CSE Blogs

Dear Praying Friends,

The legal canvas of our case has been untouched for several months. Dr. Hovind’s attorney has been postponing filing a Stay Request until he received the transcripts from the trial last October (2006), as he felt quoting directly from the transcripts would greatly strengthen the request. In November, after waiting fourteen months and still not receiving completed transcripts, the decision was made to file a Stay Request with the Eleventh Circuit without the benefit of the transcripts.

The Stay Request was rejected because it was too long. The page limit for a Stay Request at the Eleventh Circuit is twenty pages and our motion was thirty-eight pages. Dr. Hovind’s attorney worked to reduce the document to the required maximum length, but could not address all the issues within that page limitation. He condensed the document to twenty-eight pages and re-filed it with a motion for an exception to this page limit rule. On December 20, 2007, the Eleventh Circuit accepted the Stay Request Motion with the additional pagination, and it was officially docketed. The Eleventh Circuit has eight business days to respond, excluding weekends and holidays. That means we should have a decision by January 7, 2008. It could come sooner, but that is their deadline, barring any additional filings by the prosecution.

There is a remote possibility that the Appellate Level Prosecutor will file a reply which would delay the ruling. However, according to Dr. Hovind’s attorney, it is highly unlikely that the Appellate Level Prosecutor will file a reply to our Motion. This does not mean that a Stay Request is easily granted; in fact, it is rare that one is granted. This is especially true when the accusation keeping him currently incarcerated is that he is a threat to society because he prayed for IRS agents. Most of you will remember that the reasons that the District Court ordered incarceration of Dr. Hovind in spite of an ongoing appeal was because the prosecution alleged and the judge declared him to be a flight risk and a threat to society. It is a sad day in America when a preacher is jailed for praying for anyone.

If granted, the Stay Request would allow Dr. Hovind to be home during the appeal process, just as Mrs. Hovind is currently being allowed to be home during this long process that may encompass two years or more. As mentioned, the Court Transcripts from the trial still remain uncompleted. These transcripts were ordered November 2, 2006, the last day of the trial-nearly fourteen months ago. The attorneys cannot file an appeal until they are complete. Volumes Two and Three were released to attorneys in November. If the transcripts are not completed, one does wonder how the court knows that there are Volumes One, Two, and Three.

Thank you for praying for the granting of the Stay Request and the completion of the trial transcripts, as well as the ongoing work and ministry of the CSE Team.
____________________
Eric Hovind
Creation Science Evangelism
Manager
www.drdino.com

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    September 4, 2007
To:    Goliath of Gath
Subject:    Only the Strongest Survive?

KH:    Excuse me Mr. Goliath of Gath (GG), I couldn’t help but hear you yelling and swearing (I Samuel 17:8). What seems to be the problem here?

GG:    I can’t understand these stupid Jews. They think their God is the only one there is. They think He’s all powerful. What a joke!

KH:    Why would you say that?

GG:    Their God told them-so they say-to conquer the land of Caanan-four-hundred years ago! They claim their God promised to drive out the people who lived there (Joshua 1). My people had been living there for centuries. It’s our land!

KH:    They did conquer the land, didn’t they?

GG:    Only part of it. Their God couldn’t make them conquer my city of Gath (Joshua 11:22). That was over three-hundred years ago and they still can’t beat us! If God told them to do it, why didn’t they finish the job?

KH:    Good question.

GG:    I’ll tell you why. Their God is weak. That’s why. Why, just a few dozen years ago this puny nation of Israel didn’t even have a king. They said this “God” was their king and He lived in a box they called the “ark.”  My father was in the battle when Israel tried to fight us (I Samuel 4:1-2). He said it was not even a fight. We beat them bad! Dad said they killed 4,000 men in just one day (I Samuel 4:2). Then, the “military leaders” of this weak little country sent men to get their God in a box to bring Him to help them win the battle (I Samuel 4:3-5). What a joke! We beat then again and took their box away from them. Ha! So much for their silly God in a box.

KH:    Did your father’s people keep the box?

GG:    For awhile, yes, but bad things started happening in the city of Ashdod, so they brought it to my city of Gath (I Samuel 5:8).

KH:    And what happened in your city?

GG:    We had an outbreak of emerods (I Samuel 5:9) so we sent the ark to another city (I Samuel 5:10). After seven months (I Samuel 6:1) our Philistine rulers sent the box back to Israel (I Samuel 6:12).

KH:    Did the emerolds go away?

GG:    Yes they did. So we decided there was some poison in the box. There was never any proof that God had anything to do with it. My father was a giant like me (Numbers 13:33; Deuteronomy 3:11; Joshua 12:4). He taught me to be a fighter. We know that might makes right. There is no one God to tell us right from wrong. The strongest decide right and wrong.

KH:    So why are you out here yelling and swearing today.

GG:    I’m cursing the stupid God of these cowardly Jews to show them the truth about their God in a box. He’s nothing. If He even exists, He has no power like mine. Look at me. I’m nearly ten-feet tall!

I’ve got four brothers (II Samuel 21:16-22) who are as big as me. We are the dream team. We will take on anyone including that puny God of the Jews.

I’ve been coming out here for forty days now, yelling and cursing at these Jews and their God in a box. I told them to send me a man to fight with me, but they are all too scared (I Samuel 17:16). I challenge them every morning and evening, but there are none brave enough to fight me. They talk about how they trust their God, but they are all liars. I trust my great strength not some imaginary God in a box. They talk big, but never really put their faith into action.

KH:    How long are you going to do this?

GG:    I don’t know. I made my challenge about thirty minutes ago and they all ran away (I Samuel 17:24) just like they always do. I’ll wait a few more minutes just to rub their nose in it. I really enjoy making fun of their God and demonstrating that He doesn’t exist.

KH:    What are you trying to accomplish?

GG:    I want to get them to give up their stupid religion and see reality. Only the strongest survive. They need to quit wasting time talking to their God and start working out and enjoying life. They claim their God gave them some rules to live by. There are no rules from God. I break all ten of their silly rules all the time and nothing ever happens to me.

KH:    Are any of your children planning on becoming University Professors to continue the tradition of mocking God and teaching others to ignore His rules?

GG:    What?

KH:    Never mind. I just thought I might have met some of them. He, Mr. Goliath, I think I see someone coming from the camp of Israel. You have a challenger.

GG:    It’s about time! It only took them forty days.

KH:    What are the rules for the fight?

GG:    No rules. Just one on one.

KH:    Then why do you have two (I Samuel 17:41)?

GG:    See, there you go, too. Rules are man made and mean nothing to me. Say, you’re not a Jewish spy are you?

KH:    No, sir. I’m Norwegian.

GG:    Nor what?

KH:    Never mind. It looks like your challenger is kind of small and unarmed.

GG:    It’s just a little boy with a rag on a string and a rock! I’ll teach those Jews to mock me by sending this dog! I’ll kill him and feed his body to the birds (I Samuel 17:44)! We’ll see how puny their God really is.

KH:    You might want to listen carefully to that boy. He may have a totally new thought to put into your head (I Samuel 17:49). I’ll get out of the way now. Tell God I said “hi” when you see Him in a few minutes.

GG:    Huh?

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    September 1, 2007
To:    God
Subject:    Re: Motives for Reading God’s Word

GOD:    Good morning, son.

kh:    Good morning, Lord.

GOD:    I see you are reading My Word.

kh:    Yes, Lord.

GOD:    Why?

kh:    Why am I reading Your Word?

GOD:    Yes, son, why are you reading it? Examine your heart. Are you reading because you feel obligated? What’s your motive?

kh:    I guess I never thought about it, Lord. There are lots of reasons to read it.

GOD:    Yes, son, there are lots of reasons people read My Word. Some read it because of habit. Habits are good, son, and I want all My children to get good habits and avoid bad habits, but habit alone is not a good reason to read My Word.

Some only read it to get a message to preach to others. Some read it to salve their conscience. It makes them feel that they have done their daily duty to Me. Some read it so that they can impress others with their Bible knowledge; some so they can win a debate; and others so they can brag and say, “I have read my Bible every day for X number of years. I have read it cover to cover X times (Luke 18:11-12)!”  Some read their “chapter a day to keep the devil away.”  Some think reading My Word obligates Me to protect them or provide special blessings to them. Thus, thinking that My Word is a magic potion, they read it and think I’m indebted to them. However, I’m never in debt to any man. Some read it to look good to their fellow man (Matthew 23:26). They have their reward (Matthew 6:2).

You see, son, I search the hearts (Jeremiah 17:10). I know why people do what they do. I don’t need anyone to tell me what is in man (John 2:25). You would be surprised to know how many people read My Word only because of peer pressure or because they think others expect it of them.

Still others read it only hoping to find errors or contradictions so they can justify not submitting to its authority. Quite a few read it to see which Scriptures they can wrest (II Peter 3:16) to fit their own wild doctrines or wicked life styles. I wrote it so that some passages appear to contradict at first glance, so those who hate Me will be caught in their own net (Psalm 35:8).

kh:    Have I ever read Your Word for any of those reasons, Lord?

GOD:    Nearly all of them at one time or another, son.

kh:    Why should I read it, Lord?

GOD:    My Word provides more things than you realize. It washes like water (Ephesians 5:26-27) and quenches the thirst (John 4:14) in those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). My Word brings life (Proverbs 3:2) and light (Psalm 119:130). It is milk (I Peter 2:2), bread (Matthew 4:4), and meat (Hebrews 5:12-14). It is a light to your path (Psalm 119:105) and a search light for your heart (Psalm 139:23). It is your armor against the devil (Ephesians 6:11,17). It keeps you from sin (Psalm 119:11). It brings healing (Matthew 8:16). It makes you bear fruit (Matthew 13:20-23). It helps you learn of me (Matthew 11:29) to prepare you to live in my palace forever (Revelation 21:1).

kh:    Do I ever read it for those reasons, Lord?

GOD:    Sometimes, son, but not often enough. I’ve given you a lot. You have a sharp mind, good health, a loving family, a relatively free country, and lots of people who love and pray for you. You need to study to show yourself approved to Me (II Timothy 2:15). I’ve given you much and I will require much of you (Luke 12:48).

kh:    I know, Lord. That verse scares me.

GOD:    It should, son, it should. I love you. Get back to reading. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    August 30, 2007
To:    God & Young Boy
Subject:    Re: God’s Awesome Power

GOD:    Hey, Son, good morning! I love you!

kh:    Good morning, Lord. I love you, too. I’m sure ready to get back out preaching for you, Lord. Can I go home now?

God:    Do you think I need you out preaching for Me?

kh:    No, Lord. I know You don’t need me, but I need to be used. Even the dogs get the crumbs, you know (Mark 7:28).

GOD:    I know, Son. Good answer. I’ll send you back out soon. I want you to knee-mail a very excited seven-year-old for Me.

kh:    Sure, Lord. When and where?

GOD:    Peoria, Illinois; Caterpillar Tractor Company Proving Grounds in Marquette Heights; just after the Power Parade in 1960

KH:    Hey there, Son. You look excited! Where have you been?

Young Boy:    I’m very excited! I just watched the Power Parade. My daddy works at Caterpillar Tractor Company where they make all kinds of big machines to move dirt and rocks. Every ten years, they have a public demonstration of their newest machines. It was s-o-o-o-o-o cool!

KH:    Tell me about it.

YB:    The show started when the man said, “Welcome to the Power Parade.”  Just then a clown walked out pushing a wheelbarrow with a shovel in it. The announcer asked the clown what he was doing and the clown used hand signals to tell him he was going to dig a basement for a house.

The announcer asked him how big it was going to be, and the clown, with his big floppy feet, walked off a rectangle twenty-four feet by forty feet and put a stake at each corner. The clown said it would be seven feet deep.

KH:    Did he really dig a hole that big with a shovel?

YB:    Well…he started digging at the beginning of the show and dug for the whole two hours, but he didn’t get a very big hole. It was more like the size of a grave.

While he was digging the announcer said, “Well, folks, we’ll let our clown friend dig it the old-fashioned way while we show you how we do it at Caterpillar.”

Just then, a small D1 bulldozer came over the hill and started digging a basement the same size near the clown’s basement. It took the D1 two hours, but he did it.

KH:    Is that all you did was watch them dig holes?

YB:    Oh, no! While they were racing to see who could dig their basement the fastest, lots of other machines came over the hill to show what they could do. They had six backhoes doing a square dance. It was s-o-o-o-o-o cool! They all had their buckets up in the air almost touching in the middle of the circle while the announcer said, “Swing your partner round and round.”  They spun around and drove around in circles at the same time. It was just like they were dancing!

Every once in a while, the clown would run over to check the size of the hole the D1 was making. Then he would run back to his hole and dig faster. It was so funny. The D1 was beating him really badly, but they both kept working for the whole show.

KH:    What else did you see?

YB:    They showed us all kinds of machines that Caterpillar makes. Some are for scraping to make roads. They had several sizes of those. They also had some that the belly dropped down to scoop up dirt. If they got stuck, a bulldozer would come push them. It was so loud.

I really love my dad! I’m so glad he works for a company that makes powerful machines like this. My dad is s-o-o-o-o-o smart!

KH:    What was your favorite part of the show?

YB:    Oh, the last part! When the D1 finished digging his basement, he had piled up a huge mountain of dirt. Then he drove over to the front of the crowd and raised and lowered his blade like he was waving to us. We all clapped and cheered. The clown gave up digging and sat down in his wheelbarrow by his tiny hole and frowned.

Right then, we heard this really loud roar and felt the bleachers shake as the new D9 bulldozer come over the hill! It was huge! It drove over to where the D1 had dug the big hole for the basement and pushed all the dirt back in the hole in one push! I mean the hole was filled back in, in five seconds!

My dad told me the new D9 was big, but I couldn’t believe it! Then the D7 dug a new basement in two minutes! The clown just fell over and acted like he fainted. We laughed and cheered. It was s-o-o-o-o-o cool!

KH:    Wow! That must have really made an impression on you, young man. Say, what’s your name?

YB:    I’m Kent, sir. My dad is Bob Hovind. I’ve got to go now. My dad knows some of the guys that drove the machines in the show. He’s going to let me meet them and shake hands. Good bye!

KH:    Good bye, Kent. I’m glad you enjoyed the Power Parade!

kh:    Thanks, God. I think I see it now. I’m the D1 and You are the D9, right?

GOD:    No, Son. You are the ant under the clown’s wheelbarrow and I’m the DI. The I is for Infinite! I’m moving the entire earth right now at sixty-six thousand miles per hour and not even breaking a sweat. Not to mention the other planets and starts.

I don’t need you to help, Son, but I love you and enjoy watching you work. Just don’t get the idea that you are real important or accomplishing a lot for Me, OK?

KH:    OK, Lord. I like watching ants work as well, Lord. Plus, I really like working for a smart Dad like You Who can create the universe just by speaking! I love you, Daddy!

GOD:    I love you, too, Son. I’ll send you back out soon. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    August 26, 2007
To:    God, Luther Bridgers
Subject:    A Song Born in Tragedy
Time:    1910

GOD:    Hey, son, we had good fellowship today, didn’t we?

kh:    Yes, Lord! You are awesome! This book, Finding Favor with the King by Tommy Tenney is just what I needed. Thanks for letting me have it, Lord. I feel like I’ve been screaming outside the gates. I want to be right next to You. Please cover me with Your righteousness so we can stay close.

GOD:    You keep your walk, hands, and mind clean, son (Psalm 24:4). Always stop at the altar first before you come close. I only accept clean people into My presence (Leviticus 16:1-4).

kh:    Thanks for being willing to clean me over and over again, Lord.

GOD:    I never tire of it, son. I’ve got a knee-mail I’d like you to write. You look a little down this evening.

kh:    Sure, Lord, to whom?

GOD:    Send it to Luther Bridgers in 1910. He’s crying pretty hard right now, but you will be encouraged just by talking with him.

kh:    Ok, Lord.

KH:    Excuse me, Mr. Bridgers, I can’t help but see you are deeply hurt over something. Can I help you?

LB:    Oh, thanks for asking. Just pray for me. I’m filled with mixed emotions right now after this great tragedy.

KH:    What happened?

LB:    I’ve been preaching for nine years now. I was out of town preaching a revival meeting; so my wife and three sons went to her parents’ house in Kentucky for a visit. The house caught fire during the night. Her parents got out alive, but my wife and three boys all died in the fire.

KH:    Wow, that is terrible! I’m so sorry to hear about it. Is there anything I can do?

LB:    Just pray. God has come so close to me during this tragedy. He is even giving me a song I think. The funeral is tomorrow. All I could pray at first was just Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Just calling His name was a comfort. He understands my grief and fills my heart. He keeps me singing during the good and the bad of life.

KH:    Can I hear what you have written so far?

LB:    I’m not a great musician and it’s not done yet, but so far it goes,
“There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low;  Fear not I am with thee, peace be still; In all of life’s ebb and flow. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing; Keeps me singing as I go.”

KH:    I love it! He can keep us singing even when tragedy strikes.

LB:    I know. He has for me. Do you think the song will ever help anyone else?

KH:    You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how God is going to use this tragedy for HIS glory.

LB:    Really?  I’m so glad. I just want to be used of God to bring people to Heaven.

KH:    You will, Luther. You will. I’ll pray for you. Finish your song. I have a feeling God will use it. It sure blessed me!

LB:    Thanks for your encouragement, Kent. I’ll see you in Heaven.

kh:    God, I’m sorry for griping about my little trials down here. If Luther Bridgers can sing after losing his wife and three sons in a fire while he was preaching, I guess I can sing in prison, can’t I?

GOD:    Yes, son, you can. I know all about your situation. I’m in control. I’m God. Go sing, son. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    August 26, 2007
Time:    3:30 a.m.
To:    God
Subject:    Pressure

GOD:    Hey, son, it’s 3:30 a.m. Why aren’t you sleeping?

kh:    I was sleeping fine, Lord, but I woke up with a lot on my mind. I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately, Lord. So has my wife, my family, and my ministry. This year-long legal battle has produced a lot of pressure in many ways, especially financially. I also feel a deep yearning to be with my family and back out spreading Your Gospel. I guess it all woke me up.

GOD:    Didn’t you go to bed asking Me to handle all those things?

kh:    Yes, Lord, I did.

GOD:    Then why are you still carrying all that load, son?  Don’t you trust me (I Peter 5:7)?

kh:    I guess not like I should, Lord. I’m sorry.

GOD:    Well son, let me explain a few things to you about pressure (II Corinthians 1:8). First, pressure is good. I created it. It is required to get the juice from the fruit, the oil from the olive and the fragrance from the flower. Without pressure, the rivers would not flow nor the water in your plumbing. It keeps the electrons flowing in the wires to light the room and turn the motor in the AC unit, which then supplies pressure to compress the Freon and force the air to circulate to cool the building.

Your diaphragm pulls down on your lungs as you breathe and air pressure all around you forces air into your lungs to keep you alive. It is pressure that gets the oxygen from your lungs into the blood stream which is moved around your body by more pressure supplied by your heart, arteries, and capillaries.

It is pressure that keeps all your cells inflated and makes your eyeballs round so you can see to read My Word and enjoy My world.

Pressure keeps the ink flowing out of the pen you hold and press against the paper which is made of fibers pressed into sheets and cut by pressure.

Pressure keeps strings tight in a piano so that when they are struck (more pressure), they vibrate and exert pressure on the air around them which makes your eardrum move, and you can hear the music.

Pressure lets you chew your food and turn your head to see the air pressure called wind rustle the leaves on the trees, that exist because of root pressure pushing water up to make them grow and push water and nutrients into the fruit, for you to chew or squeeze with more pressure.

Pressure also forces various materials into more usable shapes. Wasn’t that pen you are holding formed and filled using pressure?  Weren’t the parts of that table you are sitting at and the parts of the building you are in all formed by pressure?  Isn’t the building you are in held in place by pressure?

kh:    Yes, Lord. It is all true.

GOD:    Pressure also keeps things moving, son. Does your pen move by itself?

kh:    No, Lord. I provide the pressure. By itself, it would do nothing.

GOD:    And even when you move it, the results are hard to read. You need to work on your handwriting, son.

kh:    I know, Lord. Sorry about that.

GOD:    Every time you walk you put pressure on the floor. Where would you be without the relentless pressure of gravity?

kh:    I’d be lost in space, Lord.

GOD:    Yes you would, son. Pressure is good. I created it. Secondly son, don’t you humans have thousands of ways of using pressure?  Don’t you have thousands of instruments and expensive gauges to monitor and regulate the pressure on millions of things you do down there?

kh:    Yes, Lord, we do.

GOD:    If you didn’t keep the pressure just right your pipes would explode, your electrical wires would all melt, and your tires would go flat. Don’t you think I’m smart enough to monitor the pressure I allow on My children (Mark 1:35; I Corinthians 10:13; I Peter 5:7)?

kh:    Yes, Lord, You are.

GOD:    Aren’t you careful to use just the right pressure on the steering wheel, the gas, and the brakes as you drive?

kh:    I try, Lord.

GOD:    That’s a good point, son. You, your second son, and your daughter all need to use a little less pressure on the gas pedal!

kh:    Oh, Lord, you are right. I’ll tell them.

GOD:    Don’t you humans use pressure to squeeze lots of things into a desired shape, to be more useful to yourselves?

kh:    Yes, Lord. Millions of things from pancakes to space shuttles require pressure to produce.

GOD:    Don’t you think that I know how much pressure to use to get you into the desired shape (Romans 8:29)?

kh:    Yes, Lord, You know.

GOD:    I’m monitoring all the gauges, son. I know exactly how much pressure you are under, how much you can stand, and how much is needed to get you into the desired shape. Everything is under control. Trust me.

kh:    I’m trying, Lord. It just hurts, that’s all.

GOD:    Pressure often hurts, son, but it is required to get the job done. You have circuit breakers to make sure your wires don’t get too much pressure and pop off valves to be sure your water heater doesn’t explode. I’ve got ways to get excess pressure off of you, son. Didn’t the judge grant the Motion for Release Pending Appeal to keep your wife from going to prison August 31st?

kh:    Yes, Lord, she did.

GOD:    Didn’t that take a lot of pressure off all of you?

kh:    Yes, Lord, it sure did. Thanks!

GOD:    That’s just the beginning, son. Lots of items you use were formed under pressure, but once the item is formed, the pressure can be taken off. I’m forming you, son (Genesis 2:7; Proverbs 26:10; Isaiah 43:7; 44:2; Galatians 4:19). I’ll relieve the pressure when it’s time.

kh:    I know, Lord, I feel the pressure. Thanks for working with me.

GOD:    It’s my pleasure, son. I work with all my children like this (Romans 8:29-30; 12:1-2; Philippians 1:6). I can squeeze a lot into a little. You should see the power I squeezed into uranium and plutonium atoms! I know precisely how much pressure to use to make a seam of coal, a pool of oil, and a diamond.

I know exactly what pressure you need to get you where I want you. Hold still, son. Patience means to bear up under pressure. Be patient, son. Trust me.

kh:    I’m trying, but I am not good at all with patience!

GOD:    Thirdly, son, if the pressure is too great, I will carry the excess load (Matthew 11:29-30). I will never give you more than you can bear (I Corinthians 10:13). The pipes in my house don’t burst and my tires never go flat. I don’t get tired or surprised.

kh:    God, are you squeezing me to get something out of me, get something into me, or get me in a more usable shape?

GOD:    All three and more, son. If I told you everything I was doing, your little brain would not be able to handle it all.

I’ve gotten some prayers and writings from you that you didn’t have time for in the free world. I’ve had you read things, watch things, hear things, and experience things that have changed you forever. I can squeeze things into you and out of you at the same time.

I’m getting some oil, fragrance, and juice out of you that is helping nourish, refresh, and bless some of your brothers and sisters in Christ. I’m also using you to convict and convert others who were not My children until they saw you get squeezed like this.

I can squeeze all positive protons together in atoms; then squeeze the atoms into metal to make a trumpet (I Corinthians 15:52; I Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 1:10) which I will very soon squeeze air through to call My children home! I can put the needed pressure in the right spots to cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to My glory (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11).

I can supply the pressure to open the prison doors (Acts 5:19; 12:7; 16:26) and cause even the heathen to praise My name. I’m in charge. I’m God!

kh:    I know, God, I’m sorry to doubt. Sometimes I just forget.

GOD:    It’s all under My control. Go to sleep. When you get up, relax, enjoy My Word and My world. Get a tan, read a book, and let’s talk some more. Forget the pressure, son. I’ll take it from here. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    August 22, 2007
To:    Reuben
Subject:    Hidden Sin and Forgiveness
Read:    Genesis 37; 42:1-28
Time:    After Genesis 42:28 as Reuben stares at his money

KH:    Hey Reuben, you look like you have seen a ghost! Are you OK?

Reuben:    Uh…..no! I’m not doing well at all.

KH:    What seems to be the problem?

Reuben:    I just opened my sack of grain to feed my mule and found my money in it. It looks like the same money I gave the Egyptian yesterday to pay for the grain. His name was Zaphnath-paaneah (Genesis 41:45). We just call him Zaph for short. He is the second in command of the entire country right under Pharoah himself! I don’t know how the money got back in my sack.

KH:    Well…that’s good news! You got the grain for free! What are you nervous about?

Reuben:    Because Zaph will think we stole the money or the grain or both. He kept careful records of every purchase. He is going to be furious when he discovers this. He will kill us!

KH:    So, just don’t ever go back shopping there again.

Reuben:    Uh…it is much more complicated than that! There is no food anywhere else because of the famine in the land, plus, Zaph kept our brother, Simeon, as a hostage until we return with our little brother, Benjamin.

KH:    Why did he do that?

Reuben:    Oh…it is a long, sad story.

KH:    Let’s hear it.

Reuben:    I know that this happened because God is judging my sin. God put the money in my sack to cause all this evil. I knew this day was coming (Genesis 42:21-22).

KH:    Wow, what sin did you commit?

Reuben:    Lying, kidnaping, attempted murder, and withholding information from my grieving father. I helped sell my own brother into slavery and probably death! It all happened twenty-one years ago (Genesis 37:28). He was only seventeen years old. He was a good kid too! He loved God.

KH:    Why did you do that?  How could you sell your own brother?

Reuben:    I come from a very dysfunctional family and it would be easy to blame my childhood, but since I’m the oldest and knew better, it is all largely my fault.

KH:    Tell me about your childhood.

Reuben:    My dad, Jacob, deceived his own father and stole his brother’s birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). He had to run away from his furious brother so he came to Haran and got a job working for my grandpa Laban (Genesis 28:10). Grandpa Laban tricked Dad into marrying my mom when he really wanted to marry her younger sister, my aunt Rachel (Genesis 29:25). Mom knew she wasn’t really pretty and Dad didn’t really love her. Their marriage was pretty shaky from the start.

When I was born, Mom tried to use me to get Dad’s attention (Genesis 29:32). I didn’t feel much love either. It was more like I was just a pawn in some game they were playing. My mom’s sister was real pretty but she was a liar and a thief (Genesis 31:34) just like Dad.

Both sisters were jealous of each other and talked Dad into marrying their servant girls to have even more children. It was a real mess! I had three stepmothers who were all jealous of each other, all fighting for Dad’s attention; and all resented me. I also had five brothers and five half brothers and one sister. Later I got another half brother.

KH:    Wow! What a messed up family! That’s a bad way to grow up.

Reuben:    Yes, it was! Dad was too busy with family feuds to really spend much time teaching us things. He was often scheming up ways to trick people and get rich quick. He even cheated my Grandpa Laban out of his sheep and goats (Genesis 30:32-43).

Dad knew Grandpa would be mad; so he packed us all up and left without letting us even say goodbye to Grandpa (Genesis 31:17). That hurt bad, too! Dad tried to be all holy about stealing the flocks. He said God had given them to him (Genesis 31:8-9).

We boys all knew what really happened. We helped Dad artificially inseminate the flocks (Genesis 30:37-39). That’s one thing Dad taught us a lot about mating! I think we all knew way too much way too soon! I won’t do that with my kids. It was real hard to keep a clean heart and mind around our house. There seemed to be only one thing on everyone’s mind.

My mom even taught me about aphrodisiacs! I found some mandrakes (Genesis 30:14) one time and knew what they were for and that Mom would want them. How is a teenage boy supposed to keep a clean mind growing up with a mom and dad like that (Psalm 119:9-11). Our house was filled with lustful thoughts and talk all the time. I even committed adultery with one of my stepmoms (Genesis 35:22). Dad knew about it but didn’t do anything. He never taught me to admit my sin and take responsibility for my actions.

KH:    Sounds like a lot of families in my town. Kids are raised with a steady stream of immorality in their living room right on the TV. Then parents wonder why their kids go bad.

Reuben:    On a what?  A TV?

KH:    Never mind. That would take a while to explain! Why didn’t your dad do anything?

Reuben:    I don’t know. I wish he would have been more consistent as a parent. It was almost as if he were two different people. Sometimes all he lived for was the flesh and other times he was real close to God. He even has two names: Jacob and Israel. He is definitely a double-minded man (James 1:8).

KH:    What does all this have to do with the money in the sack?

Reuben:    I’m just giving you the background on why I’m unstable (Genesis 49:4). It’s not really an excuse, but I sure didn’t have any good role models in the house except Joseph. He was the only one of us boys who really seemed to want to stay pure and serve God. We pretty much hated him for it.

KH:    So do you recommend that men have multiple wives or girlfirends?

Reuben:    No way! It causes lots of problems in the family! Anyway, when Dad made Joseph the coat of many colors, the brothers really got mad. They plotted to kill him but I talked them out of that. We just threw him in a pit (Genesis 37:18-24). I left to take care of the sheep and when I came back, I found out my brothers had sold him to be a slave (Genesis 37:29-30)! That’s when we decided to dip his coat in blood and give it to Dad (Genesis 37:31-32). We didn’t technically lie to Dad. We just showed him the bloody coat and let him think Joseph had been torn up by animals.

KH:    Did it bother you?

Reuben:    Real bad. Sometimes withholding truth is just like lying. It has bothered me every day and night for twenty-one years! When Dad saw the coat, he cried uncontrollably for weeks (Genesis 38:34) and still has bad days even now. I have not been able to have an open, honest loving relationship with my dad for twenty-one years now. My secret sin affects my relations with my brothers and even my wife and children. I always feel like I’m hiding something because I am! The burden I carry is horrible! Every time anything bad happens, even if I just break a fingernail, I am reminded of my sin. It is awful to live this way!

I’ve thought of that thousands of times! I want so badly to get this off my conscience. I’m just too unstable, I guess (Genesis 49:4). I find it hard to talk with Dad. We all knew he had lied and tricked both his dad and his brother (Genesis 27). We were also pretty mad when our only sister was defiled and Dad did nothing about it (Genesis 34:5)!

I know it’s no excuse for me, but our family has a long history of lies, lust, and greed. Now, it is all catching up with us (Genesis 42:21; Numbers 32:23). If this famine continues, we will all starve. Zaph told us not to come back without our little brother, Benjamin (Genesis 42:20). There is no way Dad will ever let Ben go with us all the way to Egypt. God is definitely judging us. The way of the transgressor is so hard (Genesis 4:13; Proverbs 13:15). It would have been so much better to just live for God and do right (Proverbs 28:13)!

KH:    Wow! Now I see why the money in the sack does not make you happy. You have a real mess on your hands!

Reuben:    I know! I dread facing Dad. I dread facing Zaph again and I really dread facing God! I’ve pretty well messed up my life and my kids’ lives. I don’t see any way out of this problem.

KH:    Well…God is merciful to those who confess their sins and forsake them (I John 1:9). He can even use our sin, selfishness, stupidity and stubborness for His glory and for our good. I was pretty stupid one time as a seventeen-year-old. I tapped out the head bolts on my Volkswagon to put in Heli-coils and didn’t take time to change the oil afterwards. I blew the engine on a date that night, but that’s how I ended up with my gorgeous wife!

Reuben:    Huh?  What’s a head bolt and why do you tap on them?  How many oxen are needed to pull a “volks” or whatever kind of wagon it was you had?  I don’t get anything you are talking about!

KH:    Oh, boy! That would take a real long time to explain, but the point is, God used my mistake for His glory. He will do the same with you if you confess your sin. Come clean, Reuben! God still loves you and can even fix this horrible mess you’ve made.

Reuben:    There is no way even God can fix this one. I’ve messed it up too bad.

KH:    Go home and pray about it. Don’t let your dad suffer anymore. Tell him the truth.

Reuben:    I’ll pray about it, but I don’t think God listens to me or even wants me.

KH:    Oh, He listens and wants you, but it starts with admitting your sin to Him and then following His steps to make it right with the people you’ve harmed.

Reuben:    How could I ever fix the wrong I’ve done to my brother, Joseph?  He’s got to be dead by now!

KH:    Didn’t Joseph try to keep a pure heart and serve God?

Reuben:    Yes, he was not perfect, but he did trust God and tried to do right. But it didn’t do any good. Look what happened to him! He died!

KH:    Actually, I know how God will fix that one, too, but I can’t tell you.

Reuben:    Why not?

KH:    First, knee-mail blocks stuff about the future most of the time; and second, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you how it all turns out.

Reuben:    How do you know this stuff?

KH:    God keeps His Word. He promised to bless your father, Jacob, your grandfather, Isaac, and your great-grandfather, Abraham. God never lies. Plus, I read the end of your story in God’s Word (Revelation 7:5). You’ll be fine (Deuteronomy 33:1-6)!

Reuben:    My story is in God’s Word?

KH:    Oh, yes! Many times.

Reuben:    So, God will straighten this terrible mess out?  How?

KH:    I can’t tell you how, but get ready to shout praises to God when He does.

You know you will eventually have to confess your sin. Why not do it now?

Reuben:    I can’t. Maybe next year.

KH:    Yes, maybe next year. I hate to see you hide this sin and waste another year of your life, but it’s your decision. I will knee-mail you later on. Enjoy your trip home.