11 Jul, 2007

Can't get away with it!

Maybe this guy should have used rocks as a disguise. Seems like he has a head full of them!
Robber disguised as tree hits N.H. bank

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Leaf it to New Hampshire, where a bank branch was held up by a man disguised as a tree.

Just as the Citizen Bank branch opened Saturday morning, a man walked in with leafy boughs duct-taped to his head and torso, and robbed the place.

"He really went out on a limb," police Sgt. Ernie Goodno said Sunday.

Police said the leafy man didn't saying anything about having a weapon, just demanded cash, and was given an undisclosed amount.

Although the branches and leaves obscured much of the man's face, someone who saw images from the bank's security camera recognized the robber and called police.

Officers said James Coldwell, 49, was arrested early Sunday at his Manchester home and charged with robbery. Arraignment was not expected until Monday.

photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 7/9/07

Numbers 32:23

23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

1 John 1:8-9

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about "getting away with it"?

Let's go back to today's story for a second. I'm still laughing as I picture this guy trying to rob a bank while disguised as a tree branch. For me the most amazing part is that he thought they could get away with it? Maybe he should have waited till Christmas time and dressed up as an evergreen tree? Yeah, that would have worked!

Be honest. What were you thinking the last time when you thought you could get away with a little sin? What happened? Do you think you still might get caught some day?

Moses, the author of Numbers, gets right to the point doesn't he? We can be sure that our sins will find us out. Often our sin is discovered because we're arrogant and think that we're invincible. Even if we're not caught, or if others don't find out, we must remember that the Lord knows our sin. Sin will always affect us in some way. There are always consequences. We are responsible.

Thankfully, we have a loving God who has graciously taken on the responsibility for our forgiveness. When His Son, Jesus, died on the cross, He made it possible for us to always have our accounts cleaned up.

We can't get away with it, but Jesus died for it. That's God's grace.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Thank God that His Holy Spirit makes you aware of your sin. Claim 1st John 1:9 right now for any sin that is "finding you out". Thank Jesus for His complete forgiveness and ask Him to help you make choices every day that will honor and please Him.
  • Whenever you dress up as a tree, or see the one nearest where you live, remember that you can't hide from sin.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?

  • If you have tried to "get away with it" with someone, go talk to him or her and apologize and ask for forgiveness.
  • Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion with your small group or youth group. Try this while sitting outside by some trees, or have everyone come dressed in disguise and then talk.
  • You probably know someone in your circle of influence (storysphere) who is trying to get away with sin. Don't use this DAILYBIDE to judge them or preach at them. Instead, be an example of God's grace as you figure out ways to care and show them unconditional love. They just might open up and talk to you, because Jesus will help them see that He cares and forgives through your example.
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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.