When Sin Entered In

"Out of the mouth of babes . . ." - Psalm 8:2

This was VBS week at our church. Vacation Bible School is something I never experienced as a kid. But you know, I kind of wish I did. It's absolutely wonderful!

Our church uses the Answers In Genesis curriculum. They come up with great ways to entertain the kids, but also ways to get them thinking. About Jesus.

I teach the junior age group (ages 9-12) which is great. My own grandchildren have trained me well for how to relate to them. However, this week one of the children taught ME something. And it's not good.

Our lesson for Tuesday was about Corruption - one of the "Seven C's" in the AIG lesson plan. Corruption came to the human race when Satan tempted Adam and Eve in The Garden of Eden.

As part of that day's lesson, each child was given some Play-Doh and told to make something that represents the sin and evil that resulted from Satan successfully tempting Eve.

Most of the older boys made snakes. Simple, easy, fun to scare the girls with. I walked around inspecting all of their works. That's when one of the Team Leaders motioned for me to come over.

"Look what Jimmy is making."

"What the heck is that?!" I asked.

Jimmy had made a ball and was pinching at it with his fingers; making little peaks all over it. Jimmy held it up for me to see and said, "It's a Covid molecule."

"A what?!"

What have we done to our children? What kind of world do we live in where we create bioweapons to kill other humans?

The Bible tells us in the Book of Romans that we have all become "inventors of evil," and right it is.

"They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil." - Romans 1:29-30

Romans 1 goes on to say that . . .

"Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:32

Our children, who were ages 4-6 years old when Charlie Vector Oh One Niner hit, have been both scared and scarred.

It's like Alec Guinness at the end of the movie The Bridge On The River Kwai.

"What have we done?"

Thank God, we have a Savior - Jesus - who takes away the sins of this fallen world. John the Baptist introduced is to Him.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29

What Have I Done - The Bridge On The River Kwai

Finding Neo

Hi! I have been sick for the past week or so. However, I am not feeling sick today. "People, let me tell you 'bout my Best Friend."

As I reflect back on my illness, which I still have, it is interesting as I observe my symptoms over time.

High fever, beat it down with couple Tylenol, repeat, repeat, repeat. No energy. No excitement in life.

What an example of the world we live in today. One plague after another. Lord, have mercy. He WILL be merciful . . . to those who love Him.

Over a week ago I contacted the local hospital. I'll never do THAT again! Lol! I had gone through their Covid-19 symptom checker and even though I had no respiratory symptoms WHAT SO EVER they told me I needed to come in to be tested. Fine.

When I got there it was all about Covid-19. Nothing else. No answers for 24-48 hours. I answered all of their covid questions so much I had them all memorized and threw five answers back at them all at once. That was fun. Sort of.

Even though I knew I didn't have it, they were still asking me about it. Even after the test came back negative. Totally clear.

This morning as I was "waking up" I thought about my favorite movie The Matrix. There is a scene where Neo (neo means New) is called to this shady, drug infested, sexually charged bar by Morpheus (morph - a change). Neo does not join in, standing off to the side.

Suddenly Neo is approached my someone - Trinity (you know who THEY are). She gets REALLY close and whispers in his ear the answer to a question he's been asking his whole life.

God calls us unto Himself. Jesus told us that "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them." - John 6:44

I finally got them to test me for Lyme's Disease - the test I wanted from the beginning. I won't know for another 24-48 hours of course. But they gave me Doxycycline. I took one dose last night at 7:00. My fever broke, my temperature dropped and I woke up this morning with no symptoms at all. None.

That brings me to the story about my Best Friend. Yes, His name is Jesus.

Jesus is the cure for this sick world we live in. You got a question? Need some hope? Jesus IS the answer. I kid you not. I am grateful to God this morning for getting the doctors to finally realize the results of their own tests and to try something else. And that was it.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

God is so incredible. If you don't know Him, please do! He will bless you in SO many ways.

The Courtship of Eddie's Father Intro

Neo Meets Trinity - The Matrix

The Telltale Mask

How afraid are you during this Covid-19 "pandemic?" People's opinions and fear levels vary as widely as our trust in the government these days. What do you think? Should we wear a mask or not?

I volunteered at a local food pantry on Saturday. It was interesting, the variety in the level of personal protective wear.

There were probably 200+ people there for food. The vast majority wore no masks. Some had them in their cars but weren't wearing them. Others not only had their masks on but sunglasses on, windows rolled up and the windshield wipers on . . . just in case.

It is my opinion that the face mask is an indicator of our personal level of fear. No fear = no mask. Mask? You are afraid of something.

People say they are afraid of catching the virus. For some, that fear is based on existing health conditions. My friend Larry is in his 60's, has COPD and a heart condition. He wears a mask. I can understand his fear. But what about the 20-somethings who wear a mask but then take it off so they can smoke?

I don't wear a mask. Unless, of course, I'm going to Menards where you need to have one on to get inside. That's not fear, that's temporary submission to accomplish an end.

Here's a thought. Would Jesus wear a mask? No. Why not? Well, He is God. Jesus has conquered death. What does He have to fear? Nothing.

Here's another question. What should our level of fear be for us Christian?s Well, from what I read in the Bible, our fear level should be zero as well.

"I have spoken these things to you so that you shall have peace in me. You shall have suffering in the world, but take heart, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Our days are numbered, virus or not. We can not add to them or take away from them without God already ordaining it. Live life, not according to the government's will but to God's. Trust Him. Whether we get sick or not, we should trust in God who gave us that life in the first place. It is His to do with as He sees fit.

Me smart, be safe, but trust in God. He loves you!

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. b 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:28-31

Why So Afraid?

When we are afraid of something we have a tendency to withdraw from it, like a little kitten hiding from a big, bad dog. We all seem to be a little afraid these days. Are you?

Everybody seems afraid of everything lately. People are panic-buying toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It's crazy! Events are being canceled all over the place. Why?

Because we might catch something from somebody. Yes, it is true that people are dying from the dreaded coronavirus. But people also die from the flu every day and from driving their car the wrong way on the freeway. Why does this particular thing, this one thing, have us so frightened?

That's easy. It's the media and the politically correct culture we live in that has bred and is nurturing our fears. We're afraid that someone might be offended. We're afraid that someone might get elected again. We're afraid that there might be the slightest possibility we could get sick so we stay at home in our little hermetically-sealed boxes. We only poke our little heads out after the bullies are gone.

The real problem behind this whole panic situation, I believe, is our lack of faith in God. We have been paying the price for our sinful disobedience ever since we started pulling Him out of our schools and killing innocent babies.

"So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. 16When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

17When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, “I have sinned; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.” - 2 Samuel 24:15-17

This "plague" will come to an end, just like all of the others before it did. I believe we could make it end sooner by repenting and turning to God like David did but we won't. We will then undergo another plague, and another, until God gets our attention. We're simply too busy thinking that we can do things all by ourselves. And that's precisely the problem.

So, am I afraid of catching the virus? Not really. If it happens, it happens. I have no fear because God told us that we are not to be afraid. Numerous times! Yes, I still wash my hands. Yes, I sneeze into my elbow. But I am not afraid.

So, why all this panic? Why are we afraid? That is a question you will have to answer for yourself. I have already answered it and no longer live in fear. Won't you please join me? You'll be glad you did.

"for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Panic Buying At Costco

Sick

Well, yuck. Today I am sick. I was sick yesterday too. But I find that, in my sickness, I feel closer to God than when I am healthy. So I rejoice in that, knowing that regardless of the outcome I will closer to my King. And that makes me smile.

Being sick is something none of us really likes. Although my illness has shown me a few things. First off, I miss my friends at work. I usually visit them on Tuesdays but I was sick. Being sick shows me how much I really love them and appreciate them.

Secondly, I have been reading the Bible more. Ironically, I just finished reading Leviticus which is filled with all sorts of rules and regulations about what should be done with sick people. Perfect reading for me. I look forward to being "clean" again and to being allowed back into the camp. LOL!

I think the thing I enjoy most about being sick though is the opportunity to spend more time with God. Whether it's in prayer or simply just thinking about Him, it's all good. I am forced to slow down and rest, which is something everyone needs.

So if you fin your self not feeling so good maybe it's time to reflect on the blessings you still have. Friends, family, a chance to rest and get well, so many blessings.

"Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you," - Exodus 23:25

God loves us whether we are full of energy and feeling well or whether we drained of all life and just staring at the walls. I we look to Him, He will heal us. Maybe not in the way we were hoping but in a way that will bring Him glory. Look to Jesus and be cleansed.

I Look To You - Selah

The War of The Invisible

It's hard to believe just looking at it. Everything seems so clean and nice. What a wonderful place! Yeah, well, it looks that way because they haven't let the kids in yet!!

A battle is about ready to begin in this room. The victims will innocent children. Most will be defenseless against an enemy that cannot be seen but we parents send our kids in anyway. Why? Good question!

How many of you have ever had a sick kid? Wow! Every parent's hand just went up! You probably have all heard about the invisible enemy in our classrooms - germs. They're everywhere.

Why did God create germs? Probably for the same reason he invented mosquitoes. I have no idea why God made them either yet they are a reality.

"16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." - Colossians 1:16

There is good news in our invisible battle with germs. God has power over ALL things. Even the invisible. That's why He made scientists and doctors and researchers who spend their time trying to get rid of troublesome little friends. Germs.

All of us have another invisible enemy. Satan. We can't see him either but he is just as frustrating to deal with. He has already invaded the world we live in. Although we can't see him he leave a lot of symptoms in his wake.

There is a cure for this sickness. Just like a vaccine against an illness, Jesus provides the healing power in our battle against Satan. When we become a follower of Jesus God's Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. We become changed. Changed so much that we can actually live forever.

So why aren't more people lining up to get their Jesus shot? Another good question. Part of the reason is we're already infected. Satan effects our judgement and stamina. But another reason we don't get the help we need is because God is invisible too. If we would only open our eyes and see.

"17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." - Ephesians 1:17-23

Are You Sick Of It?

You know that feeling you get when you think you're coming down with something? That little twinge in the back of your throat, the little muscle aches and the occasional cough? Yeah, well I had that two days a go. Now, I'm sick.

Sickness usually starts by us coming into contact with some nasty thing that grows with us, making us weaker as it gradually takes over our entire lives. It drains us of who we are supposed to be and breaks down our resistance. Yuck. I'm sick. Somebody get me a doctor! LOL!

Do you ever get sick of being sick? Most people do. When people get sick of something they will often take steps to get rid if it. We'll go the emergency room. We'll make an appointment with our doctor. We'll even take a vacation somewhere sunny when we're sick of winter.

What are you sick of? I'm sick of politics and news casts. If I never saw another slanted news cast, pushing some agenda, I'd be fine. If I never heard another politician arguing something, not because of their beliefs, but because it's against what another politician wants. I'm sick of it!

What about our sin? Are we sick of that? Or do we not complain all that much that it hangs around? God back and read paragraph two only substitute the word "sin" for "sickness."

^"28And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Mark 2:17

Jesus offers some excellent advice when we get sick of things in this life. Here's His prescription. Will we take it?

^"28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

The following two songs, from different ends of the Christian music spectrum, both deliver the same message. The first is a little head-banging rock from Skillet. Here's some of the lyrics.

Are you sick of it?
Raise your hands
Get rid of it
While there's a fighting chance
Are you over it?
Bored to death?
Have you had enough regret?
Take a stand, raise your hands

Do you see what the song says? When we get sick of all the stress and worldly situations in life we should raise our hands to God and . . . get rid of it. Give it to God! :)

The second song is a lot more calming and is ALL scripture. Quite a change in music style but both songs deliver the same message.

Sick Of It - Skillet
Come To Me - Aaron Shust

The Parable of The Germ

My wife is currently battling a bad cold. She's coughing, sneezing, has a runny nose and her energy level is WAY down. Still, she tries to do things around the house but the stamina just is not there. She is extremely weak.

The reason she is sick is due to a germ. A virus. Her body is fighting against it and, thanks be to God, will win against it, eventually. God has given our bodies the ability to fight and stand up to infection . . . to heal itself from the creatures and forces that attack it.

Our spiritual lives operate in much the same way.

One who has no faith in God is, by definition, spiritually dead. One who believes that Jesus is the Son of God is said to be "alive" in Christ. They are born again. In order to be "born again" you must first die.

"I am the living one. I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave." - Revelation 1:18

Examine the common cold and compare its characteristics with that of sin in our lives.

• When we get a cold our energy is depleted. Sin depletes our energy and enthusiasm for God.
• When we get a cold we don't feel like eating. Everything tastes blah. When we have sin in our lives we don't feel like praying and God feels far from us. We feel blah.
• When we get a cold we want to stay by ourselves. When we are well spiritually we want to go to church to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
• A cold can lead to death if not taken care of. So can sin.
• When we have a cold we sometimes have to go see the doctor. When we have sin in our lives the only thing that can help us is the Great Physician, Jesus.

"23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23

If there is sin in your life make an appointment to see The Doctor today. Life is so much better when we are healthy. It is WAY better if we are spiritually healthy and we know that we will never die. :)

The Great Physician - Deas Vail

102

This past Monday I had an annoying little cough. Dry. Persistent. Probably a lot like this blog. Well, today I am on day three of the worst cold I have ever had. Although I did set a personal best for Internal Body Temperature, so I've got that going for me. Yay?

I didn't eat much Tuesday or Wednesday. It was like a 48-hour fast . . . but for all the wrong reasons. Blah . . .

Early this morning I awoke to a strange noise - the sound of my growling tummy. I was hungry!

"Well, you'd better get up and eat something before you wake your wife."

So I wandered out to the kitchen, bouncing from wall to wall as I went . . . at 1:27 in the morning. I opened up the refrigerator door and grabbed some juice, set it on the stove. Then I went over to the cereal / cracker cabinet which seemed more empty tan normal. The only thing that seemed palatable to this sick-o was Saltine crackers. Kind of blah but that's what I was looking for.

As I placed the crackers on the stove next to the juice I looked and saw this picture.

"26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26

And so . . . I prayed.

I asked God to forgive me for all of the times I have placed myself above Him; thought of my own needs before those of my King. I prayed for this world, which is so full of itself it doesn't have time for ANY gods, let alone the One True God. I prayed that Jesus would return soon. Imagine, a life without colds!!!

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” - Revelation 21:1-5