice about it, it, it ,it, ka, ka, KABOOMY, BOOMY.” Robert said with another sneeze. “Sounds to me,” Randy said, “That, that was the problem the first time.” “Huh?” Robert questioned with a dumb look on his face.

     “You failed to think twice before taking that last potion.” Randy said. “That's for certain.” Robert said in agreement, “If I had, I could avoided the hospital. It was so bad I thought I was going to dah dahh dahhhh FIGULATOR, die. Did I tell you I almost went to heaven.” “Yes>” Randy said and then asked, “Can’t you sneeze with a normal achoo?”

     “Another side affect from the potion.” Robert said. “Will you get over it?” Randy asked. “Doctors don’t know.” Robert said, “And right now I’m not that worried about it. I’m just glad to be rid of all those tummy aches. I guess we all have to live with the consequences of our actions – or die form them.”

     “You can say that again.” Randy said with a smile thinking about his sermon. “This sneezing isn’t catchy is it?” “I, I, I, Beeper bopper DOO DOO, don’t know.” “Well,” Randy said backing away from Robert, “I think you better leave just in case it, it, it, is e WHIZ E WHIZ E.” “Too late.” Robert said but I'll still leave. Good bah, bahhh, baahhhhh ROOOPY, ROOPY, bye.”

     As Robert left, Randy sat back down at his desk, put his face in his hands, cried and sneezed weird sneezes.

     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." - Genesis 1:28 (ESV) The command to multiply and fill the earth was not only given to Adam and Eve but to all men. But sin had entered the world and everything was going down hill as a result so starting in Genesis 6 God did something about it.

      When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." … The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them." But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. … Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them." Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. … In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. … And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Genesis 6,7 (ESV)

     Death came to the world and yet the promise of life, eternal life came as well. We find that promise in both the Old and New Testament.

• Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV)
• John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (ESV)

     It is through Jesus that death is destroyed and life is given.

• 2 Timothy 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (ESV)
• John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." (ESV)

     Let's add

• John 8:51Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." (ESV)
• John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you willing to ignore what happened tot he people in the days of Noah?
• What are you willing to do to live?

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?

FAILED EXPERIMENT

     It was the first Sunday of October, Church was done for the morning and Randy was relaxing in his office while looking out the window at the brilliant colored leaves. “I suppose it won't be long now until I have to grab some rakes out of the shed and start raking leaves.” He thought out loud as he gave a big sigh “Maybe I can get the youth group to do it again.” he thought but that was suddenly interrupted by the sound a an explosion and somebody yelling “Quick!! Somebody!! Call the fire department!!”

     Somebody was in that shed and now he was running around screaming like a maniac and “Is that smoke coming out of the shed?” Randy hollered and took off. “Who's there?” He hollered out as he came around the corner to the shed, “Are you all right?” “It's still isn’t working.” came a coughing and sputtering response.

     “Is that you Harold Peterson?” Randy asked as he looked over a boy covered in, well, covered in something. “I think it’s still me.” Harold answered still coughing and sputtering. “What are you doing?” Randy demanded to know, “Are you trying to blow up the church?” “No.” Harold responded, “It It was my experiment - again.”

     “Experiment?” Randy said, “ What experiment?” “The one I am working on for the school science fair.” Harold said. “Well, why are you working on it in the church's shed?” Randy asked. “Because they wouldn't let me back in the lab at school?” Harold said, “It kind of no longer exist. I had to much powder in my experiment and it blew up.”

     “And now your trying to blow up the church.” Randy stated. “No.” Harold said as he started to clean himself off, “I’m just trying to come up with a cure for the science fair.” “A cure?” Randy questioned, “What are you trying to cure, cancer?” “Somebody else is trying to do that.” Harold said, “ I wanted to create a cure for something even worse.”

     “Something worse?” Randy asked wondering what it could be. “A cure for death?” “Well, maybe sort of but not really.” Harold said confusing Randy “You see,” Harold went on, “Death is the result of sin, and, well, I’m trying to come up with a cure for sin. All you would have to do is drink my potion and you would never sin again.”

     “And just how would you get people to drink it?” Randy asked. “Well, why wouldn't they?” Harold asked sure everyone would want it. “God has already provided a cure for sin and most people don’t want it?” Randy told Harold. “What?!” Harold shouted, “He beat me to it? Oh well, the stuff didn’t taste very good anyways. Well, back to the drawing board. By the way, do you have a drawing board I can borrow? The one I was using was destroyed in the explosion.” “No.” Randy said, “But I do have some rakes and a church yard that is going to need some raking.”

     Through out the Bible references are made to something in the beginning of Genesis. It is the first story in Genesis, the first one in time, it is the story of creation. The story of creation can be found in Genesis 1:2-2:3 and can be summed up as follows:

• Day 1: God created space, time, matter and lightened
• Day 2: God separated the waters
• Day 3: God produced dry land and plants
• Day 4: God made the heavenly bodies such as the sun and stars
• Day 5: God made birds and fish
• Day 6: God made the land animals and God made man
• Day 7: God rested.

     When we read the story of creation one thing we read over and over again is that what God made was very good. We can see that in Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25 & 31. The last time God says what He made was good He say it was “Very Good.” You can't get any better than that but is it still good?

     When one looks around us today, what we see is far from very good. Romans 5:12 says that Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned. (NCV) Ever since that day sin has plagued mankind and all of creation but is there a cure?

     One may try to solve the problem of sin and its consequences like Harold with some kind of potion but God has given us a cure. Romans 6:23 says For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) and John 3:16 says 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)

     One day everything will be restored. We are reminded of this in...

• Romans 8:19-23 For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay --the things that overcame the world against its will at God's command--will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God's children enjoy. For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us--bodies that will never be sick again and will never die. (TLB)
• 2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (ESV)

     God did make everything good, go ahead and read the story for yourself. And as you do, Here's Something To Ponder

• As you look at creation can you see past the corruption to see the good?
• Will you acknowledge God as Creator?

GRAMPA SAW AN ANGEL

      Stella Peterson had just come from visiting her grandparents and was aching to find someone to talk to, to tell them the story she had just heard. She tried finding Bernadette, she tried finding Tracy, She tried finding Mindy and Cindy she even tried to talk to her brother but no-one was around and if they were they didn't have time to listen but then she bumped into Gladys.

      “Do I know you young lady?” Gladys said and than finished her sentence before Stella could answer, “You're Hero Harold's sister aren't you. Stella, I think. Do you always walk around bumping into people?” “I'm sorry.” Stella said and then burst into laughter. “You think that's funny?” Gladys said in disgust. “No.” Stella said “But what I heard was.” and then Stella started snorting she was laughing so hard. That was the wrong thing to say.

      Gladys, being the town gossip and all, was all ears when she heard that and couldn't wait to hear more. “What's so funny?” she asked. “You won't believe it.” Stella said through her laughter, “ Grampa ... said .... he ... saw ... an ... angel.” and then started to snort again. “Is that so..” Gladys said thoughtfully, “And why is that so funny?”

      “Silly.” Stella said, “Nobody sees angels they only saw them in the Bible and Grampa isn’t in the Bible.” “Looking fo a good story Gladys prodded Stella along, “How do you know that?” She asked. “ I thought it was pretty obvious.” Stella said no longer laughing, “Besides, Grampa was a bit hysterical when they got him out.”

      “Got him out.” Gladys thought to herself, “That sound good. Maybe he was drunk and fell in a hole...” “Got him out of where?” She asked out loud. “Out of church!” Stella said, “Didn't you hear about the tornado?” “Oh, that.” Gladys said a bit disappointed. “Well,”Stella went on, “He was one of those trapped in the building and that is where he said it happened.”

      “Where he saw the angel?” Gladys asked. “Yeah.” Stella said and then let out a snort, “He said it told him they would all be safe and that things would be worse on their mission trip but they were not to worry only trust in God and He would see them through.”

      “Sound like some good advice.” Came a man's voice. “It was Randy Smith and apparently he had heard the whole conversation. “You don’t believe he saw an angel, do you?” Stella asked. “I wasn’t there but I don’t see why not.” “Are you cracking up?” Stella asked. “From the way you sounded.” Gladys butted in, “You were the one cracking up.” “Besides,” Randy went on, “An angel appeared like that to Paul, and the Bible says that some people see angels and don’t even know it. In fact, they’re probably all around us.”

      When Stella heard that she started to cry. “I missed seeing an angel?” she said and then ran off. “Are you sure he wasn't a little, well, you know...” Gladys said to Randy but Randy gave her a stern look back and then she ran off.

      Have you ever felt like a stranger in a new place? Sometimes we are strangers, sometimes we see the strangers and sometimes we want to avoid them. In the Bible we see times when strangers showed up but, were they really strangers?

      In Genesis 18 we read of the appearance of three men to Abraham .... He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, "O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. … They said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "She is in the tent." The LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. … Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,

Genesis 18:1-22 (ESV)

      In Genesis 32 it is Jacob's turn .... And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered."

Genesis 32:22-30 (ESV)

      Hebrews 13:2 says Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (ESV) Have you ever wondered if the strange that just walked by or that you just walked by may have been an angel. If if the strangers around us are not angels we do have a duty towards them.

• Leviticus 19:34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (ESV)
• Leviticus 19:10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God. (ESV)
• Exodus 22:21 "You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (NASB)
• Deuteronomy 24:17 You shall not pervert justice due the stranger or the fatherless, nor take a widow's garment as a pledge. (NKJV)
• Deuteronomy 26:11 So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you. (NKJV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What would you do if an angel did appear before you as a stranger?
• When you have been a stranger how have you wanted to be treated?

JAIL BREAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

IT’S ALL OVER

     The steady rhythmic sound of snoring and the heart monitor going beep, beep, beep is all that could be heard in hospital room 207. Harold Peterson lay in a hospital bed in a coma. His dad, Bill sat in a chair beside him sound asleep. Other than going to get a quick bite to eat or use the restroom, Bill had not left Harold's son. This, is what Randy found when he finally made it back to the hospital.

      Not sure if he should wake Bill or not, he finally decided he needed to tell Bill the good news and walked over to his chair and gave him a tap on the shoulder. Rubbing his eyes and letting out a big yawn, Bill focused in on Randy and asked him “What day is it?” “I'm not sure.” Randy said, “I just hope it's not Sunday and I'm suppose to be preaching right now.”

      “I thought I was the only one that's lost track of time.” Bill said “Well,” Randy went on to say, “With everything that's been happening the past several days, I've lost track of time myself but have I got some wonderful news for you. But first, I need to know how Harold's doing.”

      “Doc says he's stable but he is still in a coma.” Bill said, “If I hadn’t known Harold to have changed I would have said he was faking it so he could sleep. Even the Doc thought so. So, what's the wonderful news you have for me. I sure could use some about now.” “Well,” Randy said, “You better sit down because this may be a little weird for you to handle.”

      “I am sitting.” Bill said, “You're the one standing and I don't know if I want to hear any more weird stuff.” “Oh, yeah, I am.” Randy said and then sat down. “Do you remember how we thought Harold might have been our hero and end the rebellion and conspiracy?” he then asked. “So much for that.” Bill injected glumly, “Do you know if they caught the guy that shot him?”

      “Now that's what's weird.” Randy said, “After the shooting, the kids turned against their leader and turned him in to the police. The rebellion is over.” “What!?” Bill exclaimed, “I don't get it.” “you're not alone.” Randy said, “But it's over, “And some guy named Bud is now sitting in jail, no longer free to lead.”

      “I don't believe it?” Bill said in disbelief. “But it is.” Randy assured him, “All week long, kids all over town have been apologizing for their behavior. Further more, Louie said it was because of what happened to Harold.” “You mean Harold's getting shot stopped the rebellion?” Bill asked in disbelief.

      “Yeah.” Randy said all excited, “It kind of opened the kids’ eyes and they decided to change. I just hope Harold survives to realize God made him a hero.” “I do to.” Harold said rather sadly and then stared at Harold. After a few minutes, Randy put his hands on Bill's shoulders “Let's Pray that he does.”

      In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me;

Acts 1:1-4 (ESV)

      When Jesus left the earth He gave a command to stay in Jerusalem until a promise would come to pass. That day had arrived and what happened that day changed things and people forever.

      When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. … And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: " 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' … Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Acts 2 (ESV)

      It was the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire. Peter started to preach that this was the fulfillment of prophecy and that they were guilty of Jesus' death. They asked what they must do and Peter said Acts 2:38 and 3000 people made a change. God wants to see us changed.

• Jeremiah 35:15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, 'Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.' But you did not incline your ear or listen to me. (ESV)
• Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (ESV)
• Hosea 6:1 Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. (ESV)
• Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, (ESV)

     If you want to look to change here are a few verses for you.

• Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (ESV)
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (ESV)
• Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what areas of your life do you need change?
• What keeps you from making the changes you need to make?

SHOW DOWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbers 16: (ESV)

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

 

      Here are some more encouraging words for such times.

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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