Memory Verse: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9,109For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9‑10)
“This is just the day to go blueberry picking, Phil” said Helen to her brother. “I’ll get some pails, and here’s Buster wanting to go along too.” She stroked the good dog’s long silky hair.
“Of course we’ll take you as usual, Buster. If we meet a bear, Buster will take care of him in a hurry, won’t he?” answered Philip.
“Mother, can’t you go with us?” the children asked.
“It will be lovely to have some berries for the freezer, and it’s quite alright for you to go,” said Mother, “but I can’t go with you until baby gets a little older. Let’s ask the Lord Jesus to take care of you, because we ought not to do anything without first seeking His guidance and help.”
The children knelt while mother asked the Lord to protect and lead them in their berry hunt. As she prayed, mother thanked the Lord Jesus for dying on the cross to save them from their sins.
“Keep Buster with you, my dears,” she said. “Good-bye.”
The day seemed long for Mother, but late in the afternoon she heard Buster barking in the distance.
“Brother and sister will soon be home,” she said to baby Mary, holding her to the window. But they did not come. And when Father arrived from his work, he became alarmed.
“I’ll drive back to town for a search party,” he quickly decided. But before leaving he looked to the Lord in prayer.
Soon a party of men arrived and headed for the west woods, when sure enough—running toward them were two tired and frightened figures gasping and both trying to talk at the same time.
“Just as we came near the old shack, we heard Buster begin to growl, and then we saw a big bear. He was angry, and he rushed at Buster. Buster put up a good fight, but it wasn’t any use. He died and we hid in the loft of the shack until dark. If it hadn’t been for Buster, the bear would have killed us.”
Everyone was relieved that the children were safe, and they knelt down to thank the Lord for His care over them. Then when all was quiet once more, Mother drew Phil and Helen to her side.
“Your experience,” she said, “has made me think of something very precious. You said that Buster died to save you. Think how the dear Lord Jesus hung on the cross and took the burden of your sins so you would not have to die for them. How much He suffered for you and me! Have you seen yourselves as sinners in His sight, and do you believe that the Lord Jesus died for you?”
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9,109For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9‑10).
ML-10/01/1978