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?

DON’T BLAME ME

     Daisy had been looking forward to getting some after Christmas shopping in and the day after Christmas she headed to the mall. She had no idea what she was going to buy but she knew she had to get some shopping in with all those after Christmas sales. As she walked by the food court she couldn't help but notice the Miller twins sitting with their backs to each other.

     “Did you have a good Christmas, Mindy?” Daisy asked as walking over to the girls. “NO!” Mindy said with a scowl. “You didn't?” Daisy asked. “How could I with you know who around.” Mindy snapped while pointing to her sister. “It’s all her fault and she’s trying to blame me for it.”

     “It is not my fault.!” Cindy shouted and gave her sister a shove, “It was your idea.” “Was not, you liar!” Mindy yelled back while returning her sister's shove. “My sister indeed..” “Well, Cindy snapped back, “She would probably be a better sister than you!” Not wanting a fight to break out Daisy intervened asking them “What is going on here?”

     “I told you. “ Mindy said, “It's her fault.” “Don't believe her.” Cindy interrupted, “It's her fault.” “What is?” Daisy demanded “She came up with the idea to get Stella out of the hospital.” Mindy said, “It's her fault.” “It was your idea to dress her up like one of us.” Cindy retorted, “So it's your fault.”

     “Well, it was your clothes we used.” Mindy said. “It was your make up.” Cindy returned. “But why in the world did you help Stella escape?” Daisy asked. “She's our friend.” Mindy said. “And we wanted to help her.” Cindy added.

     “Where is Stella now?” Daisy asked. “In the hospital.” Cindy said looking at the floor. “And she had to miss Christmas.” Mindy added. “Is Harold still in the hospital?” Daisy asked next. “No.” Mindy said, “He got to go home.” “But Stella had to stay because she wasn’t there when she needed to be.”

     “Sounds like your plan didn't work, did it.” Daisy said. “And it's all her fault that it didn't.” Mindy said “It was not, It was your fault!” Cindy countered. “Was not!” Mindy said raising her voice. “Was too” Cindy returned raising her voice as well. And the next thing Daisy knew Mindy and Cindy were screaming at each other “WAS NOT! WAS TOO!”

     “Alright you two.” Daisy interrupted, “That's enough” “Fine!” Mindy said, “By the way have you seen my husband Joseph? We are suppose to be going to Bethlehem.” “What did you say Mindy?” Daisy asked not expecting that kind of a response. “Mindy?” Mindy said, “I'm Mary.” “Oh no!” Daisy said, “She's got the disease. Cindy, quick, you need to get your sister to the hospital. She’s got whatever Stella had.”

     “Help her?” Cindy scoffed, “No Way. Besides, I need to go find my brother Moses.” “Joseph! Joseph!” Mindy hollered, “ I think it’s time to have a baby.” And then both Mindy and Cindy took off in opposite directions. “Oh, no!” Daisy said again, I need to find the mall security, those girls need to be caught.”

     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 Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. - Genesis 12:1,5 (ESV)

     Abram did as God told him but it wasn't long before strife broke out. And just like Mindy and Cindy, there was likely pushing and shoving and arguing and.... well, let's see what happened.

      So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD. And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." 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. 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. 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. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Genesis 13:1-18 (ESV)

     Strife is something that should be frowned upon and we are warned of such in the Bible.

• Proverbs 3:30 Don’t accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm. (HCSB)
• Proverbs 25:8 Don’t take a matter to court hastily. Otherwise, what will you do afterwards if your opponent humiliates you? (HCSB)
• Proverbs 26:20 Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. (HCSB)

     Here's how we should be living

• Romans 12:16,18 Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. (NLT)
• Philippians 2:3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. (NLT)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• In what ways do you cause strife?
• In what ways do you bring about harmony?

TROUBLE DOWN IN PUPPERVILLE

     It was a beautiful day and Randy thought he would take advantage of the day and get out and walk the neighbor hood, and visit some of the families from church. His third stop brought him to the Peterson house and as he was about to knock on the door, the door flew open and Bill plowed right into him knocking him to the ground with Bill landing on top.

      “Help!” Randy called out, “I'm being attacked.” “Help?” Bill exclaimed, “I'm the one that needs help.” “What's wrong?” Randy said as Bill rolled off of him and sat up. “The great escape.” Bill exclaimed, “Martha just called from the hospital and I've got to go.” “Who escaped?” Randy asked as he sat up next. “Stella!” Bill said.

     “Does that mean she's still in the hospital?” Randy asked. “No!” Bill exclaimed, “She's escaped.” “Does that mean she's not better yet?” Randy asked. “Something like that.” Bill said, “But it may be worse.” “Who does she think she is this time?” Randy asked “Herself?” Bill said hesitantly. “Than she's alright.” Randy said about ready to say “Praise the Lord.”

     “Not according to the doctor.” Bill said, “According to him she's gotten worse.” “I'm confused.” Randy said. “Her memory has returned.” Bill explained, “But there's more wrong than just that. For starters, whatever she has, has become contagious.” “Oh, no!” Randy exclaimed, “You need to find her.”

     “I know.” Bill said, “Have you seen her?” “No I haven't.” Randy said, “And I've been out and about in the neighborhood.” “Are you sure?” Bill asked, “She's wearing a disguise.” “A disguise?” Randy said, “What kind of disguise?” “I’m not a hundred percent certain.” Bill said, “All I know, is that is how she escaped. From the hospital.”

     “Where did she get a disguise?” Randy asked. “My wife thinks the Miller twins brought to her.” Bill answered. “Surely the nurses at the hospital would have known it was her.” Randy said. “Martha said they claimed she was their sister.” Bill said, “And since they did it as people were changing shifts, everybody was still uncertain who all was there.”

     “Well, what’s the worse thing that could happen if they don’t find her.” Randy asked. “We may all end up losing our memories.” Bill said, But even worse, if it isn't treated, the doctor thinks we could all die.” “Well if it's that serious, why are you sitting here talking to me?” Randy said “Go find her!” “I’m going, I’m going.” Bill said as he stood up and took off. “I'll keep my eyes open for her.” Randy called out after him and then got up and headed to the next house on the block.”

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret? Claiming Stella was A sister was a lie about like the one that Abraham told in Genesis 12:10-20 and while it may have seemed nobody would have known, it was known and caused a major problem.

     At that time there was a severe famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to wait it out. As he was approaching the borders of Egypt, Abram said to Sarai, "You are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, `This is his wife. Let's kill him; then we can have her!' But if you say you are my sister, then the Egyptians will treat me well because of their interest in you, and they will spare my life." And sure enough, when they arrived in Egypt, everyone spoke of her beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to their king, the pharaoh, and she was taken into his harem. Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, cattle, donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. But the LORD sent a terrible plague upon Pharaoh's household because of Sarai, Abram's wife. So Pharaoh called for Abram and accused him sharply. "What is this you have done to me?" he demanded. "Why didn't you tell me she was your wife? Why were you willing to let me marry her, saying she was your sister? Here is your wife! Take her and be gone!" Pharaoh then sent them out of the country under armed escort—Abram and his wife, with all their household and belongings.

Genesis 12:10-20 (NLT)

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret?

     Proverbs 25:26 Says - A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well. (NCV) Abram gave into evil, he did what God hates, he lied. Proverbs 12:22 says - The LORD hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises. (NCV)

     Abram lied because he feared men over God.

• Proverbs 29:25 Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the LORD, you will be safe. (NCV)
• Luke 12:4 I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. (NCV)

     Lying originates with the Devil - John 8:44 says You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (ESV)

     Lies come but they will not last forever even if we think they will for God knows all. Proverbs 12:19 says - Truth will continue forever, but lies are only for a moment. (NCV) Abram lied, but God knew what was going on and He brought trouble on Pharaoh's household. Abrams lie affected more then just himself. Stella's lie will affect others as well.

     So, Here's Something To Ponder

• What lies have you told thinking you were doing good?
• In what ways have lies got you into deeper trouble?

GOING SOMEWHERE?

     It was early December and John McDonald was out in the barn doing chores or at least he was suppose to be doing them. Seeing how Christmas would soon be here, his mind kept wandering, wondering about travel plans. Three times he accidentally knocked over the milk bucket and once he sat on a pitch fork. Still he had a hard time paying attention to what he was suppose to be doing.

     “What do you think we should do?” He asked one of the cows and he heard what he thought was the cow say “I, I, I don't know.” “Huh!” John exclaimed and fell backward off his milking stool, “Cows don't talk.” Looking around the barn he quickly spotted Harold Peterson sitting on a bail of hay. “I thought you were in the hospital.” John said, “Does this mean your well. Does this mean you are yourself again?”

     “I, I, I, I’m scared.” Harold said, “I have to leave.” “You've never been scared before.” John said, Why should this time be any different.” “This time, I have to take all that I have and go.” Harold said, “I'm moving.” “I don't remember your parents saying anything about moving.” John said, “Where are you going?” “I don’t know.” Harold said, “And that's why I'm so scared.”

     Something wasn't making sense and John was starting to wonder if Harold was all right. “You're not going alone are you?” he asked. “No.” Harold said, “I’m bringing my wife with me.” “Wife!” John exclaimed as he choked on the gum he had been chewing, “Since when have you been married?”

     “Sarah and I have been married for a long time.” Harold said. “Harold,” John said, “Did you escape from the hospital? “Harold?” Harold questioned, “I'm not Harold. I'm Abraham.” “As in the father of Isaac?” John asked. “No.” Harold replied, “We don’t have any kids yet, but God has promised to make me a great nation.”

     Hearing that made John think of what he heard Martha say in church the previous week and started to put two and two together. “You must still be under the influence of that potion that exploded in your lab.” He said. “I don’t know anything about a potion or a lab.” Harold said, “I just know I’m suppose to pack everything up and leave and I’m scared.”

     “Well, I think I may know of someone who might be able to help you.” John told him “Just go to the corner of Elm and Mary street and you will find a big building there with the letters H-o-s-p-I-t-a-l on the front.” “Thank you kind sir.” Harold said, “Who should I ask for?” “Just ask for Doctor.” John said “And if you wait a few minutes I'll even take you there.” “Thank you so much for your help.” Harold said “I'll wait. I'm in no hurry to move.”

     Dr Seuss has a book titled “Marvin K Mooney Will You Please Go Now” In which Marvin K Mooney is told to go now. So, what do you do when someone tells you to go? What if it was God telling you to go? What if He promised great things? Abraham, the guy Harold thought he was is just such a man but God hadn't changed his name yet. He was still being called Abram.

      Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev.

Genesis 12:1-9 (NASB)

     Leaving all you have known for a place and a promise could be scary. Here are some great promises to those who follow God's bidding.

• If God calls us, He'll be with us - Genesis 26:24 The LORD appeared to him that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my servant Abraham.“ (NCV)
• If we run out, God will take care of us - 1 Kings 17:13 “Don’t worry,“ Elijah said to her. “Go home and cook your food as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread from the flour you have, and bring it to me. Then cook something for yourself and your son. (NCV)
• If in trouble God help is bigger - 2 Kings 6:16 Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.“ (NCV)
• If weak, God will give strength - Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (NLT)
• If suffering, God is still there - Isaiah 43:2-3 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! (MSG)
• Remember, You're important to God - Matthew 10:30-31 God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. (NCV)

     If you grab yourself a Bible and read the stories around these verses they will make even more sense but even with these snippets, you can see God will take care of us it we will follow Him , do as He asks and go where He wants us to.

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Where might God ask you to go?
• Would you be willing to go as Abraham did?

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM

     It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the church was packed. “I pray that all of you had a very thankful thanksgiving.” Randy said as he got ready to deliver his morning sermon. Looking over the sanctuary he was pleased to see so many visitors but he was concerned that one family appeared to be missing but then, in came Stella Peterson yelling out “WHERE DID HE GO?”

     “Why can't we have a normal service around Thanksgiving.” Randy mumbled to himself and then said, “Excuse me, Stella, but we are in the middle...” “I AM NOT Stella!” Stella said interrupting him, “I am your queen, Jezebel. Now you will tell me where Elijah went or I’ll have your head cut off.” “Oh great.” Randy mumbled, “Why are you pretending to be Jezebel?”

     “How dare you insult me.” Stella Said, “I never pretend. “Look around you, Stella.” Randy said, “This is not Israel.” Looking around Stella says “Where did they all come from and what are they doing here in my court?” “This is not your court.” Randy said, “This is a church and they are here to worship God.”

“WHAT!” Stella yelled out, “Kill them all, we will serve Baal and Baal only.” and then took off on the run. “WOW!” Randy said as he turned his attention back to the audience, “She almost seemed to believe she was Queen Jezebel. Anyways, back to this morning mess...” “Excuse me!” sad Martha Peterson interrupting him mid sentence. “Have you seen Stella?”

     “You just missed her.” Randy said, “She was in here pretending to be Queen Jezebel.” “Jezebel?” Martha said, “Which way did she go? I’ve got to catch her and get her back to the hospital.” “Hospital?” Randy said, “What's wrong?” “ Last week she tried to sabotage Harold’s lab that he had been using to make all those potions with.” Martha answered, “And something went wrong.”

     “What do you mean?” Randy asked a bit concerned. “ She mixed a strange concoction together.” Martha went on to explain, “And it exploded all over her and Harold.” “Well she seemed her normal self when she was here.” Randy said a bit confused. “I thought you said she was pretending to be Jezebel.” Martha said. “Yeah,” Randy confirmed, “But isn't pretending normal for her?”

     “Normally yes.” Martha said, But this time she’s not pretending. The explosion messed up her mind and she really thinks she is Jezebel at least for the moment.” What do you mean by that?” Randy asked. “Every so often she starts thinking she’s someone else.” Martha told him, “And she keeps wondering where everybody came form.”

     “Oh.” Randy said, “What about Harold?” “Last time I saw him he thought he was Moses and he kept asking where all the people came from too, but he’s still in the hospital.” Martha said. “well good luck catching her.” Randy said and then turning to the audience he said, “Let's all pray for Harold and Stella right now.”

     Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite. Joshua 3:10 (NASB)

     When reading the above verse, one question you may ask yourself is “Who are all these people?” followed by “How did they get there?” Not only here but many times in the Bible names show up and you may wonder the same things. Genesis 10 and 11 helps us to understand some of where these people came from. Several of the names mentioned in Joshua can be found in verses 15-17. Remember the Philistines and the giant Goliath that David fought? You can find their origins in these verses as well.

     Wedged into these list of names is a unique story. A story that tells us why and how these peoples, these nations spread out.

     Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV)

     People were growing in numbers and they wanted to build a tower and city toward heaven – not necessarily what they were supposed to be doing. Therefore, God mixed up their languages and as a result they quit and scattered.

    We are told in Acts 17:26 that God made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,(NASB) We may not always want to believe it but all the people on the earth are related to one man through Noah to Adam. Science has even confirmed this even though evolutionist like to spread out the time scale.

     The following link is a great article covering the origins of nations and how the grandsons of Noah spread out from the tower of Babel - http://creation.com/the-sixteen-grandsons-of-noah

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you able to trace your lineage back to one of these?
• Are you willing to believe we all came from one man?

HAROLD’S IN CHARGE

     It was a quiet and peaceful afternoon and Robert Grey thought he would lay back in his easy chair and do what old people do – if he could only remember. “Maybe I'll just take a nap.” He thought to himself, “Or maybe I'll go answer the door.” for someone was pounding on the door. That someone didn't wait to be let in and let herself in. It was Stella Peterson and she came in growling.

     “Is there something wrong, Stella?” Robert asked, “You're interrupting my nap.” “YES!” Stella snapped, “And it begins with a capital H.” “Oh great.” Robert sighed, “I thought Harold was going to keep his promise.” “Huh?” Stella said, “What promise?” “Your dad said he promised to never make another potion.” Robert said.

     “Oh, that promise.” Stella said “I take it he didn't keep it?” Robert asked. “Only if he wouldn't have.” Stella said “Not only is he keeping that promise but he’s been keeping all his promises.” “And that’s a problem?” Robert asked a little confused, “I thought that would be wonderful news.” “Don't you get?” Stella growled, “Mom and Dad now think they can trust him.”

     “Yeah?” Robert said. “And now they put him in charge when ever they go somewhere.” Stella continued, “And I hate it.” “Who used to be in charge?” Robert asked, “I was, Grandpa.” Stella said, “And I could do what ever I want. Now, Harold is making me follow the rules.” “Well good for him.” Robert said happily, “It sure is nice to see how much Harold has changed.”

     “GOOD?” Stella yelled out, “That’s probably the worst thing you could say. He’s driving me crazy.” “what's wrong with following the rules?” Robert asked. “Well,” Stella snorted, “Nothing if your somebody else, but I’m suppose to be above the rules.” “Since when?” Robert said in a harsh tone. “Since I said so.” Stella snapped, “After all I am the best girl in the world.”

     “Sounds to me as if YOU have a problem.” Robert said. “That’s what I said, Grandpa.” Stella responded, “And I need to get rid of it.” “Maybe yo should start by praying for God’s help.” Robert suggested, “And then you can make a plan to do something about it.” “That won't exactly work.” Stella said, “Harold and God are good friends now.”

     “Stella!” Robert said sternly, “Harold is not your problem.” “YES HE IS!!” Stella shout back, “And And I’m going to get rid of him myself. I know, I’ll rig his science lab to destroy him. Than it will look like an accident.” “Oh NO you don't” Robert said as he headed towards his granddaughter but she was to quick and ran from the house with a sinister laugh. “So much for mu nap.” Robert said, “Looks like I have a problem to try and stop.”

      But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 

James 3:8-9 (TEV)

     How many of you have a tongue? Tongues can taste some wonderful things and somethings that are not so wonderful. Tongues can say some wonderful things but they can also say some really awful things. By our choice we use our tongues to bless and to curse. In Genesis 9 we find one man's choice brings the choice to curse and bless by another.

      The sons of Noah who went out of the boat were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These three sons of Noah were the ancestors of all the people on earth. Noah, who was a farmer, was the first man to plant a vineyard. After he drank some of the wine, he became drunk, took off his clothes, and lay naked in his tent. When Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked, he went out and told his two brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe and held it behind them on their shoulders. They walked backward into the tent and covered their father, keeping their faces turned away so as not to see him naked. When Noah sobered up and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, "A curse on Canaan! He will be a slave to his brothers. Give praise to the LORD, the God of Shem! Canaan will be the slave of Shem. May God cause Japheth to increase! May his descendants live with the people of Shem! Canaan will be the slave of Japheth."

Genesis 9:18-27 (TEV)

     Canaan was cursed while his uncles were blessed and all because of Ham's choice a choice to honor or dishonor his father. In the puppet story Stella had a choice, one to obey of disobey her parents by obeying or disobeying her brother Harold who had been put in charge. We all need to make choices. We can see the need for choices in the Bible and see how some have chosen in the sample verses below.

• Joshua 24:15 "If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship GOD, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship GOD." (MSG) – We can't serve to master. If we try we become unstable
• Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, "Don't make me leave you, for I want to go wherever you go and to live wherever you live; your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God; (TLB) – Choosing to stay with God can have an impact way into the future – Ruth became part of the lineage of Jesus.
• 1 Kings 3:9 Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. For who by himself is able to carry such a heavy responsibility?" (TLB) – We all wish we could have wishes come true. Solomon was allowed to have a wish come true and he choice wisely. Would we?
• Psalm 119:173 Stand ready to help me because I have chosen to follow your will. (TLB) - Could we say the same thing?
• Luke 10:42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her. (NCV) – Martha had been complaining but Jesus reminder her that Mary had made the right choice. Would we?

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you have problems with other people doing what is right?
• What kind of choice would yo make if you were Stella or Ham?

NO MORE POTIONS

     He had been dreading this day for some time now and while he had secretly hoped it would never come, it had. With all the complaints he had been receiving, Bill Peterson knew he needed to confront his son Harold about all of these potions he had been making. “I just hope I can convince him not to make anymore potions, Robert.” Bill said as he hung up the phone.

     “WHAT!” Came a shout from behind him. “And I was making another potion just for him.” It was Harold. “Don’t tell me your making another potion.” Bill said as he looked over Harold. “Why?” Harold asked, “Is there something wrong with that?” “Harold!” Bill said, “Stop and think for a moment.” After a short pause, Harold looked at his dad and asked “What am I to think about?”

     “What all of your potions have done.” Bill said. “Okay, let me think.” Harold said and then asked “How do you think?” “Never mind, Harold.” Bill said, “Just try and remember what your potions have done so far.” “Well,” Harold said thoughtfully, “The first one didn’t do any thing. The science lab blew up before I could finish it.”

     “Right.” Bill said, “You blew up the science lab. And don’t forget how the next one gave everybody itchy freckles.” “Oh, yeah.” Harold giggled, “That was funny. I don’t think I'd ever seen so many spots.” “And your last one almost killed your grandpa.” Bill added. “I guess that wasn’t so funny.” Harold said rather somber like. “Something must have went wrong when I mixed the formula together.”

     “What did you put in that one anyways?” Bill asked. “Sorry, Dad.” Harold grinned, “A good scientist never reveals his secrets.” “You’re not a good scientist.” Bill said. “I will be after I make this next potion.” Harold piped in excitedly. “No, Harold.” Bill said, “Every potion you have made has caused problems.” “So?” Harold said as if that was not a problem.

     “Would you please stop trying to make them?” Bill said, “The whole town is complaining about them.” “I suppose I could.” Harold said with a sigh. “Promise?” Bill asked. After a long pause, Harold finally said “I Promise. No more potions.” “Good.” Bill said, “I'll let your grandpa know and everyone else.”

     “I guess the world didn’t need my newest potion anyway.” Harold said. “What was your newest potion going to be?” Bill asked. “Oh, it was just suppose to give adults the energy of a three and four year old.” Harold said. When Bill heard that he wondered if he had stopped Harold too soon. “Um, Harold,” He said, “Maybe you could finish just this one.” “Sorry!” Harold said with a smile, “I promised and a promise is a promise. Well, I better go get rid of all my stuff before somebody finds it all.”

      Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." - 2 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)

     Has everything really gone on the same since the beginning of creation? Many people, especially evolutionists, believe in uniformitarianism, the idea that what is happening now is how things have always happened and always will. They purposely forget God's word and what it says and the promise that God made there in.

     For God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. … In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark. Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. … I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 8:1-9:17 (ESV)

     As Joshua is coming to the end of his life he says “It’s almost time for me to die. You know and fully believe that the LORD has done great things for you. You know that he has not failed to keep any of his promises. Joshua 23:14 (NCV) God keeps His promises and when you look at the promises God made after the flood you can look around yourself and see that each promise has been kept

     Knowing that God has kept His promises in the past and continues to keep them today let's us know that He will keep His promises in the future for He has promised that next time the destruction of the earth will be even greater and not by water.

     Here''s Something To Ponder

• What promises has God made to you?
• How well do you do at keeping your promises to Him?