KILLING HAROLD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. - Genesis 3:6-7 (ESV)

 

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

Genesis 4:3-12 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

POLISHED HEADSTONES

     Doctor Henderson was enjoying his afternoon cleaning out his garage. Both of his boys were off to summer camps and his wife was off visiting her sister so he knew no one would bother him and no one would miss anything he decided to throw out. Of course, working out in the garage meant friends would stop by to chat like Robert Grey.

     “Hey! Joe!” Robert hollered out as he wandered up the driveway to the garage, “You got a minute?” “Joe?” Tim asked, “Joe who?” And just so you know, when Doctor Henderson isn't at work, he likes to be called Tim. “Joe you, that's who” Robert answered. “I'm not Joe” Tim said. “You're not?” Robert said a bit puzzled, “I’ve got to find my glasses.”

     “Gramps,” That's what Tim likes to call Robert, “Your glasses are right on top...” “Well, if you're not Joe,” Robert interrupted, “You must be Pete the guy with smelly feet.” “I'm not Pete!” Tim grunted, “And me feet don't stink.” “Well whoever you are.” Robert interrupted again, “can I borrow some furniture polish?”

     “No!” Tim answered, “Besides, I'm cleaning my garage right now.” “Okay” Robert sighed, “Just thought I'd ask.” “What do you need Furniture Polish for any way?” Tim asked out of curiosity. “I'm just heading out to the cemetery” Robert answered. Now time was confused. “What do you need furniture polish for at the cemetery?” “It's my Mom's birthday!” Robert answered as if Tim should have known.

     “I think I' missing something.” Tim said shaking his head, “Why do you want to take a can of furniture polish to the cemetery for your Mom’s birthday?” “I thought I would spend some time polishing her headstone.” Robert answered, “She died ten years ago.” “Wouldn't flowers be easier.” Tim had to ask.

     Now it was Robert's turn to look confused, “Have YOU ever tried polishing flowers?” he asked. “No, No, No.” Tim replied, “ I don’t mean polish flowers. I mean give flowers.” “Anybody can do that.” Robert said with a smile, “Besides every time I go out there somebodies covered the entire grave sight with flowers.”

     “She must have been loved.” Tim said with a smile. “She sure was.” Robert said in agreement, “And that’s why I want to honor her with a clean, polished headstone.” “Sounds like you were listening to last Sunday's sermon.” Tim said. “Last Sunday's Sermon?” Robert questioned, “I couldn't hear it. My ….. Never mind. See you later”

     Then came the word of the LORD to Jeremiah, saying, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?" says the LORD. - Jeremiah 35:12-13(NKJV)

     Have you ever had problems with obedience? Judah was. Judah was having problems with obeying God and it was time for God to use an object lesson to teach the people of Judah. To do so Jeremiah was sent to the Rechabites.

      The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, "Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink." Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, his brothers and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites, and I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door. Then I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, "Drink wine." But they said, "We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever. 'You shall not build a house, sow seed, plant a vineyard, nor have any of these; but all your days you shall dwell in tents, that you may live many days in the land where you are sojourners.' "Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, "nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; nor do we have vineyard, field, or seed. "But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us. "But it came to pass, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, 'Come, let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of the Syrians.' So we dwell at Jerusalem." Then came the word of the LORD to Jeremiah, saying, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?" says the LORD. "The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father's commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me. "I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, 'Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.' But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me. "Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me." ' "Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the doom that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken to them but they have not heard, and I have called to them but they have not answered.' " And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you, 'therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever." ' "

Jeremiah 35:1-19 (NKJV)

     Look at the promise that comes with the 5^th commandment. - "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. - Exodus 20:12 (ESV) The Rechabites kept the commandment and God saw too it that they were taken care of. Israel on the other hand refused to keep God's commands.

     Believe it or not, to dishonor our parents and to not obey them is to dishonor God and not obey Him for He is the one that gave the command to begin with. And we can learn that God was very serious about honoring and obeying parents.

      "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, and they shall say to the elders of his city, 'This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear. - Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (ESV)

Are you glad this doesn't happen now? Here are a few more verses of encouragement.

• Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (ESV)
• Colossians 3:20 - Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (ESV)
• Ephesians 6:1 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How do you honor and obey your parents today?
• How do you honor and obey God today

I'M NOT TIRED

     It was Saturday morning and Bill Peterson was getting ready to take a group of kids to the McDonald Farm for a tour. Most of the kids he was taking were city kids who had never been to a farm. He knew John would be busy but he also knew that he loved showing off his farm and telling corny farm jokes.

     By 10:00 the kids had all arrived and Bill was ready to head to the farm. Unfortunately, it seemed the only song the kids knew how to sing was Old McDonald Had A Farm. Twenty minutes later, he pulled in to the farm yard. As the kids were unloading themselves, Bill went looking for John but was having trouble finding him.

     After searching for nearly half an hour through the yard, the house and the barn, Bill finally found John laying back on a tractor snoring. “Hey, John.” Bill called out but John kept right on snoring.

“Hey, John.” Bill called again this time loudly but John still didn't respond. Finally Bill walked over to him and started shaking him while calling out his name.

     Startled, John woke up with a scream. “It's me, Bill Peterson” Bill said trying to calm John down, I'm here with the kids for the farm tour.” “What?!” John stuttered, “Go away and leave me alone.” “But you said you would take the kids on a tour.” Bill reminded him. “And I will.” John snapped, “But this is Friday. Now let me finish my little nap.” and with those words he started snoring again.

     “JOHN!” Bill yelled out. “I said let me finish my nap this is... is..” John started to say but then all the kids walked in. “What are all those people doing in my bedroom?” John asked instead. “First.” Bill stated firmly, “This is Saturday. Second this isn't your bedroom it's the barn and your sitting on a tractor and third these kids are the ones you promised to give a tour to.”

     Without a word, John slowly got off his tractor. “Have you been getting enough rest?” Bill asked him as he got down. “Of course I am” John said, “Why do you ask?” “When we got here,” Bill replied, “You were snoring up a storm.” “Snoring” John laughed, “Now that’s a good one. Only Pigs snore.”

     “What time do you get up in the morning?” Bill asked. “I’d say I’ve been getting up about 2:00.” John answered, “After all there is lots to do out in the fields.” “And what time have you been going to bed?” Bill asked next. “Oh. I’d say about midnight.” John replied. “Midnight!” Bill exclaimed in disbelief. “Well,” John said in defense “There’s all the clean up and chores to do.”

     “No wonder. You’re not getting enough rest.” Bill stated. “Now wait a minute.” Bill protested, “I get plenty of....” Bill never finished his sentence,. He laid back in a hay bail and started snoring again. “Oh, well.” Bill said shaking his head, “I guess I'll have to give the tour myself. I just hope I remember enough from last year's tour.”

     Do you ever get hungry and go looking for food? What do you do if you're not at home? At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. - Matthew 12:1 (ESV) They were hungry, they were not at home, God provided for them through an old testament law - If you go into your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag. If you go into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain. - Deuteronomy 23:24-25 (ESV) But wait, it was the Sabbath. Let's pick up the story in Mark.

      And the Pharisees were saying to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath." Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come here." And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Mark 2:24-3:5 (ESV)

     Do we really understand the Sabbath? The Pharisees claimed it was unlawful for the Disciples to pick and eat Jesus said otherwise. After reminding them of what David did, He told them that the Sabbath was made for man and then he taught them a lesson by healing a man.

     Part of the reason the Pharisees got worked up was because of the 4^th commandment. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. - Exodus 20:8-11 (ESV)

     So, what is a sabbath? From the commandment we can learn that it took place on the seventh day, we can learn that it was to be remembered, we can learn that it was to be kept holy and that it was a day to cease from work or in other words to take a rest. We also can learn from other versus that God was serious in that he commanded the death penalty for breaking this command.

     Rest is something that we all need.

• We need Physical rest - The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. - Mark 6:30-31 (ESV)
• We need spiritual rest - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you getting enough physical rest?
• Are you getting enough spiritual rest?

NO GOD IN SPAIN

      It was Monday morning and Bernadette Henderson was taking a stroll through the park enjoying the sounds of the morning birds. About halfway through the park, she saw someone she thought she knew from church sitting on a bench and decided to go over to her and say hi. As she neared the bench she was able to tell that it was none other than April Zaspella.

     “Hi, April!” Bernadette called out, “Mind if I set beside you?” “I'd love the company, Bernadette.” April said with a smile. “How did you know it was me?” Bernadette asked as she sat down, “I thought you couldn't see?” “I can't” April replied, “But I can hear and I know your voice from church.”

     “What brings you to the park?” Bernadette asked. “I'm just meditating on yesterday's sermon and thinking up a poem to help me remember it.” “Oh.” Bernadette injected. “How did you like the sermon yesterday?” April asked. “It was alright.” Bernadette answered, But I couldn't understand why Randy kept telling us God doesn’t want his name used in Spain.”

     “What did you say?” April asked thinking she heard wrong. “Is said I couldn't understand why Randy kept telling us God doesn’t want his name used in Spain.” “I don't remember Randy saying that.” April said. “Of course he did.” Bernadette insisted, “He said his sermon was bout the third commandment - Don’t use God’s name in Spain.” “Oh boy!” April said shaking her head.

     “I keep asking myself 'Isn’t God’s name good enough to use in Spain?'” Bernadette said. “Yes Bernadette.” April giggled, “It is good enough. In fact It’s good enough to be used everywhere.” “Then why can’t they use it in Spain?” Bernadette asked, “Is God afraid they'll us His name the wrong way?”

     “Well...” April said, “That’s close to what the third commandment says - don’t use God’s name in vain.” When Bernadette heard that she started shouting, “Vain!? Vain?! I thought Randy said Spain!” “Nope.” April giggled, “He said vain.” “Oh great.” Bernadette said slapping her forehead, “Do you know what that means?”

     “Of course I do.” April said with a smile. “Now I'm going to have to crawl up on our roof.” “What?!” April exclaimed, “What does your roof have to do with it?” “Where else would I find a vane.” Bernadette snorted, “I just hope nobody put God’s name on our weather vane. I wouldn’t want to be breaking the third commandment.”

     “What are we going to do with you?” April asked shacking her head. “How about holding the ladder for me.” Bernadette answered, “That way I won't fall.” “No,” April answered, “I think I'll just stay here and work on my poem.” “Suit yourself.” Bernadette said as she stood up to go, “I just hope I don't fall.”

     Bernadette, she'll mix things up and still not come far from the truth for it is not only those in Spain but everywhere that need to use God's name correctly.

     After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself. And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, he planned with his officers 2 Chronicles 32:1-3a (ESV)

     Hezekiah was one of the good kings of Judah and had done much to return the people back to God. Now Sennacherib king of Assyria was planning to make war against Jerusalem. Hezekiah started prepping fro war. Let's see what happens.

     He planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, "Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?" He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

     After this, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who was besieging Lachish with all his forces, sent his servants to Jerusalem to Hezekiah king of Judah and to all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem, saying, "Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria, 'On what are you trusting, that you endure the siege in Jerusalem? Is not Hezekiah misleading you, that he may give you over to die by famine and by thirst, when he tells you, "The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria"? Has not this same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, "Before one altar you shall worship, and on it you shall burn your sacrifices"? Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their lands out of my hand? Who among all the gods of those nations that my fathers devoted to destruction was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? Now, therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you in this fashion, and do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand!' " And his servants said still more against the Lord GOD and against his servant Hezekiah. And he wrote letters to cast contempt on the LORD, the God of Israel and to speak against him, saying, "Like the gods of the nations of the lands who have not delivered their people from my hands, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver his people from my hand." And they shouted it with a loud voice in the language of Judah to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them, in order that they might take the city. And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men's hands.

2 Chronicles 32:3-19 (ESV)

     Hezekiah cuts off the outside water supply, strengthens the city, makes weapons and encourages the people and then Sennacherib starts the war …. with a war of words doing his best to discourage the people treating God as some worthless idol

     Exodus 20:7 says You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. (ESV) So, what does it mean by “vain” use of God's name? To treat God's name vain is to make it: empty, false, worthless. It is to profane or misuse it. We need to give God's name respect, honor and glory.

     Here's Something To Ponder

• How often do you treat God's name in vain as in OMG, etc?
• Does it bother you when other's treat God's name in vain?

JUST WHAT I MADE

     It was Sunday morning and Randy Smith was standing behind the pulpit delivering a message on the second of the ten commandments. Everything seemed to be going well but for some reason, he kept hearing what sounded like drill and saw noises coming from behind the curtain which was separating the sanctuary from the baptismal area.

      As Randy continued the noise kept coming and than came the pounding, not a quiet tap tap but a load bang, bang, bang. “What in the world.” Randy exclaimed in the middle of his message. Soon all eyes were staring at the curtain. “There is only one kid who would interrupt a sermon with noise like that.” Randy said as he headed toward the curtain.

     “HAROLD!” Randy yelled out and as he did there came an even louder noise from behind the curtain. Suddenly Harold popped out from behind the curtain and causally said “Hi,” as if he was doing nothing wrong. And then, Harold asked, “Do you have any nails I can use?” “NO!” Randy answered a little upset. “How about some screws or some glue” Harold asked “No! NO!” Randy replied “Now what are you doing back there?”

     “Who, me?” Harold said looking around the room. “Yes, you.” Randy answered, “What are you doing back there?” “I'm just making a statue of me.” Harold answered as if he was doing nothing wrong. “And why may I ask,” Randy said, “Are you making a statue and why are you doing it during the sermon and why are you doing it the church building? You are interrupting an important message on the second commandment, which you SHOULD be listening to!”

     “Because I’m a king.” Harold answered, “If Stella is a queen then I am a king and I want a statue of me.” “A statue of you?” Randy questioned. “Yeah,” Harold answered, “I'm going to put it in the park and when I play my drums, everybody will have to bow down before it and say Harold is better then Stella.” When the congregation heard that, everyone burst out laughing for they knew Harold couldn't be better than anybody.

     “Harold!” Randy said , half laughing himself. “King Neb ah, ah, ah chooooooo did it.” Harold replied with a sneeze from all the dust he was creating. “You mean he tried to do it.” Randy tried to tell Harold. “But God showed him who was the real boss.” “Well, my statute will be better.” Harold claimed, “It will be electric.”

     “Electric!?” Randy exclaimed, “Harold, You’re not safe with electricity.” “Yes I am.” Harold responded and then there was a loud snap and smoke started rolling out from under the curtain. “Harold!” Randy shouted, “What are you burning back there?” “Quickly Harold disappeared behind the curtain and then everyone heard him scream “My Statue! It’s on fire Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa.” The next thing everyone knew the fire alarm sounded, the sprinkler system came on and the fire department came with sirens blaring. As everyone rushed to get out of the building, Harold slipped out the back door.

     Do you ever build statues? Idols? Exactly three months after the Israelites had left Egypt, they reached the Desert of Sinai. - Exodus 19:1 (NCV) It was here that the people of Israel heard God speak to them the ten commandments. It was here the people became frightened of God and asked Moses to be God's spokesman. When the people heard the thunder and the trumpet, and when they saw the lightning and the smoke rising from the mountain, they shook with fear and stood far away from the mountain. Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.“ Then Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, because God has come to test you. He wants you to respect him so you will not sin.“ The people stood far away from the mountain while Moses went near the dark cloud where God was. - Exodus 20:18-21 (NCV) It was here that the people of Israel also forgot.

      The people saw that a long time had passed and Moses had not come down from the mountain. So they gathered around Aaron and said, “Moses led us out of Egypt, but we don’t know what has happened to him. Make us gods who will lead us.“ 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. - Exodus 32:1-6 (NCV)

     They would had claimed they would serve God, they saw His miracles, they heard Him speak, and then they left Him in the dust. They collected gold, they melted it down and they made a golden calf. They made it and then they claimed it led them out of Egypt and they worshiped it.

     When they heard God speak, they heard Him say "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. - Exodus 20:4-6 (ESV)

     When it comes to idols, what should we know?

• We should know that idols are nothing - Jeremiah 10:2-5 Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good." (ESV)
• We should not be deceived to follow - Deuteronomy 11:16 Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them;(ESV)
• We should know God will not give His glory and praise to idols - Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What kind of statues / idols do you have?
• Do you give God first place in everything?

LOOK OUT FOR ME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     The first of the ten commandments reads - "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:2-3 (ESV) God wants 1^st place not 2^nd, 3^rd or what ever. But all too often we put other no-name gods before Him. God is to be number one in everything.

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

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?