THE WAY IT WAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 18:20-21 (NLT)

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

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

Genesis 19:1-26 (NLT)

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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

HELP

      Knowing what their dad was up to, Harold and Stella Peterson starting roaming the streets in Pupperville looking for somebody that was normal. After several hours of trying to find some normal people they met up at the Pizzeria to see if the other had found someone. As they sat down in a booth, Papa Purple came over to take their order. “I see I finally have some normal people.” he said “What'll it be.”

      “How about something normal.” Stella said. “This town is driving me crazy.” “Tell me about.” Papa Purple said sarcastically. “This morning I heard my mom calling “Here Kitty, kitty, kitty. Here Kitty, kitty, kitty.” Stella went on to tell, “And we don't even have a cat. It turned out, she was looking for her lost lions for tonight's circus act.”

      “I didn't really mean you had to tell me about it.” Papa purple said. “But if you are, what can you tell me about the circus or was that not real?” “Not real.” Stella said. “I wish we could find some normal people.” “I'm normal.” Papa purple said, “well, sort of. I guess it depends on who you talk too.”

      “Earlier, I was over at the church building and I saw Daisy walking around sining Amazing Grace.” Harold said. “I thought she sounded normal until I tried to talk to her. I asked her if she was normal and she said she could write a song about normal and call it 'Normal People Need Him Too' by Fanny Crosby. She thought she was Fanny Crosby and when I told her she wasn't she told me I needed to get my eye sight checked.”

      “There's not a normal person in town.” Stella said. “You're normal.” Papa Purple said. “Of course I am.” Stella said, “The doctors cured me.” “Well, why don’t they do something about the rest of the people?” Papa Purple asked. “They can't” Harold answered, “They’re too busy preparing to go to the moon. The doctors all think their astronauts.”

      “What about the nurses?” Papa Purple asked next. “You DON'T want to know.” Stella said. “And my grandma thinks she's Princess Leah.” “And the preacher thinks he's Billy Graham.” Harold added, “And the fire department thinks they're all NASCAR drivers.” “What about your Dad?” Papa Purple interrupted, “Isn't he normal now?”

      “Yeah.” Harold said, “He over at the church praying for everybody.” “And we've been looking for somebody to pray with him.” Stella added. “Say, what about you?” Harold added “You could pray with us. By the way, why haven't you caught the Peterson Disease?” “I have no idea what you are talking about.” Papa Purple replied, “And why am I in this crummy pizza joint. Great Chefs like me belong in Paris.”

      “So much for pizza.” Harold sighed, “Let's get to the church building.” “I'm right behind you.” Stella replied.

      Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.

Genesis 13:12-13 (ESV)

      When we first learned of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot had chosen to go live by them and we were told of their wickedness. Later we learned how Abraham went to the rescue of Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot was captured. Guess what? Troubles brewing again for Sodom, Gomorrah and Lot and it Lot is going to need to be rescued again.

      Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, … Then the LORD said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know." So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. Then Abraham drew near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? ... Then he said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

Genesis 18:16-33 (ESV)

      God makes a choice to let Abraham know what He is going to do. Abraham, of course, knows that Lot is down their and he is concerned that God would destroy him so, Abraham starts negotiating with God to keep Him from destroying the righteous and God agrees not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous people could be found.

      Abraham is not the only one in the Bible to intercede, to try and help someone else. Moses did in Exodus 32:31-32 where we read So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Alas, this people have sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written." (ESV) Even Jesus did many times. One time He did was in Luke 22:31-32 where He interceded for Simon (Peter) "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (ESV)

      God's word tells us we are to help other by praying for them and to help ourselves by praying for ourselves as well.

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2 First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (NCV)
• Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. (NCV)
• Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God’s people. (NCV)
• Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (NCV)

      Here's Something To Ponder

• How have others helped you by praying for you?
• In what ways do you help other by praying for them?

DON’T MAKE ME LAUGH

     After wandering the streets of Pupperville for several hours, Papa Purple decided he better head back to the Pizzeria. Bill Peterson had been sitting in a comer booth when he appeared to come down with the dreaded Peterson Disease and took off. Papa Purple had thought he could help the police find Bill and took off leaving his Pizzeria unattended. Of course he wasn't too worried as he hadn't had any customers for several days do to the Peterson disease.

     As he walked back into the pizzeria he was shocked to see Bill Peterson sitting back in the corner booth where he had been sitting earlier and just like earlier, he was staring at a glass of water. “Is that you, Bill?” Papa Purple asked, “Or are you General George Washington?” “Of course it's me.” Bill answered, “What's it take to get a pizza around here?”

     “I thought you had the Peterson disease?” Papa Purple said to which Bill immediately let out a loud scream. “Are you okay?” Papa Purple asked not sure what to do. “You mentioned that, that, that...” Bill said to which Papa Purple finished by saying “Peterson disease.” When Bill heard that he let out another loud scream.

     “But I was sure you had it.” Papa Purple said. “I did.” Bill said, “But it has been a very strange day. As I was on my way to Valley Forge, I met a strange looking man.” “With this disease going around that's not so strange.” Papa Purple injected. “Yeah,” Bill Said, “But this man was strange. He was glowing.”

     “Glowing people?” Papa purple send with a snort, “You are still sick. You need to get to the hospital.” “But I'm cured.” Bil said, “I don't really know how but I'm cured. I think it had something to do with the strange man that showed up. Do you suppose he could have been an angel?” “Why do you say that?” Papa Purple asked.

     “Because of what he told me.” Bill said, “He told me that I didn’t need to change my name.” “So.” Papa purple said, “I could have told you that.” “But,” Protested, Bill, “You're the only one I told that to. And then the man told me that the whole town was going to get the disease, but not to worry they would all get better and thank me.”

     “You definitely need to get to the hospital.” Papa Purple said, “That message is way too starnge to be true.” “I thought so too.” Bill said, “I even started laughing. I told him that it was impossible that anybody would thank me for all of this.”

     “What happened after that?” Papa Purple asked. “He disappeared.” Bill replied, “Into thin air. And then, I found myself healed and sitting back hear in this booth.” “Wow!” Papa Purple exclaimed, “That is strange.” “Tell me about it.” Bill said and then after a short pause he continued, “Wait, I just told you about it. I need to go. See you later.”

      And God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, "Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?"

Genesis 17:15-17 (ESV)

     God reaffirmed His promise to Abraham that Sarah would have a son and Abraham laughed but he's not the only one to laugh because he though it was impossible.

      And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth ... And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "She is in the tent." The LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?" The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son." But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. He said, "No, but you did laugh."

Genesis 18:1- 14 (ESV)

     In Deuteronomy 10:19 God told the people "Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (NKJV) In Romans 12:13 the idea is conveyed again where it says Share with God’s people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes. (NCV) Abraham saw what to us appear to be strangers and he treated them to hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2 we are reminded Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (NLT)

     Have you ever showed hospitality to a stranger? Have you entertained angels without knowing it? The angels that Abraham brought a message like the angel brought to Bill in our Pupperville story, a message that was hard to believe, a message that made the hearer laugh. While we could go on to talk about other angelic visits in the Bible, I would like to focus on the angels words in verse 14 “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” If God says He will do something, He will do it because He can do it.

• Jeremiah 32:17 Oh, Lord GOD, you made the skies and the earth with your very great power. There is nothing too hard for you to do. (NCV)
• Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “This is something people cannot do, but God can do all things. (NCV)
• Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• When God tells you He will do something that seems impossible will you believe Him or laugh at Him?
• In What ways has God tested you with what seems impossible?

TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE

     It was a quiet evening and Bil Peterson sat alone in a corner booth at Papa Purple's Pizzeria staring at a glass of water. “Are you just going to stare at that glass of water all night or are you going to order something?” Bill heard someone say to him. “You've been sitting here for over an hour.” Looking up, Bill saw it was Papa Purple himself. “It's quiet in here.” he said.

     “Say,” Papa Purple said, “Aren't you Harold's dad? Boy, can that kid eat pizza. Wait a minute, I thought you were in jail? Did you escape?” “No.” Bill said looking back down at his glass of water. “Does that mean your wife found enough money for your bail?” “Actually,” Bill said, “Martha talked to the judge and the judge said I really didn’t need any bail and let me go.”

     “So, how's Harold and Stella doing?” Papa Purple asked, “I think they were why you ended up in jail to start with, wasn't it? “They're doing fine.” Bill responded staring at his glass. “Doc said they could come home, and they have even been acting themselves again.” “Hmpf.” Papa purple said, “You are out of jail, your kids are finally well, and you don’t seem happy. Is there something wrong?”

      “Do you know anybody who can help us change our name and move to another planet?” Bill asked. “What are you talking about?” Papa Purple exclaimed, “Why would you want to do that?” “Because of Stella’s escape,” Bill said, “Over half the town now has the dreaded Peterson disease. That's right, the Peterson disease. They named it after us. I’ll never be able to face anybody again.”

     “It can't be that bad, can it?” Papa Purple asked. “It's worse than that.” Bill started to explain. “Because of the spread of the disease, the whole town has been quarantined, and with nobody able to work the whole town will be ruined, and it’s all going to be blamed on the Peterson’s, and... and... and... If I don’t change my name soon, they’re going to cover me with tar and feathers. The Peterson name has been ruined.”

     “Are you sure of that?” Papa Purple asked. “Positive.” Bill said. “Well, why don't you wait and see.” Papa purple said trying to encourage Bill. “Maybe something good will come out of all this.” “You really think so?” Bill asked. “Of course.” Papa Purple said, “Remember when Harold got shot and how it stopped the rebellion? You never know what God can do with an awful situation.”

     “I suppose you’re right.” Bill said as he picked up his water glass and finally drank it. “I... I.... I better get back to valley forge and round up the troops.” “What did you say?” Papa Purple asked wondering if he had heard right. “I need to get back to valley forge and round up the troops.” Bill said. “The Revolutionary war is going on right now.” and then he got up and left. “Oh, no.” Papa Purple said, “Now Bill has the disease. I need to warn someone.”

     This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. Genesis 11:27 (NIV)

     I once heard of a man who wanted to be rich and famous so he changed his name to “Rich And Famous” Abram was born and he received his name from someone, likely his father. While Abram is a very important man, we know him better by a different name for his name was also changed, changed by God.

     When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God." And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. … And God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, "Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!" God said, "No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. ...

Genesis 17:1-27 (ESV)

     Could you imagine being in Abram's place? Can you imagine being 99 years old and having your name changed? Names are important. They were then and they are now or at least they should be.

     In John chapter 3 John mentions two people by name, one with a good name and the other not so good.

• Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. - 3 John 1:12 (ESV)
• I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. - 3 John 1:9 (ESV)

     Here's what Solomon had to say about a good name.

• Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. (ESV)
• Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. (ESV)

     Think about the people around you and what kind of name they have. When you here their name do you think “That's a great person.” or “That person's worthless.”? An what do other think of when they hear your name?

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What kind of name do you have?
• What are you willing to do to have a good name?

GETTING IN THE WAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 16:1-16 (NCV)

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

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

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

CAN I REALLY BELIEVE IT

     Somethings are hard to believe and Robert Grey was having a hard time believing that January was over half gone already. Robert was also having a hard time believing what he was reading. As he sat in his rocker paging through the book he had received for Christmas he kept shouting out “No Way. That can't be true. I don't believe it.”

     “I don't think I can believe it either.” came a voice that sounded like it was ready to burst into crying.” It was Bill. “You don't even know what I'm reading?” Robert said “I'm not talking about what you are reading.” Bill said, “I'm talking about – what are you reading?” “Oh,” Robert said, “It some book I got for Christmas called 'Ripley's Believe It Or Not.' These stories are too hard too believe.”

     “So is.... So is.....” Bill started to say and then he did start crying. “This can't be good.” Robert said to himself and put down his book. “Bill, is something wrong.” After asking the question three more times, Robert finally got a broken reply. “It’s Harold and Stella and that funny virus they made.” Bill said through his crying.

     “But there better.” Robert said, “There's no reason to be crying now.” “But they're not better.” Bill said still crying. “They're back in the hospital and, and, and, and they are worse than ever.” When Robert heard that his heart sank. “Gulp, Tell me you're just telling me a story to see if I'll believe it or not?”

      “I wish I was.” Bill said, “But I'm not.” “How bad is it?” Robert asked feeling as if he might start crying too. “They don’t seem to know anything now.” Bill said. “And on top of all of that, they have been running high temps and shaking violently. They looked so bad I couldn't even stay and watch them.”

     “With tears starting to stream down his eyes, Robert finally asked, “What does the Doctor have to say?” “ He thinks that this is the end.” Bill said. “You mean they're about to die?” Robert asked with a very concerned look on his face. “No,” Bill said, “The end of the virus. The doctor thinks they will soon be better.”

     “I think that's good news.” Robert said, “But didn't they say that before.” “Yes.” Bill said, “But, I can’t see how it is possible. They look like they are dying. I just can’t believe it, even though I want too.” “We can always try.” Robert replied, “We can always try.”

     Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." - Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV) – To be a great nation meant having many descendants but there was a problem, Abram had no children so we read again. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. - Genesis 13:14-16 (ESV) – That is a lot of offspring but again, Abram had no children and while we are not told so in these verses, Abram and his wife are getting up there in years. Could Abram believe God, could he believe the promise?

      After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir." And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: "This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir." And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess." But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. Then the LORD said to Abram, "Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for yourself, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites."

Genesis 15:1-21 (ESV)

     Why was it hard for Abram to believe? Why is it hard for us to believe? Others in the Bible found it hard to believe.

• Gideon - Then Gideon said to the LORD, “If you are pleased with me, give me proof that it is really you talking with me. Judges 6:17 (NCV)
• John the Baptist - John the Baptist was in prison, but he heard about what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers to Jesus. They asked him, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we wait for someone else?“ Matthew 11:2-3 (NCV)
• Thomas - The other followers kept telling Thomas, “We saw the Lord.“ But Thomas said, “I will not believe it until I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side.“ John 20:25 (NCV)

     Proverbs 3:5 Trust the LORD with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. (NCV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• What keeps you from believing?
• How willing are you to believe God?

TAKEN WITH THE WRONG CROWD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Here's Something To Ponder

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