THE WAY IT WAS

     Bill Peterson had been at church for a long time, a very long time. Ever since an angel told him everything was going to be alright, he had been at the church praying. Bill didn't even go home to eat or sleep. When he got tired he slept on a pew and when he got hungry he went to the church kitchen or his kids brought him something to eat. As a result, he had no idea the town had gotten better.

      As Bill lay sleeping on a pew, he was suddenly awakened by a loud “YAHOO!” FOLLOWED BY “I'm here to round up the cows.” “Not another farmer running loose.” Bill thought as he sat up to see who it was he had heard. To his surprise, it was a farmer, or at least a farmer's daughter. It was Tracy McDonald but Bill couldn't tell if she was who she was or not.

      “So, are you some kind of cow girl rodeo star?” Bill asked “No.” Tracy said sadly, “I'm me. Boring old Tracy McDonald E I E I O.” “WOW” Bill Exclaimed in excitement, “Somebody else is themselves.” “Yeah ha.” Tracy sighed. “But that's great news.: Bill said, “How about the rest of the town, is it better too?” “Yeah, I guess so.” Tracy said with a sigh and plopped down on a pew.

      “Uhm,” Bill Said, “You don't sound to happy about that.” “It was fun when everybody was somebody else.” Tracy said. “But it was dangerous.” Bill reminded told her. “No it wasn't.” Tracy protested. “But what if there had been a fire.” Bill said, “Who would have put it out. The fire department thought they were NASCAR drivers, they would never had come.”

      “Well, I’m sure somebody would have thought they were fire fighters and came.” Tracy said. “But would they have known what to do?” Bill asked. “And what if somebody needed an emergency operation at the hospital?” “I guess I wouldn't have wanted my Dad to be the one doing the operation.” Tracy said.

      “Your dad thought he was a doctor?” Bill said. “That would have been scary. I've seen how he takes hooks out of the fish he catches.” “It was actually kind of funny.” Tracy said, “In fact, all of it was funny. I wish we were still all sick. I wonder if we could pass the disease around again.” “No way!” Bill said. I never want to go through that again.”

      “Oh well,” Tracy sighed, “I better find that cow and get back home.” “What cow?” Bill asked, there hasn't been any cows in here.” “There hasn't?” Tracy said a bit surprised, “I sure I can smell one in here.” Hearing that Bill started sniffing the air and then himself and then he started gagging. “I think I'm the one that smells like your cow. Maybe I should go take a shower. It's been at least two weeks since I had one.” “No wonder you smell like a cow.” Tracy said. “I guess I'll get back to the farm.

      So the LORD told Abraham, "I have heard that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah are extremely evil, and that everything they do is wicked. I am going down to see whether or not these reports are true. Then I will know."

Genesis 18:20-21 (NLT)

      Sodom and Gomorrah were very wicked and God was going to destroy them. Abraham had made a pact with God not to destroy it if 10 righteous people were found therein but how many were there, in there? As it turned out, there wasn't enough and even those who were allowed to escape wanted to hold back. Here's the story...

      That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom, and Lot was sitting there as they arrived. When he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed low to the ground. "My lords," he said, "come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up in the morning as early as you like and be on your way again." "Oh no," they said, "we'll just spend the night out here in the city square." But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. As they were preparing to retire for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. They shouted to Lot, "Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out so we can have sex with them." Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him... "Stand back!" they shouted. "Who do you think you are? We let you settle among us, and now you are trying to tell us what to do! We'll treat you far worse than those other men!" And they lunged at Lot and began breaking down the door. But the two angels reached out and pulled Lot in and bolted the door. Then they blinded the men of Sodom so they couldn't find the doorway. "Do you have any other relatives here in the city?" the angels asked. "Get them out of this place—sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. For we will destroy the city completely... At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. "Hurry," they said to Lot. "Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out of here right now, or you will be caught in the destruction of the city." When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the LORD was merciful. "Run for your lives!" the angels warned. "Do not stop anywhere in the valley. And don't look back! … Then the LORD rained down fire and burning sulfur from the heavens on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, eliminating all life—people, plants, and animals alike. But Lot's wife looked back as she was following along behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:1-26 (NLT)

      Tracy was better, the town was better but Tracy wanted the disease back. Lot and his family didn't want to leave. Lot's wife wanted to turn back. God wants something different.

      God wants us to leave sin behind us, not stay with it. Hebrews 12:1 says - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. (NLT) Earlier in the book God says A righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away." - Hebrews 10:38 (NLT) In Luke 9:62 Jesus says "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." (NLT) With all of this in mind, why would one want ot turn back? Why would one want to return to the ways of sin?

      Now for some icing on the cake - 2 Peter 2:20-21 And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them. (NLT)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you hesitate to get away from evil? Why?
• When away do you want to go back “one last time?” Why?

TAKEN WITH THE WRONG CROWD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

WORK, WORK, WORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BIG STORM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 4:35-41 (NCV)

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

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

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

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

     Even Solomon had something to say years later

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

PARTY TIME

     Finally, warmer weather was on the way and Tracy McDonald couldn't wait. She was getting tired of doing chores in the cold and not being able to ride her bike into town to play with her friends. So, when the temp reached 50 degrees, she decided to jump on her bike and peddle her way through the slush to see her friend Stella Peterson.

      “YES!!! YES!!!” Stella came running out of her house hollering when Tracy pulled up in front of the her house. “Wow.” Tracy thought to her self, “I didn't think Stella would be this excited to see me.” As Tracy jumped off her bike she hollered back to Stella, “You sure sound excited to see me.” “Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!” Came Stella's reply.

     “Well, “ Tracy said hesitantly, “I guess I'm excited to see you too.” “YES!!! YES!!!” Stella hollered again. “Stella?” Tracy said, “Can you say anything besides yes?” “YES!!!” Stella replied. “Okay.” Tracy said, “What else can you say?” “HAROLD!!!” Stella replied, “HAROLD! HAROLD! HAROLD!”

     “You're excited about Harold?” Tracy asked a bit puzzled, “I've never known you to get excited about your brother before.” “He's not coming home.” Stella said gleefully. “That's Terrible!” Tracy scolded, “Does that mean they never found him after the earthquake?” “Oh they found him alright.” Stella said, “They even found him alive.”

     “I guess that would be a reason for being excited.” Tracy said nodding her head. “Are you kidding?” Stella blurted out, “I’m excited because he’s staying at the monastery.” “You mean the earthquake didn’t scare him away?” Tracy asked in unbelief. “This may sound a bit on the weird side,” Stella replied, “But Harold claims he saw an angel when he was buried in the rubble.”

     “Harold?” Tracy questioned, “As in the boy who sees space aliens and giant June bugs?” “Well,” Stella laughed, “maybe it’s not weird for him, but he claims that the angel told him to stay at the monastery and continue to learn.” “Do you miss him?” Tracy asked for even though she knew Harold was a bother, she sort of missed him.

     “ARE YOU KIDDING!!!???” Stella screamed as if she had been hit by a ton of bricks, “I’m planning a big celebration party because he’s NOT coming home.” “And you think somebody is going to come?” Tracy questioned. “I have already received 30 replies saying they would come.” Stella replied smugly. “By the way, would you like to come? Maybe you could help me with the party arrangements?” “No thanks!” Tracy answered, “I think I'll go visit Barney.” and then she left.

      David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. - 2 Samuel 6:1-2 (ESV)

     Some years before this statement was made, the Philistines had captured the Ark - not the one Noah built but the one containing the commandments, and a pot of Manna, etc. and after experiencing troubles, they sent it back. It came Baale-judah and there it stayed. Now David wanted to bring it to Jerusalem. Let us follow the arks journey in 2 Samuel 6 .

      And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. And David was angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?" So David was not willing to take the ark of the LORD into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. And it was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

     Do you like to party? Stella wants to Party because Harold won't be coming home. David partied because the Ark was coming home. Celebrating is something we can do and can be found in the Bible. It often comes out in expressions of Joy.

• Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (ESV)
• 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, (ESV)
• Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (ESV)
• Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. (ESV)
• Acts 5:41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (ESV)
• Acts 8:39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. (ESV)

     Even in Heaven we can find rejoicing. When you turn to Luke 15 we find three stories of celebrating which is then compared to the joy of heaven as found in Luke 15:10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (ESV) Are you rejoicing. We have many things to be joyful for.

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What are the things you have to celebrate?
• In what ways do you celebrate before the Lord?

SLEIGH RIDE SURPRISE

     Trying to do some last minute Christmas shopping, Daisy Smith wandered through the mall. After hours of walking sh sat down for a bite to eat in the courtyard As it turned out, the table she sat at was right next to a group of girls from church and she couldn't help over hearing several them talking about the sleigh ride that had been held at the McDonald's farm.

      “Speaking of last night.” Daisy heard Tracy McDonald say, “I think I received the biggest surprise of my life.” “Hi Tracy.” Daisy said wanting to get in on the conversation, “Did I hear you say you received the biggest surprise of your life last night?” “I think we all did.” one of the other girls piped in.

      “Did it have something to do with the sleigh ride last night?” Daisy asked. “Yes and no.” Tracy answered. “So,” Daisy said, “What was the surprise then?” “Harold!” The girls all yelled out at once. “I should have known.” Daisy said shaking here head. “What did he do this time? No, Let me guess, Harold did something to the horses.”

      “No,” Tracy shook here head. “He covered the seats with super glue?” Daisy asked next. “He did that last year.” Tracy said. “Then what kind of trouble did he get into this year?” Daisy wanted to know. “Actually,” Tracy replied, “He didn’t do anything wrong.” “I can see why that would be a big surprise.” Daisy said a bit surprised her self, “Was he sick or something?”

     “I'm not sure.” Tracy said, “But I do know he wasn’t acting his normal self.” “Did he say why he was acting different?” Daisy asked. “He said it had something to doing with Christmas and giving Jesus the unperfect gift.” one of the other girls answered, it was Bernadette. “The unperfect git?” Daisy questioned, Don't you mean the perfect gift?”

     “Yeah,” Tracy went on to explain, “He said he wanted to give Jesus the perfect gift but Barney’s list didn’t have anything good on it. So, Harold decided to give the unperfect gift.” “Well,” Daisy said wanting to know, “What was the unperfect gift that he gave?” “Himself!” The girls all said in unison. “Harold gave himself.”

     “What?!” Daisy shouted out in surprise. “That's right.” Tracy said, “He decided to give himself to Jesus. And he wasn’t going to try to be good on his own anymore.” “Since when did Harold ever try to be good?” Daisy injected, “Do you think he was serious?” “I doubt it.” Stella sneered. “I sure hope so.' Tracy added, “But I wouldn't hold my breath. But then, he was well behaved last night. Makes you wonder.” “Wonder indeed.” Daisy said and then got up to do some more shopping.

     It's that time of year when we think about gifts both giving and getting. It's that time of year when we should also be thinking of the greatest gift and the greatest gift giver. James 1:17 says Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (ESV) Of all the gifts that God has given, the greatest gift He gave was His Son. 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)

     Too many times this greatest of gifts is rejected and even attacked but not always. No, I'm not going to look at the Wise men and their giving of gifts but a couple of men, who like Harold, gave themselves to God.

• The first was an Ethiopian - Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. … Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts 8:26-38 (ESV) He was reading scripture but couldn't understand it. Philip was sent to explain. He gave himself to God.

• The second was A Jailer - The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Acts 16:22-33 (ESV) He put Paul and Silas in Jail but they kept singing. He tried to kill himself when he thought they had escaped. He heard good new and gave himself to God

     We are told:

• For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)
• For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)
• And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
• For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What kind of gifts has God given you?
• What have you given God?

THE 4TH NO MORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Kings 13:1-24 (ESV)

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

THE BOPPIN PIG

Love does not delight in evil - 1 Corinthians 13:6a (NIV)

      “Has anybody ever read from the book of Third Corinthians?” Randy asked as he started off a discussion for the youth group. His goal was to teach a little history from the early church fathers but before he could ever get to the lesson, he decided he needed to talk about role models instead mostly thanks to Tracy McDonald.

     “Third Corinthians?” Stella smirked when she heard that, “There’s no such book in the Bible.” “You’re right.” Randy told her, “There is however a letter written to the Corinthians by a man named Clement.” “Cement?” Bernadette exclaimed, “That must be a hard to read.” “Clement not cement, Bernadette.” Randy replied “And it’s possible he is the same Clement that Paul mentions in his letter to the Philippians. Isn’t that cool.” Randy knew teenagers liked to use the word “cool.”

     “Maybe.” Tracy responded, “But it’s not as cool as the Boppin Pig.” “The Boppin Pig?” Randy questioned, “Who or what may I ask is the Boppin Pig?” “That's the code name for Tom Smith” Tracy answered. “And who is Tom Smith?” Randy asked. “Just a man about the size of a semi truck.” Tracy said, “And he's so cool.”

     “The size of a Semi Truck?” Randy asked. “Just about.” Tracy replied. “According to the farm news on TV last night he weighs in at 852 pounds. He is so cool.” “852 pounds!” Randy exclaimed, “No one ways that much.” “But he does.” Tracy said, “They interviewed him while he was eating and I can see why. He ate like a pig. I wish I could eat like that.”

     “What! You want to eat like a pig?” Randy asked in shock. “Yeah.” Tracy replied, “I'm tired of table manners.” “Sounds like your Tom Smith needs someone to teach him manners.” Randy claimed. “I don't think so.” Tracy laughed, “The interviewer tried and it was so cool.” “What was cool” Randy asked. “You don’t tell a 852 pound man what to do.” Tracy responded, “He bopped him.”

     “He bopped him?” Randy questioned. “Yeah.” Tracy giggled, “He sent him flying clear across the room and then it was the camera mans turn. He scolded Tom for boppin Joe. So Tom got up knocking over the table, picked up the camera man and threw him out the window. It was so cool.” “That doesn’t sound cool to me.” Randy shuddered, “In fact it’s sounds out right terrible.”

     “I guess he does it all the time.” Tracy responded, “He even has a fan mail club and a web sight. WWW dot Boppin Pig.” “You mean People actually like what he does?” Randy asked. “Of course,” Tracy replied, “After all, he’s so cool.” Trying to turn things back to God, Randy asked, “Do you think God likes what he does?” “As big as he is,” Tracy replied, “I don’t think God would even try to stop him.” With those words, Randy set aside his scheduled talk on history and focused on God's size and our role models.”

     Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me." But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.

1 Samuel 31:1-6 (ESV)

     A tragic end comes to king Saul and his sons. They are at war with the Philistines, again, and this time an arrow hits Saul. To avoid capture he asks his armor bearer to kill him but he refuses. Saul kills himself and than the armor bearer follows suit. But somebody was watching. Here is a summary of 2 Samuel 1:1-16

 

     On the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. David said to him, "How did it go? Tell me." And he answered, "The people fled from the battle, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead." Then David said to the young man who told him, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?" And the young man who told him said, "Saul said to me, 'Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.' So I stood beside him and killed him and I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord." Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening. And David said to the young man "How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go, execute him."

     Unlike the man who claimed to kill Saul, unlike Tracy who thought the Boppin Pig was cool, David did not delight in evil. Problem is, too many of us do and God warns against such behavior for it does not match with the Bible's definition of Love.

     There is much danger when it comes to treating evil as good. Here's is some of what the Bible has to say:

• Malachi 2:17 - You have wearied the LORD with your words. But you say, "How have we wearied him?" By saying, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them." Or by asking, "Where is the God of justice?" (ESV)
• Proverbs 17:15 - He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (ESV)
• Proverbs 24:24 - Whoever says to the wicked, "You are in the right," will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, (ESV)
• Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (ESV)

     Of course, Love does not delight in evil.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• How many things that are “evil” find there way into your “Good” list?
• Are you truly saddened by what is being called good that is evil?

SOMETHING'S IN THE HAY STACK

And they went with haste and found … the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16 (ESV)

      As Stella stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes and dreaming about all she would get for Christmas, she was rudely interrupted by a loud Bamm, Bamm, Bamm, Bamm. “Knock it off, Harold!” She yelled out, not realizing it was someone knocking at the door, or should I say beating on the door. Again a loud Bamm, Bamm, Bamm, Bamm. Echoed through the kitchen.

     “Open it yourself, Harold” Stella hollered out “I'm busy!” but all she got in response was another loud Bamm, Bamm, Bamm, Bamm. In disgust, Stella grabbed a glass full of dirty dish water to throw on her brother when she opened the door but when she opened the door it wasn't her brother that was standing there. “WHERE IS HE!?” Tracy screamed at her, “I'm going to kill him”

     “I thought you were him.” Stella said and brought her glass of dish water back tot he sink, “Do I dare ask what Harold did this time?” “He tried to kill me.” Tracy said, I was minding my own business trying to do some needle work when he came into the barn and.” You were doing needle work in the barn?” Stella interrupted,

      “In the hay loft, to be precise.” Tracy told her, “I have cozy little a hide-a-way up there.” “So how dis Harold try to kill you?” “He said it was a surprise.” Tracy told Stella, “Don't ask me what kind of a surprise because he wouldn't tell me. What I do know is he tried to borrow one of my Dad’s tractors, the one with the front end loader on it.”

     “Why in the world would Harold want your dad's tractor?” Stella questioned. “I don't know.” Tracy answered, “I don't even know how he got it started but before I had a chance to see what he was up to, POOF!” “POOF?” Stella repeated Tracy's word, “Did the tractor blow up?

     “Harold put the tractor in gear, plowed over the support beam for the hay loft and down I went along with everything else and now I'm going TO KILL HIM.” “If you're going to kill him, I can't even begin to imagine what your dad is going to do to him.” Stella told her. “He's not doing anything to him.” Tracy said in disgust, “But then again, he doesn’t have to go looking for my needles in the hay stack. AUGGHH, I’ll never find them.”

     “Your dad's not mad about the hay loft?” Stella said in disbelief. “Dad says he's knocked it down several times himself and Harold will put the beams back up tomorrow.” “Good!” Stella exclaimed, “That will teach him.” “Don't count on it.” Tracy warned, “Dad is going to let him use the tractor to put them and all the hay back up.”

     “If you'll help me finish these dish quick,” Stella said to Tracy, “I'll come over and see if I can help you find your needles. “I suppose.” Tracy said and walked over to the sink, “I can always kill Harold tomorrow – if he's still alive.”

     Luke 18:27 – Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." I'm sure we can all think of impossible things, things that are impossible for people to accomplish like making predictions more than 400 years in advance and having them come true. Some of those predictions relate to the coming of Jesus into this world.

• Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)
• Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
• But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. - Micah 5:2 (ESV)
• Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. - Daniel 9:25 (ESV)
• And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12 (ESV)

     Now imagine trying to find Jesus at His birth – it would have been like trying to find a needle in a hay stack but with God's help in the form of some angels a group of shepherds found Him.

     And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

     The Lord Either God Himself or Jesus Himself are not that hard to find and the truly wise do seek Him as we all should.

• I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. - Proverbs 8:17 (NASB)
• But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29 (NASB)
• His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. - Acts 17:27 (NLT)
• Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. - Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Had you been with the shepherds would you have gone looking for Jesus?
• Are you willing to look for Jesus this Christmas?

HIDING OUT

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Proverbs 15:3a (NASB)

     It was a cool fall day there was a light mist in the air and the sun was starting to set as Tracy headed to the barn to start her evening chores. “Here Bessy,” she called as she opened the big red door on the barn “It's time for your evening milking” When she heard Tracy's voice, Bessy let out a long moo and then a funny sounding sneeze.

     “Wait a minute,” Tracy said sounding a bit alarmed, “Cows don't sneeze like that.” After a few minutes of silence she heard the funny sneeze again. “Who's out here in the barn?” She demanded to know. “Nobody” came a quiet voice that sounded a somewhat familiar. “Is that you Barney?” Tracy called back.

     “You can't see me, You never heard me, and you don't know where I am.” the voice replied. “So it is you.” Tracy answered back, “What are you doing hiding in the hayloft, Barney, you know you have allergies.” “Is Harold with you?” Barney quietly asked in return. “NO!” Tracy answered, “You don't think he would come around here when there's work to be done?”

     “Yeah,” Barney said as he came out of hiding, “I suppose you're right about that. Besides, I can't smell him.” “Smell him?” Tracy said with a quizzical expression. “Yeah,” Barney said as he sniffed the air, “Why do you think I'm hiding from him.” “How would I know.” Tracy answered, Unless,” she paused for a moment, “He didn't!”

     “BINGO” Barney exclaimed. “I thought he wasn't suppose to be chasing skunks anymore.” Tracy chirped in. “He's not.” Barney assured her, “But you know how well he listens.” “Unfortunately, I know all to well.” Tracy said as she nodded in agreement. “So, how bad did he get sprayed this time?”

     “SPRAYED?” Barney exclaimed, “If only he had gotten sprayed.” “What do you mean?” Tracy asked a bit puzzled, “Isn't that what he did?” “He caught one”!” Barney exclaimed, “And he's going all over town trying to show it to everyone he meets.” “No wonder your hiding in the hayloft.” Tracy told Barney, “I think I'd be hiding in the hayloft too if I knew he was trying to show me a skunk.”

     “You won't tell him I'm here, will you?” Barney asked, hoping she'd say no. “My lips are sealed” Tracy assured him, “In fact...” she started to say and then started to sniff the air. “You better move over and make room for me, I smell him coming now.” and up the ladder she flew.

     “Helloooo.” came Harold's voice as they heard the barn door creek open, “Is anybody here?” Although it was hard, Barney kept from sneezing and after about ten minutes, Harold and his skunk left but just to be on the safe side, Tracy and Barney kept hidden for another half hour before Tracy went back to her chores and Barney sneaked home.

     As a parent, I confess that there are times I purposely hide from my kids and if I'm really good, they don't find me and after awhile they give up looking. There are times when all of us hide from someone or at least we desire too. It could be that we're playing, it could be that we want to surprise them or it could be we want nothing to do with them. If someone came around with a live skunk and they smelled even worse, I would probably want to hide like Barney. For the most part, if we are good enough, we can hide – from people but....

     Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.' " But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?"

Genesis 3:1-11 (ESV)

      To sum the story up, God gave Adam and Eve food to eat, lots of food to eat but He also gave them some food they were not to eat. When we think of all the rules, laws, commandments etc that we have to follow, we can see Adam Eve had only a few and one of them was to NOT eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. They ate the fruit, their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked. God came along for a visit and they tried to hide.

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

     Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (NIV) There is no hiding from God.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• How many times have you wished God couldn't see?
• Do you live in such a way that you want things hid from others?

THE HONEST MIRROR

Let us examine and probe our ways, Lamentations 3:40a (NASB)

      “Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred. That should be enough.” Harold thought out loud, “With this many petition sheets, there is no way Dad and Mom can say no to me getting a pet rat. Now to go and get some signatures.” and with those words, Harold headed to the mall, the busiest place he could think of.

     When Harold got to the mall he found that it was indeed very busy. “I'll have these pages full in no time.” he thought but getting signatures turned out to be harder than he thought. First, nobody wanted to stop to talk to him. Second, when they did they were either against rats or for parents. After two hours he was only able to get three signatures.

     After a couple more hours and only one more signature, Harold headed to the food court to give his feet a rest. As he sat at one of the tables chowing down a chili dog and some fires, Tracy sneaked up behind him and poke him in the ribs. “I thought you hated malls, Harold, what are you doing here?” she asked.

     After Harold explained everything to Tracy, he was sure she would sign his petition because she loved animals and he knew she had several pets and when Tracy asked to see one of the petition papers he got all excited but instead of signing it, Tracy ripped it into little tiny pieces. With a look of horror on his face, Harold gasped, choking on the bite of burger he had in his mouth. As he coughed and sputtered he said one word, “Why.”

     “I live on a farm, Harold.” Tracy snorted, “And anyone who lives on a farm around here knows a rat is nothing but a nightmare. Why would I sing a petition for more rats? I just signed one to get rid of rats two days ago.” “Why is everybody against me.” Harold complained when he heard that. “Maybe it's because you're not much different than a rat your self.” Tracy told him, “If you really want to be around a rat just go stand next to a mirror.”

     Not wanting to hear anymore about Tracy's dislike for rats, Harold took off for the rest room. When he was sure she was gone he started to head back out to the mall floor but as he did, he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. “I don't see a rat in the mirror.” Harold said out loud. From behind one of the stall doors, someone yelled out, “You're the rat she was talking about.”

     As Harold stood in front of the mirror, he started making faces at it. Finally, he said, “I don't look like a rat, I just look like me, perfect me. Too bad there isn't more of me” As Harold headed out of the rest room he decided to give up on his petition and headed home. As he walked home, he thought about himself in the mirror and started to wonder where he could find another self.

     I have a mirror in my bathroom over the vanity. I sort of use it once in awhile when I'm shaving in the early hours of the morning – when my eyes are only half open. It sort of helps me to see what I'm doing. Once in awhile I'll actually look in the mirror to see what I look like and once in awhile I'll make funny faces at myself.

     Unless a mirror has been rigged, it does a good job of letting you see you as you are and that can be a good thing for sometimes we need to see ourselves for who, or what we are.

     Several time in the Bible we are reminded, encouraged, commanded to examine ourselves, to take a look at who we are, to see what kind of “dirt” we might be covered with.

• 2 Corinthians 13:5a Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. (NCV)
• Lamentations 3:40a Let us examine and probe our ways, (NASB)

     When we examine ourselves, we need to look at more than just our outward appearance for outward appearances can be deceiving.

• Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. (ESV)
• 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (ESV)

     When we look at ourselves we have a mirror with which to look in, a mirror that does not lie, it's God's word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us 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) To this we can add 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. (NCV)

     God's word can have a big impact on ones life when it is read. Look at King Josiah.

      In Josiah’s eighteenth year as king, he made Judah and the Temple pure again. He sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the city leader, and Joah son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the Temple of the LORD, the God of Josiah....The Levites brought out the money that was in the Temple of the LORD. As they were doing this, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the LORD’S Teachings that had been given through Moses. Hilkiah said to Shaphan the royal secretary, “I’ve found the Book of the Teachings in the Temple of the LORD!“ Then he gave it to Shaphan. Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to Josiah, “Your officers are doing everything you told them to do. They have paid out the money that was in the Temple of the LORD and have given it to the supervisors and the workers.“ Then Shaphan the royal secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.“ And Shaphan read from the book to the king. When the king heard the words of the Teachings, he tore his clothes to show how upset he was.

2 Chronicles 34:8,14-19 (NCV)

     Once we have looked at our selves we need to be careful not to forget what we saw, be careful not to make necessary changes. - Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. James 1:22-24 (TEV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Have you examined yourself in the mirror of God's word lately?
• What do you look like compared to God's word?

FEARLESS FRIEND

Greater love has no one than this.... John 15:13a (ESV)

      Determined to try and set things right, Stella and Tracy headed back into the woods where they had lost Muffy in hopes that they could find him again and bring him home to Harold. Tracy kept blowing on her dog whistle while Stella kept calling out “Here, Muffy. Here, Muffy.”

     After searching for nearly an hour, Tracy had to ask, “Stella, Are you sure this is the right way?” “Of course it is.” Stella replied, “I’m always right” “Then why did you send Barney down the other path?” Tracy asked “Just in case.” Stella answered. “In case you’re wrong?” Tracy interrupted but was quickly cut off when Stella yelled, “It’s Him!”

     “Where?” Tracy asked as she spun around looking for him. “Behind that tree!” Stella yelled back, “Let’s go get him.” As the girls neared the tree, Tracy suddenly froze and yelled “Stella!” “What, now?” Stella said as she reached the tree. “That’s not Muffy,” said as her voice started to crack, “It’s a bear cub, we need to get out of here fast.”

     Now Stella should have known better but when she saw that bear cub something came over her and she decided she needed to try and pet that bear cub. “NO, STELLA!” Tracy screamed at Stella, “The mama bear won’t like that.” “I don’t see any mama bear,” Stella said as she crept up on the bear cub, “Besides, he’s so cute”

     The next thing the girls knew a great big mama bear let out a loud ROAR and charged at them. “Run, Stella, Run.” Tracy called out as she took off running. Just than Stella tripped and let out a scream “OOOOOOOUUUUUUUCCCCCCCHHHHHHH My leg! I can’t run” As the bear readied to pounce on Stella a familiar Woof, Woof, Woof jumped in front of her.

     It was Muffy and they had found him or he had found them. For the next five minutes Muffy and the bear growled, howled, snarled and roared as the fought with each other. In the mean time Stella had managed to stand up and started to limp away when everything went silent.

     “The bear is leaving.” Tracy whispered to Stella “Muffy saved us” “Muffy is a hero!” Stella shouted out, “Three cheers for Muffy, Hooray, Hooray, Ho.... Muffy’s not moving.” “What’s wrong?” Tracy asked? “He’s, He’s Dying.” Stella said as she started to cry. “We need my Dad and fast.” Tracy told Stella, “He knows the vet. Let’s see if we can find him before it’s too late.”

     John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. (ESV) How much love do we have for our friends?

     In the week prior to writing the original script that became this puppet story there was a real bear cub in my backyard, however the idea of having a bear showing up in the story was not inspired by it. Most people (I hope) should know that coming between a mother bear and her cub is very dangerous yet more dangerous than getting between a mother bear and her cub is giving in to sin.

     Instead of running from danger, Stella tried to embrace it and as a result, she needed to be saved. Thankfully Muffy came to the rescue. People are constantly flirting with sin and while they may not always suffer the consequences immediately, sooner or later, sin's consequences will come due unless of course we have a friend who is willing to take the consequences on himself.

     Think of what our greatest friend went through for us, to take the eternal consequences of our sin upon himself. Here is what he went through:

• John 19:1-3 Then Pilate ordered that Jesus be taken away and whipped. (NCV)
• Luke 22:63-65 The men who were guarding Jesus began making fun of him and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, “Prove that you are a prophet, and tell us who hit you.“ They said many cruel things to Jesus. (NCV)
• Matthew 27:27-31The governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the governor’s palace, and they all gathered around him. They took off his clothes and put a red robe on him. Using thorny branches, they made a crown, put it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!“ They spat on Jesus. Then they took his stick and began to beat him on the head. After they finished, the soldiers took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. (NCV)

     In Matthew 11:19 we learn that Jesus had some unusual friends, they were called sinners - The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." (NIV)

     Unless you want to God a liar, the Bible also claims that we have all sinned, therefore we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 is just one such verse that makes this clear. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NIV)

     Add to these two verses Romans 5:8 which reads God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV) We can learn that We are all sinners yet we are Jesus' friends for whom he died so that we may not have to suffer eternal consequences of our sins.

     I suppose Stella could have told Muffy to back off, she didn't need any help taking on the mother bear and I suppose we could tell Jesus we don't want His help over coming the consequences of sin but neither would be wise.

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you think you can over come sin's eternal consequences on your own?
• Are you thankful for Jesus being your friend willing to help?