Cockroaches and Church
Ok, so the title might make you think that I'm going to talk about the cockroaches at our church. Well, that is not the case. In fact, I've never seen a cockroach at church, although I'm sure they're there. These are two seperate incidents.

The first incident happened this morning, somewhere around 9:33. Klazina asked me if I could lift a box for her and take it to the dining room. So I grabbed the box and started carrying it to the dining room when I felt something on my arm. I thought maybe something had fallen out of the box...until I heard the scream. Those of you who have experienced cockroaches know exactly what scream I speak of. It's high and shrill and usually comes from women, although occasionally it's been heard coming from a male. When I heard that scream I threw the box down and felt contaminated, if not defiled. COCKROACHES HAD BEEN CRAWLING ON MY ARM! With great joy did I smash those beasts with the shoe of Sarah Anne. They came, we saw, we conquered. After the battle was o'er, a mighty victory had been won by Klazina and I. Six dead cockroaches scattered the floor, with only two escaping to tell their fellow roaches the destruction.

Church today was great. We looked at 2 Samuel 16 and 17. 16:1-4 talk about Ziba lying to David about Mephibosheth and getting his land. Pastor Brian reminded us that we should always make sure we know both sides of a story before taking any action. 16:5-14 talk about Shimei cursing David and calling him a bloodthirsty man. Pastor Brian said that we can learn how to take criticism from this passage. Instead of cutting off his head, David listened to what Shimei had to say. He said that if it's true than he deserved it, but if it's false God will take of it. Instead of saying, "Shimei, you're right...and now I'm going to cut off your head." We need to be like David and take the critism, even from our enemies, and learn from them. 16:15-17:4 talk about the good advice of Ahithophel. He was giving great advice to Absolom, although Absolom ended up listening to Hushai. Hushai was a spy for David, and God made his advice sound better than Ahithophel's. Absolom took Hushai's advice to first gather the entire army, and in so doing gave David a chance to get over the Jordan River and escape. We can learn from this that God is taking care of us, even when all seems to be going against us. In verse 23 Ahithophel set his house in order and then commited suicide. Pastor Brian talked about how we need to make sure we are living for the right things in life. Ahithophel wanted the approval of others and when he didn't get it, he killed himself. Also, he compared Ahithophel to so many people on this earth who are setting their earthly houses in order but in doing so, they commit spiritual suicide. Instead of focusing on eternity, they focus on getting money and such. What will it profit if a man gains the whole world and loses his soul? The chapter ends with people helping David and his people in their need. You find out who your friends really are when you need help and they stick by you.

Have yourselves a good day. And remember, when you hear the scream, a cockroach is nearby.