WORK, WORK, WORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRAMPA SAW AN ANGEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 18:1-22 (ESV)

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

Genesis 32:22-30 (ESV)

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

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

THE BIG STORM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 4:35-41 (NCV)

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

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

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

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

     Even Solomon had something to say years later

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

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

JAIL BREAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

     Here's Something To Ponder

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

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?