B - O - R - I - N - G

     Summer was in full swing in Pupperville. The skies were clear, the temperatures were soring into the 90's and well, I suppose you could say it was the lazy days of summer. No one felt like doing anything but hang around at the beach and, well, be lazy, lazy and boring. I just so happened that those two ideas were on Barney's mind the other day when he met up with April Zaspella.

     “Hi.” April said, “Is that you Barney? You sound sort of depressed.” “Yeah, it's me.” Barney said “But I'm not depressed, just bored because I have nothing to do.” “Nothing to do?” April questioned, “I thought Harold was back.” “He is” Barney said, “But he doesn't want to do anything, but be lazy.” “Oh.” April said disappointedly, “I thought he had changed.”

     “Well, yeah, he has changed.” Barney said, “But I’m not sure I like the new Harold.” What do you mean?” April asked. “For starters,” Barney went on to say, “I'm finding that he is no longer a challenge. There was a time when he kept his room so messy you could get lost in there for days. Now he keeps his room spotless.”

     “I could get lost in there even if it was clean.” April said with a giggle. “That's because your blind.” Barney said. “So, what does Harold do all day?” April asked. “He just sits and studies the Bible.” Barney told her, “And that reminds me, Even church has been boring because of Harold?” “Ah” April said, “I know I've been out of town for a few weeks but how is Harold making church boring?”

     “By being good.” Barney said. “But you're suppose to be good in church.” April protested. “I know.” Barney sighed, “But with Harold you always expected some kind of trouble to happen and now it doesn't happen. People are even starting to quit coming to church as a result.” “What?!” April exclaimed, “You mean people were only coming to church to see what kind of trouble Harold would cause in church.”

     “Well,” Barney said hesitantly, You have to admit, things got rather exciting when he was his old self.” “But all those distractions messed everybody up and kept them from worshiping.” April protested. “I suppose.” Barney said, “If that’s why they were there.” “Is that why you go to church?” April asked when she heard that. “Well,” Barney said, “It's like this. I need to get going. Bye.”

     And God spoke all these words, saying, "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. "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 20:1-6 (ESV)

     God gave a simple command – worship Me and Me only. “God wanted no one, no thing, to take His place and yet this command is broke over and over and over. One god/goddess was Diana. Also called Artemis. Let's find out what happens around her.

     And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. … And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, … many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. … About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship." When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. ... Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Acts 19:1-41 (ESV)

     Eventually, we read that the crowd was calmed down and dispersed. They worshiped a false god/goddess and yet, while there is much to learn from these verse I found it interesting that once they had gathered together, they had no idea why they were there. One might also ask the question when we gather at church... So why do we?

• Hebrews 10:25 - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
• 1 Timothy 4:13 - Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (NIV)
• Acts 2:41-42 - Then those people who accepted what Peter said were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the number of believers that day. They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together. (NCV)
• Ephesians 5:19 - Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord. (NCV)

     When we comet together do we do these things? When we come together are we like the Psalmist who says I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1 (NLT)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Why do you gather together?
• Do you come with gladness or boredom as a goal?

GOD DID IT

     “I'm not sure what to think of everything.” Barney Lee said to Bernadette Henderson as they talked in the park about the rebellion being over. “Well, I even heard that Stella told Harold she was sorry and gave him a hug.” Bernadette said. “She did that?!” Barney said in disbelief, “I wonder if she liked it?”

     “NO! She didn't!” came a reply. It was Stella. “It was Horrid, it was Yucky, it was Gross and I'll Never do it again not even if he was... was... was... I guess he was shot wasn't he.” “Yeah,” Barney said, “And in a way we are all responsible for what happened.” “I take it, you still don't like your brother?” Bernadette added.

     “Come on, Bernadette.” Stella said, “Brothers and sisters are NOT suppose to like each other. We’re suppose to hate each other and fight with each other.” “Does that mean you still won't get along with him?” Bernadette asked. “Are you kidding?” Stella said, “Even when he’s being good, he’s being rotten.” “what are you talking about?” Barney said when he heard that.

     “Well, Bernadette,” Stall said, “Believe it or not, I was trying to go out of my way to try and show some appreciation to Harold for what he did and all I got was 'I didn’t do anything.'” “You tried to show Harold some appreciation?” Bernadette said in shock. “Yeah.” Stella replied, “I tried to throw him a hero party for him and he said he would refused to come.”

     “That doesn't sound like Harold?” Barney said. “Why wouldn't he come?” “ He keeps saying he didn’t do anything.” Stella said, “He says that God did it all and the party should be for Him.” After thinking about that for a moment, Barney got a big grin on his face, “Do you know what this means?” “Duh.” Stella said, “It means I just wasted all my time planning a party.”

     “No.” Barney said, “It means Harold is out of his comma and is getting better.” “Oh.” Stella said a bit disappointed, “I guess so, I guess so but he can’t come home from the hospital for several more weeks.” “Several weeks?” Bernadette asked, “When were you going to have the party?” “Last week” Stella said and then whispered, “Before Harold was even out of the hospital”

     “How was he suppose to show up for that?” Barney asked. “Well,” Stella replied, “He could have sneaked out to come. He's really good at that.” “I have an idea.” Bernadette interrupted, Why don't you still have the party, but wait until Harold is out of the hospital. But instead of having a hero party for Harold turn it into a 'Thank You God' party. Then invite Harold to tell everybody about how God used him.”

     “That's a great idea.” Barney chimed in, “I'll even help you put it together.” “I suppose that might work.” Stella sighed, “I better go and call the Quaker oats man back.” “Huh?” Barney and Stella said looking at each other when they heard that but when they went to ask for an explanation, Stella left. So they just picked up talking about the rebellion being over.

     Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium a long time and spoke bravely for the Lord. He showed that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to work miracles and signs. But the city was divided. Some of the people agreed with the Jews, and others believed the apostles. Some who were not Jews, some Jews, and some of their rulers wanted to mistreat Paul and Barnabas and to stone them to death. When Paul and Barnabas learned about this, they ran away to Lystra and Derbe, cities in Lycaonia, and to the areas around those cities.

Acts 14:3-6 (NCV)

     Paul and Barnabas were doing the work of preaching.... But trouble came and they had to move on to preach again but this next time something different happened.

      In Lystra there sat a man who had been born crippled; he had never walked. As this man was listening to Paul speak, Paul looked straight at him and saw that he believed God could heal him. So he cried out, “Stand up on your feet!“ The man jumped up and began walking around. When the crowds saw what Paul did, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like humans and have come down to us!“ Then the people began to call Barnabas “Zeus“ and Paul “Hermes,“ because he was the main speaker. The priest in the temple of Zeus, which was near the city, brought some bulls and flowers to the city gates. He and the people wanted to offer a sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard about it, they tore their clothes. They ran in among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing these things? We are only human beings like you. We are bringing you the Good News and are telling you to turn away from these worthless things and turn to the living God. He is the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past, God let all the nations do what they wanted. Yet he proved he is real by showing kindness, by giving you rain from heaven and crops at the right times, by giving you food and filling your hearts with joy.“ Even with these words, they were barely able to keep the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.

Acts 14:8-18 (NCV)

     Imagine people wanting to call you a God for what you did, imagine them wanting to sacrifice to you and lift you up, imagine telling them it was all God's doing and He deserves the credit. Humility is something we all should have.

• Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)
• Colossians 3:12 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, (ESV)

     Along with being humble comes some wonderful promises.

• Psalm 138:6 - Though the LORD is supreme, he takes care of those who are humble, but he stays away from the proud. (NCV)
• Luke 14:11 - All who make themselves great will be made humble, but those who make themselves humble will be made great. (NCV)
• Proverbs 22:4 - The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. (ESV)

     Harold's unwillingness to take credit for what happened in Pupperville but give the credit to God is just one way to show humility. So, Here's Something To Ponder.

• In what ways do you let God use you?
• In what ways do you show humility by giving God the credit?

IT’S ALL OVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 1:1-4 (ESV)

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

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

Acts 2 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

SHOW DOWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbers 16: (ESV)

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

 

      Here are some more encouraging words for such times.

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

TROUBLES BREWING

     Bill Peterson, John McDonald and Randy Smith were having a “meeting of the minds” as they called it while sitting on the local fishing peer. Wanting to try and piece together a few more ideas and pieces to the rebellion yet not wanting to waste a beautiful day they decided this was going to be a win win situation even if they didn't catch a fish.

     “You did tell Robert and Tim where we were meeting, Bill?” John asked. “Yeah” Bill replied, “But I think I told them the wrong time. They should be here soon though.” “Does anybody know if Harold ever found anybody to listen to him?” Randy asked. “Why? Do you need some pointers for your sermons?” John said with a laugh.

     “Any other time I would have thought that to be funny.” Randy said “But, wait, who's that over their behind that tree?” “I don't see anybody.” Bill said as he turned to look. “Me neither.” John said. “Well, I'm sure I saw someone over there.” Randy said, “And it looked almost like it could have been Stella.”

     “STELLA! We know you're over there.” Bill called out wondering if someone was really there and to his surprise, someone answered back “I’m not here.” Everyone immediately recognized Stella's voice and Bill called out “Alright, Stella. What is going on here? Why are you spying on us from behind that tree?”

     “I'm not spying on you.” Stella called out, “I'm looking for Bud.” “Bud?” John asked, “Who in the world is Bud?” “Bud?” Stella repeated, “Did I say Bud? I meant MUD. Yeah, That's what I meant, mud.” “But I was sure you said Bud.” John said “Yeah, I heard you say Bud too.” Randy added. “No.” Stella replied, “You couldn’t have. Nobody is suppose to know He’s here.”

     “Know who is here?” Bill asked. “Bud!” Stella replied to which all three guys said “BUD!?” in unison. “Where? Where?” Stella said coming out of here hiding spot and looking all around. “So you did say Bud.” John said. “What's going on Stella?” Randy piped in. “You better come clean” Bill added, “you're already in a heap of trouble.”

     “Harold’s messing up our plans.” Stella said, “He’s become a mister nice guy, and he’s being obedient. And that’s going to mess up our plans.” Plans for what?” John asked, “Plans to take over the city?” “'Yes” Stella replied, And that's not all, but now we have to stop Harold or he’s going to ruin everything. And I’ve already said to much.”

     “Well you better keep talking.” Came another voice. It was Tim. But Stella didn't keep talking, she took off on the run. Bill was about to chase after her but Randy yelled out that he got a bite and he got sidetracked helping keep Randy from falling in the water.

     Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, cause it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money." But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."

1 Kings 21:1-3 (ESV)

     Have you ever seen something you wanted? Ahab saw something he wanted and he offered to buy it or trade for it which was the right thing to do for we shouldn't steal but as the story goes, he was told no deal, he pouts about it, his wife - the wicked queen - finds out and trouble starts brewing.

     Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, "Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?" And he said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, 'Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.' And he answered, 'I will not give you my vineyard.' " And Jezebel his wife said to him, "Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. And she wrote in the letters, "Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, 'You have cursed God and the king.' Then take him out and stone him to death." And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned; he is dead." As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, "Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead." And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

1 Kings 21:4-16 (ESV)

     When you read through the Bible it seems like trouble is always brewing. So God warns us.

• Proverbs 6:12-14 - Some people are wicked and no good. They go around telling lies, winking with their eyes, tapping with their feet, and making signs with their fingers. They make evil plans in their hearts and are always starting arguments. (NCV)
• Proverbs 1:10-16 - My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them. They will say, “Come with us. Let’s ambush and kill someone; let’s attack some innocent people just for fun. Let’s swallow them alive, as death does; let’s swallow them whole, as the grave does. We will take all kinds of valuable things and fill our houses with stolen goods. Come join us, and we will share with you stolen goods.“ My child, do not go along with them; do not do what they do. They are eager to do evil and are quick to kill. (NCV)
• Proverbs 14:22 - Those who make evil plans will be ruined, but those who plan to do good will be loved and trusted. (NCV)
• Proverbs 19:22 - What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. (NASB)
• Proverbs 12:2 - The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what way might you brew trouble?
• In what ways do you avoid trouble?

NO ONE WILL LISTEN

     John McDonald raises a lot of his own food on his farm but sometimes he still needs to go to town to do some grocery shopping. That's where he was when he turned his cart to head down the breakfast aisle and ran smack dab into someone almost knocking them over. “Sorry sir.” John said, “Are you okay?” “I think I'll be alright, John.” he said as he stood back up.

     “You know who I am?” John asked a bit puzzled. “Do I know you?” “Five months in a monastery and nobody knows who you are.” came the reply. “What's happened around here?” “Monastery?” John said thinking out loud, “Wait a minute. Is that you Harold? I thought you looked sort of familiar.”

     “Yeah.... It's me.” Harold replied. “WOW!” John said, “Welcome back.” “Thank you.” Harold said sounding a little depressed, “That’s the first welcome I’ve received all week.” “WOW!” John said again, “You’ve been back for a whole week already....” “What’s happened to this town?” Harold said not wanting to talk about the monastery again. “It’s like its falling apart.”

     “You mean you don’t know!” John said, “Haven’t you heard of the great conspiracy and rebellion going on? Oh wait, you've been gone for the past five months.” “Oh that.” Harold said, “Yeah, I know about it.” “You’re suppose to be the answer to the problem.” John said. “WHAT!” Harold exclaimed when he heard that, “Says who?”

     “Well,” John decided to explain, “The church was praying for God to send them a hero and He sent you.” “So,” Harold said after a long pause, “That's why God sent me back.” “Yeah,” John said, “You could say God surprised all of us.” “Well,” Harold said shaking his head, “There could be a problem with me being the hero.”

     “What’s that?” John asked. “No one will listen to me.” Harold said, “ It’s as if I have become to good for them.” “I suppose that could make it a little difficult.” John said, But then again, I’m sure God knows what He is doing.” “I'm sure He does.” Harold said in agreement, “But I'm not sure I do. Besides, I've got a bigger problem at hand.”

     “What could be bigger than the town falling apart?” John asked. “I can’t find any oatmeal.” Harold said, “And I'm starving.” “I tell you what.” John said, “Since your saving us, I'll save you. Come out to the farm, I have an entire silo filled with oats. You can eat oatmeal till it's running out your ears.” “Sounds good to me.” Harold said, “I'll head right over.”

     And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

Exodus 16:2-3 (ESV)

     Israel constantly suffered from a short memory, a memory of who they were suppose to be following and what He could do for them. God had a plan to take care of His people in the wilderness as we will see, but along with Israel's short memory, it appears some couldn't hear so well either.

     And the LORD said to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.' " In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.' " And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, "Let no one leave any of it over till the morning." But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, he said to them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.' " So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none." On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none.

Exodus 16:11-27 (ESV)

     Do you do a better job of listening than the Israelites did? The Bible talks of listening in several places and while the Bible reminds us that God listens as in - Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. (ESV) it also reminds us that we need to be listeners.

• James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (ESV)
• Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. (ESV)
• Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. (ESV)
• Deuteronomy 6:3 Listen closely, Israel, to everything I say. Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. (NLT)

     There is an old saying that goes something like this – God gave us two ears and only one mouth, therefore we should listen twice as much as we talk. Are you taking the time to listen? Here's Something To Ponder

• In what way do you take the time to listen to God and others?
• How do you appreciate others when they listen to you?

AN ANSWERED PRAYER?

     Randy Smith sat at his desk in his office with his head buried in his hands. The night before he had held a lengthy prayer meeting and although people were somewhat hopeful that God would answer their prayers and send some help, he just couldn't imagine how God could do it. Randy's doubt didn't stop him though from praying some more or going to see who was calling his name.

      “You won't believe how weird things turned out last night.” Bill said when Randy tacked him down. “Were you the one calling my name?” Randy asked, “And why do you think prayer meetings prayer are weird?” “No, no, no.” Bill responded, “Prayer meetings aren't weird but what happened after the prayer meeting could be the weirdest thing that's happened yet.”

      “Haven’t I heard you say something like that before?” Randy said wondering what now? “Well,” Bill said, “With all the weird things that happened around here you probably have.” “I think it all started with you didn't it?” Randy said, “If I remember it was when Harold’s room mysteriously messed itself up.”

      “Yeah,” Bill said, “That was weird, and I find it a bit weird you brought that up.” “Why?” Randy asked. “Well,” Bill went on, “It’s the weirdest thing, but Harold came home last night.”

“What!” Randy exclaimed, “Harold came home from the monastery?” “Yeah!” Bill said, “And that's not all. There's more to the story.”

      “What!” Randy exclaimed, “There’s more to the story.” “You won't believe this,” Bill said, “But Harold claims that God sent him home.” “Now that IS weird.” Randy said. “That's what I said.” Bill responded, “After all, how could Harold be an answer to our prayers.” “Well,” Randy said with a smile, “maybe God knows something we don’t know.”

      “But, Harold?” Bill protested, “He was the biggest trouble maker around. How could he help? All I see him doing is causing more trouble.” “We need to remember.” Randy interrupted, “God does answer prayer in strange ways sometimes.” “But Harold?” Bill continued, “I just don’t know.”

      “Just imagine” Randy said looking up towards the ceiling, “Harold a hero.” “Now that's not just weird,” Bil said shaking his head, “That’s out right scary. Well, I better get going. Harold’s starving and we don’t have any oatmeal in the house. Bye”

      Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. - Psalm 64:1 (ESV)

      Has God ever answered one or more of your prayer requests? Does God even hear your requests? Does God always answer in the way we expect? Sometimes God answers prayers in unusual ways. Think about these stories.

      Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, - Exodus 15:22-25 (ESV)

      Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said." And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, "Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew." And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. - Judges 6:36-40 (ESV)

      And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back." Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. - 1 Kings 18:36-38 (ESV)

      So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (ESV)

      When we have troubles, we can take them to God and look for His answers in normal and unusual ways.

• Luke 11:9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (ESV)
• Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (ESV)
• Isaiah 58:9 Then you will call out, and the LORD will answer. You will cry out, and He will say, ’Here I am.’ “If you stop making trouble for others, if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others, (NCV)
• John 14:14 If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it. (NCV)
• 1 John 3:22 And God gives us what we ask for because we obey God’s commands and do what pleases Him. (NCV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what weird ways has God answered prayers for you?
• In what ways has God used you to answer prayer?