I really enjoy watching reruns of the original Twilight Zone. This science fiction TV show, that originally aired from 1959 to 1964, was full of creative plots with themes about space invaders, time travel and supernatural events. Lessons of morality, justice and the human condition are weaved into the storylines of these imaginary worlds. These 5th -dimension worlds, as described by the show’s creator, Rod Serling, were not overtly religious. However, many of the episodes presented themes and lessons directly from the Holy Scriptures. So, let’s take a look, at how to find Jesus in the Twilight Zone.

Changing of the Guard: Season 3- Episode 37
Our 1st stop brings us to the Rock Spring School for Boys. After 51 years of being a devoted professor, Ellis Fowler is forced into retirement just before Christmas. Feeling rejected and worthless, his mind is flooded with negative thoughts of how his career has been in vain without having a positive influence on any of his students. After listening to a broadcast of Handel's Messiah, he goes for a walk with a pistol in hand. While walking the school grounds after hours with every intent of ending his life, mysteriously the school bell begins to chime. He investigates the sound which leads him to his classroom. Seven figures appear before him. To his surprise, it’s seven former students that have already passed away while performing heroic actions. The boys share with the professor how his words had inspired them to live lives full of courage, loyalty & honesty. The encounter leaves Professor Fowler with the assurance of having had a positive influence on his students. The episode ends with the professor declaring that “I didn’t win the victories, but I helped others to win them. Perhaps, in some small measure they are victories I can share.”  As Christians we all play apart in bringing about the purposes of God and the advancement of His kingdom. 1 Corinthians chapter twelve tells us that the body of Christ is made up of many members each with their own role. 1 Corinthians chapter three explains that some will plant and some will water, but each person will receive his own reward according to his own labor, for we are God’s fellow workers. Be encouraged knowing that everything you do for Jesus is not in vain.
 
I Am the Night; Color Me Black: Season 5- Episode 26                                                                  As our journey continues, we enter a small mid-west town. It’s execution day for a man convicted of murder. However, the sun has yet to rise into the daytime hours. In the killer’s last conversation with the town’s reverend, he asks “It’s important to get with the majority, isn’t it?” The reverend responds, “That’s all there is, the majority. The minority must have died on the cross 2,000 years ago.” The town’s people are uneasy by the darkness but are gathering with excitement to cheer on the execution. After the killer dies, the reverend addresses the crowd with words of rebuke. “Do you know what the blackness is? It’s the hate he felt, the hate you felt, the hate all of us feel, and it’s too much of it, it’s just too much…” This episode speaks to the condition of the hearts of men darkened by a sinful world. Thankfully, Jesus has come to light our world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
 
The Gift: Season 3- Episode 32                                                                                                              The final destination on this tour brings us to a small village in Mexico. An alien ship crashes on the outskirts of town. The police investigate and one officer is accidently killed. The people are now in fear of the visitor from another planet. The episode very quickly draws many parallels to Jesus. The alien is on a good will mission to earth with the purpose of offering a special gift. After being rejected by most of the villagers, the alien finds friendship with a 9-year-old boy named Pedro. The alien tells Pedro that they have the same God and then asks, “Did not His Son come once?” Pedro responds, “And they nailed Him to a cross.”  The alien says, “And then spent 2,000 years learning to believe in Him.” The episode ends with the death of the alien and the destruction of the gift which is discovered later to be the formula to cure all forms of cancer.                                                                                                      Jesus came and lived a perfect life which allowed Him to go to the cross and die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He rose from the dead on the 3rd day. Offering the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him.                                                                                              For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our    Lord.  Romans 6:23

As Christians we recognize the importance of people with diverse backgrounds coming together in unity for Jesus. People with different skill sets working together to accomplish the mission of the Church. The apostle Paul speaks of this in 1Corinthians 12:12-26, For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

In fact, it seems that God even delights in allowing people to work with Him this way. Notice how all the great building projects in the Old Testament required a variety of people with different abilities and skills to accomplish the job. These were craftsmen, architects & seamstress as well as people who donated personal goods. This biblical principle is also prevalent in our society. However, depending on your perspective it can be viewed as divisive or unifying. Here’s some examples… A man from Canada named James Naismith invented the game of Basketball. However, men with a different heritage than Naismith  have had the greatest impact on making it the exciting game that it is today. Leo Fender invented the Stratocaster Guitar. Jimi Hendrix uses the Stratocaster to take rock music to a new level. A Frenchman named Louis Le Prince invented moving pictures. Spike Lee revolutionized the movie industry. German engineers from companies like Sennheiser, Neumann & AKG create microphones used by artist from all over the world for decades. I can only guess but would assume that most of the great black inventors take joy in knowing that people from all walks of life benefit from their creations. Inventors like Garrett Morgan who invented the Traffic Light & Gas Mask. Lonnie Johnson who invented the Super Soaker or Katherine Johnson who developed a programmable computer language for NASA.
Unfortunately, there have been inventors, artists and creators who have not received proper credit or payment for their work. This is not pleasing in the eyes of God who says ‘Diverse weights and diverse measures, They both alike, an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 20:10

My desire is that people will see this issue as something that unifies our society and not an issue that creates division. We all need each other. As Christians let us always look for ways to bring people to Jesus where true unity is found for every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
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Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:8-10

Today, June 15th, marks the 20th anniversary of getting baptized and committing my life to Jesus. The following story is how I went from bass guitar to shofar. 

I grew up with a love for music. I would spend hours at my local record store. Before graduating high school, I was playing bass guitar for a rock band in the night clubs of downtown Atlanta. We recorded albums and our music was played on college radio stations. As well as playing music, I started making and selling musical instruments like Didgeridoos. Music was my life, and I didn’t have any room for God.

While working for an audio & video company that provided space for a cable access show, I met my wife who came in as an intern for the show. We hit it off very quickly and through a series of events she helped me become a believer in Jesus.
 A few days after making my profession of faith and getting baptized on Father’s Day 2003, I opened the Bible and started reading the book of Ephesians. For the first time in my life the words of the Bible were alive and active, speaking to my spirit and soul like nothing I had ever experienced. I realized that something had changed within me and now I know it’s what Jesus spoke of in John chapter 3 when He said, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”. He has filled me with the Holy Spirit and has given me a burning passion for Him. I have received forgiveness for my sins and have been brought into a relationship with the creator of heaven and earth. The words and instructions of the Bible are alive to me. No longer are they black and white words on a page but words of living color as they now speak to my spirit and soul. Transforming my thoughts and actions in a way that can only be supernatural. Showing me how-to walk-in holiness and show love to others. No longer bound by unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions, or ungodly attitudes. Not only I, but untold millions of others have experienced personal revelation from God’s word after believing that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for their sins and rose from the dead on the third day so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life and escape the judgment of hell.
 
After surrendering my life to Jesus, God gave me a passion to share His message with others. The Shofar has become a great witnessing tool for me.  After hearing stories of American missionaries sharing the Gospel in other countries by using musical instruments to gather crowds in public settings, I felt that God was telling me to use the Shofar for evangelism. This ancient Jewish instrument is a perfect conversation starter. I sound the Shofar, and as people take interest, I share its history and how it relates to Jesus. By using this tool, I have been able to share the Gospel with a multitude of people with diverse backgrounds. Almost everyone loves to hear the trumpet blast of the Shofar.

Now that I have been walking with Jesus for 20 years, I can say with extreme confidence, there is nothing in this world that compares to knowing God and following Him. I’ve experienced supernatural events that can only be the hand of God. I’ve seen His supernatural provision and healing. I’ve heard the testimonies of countless others that verify what the Holy Scriptures say and what I have experienced.

​It is my desire for you and everyone who reads this post to experience the transforming power and love that comes from a life devoted to Jesus.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2Corinthians 5:17  
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Blessings,
Scott   

In various parts of the United States, you will find African Americans  who claim to be the original Israelites of the Bible. They believe  after their dispersion from the land of Israel, they came to America via  the trans-Atlantic slave trade of the 1600's. There are historical documents showing that some African American slaves have Jewish heritage, but to make the claim that only the descendants of North American slaves are the real Jews is not factual. Deuteronomy 28:68 is one  of their main proof texts for their assertions.

“And the LORD will take you back to Egypt in ships, by the way of which  I said to you, ‘You shall never see it again.’ And there you shall be  offered for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one  will buy you.” Deuteronomy 28:68
 
Please notice that the slaves in this passage were sent to Egypt, not  North America. As the slaves arrived no one bought them. However, the  slaves of the trans-Atlantic trade were bought and sold. Also notice that  in the same 28th chapter of Deuteronomy, it states that they will eat one another while being besieged at their gates and never find rest. North American slaves never had to eat one another and have found rest.

Many Black Hebrew Israelites will metaphorize Deuteronomy 28:68 and say that Egypt means ‘House of Bondage’ and that not being bought means ‘No Redemption’. If their interpretation is true, the curse is still in effect and the descendants of the disobedient Israelites are being cut off and dying without redemption or salvation (House of bondage with no redemption). This Chapter mentions being ‘Destroyed’ six times; Verse 20,24,45,48,51 & 61. This would answer the question ‘Why did the North America Israelites lose their Identity?’
  
 The Black Hebrew Israelites believe Caucasians are the descendants of  Esau and refer to them as Edomites. They justify their dislike for Edomites  based on scriptures referring to God’s love for Jacob and His hatred for  Esau. (Ref. Romans 9:13 & Malachi 1:2-3) However, in the Holy Scriptures,  which Black Hebrew Israelites claim to believe, God specifically refers to the Edomites as the brothers of the Israelites.

“You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother…”  Deuteronomy 23:7
’Now Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hardship that has befallen us’ Numbers 20:14
(Also see Obadiah 1:8-12)

Anyone who hates the Edomites (Israel’s Brother) will not inherit salvation.
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Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1John 3:15 
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God can hate whoever He wants but He has commanded us to love and forgive our enemies. 
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44

Revelation chapter 5 reveals to us that God will make kings and priests  from people of every tribe, tongue and nation. (Ref. Revelation 5:9-10) However, Black Hebrew Israelites believe that Caucasians will be slaves  in the kingdom of God. There are no slaves in Christ Jesus according to Galatians 3:28,
 
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is  neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

The extreme views of the Black Hebrew Israelites that God will  grant salvation or favor to someone based on their genetic or racial  background is in direct contradiction to God’s proclamation in the  scriptures that He is no respecter of men but accepts anyone who fears Him.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God  shows no partiality. “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works  righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:34-35
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on  all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times  and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26               
where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised,  barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.  Colossians 3:11 

The Apostle Paul warns against making genealogies an issue.  

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings  about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9 

Black Hebrew Israelite teachings have led people to believe that Caucasian Jews of European descent are fake Jews. Israel has always been a multicultural mix race. Joseph married an Egyptian, Moses married an Ethiopian, a mixed multitude came out of Egypt (Exodus 12:38), Rahab the Harlot, Ruth the Moabite, many converts to Judaism from India to Ethiopia during the time of Esther (Esther 1:1 & 8:17), 32,000 Midianite virgins grafted into Israel (Numbers 31:35). God has always accepted converts from any nation including the nations of Europe. 

If the Israelites have always been a mixture, why is it hard to believe that there could be white Israelites today? 

Doctrines of hate against any group of people are not from God. He has called us to love our enemies.
Jesus died on the cross for all people, rose from the dead on the third day, so that whoever believes in Him and commits their life to Him will have eternal life with the Most High.     

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and  heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29  

We are saved by grace not by race! 

Welcome to Volume 3 of Seven Miles From Jerusalem. As we continue this journey through the Old Testament Scriptures looking for Jesus, we must recognize the theme of self- sacrifice. This theme is central to the Gospel where we see Jesus lay down His life for ours. Let’s begin with Ester. A young Jewish woman is forced to take part in what is essentially a beauty pageant to find the king of Persia a new queen. Ester wins the heart of the king and becomes the queen while keeping her Jewish identity hidden. A plot to annihilate all the Jews from all the king’s providences is unleashed by one of the king’s servants. Ester must now make a choice between remaining silent and bringing death to her people or going before the king unannounced and facing the death penalty for breaking the king’s strict protocol. After a 3 day fast, not knowing her fate, she selflessly goes before the king. Finding favor with the king, she avoids the death penalty and saves her people from the evil plot.

The Book of Judges gives us a unique story about a man named Jephthah. Being an exiled outcast, Jephthah surprisingly gets recruited to lead the armies of Israel. He makes a vow to God, saying that whatever comes out of the doors of his house to meet him upon his return from the battle he will offer as a sacrifice if he is given the victory. To his dismay, his only child, a virgin daughter is the one who comes out of the house to celebrate his victory. After a time of mourning, she willingly agrees to the sacrifice to honor her father’s vow to God.

When looking for Jesus in the Old Testament Scriptures, there are times when Jesus points us directly to them. Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” While Jonah is on a ship running from God, it’s determined that he is the reason that a tempest storm is about to destroy the ship and all it’s passengers and crew. Jonah selflessly gives himself up to be thrown into the sea. His sacrifice saves all onboard the ship.

Notice how all three of these historical events point to the redeeming work of Jesus. Not only is the theme of self-sacrifice key to what God has done for us but it’s also key to our relationship with God. Jesus said “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? Luke 9: 23-25
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.  John 15:13

As another year comes to an end, I find myself, as many others, reflecting on life and what’s most important. This morning I was reminded of a long-time friend who passed away in 2019. My last visit with Hamilton is one that I will never forget. He was a co-worker and friend for many years. A unique and eccentric individual with a great sense of humor. In the audio and video industry that we worked in; his technical skills were amazing. I can truly say I never knew anyone quite like Hamilton. Unfortunately, he spent the last days of his life battling Parkinson’s disease. On my last visit with him we had a special morning enjoying coffee, bagels, and wonderful conversation. After about an hour and a half, the Parkinson tremors had become so bad that he could barely sit up in his chair. He asked if we could end our meeting so he could get some rest. The impact of what happened next is hard to explain. As I was about to leave, we prayed in the foyer with his wife. After the prayer, Hamilton looks up at me with intense emotion on his face and asked me “What can I do for God? How can I be used by Him? Surely I can be a testimony for someone!” Then being too weak to stand from the tremors, he proceeds to craw on his hands and knees up the staircase to his bedroom. As I left his house, I was overwhelmed, and tears flooded my eyes. I had just witnessed someone who’s body was being ravaged by a debilitating disease ask the question “What can I do for God.”

Hamilton passed not long after this, but hopefully his final convictions about what’s truly important will be an inspiration to you. Let us continue to look for ways to be used by God. Let us seek the will of God while we can.

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2
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Blessing to you all in 2022,
Scott       

Greetings Everyone,
I hope this post will bring encouragement to all who read it as I share some ministry highlights from 2021. God opened the door for some amazing encounters this year. I was given the opportunity to witness to approximately 27 Mormons at various places from January to July. With Mormons, I normally start the conversation by sharing my salvation testimony. I highlight the fact that after surrendering my life to Jesus, God filled me with the Holy Spirit, opened my eyes to understand the Scriptures and set me on fire for Him. Then I will explain to them that all this occurred without ever reading the Book of Mormon. This approach always leads to very fruitful conversations.
 
So, the Mormons are still very active in my community. However, the Jehovah Witnesses have disappeared, except for a personal letter campaign. At the first of the year, I received 2 separate outreach letters from the Jehovah Witness. I responded to both with my testimony and an invitation to study the Scriptures with me. This led to a four-month weekly zoom meeting with multiple Jehovah Witness. I learned more about their beliefs and planted many seeds of truth to them. 

Unfortunately, I had to attend 2 funerals and 1 memorial service this year. As sad as it is to say goodbye to loved ones, these events are great witnessing opportunities. I find people to be extremely open to the Gospel and spiritual conversations at these services. 
I started working a new job this year, for a company with a very multi-cultural workforce. Thankfully, God has allowed me to share the Gospel there on breaks and after hours with many co-workers including 4 Muslims, a Black Hebrew Israelite and even a Christian that doesn’t believe in the trinity. 

I have also discovered a new question that opens the door for spiritual conversations during the Christmas season. Just ask someone “Are you ready for Christmas?” I had a lady respond with “No, I’m a Jehovah Witness”.
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Blessings to you all in 2022 and remember that we plant and water, but God brings the increase.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1Corinthians 3:6-8 
Love, Scott 

There are two major events in the history of Atlanta that I was unaware of until recently. I believe there are some relevant insights we can learn from both.
 
On June 3rd 1962, Air France flight 007 crashes on take off killing over 100 passengers. Most of these passengers were from the Atlanta arts community on a tour of European art museums. At the time of the crash, it was the worst commercial air disaster in aviation history. As the city of Atlanta mourns the tragedy, Malcolm X makes the following statement… “The white race is collectively guilty… and therefore they would suffer collective disaster...When that plane crashed…it was a blessing from God, and I pray for similar blessings from Him to repeat themselves as often as He can spare them.”  

Are not these words from Malcolm X the same battle cry heard today from the BLM organization, Black Hebrew Israelites and many other groups? Is this how God sees it? Are people with the same skin color collectively guilty for the sins of other people with the same skin color? Are people that are in right standing with God punished for the sins of their ancestors? If punishment for ancestral sin exists, then how far back does it go? 400 years? 1,000 years? 2,000 years? If you go back far enough, we are all related through Adam. Acts 17:26 states ‘And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings’, according to God, we are all related.

As for collective guilt, the scriptures of the new covenant make it clear that we are judged by God for our individual deeds.

The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. Ezekiel 18:20
But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. Jeremiah 31:30
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
 
On June 30th 1974, Marcus Wayne Chenault, a student of Black Hebrew Israelite theology, opens fire during the morning service at Ebenezer’s Baptist Church killing Martin Luther King Jr’s mother. Alberta King was assassinated while playing the church organ. Chenault was quoted saying “all Christians are my enemies.” 

How about these words and actions from Marcus Wayne Chenault, who was inspired by Black Hebrew Israelite teachings? Does God want us to murder our enemies?

-And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village. Luke 9:54-55
-But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44
-Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. ”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
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Not only is murder forbidden but hatred is as well. God sees hatred the same as murder.
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1John 3:15
              
So, what is the connection of Malcolm X, Marcus Wayne Chenault and the affairs of today? Your worldview and actions must be derived and directed from the Scriptures. When people use the political climate of a country, that is just a speck on the map of eternity, to influence their interpretation of the Scriptures, the consequences can be devastating as seen with Malcolm X and Marcus Wayne Chenault. The Bible is for all nations and must be understood in that context. When America is put in the center of scriptural interpretation it can be extremely dangerous, as seen with many cults. God’s word is for all and thankfully, Jesus came for the people of all nations. He died and rose from the dead on the third day to pay the price for the sins of mankind, giving everlasting life to whoever believes in Him.               

During these times of uncertainty there are many places in the Scriptures that we can find encouragement. I hope you find the following examples of God’s protection useful for such a time as this. 


The Bronze Serpent: Numbers - Chapter 21
As the children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness they became discouraged and spoke against God and Moses. They complained about their condition since leaving Egypt. The Lord sent poisonous snakes among them and many people died. After they repented for their attitudes, the Lord told Moses to make a bronze serpent on a pole. If anyone looked upon the bronze serpent, as Moses held it up, they would not be harmed. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus refers to this event and applies it to Himself . . . ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’  - John 3:14-15 

Imagery of the bronze serpent on a pole is very prevalent in our society today. Most hospitals, firetrucks and ambulances have it displayed. In the same way that the Israelites were instructed to keep their eyes on the bronze serpent, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and what He did on the cross. He died for us, rose from the dead and grants everlasting life to all who believe - opening the door to Heaven and providing a way to escape the torment of a place prepared for those who have rejected Him.

Passover: Exodus - Chapter 12 
The children of Israel were being held captive by the Egyptians. In their suffering and cries for help, God sent Moses. After multiple plagues were brought against the Egyptians, Pharaoh remained determined to hold the Hebrews captive, which set the stage for Passover. The Lord gave instructions for every man to take for his household a lamb without blemish. At a set time, they were to kill their lamb and sprinkle blood on the two doorpost and the lintel of their houses. That night, the Lord passed through the land of Egypt and struck  down all the firstborn of the Egyptians. Houses marked with blood from the lamb were passed over by the Lord, with no harm coming to those who remained inside.  
 
The apostle Paul, in 1Corintians 5:7, identifies Christ as our Passover who was sacrificed for us. Just as the children of Israel were held in bondage and needed to be set free, all of mankind is bound by the chains of sin and is in need of deliverance. Jesus came as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Being perfect and without blemish He shed His blood for us. Rising from the dead, on the third day, so that whoever believes in Him will be seen and accepted as righteous by God.

From the Passover we also get a very interesting visual. Notice how the blood is applied to the top of the door frame and then to the far right and the far left as well.  This is a picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus, who bled from His head and His outstretched hands, one to the left and the other to the right. The blood of the lamb was applied to the doorpost as a sign marking those to be protected. The blood of Jesus brings freedom and protection for those who remain in Him.

Psalm 91 
Psalm 91 is a great prayer to pray over your family. Here’s a version that’s been personalized.

Psalm 91 (Personalized)
 
We shall dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We will say of the Lord, “He is our refuge and our fortress; Our God, in Him we will trust.” Surely He shall deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover us with His feathers, and under His wings we shall take refuge;
His truth shall be our shield and buckler. We shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at our side, And ten thousand at our right hand; But it shall not come near us. Only with our eyes shall we look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because we have made the Lord, who is our refuge, Even the Most High, our dwelling place, No evil shall befall us, Nor shall any plague come near our dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over us, To keep us in all our ways. In their hands they shall bear us up, Lest we dash our foot against a stone. We shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent we shall trample underfoot. “Because we have set our love upon Him, therefore He will deliver us; He will set us on high, because we have known His name. We shall call upon Him, and He will answer us; He will be with us in trouble; He will deliver us and honor us. With long life He will satisfy us, And show us His salvation.”

Let us call on the Lord for He is our Help!