CSE Blogs

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    December 7, 2007
To:    GOD
Subject:    Four hundred days

kh:    Ah…Lord? Today is my four hundredth day in prison. That’s 9,600 hours or 576,000 minutes of being locked up.

GOD:    I know, Son. I’ve been with you the entire 34,560,000 seconds. Did you have a question, Son?

kh:    Well…ah…yes, Lord. Are You still watching my case?

GOD:    Oh, yes, Son, very closely. Many people are. I’m on top of things. Any more questions?

kh:    Well…ah…yes, Lord. When will it be over?

GOD:    Now, Son, you have known Me for over 14,000 days. You know I won’t tell you that. Do you trust Me?

kh:    I’m trying, Lord. It’s hard because there are so many things about this that I don’t understand and certainly some things I don’t like as well.

I’ve read a lot of books, learned a lot of things, and hopefully, brought many people to You during this time, but I’d rather be back out preaching. There are still billions of people who need to hear about You; plus, I really miss my family and freedom.

GOD:    Now, Son, I was concerned about lost souls long before you were ever born (II Peter 3:9). I have lots of My children working on that problem. Plus, you are still reaching people. Your son and staff are continuing the ministry. Your bonds have motivated many to start ministries (Philippians 1:14) and the DVDs still reach people every day. You read the letters last night that I had sent in, didn’t you?

kh:    Yes, Lord. Thank You! It is so encouraging to get mail from people who are excited about getting saved after watching the videos!

GOD:    As for missing your family and freedom, Son, I understand. When you are done with this special assignment I have You on, I’ll repay double like I did with Job (Job 42:10). Right now, there are some people I am using you to reach for My kingdom there.

kh:    Can I at least get a glimpse of the mission today, Lord?

GOD:    All right, Son. Pay close attention as you preach in the Spanish church tonight. You will see the tip of the tip of the iceberg.

9:30 p.m. …

kh:    Wow, Lord! Wow! I never dreamed [name edited by knee-mail] would come to the service! He has always been pretty profane and showed little interest in spiritual things. He stayed and asked questions for an hour and a half! You have been working on him for a long time, haven’t You, Lord?

GOD:    Yes, Son. You are part of My plan to reach him. He’s been watching you like a hawk, but you are too oblivious to know it. He has been talking about you to lots of staff and inmates. By My grace, they have seen you go through these trials and keep a smile on your face.

They are really under conviction, Son. Especially [name blocked by knee-mail]. He has seen many who claim to be Christians come and go over the years, but quite a few have not maintained a good testimony. He wants what you have, Son. I know this has been a long trial for you, but be patient. It’s working.

kh:    Thanks, Lord. I asked You to give me a glimpse today and You sure did. Lord, would You please give me another glimpse tomorrow and every day from now on? It sure makes this trial easier to bear.

GOD:    That’s a reasonable request, Son. I promise to make Myself known to you every day.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    December 1, 2007
To:        Dan
Subject:   What a Gift!

GOD:    See, Son. I told you I would provide (Philippians 4:19).

kh:    I see that, Lord. I’m so sorry for doubting and complaining. When I saw the copy of that check I cried. How humbling! How can one woman in Virginia give so much to help support our ministry? It’s incredible, Lord! Thanks!

GOD:    Tell Dan about it, Son.

KH:    Hey, Dan! Remember when we prayed a few days ago for God to provide the needs of Creation Science Evangelism while I’m locked up?

Dan:    Yes, I remember.

KH:    Well…here is proof that God heard and answered that prayer! Look at this check Marie sent to support CSE!

Dan:    Wow, $1.94!

KH:    Look at the memo line.

Dan:    Wow! “The widow’s mite.” That’s awesome!

KH:    In the last eighteen years of ministry, we’ve had lots of people donate to support our gospel outreach, but I can’t remember ever getting a gift that encouraged me like this one! Praise God! We will make it through this trial. With supporters like this, there is no need that God cannot meet.

Dan:    I agree. That’s awesome! Thanks for showing me.

kh:    God, please bless Marie more than she can stand.

GOD:    Oh, I will, Son, I will. Go get supper, Son. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    November 29, 2007
To:      Pharoah
Subject:    One more night with the Frogs

– First read Exodus 8:1-14.

(At Exodus 8:10)
KH:    Excuse me, Mr. Pharoah, sir, why are there frogs everywhere? Who is that old man walking out the door? Why do you have that smirk on your face?

Pharoah:    Ha! I showed him!

KH:    Showed who?

PH:    That old man walking out the door. That’s Moses.

KH:    What did you show him?

PH:    I showed him who’s boss, that’s what!

KH:    How did you do that?

PH:    With the frogs, man, the frogs!

KH:    I don’t understand. Do you like having your palace full of frogs like this?

PH:    No! Of course, not! I hate them! They are in my royal bedroom, in the oven, in the bread machine, everywhere! There are millions of them. I hate them!

KH:    I still don’t get it. How do these frogs show Moses?

PH:    That guy Moses came in here last week claiming some God of his told him that I was supposed to release all my slaves. Yeah right! I’ve got things to build around here. I’m not about to let them go.

Then Moses did a few magic tricks but I was not impressed. I still wouldn’t let them go. So, yesterday, he called for a plague of frogs, and here they are.

KH:    I see that. So how does that show Moses that you are the boss? I don’t understand.

PH:    Well, you see, it didn’t take me long to realize these frogs would be a real problem; so I called for Moses to take them away and he agreed to do it.

KH:    But they are still here.

PH:    That’s how I showed him! He asked me when I wanted them to be taken away and I said, “Tomorrow.” That showed him.

KH:    Showed him what?

PH:    That I’m the boss! Don’t you see? Moses knows my wives hate frogs in their socks and that they make the bread taste funny. He also knows I want them gone so he expected me to beg him to get rid of them today. Ha! Not me! I’m Pharoah! I said, “Tomorrow!” just to show him.

KH:    Ah….do you really want to spend one more night with the frogs?

PH:    Not really, but I have to maintain my image. Do you think it worked? You saw him walk out. Was he impressed?

KH:    Oh….I’d say you made an impression all right! He’s probably out there telling people about you right now.

PH:    Oh, good! It’s hard to be Pharoah, but someone has to do it. Hey, Kent, get this frog out of my hair, would you?

KH:    Sure. I think you are in for a long night. Maybe your musicians could write a song about this.

PH:    Great idea! We’ll call it, “One More Night with the Frogs.” That’ll show them. Do you think it will sell?

KH:    I’ll buy one.

PH:    Thanks, Kent, you’re a true friend.

KH:    Ah….You are welcome.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:       November 28, 2007
To:          The Scientist
Subject:  Help! It’s Hot!

GOD:    Good morning, Son. I heard your prayers. Hold My hand. I want to show you something.

kh:    OK. Where are we, Lord? What year is it? Who is this man?

GOD:    It doesn’t matter, Son. Talk to him.

KH:    Excuse me, sir, you look a little puzzled. Why are you weighing this tree?

Scientist (SC):    I can’t figure it out. Where did the tree come from?

KH:    Ah…trees come from seeds.

SC:    I know that, but it doesn’t make sense. Five years ago I cut this oak barrel in half and filled it with dirt until it weighed exactly 200 pounds. Then I put a seed in the dirt and watered it every day. Each fall I put the dead leaves back on the dirt.

Today I pulled out the tree, roots and all and brushed the dirt off into the barrel and weighed both.  The tree weighs just over 200 pounds and the dirt still weighs 199 pounds 14 ounces. That is only 2 ounces less than five years ago!

KH:    That’s interesting!

SC:    That’s why I’m puzzled. Where did the tree come from? All I added was water for five years.

KH:    Yes, quite a puzzle. Any answers?

SC:    I don’t know. It was still growing when I pulled it out. It would have been 500 pounds or more if I had waited.

GOD:    OK, Son. Let’s go home.

kh:    Wow, Lord! Wow! Where did the tree come from?

GOD:    This lesson is for you, Son. The seed knows how to make the tree. It doesn’t need much from the dirt. You just add water, sun, and air, and be patient.
You received Me into your life on February 9, 1969, didn’t you, Son (John 1:12; 3:3-7)?

kh:    Yes, Lord. I did.

GOD:    I’m like the seed and you are like the dirt. I am growing a whole new person in you (II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 5:13-14; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18). Just add water and you will grow.

Trees can’t run from the heat, Son. Neither can you. A big tree will easily use over one hundred gallons of water each day. The hotter it is, the more they need. They send roots down until they can get enough. People who work or run in the heat need lots of water, too.

kh:    Thanks, Lord! I needed that. I was feeling the heat of my situation and asked You to help me stand the heat (II Corinthians 12:7-10). That’s my answer, isn’t it, Lord?

GOD:    Yes, Son. Just keep adding water. This present trial is to help you put roots deeper into My Word. You will find all you need. The Living Water (John 4:13-14) that I give will let you stand the worst heat that man can provide (Daniel 3:19-25).

kh:    How will I know when I’ve taken in enough water?

GOD:    You won’t feel the heat (Daniel 3:25). Chill out, Son. I’ve got your back.

From:        Kent Hovind
Sent:         November 21, 2007
To:            Zimri and Cozbi
Subject:    Adultery

(First read Numbers 25:3-18)

KH:    (At Numbers 25:6) Whoa there, folks! What are you doing dressed like that?! Put some clothes on!

Zimri:    We are going to walk slowly right past old pious Moses, the judges, and the whole congregation of Israel right into my tent to make love.

I’m tired of all those silly moral laws Moses tries to put on us (Exodus 20:14). He doesn’t want us to enjoy life. We will show those do-gooders what they are missing out on. They are a bunch of old foggies way out of touch with the times.

KH:    But Cozbi, aren’t you embarrassed to be outside in broad daylight dressed like that? It looks like you were poured into those jeans and they forgot to say, “When!”

Cozbi:    Oh, no! I like my clothes tight, low cut, and see through – to show off all my curves. I get a lot of attention from the men dressed like this.

KH:    I’m sure you do, but my daddy always said, “If you’re not in business, don’t advertise!”

Cozbi:    But I am in business!

KH:    You two aren’t married, are you?

Cozbi:    Of course we are! Just not to each other. My husband is off with another woman and Zimri’s wife is probably off “praying” for him. She doesn’t understand him like I do.

KH:    But Zimri, didn’t you hear God give the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the one about not committing adultery?

Zimri:    No, that was my dad almost forty years ago. I was not born yet. Dad tried to tell me about it, but I wasn’t interested in that church stuff. Plus, Dad was always too busy trying to get ahead in politics. He’s a prince, you know (Numbers 25:14). He never had much time to teach me about life; so I learned from my friends (Proverbs 7:7). I’ll be able to be a prince also one day. My dad has connections.

KH:    I know. That means many others will look to you for leadership. I don’t think what you are doing today is setting a good example for the young boys around you to follow, is it?

Zimri:    I’m more concerned about me right now. Besides, why would God care what I do as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody? Plus, it’s not like I’m the only one. There are twenty-four thousand of us that have Midianite girlfriends (Numbers 25:9; I Corinthians 10:8). Get with the times, Kent, everyone is doing it.

Cozbi:    Yeah, Kent, it’s not like we are complete heathens. We came from Abraham, too, and we worship god (Genesis 25:2). We just call him Baal. Our god doesn’t have strict rules like Moses. Our god encourages adultery. On top of that, Zimri and I are both children of important political leaders. The rules for the common folk don’t apply to us.

KH:    I think God will judge everyone by the same standard. He is not impressed with politics, power, or titles.

Cozbi:    Well, we just do things differently in my country. If you feel it’s right for you, then it’s OK. I know men and how they think and react. I’m real good at putting that knowledge to work.

KH:    Do you know or care how God thinks or reacts?

Cozbi:    Not really.

KH:    Zimri, you know this girl was raised in a pretty heathen world without knowledge of the true God. She has not seen God provide manna from Heaven like you have (Exodus 16:15-35; Deuteronomy 8:16; John 6:31-58). She didn’t see God do any miracles (Numbers 16:31; 17:8). She has not been able to read or hear the great laws God gave to your people. She needs to be converted, Zimri. Aren’t you concerned about her soul?

Zimri:    Not really.

KH:    What about the effect your actions will have on your wife and children?

Zimri:    I don’t really care. It’s not important to me.

KH:    What if it’s important to God?

Zimri & Cozbi: Look, we don’t care and we are kind of in a hurry right now. We want to see Moses’ reaction when we walk past.

KH:    Oh, you will get a reaction, all right! Phinehas will help both of you get the point (Numbers 25:7).

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    November 16, 2007
To:    Gaddi
Subject:    Disobedience, Distrust, Anger, and Murder
First read Numbers 13:11-14, 38.

KH:    Excuse me, Mr. Gaddi, what is going on?

Gaddi:    I’m looking for some good rocks to stone somebody with.

KH:    Why?

Gaddi:    Moses and Aaron lied to us! Then Joshua and Caleb voted against us.

KH:    What did Moses and Aaron lie about?

Gaddi:    They came to Egypt about two years ago and said God had sent them to deliver all of us Hebrews out of slavery and bring us into a “promised land that flows with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27).  Ha! What a lie!

I just got back from searching that “promised land” for forty days. It flows with milk and honey all right, but it would also flow with our blood if we tried to go in there. We could never defeat the giants that live there.

KH:    Aren’t you a descendent of Joseph, the great leader in Egypt (Numbers 13:11)?

Gaddi:    Yes, I am.

KH:    Weren’t you chosen to be one of the twelve to search out the land because you were already a leader in your tribe and they trusted you (Numbers 13:2)?

Gaddi:    Yes, I was.

KH:    Were you there in Egypt to see all ten of the plagues God brought on Pharoah and Egypt?

Gaddi:    Yes, I saw them all.

KH:    Wasn’t Pharaoh the most powerful ruler of the world’s most powerful nation when God made him let you all go free?

Gaddi:    Yes, he was.

KH:    Didn’t you see God part the Red Sea and then drown Pharaoh and his army?

Gaddi:    Yes, I did.

KH:    Didn’t you see God bring water out of a rock (Exodus 1:7), bread and flesh from the sky (Exodus 16), and protection from the Amalekites with a stick (Exodus 17:8-13)?

Gaddi:    Yes, I saw it all.

KH:    Did you hear God speak from the mountain and promise to obey God (Exodus 19:7-8)?

Gaddi:    Yes, I did.

KH:    Didn’t God tell Moses that He was giving the land to the children of Israel (Number 13:2)?

Gaddi:    Yes, He did.

KH:    Then why don’t you trust and obey and take the land?

Gaddi:    I’m scared! We can’t conquer that land. There are giants that live there. All the people are huge (Numbers 13:28-33)! I’ve got to stone Moses to stop this mass suicide.

KH:    Well, Gaddi…..let me give you my opinion. First, I think that being scared is normal, fine, and even wise most of the time. Second, I think you are exaggerating, slandering, and lying. All the people are not giants, are they (Numbers 13:32)?

Gaddi:    Well…no. But some are!

KH:    Do you really think it would be better to go back to slavery in Egypt (Numbers 14:3)?

Gaddi:    Better a live slave than a dead Hebrew.

KH:    Those aren’t the only two options. You left out “live a free man!”  Third, you are spreading your fear to others and encouraging them to disobey God. You are sowing discord among the brethren. God hates this (Proverbs 6:19).

Fourth, you have gone beyond sowing discord to encouraging open rebellion (I Samuel 15:23; Jeremiah 28:16) against God’s plan and God’s man (Numbers 14:2, 4, 36; Psalm 105:15).

Fifth, you harbor hatred in your heart for godly men like Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb because their faith makes your cowardice look bad.

Sixth, you have gone beyond hatred to consider and encourage murder of God’s men (Numbers 14:10) to cover your sin!

I think God is angry with you, Gaddi. He gave you leadership skills and position and you have used it for evil. Leaders are judged more harshly than others (James 3:1). I think your decision today will cause two million people to experience much misery and many wasted years (Numbers 14:23-30). You will die today, Gaddi (Numbers 14:37-40).

Gaddi:    Move over, Kent. I’ve found my rocks, and here comes Moses now….

KH:    Some people will not listen.

From:    God
Sent:    November 15, 2007
To:    Kent, Red, Mom
Subject:    A Soldier – For the Duration

GOD:    Good morning, Son! Come with Me and listen to this conversation:

(Red is a twenty-one-year-old in Pittsburgh, PA in 1941. Everyone calls him “Red” because of his red hair and freckles.)

Red:    Hey, Mom, I joined the Marines!

Mom:    Oh, Son! I don’t know how to feel about that. Your father died two years ago. Your older sister got married. It’s just you and I, Son. Times are so hard now. I need you here to help out.

Red:    But Mom, the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor last week! The President is calling for volunteers to join the war effort. I’ve got to go!

Mom:    Son, you are only twenty-one. Your whole life is ahead of you. You could be killed or wounded. Then what would I do?

Red:    Mom, if I don’t go, they may come to attack us here. I’ve got to go to protect you, Sis, and our country. We didn’t start this fight but we’ve been attacked. There is no other choice now. We must fight to defend ourselves.

Mom:    Oh, Son, there will be plenty of other young men who join up. You could stay here and work in a steel mill to supply equipment for the war.

Red:    Mom, you know I love you and wouldn’t hurt you for the world, but this is something I have got to do! I leave in three weeks.

Mom:    How long did you enlist for, two years?

Red:    For the duration of the war.

Mom:    What does that mean?

Red:    I’ll be fighting until it’s over. It’s them or us.

Mom:    Oh, Son! You are a man now. You can make your own decisions. This rips my heart out, but I love you and I’m proud of you!

Red:    I’ll write you every chance I get and send you as much of my pay as I can to help out here. You will make it, Mom. I’ll be back. I promise.

Mom:    Son, you realize that enlisting means that you are giving your mind, body, and future to Uncle Sam, don’t you? You must obey every command he gives, even if it means your death.

Red:    I know, Mom. I’m dedicating everything to this cause.

Mom:    Son, let’s pray for God to protect you and give us the victory.

………Three Weeks Later

Officer:    Next! OK, Soldier: name, height, weight, and shoe size!

Red:    Robert B. Hovind, sir, six foot two, two hundred twenty pounds, size twelve shoe, sir.

Kent:    Oh, God! Thank you for protecting my dad for those four awful years! He dedicated everything for the cause of freedom. He saw all twenty-five of his fellow classmates in training get killed! Those Marines gave it all!

GOD:    Yes, Son, war is awful, and those Marines were dedicated.

Kent:    Lord….I know there is a great war going on for the minds and souls of men.

God:    Yes, there is, Son, ever since the Garden of Eden.

Kent:    Lord….I don’t have much to offer, but You can have me. I’m Yours to use however You want and whenever You want, even in prison……..for the duration.

God:    I accept your offer, Son, -again.

Kent:    Lord…I signed up the first time almost thirty-nine years ago now. Does boot camp ever end?

God:    Well, boot camp ends, but I often call My soldiers to get further training for new assignments. I’ll re-assign you soon, Son. Go back to sleep. Training continues when you wake up. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    November 13, 2007
To:    “All Call”
Subject:    God does not always deliver FROM, but He always delivers THROUGH!

GOD:    Good morning, Son!

kh:    God!  It’s 4:15 in the morning!  Don’t You ever get tired?

GOD:    No, Son. I never slumber or sleep (Psalm 121:3-4).

kh:    Well, I do! What could You possibly want at this hour that can’t wait till morning?

GOD:    It is morning, Son.

kh:    Maybe in England, but not here!

GOD:    You prayed last night and asked Me to guide you and talk to you. That’s why I’m here. You asked Me to help you make it through this time of great testing for you, your family, and the creation ministry I led you to start nearly twenty years ago, didn’t you?

kh:    Yes, Lord, I did.

GOD:    That’s what I’m doing, Son. When I see you are nearly maxed out, I take some heat off and send relief help to seal the lessons learned into your mind and soul.

kh:    What have I learned, Lord?

GOD:    I don’t lead My children to trials and tribulation; I lead them through them. Do another “All Call” with knee-mail. They will explain it.

kh:    OK, Lord. All Call! Is anyone up this early and willing to explain how God helped you through your trials and tests?

Noah:    I’m up and would be glad to help! God helped me hundreds of times but I’ll only tell you about three of those times.
1.    He helped me make it through a time when all of society was wicked. Nobody wanted to serve God (Genesis 6:8, 12; 7:1). I asked God to help me raise godly sons in a vile world and He did!
2.    I made it through all the scoffing as I did what God said and built the ark. The ridicule was incredible until the rain started. Don’t listen to the scoffers. They can’t swim long enough to steal your joy! Keep building!
3.    I made it through the year on the ark during the Flood. I felt confined, because I was. But God used that year to change the world – literally! I know you are confined right now, Kent, but there will be a whole new world for you when you get out. Relax, go for a cruise.

Joseph:    Hey, Kent. God brought me through my prison time in Egypt and really opened doors for me to save the world because of it (Genesis 45:4-8)! The brothers that mocked me and hated me later came begging for me to provide for them (Genesis 42:6). God will bring you through. Even some that mock and hate you now will come to Me.

KH:    Thanks, guys!

Job:    Hey, Kent. I didn’t ask for trouble but it came anyway (Job 1-2)! I cried a lot, but God brought me through and gave me double! He knows what He is doing. It’s OK to cry, complain, and throw dust, but don’t quit!

KH:    Thanks, Job. I can’t wait to see you in Heaven.

Job:    You won’t believe this place! It will be worth it all! Go through the trial – you will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).

Job’s Oldest Son:    Hey, Kent, all nine of my siblings were eating at my house when the storm blew in from nowhere. We were all crushed as the house collapsed (Job 1:19). As I was trapped and bleeding to death, I said, “Why God?” God replied, “Trust Me. You will know why in a few minutes.” Boy! Was He right! All ten of us died that day but now that we’ve been here for four thousand years, we know it is because……[Sorry, message blocked by knee-mail. Just have faith, Son.]

Abraham:    I made it through, Kent. I went through years of questioning why my wife and I had no children. My brother, Nahor, had twelve children (Genesis 22:20-24)! My wife and I cried at every family reunion for years. Wow! That was hard! But once it was over and Isaac was born – Wow! What joy (Genesis 21:6-7)! We all sing a song up here in Heaven. It’s called, “It’s over now!” We are all watching you and cheering for you, Kent. Hang in there! You’ll be able to join our choir one day.

KH:    Thanks, Abraham. Will I be able to sing it without crying? I can’t down here.

Abraham:    Probably not. God is so awesome! I wish I hadn’t doubted Him that time when I got Hagar.

KH:    We all agree, Abraham. That three dollars per gallon at the gas pump is a constant reminder.

Abraham:    Sorry about that. But hey, lots of Ishmael’s kids are up here, too. They are cheering as well.

Moses:    Oh, Kent, where do I start? God saw me through so much! I was raised in a heathen environment by a step-mom. I killed a man and became a fugitive from the law for forty years. It’s hard to sleep when every sound you hear could be the Egyptian police coming to get you! God saw me through it all.

He saw me through the hard time with hard-hearted Pharaoh at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31); through forty years of wandering in the Wilderness trusting God for food and water every day. He was faithful. He saw me through it all. He will with you, too.

Joshua:    Hey, Kent! I was real discouraged when ten of my fellow spies voted not to obey God (Numbers 13-14). They even wanted to stone me for suggesting we do right (Numbers 14:6-10)! Their sin cost me forty years of my life! I had to wander in the desert until they all died (Numbers 14:30-34; Deuteronomy 1:38). It’s discouraging knowing you must suffer due to other’s sins.

KH:    I know about that one.

Joshua:    But when God worked a miracle for us to cross the flooded Jordan (Joshua 3-4), I forgot all the wasted years! For years afterward, I would cry for joy every time I saw that pile of rocks we left to remind us of God’s provision (Joshua 4:4-7). He brought us through Jordan, through the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), and through nearly all of our enemies. The children of Israel were not faithful to finish the job in defeating the enemies (Judges 1). God was faithful though. Keep following Him, Kent, and finish the job of defeating every sin in your life.

KH:    Thanks, Joshua. I’ll work on that. So far it’s been almost thirty-nine years of battles and I’m still not able to conquer several of the giants I face.

Joshua:    Just keep fighting sin until you die, then.

KH:    OK. I’ll try.

Daniel:    I made it through, Kent. I admit it was real scary going in the den of lions and scary, smelly, and uncomfortable while I was in there; but it’s over now (Daniel 6:16, 26, 27). Looking back I can say, “Thanks, God! That was cool!” Pray even if your situation makes no sense to you.

KH:    Thanks, Daniel.

Shadrach:    My two friends and I made it through the furnace, Kent (Daniel 3)!

KH:    Were you scared?

Shadrach:    Hey, we are human! Of course we were scared! The king was real angry! It’s never a good idea to make a powerful politician angry because you won’t bow to his ego. Once they decide to fry you, they know how to make it seven times hotter (Daniel 3:19)! Since we had obeyed God and tried to please Him, He stepped in – literally! When God stepped into that furnace, everything was fine (Daniel 3:25)! We didn’t feel the heat. It burned off our bands and we were able to change the minds and hearts of an entire nation (Daniel 3:28-30). Untold thousands believed in God and were saved because we stayed true and let God bring us through the test, not save us from the test. All the Babylonian converts from that special fire Sunday service are up here cheering for you, Kent (Hebrews 12:1). Don’t bend, don’t bow, and you won’t burn. Keep running.

KH:    Thanks, guys. I love your stories!

Isaac:    Hey, Kent, I made it. I knew God had promised my dad, Abraham, that I would have children (Genesis 21:12), yet Dad was asking me to lie down on an altar so he could kill me (Genesis 22:9)! I was a teenager and Dad was one hundred years older than I was. I could have easily refused and run away from him, but I trusted God to keep His promise. It was pretty tense there for a while, but God brought both Dad and me through the trial of our faith. God seems to like waiting until the last minute.

KH:    Boy! That’s for sure!

Isaac:    You will be fine, Kent. God never fails.

Golden Candlestick:    Hey, Kent, you should see all that I went through (Exodus 25:31-37)! First, I was dug out of the ground, heated in a furnace until all the impurities were gone, then beaten on for many days until I was in the desired shape. I made it through all of that and was able to stand for centuries in the tabernacle and later the temple. God brought me through so He could use me for His glory! It was worth it all!

GOD:    That’s enough for now. My Word is full of examples where I brought people to a trial so that I could bring them through it. It’s all part of a much bigger plan that your little brain won’t hold. Trust Me.

KH:    I do trust You, Lord. I just want to go home!

GOD:    I’ve got it all under control, Son. You are not there just for you. I’m doing a work in many lives in and out of the prison through this trying time for you. Hold My hand and relax. I’ll get you through. I’ve got your back.

From:    Kent Hovind
Sent:    October 28, 2007
To:    Malchus
Subject:    Belief During Persecution

First read John 18:10 and Acts 9:1-2.

John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

Acts 9:1-2 And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

(At Acts 9:2)
KH:    Hey, Malchus! Are you OK? You seem a little nervous.

Malchus:    Well…I don’t know if nervous is the right word. I’m certainly confused.

KH:    What has you confused?

Malchus:    A very zealous young man named Saul of Tarsus just left here with arrest warrants for the people in Damascus who believe in Jesus.

KH:    Where are we?

Malchus:    This is my boss’s house. He is the high priest of Israel.

KH:    Is he really authorized to give out arrest warrants?

Malchus:    That’s a hard question to answer. He does it all the time, but I can’t find any Scripture that really grants him authority to do it. It’s more of a tradition that no one ever challenged to see if it is legal.

KH:    Why does Saul want to arrest people who believe in Jesus? Are these people dangerous or rebellious?

Malchus:    That’s what has me confused. I don’t understand the great hatred both he and my boss have for Jesus and His followers. All the ones I’ve met are good, law-abiding people. They don’t seem to be a threat to anyone. I met Jesus myself one night.

KH:    What was He like?

Malchus:    He seemed to be the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man I’ve ever met! My boss, the high priest, had paid one of Jesus’ disciples a lot of money to betray Him (Matthew 26:15). The traitor led us to the garden where Jesus was praying. His disciples were sleeping. They were not bothering anyone.

We snuck up on Him to take Him by surprise, but I’m sure He already knew we were coming. It was as if He could read our thoughts (Matthew 9:4; 12:25; Luke 5:22; 6:8)! He just stood there calmly. Everything was going fine until one of our soldiers grabbed Jesus (Matthew 26:50). When he did that, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, swung a sword at me. I ducked, but he cut off my right ear (Luke 22:50).

KH:    Your ear looks fine to me.

Malchus:    It is now. That’s because Jesus told Peter to put his sword away. Then Jesus picked up my ear and put it back on! It healed instantly and didn’t even leave a scar!

We started the fight. We attacked them in the middle of the night while they were praying in a garden doing nothing wrong. Jesus and His disciples had every right to be angry and fight back, but instead, Jesus healed me!

It’s as if I can still feel His tender hand on my ear. I’ve never met a nicer man. He even called the traitor, “Friend” (Matthew 26:50). I’ve never met a man like Jesus. I don’t know why they hate Him so much. It’s totally irrational. That’s what has me puzzled.

KH:    How long has this been going on?

Malchus:    Oh, for several years now. It’s getting worse. The high priest seemed to hate Jesus long before He even met Him. It’s strange. It’s much more than just a religious dissagreement. It’s almost a demonic hatred!

I had never met Jesus until that night, but I had talked with many people that knew Him. Hundreds had been healed by Him. There was no middle ground. People either loved Him or hated Him. Even those who hated Him couldn’t really point to a reason why or to any bad thing He had done. They just hated Him, that’s all. It’s crazy.

KH:    So what do you think is going on?

Malchus:    I’ve worked for the high priest for a long time. He is normally a ice guy, but when the name of Jesus comes up, he goes crazy with hatred. I guess his attitude rubbed off on me for a long time until I actually met Jesus that night and felt His healing touch. There must be money involved. Maybe the priests feel their job is threatened if people follow Jesus.

KH:    All evil seems to stem from the love of money (I Timothy 6:10). Say, Malchus, what are you personally going to do about the claims of Jesus? He claimed to be the only way to Heaven, you know.

Malchus:    Oh, I know. Don’t tell my boss but…I believe Jesus was right.

KH:    When your boss had Jesus crucified, did it satisfy his anger?

Malchus:    Yes, for a few days. He was giddy with joy. But then, rumors started flying that Jesus had risen from the dead. My boss was scared and angry. He gave a lot of money to the soldiers to spread the rumor that Jesus’ body was stolen by His disciples (Matthew 28:11-13). We all know this was a lie because Roman law requires the soldiers to be killed if they fail at their job and those soldiers are still alive.

Jesus appeared to hundreds of people (Acts 1:3; I Corinthians 15:4-8). Now there are many thousands of believers. The high priest is frantic to stop the spread of this new religion! That’s why Saul got the warrants.

KH:    Why doesn’t he honestly examine the evidence and accept Jesus as the Messiah?

Malchus:    That’s what I did. I’ve been secretly attending the meetings of the disciples. I need to keep it quiet for now. If my boss found out, I’d be fired…or worse!

KH:    What about this guy who just left?

Malchus:    Let’s pray for him. “Dear Heavenly Father, Please stop Saul from persecuting Your children. Please convert him, Lord. Do whatever You need to do to get his attention, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.”

KH:    Amen. Thanks, Malchus.

Malchus:    You are welcome, Kent.

See Acts 9:3-20 for the rest of the story!