Messages of God's Love: 2015

Do you remember the letter I wrote to you a while back about our dog Cricket and when she got stung by a honeybee? You may remember that the bee was buzzing around Gramma’s flower bed, going from one flower to the next gathering honey. Cricket saw the bee and moved up real close to it, watching it closely. Gramma and I both warned her, “Don’t touch it, Cricket! Leave it alone!” But she didn’t listen to us and caught that bee in her mouth, and you know what happened next! We had a very sad little dog with a very sore mouth for several days. Well, I’m happy to tell you that she learned her lesson that day and never forgot it!

Some days later, Gramma and I were sitting in the very same place, enjoying those beautiful flowers and Cricket was also with us. And, yes, the honeybees were also enjoying those pretty flowers. Cricket spotted a bee fairly close to her, so she got up and went over to investigate it! We watched her, and the closer she got to the bee, the slower she walked. Then suddenly, she turned around very quickly and ran back to us and laid down right under Gramma’s chair! We both had a good laugh at Cricket, but we were really happy that she had remembered that painful bee sting. Cricket had learned her lesson.

And you and I have a serious lesson to learn from our God in heaven who loves us. When anyone breaks one of God’s commandments, THAT IS SIN! Telling lies, swearing and stealing are all sins, and no sin, not even one, can enter heaven. Sin has a sting to it, and it’s a whole lot worse than a bee sting. God has told us in the Bible that “the sting of death is sin” (1 Corinthians 15:56). “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). But here’s the good news: “Thanks be to God, [who gives] us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Cricket, who is a smart little dog, must have thought to herself, Leave that bee alone! One burning sting is enough! Remember, breaking one of God’s holy commandments is a sin ... it’s a sting! How many times have you been stung by sin? Lots and lots! But our loving God has a cure for all those stings. He can remove them forever, if you will let Him. He says in 1 John 1:7, “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

The Bible tells us the true story of a man who heard the Word of God being preached, and he realized how big a sinner he was. He shouted with a loud voice, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The answer came at once: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). What joy and happiness he thankfully received.

Children, you can also receive that same joy and happiness if you will believe in your heart that the Lord Jesus bled and died for you so that you could be cleansed from every sin and its sting forever. Will you do that right now?

Gramma and I love all of you,

Grampa

MEMORY VERSE: “What must I do to be saved? ... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:30-31

ML-01/04/2015

Too Late!

In my traveling back and forth from New Jersey to New York City each day, I used to cross the Hudson River on a ferryboat. I worked within walking distance of the ferry in New York City, but I had to catch a train on the other side of the river to take me home. The ferry always ran on time. I could always count on it so I could catch my train.

Several years ago I had some shopping to do after work. I had done this before and knew what time the last ferry left that would still allow me to catch my train on the other side of the river. However, I forgot about the time as I was trying to decide on a purchase. When I looked at my watch, I suddenly realized that I was running late for the ferry.

Paying for my purchase, I left the store and ran the few blocks to the ferry. When I reached it, the big clock showed the time was 6:09 p.m.—the exact time the ferryboat was scheduled to leave. Running into the ferry house, I could hear the bell already ringing, announcing that the main door to the ferry was going to close. The attendant on duty would chain the passage to the door so the ferry could leave.

I made a dash to reach the passage before the man with the chain blocked my way to the door. His back was to me as he stretched the chain across the passage. I stooped under the chain and ran to the door, but it slammed shut. The signal had been given to close the door, and nothing could stop it. The door had been closed by the captain who was up on the ferry’s control deck. As much as I would have liked to have gotten on that ferryboat, I was too late. I had run as fast as I could, but I missed the ferry. I would also miss the train I had hoped to ride home.

Lots of people hope to be saved “someday” by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, but they are not watching the clock. God’s time for you to be saved is right now. The Bible says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). We have no idea when the opportunity to be saved will be gone, except that it will be soon. Everything around us warns that God’s scheduled moment to close the door of salvation is almost here. God controls that door just like the captain controlled the door of the ferry. I had waited too long, and it closed in front of me.

If we miss a ferryboat, a train, a bus or an airplane, we can always take another one later. But in God’s schedule, once He has closed the door, no one else can be saved. With God there is no second chance! Don’t get caught on the wrong side of heaven’s door when it is closed! Enter right now while it is still open.

ML-01/04/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Your Body's Kind Boss

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3

Do you know that your body has more than 5,000 parts? The Lord God, who created us, made each part for a special purpose, and they work together as a unit just as they did when He created Adam. We have learned how important some parts are, such as the heart, lungs and digestive system, but perhaps you have never heard of a very important part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It is about the size of a man’s thumb, and you can see in our picture exactly where it is.

This amazing little part realizes you need food even before your stomach is aware of it. So it sends a message like this to your stomach: “It’s time more nourishment was getting into this body. Tighten up your muscles to make him hungry so he’ll eat some food.” Without such a message, your stomach wouldn’t tell you to eat something.

The same is true of your heart. When you are afraid, working extra hard, running or nervous, a message is sent to your heart: “Beat faster to make the blood flow more quickly into this person’s veins.” Holding your hand on your chest and feeling your heart pumping would tell you that your heart is doing exactly as it’s been told. At the same time your lungs are told to bring in more oxygen, which is why you find yourself breathing harder under such conditions.

It is important that your body temperature stays at about 98.6°F even if the weather is roasting hot or freezing cold. You can count on the hypothalamus to be on the job. Let’s say you are outside in the sun and uncomfortably hot. A message is sent to your blood vessels: “Tighten up a bit and don’t let the blood go through so fast!” The heart gets similar instructions, and the sweat glands are told to get to work to help cool the skin. That isn’t all. The stomach is told to make you thirsty so a new supply of water can replace the evaporating sweat. If the day is cold, the opposite messages are sent. These include telling the sweat glands to close up to keep necessary water inside, while the blood is told to flow more quickly to help produce heat.

There is much more we could learn about the remarkable hypothalamus and how a loving and wise Creator has placed one in your body to handle these along with hundreds of other duties.

People did not know about such things in the days of King David, but he recognized how wonderfully God had made him and wrote, “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully [amazingly] and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works” (Psalm 139:14). Have you ever thanked God for His wonderful care over you?

ML-01/04/2015

One Beautiful Sound!

Have you heard the happy sound of children playing on the school playground? Or maybe the sound of crowds cheering at a game? Wherever you get a crowd together, you’ll have a noisy, jumbled sound of many voices.

Did you ever hear the Bible story of a whole group of people where nobody was quiet, but all together they made one, beautiful, happy sound? Here is the story.

When God’s people were walking across the wilderness, God gave them careful instructions on how to make a tabernacle where they could worship Him. And to a man named Bezaleel, He gave special skill to make a beautiful golden box called “the ark of the Lord.” When they reached the land that God had promised them, David was God’s chosen king, and he brought the beautiful ark to God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and it was temporarily placed in a special tent.

Now King David had a son named Solomon. It was God’s plan that Solomon should build a temple—a beautiful building of stone covered with gold and decorated with sparkling jewels. And Solomon built the temple, following God’s exact instructions.

Then four Levites carried the beautiful golden ark in a procession to the finished temple, and God chose how the ark should be carried. There were rings on the sides of the ark, with carrying poles through the rings. This was so the Levites could carry the ark high on their shoulders, and it would rise above their heads as they walked. It was covered with a blue cloth. I don’t think anyone heard the Levites’ footsteps as they walked, and here’s the reason why: They had a wonderful orchestra to play music as the procession walked to the temple.

Asaph was the orchestra leader, and he played the cymbals, which were two round plates of brass that he would crash together to keep the rhythm of the music. Maybe you think that is not very musical, but he was the most important man of all, because he kept the rhythm perfect.

Then there were harp players whose busy fingers were careful not to miss a note. Next there were trumpeters, and there were also stringed instruments. After that there were singers who knew the words perfectly and whose voices praised the Lord.

The Bible tells us that playing the different instruments and singing all together, they made one beautiful sound in praising and thanking the Lord. And God responded by filling the temple with a bright cloud, and the priests could not stand up to do their service because of the cloud. The glory of the Lord had filled the house of God! This wonderful display was something that never happened again.

Did we miss it? Have we lost the opportunity forever? Not really. The music of heaven will be like that, only much more beautiful. Each one who is there will be filled with praises for the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords. Will you be there to join in making that beautiful music to our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ? You can be if you will put your trust in the Saviour who died for you.

But we don’t have to wait until we are in heaven to sing praises unto our Lord and Saviour. Ephesians 5:19 says we can begin right now: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” And we don’t even have to be able to play a musical instrument. Just sing from your heart!

You may read this story for yourself in 2 Chronicles, chapter 5.

MEMORY VERSE: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19

ML-01/11/2015

A Lion in the House

Hannah lived on a mission compound in West Africa with some other missionaries. She enjoyed visiting women and children in the surrounding villages, telling them about the love of God that sent the Lord Jesus Christ down from heaven to die for sinners. These women were glad for Hannah’s visits, because she was kind and often helped them when they needed something. Since she was their friend, they listened to the words she read from the Bible. Some gave up their heathen religion and received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

Wild animals often prowled around in the forests near Hannah’s house. Although she lived alone in a small house, she trusted the Lord to protect her, and He did. “God is my salvation. I will trust, and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2).

One night Hannah thought she heard an animal trying to get into the cattle shelter which was close to her house. She lighted a lantern and set it outside to frighten the animal away. Going back into the house, she suddenly stopped. There was a lion looking in the back window at her! She thought it was going to jump right through the window into the room! Hannah quickly ran out the front door, slamming it shut. At the same time, she heard the crash of glass as the lion jumped through the window! She screamed for help!

The men on the compound came running with their rifles. They slowly opened the door to Hannah’s house with their rifles ready. Where was the lion? They carefully searched each room but found no trace of the lion, except for the shattered window pane and blood. It must have gone out the same way it came in when it found nothing to eat.

Hannah was saved from danger by running away from the lion as soon as she saw it. She could have tried to fight it, but she knew the lion was too strong for her. She needed help.

Satan is a very strong enemy too, and none of us can fight him alone. But the Lord Jesus Christ has defeated Satan; He has already won the victory for us. We can run to Him for salvation and protection. Have you run to Him for safety? He wants to save you right now. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, [walks] about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). “Whoso [places] his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

ML-01/11/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Elephants at School

“Every kind of beasts, and ... things in the sea ... hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame.” James 3:7-8

Elephants are included in the above Bible verse and have been useful to mankind over many years. Long ago they were often used in wars to carry soldiers and move heavy equipment. People from royal families still ride on elephants’ decorated backs in parades in some countries, and elephants are useful in other ways too.

In Asian countries they help in forestry work. They will uproot trees, pull them out for cutting, and then carry the logs with their trunks or tusks to storage areas where they cleverly stack them or load them on trucks.

What kind of school do elephants attend? When natives need a worker elephant, they search wild areas for a suitable one. Then several men and two or more big, strong, tamed elephants go after it—an exciting and dangerous experience! First they must isolate it from others, then it is “tranquilized” with a dart from a special gun, and it soon lies sleeping on the ground. Strong ropes are tied around each leg above the foot, and the ends are tied to nearby trees. Another rope, passed around its neck, is tied to the “teacher” elephants standing on either side.

Awakening, the elephant rises and tugs and pulls on the ropes until it learns this is useless. Then the two teacher elephants move in, pressing against it and gently but firmly directing it. Soon the three of them move slowly around, the captive resisting, but gradually learning that neither its teachers nor the men are going to harm it. Soon the teachers take it slowly between them to a stockade where it is released.

With kind but firm treatment and continued teaching, the elephant gradually loses its wildness and understands commands it must obey. Finally the day comes when, with the two teachers, the men take it to the forest where they are working. After many trips with the patience and skill of men and teacher elephants, the new member learns how to help with the work and does it willingly. Its school term is over; it has graduated.

It is only too true that we can tame the wildest creature, as the opening verse says, but we are unable to control our own tongues. How unkind the tongue can be, and how sorry we often are for what we have said, but it can never be taken back.

What can be done about it? By admitting to the Lord Jesus how helpless we are, we can ask His help to control our tongues. He has promised to do just that if we ask Him. Here is His promise: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). Will you trust His promise?

ML-01/11/2015

Tina Is Lost . . .

Tina is a little black Chihuahua dog that weighs ten pounds. She has long toenails that I find hard to cut without hurting her. So this time I decided to take her to the vet’s office to have them cut her toenails.

I took off her collar with her name tags, because it comes loose. Instead, I put a short leash on her to keep her close to me. And besides that, I held her in my arms while I registered her, just inside the door of the vet’s office. But while I was writing, Tina made a jump right out of my arms! When I leaped for her leash, I fell and my head hit the automatic door. It opened, and Tina took off across the parking lot! The people in the vet’s office wanted to help me up, but I said, “No, get the dog!” With all those people chasing her, she was off across the street, into a wooded office park, and she was gone!

I jumped into my car, and a lady from the vet’s office came with me, so we had two of us who could look in different directions. In our search, we drove close to my house and I decided to stop there and open the pet door, in case Tina found her way home. I also let the neighbor know in case he saw her. Then we drove on, always calling her name. But we didn’t find her.

The other people searching for my little black dog gave up the search when they came to a shopping mall and lost track of her. There were so many people at the mall, and with a big parking lot full of cars, they figured it was a lost cause to spend more time looking for her.

But that isn’t what Jesus does. When He’s searching for children lost in their sins, He never gives up! He loves them so much that He continues looking for them, no matter how long it takes. He wants to save them from their sins so they can live in heaven with Him someday. The Bible tells us, “The Son of Man [Jesus] is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18:11). If you are still lost in your sins, He is looking for you right now and wants to wash away your sins. Will you come to Him and let Him be your Saviour? Tell Him that you know you are a sinner and want Him to wash your sins away.

Tina couldn’t find me, but I was still looking for her. I was alone in the car now and went back to the office park and walked through it. I knew that if her leash had gotten caught on a bush, she would just wait for me to find her. She always knew I would come. But if she was trying to find her way home, she would have to find her way through shopping centers on both sides of a very busy street with fast traffic. And so I continued to pray, asking the Lord Jesus to help me find her.

As I sadly reached home, my tears finally started to come. But just as the garage door opened, the phone rang. TINA WAS FOUND! She had almost gotten home, but just before turning into our street, she turned the wrong way. The people who found her tied her up and called their own vet. He knew a dog was lost because of my vet’s office calling them. So he sent the people to my vet with Tina.

How glad I was to drive back there and pick her up. And then I thanked the Lord Jesus for answering my prayers. Once again I proved this verse to be true: “They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He [saves] them out of their distresses” (Psalm 107:19).

When a boy or girl or grown-up comes to the Lord Jesus to be washed clean from their sins, He calls them His sheep. And He is so happy to have found another sheep for heaven that He says, “Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep which was lost” (Luke 15:6).

And after Tina was found, I couldn’t help but tell people to rejoice with me, because I found my lost Tina. She is safely home now and hardly ever leaves my side.

MEMORY VERSE: “Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6

ML-01/18/2015

The Stolen Pear

Do you like to eat pears? I do. There is nothing nicer than a ripe, juicy pear. They taste so good.

A group of boys was walking along a road one day when they found a pear tree with fruit on it. There were seven pears on the tree, and they looked so tempting and so good that the boys stopped to look at them.

As they were standing there, the owner of the property came walking across his land, enjoying all the good things he had growing there. When he saw the boys, he stopped and talked with them. He asked them if they liked pears, and they answered that yes, they did. So he said to them, “Here’s what I’ll do, I’ll give you six of these ripe pears. There are only seven on the tree, so I’ll keep one for myself.”

Wasn’t that kind and generous of him to give away all his pears but one? You know, God has given us all things richly to enjoy, as He tells us in the Bible in 1 Timothy 6:17. And He has given us six days in the week in which we can have a good time and do our work, but He has kept only one day for Himself—Sunday, the Lord’s Day.

Well, those boys enjoyed eating the six pears that the kind man had given them. But as they went on their way, they thought about that one other pear that the man had kept for himself. They said to each other how nice it would be to have that other pear also. And so they went back and picked the last pear and divided it up.

How ungrateful and selfish those boys were when the man was so kind to them! But are we any better than those boys? Do we remember how much the Lord Jesus has done for us? And do we try to please Him and do His work on His day? Or do we selfishly steal that day from Him?

We should want to please Him every day of the week, of course, but especially on the Lord’s Day which He has kept for Himself.

ML-01/18/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Gentle Eider Duck

“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.” Psalm 91:4

People who live in Iceland, and many other northern islands, are well acquainted with the eider duck, a sea duck. These birds are seen each May and June when large numbers migrate there to nest and raise their young. These pretty, marbled-brown birds, which weigh about five pounds, have gentle dispositions. They live entirely on seafood while in the breeding grounds. Their large webbed feet propel these excellent divers through the water to the bottom where they find crabs, mussels and oysters to eat.

On these far-northern islands, there are no trees, swamps or brush in which to build nests—only level ground. But in May and June, great areas are covered with short, green grasses, in which these ducks are able to hide their nests. Because there are so many ducks present at one time, they nest close together. During the four weeks of incubating her eggs, the mother duck never eats and only leaves her nest for a short time each morning to take a bath.

The Creator has provided the eider duck with warm feathers and down to preserve it from the intense cold of the northern climate. After laying her eggs, often in the same nest year after year, the female plucks a large quantity of this warm, feathery down from her body to make a blanket to cover the eggs. This down blanket keeps the eggs warm when she leaves for her morning bath. Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord God, the Creator, has given the mother duck the instinct for this?

There is always a market for this duck’s soft down, for it has better insulating quality than any man-made fibers. It is called “eiderdown” and is used to fill pillows and make warm comforters. It is also used in linings of jackets and other outdoor clothing.

The mother duck is very gentle and allows men to lift her off the nest and remove the down. After she is replaced on the nest, she plucks more down from her breast to make a new covering for her eggs. During the nesting season, she allows this to happen twice but will desert her nest and its eggs if it’s done a third time. The down is so light that it takes three dozen nests to produce a pound of down!

The opening Bible verse likens the Lord’s care over His own to that of birds such as the eider duck. But His love and care are far greater than that of the most loving bird. He says, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). He has fully shown this love by giving His life on Calvary’s cross to wash away the sins of all who will accept Him as Saviour. Are you sheltered “under His wings”?

ML-01/18/2015

We Were on Our Way Home!

When I was a soldier in the Vietnam War in 1970, the days finally came when it was almost time for some of our soldiers to go home. I remember when it got down to a month . . . and then the last few days. Those soldiers would walk around the base shouting, “SHORT!” That meant that they were coming very close to the end of their time over there, fighting in that dangerous place that was so far from our homeland and all that we loved.

And then the time finally came when I could also shout, “SHORT!” And for any of you who belong to the Lord Jesus, as I do, it’s time for us to shout that right now! Just like when we soldiers were in war-torn Vietnam with all its danger, evil and sadness, our whole world is like that right now. I’m so thankful I’ll soon be in my safe, happy home in heaven with my Saviour, the Lord Jesus . . . “SHORT!”

Finally, the day came when my buddies and I had packed up all our gear and we were taken to the airbase to fly back to the United States. When we saw that big, beautiful airplane that was about to take us home, it was hard to hold back the tears of joy and thankfulness. It said on the side of the airplane in big, red, unmistakable letters, TRANS WORLD AIRLINES. We nicknamed the plane, “Freedom Bird”—for us it was the symbol of our homeland.

We had been in Vietnam for a year during our tour of duty. We were gone from what was our real home that meant so much to each of us. All that we loved was back in our homeland and not in the place where we had been called to serve in a dangerous war with so much death and sadness.

Certainly there were interesting things about that country of Vietnam. There were some happy memories from our time there. Some soldiers had more and some had less. But for many of our soldiers, there were also very hard and painful memories of that place, memories that would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

But all of that unhappiness was brightened now by the sight of this very welcome airplane on the runway. It was going to lift us into the air and take us away from all those unhappy, painful war experiences—we were going to leave all of that behind us forever! WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME!

Boys and girls, I have a question for you: Do you belong to Jesus? Have you asked Him to wash away all your sins? If you answer “Yes,” then you and I and many others who are saved from our sins are expecting Him to come take us to His home in heaven any day now. That’s one of His promises! The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly when that’s going to happen, but it can be any day soon. Won’t it be wonderful to be in heaven with Jesus who loves us so much and where there is no evil or danger or sadness? So let’s all say it together good and loud: “SHORT!”

If you don’t belong to Jesus, don’t wait another day! You don’t want to be left behind. That would be the worst mistake of your life. That would be the same as if one of those soldiers didn’t bother to get on the airplane to go home. He would be left behind in war-torn Vietnam with all its danger, evil and death.

Don’t be left behind when Jesus takes all the Christians home to heaven! “Behold, now is the accepted [very best] time: behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

ML-01/25/2015

The Baby Swallows

JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! Three boys splashed into the irrigation canal one hot August day. “Hey, look! There are some birds in the water!” exclaimed one of the boys. Sure enough, there were three baby swallows floating in the water. “They must have fallen out of one of those mud nests under the bridge.”

The boys brought the birds home and tried to feed them, but they wouldn’t eat. Then they let them go free, but they couldn’t fly. For several days we saw them around the yard, hopping from one hiding place to the next. We really hoped they would learn to fly quickly, because there were two things that could happen. The first danger was our cat; he would love to catch three helpless birds! The second danger was that the rest of the swallows were getting ready to fly south. If these little birds didn’t learn to fly, they would be left behind for a cold, snowy winter. The result of either danger would be death for those little birds!

If you haven’t learned to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation from sin, you are just like those three swallows that hadn’t learned to fly. The first danger is that you could die while still in your sins. Satan is our enemy, and he would like you to think it’s nothing to worry about, but it is a terrible danger. The second danger is being left behind when the Lord Jesus comes to take to heaven all those who have trusted Him for their salvation. The result of either danger is an eternity in the awfulness of hell.

Do you have parents, friends or Sunday school teachers who are urging you to come to the Lord Jesus now to have your sins washed away? They are deeply concerned about you. The Bible warns, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).

Those little birds had others who were worried about them too. The swallows that nested on our house swooped down near those babies and seemed to be warning them of danger. The older swallows chirped and made noises as if they were so concerned.

As we watched those little swallows hopping around the yard, we wished that we could tell them, “Please hurry! Learn to fly!” And we want to tell you, “Please hurry before it’s too late! Trust in the Lord Jesus to save you from your sins!”

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

ML-01/25/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Sly Fox

“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15

Not many people really like a wolf or a coyote, but most everyone likes a fox. It looks like an animal that would be nice to pet, but don’t try it ... a fox has sharp teeth and claws.

This intelligent, wild animal belongs to the dog family. The average size is about 30 inches long with a 15-inch, bushy tail. It has a pointed muzzle and large, furry, triangular ears.

Foxes are found on every continent except Antarctica. They can be seen frequently throughout Canada and the United States, mostly in the western parts. There are many varieties, including the red, gray, silver gray, blue and black. The most common and widespread species is the red fox, named for its thick, long-haired coat, which is a rich shade of rusty-red with patches of white on its throat, lower jaw and the tip of its tail.

Foxes do not hibernate in the winter, but most do dig dens in the ground. Some live in caves or hollow logs. Their dens usually have two or three entrances. One is the main entrance, and the others are used only to escape in an emergency. The main entrance will often be among tree roots or under large rocks.

A female fox is called a vixen, and the young are called pups. In the spring, four to nine pups are born to the vixen in the den. They are completely helpless at birth and depend on the mother for food and protection for about six months. When the pups are about a month old, she takes them outside on trips to play and to practice hunting. The frisky pups make the most of this, chasing each other, tossing sticks in the air and playfully wrestling. But the mother sees to it that they learn to hunt and to be alert for enemies.

Dogs are the enemy that they fear most. When being chased by a pack of dogs, foxes use many sly tricks to throw the dogs off the trail. Usually they can outrun the dogs in a chase.

Foxes are most active at dusk. They live mainly on mice, ground squirrels, insects and fruits, but most will eat anything they can catch. They hunt by stalking and then quickly pounce on their prey. They have been known to catch chickens and lambs, but generally, with the quantity of rodents they catch, they do far more good than harm.

As our opening verse says, they also eat grapes, sometimes spoiling the vines. The “little foxes” here tell us that many things that look innocent can actually be harmful in our lives. To avoid these, the Bible instructs: “Enter not into the path of the wicked....Avoid it, pass not by it” (Proverbs 4:14-15). This is good advice for everyone.

ML-01/25/2015

Saved Through a Dog

Mr. Wilson, an older man who had no use for religious things, had a good, Christian wife. For years Mrs. Wilson had prayed daily for her husband to see his need of the Saviour. But it seemed her prayers were never answered. She could not even get her husband to go with her to the church services. He wanted no part of religion.

Mrs. Wilson had an old dog named Barney that she loved. Whenever she went to church, Barney would always go along with her. He would go into the church and lie under her seat and stay very quiet all through the church service.

This went on until Mrs. Wilson died. After that, the old dog seemed heartbroken, and so was her husband. He couldn’t find any comfort now that his lifelong companion had died.

For several Sundays, Mr. Wilson noticed that Barney would leave the house at a certain time and then come back at a certain time. So one Sunday morning, he thought he would follow his wife’s dog and find out where he went. Barney seemed to enjoy having his only master now go with him, and he happily trotted along until they came to the church door. Mr. Wilson stopped as the dog bounded up the steps, waiting at the top for his master. After standing a few moments and unable to make up his mind what to do, Mr. Wilson said to himself, I’ll go in to please the dog. It won’t do any harm. So he went in and, sitting down, he listened to the preaching. The next Sunday the old man went again to the church with the faithful dog. Sunday after Sunday he could be found at the church, with Barney lying down under his wife’s usual seat.

Then one morning after the service, Mr. Wilson stood up with tears running down his face and opened his heart to God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He told the congregation the story of how the faithful dog had been the means of leading him to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. So a faithful God answered his loving wife’s many prayers after all. Someday in heaven, she will see the answer to her many prayers for her husband’s salvation and learn how God used her faithful Barney to bring it about. It will be such a happy ending to this true story.

Will your life have a happy ending in heaven? Do you know for sure you will be there? God has written in the Bible the way for any sinner to receive a loving welcome at the door of heaven when his or her life here on earth is over. Not everyone will have a long life like both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had, so now is the time to settle the matter of your sins with the One who loves you and died for you. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Jesus said, “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24).

Now this is the sad part. If you wait too long to let Jesus wash you clean from your sins, this is what you will hear: “Bind him [or her] hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13).

Oh, don’t wait!

MEMORY VERSE: “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24

ML-02/01/2015

Try This Test

A man set up a business of dyeing things different colors for people. He advertised that he could dye just about anything—clothes, shoes, curtains—whatever a person wanted. One of his first customers was a wealthy lady who brought in a very expensive fur coat. She wanted the color of the coat to be changed.

When the lady left his shop, the man was still holding her expensive coat. He looked at it carefully and began to wonder if he really would be able to dye it successfully. If I’m not successful, he thought, I’m sunk. Instead of making money, I will go deeply into debt. So he decided to test it first.

“I’ll look for a very small piece of fur exactly like the fur the coat is made of,” he said to himself. “I’ll try dyeing that. If that turns out OK, I’ll know that I’ll be able to dye the coat.”

That was a good idea. It’s smart to test things first.

Now here’s a test I’d like you to try. Think of the worst thing you’ve ever done in your life—something you knew was wrong, but because you wanted to do it, you did it anyway. Now, see if you can think of a way you can get rid of that sin. Is there any way you can totally erase that sin from God’s record of your life by your own efforts? That’s like the small sample of fur. If the man who set up the dyeing business could dye the sample, he could also, hopefully, dye the coat. If you can erase this one sin from God’s record of your life, you would be able to erase all your sins by yourself. But can you erase that one sin?

I took that test, but I couldn’t pass it. I could not erase one sin from my record. Do you know why? Mark 2:7 tells us, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” There is no person here on earth who can erase even one sin. Thankfully, there is One who is able to erase ALL my sins and your sins too. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Yes, the blood of the Lord Jesus, God’s Son, has erased all my sins, and He can erase all yours too, if you will let Him.

I don’t know how the test for dyeing the fur coat turned out. But I do know that my test to erase my sins from God’s record failed, and yours will too. Will you come to Jesus and let Him erase all your sins? He will not fail. He loves you so much He gave up His life so you could have all your sins washed away in His precious blood. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

ML-02/01/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Dugong, the Sea Cow

“O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all.” Psalm 104:24

Most of us have never seen a dugong, because they live in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the waters around Australia. They are a close relative of manatees, which are more familiar to us. In many ways, the dugong’s habits are like porpoises’, but they are larger, often between 8 and 15 feet long and weighing up to 750 pounds. They are air-breathing mammals, but like the sea lions of the north, they have heavy bones which help them submerge quickly. Their nostrils automatically close when underwater, where they can remain from 5 to 8 minutes before returning to the surface for air.

Like dolphins and whales, dugongs stay close by their mates, usually traveling as a family with their calf beside them. If one is injured, the other stays close by, helping it rise to the surface for air. The female, which usually has one calf each year, floats on her back when nursing it and cradles the little one in her flippers. This permits the calf to breathe while nursing.

Unlike dolphins and whales, dugongs do not eat fish or marine life. Their diet is strictly seaweed and grasses that grow beneath the water’s surface. This explains the nickname “sea cow.” God has equipped them especially for this kind of life. Since they feed mostly in the twilight or darkness, He has given them large eyes that have a protective, transparent covering instead of eyelids. Their ears are only openings on each side of their heads, yet they have excellent hearing.

Besides having efficient flippers, dugongs have forked tails similar to whales, which help them to maneuver swiftly. Their upper lips are covered with long, tough, bristle-like hairs which help them select plant food. Their teeth are designed to quickly cut through the tough stems of seaweed and other water plants. An adult will eat almost 100 pounds of food each day. Where large numbers group together, they use up the food supply and must move to another location.

Dugongs have been around since the days of creation and were given all their abilities to survive when the Lord God created them. All their needs were provided for when they were placed on the earth.

As the many wonders of God’s creation come to our attention, it is good to think about His counsel: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). We know He is the Creator of all things, but He is more than that to those who believe His Word: “[He] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth... [and to believe in] the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:4-6). Besides being your Creator, is He also your Saviour?

ML-02/01/2015

What Happened at the Well

You might not think that driving the 70 miles from Judea to Galilee would take very long. But now, think how long it would take if you were walking that 70 miles. At a normal walking pace, walking up and down hills on dirt roads, it would take 2-1/2 days. That was a pretty long walk for Jesus and His disciples. About halfway between the two places was the land of Samaria, and that’s where Jesus wanted to stop for a while. You see, there was a certain woman there, a very great sinner, and He had a message for her.

Jesus knew there was a well in the little village of Sychar in Samaria. When they finally got there, He was very tired and rested on the side of the well, while the disciples went into the village to buy food.

While He was resting there, a woman came to the well with an empty waterpot on her shoulder. She may have had a long rope too, since anyone wanting to fill a waterpot would have to drop it down a long way to reach the water. Once it was full, then it would be pulled up again using the rope.

This woman was quite surprised to see a Jewish man sitting at the well in the middle of the day. Jesus said to her, Give Me a drink.

Then she was even more surprised, because the Jewish people didn’t speak to the Samaritans. She asked Him, Why are you asking me for a drink? She did not know Jesus or anything about Him, and she did not know about His wonderful supply of living water.

Jesus answered the woman’s question. If you knew who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him for yourself. And He would have given you living water. He said this because He knew she needed more than water from that well: She needed the living water that only He could give, to cleanse her from her sins.

Boys and girls, do you know about Jesus and His supply of living water? Do you know that the living water He gives is forever? Is He your very own Saviour? If your answer to these questions is yes, then tell others about Him—even your friends from school or those you play with.

The woman at the well didn’t understand what He was talking about. She only knew about well water, not living water. Jesus told her, Call your husband and come here. Her quick answer was, I have no husband.

Jesus knew her answer was only a cover-up, because He knows everything about everybody, including you and me. He’s the Son of God! And then He told her the truth about herself: You have had five husbands, and the one you are living with now is not your husband.

She seemed to forget about the waterpot and the well, and she said, I know that Christ is coming. When He comes, He will tell us all things.

Now listen to His answer. I that speak to you am HE!

His disciples came back at that minute with food for Him. But when they saw that He had found His heart’s desire of telling a sinner about the living water, they said nothing. Did you know that His heart’s desire is to show Himself to you, and that He wants to give you the spiritual living water that will save your soul for all eternity? He loves you deeply and came to die for you. Will you, a sinner, come to Him for that living water that will cleanse you from every sin?

The woman went at once to the city and said to the men, Come, see a man who told me all that I have ever done. Is not this the Christ? And they answered by coming out of the city to listen to Him. Many of them believed His words and received that living water that only He can give to a sinner who will believe in Him.

Have you received that living water that He wants to give to you? “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

You may read this story for yourself in John, chapter 4.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

ML-02/08/2015

"Nothing Behind You Matters"

The coach blew his whistle, and the four strong boys dived immediately. In a few seconds they were skimming through the water, almost gliding over it as they raced to the other end of the pool. When they were halfway, the coach’s whistle signaled the next four to start. They dove in as the next four moved up and poised themselves on the diving platforms. By this time the first four were headed back up their lanes, straining every muscle to win the round. As they climbed out, the coach nodded his approval, and they got back in line to dive again.

Again and again the coach’s whistle blew, and evening after evening the boys came to practice. No wonder there were so many “Boys’ Swim Team Champions” pennants on the walls of the pool area. And underneath the pennants was a motto: “NOTHING BEHIND YOU MATTERS!”

Any champion swimmer or runner will tell you that they have been trained never to look back during a race. Looking back to see how far they have come or how close the next racer is breaks the rhythm or the stride. It makes them lose a few seconds, and usually those seconds can never be made up. What a good motto that is for those swimmers. It reminds them not to look back, but only to push forward.

Believers in the Lord Jesus have been given these same guidelines. Paul told the Philippians, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). The finish line for Christians is that entrance into heaven and seeing our Saviour face to face. Forget past accomplishments or discouraging failures— “NOTHING BEHIND YOU MATTERS”! Push forward to the finish line ... it’s very close!

ML-02/08/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Shearwater Travelers

“Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air.” Genesis 2:19

Every bird is a marvel of God’s creation. It was on the fifth day of creation that God made “every winged fowl after his kind.” Ever since, they have reproduced their own kind and spread throughout the world.

There are more than 30 species of shearwaters among the migrating sea birds. Some are about the size of pigeons; others are as large as seagulls. These ocean birds have long, slender wings that enable them to fly and glide long distances, only flapping their wings occasionally. They skim above the waves, catching a fish or a squid to eat without stopping. They come to shore only to reproduce, usually on an island. Females each lay one large white egg in a hole dug in the ground or concealed under rocks.

The greater shearwater is an Atlantic Ocean bird, nesting and hatching its young from January to March in the Triston da Cunha Islands of the South Atlantic. As the North begins its spring warm-up, they fly to Newfoundland and then to Greenland, but they do not settle anywhere very long. In another three months, they move on to Iceland, Scotland and Ireland. Then in October or November, they migrate south along the coast of France. Soon great flocks are returning to their nesting spots in the South Atlantic, having traveled thousands of miles on the round-trip journey.

The short-tailed shearwater is just as busy in the Pacific area. From September through November, it nests along the coasts of South Australia and Tasmania. The female lays only one egg, but because millions are nesting in the same area, it is a busy community when the chicks hatch.

In April or May, both young and old travel north along the coast of Japan, taking a month to reach the Aleutians and other Arctic Islands. Well insulated against the cold, they thrive on the abundant seafood of these chilly waters. Like their cousins of the Atlantic, they become restless and start south in August. They return by a different route, traveling down the Pacific Coast to California and then southwest across to their breeding grounds in Australia.

What wonderful navigators these birds are! No one knows how they find their way over such long distances or how they all decide to leave together and fly on to their next spot. But we do know they are following God-given instincts which are passed on from generation to generation.

The Bible tells us “there is a path which no fowl knoweth” (Job 28:7). That is the path of salvation made possible by God’s love to every boy and girl. He invites each person to come to Him to be saved from their sins through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Is He your Saviour?

ML-02/08/2015

"Barking Berkley"

It was actually her daughter’s dog that was doing all the barking. His name was Berkley, and she was taking care of him for her daughter. Berkley was a very small dog, a Pomeranian, but he sure had a loud bark for his small size. It’s a good thing he did.

It was early morning. Mrs. Carson was sound asleep and completely unaware that her upstairs apartment had caught fire and was filling with smoke. However, Berkley sensed that something was very wrong and began barking and barking.

Mrs. Carson slowly awakened and tried to shush Berkley, but he kept barking. When she tried a little harder to shush him, he bit her nose! She was wide awake then and suddenly realized that her apartment was filling with smoke! She remembered right away the danger of “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

This little story is intended to be a “Barking Berkley” to wake you up to the danger of your sins. For many people, that’s just like Mrs. Carson sleeping soundly while her apartment was on fire. The Bible tells us that no one can go to heaven if they are still in their sins. God will not permit even one sin to enter His home in heaven. But because He loves you and me very much, He and His Son Jesus made a plan so any sinner can be saved from his or her sins. But before we tell you about that wonderful plan, let’s find out if Mrs. Carson and Berkley were saved from the burning apartment.

She quickly called the fire department, and they were there minutes later to get the fire under control. Mrs. Carson, carrying Berkley, were both able to get out of the apartment safely, even before the fire truck got there. She said later, “If it wasn’t for Berkley’s barking, in a couple of minutes we would not have been able to get out of the bedroom.”

Yes, Mrs. Carson was very thankful she had “Barking Berkley” staying with her in the apartment. She might even have been thankful that he bit her nose to wake her up in time. And we want to wake you up in time to be saved from your sins.

Many of you have heard or read in the Bible about God sending His Son Jesus to die on a cross where He shed His blood to wash away our sins. “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). He was willing to die for you and me because He loves us so much and wants us to spend eternity with Him in His home in heaven. All that you have to do is tell Jesus that you know you are a sinner and want Him to wash you clean from every sin. He will not only wash every sin away, but He also promises, “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

MEMORY VERSE: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

ML-02/15/2015

The Hunter's Story

He was a bow hunter in a forest in Scotland a few hundred years ago. He was a good hunter too, and with watchful eyes he followed the trail silently through the fallen leaves, like a man who knew the ways of deer.

He heard another footstep in the forest. The hunter waited as a young boy approached him, and they shared a friendly greeting.

“I’m on my way to the castle up ahead,” said the hunter.

“I’ve heard that the king visits that castle sometimes,” replied the boy. “I’d like to see him.”

“Come with me then. You will see him today.”

“I have never seen the king before. How will I know him?”

“It won’t be a problem,” said the hunter. “He will be the only one in the room wearing a hat.”

The boy was a little doubtful about entering the castle, but there was no problem. Suddenly they found themselves in a huge room where a number of Scottish nobles were gathered. Every man rose instantly to his feet and pulled off his plaid cap.

The boy turned his puzzled eyes to the hunter. “Who is the king? It must be either you or me, because we are the only ones with our hats on!” And then suddenly the truth flashed into the boy’s mind that this hunter was the king of Scotland! Immediately he tore off his cap and kneeled before the hunter, the king of Scotland!

Wait just a minute before you stop reading this story, because you are in it too, in a very important way. Maybe you do not owe loyalty to the king of Scotland, but certainly you owe honor and obedience to the King of kings. What will you do when you suddenly recognize that the Man who died on Calvary’s cross is your Judge?

It is wonderful beyond words to recognize Jesus now and to worship Him with your whole heart and life. There will be a day when we who know Him now as Lord and Saviour will hear His call and will rise instantly to meet Him in the air.

There will be a day when His own people of Israel will see Him and ask, “What are these wounds in Your hands?” And He will answer, “Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends” (Zechariah 13:6).

There will be a day when those who have refused to believe on Him now will see Him on the great white throne. There will be no problem recognizing Him then as the One who died on Calvary. But no sin-cleansing blood will be there—only a sentence of eternity in hell.

Don’t let your pride or your shame come between you and the Saviour who loves you. Kneel before Him and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour now and for all eternity.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

ML-02/15/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Iguanas Love the Heat - Part 1

“Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee.... Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing.” Job 12:7-10

Many varieties of lizards, iguanas, chameleons and geckos live in warm areas of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Let’s take a look at a few closely related ones, including the iguana that makes its home where sunshine is abundant, particularly in desert areas.

While lizards are rather drab and plain looking, iguanas are often colorful. One is the Fijian crested, a resident of the Fiji islands. It is large, about three feet long with its tail taking up more than half of that length. It is colored in shades of green, usually banded with white stripes around its body and tail. It has amber eyes and a yellow snout. It has long, spidery “fingers” on the ends of each leg. The two center fingers are about twice as long as the other three, but all are equipped with sharp claws to help in climbing trees where it makes its home. Like many other iguanas, this one eats mostly leaves and flowers, but it will also eat crickets and other insects.

Another, the desert iguana, is much smaller and is a native of the American deserts. It can stand hotter temperatures than most others, partly because it is a night worker and is seldom outside during the day. It nests under fallen branches of Joshua trees and yucca plants. Desert country is, of course, usually barren except for the Joshua trees, yuccas, cacti, sagebrush and creosote bushes. It is from the creosote bush that this little fellow gets most of his food, by climbing into the bush to eat its flowers and foliage. This iguana also eats insects. The Creator has given it a digestive system that takes the moisture from this food to satisfy its thirst in a land where no water may be found.

As we see how these obscure animals are provided for, we recall how the psalmist was impressed with God’s care over all His creatures: “These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their meat [food] in due season” (Psalm 104:27). “He [gives] to the beast his food” (Psalm 147:9).

Iguanas and lizards have no way of knowing their Creator is watching over them, but in the Bible we learn how much He loves and cares for every boy and girl and grown-up. One verse says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Have you ever thanked Him for His many gifts and especially the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be your Saviour?

(to be continued)

ML-02/15/2015

Skating on Thin Ice

During the winter months when I was a boy, there wasn’t anything I liked to do more than put on a pair of ice skates and go flying as fast as the wind across a smooth sheet of ice. We lived by a pond, and I could hardly wait for it to freeze over. Before going out on the ice, I always made sure it was strong enough to bear my weight. I soon learned that three inches of new ice was stronger than thicker, older ice. I also learned that there were spots on the pond which I had to avoid, because the ice often was not thick enough and so was not safe.

I remember the skating outings at night under a full moon when a group of us would get together for some fun on the ice. One night, two of the young people crashed into each other, and we all gathered around to see if either one was hurt. Suddenly, there was a loud cracking sound! The weight of us all in one place had caused the ice to crack! Of course, we all quickly scattered to other parts of the pond.

Have you ever heard the saying, “He’s skating on thin ice”? It is used when talking about a person who is taking a dangerous course even when he is aware that it is unsafe. You may be “skating on thin ice” right now if you are ignoring God’s warnings about the danger of your sins. “Skating on thin ice” often has very unhappy results. I saw this actually happen one cold winter night.

A group of us had asked permission from a farmer to skate on his pond. He said yes, but on one condition—we were not to go down the inlet leading to the pond. We were all having a good time when I heard one fellow say, “I wonder why we shouldn’t go down there,” as he headed toward the inlet.

He soon got his answer. The next thing he knew, he was in freezing water up to his waist! The farmer knew the inlet had thin ice when he told us not to go down there. Thankfully, the water wasn’t deep, and it was thin enough ice that he could work his way to the side and climb out. He was quickly wrapped in a blanket and then got in his car and drove home. Years later I asked him if he ever went skating again. He said, “My mud-encrusted skates are still hanging in the basement. I figure that if I don’t have enough sense to listen to a warning, I shouldn’t be skating!”

Are you “skating on thin ice”? Yes, you are, if you are not listening to the warnings about your sins that God gives in the Bible. There is terrible judgment with no escape for those who die in their sins: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). The only way to escape that terrible judgment is to accept right now the offer of salvation that God has provided: “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). That verse tells us that God’s love and grace to sinners are so great that He sent His Son Jesus down here to die on the cross for us. Another verse also says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [satisfaction] for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Have you accepted God’s forgiveness for your sins through the death of His Son? If not, you are in very great danger, and you are “skating on very thin ice”!

MEMORY VERSE: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

ML-02/22/2015

God's Very Special Plan for You and Me

Hello, boys and girls:

We are going to talk today about two words that begin with the same two letters— “crucified” and “crowned.” I have been thinking about these words lately, because there were four children in a little vacation Bible school who did not know what the word “crucified” meant. We read about it in the Bible but do not hear much about it anywhere else.

Both of these words refer to the same Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Before God created the world, He knew the people He was going to create would disobey Him and fall into sin. Their sins would separate them from God, so they would need to be rescued from their sins. Because He and His Son, the Lord Jesus, loved the people very much, they designed a plan so that men, women, boys and girls could have their sins removed and be brought back into a relationship with Him.

This was the plan, but His Son was going to have to pay the great cost. Jesus Christ would become a man here on earth and bear the punishment for sin. Over 2,000 years ago, He was born into this world as a little baby, grew up and lived here as a perfect, sinless man. He showed us what God is like—full of love and pity for sinners like you and me. Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified (nailed to a wooden cross) where He suffered the cruel and terribly painful treatment of men who hated Him. Then God turned the middle of the day into total darkness for three hours when Jesus was punished by God for the sins of every person who would accept Him as their very own Saviour. We will never know how much He suffered, but we do know that because the holy Son of God bore the punishment for sin, you and I can be forgiven for our sins. Simply believe that He loves you so much that He died for you, bearing the punishment for your sins in His own body.

After Jesus gave up His life on the cross, He was buried in a rich man’s tomb, but on that first Easter morning, He rose from the dead! He is alive today in heaven and is even now sitting at the right hand of God. Someday soon He is going to come and take all those to heaven whose sins He has forgiven. He will be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords, and everyone will truly know who He is. How wonderful that the crucified One will also be the crowned One.

Will you accept Him as your Lord and Saviour today? He paid the terrible price to make your salvation possible. He loves you and wants you to live with Him in heaven forever.

“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” (Romans 4:7).

ML-02/22/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Iguanas Love the Heat - Part 2

“The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” Psalm 50:1

Last week we mentioned the color contrasts of iguanas compared with lizards, to which they are related. But while many of them are colorful and appeal to some people as pets, some iguanas look like miniature dragons and scare those who do not know they are harmless.

The 20-pound sea iguana is frightening in appearance. A good swimmer, it lives near ocean water, and its food is almost entirely limited to seaweed. Another, that prefers the dry desert country of Costa Rica, is just as fierce looking, carrying a spiked crest of scales all along the top of its back and neck. It lacks the pretty coloring of so many others and has a speckled-gray, armor-like skin.

Then there is the horned iguana of Haiti, with three horn-like scales erect on its head and a row of comb-like, high bristles along its back and part of its tail. A bag of loose skin hangs below its neck, and with other strange features it has a frightening appearance. Yet it would never harm you.

The best-known iguana has the awkward name of tuberculate and lives in South and Central America and the West Indies. This one looks like a fierce dragon, growing to five or six feet long. Greenish with black speckles over most of its body, it carries a saw-like crest over its neck and back. It also is harmless and lives entirely on vegetation.

Others live in trees near rivers and lakes. Their usual diet consists of vegetation, but some also include insects and small birds.

We may wonder what part these unusual creatures have in God’s creation, but we know He has placed them in each region to fulfill His purposes. Among other things, we can see that in eating flowers and fruit, they carry seeds to areas where they eventually develop into additional plants. In eating insects they help control the damage the insects do to plant and animal life in those areas.

Though we may not understand, we know the Creator has adapted each to live comfortably in its surroundings, and they are part of His marvelous creation in which He takes pleasure. A Bible verse tells us, “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made ... the earth, and all things that are therein ... and Thou preservest them all” (Nehemiah 9:6).

Those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour can enjoy the Bible verses that tell us, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O [reverence] the Lord, ye His saints: for there is [nothing lacking] to them that [reverence] Him” (Psalm 34:8-9). Are you one who trusts in Him?

ML-02/22/2015

A New Mother for Kecil

He was just 10 months old and needed a mother to love him and take care of him. He was so cute and lovable that you would wonder why his birth mother didn’t take care of him and feed him. But that sometimes happens in the animal world. You see, Kecil was a baby orangutan, which means he looked very much like a monkey, as all orangutans do. The caretakers in the zoo where he was born took over his care, feeding him from a baby bottle and even playing with him. They all loved the cute little fellow.

Many of you children have mothers and fathers who love you and take good care of you. And then there are children in this world who don’t have even one parent, just like Kecil. These children are called orphans, and many live in large homes called orphanages. They are cared for by people who work at the orphanage. Sometimes these children have nobody to love them like your mother and father love you. As a result, some of these orphan children are sad as they grow up.

But you children who go to Sunday school learn about Jesus, who is the Saviour who loves every boy and girl and cares for them. However, there are many children who have never heard about Jesus and that He loves them and died for them. Nobody has ever told them about the Bible where they can learn about Jesus and that it says, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). They have never heard that He wants every boy and girl to come to Him to have their sins washed away. They don’t know that He has promised a happy home in heaven for everybody whose sins are gone.

So it was a happy zoo home that the caretakers were hoping to find for Kecil. The caretakers in the zoo hoped they could find a new mother for him in another zoo. And happily, that’s just what happened.

The Chicago zoo had an older orangutan named Maggie. She not only had cared for and loved her own baby orangutans in the past, but she had also taken good care of another orphan baby orangutan some years earlier. So, the next step was to see if Maggie would accept Kecil and become his new mother.

The caretakers in the Chicago zoo introduced Kecil to Maggie, and thankfully, they accepted each other almost immediately. After 4 days they were sleeping together, and after 11 days, Maggie did not like it when the caretakers wanted to take him away from her so they could weigh him. Everyone is happy that Maggie is officially his new mother and is taking very good care of him.

And that’s how Jesus wants to care for all children. Now many of you children have parents who love you very much and take care of your needs. However, there is one thing they cannot do for you: They cannot wash away your sins. Only Jesus can do that. He will wash away all your sins, if you will let Him. And then He will show you His love in many, many ways all through your life, until one day He will take you to His happy home in heaven. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5).

Will you tell Him you are a sinner and want Him to wash you clean from all your sins?

Then one day He will welcome you to His happy home in heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

ML-03/01/2015

A Hard Question for Charles

Charles had been an orphan since he was four years old, so he lived with his grandfather, and Grandpa was good to him. Charles loved books and learning and found that life was full of interesting things to do and to learn.

But at 12 years old, Charles was not a little boy anymore. His thoughts went down deep, and he was full of questions and sometimes full of fear. Thoughts of dying crowded into his young mind, and he really wanted to know the answer to this hard question: “Where will I go when I die?”

Grandpa couldn’t help him, so he tried going to church and asking the people there. But no one could give him a definite answer. No one seemed to know any more than he did. He didn’t want somebody’s guess: It was too important. He wanted to know for sure!

One dark, rainy evening as he was returning home, he felt that he could not bear the uncertainty any longer. Getting home that night did not seem half as important as getting the right answer to his biggest question. He could pass exams at school, but he could not answer the question of whether he would go to heaven or hell when he died.

Charles kneeled down right there on the wet road and prayed, “Lord, I can’t do any more.”

And suddenly, in his misery, the Holy Spirit showed him the finished work of Christ on Calvary’s cross. Finished! The Lord Himself said so!

Why should he be fearful and hope somehow to get to heaven? On the cross after three hours of darkness, Jesus said, “It is finished.”

That settled it for Charles. Jesus had taken the punishment for his sins! His fears were gone, and they never came back. He accepted the finished work of Christ on the cross for the answer to his hard question. Now he knew for sure the door of heaven would be open for him.

Is it really that important? What if you make a mistake and find yourself in hell forever? Instead, you may accept the finished work of Christ for eternal life. And you may do that right now and know the question is settled for you.

Jesus said, “It is finished, and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost [died]” (John 19:30). “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

ML-03/01/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Hard-To-Reach Goeduck

“Be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create.” Isaiah 65:18

The goeduck is not a bird, as the name would suggest. It is a large clam found deep in the sand off the ocean shorelines of Washington, Oregon and northern California. Its name comes from an Indian word meaning “dig deep.” It is one of the longest living creatures in the animal kingdom. The oldest recorded one was 168 years old. It is also one of the largest clams, except for some deep-ocean giant clams that reach 500 pounds and may be up to 4 feet long.

The goeduck’s five-pound body bulges out from around the two halves of its seven-inch shell, which doesn’t seem to be large enough to give it full protection. But the Creator has not made a mistake in this design; He has well adapted it to its home beyond the shoreline.

Its body is always completely buried under about three feet of sand, but it has a siphon (tube) extending above the sand which collects water filled with oxygen and plankton on which it feeds. Fish may see the top of the siphon but leave it alone since they don’t know what’s at the other end, nor could they dig through the sand to reach it if they wanted to.

Twice a year, in spring and fall, there are two-day periods when this creature is exposed to danger. This is the time of extra-low tides, and only then can clam-diggers reach them. However, goeducks are not easy to find. The moment digging starts, the goeduck quickly pulls its siphon down, and the clam digger, digging through three feet of sand with a shovel and bare hands, often cannot locate the clam.

Because these large clams are now so scarce, people are not allowed to catch more than one a day during these two periods each year. But most clam diggers consider them well worth the effort because of the wonderful flavor of more than four pounds of clean, boneless clam meat. Regardless of how they are prepared and eaten, one clam supplies enough meat to make two good meals for most families.

As we have noticed in some of our other articles, there are many unusual creatures in the oceans. They all are a part of God’s creation, and when He brought them forth, He proclaimed, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas” (Genesis 1:22). They have continued to reproduce “after their kind” ever since. The Lord God declared that everything He made “was good,” and the creatures we see today are the very same as the first ones God placed on the earth so long ago.

His instruction to young people is, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1), and also, “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). These are wise instructions.

ML-03/01/2015

The Tower That Never Was Finished

The tower was planned by very smart men. They wanted to be great, like God is great. So they planned to build a tower to reach above the clouds and up into the heavens. If they were successful with their tower, they would make a great name for themselves and always be remembered.

Now what could they use to build their tower? The answer was bricks, of course, hand-made bricks. They would carefully cement them together with heavy tar that hardens in air. It was heavy work, but they carefully followed the designed plans. Slowly the tower grew. They didn’t have any machinery to help, just brains and lots of muscles.

Would God be pleased with their tower? They never thought about that. Do you think about that when you make a plan? Is God pleased with your choice? Maybe you think it doesn’t matter, but it always matters with Him, because God loves you. He doesn’t want you to change the plans He has already made for you, especially if you belong to Him as one of His children. It’s just like your parents not wanting you to make big plans without their approval. God wants what’s best for you, and your parents want what’s best for you.

God came and looked at the tower builders’ hard work, and He did not approve of their plan. In His wisdom, He decided to stop them. He could have struck them all dead, but no. God loved each one of them too much to do that. Instead, in their brains He confused the language they spoke. They had all talked in the same language since they all lived in one part of the world, so God changed their brains into many languages. Families understood each other, but workers didn’t understand each other. One worker said, “Put the bricks here,” and another worker said, “Je ne vous comprends pas.”

It was no use trying to build the tower anymore. The tower was never finished, because they could not understand each other. This was the beginning of the many different languages in the world. Have you ever wondered how they all started? Now you know the answer—God started them.

Would the people have been happier if God had left them alone and let them build the tower? No. God knew their hearts. When He changes our plans, it is always for our good, because He loves and cares for each one of us. Romans 8:28 tells us: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

If you are reading this true story, don’t try to make your own plans. Kneel down and ask God for His perfect plan. He is the same God who loves the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son for each one who believes in Him. Will you come to Him today, and will you let Him make your choices? “We ought to obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). Then your life will not end in loss and unhappiness, but in His happy home in heaven.

You may read this story for yourself in Genesis 11.

MEMORY VERSE: “We ought to obey God rather than man.” Acts 5:29

ML-03/08/2015

Pesky Flies!

Oh those flies! What an awful problem they were! The ceiling of the barn was black with them. They were all over the cattle, but the flies on the cows’ faces were the worst. The flies would land in the filth of the manure piles, then come with their germ-laden bodies and cling to the faces of the animals, especially around their eyes. The cows’ eyes would become infected and that would attract more flies. They almost drove the cattle crazy.

The cows would rub against the rough wood of their stalls or against the fences to scratch the flies off their bodies. Often they would rub so hard they would break the skin, and the flies would infect the sores. The cows were constantly swishing their tails and stamping their feet to chase away the flies, but the flies just kept coming. The poor little calves were so bothered and nervous they didn’t eat properly or gain weight as they should.

Then the farmer found a remedy.

Flies mentioned in the Bible are a picture to us of sin. Exodus 8:24 tells us that when the Lord God sent swarms of flies into all the land of Egypt, the land was polluted and spoiled by them. And our sins spoil us too.

But God has a remedy. He sent His own beloved Son to bear our sins on the cross, and now “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Cows love to lick salt, and the remedy the farmer found was a special salt with medicine in it that would go all through the cows’ bodies. Then, when the flies bit the cows, the medicine killed the flies. Soon the cattle were free from flies. They were able to rest contentedly in the fields and grow strong and healthy.

Salt is often spoken of in the Bible. It preserves and helps in healing. When the cows licked the salt, they got the medicine all through them, and we need to feed on the Lord Jesus and have Him truly and thoroughly in our hearts and lives. Then our lives will help others. Matthew 5:13 says, “If the salt have lost his savor [saltiness] ... it is ... good for nothing.” We must be real! We cannot pretend with God. We cannot walk with Him and have our sins too. The Lord Jesus is God’s remedy for our sins. Tell Him from your heart that you are a sinner and that you need His blood to wash your sins away, and then He will guide you in every step you take. Jesus said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise [no way] cast out” (John 6:37).

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5).

ML-03/08/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Jakfruit, Tasty but Smelly

“God said, Behold, I have given you ... every tree, in the which is the fruit.... To you it shall be for meat [food].” Genesis 1:29

As Creator, the Lord God has placed a great variety of fruit trees throughout the world. Most of us, of course, only see those growing near us, and it is left for people born elsewhere to see other kinds of fruit trees. This was the case many years ago in the rain forests of India and parts of Asia where the wild jakfruit tree was first discovered.

The fruit from this tree is the largest fruit grown on any tree in the world. Some jakfruits weigh as much as 80 pounds. This fruit’s rough, knobby, pale-green skin makes it look like a huge cantaloupe, and natives find it very good to eat. But there is a dangerous problem in picking this fruit. It does not grow on branches, but each fruit is on its own short stem attached right to the tree trunk. If one were to fall on a picker, it could injure him severely or even kill him. So they either knock the fruit off with long poles or, where possible, use machinery to take them down.

Many of the wild trees grow in spots difficult to reach, so the natives wait until the fruit eventually drops to the ground. However, those that drop are often so ripe that they smash into useless pieces. Besides that, many wild animals also like them and eat them before the natives can get to them.

The edible part, inside the hard, tough skin, is in sections and about the color of an orange. It tastes like a blend of pineapple, pears and artichokes. But there is one objection to this tasty fruit (which can either be cooked or eaten raw): It takes a long time to get used to its bad smell. Natives have become used to its smell, but when the fruit is offered to visitors, they either turn away from it or have to hold their noses while they eat!

This fruit with its challenges is another example of the wonders of God’s creation. It is a reminder that while He does allow us to experience some trials and difficulties, these will bring good if we ask His help and guidance through them.

No doubt the first natives to discover jakfruit had many problems in learning how to pick it safely and to overcome its strong smell. But in the end, the delicious fruit was worth it all. And each of us needs to learn that the Lord has something good in every problem we may experience. King David wrote this encouraging verse in the Bible: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).

Do you hope and trust in the Lord Jesus?

ML-03/08/2015

Mittens and Cricket-Ready and Waiting

Hello Children,

Today I would like tell you about our cat Mittens and our dog Cricket. You’ve already met Cricket, but I don’t think I’ve said very much about Mittens. She is five years old, and Cricket is three years old. But first of all, they are good friends and get along really well. It’s fun to watch them play together. They even eat together, because Gramma always feeds them at the same time every day in the same place.

This day I’m telling you about, I was sitting outside by the door that opens into the hallway, which leads into the kitchen. This is where Gramma feeds them.

It was four o’clock on a bright, sunny afternoon. I was sitting enjoying the sunshine and watching the different birds coming and going to the four bird feeders that are hanging in the tree. Cricket, who was sitting beside me, stood up and moved to the right side of the door that opens into the house. Then I watched as Mittens came up the eight steps and sat down on the left side of the door.

Hmmmm, I thought, This is strange. But as I was sitting watching them, the thought came to me, These two animals are waiting for Gramma to open the door to feed them! I looked at my watch ... Yes it’s four o’clock, and Gramma will feed them anytime now. She never disappoints them, and they know it!

You know, children, just before the Lord Jesus Christ went back to heaven after He was crucified, He told His disciples, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). That was a promise for everyone who has been washed clean from their sins, and the Lord Jesus never breaks a promise. And so Gramma and I are both waiting to hear that call from Him, and it could be today! But now listen carefully: Only those who are saved from their sins will hear His call and go to meet Him. Acts 16:31 tells us, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

And can you guess which two furry creatures were listening for a call from Gramma? At 20 minutes after 4, the door opened, and the three of us heard, “Mittens ... Cricket,” and then ZOOOOM! Right inside the door ran the cat and dog! They both knew what was waiting for them—a feast! What a happy sight to see Mittens and Cricket respond to Gramma’s voice!

Now, what about you? Will you respond to Jesus’ voice when He calls? Are you ready for heaven? The Lord Jesus wants to give you a place in heaven, but are you ready for His call for you? Mittens and Cricket are always on time and waiting for Gramma to open the door and call their names. I am very sad to say that anyone who misses the Lord Jesus’ call will be left behind, never to be allowed into heaven. The only place left for those who miss His call is that terrible place called hell.

Children, make sure you are ready and waiting for that call! Even Mittens and Cricket know how important it is to be ready and waiting.

Lots of love,

Grampa and Gramma

Cricket and Mittens

MEMORY VERSE: “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3

ML-03/15/2015

A Spring Snowfall

The children were all in the living room in their pajamas waiting for a Bible story before they went to bed. Our toddler climbed up on the couch and pulled aside the window curtain. “Hey look, Mom!” shouted the five of them. “It’s snowing!”

We had recently moved farther south and out of the snow belt, and the children had been very sad about leaving the snow. But there it was, two or three inches of new, beautiful, white snow.

“Please, please can we go out and play in it?” they begged.

I looked at the six children all cleaned up and ready for bed. But it was now early spring, and we all knew the snow couldn’t last.

“Please, Mommy?” they all asked.

“Okay, put your jackets and snow pants on over your pajamas and let’s go out!”

What a wonderful time we had, rolling snowballs, making snowmen and building forts. We laughed and ran, threw snowballs and rolled in the snow. Of course, when we went back inside, the children were soaked to the skin, but even I was glad we had all gone out to play in what was probably the last snowfall of the season.

Soon, very soon, the Lord is coming for His own—those whose sins are gone. There is not much time left to come to Him to have your sins forgiven. “NOW is the accepted time...NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). And you’ll be more than glad, when the Lord Jesus comes, if you’ve trusted Him to wash your sins away in His precious blood. While you wait, live to please Him, showing your thanks for all He’s done for you.

By the time the children came home from school the next day, there were only a few traces of snow left. That made us extra glad that we hadn’t missed the opportunity to play in the snow while we had it. But to miss the opportunity of spending eternity in heaven with the Lord Jesus would be the most serious mistake you could ever make! The Bible gives solemn warning that those who die while still in their sins face an eternity of judgment. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Use the opportunity you have right now to have your sins washed away. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

ML-03/15/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Playful Seal

“Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually. Remember His marvelous works that He hath done.” 1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Seals are excellent swimmers and divers and spend most of their time in the water. They are not as fast as dolphins in water but are more flexible and agile. They live in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, mostly in cold northern waters, but many migrate thousands of miles south in winter. Others never go north, but are quite content to remain year-round in warm southern climates. A few kinds of seals are found in fresh water.

A mother seal usually has just one pup a year, born on land, because it cannot swim until she teaches it. She nurses the pup for about four months, and during this time she frequently leaves it for several days while she goes after her own food—shrimp, clams, fish and other sea creatures. At these times, her pup joins hundreds like itself, all temporarily left alone. When she returns, she barks loudly and several pups may come to her. But the Creator has given her the ability to single out her own pup by its individual odor and its tiny bark which she recognizes. Its hunger is soon satisfied.

The Creator has provided seals with nostrils and ear openings which close automatically when they dive or swim underwater. They also have been given special eyelids to protect their eyes underwater.

In ice-covered waters, they use their sharp teeth to make air vents in the ice where they poke their heads through for fresh air about every 15 minutes. They also crawl out of the same hole to rest occasionally. Sometimes this is dangerous since a hunter or a polar bear may be waiting to catch them. All seals have a layer of blubber to help keep them warm. The blubber, which may be an inch to six inches thick, is also a source of energy when they can find no food.

A seal is graceful in the water, but its travel on land is another story. It has to lift itself up on its webbed flippers, arch its back and push with hind flippers to move forward in mighty jerks. This looks awkward, but they can move fast when necessary.

Seals are quite intelligent and are quick to learn tricks. They can learn to balance balls on the tips of their noses, leap out of the water on command, jump through fiery hoops and other tricks. They are always rewarded with a fish treat.

These creatures with such interesting habits are another example of the wonders of God’s creation. The Bible gives good counsel when it tells us, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Be like King David who did not hesitate to say, “I will show forth all Thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee” (Psalm 9:1-2).

ML-03/15/2015

How God Used a Japanese Girl

This story is about a young girl in Japan who had been in a special hospital for two years because she had the awful disease called tuberculosis. She had lost so much weight that she could hardly move in bed. One day a group of gospel workers was visiting the hospital and gave this young girl a Christian tract. She was not able to hold it, so a nurse propped it up on a stand above her head and turned the pages, one by one, so she could read it.

As she read and reread that simple gospel message, it took hold in her heart. Asking the nurse to help her by standing by to hear her, she prayed for forgiveness of her sins, and she received the wonderful gift of salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners.

As many do when they are first saved, this girl wanted to share the happiness the Lord Jesus had given her. One day she read in the newspaper of a man in prison who was going to be put to death for the terrible crime of murder. She decided she must write to him and tell him about Jesus. It took her three days, and with much effort, she finally was able to get a letter finished. Along with the letter, she sent the tract that had meant so much to her.

When Mr. Iwata, the prisoner, received her letter and read it, he was angry. Then later as he re-read the letter, he began to understand how much writing this little one-page letter had really meant to the young girl who had mailed it to him. His hard heart began to soften as he realized that this nearly helpless, young girl would care enough for him to write a letter at such a cost of her strength.

He began to read the tract and read it over and over. It wasn’t very long until the truth of Jesus offering forgiveness of sins reached his heart, and he believed it! Jesus was now his Saviour too. “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” (Romans 4:7).

Later, Mr. Iwata was taken to another prison more than a thousand miles away, where he was placed in “death row.” He was soon going to lose his life as punishment for the life he had taken.

One day he was singing a gospel hymn that he had learned from Christian workers who held services in the prison. As his lonely prison cell echoed with his singing the praises of God, he heard a voice call through the peep hole to the next cell. It was a man who had also found Jesus as his Saviour. What a joy when the two men were able to share together their faith in Jesus!

The two prisoners began to pray and work for the salvation of the other men in death row. The prison warden gave them permission to share their salvation stories with other prisoners when they were all together at mealtime.

In the two years that Mr. Iwata was in death row, 41 other prisoners were won to Christ. The whole atmosphere of death row had changed to Christian joy and peace. As the guards made their rounds along the cells, they could hear gospel hymns coming from the cells.

As the time came for Mr. Iwata to die for his crime, he was permitted his last request. He very much wanted to be taken to see the young girl who had written him the letter and enclosed the gospel tract. Standing beside her bed, he told her the story of what the letter and tract had done for him and his friends through the saving power of Jesus Christ. Tears streamed down the girl’s face as she heard the story of what God had done.

Before leaving her, Mr. Iwata laid his hand upon her head and prayed a prayer of faith for her healing. He then returned to the prison and soon lost his life, but he went to his Saviour in heaven whom he knew, trusted and loved. Within weeks, the young girl was completely healed of her illness by the power of God, and she walked out of the hospital and returned to a normal life.

What a wonderful work of God this was! It all started because one helpless, young girl who could not do much, did what little she could. “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Those of you boys and girls who belong to the Lord Jesus, you may not think you can do much for your Saviour, but even little things God can turn into wonderful results for His glory. Ask Him to show you something you can do for Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

ML-03/22/2015

Snake Snare

One sunny afternoon, I was out with my family and friends at a park in West Richland, Washington. We had gone there for a picnic, and we were coming back from a bike ride to the next park.

I was just riding along, not really paying attention to my surroundings. Suddenly, I hit a bump that almost made me go off the bike path! I looked back to see what it was, and my friend Cody yelled to me that I had just run over a dead bull snake! Yipes!

I was kind of freaked out after running over a snake, so I stopped my bike. Meanwhile, Cody wanted to make sure the snake was dead, so he ran over it again with his bike. But since he saw the snake and I didn’t, he stayed on the path.

Satan is just like that snake. He puts out decoys and snares in our Christian pathway so we will stumble off the path. He is the doer of evil deeds. A Bible verse says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

So keep your light in front of you or you’ll stray off the path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

ML-03/22/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Adelie Penguin

“The world and the fullness thereof, Thou hast founded them. The north and the south Thou hast created them.” Psalm 89:11-12

Adelie penguins, like all penguins, live in the southern half of the world. They are like other penguin species in that they stand upright on very short legs and walk with an amusing, clumsy waddle. These birds cannot fly but are excellent swimmers.

The Adelies look very dignified in their black and white tuxedo suits. When they arrive at the icy Antarctic in September or October, they march to the exact spot in the rocks where they laid their eggs the year before. Although seven months have passed since they were last together, a pair recognize each other and return to their own rocky nest. Since all Adelies look alike to us and the nests all seem identical, isn’t it amazing that they know one from another? God has given them this ability.

After the two eggs are laid, the female returns to the ocean. Her mate sits on them for two weeks while she stuffs herself on fish. Then she returns, and it’s his turn to feed in the ocean for two weeks while she tends the eggs. When he comes back, he takes on the egg-sitting for one final week. We wonder at the way God has enabled them to know just when each two-week period has passed.

The parents at first alternate taking care of feeding the twins. Later, both parents hunt together, and in their absence the babies join other little ones. When the adults return, they call out, and, even though hundreds of other parents are doing the same, each chick knows the call of its own parents.

Soon Papa penguin begins to provide necessary exercise for his young. With a little food as a reward, he runs off and they run after him. Then Papa gives them their reward. This is repeated several times, until they are filled and have had their exercise as well. Finally the day comes when he leads them to the ocean and leaves them. They must jump into the water and find their own food or starve. The young penguins are reluctant to do this at first, but they adjust quickly once they have jumped in and are soon catching their own meals.

The interesting ways of penguins show one more instance of God’s care over all His creation, for He is the One who directs them in ways we cannot understand. Is there guidance from Him for you too? Yes, there certainly is. His Word the Bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). Those who do acknowledge Him as their God and Father find His promise is true.

ML-03/22/2015

Poor Little Squirrel

The teacher was on morning playground duty, and the playground was packed with boys and girls. There was plenty of activity for her to keep track of, with the various games some of the children played. But it seemed like there were always a few boys who couldn’t find anything else to do but make trouble.

Suddenly her eye caught sight of some activity that made her decide to go check it out. What she found was three boys running along the hillside beside the playground, picking up stones, rocks and pinecones and throwing them at a little squirrel that was running away as fast as he could.

As the teacher walked over to the boys, they seemed to be so into their “game” that they didn’t see her coming. Suddenly, they knew they were in big trouble when they saw her and the look on her face. For starters, the children are not permitted to throw anything on the playground except balls. So they broke that school rule. But add to that being cruel to a poor little squirrel minding his own business.

Many of you children probably have pets. You might have a dog or a cat or a bird or something else. You’ve given it a name and enjoy and love your pet, and you wouldn’t do anything to hurt it. But how would you treat a wild animal outside, like a squirrel, rabbit, little mouse or even an opossum? Would you be kind to them?

Did you know that all wild animals have an Owner who takes cares of them? God has written in the Bible, “Every [animal] of the forest is Mine ... . And the wild [animals] of the field are Mine” (Psalm 50:10-11). He not only feeds them, but He also gives them places to make their homes. What a kind and caring Owner He is! But did you know that squirrels are some of God’s workers? Can you think of what work they might do for Him? We’ll tell you more, but first we’ll see what happened to the three, mean squirrel chasers.

The teacher gave the three sixth-graders a good talking to about school rules and their cruelty to animals. But that wasn’t the end of it: She sent them to the principal’s office, and for two days, at lunch time, they had to take their lunches and eat them in her office while they each had to write a paper about not being cruel to animals.

Do you children know what God calls breaking the playground rule and what those boys were doing throwing rocks and stones at the squirrel? He calls it SIN! And somebody has to pay for those sins. The boys actually got off pretty easy with the teacher and principal, but there’s no getting off easy with God. He warns that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But because He loves each one of us sinners, even bad boys, He offers a Substitute for us as a gift. The rest of that verse says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Have you accepted God’s gift of His Son Jesus as your Saviour? If so, your sins have all been wiped off God’s record of your life. Now that’s a wonderful gift! But if you have not accepted His gift, you have an awful and eternal price to pay! “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Now here’s a different kind of gift God has given us. Those little animals with the big bushy tails are actually some of God’s “gardeners.” They plant thousands and thousands of trees every year! Maybe you’ve seen them digging holes and burying acorns and other nuts for food during the winter. They bury so many that they can’t remember where they all are. Those forgotten acorns and nuts sprout the next spring and soon grow into big trees in the forests and woodlands. They replace the old trees that have died and fallen. What a good plan God made for squirrels.

And He has a good plan for you too. If you have accepted His Son Jesus as your Saviour, you can be one of His workers. He wants you to spread the good news to your neighbors and school friends that Jesus loves them and wants to wash away their sins too. Here’s a good verse for you to tell them: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Will you be one of His workers?

MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

ML-03/29/2015

A Child of the King

A missionary in India hired a young Hindu boy from a mountain village to help him in his home. The boy’s name was Burean, which means “Evil One.” His mother had given him this name, hoping to keep away the evil spirits.

Every morning Burean was present at the family’s Bible reading in the missionary’s home. He listened to the reading of the Bible and the prayers.

One morning after they had finished reading, Burean exclaimed, “What wonderful things you read out of that Book! I’ve never heard such things before!”

The missionary asked, “Do you believe them, Burean? If you believe them, they will be yours.”

Burean replied, “They are wonderful things, but they are not for me. They are for you. You are a child of the King ... you have white skin. I am only a poor, dark-skinned Indian.”

The missionary said, “Burean, I am a child of the King because I believe on Jesus Christ. My white skin does not make me a child of God. You can also be a child of God if you will believe on Jesus. Where you live, what you own, and the color of your skin makes no difference!”

Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world:

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight;

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

ML-03/29/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: About Your Skull

“I will praise Thee; for I am [amazingly] and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works.” Psalm 139:14

A bare skull may not look very attractive, but it shows better than we can tell you how wonderfully the Creator has made this part of your body. Notice how openings for ears, eyes, nose and mouth are designed so that these parts make a pleasing, balanced appearance to a person’s face without interfering with one another. Also notice how the upper jaw is immovable, but the lower jaw is hinged so we can chew and talk. If it were otherwise, how difficult it would be to do those things!

Important as these features are, the main purpose of the skull is to protect the brain that the Creator has given us—a brain so superior it puts man on a level of life far above all other living creatures on earth. The skull is remarkably strong, ¼-inch thick at the top and thicker at the base, making a lightweight, strong armor. Over its top and sides is a scalp of tough skin, and over that is a protective mat of hair. Both coverings are helpful in protecting what is under them.

Inside the skull is a thin but tough lining between it and the brain to help protect important nerves and blood vessels. This is called “dura mater.” But that’s just part of the story. As further protection against bumps, blows and falls, the skull holds a special fluid cushion in which the brain “floats.” The rigid casing of the skull surrounds the brain very closely, and all empty spaces are filled with this important fluid.

Nothing has been overlooked. Even the nerves that take care of smell, hearing and sight are sheltered in special notches of the skull to protect them as they attend to their duties.

Through an opening in the bottom of the skull, the spinal cord enters the brain with a marvelous system of nerves that carry messages between the brain and all parts of the body. This opening has been so carefully placed that the head of a man is perfectly balanced to enable him to hold it upright and for his whole body to stand in an erect position. The spine itself becomes the main support of the entire head—skull and all.

Incidentally, apes and monkeys usually do not stand erect unless holding on to a support. This is just one of many differences God made between apes and man. The first chapter of Genesis tells us He made them separate creations. To believe anything else takes our thoughts away from a loving God and Creator. David followed his God-given thoughts, in our opening Bible verse, by declaring: “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!” (vs. 17). And God’s loving thoughts are the very same toward you today.

ML-03/29/2015

The Party

As far as David was concerned, there was no reason for anyone to be having a party. He had arrived home with his soldiers to find that enemies had burned down his home and stolen his family. His soldiers had lost their homes and families too. And to make matters worse, everyone blamed him and even talked about stoning him to death.

David had every reason to be discouraged. True, he had killed the giant Goliath who wanted to harm God’s people. And the king’s own son, Jonathan, was his friend. And God had even told the prophet Samuel to anoint David’s head with oil to show that he would someday be king. But King Saul was so jealous of David that he wanted to kill him. So David had been forced to run away from the palace and was living in the land of his enemies. Now his family was gone, his home was burnt and his soldiers were angry.

David knew that he still had one thing left that he could do—he could pray. He knew God was with him, and only God could help him now. He did pray, and God helped him in a wonderful way.

David and his soldiers set out to find their wives and children. God was with them, and soon they found a young man who had been left behind in a field because he had gotten sick. This young man had been with the enemies who had stolen David’s family! He had not eaten for three days, so David and his soldiers gave him water and food. When he felt better, he said, “Promise that you won’t give me back to my master and I’ll show you where they are.” David promised, and the young man led them to the enemies.

David looked down from the hills where he and his soldiers were hiding and saw that his enemies were eating, drinking and dancing. They were having a party!

Down in that camp there was lots to eat and lots of fun. But would you have liked to join that party? If they had known David and his soldiers were ready to attack from the hills at any moment, they wouldn’t have been celebrating. But they weren’t thinking about David.

Boys and girls, the world we live in is like that party. Many people have turned away from the One that God has chosen to be King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. They have made themselves enemies of God by their sins. They have parties and dances and don’t even think about the Lord Jesus. They don’t even know or care that the Lord Jesus is someday coming back to punish His enemies and to be King.

Are you on God’s side or are you against Him? Have you come to Him to have your sins washed away in His precious blood? There is no other Saviour and no other way to be on God’s side. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

David and his men did attack. They charged right into the middle of that party with their weapons, and most of their enemies were killed. But all the wives and children of David and his soldiers were safely rescued!

If you have not chosen to follow the Lord Jesus, you may soon find that one of your parties or good times will be cut short when the Lord Jesus returns from heaven. “Yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them ... and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

Don’t wait until it is too late. Call upon the Lord Jesus today. He loves you dearly and wants to save you from the judgment that is coming soon upon this world. There’s not much time left. Will you accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour right now?

You may read this story for yourself in 1 Samuel 30.

MEMORY VERSE: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

ML-04/05/2015

Windows in the Bible

See if you can match the name of each person with the description of the window it relates to. If you need help remembering the names, you may use the Bible reference to look up the answer or check to see if what you wrote is correct.

David Noah

Eutychus Paul

Lord of hosts Rahab

_______________ I built a big ark, and God told me to put a window in the roof.

(Genesis 6:13-16)

_______________ I hid two spies on my roof and let them down through the window with a scarlet cord so they could escape. (Joshua 2:1,15)

_______________ I sat in a window while Paul preached. I fell asleep and fell down three floors, and they thought I was dead. (Acts 20:9)

_______________ I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped from the governor of Damascus. (2 Corinthians 10:1 and 11:33)

_______________ I will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing, and there shall not be enough room to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

_______________ I was let down through a window and ran and escaped from King Saul. (1 Samuel 19:12)

ML-04/05/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Salamanders Like to Hide

“God made ... everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:25

We might think that God wouldn’t be very interested in a little creature like a salamander. But as our opening verse tells us, He not only created the little salamander, but He also “saw that it was good”! One reason He made them was as a benefit to mankind—they help keep in check the harmful grubs, slugs, worms and insects that damage man’s food supply.

These harmless creatures usually have four legs and a long tail. There are over 300 kinds, ranging in size from one inch to five feet long. The most common North American salamander is the spotted salamander, about six inches long.

Most salamanders stay hidden during daylight hours. Since they must keep their skins moist, they live where it is cool, dark and damp—ponds, swamps, caves or under logs, stones or wet leaves. Some live in underground burrows.

One unusual species in the tropics spends its entire life in trees, sometimes 100 feet above ground. It makes its home in the plants that grow on tree trunks and hold water in their leaves. These salamanders have flat bodies so they can move around in these tight places. They also have webbed toes and “suction-cup” feet so they can scamper over tree leaves easily.

Another interesting species, the red eft, is only about three inches long. It starts life in the spring as an egg laid on the leaf of an underwater plant. When it hatches, it drops as a larva to the bottom of the pond where it lives for about a year while its lungs develop. Emerging in the fall, it crawls out on land as an air-breathing creature, brick-red in color, and heads for a safe, winter hiding place. In spring, it comes out and spends most of its time waiting for an insect to come close. Then it flicks out its sticky tongue—so fast it can hardly be seen—and captures it.

Like lizards and newts, God has also given salamanders the ability to grow back lost or injured parts of their bodies. If a tail or leg is lost, it will grow back quickly.

We might wonder why God put these interesting little animals on earth. They are part of His whole design in balancing the rest of His creation. How wonderfully He has equipped each one to fit its own way of life—whether down in the ground, in water, on the surface or up in a tree. How good it is to believe the truth of Scripture, that God is not only the creator of mankind too, but also that His Son came to be our Lord and Saviour as well. “There is but one God ... and one Lord Jesus Christ, of whom are all things” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

ML-04/05/2015

Hungry Rabbits

Momma rabbits must teach their little ones to be very watchful for traps. We know this because we were not able to catch any rabbits with the trap we had carefully set up in our garden. So I decided to try a different way to protect the young bean plants that were growing there and seemed to be a favorite food of the rabbits.

Satan has many different ways to trap us or keep us away from reading the Bible, the “bread of life” that we need every day to feed our souls. Sometimes he just likes to confuse us, and that’s exactly what I ended up trying to do to the rabbits. Here’s what I did:

I saw that the rabbits never ate even a small nibble of the leaves on the turnip plants that we were growing. They must not like the taste of the leaves from those plants, I decided. So each time I pulled up some turnips out of the ground for dinner, I would tear up the turnip leaves and scatter them all around the bean plants. I was hoping that the rabbit’s nose would tell him, Those plants are turnips, and I don’t like them!

Satan might be telling you that the Bible is outdated or boring, or even that it is just a fairy tale. He doesn’t want you to think for a minute that it’s the very best book in the whole world, and that every word of it is true. Satan doesn’t want you to know that the Bible tells the good news of God’s love for every boy and girl and grown-up. Proverbs 30:5 tells us, “Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” Satan also doesn’t want you to know that God offers every person, young or old, forgiveness of his or her sins. It is through His Son Jesus Christ, “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).

The rabbits that visit our garden seem to think that the bean plants are turnip plants, and I’m happy about that. However, the bean plants are really bean plants. And if the rabbits continue to leave them alone and they grow nice, long, string beans, we’ll have many meals of delicious string beans along with our turnips.

It’s okay to fool rabbits, because there are plenty of other plants around for them to eat and stay healthy. But it’s not okay to be fooled by Satan about the Bible, the Word of God. It is only through the Word of God that we sinners can have our sins forgiven and have His promise of someday living with Jesus our Saviour in His home in heaven.

Will you believe the truth the Bible tells us? Or will you continue to let Satan fool you? “The devil ... . was a murderer from the beginning, and [lived] not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he [speaks] a lie, he [speaks] of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Don’t let him fool you any longer! Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).

MEMORY VERSE: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

ML-04/12/2015

Jennie Carey

Recently on a vacation trip we passed under an old wooden railroad bridge. It reminded me of the story of Jennie Carey that happened many years ago.

Jennie was ten years old and lived in one of the western states. One day as she was playing in a field near her house, she saw smoke coming from the direction of the railroad tracks. She ran over to see where the fire was and found it was under the railroad bridge that crossed a deep canyon. The bridge was built of logs and was very old, and it was these logs that were burning. Jennie could see that part of the bridge had already burned through. She also could see that it was not safe for a train to cross! She also knew that the daily passenger express was due to come by soon. She often would watch it cross the canyon and would wave at the passengers. She knew she didn’t have time to run for help, so she would have to try to warn the train herself.

Jennie ran up the tracks as fast as she could. She got about one-quarter of a mile from the bridge when she saw the train coming around the curve ahead. Standing in the middle of the track, she took off her jacket and frantically waved it up and down. She could not see the engineer, but she was praying that he would see her. As the train roared closer, she waved and yelled as loud as she could. At the last minute she jumped off the track, but she kept waving her jacket as the engine rushed by. She heard the squealing of the brakes, which the engineer had already used to slow the train. Then Jennie knew that her warning had been seen. The train stopped just in time—just before the weakened bridge!

Jennie was a real heroine when her bravery was reported. The passengers, train crew and officials all thanked her for her brave act. Many lives were saved by what she did.

Many people today are headed toward eternity by “express.” They close their eyes and ears to all thoughts of danger. When they are warned of the punishment ahead, they turn away laughing and ignore the warning.

Think what would have happened to the train’s passengers if the engineer had ignored Jennie’s warning. He was responsible for his passengers and their safety, and you are responsible for what you do with God’s warning. He has provided an escape from the penalty that your sins deserve. His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was punished on the cross for the sins of those who will believe in Him. Don’t put it off! “Apply the brakes!” The warning has been given and there isn’t very much time left. The Lord Jesus is coming back very soon to take everyone who has believed home to heaven with Him. Why not accept Him as your own Saviour right now. “A prudent man [foresees] the evil, and [hides] himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3).

ML-04/12/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Armor-Plated Pangolin

“Neither is there any creature that is not [visible] in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13

The pangolin lives in Africa, Asia and Indonesia. It looks something like a cross between an armadillo and an anteater and is covered with a coat of armor formed by overlapping tough scales, including his tail. Although his tail is a helpful prop when ripping open termite nests and also a weapon against attackers, the pangolin’s main defense is to roll into a tight ball with only its tough scales exposed. This makes it almost impossible for enemies to harm him.

These creatures usually sleep all day in deep burrows and look for food only at night. God has equipped them well to hunt at night. He has given them sharp, beady eyes to penetrate the darkness and a keen sense of smell to lead them to their food, which is almost entirely ants and termites. They have large, strong claws on their front feet to rip into ant hills and termite nests. When the ants’ and termites’ nests are disturbed, they race about furiously. The pangolin pushes his head into the opening of the nest, flicks out his long, sticky tongue and laps them up, hundreds at a time. A pangolin is toothless.

Termites and ants bite viciously, but that doesn’t bother the pangolin. The Creator has provided him with transparent eyelids too tough for these insects to bite and nostrils and ears that he can close to keep the insects out. When those furious ants crawl over his body looking for a tender spot to bite, he just flicks them off with a shake of his body.

We might wonder why God made this unusual creature. Adapting all His creatures to their place in nature is often called “the balance of nature,” but it is really “God’s order.” He has created each for its special place on earth. Even ants and termites are included, and He has arranged for them to recover rapidly from raids and to rebuild their large colonies quickly. At the same time, the work of the pangolin keeps such insects from multiplying too fast and doing much damage to forests, buildings and crops. The Bible tells us about a coming time when all life will be in harmony, and no killing of each other will take place. Meanwhile, we see His wisdom in placing all things in proper balance.

But He has greater plans for you and me. The Lord Jesus said to those who love and trust Him, “I go to prepare a place for you.... I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). That promise applies to you only if you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your very own Saviour.

ML-04/12/2015

A Hard Lesson

Alan had never been skiing before. Some of the teachers at his school had planned a special skiing trip for the children in the fifth grade. There was much excitement as everyone arrived at the ski resort and saw all the big snow-covered hills.

Before any of the children were able to go out onto the ski slope, they had to listen to the instructions about what they were supposed to do and where they could go after they had gotten their skis and poles. Once they were outside, they were given basic lessons on how to go down the hill and keep their balance on the skis and even be able to turn. A tow rope ran continuously to pull the children back up to the top of the small hill as they practiced what they had learned.

Because of the danger of inexperienced skiers being on the steeper slopes and in the way of the faster, more experienced skiers, the school children were given definite boundaries they could not go beyond.

It was a beautiful day, and the children were having so much fun, even when they sometimes took a tumble onto the snowy ground. Alan and his friend Alex caught on fast and could easily ski down the hill without falling. They quickly were ready for the next hill that was a little harder, and they did quite well on that one too.

Alan and Alex were feeling quite sure of their ability to ski. They saw no danger in going to a steeper slope, even though it was beyond the boundary of where they were allowed to go. They needed a reminder of what the Bible says: “Children, obey your parents [and teachers] in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). With so many people skiing on the hills, the teachers and other grown-ups were busy helping some of the children learn the basics of skiing. No one seemed to notice that these two boys were now out of bounds.

To disobey can be a very serious thing, and it can get us into a lot of trouble. Just like there were instructions for the students, the Word of God, the Bible, has instructions for us to avoid danger, if we will simply obey. It is good to learn to obey your parents, teachers and others in authority while you are young.

The snow was packed down on the steeper slope, and the boys were going down the slope quite fast. They were having so much fun and were feeling quite pleased with their ability to ski so well. Then, near the bottom of the hill, Alan hit a bump that made him lose control of his skis. He crashed to the ground and hit his head on a patch of ice. His world went black, and he lay unconscious on the slope.

No teachers were there to help, because that was the area where children were not allowed to go. A ski patrol person who worked there saw Alan on the ground and got him to the First Aid room at the ski lodge. When Alan woke up, he didn’t even remember he had gone skiing that day. His face was scraped and bruised, and the doctor who saw him said he would need to go to the hospital for more tests.

Disobedience can bring sad results that we may regret for a long time. Thankfully, Alan was going to be okay, but the bad headache he had, along with scrapes and bruises on his face, were a sad reminder of his sin of disobeying. When he fell on the icy ski slope, he learned a hard lesson and one that he will never forget.

We are happy to tell you that Alan soon recovered. And even more good news is that he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his very own Saviour. He obeyed the Word of God, which says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

What about you? Have you obeyed the Word of God?

MEMORY VERSE: “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20

ML-04/19/2015

A Doctor Learns About Gracie's Heart

Gracie was getting ready to start school. In kindergarten she would need some pencils, a notebook, eraser, ruler, scissors, crayons, paste and a new pair of shoes. She would also need a doctor’s checkup.

Gracie’s doctor used his otoscope to carefully examine her ears to see if they were okay. Yes, they were fine. He playfully asked her, “Did you think I saw a big bird in there?”

Gracie did not answer.

After checking her eyes, the doctor got a tongue depressor and told Gracie to open her mouth and say “Aaaaaah” while he looked in. “Everything’s fine!” Then he asked, “Do you think I saw a monster down in there?”

Again no answer.

Gracie’s neck glands were fine too, so the doctor got his stethoscope and explained, “Now I’m going to listen to your heart. Hmmm, sounds good.” And then he asked, “Is that some kind of animal that’s making all that thumping noise in your heart?”

Gracie quickly replied, “Oh no, Doctor. I have Jesus in my heart!”

I wonder what the doctor thought of that answer. Could you give the doctor Gracie’s answer? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your very own Saviour? We have all sinned, but Jesus died on the cross, shedding His blood so our sins could be washed away.

Will you open your heart to let Jesus wash away your sins? Then you can say like Gracie, “I have Jesus in my heart too.”

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

At the heart’s door the Saviour’s waiting,

At the heart’s door locked in sin.

Can’t you hear Him gently knocking?

Open the door and let Him in.

ML-04/19/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: A Big Fish

“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9.

Large fish are fairly common in salty ocean waters, but not many are found in rivers, streams or lakes. So when a big pike or salmon, weighing from 30 to 80 pounds, is caught by a freshwater fisherman, it makes a good story.

However, in South America there is a freshwater fish by the name of arapaima, which can grow more than twice as long as a man, but the ones usually caught are no longer than 10 feet and weigh around 250 pounds. But that is still a big fish, isn’t it? This one makes its home in several South American lakes, but most are in sluggish streams or swamps that are part of the Amazon River system, where large quantities of small fish provide ample food for their huge appetites.

The arapaima’s body (except for its head) is covered with olive-green scales on the front part, with the color turning to soft red toward the back and deep red before reaching its big tail. It has a long, two-foot fin atop its body, from the tail forward, and another one underneath the same size, from its tail to its stomach. A strange thing about this fish is that it frequently needs a supply of fresh air, as the water in which it lives does not have enough oxygen for the needs of its big body. So every 10 to 15 minutes, it rises to the top, opens its mouth above the surface and noisily inhales a big gulp of air.

Fishermen catch them in various ways—sometimes with a huge hook and line made out of strong rope, at other times using a net, or some prefer going after them with a bow and arrow or spearing them with a harpoon. After catching one and hauling it out of the water, a fish this size is, of course, too big to carry on mountain trails in one piece. So the natives cut them up into small pieces to take to their homes or to the markets.

This is a very popular food, considered by many as good as trout or salmon. But their tongues are too tough and rough for eating, so these are allowed to dry and harden and then used as files on the woodwork of the native homes.

This unusually large fish is just one more, among thousands of others, which reminds us of the Creator’s pleasure in making many varieties when they were brought forth on the fifth day of creation. As our opening verse says, He always keeps a watchful eye on them, providing for all their needs. But His thoughts toward every boy and girl are even greater. The Bible tells us, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7). Do you trust in Him?

ML-04/19/2015

Amazing Baby Turtles

Dear Children,

In the fall, I was working in our garden with a shovel, turning over the soil for the winter months. Cricket, our little dog, was very busy, running here and there, chasing leaves that the wind was blowing.

As I was turning over the soil, something caught my eye! Something was moving in the soil. I laid down my shovel and bent over to pick up this little something that was moving! I was completely surprised at what I was holding in my hand!

“What was it, Grampa? What was it?”

It was a very small baby turtle! I said out loud, “WOW!” It was the size of a 25-cent coin! I looked at it closely and saw that it had eyes, nose, mouth, legs with claws, tail, and a shell. It had everything it needed to live! God made it that way.

I thought to myself, There must be more, because mother turtles don’t lay just one egg; they lay 20 or 30! So I gently moved more soil away, using my hand so as not to hurt any, and, sure enough, I found 4 more!

I carried them up to the house so Gramma could see them. She took a picture of them in my hand, and they all were very much alive! Gramma asked, “What are you going to do with them now?” I said, “I’m going to take them down to the creek and let them go.” She said, “Do it now.”

As I was walking down to the creek, I was wondering if they would live or die. They weren’t moving in my hand: Their heads, legs and tails were all tucked inside their shells. When I was about 60 feet away from the creek, I felt them moving just a little in my hand. I stopped and saw that their legs were coming out of their shells. Their heads were also coming out, and they were all looking in the same direction—towards the creek! And then they began trying to crawl out of my hand!

What was happening? I didn’t know! But first, I turned around to face the house. I waited and watched them for a second or two, and then the baby turtles turned around, facing the creek again and began to crawl out of my hand towards the creek! Amazing! I closed my hand a little so they wouldn’t fall.

“Grampa, why did they turn towards the creek?”

Because God gave them the instinct to know the water was in that direction, and water is “home” for turtles.

Children and grown-ups, God has a home in heaven just for you! Have you ever thought about that? Are you ready for a home in heaven? or are you trapped in a life of sin? You cannot live a life of sin and then expect to go to heaven. Your sins must be forgiven before you die or you will never arrive there.

Are you thinking, What is sin? Sin is breaking any one of God’s commandments. Telling lies is wrong; stealing is wrong; It was not for hunger or thirst or sunstroke bad language is wrong. Breaking any of these commandments will keep you out of heaven. But God loves you very much and has a remedy to remove all your sins so you can live with Him in heaven someday: “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Jesus is the one “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

And so, when I got close to the water, the legs of those baby turtles were really moving! I gently set them down close to the water and watched. Their little legs pulled each little turtle right into the shallow water—the home God made for them—and they were in a hurry to get there.

Turning to Cricket, I said, “Okay, Buddy, it’s time to go back home.” She danced a circle or two, and we walked back up to the house. Our rescue mission was finished. Have you let the Lord Jesus finish His “rescue mission” for you by coming to Him for forgiveness of your sins?

Lots of love,

Grampa

MEMORY VERSE: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

ML-04/26/2015

An Auctioned Bike

An auction is a sale where items are sold to the highest bidder. In one city, the police were auctioning off about 100 unclaimed bicycles.

“$10,” said 11-year-old Victor as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher, so he couldn’t buy that one.

“$10,” Victor repeated hopefully each time another bike came up for sale.

The auctioneer, Mr. West, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed highest each time a 10-speed bike was being auctioned. There was just one more 10-speed bike left. The bidding went up to $28.

“Sold to that boy over there for $30!” said Mr. West. He took $20 out of his own wallet and asked Victor for his $10.

Victor gave Mr. West his money, in single dollars and change. Then he took his bike and started to leave. But suddenly he stopped. Walking his bike back to Mr. West, he thanked him for helping him pay for the bike.

In Luke 17 we read the story of how the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them returned to thank Him. The Lord said, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (vs. 17).

God gave His only Son in love to be the Saviour of sinners, and the Lord Jesus gave Himself upon the cross to die to put away sin and to give everlasting life to all who will believe. Have you believed and received the gift of everlasting life? If so, are you like one of those nine lepers who went on their way, forgetting to thank Jesus who had healed them? Or are you like Victor in our story who returned to say, “Thank you”? Surely, the Lord Jesus and the Father who sent Him are worthy of our thanks and praise.

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

ML-04/26/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Malleefowl - Part 1

“God created ... every winged fowl after his kind; and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:21

A malleefowl is large, about the size of a large chicken, and has a rather long neck and a small head with a crest on top and a strong, sharp beak. Some of them are quite pretty, with a plain white front and underpart of the body, except for a striped black ribbon from the neck to the base of the chest. The outstanding feature is a pinkish-brown or pinkish-gray marbling of the wings and tail feathers, giving them an attractive appearance.

They are not too choosy about food, eating mostly seeds, fruit, flower buds, worms and insects. They gather some of this food by scratching the soil for it, just as a chicken does in the barnyard. Although living in a hot, dry country, water is not a problem. God, who created them, as the above Bible verse says, has given them the ability to go for long periods without needing water.

Their homeland in Australia is called “Mallee Country” because so many live there. In this area, eucalyptus trees grow so close together that hardly any sunlight breaks through except at random spots. In some of these bare, hot spots you will find huge mounds of dirt, about 10 feet across, 3 feet deep and 2 feet above ground level. These are nesting mounds. They are not natural dirt piles; they are built over the years by a number of malleefowl working together, using their strong legs and sharp-clawed feet to form it. They do this by standing in a circle with their backs toward a central spot and then digging and kicking dirt, leaves, broken branches, stones and anything else their feet may find toward that target. Each bird selects a place to stand and kick and contributes its share toward making a somewhat round heap.

When these mounds get too big to be managed, a new site is selected, and they start again from ground level. The beginning work is easy compared to what it becomes when the mound has been added to for several years and may become as large as 15 feet wide and several feet high. Just think what strong legs and feet they have to kick this material so high over such a large area! Each year they work several days at building it a little higher—a tremendous job—and it’s amazing some don’t give up. But they work together very nicely, just as ordered by the Creator when He first created them.

He also wants all of us to behave just the way the Bible tells us to. If we want to please Him and ask His help, He will enable us to do just that.

(to be continued)

ML-04/26/2015

More Water to Drink

Do you remember that long, long camping trip the children of Israel took that God tells us about in the Bible? It included many, many families and even brand new babies that were born along the way. It also included all their cattle.

Since they had no stores or farms, food and drink for this huge crowd was a big responsibility for somebody, and that Somebody was God Himself. You may be sure He provided for all their needs. If some died along the way, it was not because of hunger or thirst or sunstroke. No, it was because they didn’t believe what God had said!

Here is the story of one day in their travels to another campsite. God told Moses, their leader, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water” (Numbers 21:16).

You might wonder if Moses thought, There are millions of us! What can I do? I don’t see any water! I can’t call them together for nothing! No, Moses did not answer God like that. If you would talk like that, you don’t know who God is. Listen! God created you, the whole world, the sun, moon and stars and everything else, and He put them in place with His fingers. And He so loved the world and all the people in it that He gave His only begotten Son. Our God has all power!

Moses had a very hard job to do, but when God gives a command, it is never impossible. So Moses gathered the people together. Now what? Did God keep His promise? What do you think?

The princes and nobles came forward as Moses commanded and dug a well. And this is how they did it. They had no power shovels or spades, so they used their staffs (walking sticks). And then up sprang the water that the Lord miraculously provided! It must have been a very happy surprise for the thirsty people, for they all burst into singing! “Spring up, O well” (Numbers 21:17), the people sang with joy. They sang about Moses, their lawgiver, and the princes and nobles who had dug this springing well for them.

Did you notice there is one thing missing in their song? They sang about Moses and the well diggers, but not a word about the God who planned it all and gave them the water. It was a glad song, and I’m sure the Lord was glad to hear it, just like He loves to hear you sing about the good things He gives you. But do you ever sing about the Giver, the Lord Jesus Himself?

Here is one song that maybe some of you know, thanking the Lord Jesus for the best gift in the world:

Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul;

Thank You, Lord, for making me whole;

Thank You, Lord, for giving to me,

Thy great salvation so full and free.

He is the Giver of all good, and He has gifts that will do more than give you a refreshing drink of water for today. He has water that cleans more than the dust and sweat of today. He has the water of life for you, and it’s forever. “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). Have you taken a drink of that water of life that He has for you that will give you everlasting life in His home in heaven?

Will you accept this best gift He is holding out to you?

MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14

ML-05/03/2015

The Carved Feather's Message

I met Ernie one day at an art show where we each had displays of our artwork. During the next eight years, I met him occasionally and we talked about many things. Sometimes I talked to him about the Lord Jesus, my beloved Saviour. But when I spoke about the Lord Jesus, Ernie was not the least bit interested.

Then one day I heard that Ernie was in the hospital with congestive heart failure. That’s a slow, hard way to die, but it has one big advantage—lying in bed for long days, it gives you lots of time to think about where you are going to spend eternity.

When I heard Ernie was so ill, because of our shared interest in art, I carved him a feather out of wood. On the smooth back of the feather, I carefully printed those wonderful words from Romans 10:9: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

When I went into his hospital room, Ernie was barely able to whisper, “Hi, Jon,” because his lungs were so filled with fluid. In another hoarse whisper he said with terror in his voice, “I’m dying! I’m dying!” Then, try as he would, he could not say another word.

“I know it, I know it, Ernie,” I said. “That’s why I came.” And I gave him the feather. When he read those wonderful words from the Bible, his eyes filled with terror! He could not speak, but he looked at me pleadingly and pointed over and over to the verse.

After a while I realized that the reason he was so afraid was because he was no longer able to talk—to confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus—and that’s what the verse told him he should do. So I said, “Ernie, God is so kind and so eager to save lost, repentant sinners that if you just hold that feather up, He will know exactly what you mean, even if you can’t say it!”

Ernie grabbed that feather and held it up toward heaven, as high as he could reach. The look of fear that had covered his face was gone, and there was a smile in its place. He clutched the feather to his chest. He was at peace. He had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was saved, just as the verse promises.

I know that one day I’ll meet Ernie in heaven. But will I meet you there?

ML-05/03/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Malleefowl - Part 2

“The Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them.” Genesis 2:19

Last week we learned a few things about the malleefowl of Australia and their huge nesting mounds made of dirt, sticks, bark, leaves and whatever else they can find. We have no way of knowing if the name Adam gave them was changed (see opening verse), but we have a clue to their present name. They are of the species known as “megapodes,” which means mound-builder or incubator bird.

After building the large mound of dirt with their feet, each male bird picks a spot on the top and scoops out a hole about three feet deep. Then he places green leaves, grass, flowers and plant stems into the hole and covers it all with the dirt he has just dug out. The bird follows God-given instincts in what he does and seems to know the covered vegetation will soon decay under the dirt, producing much heat. In fact, he stays nearby and each day checks on the nest until he feels the temperature rising. Then he again digs into the hole and calls several hens to come lay their eggs in it. He then covers the eggs with the material he has just scooped out. Sometimes, instead of digging a nest at the top of the pile, a male makes a tunnel into the side until he finds a spot where the temperature is just right. Then he guides a hen to that spot to deposit her eggs.

At that point the hens consider their responsibility finished and they disappear. But the male bird stays on the job, checking every day to make sure there is plenty of heat to keep the eggs well incubated. If not, he scrapes hot sand over them and may do this over and over for several weeks. He is one busy, faithful father bird.

The male is so faithful in his care that if rain threatens, he will pile additional sand on top to absorb the moisture, and when the storm is over he will scrape it all off again. Finally, the chicks hatch, climb up through the dirt, and wobble weakly off to the brush where they learn to take care of themselves.

These unusual birds remind us of the wonders of all God’s creation and the pleasure He had in forming them all. We may wonder how these birds thought of such an unusual way to incubate and hatch their eggs. But we know they didn’t have to learn how to do this, for the Lord God arranged it for them when He first placed them on the earth and provided instincts that have been followed ever since. God loves and cares for you, too. Have you ever thanked Him for this?

ML-05/03/2015

No Catcher's Mask

Greg had been playing baseball from the time he was six years old. He played the game right through grade school and high school and was the catcher on a college team. Although he no longer played baseball regularly, he was still very interested in it. So when the opportunity came along to help a boys’ team of eight-, nine- and ten-year-olds, he was glad to assist them.

During batting practice one day, Greg stepped in to be the catcher while Todd, their regular catcher, took his turn in the batter’s box for a few swings. The catcher’s face mask was too small for Greg. He thought to himself, I don’t need one: This is just Little League Baseball!

The most important protection needed is ignored by many, many people. They go through each day with no thoughts about the danger they face. Are you wondering, What danger? It’s the danger that each person faces who has not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour. When the Lord Jesus comes back (as He has promised He will) or if a person dies without having his sins washed away in the blood of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 1:5), he will face the punishment for his sins. But God has made a wonderful plan of protection from that punishment available right now to anyone who will accept it. The Lord Jesus Christ went to Calvary’s cross and took the punishment for the sins of anyone who will believe in Him and accept Him as his or her Saviour.

Having accepted Christ as your Saviour gives you full protection. Nothing can take away the eternal salvation that only Christ can give you. It is free to you if you will simply accept it. Won’t you put on God’s “helmet of salvation,” which will give you full protection?

Without a catcher’s mask, Greg crouched low behind the batter in the catcher’s position, ready to catch the pitch if Todd missed it. The first pitch sailed in right over the plate, and Todd gave a mighty swing but only ticked it. The ticked ball flew straight back at Greg’s face and struck him directly in his left eye, breaking his contact lens.

In much pain, Greg was driven straight to the hospital emergency room. A doctor there carefully removed broken pieces of the lens from Greg’s battered eye. For a week Greg wore a patch over his eye to keep it closed.

When the doctor reexamined his eye, he had more bad news. He found that the blow to Greg’s eye had caused other damage. Greg had to go back to the hospital for an operation the next morning. Then he had to stay in the hospital for a week with both eyes bandaged.

For several weeks after he got out of the hospital, Greg had to go to the doctor for a series of painful eye treatments. A few months later the doctor discovered that Greg had developed an eye disease that may cause him to go blind. He now has to put medicine in his eyes every day for the rest of his life.

Do you think Greg learned a lesson from this experience? He certainly did, but it was too late to prevent the accident. He can tell someone else never to be a catcher without wearing the right protection, even in Little League. But he cannot undo the damage to his own eye.

No one has ever come back from hell to warn us of what it is like. In the Bible the Lord Jesus tells a story about one who “in hell he [lifted] up his eyes, being in torments” (Luke 16:23). He was told that there would be no end to the torments and no escape from hell. How awful! Yet, this is what each one faces who refuses the protection lovingly offered by the Lord Jesus.

Greg can tell you the value of a catcher’s mask. Yet there is nothing as valuable as your soul. It lives on and on, forever, even after your body dies. This is how the Lord Jesus explains how valuable your soul is: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37).

Don’t refuse God’s protection for your soul. His great love to you has provided all that you need to be saved. Won’t you accept His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your Saviour right now?

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

MEMORY VERSE: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

ML-05/10/2015

A Beloved Dog Named Sandy

One day this past winter, Sandy was allowed off his leash for a short time, and he wandered out on a nearby frozen pond. However, the ice was not very thick, and it broke beneath him. He struggled in the freezing cold water, but when he tried to get back onto the ice, it would break off underneath him. Finally, just too tired to struggle any longer, the poor dog went under and drowned.

His owners, an older couple, were so very sad at the loss of their pet that they decided to sell their home. Living near the pond where they lost their beloved dog was just too hard. They moved away so they wouldn’t be reminded of the loss of their beloved pet.

This dog was not only a beloved pet, but he also was treated like a member of the family. He ate with them, sitting on his own chair by the table, and he slept with them at night. He was like their very own child.

The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus cares about these creatures, and He sees even a sparrow if it falls to the ground. But He loves and cares even more about boys and girls. Matthew 10:31 Says, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” He wants every boy and girl to believe on Him, so they will live with Him in heaven someday. Now here is a question for you: Are you ready to live with the Lord Jesus when this life is over? Have your sins been washed away in the blood that He shed on the cross?

Jesus said, “[Let the] little children ... come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).

ML-05/10/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Awesome Tiger

“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4

This graceful, muscular Asian jungle cat is more fierce and powerful than a lion. Its bright fawn coloring is sharply marked with uneven black stripes. No two animals have identical markings. A tiger’s large head has rather small ears, and a special feature is its amber-colored eyes, so outstanding that a rare and valuable gemstone with a similar design is called a “Tiger Eye.” Long, yellow fangs and powerful legs and feet equipped with sharp claws are its main weapons for killing its food.

When fully grown, a male tiger may measure 10 feet or more from its nose to the tip of its tail and weigh 400 to 500 pounds. A female weighs close to 300 pounds. Their average life span is 11 to 15 years.

A mother tiger carries her kitten-size cubs by grasping the loose skin over their necks with her teeth, just like a mother cat carries her kittens. When the cubs are two months old, she trains them to hunt, swim and take care of themselves. She is very loving and protective and often keeps the cubs with her until they are almost two years old.

A tiger usually hunts at night, but if very hungry, it becomes bold and hunts in the daylight. The animals a tiger hunts are seldom aware of being stalked until, with a quick dash and great leap, the tiger attacks and makes the kill. Tigers prefer to live and hunt alone, but at times two will work together if their quarry is an elephant, water buffalo or some other large animal. After gorging on such a catch, neither needs to look for food again for several days.

The Creator has given tigers a well-camouflaged design, whether in the brush or thick grass of swamps or open plains. Their ear-splitting roar can be heard for two miles. Although they seldom harm humans, on occasion people have been terrified to see one suddenly appear out of nowhere and then are relieved to have it disappear just as silently and mysteriously.

Though ferocious, the tiger is part of God’s creation. In disposing of weak, sickly animals that might spread disease, it plays an important role in the balance of nature, ordered by the Creator, “in whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

We look with wonder on His care over all living things, but we should consider the special care He gives to mankind. King David said, “Give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: both low and high, rich and poor, together” (Psalm 49:1-2). Have you “given ear,” not only to His care, but to His loving invitation to accept everlasting life through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

ML-05/10/2015

"God Is Stronger Than You, Mom"

Since her husband was out of town on a business trip, Michelle was alone with her two young daughters. The family lives in a country on the other side of the world where not many people speak English. Michelle teaches English to students in that country who would like to learn it, and she took Gracie and Aria along with her to this evening class.

After coming home from teaching, Michelle was going to unlock the front door where they live and quickly discovered that she had left her wallet and house key in the taxi! Michelle and young Gracie immediately prayed, asking the Lord for help.

With little Aria strapped onto Michelle’s back, she and Gracie walked to a nearby police station. Michelle explained her problem of being locked out and asked for help to contact the taxi company. She didn’t know if the taxi was from their town or another one. She also wondered to herself if the next passenger in that taxi, or the driver himself, would play “finders, keepers” with her wallet and the money inside.

The police were not hopeful they could find the taxi. The taxi company was willing to try to find out which taxi they had been in, based on the time and area of the ride. However, after a little searching, they told Michelle there was no record matching what she could tell them. They told her to call back with better information and hung up. No help there.

Boys and girls, what would you do if you had this problem? If you had learned the Bible verse, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee” (Psalm 50:15), you would probably pray again, asking the Lord for help. And that’s exactly what Michelle and Gracie did. They prayed again, asking the Lord to help them find the taxi they had ridden in.

In a few minutes, the taxi company called back. They told her they found the taxi and gave Michelle the driver’s cell phone number. She quickly called the driver who didn’t sound very helpful ... until she offered a reward for finding and returning the wallet and key.

The driver called back a few minutes later, saying he had found it but there was no money inside. Michelle and Gracie gave a big cheer and then prayed again. This time they thanked the Lord Jesus for answering their prayers. Even though their money was gone, they were happier now than before the wallet and key were missing. Gracie turned to her mother and said, “God is stronger than you, Mom!”

And Gracie is right! The Lord is much, much stronger than any of us, and He is a God of love who answers prayers, sometimes very quickly. He knows exactly what our problem is even before we know we have a problem. And He delights to answer our prayers when we are trusting Him. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He [knows] them that trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Boys and girls, when you have a problem or are in trouble, do you pray, asking the Lord Jesus for His help? And do you remember to thank Him when He has answered your prayer? Gracie knew it was God who answered their prayers. “In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me” (Psalm 86:7).

MEMORY VERSE: “In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me.” Psalm 86:7

ML-05/17/2015

Valerie's Scare

“Val, please take these apples over to Mrs. Lawrence. She might enjoy some, and we have so many.”

“Sure, Mom.”

Valerie took the bag from her mother and walked over to Mrs. Lawrence’s house. She rang the doorbell, but no one answered. She tried the door and found it was unlocked, so she stepped inside, calling for Mrs. Lawrence.

That’s strange, Valerie thought to herself. She looked in the kitchen and bedrooms but could not find Mrs. Lawrence. She searched all through the house and then checked the backyard without finding her. All she found was her cat Blinker curled up asleep on one of the beds.

It isn’t like Mrs. Lawrence to go out and leave her door unlocked—she is always so careful. Oh! I wonder. . . Her heart leaped as she thought, Has Jesus come and taken Mrs. Lawrence and all the other Christians up to heaven and I’m left behind?

Stunned by this awful thought, Valerie sank into a chair. Everyone knew Mrs. Lawrence was a born-again Christian because she was always talking about her Saviour. She had had some serious talks with Val about accepting the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour, explaining that He was coming one day soon to take all who had accepted Him home to heaven. Why hadn’t she asked the Lord Jesus to be her Saviour before now? She had meant to do it, and now ... was it too late? She was so scared that Val could feel her heart pounding.

A few minutes later the front door opened and in walked Mrs. Lawrence. Relief filled Valerie’s heart! There was still time—it wasn’t too late!

“Why, Valerie, how nice to see you!” Mrs. Lawrence said, a little surprised. “How did you get in? I was wondering when I came in why the door was unlocked.”

Valerie told her what had happened.

“Barbara must have misunderstood me when she left for work, thinking I wanted it left unlocked.”

“I think God wanted her to leave it unlocked, Mrs. Lawrence,” Valerie said. And in her heart she added, I’m so glad there is still time! I’m going to ask Jesus to forgive my sins and be my Saviour today before it’s too late and I’m left behind.

And she did. But what about you?

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). “We which are alive ... shall be caught up together ... to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

ML-05/17/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Mule Deer: The Pride of the West

“Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, the hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer.” Deuteronomy 14:3-5

Mule deer are found from northern Mexico north to the southern Yukon and Alaska, and from northern Texas and eastern North Dakota west to the Pacific Coast. Tourists are often delighted to see them in the redwood groves of California, as well as at Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier Park.

The mule deer is a majestic, beautiful deer with soft eyes, large furry ears, large branching antlers and a velvety coat. Its coat, brown in summer and gray in winter, has a white fur patch at the back from which a short, black-tipped white tail is used as a warning signal to companions when danger is near. Pronged antlers are divided into two branches and are shed and renewed each year. Hunters consider the antlers a trophy.

Weighing about 200 pounds, mule deer are larger and more heavily built than most deer and often reach 5 feet in length and stand 3 to 3½ feet high at the shoulders. As smart and wary as any animal, they have survived intense hunting over the years. Protected in many areas, there are probably over a million throughout the West. Rather than running as a horse does, they run in a series of stiff-legged leaps but can bound swiftly over the roughest trail. They are good swimmers and do not hesitate to cross rivers and lakes when necessary.

They are called mule deer because of their large, open ears that stand upright behind the antlers, much like mules’ ears. Back in 1804 when the Lewis and Clark expedition first saw them, they were reminded of mules back home. They gave them this name, which still identifies them.

Fawns (often twins) are usually born in spring and stay with the mother through summer. They are pretty animals, covered with white spots on reddish-brown bodies until about five months old. Mule deer like to stay in groups, and 300 to 400 may be seen at one time as they migrate to high altitudes in summer and back to the valleys in winter. They must do this to fill their constant need of grass, shrubs and leaves. Acorns and nuts are favorites when available. Like all living things, they are always under their Creator’s watchful care.

Our opening Bible verse is from the laws given to God’s Old Testament people and points out that fallow deer (related to mule deer) were among the clean animals they could eat. Although we are not now under those laws, God does want us to avoid the unclean habits and things of the world and follow the clean, pure ways given in His Word, the Bible. It is good for us to remember this in everything we do.

ML-05/17/2015

A Turkey Named Betty

Betty was a pure white turkey, and she was a pet that belonged to someone, but we didn’t know who owned her. We saw her wandering around our yard, and when we went outside, she was not afraid of us. Since we had a pen full of chickens, we didn’t want this big turkey deciding she wanted to visit our chickens in their pen. What a ruckus that would make! We wanted her just to go back home, wherever that was.

Not only was she not welcome at our place, but also we have a busy road out front, with cars and trucks speeding by all the time. We didn’t feel we could just chase her away in case she hurried off in that direction. And how do you tell a turkey to stay away from the dangerous road? So we decided to go over to our neighbors on the next farm and ask them if they knew whose pet turkey was in our yard.

Sometimes it’s even hard to explain to a young child the dangers of a street or road. Older ones usually understand not to chase a ball that goes into the street. But then there are some children who ignore what their parents have told them about not running into the street for any reason. Those who disobey have broken one of God’s commandments: “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). And disobeying your parents is wrong, and it is sin.

Dad found the neighbors at home and talked to them about the turkey and then came home to tell us what they said. “Yes, it’s their turkey, but they aren’t worried about her. Her name is Betty, and she wanders all around. She doesn’t hurt anything or bother anyone, so she’s okay. They didn’t seem to think that she might get hit on the road, and they weren’t concerned about getting her back.”

Well, okay ... she’s not a wild turkey, and they’re not going to come get her. So Dad and I decided we would catch her and take her back to their yard. That was easier said than done because of her very strong and very large wings, which she was flapping as hard as she could when I tried to get hold of her. However, Dad got hold of her and carried her over to the neighbor’s farm, through a fence, and set her down in the horse pasture. We hoped she learned a lesson, but do turkeys learn lessons? Probably not.

Children learn lessons, but that doesn’t mean they always obey them. If you are a boy or girl who has disobeyed your parents or teacher for any reason, those sins of yours will keep you out of heaven. Heaven is God’s perfect home where there can never be any sin. His beloved Son, Christ Jesus, lives there with Him right now. And because Jesus loves you so very much, He came down here to earth to live a perfect, sinless life. But many people didn’t like that He told them they were sinners, and they wanted to get rid of Him. So they nailed Him to a cross of wood where He suffered and bled and died for you and me. The Bible says that the blood He shed on the cross can wash away every sin that you and I have ever done: “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). To have Him wash away every sin that God has written down on our records, we first have to confess to Him that we are sinners. Then tell Him we want Him to wash us clean from our sins.

He promises to do that immediately—with no waiting! And then we are clean and ready for heaven, and He promises to take us there when our time here on earth is over.

Are you washed clean from your sins? If not, don’t wait. “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

MEMORY VERSE: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

ML-05/24/2015

In the Raspberry Patch

In the cool of an overcast morning, Mother and Sherri hurried to pick all the raspberries before the sun turned hot. Sherri seemed to be less eager than Mother about picking, although she loved the sweet, juicy raspberries. “Mom,” Sherri said laughing, “there you go again! I really think you would stand on your head to catch one silly raspberry before it fell. See, your scarf is caught on the bush, and now you’ve scratched your arm! Why do you worry about one raspberry dropping when there are so many? I don’t think we’ll ever finish picking them. What is one raspberry more or less when there are so many?”

Loosening her scarf and glancing at the scratch on her arm, her mother smiled a little sheepishly. “You know, I’ve wondered that myself sometimes, but it seems a shame for a beautiful, juicy berry to lie in the dirt and rot. I just can’t let them fall.”

“It sure doesn’t bother me,” Sherri said.

Mother’s thoughts took a serious turn, and after a few minutes she asked, “Sherri, what if the Lord had felt that way about you and me? I’m glad it wasn’t too much trouble for Him to concern Himself about silly Sherri and stubborn Mother, both of whom showed no desire to do anything but go on in their own sinful ways. He didn’t say, ‘Why bother with them when there are so many other people who might be less trouble to Me?’ Like the wonderful Shepherd He is, our Saviour searched for and found the lost sheep!”

Sherri could see her mother’s point. She repeated the Bible verse, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd [gives] His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Then she said, “I’m sure glad He found us, and He won’t ever throw us out. You throw out any raspberries that are dried up or have bad spots on them, but Jesus doesn’t. He really cared about the people who were poor, blind or sick.”

Have you met the Good Shepherd who wants to carry you home to heaven on His shoulders? “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

ML-05/24/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Lichens Are Beneficial

“Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward.” Psalm 40:5

A lichen (pronounced “liken”) may look like a plant, but it is not a plant or even related to plants, even though some of them have plant names. This special life form makes its own food from sunlight, air, water and minerals in its environment. It grows mostly in the northern areas of Alaska and other parts of the world’s cold spots. Though it may appear to be dead, it contains starch and serves as a valuable food for man as well as animals. One kind is called reindeer grass, as in many places it is the only food available for reindeer during freezing weather. There is another kind, called Iceland moss, that people in Iceland use for making bread. Lichens often cover acres of marshy ground called “tundra.” It also grows on trunks and branches of trees. In other places, it is a covering over huge rocks where it sometimes displays bright coloring.

The Creator has designed lichen for purposes other than food. Though it does not require soil to grow, over long periods of time it will turn parts of the rocks it covers into soil. Here’s how that happens: The thin but tough roots growing from it penetrate tiny cracks in the rock. These roots produce an acid that helps to break off tiny particles of the rock. This begins the soil-making process. Dust from the surface of the rock, along with decayed lichen, mixes with the tiny rock particles. This combination makes new soil that will, sooner or later, wash out in a rainstorm onto the soil below. This is such a tiny amount that it may hardly seem important. However, when a rock is completely covered with lichen, over centuries of time it helps not only to add to the soil, but to enrich it as well.

Most of the year there is no rainfall to nourish plants in those areas, but the lichen gets along very well without it. It gets enough moisture from the air itself and the dew clinging to it.

Once established, a lichen continues its slow growth, regardless of the weather or apparent lack of nourishment. Scientists inform us that this amazing life form may live a thousand years or more, growing steadily even where winters are fierce. At times it is the only food available for some of the animals living there or migrating through.

The earth certainly is filled with many, many wonders of God’s creation beyond number, whether we look at mountains, deserts, tundra, great forests, or rivers, lakes and oceans. As you look at any of these or other wonders, remember that they didn’t just come by chance. All have been specially designed for their places in our world and preserved there by the Lord God Himself.

ML-05/24/2015

God's Most Wonderful Story

God has told us many stories in the Bible about people who died long ago, but this story is about a man who is NOT dead! He is alive! And better yet, you and I are going to see Him, and that’s for sure!

You will remember that Jesus died on the cross about 2000 years ago. Pilate, the governor, was very surprised to hear that He died so quickly on the cross. He had been a healthy man, so why did He die so soon? Here’s the answer: When God’s purpose in Jesus’ suffering and bearing the punishment for sin was finished, He stopped breathing by His own will. (You and I can’t do that—just try it and see!)

There were two rich men, Joseph and Nicodemus, who cared enough for Jesus’ holy body to take it down from the cross. They carefully wrapped it in linen cloths filled with sweet spices and then laid it in Joseph’s new tomb. Maybe you have seen a grave dug in the earth, but the tomb was different. It was a cave, perfectly clean, chiseled out of solid rock. After Jesus’ body was carefully laid in the tomb, they rolled a great stone over the opening.

There were some men who had heard that Jesus said he would rise again, which means that He would come back to life. They hated Jesus, so they asked the governor for permission to make sure that would not happen. They sealed the stone over the opening all around and set soldiers as guards to watch the tomb all night long.

But it’s not only very silly, but it’s also very wicked to use soldiers as guards to hold back the power of God. It is also impossible to reach up to heaven and erase one sin from God’s record of your life or to wipe out the awfulness of hell just by saying it isn’t there.

God’s plan was made long ago. He has already sent His only begotten Son into the world, and He has said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). There’s nothing you can do to change God’s Word, but you may take His offer right now, because it was for sinners like you and me that He came. Or, you can say, “No, I don’t believe that.” Whatever you try to do, you can’t make it not happen, as those guards at the tomb learned.

It was very early Sunday morning when the guards were shaken by a great earthquake, and an angel from heaven came and rolled back the stone and sat on it! What about all that sealing and guarding? The guards were terrified and ran full speed to the city and told their leaders what had happened!

Oh, no! This must be covered up! Don’t tell what you saw. Say that you fell asleep and the disciples came and stole Jesus’ body away.

The fearful guards said, What? Asleep on the job? The governor will have us killed!

We’ll pay you well for that lie, the leaders said. And if the governor hears, we’ll persuade him to keep the secret too. And so, taking the money as payment, the guards told that lie, and people believed it because they didn’t want Jesus to be alive.

But Jesus IS alive! No one can change this fact. He had risen before the angel came to roll away the stone. Perhaps you know the wonderful story of Mary who saw the angels at the tomb and then heard the voice of Jesus calling her by name, and also of Peter who went right into the empty tomb and saw the linen clothes lying neatly folded where His body had been.

The story is too long to tell you all of it here, but we urge you to read it for yourself in Matthew 27 and 28. In fact, the story is so wonderful that God has told it to us four times, at the end of the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible. The account in Matthew 27:27-66 and 28:1-15 gives the most details. It is a thrilling story and very worthwhile reading!

Now the big question is, Do you believe it? And have you accepted Jesus as your very own Saviour? If so, someday in heaven you’ll see the nail wounds in His hands and feet and the spear gash in His side where His holy blood ran out. And that’s the blood that will wash you clean from every one of your sins, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour.

He loves you so very much! Will you do that right now?

MEMORY VERSE: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15

ML-05/31/2015

Read the Instructions

Has your dad, or even you, tried to put something together without bothering to follow the instructions? I am sure it happens all too often, because there is a saying, “When all else fails, read the instructions!” This advice has even been printed on T-shirts. As I followed a man one time, the advice written on his shirt said:

Read the

Basic

Instructions

Before

Leaving

Earth

Did you notice what the first letter of each word spells? This man was giving us the advice to read the Bible, for it is there that God has given us instructions, not only on how to live, but also on how to die. God made us, and He knows just what is best for us and also knows what will harm us. He tells us, and repeats it twice so that we will really take notice, “There is a way which [seems] right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25). That is a very serious statement, for when we think we are doing all right, we could be all wrong.

So like the man walking in front of me, I would urge you to read God’s basic instructions before you leave this earth. One verse you will read says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised [Jesus] from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

ML-05/31/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Amazing Honeybee

“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

Without the work of the honeybee, the world would soon starve. Its work in pollinating flowers is essential to the development of many kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant foods and also the reproduction of many other flowering plants.

The hive of the honeybee is a marvelous example of community living. As many as 50,000 bees will work together in unity, building a hive of honeycombs made up of hexagonal cells. In one square inch, there are exactly 4.83 cells. How do they make such an exact measurement? No one knows other than God who has created them and given them their unusual skills.

Whether building honeycombs in a hive provided by a beekeeper or in a hollow tree or in any other location, the work always follows the same pattern. Young worker bees produce beeswax in special glands in their bodies. This wax is attached to the ceiling; then, working down, the cells are built one by one all the way to the base. Several groups of bees begin building from different parts of the ceiling, gradually all coming together to make a complete comb. Where the sections join together, the result is still the same—all adjoining cells measure exactly 4.83 to the square inch!

Thousands of bees are busy right now, each adding its tiny bit to what others have started. The walls of the waxen cells, only two or three thousandths of an inch thick, are so fragile that you could easily crush them in your fingers, yet strong enough to support the weight of the comb as well as the weight of the bees working on it.

Once the comb is completed, the workers then turn their attention to making honey, which they use as food. The bee fills a special pouch inside its body with nectar from several flowers. In the pouch, the sugar and nectar are broken down into two simple sugars. After the nectar is deposited in the hive, most of the water in the nectar evaporates and the liquid becomes thick.

Surely we need not ask where these busy workers get the wisdom needed to build these complex homes nor how they work together in such unity. God, “which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number” (Job 5:9), is the One who has set their ways and kept them in the same pattern since the day He first created them.

As King David thought on God’s ways that provide so many benefits to man, he said, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8). But His greatest work of all was on the cross where He became the Saviour of sinners. Since we are all sinners, is He your Saviour?

ML-05/31/2015

Ted, an Unusual Cat

Ted had a good home. Chris, his owner, loved the cat and took good care of him. The cat had his own open window to come and go as he pleased, and he always came home and slept on Chris’s bed every night.

Unlike most cats, Ted liked to ride in the car with Chris. Ted also seemed to like attention from people and took to spending time at a dentist’s waiting room a block away. However, when Chris drove by the dental office and called for the cat, Ted would race along a fence and jump into the car. He seemed like a happy and obedient cat.

Several years passed, and Chris got married. He and his new wife moved to another house, and Ted moved with them. Even though the new place was close to where Chris and Ted had lived before, a few weeks later Ted ran away.

Chris was so sad with his cat gone. After driving around looking for Ted, Chris decided to go by the dental office, and guess what ... there was Ted! After that, Chris decided to have an identification microchip implanted under the cat’s skin so if he ever ran away again, he could be identified and returned to Chris.

I hope none of you of you boys or girls would run away from home. Most of you have someone at home who loves you very much and takes good care of you. But according to the Bible, every boy and girl, and grown-up too, has run away from God, even though He loves us and watches over us. The Bible calls us sheep because we act like sheep. It says in Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray [run away]; we have turned every one to his own way.” Even though our sins have caused us to run away from God and made Him so sad, we still belong to Him and He still loves us very much. God has sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, to find us and bring us back to Himself. “The Son of Man [Jesus] is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Once He has found us and washed our sins away, we can never be lost from Him again. And He doesn’t need a microchip to identify each of us as belonging to Him. The Lord Jesus lovingly says, “Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). We belong to Him, and we won’t ever want to run away again, even if we could.

But that wasn’t the case with Ted. One day he disappeared again through an upstairs window, and Chris could not find him this time. For six months Chris looked for his runaway cat. He put up posters, called animal shelters, went door to door, and checked in at the dentist’s office. No cat. Finally he gave up.

But the Lord Jesus never gives up on a sinner. He patiently waits and watches for that moment when a sinner will repent of his sins and come back to Him. His open arms invite you: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Ten years passed. When Chris came home from work one day and found two phone messages from an animal shelter saying that his cat had been found, he assumed it was a wrong number. He didn’t call back. But the animal shelter called again and reached him with the news that the microchip identified the cat as Ted!

Chris drove right over to the animal shelter to see if the cat really was his runaway Ted. It was, and happily the cat seemed to remember him. Chris held Ted for a long time before taking him home. When he let him loose in the car, the cat put his front paws on the dashboard, just like he always did. At last, Ted was going home.

What a happy reunion is waiting for you too when you return to the open, loving arms of the Lord Jesus. Perhaps you have waited even more than ten years to come to the Saviour who loves you so much He died for you. Will you let Him wash away your sins and welcome you into His family? It will make you so happy, and you will thank Him for all eternity. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

MEMORY VERSE: “Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

ML-06/07/2015

What Do You Believe?

Lydia is a very shy nine-year-old girl. She goes to a school where the teachers are permitted to talk to the children about the values of right and wrong that the Bible teaches.

One day in a religion class, the children were asked what they believed. When it came time for Lydia to answer the question, she answered that Jesus was her Saviour and that He had died on the cross for her.

There was a boy in Lydia’s class who had the terrible disease of cancer. When it was his turn to answer the same question, he said that he didn’t believe in anything.

This boy was too sick to go outside for recess. So each recess time, the teacher told him he could choose a classmate to stay inside with him. He often chose Lydia. Sometime later when they were both inside at recess time, he told Lydia that he now believed what she believed. How happy that must have made Lydia to know that he now belonged to Jesus too.

This young boy who was so sick didn’t come back to school after the school vacation for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. We believe that he is now with Jesus who said, “[Let] the little children come unto Me” (Mark 10:14). And we believe that’s where he is right now—with Jesus in His happy home in heaven.

ML-06/07/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Great Bustard

“God ... made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth ... [and gives] to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:24-25

The bustard is a large game bird found mostly in Europe and in warm parts of

Asia. Spain and Portugal have about 60% of the world’s bustard population. Although there are about 22 species, the great bustard is best known. The male weighs about 15 pounds, stands 3 to 4 feet high, and has a 5-foot 7-inch wingspan. Its small head has a razor-sharp beak, and it sometimes bites people, causing severe pain.

Another bustard, called the kori, is interesting because it almost always has a beautiful bee-eater bird perched on its back. From this viewpoint, the bee-eater bird can see bees and other insects which are disturbed by the kori’s feet as it walks through the tall grass. The bee-eater then quickly swoops down to catch its meal.

All bustards are shy, wary and difficult to approach. They prefer living on open plains where their sharp eyes can quickly spot motion. The great bustard, with its long legs and three-toed feet, is a fast runner. Although it can fly, it prefers to run from danger or hide in tall grass.

These strange birds have no song. Instead, they bark, grunt, hiss or make a whistling sound. When searching for food, they may wander several miles in a day. However, they have no trouble finding enough food as they eat plants, insects, lizards, frogs and small snakes.

When seeking a mate, the male stands atop a mound of dirt and makes a show of his feathers by turning up his tail and spreading his large wings over his back. At the same time, he lays his head between his shoulders and puffs up a pouch on his neck so that only the top of his head shows.

This is a pretty display, and an impressed female soon joins him. Together they make a one-foot hole in the ground for a nest. The female lays two or three speckled, greenish eggs, and in three weeks the chicks hatch. The young birds often eat too much and look quite funny, wobbling around on legs that are not yet strong enough to carry the extra load.

It is not known what special purpose this unusual bird serves, but it pleased the Lord God to create it, and so it fulfills a part in the balance of His entire creation. In addition, we know He does not neglect it, for the Bible tells us, “In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).

This verse reminds us of God’s goodness to each of us personally. Our response to His goodness should be, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 107:1).

ML-06/07/2015

A Hungry Bear

Have you ever followed your nose? The big black bear follows his nose because there is nothing else for him to follow. When something smells good, his nose says, “Let’s go!” And he never stops to think about stealing or trespassing. He just takes whatever he can reach!

That’s what happened in a Canadian lumber camp. It was spring, after the bear’s long winter hibernation, and he was very hungry. When he lifted his nose, he smelled the strange, sweet smell of baked beans drifting through the pines. Do you know what he did? He just followed his nose!

Why not? If you want something, why not go for it? When it’s just a hungry bear, God has no Bible or Saviour or heaven or hell for bears. However, He does have a Bible, a Saviour and heaven for people. He wants us to know there is also a hell. Before you follow your nose to get what you want, stop and think: Is this what God has chosen for me? You can find out by reading His book, the Bible, and by asking Him to make your choices for you. If you do, He will give you His best choice—the Saviour of sinners for today and forever.

The bear’s nose led him to the cook’s tent, where 20 hungry men expected to have their dinner in an hour or so. The tent door was open, so the bear walked right in. The oven door was wired shut, but that was no problem for a hungry bear. One or two good swats of his big paw, and that oven door opened! The bear sat down on the floor with the bean pot in his lap, the wonderful smell in his nose, and his big paw for a scoop.

The beans must have been scalding hot, but that didn’t slow him down. He cleaned out every scrap and tossed aside the empty pot. Then, without bothering to look for the door, he tore a huge hole in the side of the tent and ambled off into the forest with 20 men’s dinner in his stomach. Some job, Mr. Bear!

Have you ever stopped to think that God made hell for the devil and his angels? But thieves will go there too, if they are not saved from their sins—big thieves and little thieves; those who steal money and those who steal pencils or snacks. God will not have one sin in His home. Revelation 21 tells us that. Stealing isn’t sin for bears; it’s quite natural for them. But God has given you and me a conscience that knows right and wrong. It is wrong for us to take things that are not ours, and God will not let us get away with it. The settling day will come: “After [death] the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

What happened when the lumbermen came in for dinner? Not much could be done about it, so it was a hungry afternoon. However, the work had to be done. They really appreciated their supper that night.

What happens when you take what doesn’t belong to you? There are two answers to that question. One is that you must spend eternity in hell to pay for that sin (Revelation 21:8). The other is that the Lord Jesus loves you so much that He suffered and died for you on the cross and gave His precious blood so that your sins could be forgiven. There are only two answers. Which do you choose?

If you really want to have the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, kneel down and tell Him so. Don’t just put this paper down and forget it. Bears just turn into dust when they die, and that’s the end of them, but God has a wonderful future for you if you will accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. If you put it off, that first answer will be yours.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Are you included in that “many”?

MEMORY VERSE: “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:27-28

ML-06/14/2015

Trees in Bible Times

Many of you children can remember the names of trees that you have learned about in school, especially if you made a leaf collection as a science project. This little quiz today is about the names of some of the trees the Bible tells us about. Some of these answers will be easy to match, but some you may have to look up in the Bible references that are included.

Cedar

Juniper

Fig

Mulberry

Palm

Fir

Sycomore

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, the people cut down ______________ branches and spread them on the road. (John 12:13)

Zacchaeus climbed up into a ______________ tree so he could see Jesus.

(Luke 19:4)

The wood from ______________ trees was used to make musical instruments.

(2 Samuel 6:5)

Wood from ______________ trees was used to build King David’s house.

(2 Samuel 5:11)

Adam and Eve sewed aprons out of ______________ leaves from this tree.

(Genesis 3:7)

God told King David to go into battle when he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the ______________ trees. (1 Chronicles 14:15)

Elijah slept under a ______________ tree, until an angel touched him.

(1 Kings 19:5)

ML-06/14/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Outstanding Beauties - Part 1

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Have you ever heard about the tremendous migrations of monarch butterflies, sometimes covering thousands of miles? They fly south to the warm regions of California, Mexico and even South America to spend the winter. Then in early summer, millions form large clouds as they fly north to the United States, including Alaska, and also to the Maritime Provinces and other parts of Canada.

While in those northern areas, great numbers of butterfly eggs are laid. They quickly hatch—not into baby butterflies—but into caterpillars that find their food in the plentiful, wild, milkweed plant and a few other selected plants. Soon, however, these caterpillars lose interest in food and enclose themselves in a chrysalis made from silken threads that they spin.

Then an amazing change takes place. When summer is nearly over, they break out of their prison-like chrysalises, no longer as caterpillars, but changed into beautiful black and orange butterflies with wingspans of 3-1/2-4 inches! After a short 30-minute rest, stretching their wings and other body parts, the fully grown butterflies take to the air. Now they drink only sweet liquid, called nectar, from wild flowers, since butterflies cannot bite or chew.

Meanwhile, the parent butterflies have died. Though it may seem that the new generation is entirely on its own, we know that they are under the guidance of their Creator who delights to care for them. As they mature and build up strength, they sense that cold days of fall and winter are near at hand. Before long, large flocks gather at night, leave their summer homes, and fly south together. Each group flies to the same areas and to the very same trees their parents left behind many months before when they migrated north.

These migrations are much like those of many birds. But monarch migrations are even more remarkable, since they have never before made the long trip nor seen the areas that will be their winter homes. They, of course, could never accomplish these amazing feats if it were not so planned by their Creator. He guides them in ways too wonderful for us to understand.

Monarchs are not the only kind of butterfly that migrates. The painted lady butterflies cross the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa each year. They also fly in great flocks.

As our beginning Bible verse tells us, the Lord God, the Creator, found pleasure in giving to each group its own lovely design, just as He has done with the vast number of birds, the flowers of the world, and other things of His creation.

In the next article, we will look at a few other types of butterflies.

(to be continued)

ML-06/14/2015

The Turtle With a Message

Most of you boys and girls have probably seen a turtle. There are many kinds and sizes. Some are very small, but others, like the huge sea turtles, may weigh up to 700 pounds! Maybe some of you have even had a small one as a pet that you kept in an aquarium, with water and rocks for the turtle to climb on to sit in the sun. All turtles walk rather slowly on land, but they are very good swimmers.

One day as our family was driving along in the car, we saw a very large snapping turtle sunning itself in the middle of the road. Now that is not a safe place for a turtle to stop and rest in the sun!

My father pulled the car over to the side of the road so he could help the turtle move out of danger. But then he had an idea. He decided to bring the turtle home to our house, but he wasn’t planning to keep it. As he was looking at the turtle’s big round shell, he thought it would make a good “message board.” Since he is an artist, I’ll explain what he did next.

We carried the turtle home in the trunk of our car. Then my father got out his paints and painted a Bible verse on the turtle’s back. This is what he painted in bright orange: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He also included where the verse can be found in the Bible— “1 Timothy 1:15.”

Then he drove to a swampy place where the turtle would be happy and set it free. He thought that sometime when the turtle went out for a walk again, maybe someone would see it and read the verse about Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. He is the only One who can wash our sins away and make us ready for heaven, and everyone needs to know that and believe it.

We didn’t expect to hear anything more about the turtle. However, several days later there was a knock on our door. A man stood holding a large box and said, “I found your turtle in a field by a swamp and thought I would bring it to you.” We were so surprised as there was nothing to identify the turtle with us except the bright orange Bible verse on the turtle’s shell. This man lived in the neighborhood and knew we were Christians. When he was out in the field, he saw the unusual turtle with the message and knew it must belong to us.

Sometimes we don’t realize how much people are watching us. Christians are like lights shining in a dark world, and others can see that light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). When we have put our trust in Jesus, we can reflect that light, like a mirror, to help others find Jesus, the Saviour of sinners.

My father thanked the man for bringing the turtle to us, and later he drove it to a nice place several miles away. We have not seen or heard anything more about that turtle, but maybe it is still walking around with its life-saving message to anyone who sees it.

MEMORY VERSE: “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

ML-06/21/2015

The Appointed Day

I was looking for a dog to be my pet and saw an advertisement in the newspaper. The ad was for a toy fox terrier named Susie. Her master had died, and she was being kept in a garage by some kind neighbors who were taking care of her. This sounded like a dog that not only needed a home, but also needed someone to love her and take good care of her. I was interested.

When I first saw her, she came running to me, very excited just to see someone. She melted my heart when I saw her. I could only think of how alone she was with no one to love her. I took her home with me, and both of us were very happy and no longer lonely.

It was just Susie and me until I was married five years later. Susie still remained as one of the family. My wife and I loved to go for bike rides with Susie sitting in the basket of my bike. Like many dogs, she loved going anywhere in a car or on a bike ride.

When Susie was 12 years old, she became sick. We took her to the vet, and he said that Susie had a disease called sugar diabetes. It reminded me that God tells us we all have a disease called sin. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Isn’t it wonderful that we have a Saviour who loves us and can save us from our sickness of sin? Through His death on the cross, He can make us free from sin and well again.

For a while Susie’s disease was controlled by giving her a medicine called insulin each day. The time came, however, when the little dog just kept getting worse. She lost a lot of weight. We felt so sorry for her since there was nothing more we could do to help her. You and I who have been saved from our sickness of sin have a Saviour to whom we can turn for help with our needs and troubles. He is there, ready, willing and able to answer our prayers.

The day finally came when we had to make an appointment with the vet to have Susie put to sleep. It was terribly hard to think about Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. But the appointment had to be kept, and Susie was put to sleep.

Each of us has an appointed day when we have to leave this world. None of us knows just when that appointed day is, so it’s very important to get ready right now. If the Lord Jesus has cleansed you from your disease of sin, then you are ready to go—even if today should be your last day on earth. Those of us who are ready don’t dread leaving this world because we look forward to being with the Lord Jesus in His wonderful home in heaven. But if you still have your disease of sin, the Bible warns that instead of happiness in heaven with the Lord Jesus, you will have to face punishment for your sins. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Are you ready for your appointed day?

ML-06/21/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Outstanding Beauties - Part 2

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

In the last issue we looked at monarch butterflies and their amazing migrations. Today we will look at a few other butterfly varieties.

The bright colors and sharp designs of a butterfly are formed by rows of thousands of tiny, dust-like scales that cover its two pairs of wings, like shingles on a roof. These scales not only add beauty but cover the framework of veins that give strength to the wings. The scales also absorb warmth for the butterfly, which cannot fly until its body is warmed to about 80 degrees.

The male monarch has bright orange on its wings, spreading out from its coal-black body. Each wing has a matching black border, speckled with white at the outer edges. The female is much lighter in color and is smaller in size than the male.

Another pretty butterfly is the great spangled fritillary. It has a light orange body with the same light orange on its wings, which also have dark brown markings in various shapes. At the outer edges of the wings a narrow strip looks like a hand-sewn hem.

The American copper has copper and silvery-gray wings, with large and small black patches. Then there is the Florida blue, an outstanding beauty of deep purplish blue, without the extra trimmings so many others have. The American painted lady, on the other hand, is such a contrast with a heavily patterned wingspread of brown overlaid with large circles of bluish-brown. Each circle is enclosed by a light inside ring and a dark outer one. The edges of its wings are bordered with ribbons of blue, white, pink and dark brown. The upper section of each wing looks like an artist with a fine paint brush has traced narrow and broad lines in scattered directions.

A more unusual one is named the 88 butterfly because of two pairs of large marks on its light brown wings which look like big number 8s. Around these are deep brown circles, and across the center of the back is a brilliant display of bright red.

It is no wonder that craftsmen copy the vivid color combinations and designs of butterflies. As we admire the “beauties of nature” around us, let us remember that we are actually seeing the Creator’s handiwork. A verse from the Bible says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17).

It is God our Creator’s voice of love and authority that we should believe. He is the source of all truth. Let each of us remember Him both while we are young and into old age as well, not only as the Creator of everything, but more importantly, as the One who sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all who will believe on Him.

Have you believed on Him?

ML-06/21/2015

The Golden Calf

Have you heard of Moses? We first read about him in the Bible as the baby who was found floating in a basket in the Nile River. He had a three-year-old brother named Aaron.

When Moses was older, God chose him as the leader of the children of Israel. At the time of this story, Moses and Aaron were in their 80s and strong and healthy.

God had a wonderful plan to explain to Moses, and so He called him up to the top of Mount Sinai where Moses could listen undisturbed. God chose Aaron to be the high priest, and he waited down in the desert with the thousands of people of Israel while God gave Moses the ten commandments and the pattern of His beautiful place of worship. This took a long time—more than a month—and God wrote the ten commandments with His finger on tablets of stone.

Here is the first commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

It was not a long month for Moses, but it was a very long month for the people who were waiting for him below the mountain. They said that Moses was the man who brought them out of Egypt, and they didn’t know what had happened to him. What a huge mistake! It was God, not Moses, who opened the Red Sea and brought them through! And one bad mistake often leads to a worse one.

Are you making a bad mistake like that? Are you thinking that some person has put you where you are? Are you forgetting that it is God’s power and God’s love that have planned the details of your life? How you handle the details is often where the mistakes are made. Remember, one bad mistake can lead to a worse one, and the people of Israel were about to do just that.

“Let us make gods to go before us,” said the people.

Do you really need other gods? Isn’t our God enough? If you say, “No, He is not enough,” then you don’t know Him. He is the God who loves you and gave His only Son to die for you. Is He not enough?

Aaron told the people to break off their golden earrings, and with the melted-down metal, he shaped a golden calf. The people were delighted and said, “These [are] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). And since the next day was a feast to the Lord, they made it a day of sacrifices and celebrations and games and they had a great songfest. But, they had broken the first commandment.

The people of Israel did not turn away from the worship of the Lord, but they changed it to suit their own pleasure. The God who had saved them was not who they were thinking about on that feast day. Aaron was a good man, but he led them in the wrong direction just to please them.

Moses came down from Mount Sinai with those wonderful handwritten tablets in his hand. But when he heard and saw the party, he became angry and shattered the stone tablets on the mountainside. He saw that the people had already broken the first commandment.

Now, we know that the wages of sin is death, and we would expect God to destroy those wicked people who broke His law. Well, if God destroyed lawbreakers, why are you and I still alive? God had a plan to save those people, and He has a plan to save us too. Yes, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), but JESUS DIED FOR ME so that I could go free!

Isn’t that a wonderful plan? It was God’s own Son who took my place and died for me. God knew that I was a sinner, and He was glad when I understood this too and said “Yes” to Him and to His great plan of salvation. But there comes a moment when it will be too late to say “Yes.” It is important to say “Yes” to Him right now!

If you read this story in Exodus 32, you will find that God did not just overlook this great sin. It brought sorrow to the whole nation. They all deserved to be destroyed, but God patiently brought them through.

God wants to save you right now. If His patience waits for you a little longer, you will only build up sorrow for yourself in the meantime, and you may find that when you need Him, it is too late. God says, “Today if [you] will hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). And the message of that verse is so important that He says it again in Hebrews 4:7.

MEMORY VERSE: “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 3:15

ML-06/28/2015

Feeding the Pigs

Most of you children won’t know anything about pig slop. It’s what some farmers feed their pigs. It’s often made with grain soaked in water and sometimes it will include food scraps, like melon rinds and stale bread from the farmer’s kitchen. Pigs love all of it. It is often all mixed together in a bucket to be carried out to the pigs and poured into the feeding trough.

But Sage, one of the young girls in the farming family, didn’t use a bucket; she used a large bowl for mixing everything together. One day as she was carrying the bowl of pig slop out to the pigs, she got to thinking about how it reminded her of our hearts full of sin. But when she washed out the bowl, it became clean. And that’s just like Jesus washing away our sins to make our hearts clean. Here’s a Bible verse that tells us how we can be washed clean of every sin: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Sage wants everyone reading this to know that the way of salvation is very important. Jesus loves you very much and wants to wash your sins away and make your heart clean, if you will ask Him. Will you do that now and become a follower of Him?

ML-06/28/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Red-Tailed Hawks

“[Does] the hawk fly by Thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?” Job 39:26

There are many species of hawks, most of them quite pretty in a variety of colors. An outstanding one is called the red-tailed hawk because its tail is made up of beautiful red feathers, each with a black base and a pure white tip. The rest of its body is pretty too, either tannish-brown, bluish-gray or soft white. It is the most common hawk in North America, found in areas from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It is also found in Central Alaska and in Central America as well.

Because this hawk is found in so many places, it has been given a variety of names, including red hawk, chicken hawk (unjustly), squealing hawk, buzzard hawk and white-breasted hawk, but the official name is red-tailed. It measures about two feet long from its bill to the tip of its tail. When full grown and with wings outstretched, it measures about four feet across.

A red-tail usually nests in open areas near trees where mice, rats, squirrels and moles abound. It will perch perfectly still on a tree limb or fence post until one of these rodents is spotted. Then swiftly and silently it swoops down and captures it, killing it instantly. Its food also includes fish, rabbits, snakes, frogs, lizards and insects.

Besides hunting in wooded areas, these hawks often soar at great heights, making wide circles in the sky. Suddenly a pair of sharp eyes spots a prey far below. Then it dives silently at great speed and catches the prey in its sharp, curved talons. This hawk usually travels at about 40 mph, but when diving after prey, its speed may increase to 120 mph or more.

Pairs of these birds stay together for life. They often use the same nest year after year in the fork of a treetop. Two or three eggs are usually laid during March or April, and both parents share incubating them for about a month. The young hawks learn to fly in a surprisingly short time and soon leave to be on their own.

An answer to the question asked in the opening Bible verse is given in Psalm 104:27: “These wait all upon Thee [the Creator]; that Thou mayest give them their meat in due season.”

When we think of all the birds and other creatures dependent on God, their Creator, for their needs, we are also reminded of His wonderful care over us. The Lord Jesus tells us, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31).

Do you know the Creator as your Saviour? Can you say, “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings” (Psalm 77:11-12)?

ML-06/28/2015

Hiking in Cougar Country

Cougars once roamed freely over most of North America. Where they live now is limited to a few isolated wilderness areas and large national parks. If you go hiking in a national park, the chances are slim that you would ever see a cougar. However, the common sense thing to do is to have a plan ready if you should see one.

Gary Huff knew the steps to take. At almost every trailhead in the Olympic National Park they have a bulletin board with trail information posted. Stapled on these boards is a drawing of a cougar, and underneath are listed the steps to take if a hiker should see one of these dangerous cats.

The first rule says, “Never hike alone.” This is a rule that Gary didn’t follow. If he had, he could have avoided some very scary moments. On this day, he wanted to hike to the top of Mount Baldy, a rugged climb, and he couldn’t find anyone to go with him.

You and I should never go alone anywhere in this world. We all need the “friend that [sticks] closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Friends are wonderful to have, but there is One whose loyalty and faithfulness is far greater than anyone else—the Lord Jesus Christ. When we truly believe on Him, we belong to Him, and He promises to be with us forever: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). It means, as believers, none of us will ever have to be alone again.

The second rule when you see a cougar is, “Don’t panic and run.” Cougars are very good at sizing up their prey. Their instincts tell them that animals (people included) in a state of panic turn and run and are easier to bring down from behind. Gary knew this rule, and it probably saved his life.

He was on his way down Mount Baldy. Suddenly, a few feet in front of him and behind a tree stump, he saw the twitch of a long, tawny brown tail. He stopped at once and knew instantly a cougar was hiding behind the stump! Gary knew some of the habits of cougars, that they liked to attack their prey by hiding and attacking by surprise. He sensed at once the cougar was waiting for him to pass the stump so it could leap on him from behind. Cougars are very strong and have been known to take down animals as big as a moose, attacking this way. Gary’s immediate thought was to turn and run, but he fought off this thought. He didn’t want to give the cat the chance to leap on him from behind.

We all have an enemy that is even stronger and smarter than a mountain lion (or cougar). The Bible says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). If you are not a believer in the Lord Jesus, this enemy, whose name is Satan, will do all he can to keep you away from the Saviour. He hates God and all that God loves. He will do all he can to keep you from coming to the Lord Jesus for salvation, because he wants to see your soul lost in hell where he will also be sent. If you have not yet come to the Lord Jesus for salvation, you need to call to Him at once. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). The Lord Jesus loves you very much. If you come to Him, truthfully telling Him you are a sinner and want to be cleansed from your sins, He will forgive your sins and make you one of His children forever. If you ignore your sinful condition, you are in great danger, greater than what Gary was facing.

Gary understood his danger. He stood still, muscles tense, sweat pouring down his back and face and his heart pounding. He expected an attack at any moment. The cougar came out of his hiding place and stopped on the trail in front of him. They stood staring at each other, no more than five feet apart. Gary looked right into the eyes of the cat, then he took a quick glance to the ground by his feet, looking for a stone he could throw to startle the cat. He didn’t find one and decided that his aluminum hiking poles would work better than throwing a stone. He remembered the third rule: “Make yourself as big and fearful as possible to discourage an attack.” Slowly Gary raised his hiking poles and held them out in front of him, as he slowly began to back away. For what seemed like forever, Gary slowly backed his way up the trail.

Several times, the cougar came rushing towards him as if to attack, but the cat always stopped short. Then, unexpectedly, the big cat bounded off and disappeared into the woods. Relieved and exhausted from the encounter, Gary rested for a while before heading back down the trail. Thankfully, he came out of his standoff with the dangerous cougar without a scratch.

Do you understand the danger you face if you have not believed in the Lord Jesus and settled the matter of your sins with Him? He offers you a complete victory over Satan today!

MEMORY VERSE: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

ML-07/05/2015

Reminding My Heart

1. Jesus loves me very much;

I want to feel His tender touch.

He wants to give my heart a hug,

And gently gives the strings a tug.

2. Jesus loved me long ago,

He died for me so I could know

My sins forever are forgiven,

And I am ready now for heaven.

3. Jesus loves me still today,

He tries to show it lots of ways.

He intercedes for me above,

And showers me with gifts of love.

4. Jesus will love me still, forever;

His love will never end, not ever!

So to remind my heart today,

I’ll read my Bible and I’ll pray.

ML-07/05/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Nimble Fisher

“Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made ... the earth, and all things that are therein ... and Thou preservest them all.” Nehemiah 9:6

The fisher, which is part of the weasel family, lives in the cold, densely wooded areas along the United States-Canada border. It is sometimes called a fisher cat, but it is not a feline. It is about two feet long, including its tail. Males weigh about 13 pounds and females about 8 pounds. From November to March, its dark brown or grayish-brown fur is thick and soft and is a special prize for trappers. They can sell it for use in coats, hats and muffs.

These animals live mostly in trees, climbing with ease and skill and jumping from branch to branch, sometimes as far as 30 or 40 feet between trees. If attacked, they are quite capable of defending themselves by arching their backs, baring sharp teeth and uttering threatening growls. With their sharp teeth and vicious claws, they can usually fend off dogs and even bears. But confrontations are rare, because the Creator has made them the swiftest animal of the northern woods.

Surprisingly, they are one animal that will challenge a porcupine, flipping it over and exposing its unprotected underpart for the kill. They also catch and eat fish, rabbits, beavers, squirrels, raccoons, mice and birds, and they will occasionally eat fruits and mushrooms. Some of their food they get by outsmarting trappers, stealing bait from their traps.

The fisher does not hibernate; however, when snow is deep, it may sleep in its den for long periods of time. Hunting in snow is more difficult, because its dark color makes it easily visible. Under those conditions, it often will lie on a branch and drop on passing prey. It is also clever in burrowing through snow to catch mice, kangaroo rats and other rodents that are active below.

Although the mother sometimes makes her den in caves or burrows, she prefers to find a tree hole high above the ground where she gives birth to two or three young in April. Blind and naked, the mother nurses them for almost two months and then teaches them to hunt. Within a year they are fully grown and go out on their own.

The way of these nimble animals reminds us of the care the Creator shows to all living things. Truly, “the Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9). However, His mercies are shown to us in ways an animal could never know, for it is His mercy and love that provide redemption and everlasting life to all who trust in Him. This is well stated in Luke 1:49-50: “He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear [respect and trust] Him.” Do you trust in Him?

ML-07/05/2015

The Beautiful Spider's Web

Dear Children,

Have you ever looked closely at a spider’s web? I have, and probably many of you have too. They are really beautiful, but be sure you don’t touch the spider or its web! Some spiders are dangerous and can give you a nasty bite. That web is the spider’s home, and he uses it to catch his food. You certainly don’t want the spider to think you are his breakfast if you touch its web. The web you see in our picture is covered with dew drops. Those dew drops look like pearls on a string, don’t they?

The spider is another creature created by our God in heaven. It was God who gave the spider the ability to spin its web. How do we know this for sure? Open your Bible and read Genesis 1:1. This is what it says: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Now, if you will read the whole chapter, you will discover that our great God in heaven created all things. He not only created the spider and gave it the ability to spin its web, but He also created the beautiful dew drops that are hanging on the web.

Turn in your Bible to Genesis 2:7 and you’ll see that God created people too: “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Then Genesis 2:19 says, “Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air.” We know God’s Word is true, and we can trust it completely.

God has given each spider the ability to build its webs to catch mosquitoes, flies, moths and other flying insects for them to eat. One time, a boy in school asked his teacher if he (the teacher) could build or make a spider web. The teacher answered, “I am not a spider!” In other words, only spiders can make those webs. And those beautiful dew drops supply the spider with water to drink in the early morning. The dew drops dry up later in the day, so the spider has to get up early if he is thirsty.

Are you wondering where the dew drops come from? Here’s the answer: “By [God’s] knowledge ... the clouds drop down the dew” (Proverbs 3:20). What a wonderful creator God we have!

Some of you children in the upper grades of grade school and in middle school and high school have classes in science, which can be very interesting. However, there are some parts of science that are being taught that are not true. We know that, because those parts do not agree with the Bible’s record of God’s creating the universe, the world and all life in our world. Those of us who are believers in God and His Son Jesus know that what God has written in the Bible is true and accurate and can be trusted.

Do you believe that what God has written in the Bible is true? If so, you know that we are all sinners. And God has also written that His beloved Son Jesus was crucified and died on a cross, shedding His precious blood. His purpose was so we can have our sins washed away in His blood and be set free. This makes us ready for heaven. “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Have you been set free from your sins? We sure hope so!

With lots of love,

Grampa and Gramma

MEMORY VERSE: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

ML-07/12/2015

The Big Move

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are kind people who live in a quiet and peaceful country area. Recently the Browns were hearing some strange noises, sometimes during the day and sometimes at night. The noises seemed to be coming from the adjoining building. Mr. Brown found the noises annoying, so one day he decided to see what he could do about it. What he found was quite a surprise!

Mr. Brown discovered there was another family living on the farm. Not only were they making a lot of noise, but they were also making a terrible mess! He found a family of raccoons living in a nest in the building’s loft. The Browns decided the unwelcome guests would have to be moved away.

Mr. Brown found a large cardboard box, and, one by one, the four babies were gently placed into it. The mother stood her ground nearby, but she did not attack Mr. Brown. She closely watched what was happening to her babies. Mr. Brown carried the box with the babies in it over to the nearby woods. The mother raccoon followed him. She seemed to sense that she could no longer live in the loft. When they reached a nice wooded area, Mr. Brown let the babies go, and the mother came over to rescue her family.

The Lord Jesus watches over these little animals and birds and sees if even a sparrow falls to the ground. Matthew 10:31 tells us, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” That means that boys and girls, and grown-ups too, are worth a whole lot more to Him. He loves boys and girls so much He died for them. And He knows what is happening to them at every moment.

Boys and girls often have to go through changes in their lives. Like the raccoon family, it might be moving to a different home and neighborhood. Or it could be changing to a different school. Sometimes it is an illness that means an unpleasant trip to a hospital. And some boys and girls go through the sadness of losing a member of their family. All of these changes make us feel sad. Some may be just a little sad, but some are very sad or even scary. But we know that Jesus cares and loves each one of us, and He will help us through these sad times. He has promised to always be with us, in the good times and in the sad: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.... We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:5-6). “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee” (Psalm 56:3).

Will you let Jesus be your helper all the time, but especially when you are sad or afraid?

ML-07/12/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Cock-Of-The-Rock

“Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?” Job 35:11

The pigeon-sized cock-of-the-rock makes its home in the Amazon region north of Brazil. The outstanding color of the male is orange-red, its head topped with a helmet-like orange crest. Wing feathers are contrasting dark brown and blue—all making this bird very beautiful.

In contrast, young chicks are anything but beautiful, with their fuzzy black hair, bare legs and wings looking like a coarse comb. But in a year’s time, they have the same plumage as the adults.

Because of the male’s fighting attitude toward any other bird that approaches its nesting area, it is well named cock-of-the-rock. This fighting attitude makes them quick to challenge one another, especially when one trespasses into another’s territory or when they are both trying to win the same female at an event called a lek.

At the time of the lek, several male and female birds gather together in a clearing. The females are off to one side while the males, one by one, approach with their pretty feathers fluffed out, dancing with steps and hops and fluffing out their pretty light-blue wings below the orange body feathers.

The females then make their choice of a mate, and they go their way to find a place to build a nest of mud and sticks among the trees or perhaps on top of a rocky ledge. But the female, whose feathers are plain brown, often builds the nest by herself and incubates the eggs and raises her young without any help. Meanwhile, the father bird is enjoying a care-free life, showing off his feathers as he flies through the forest. What a selfish fellow!

Males in combat lock powerful talons together, jab at each other with their wings and may lock beaks. These matches may last two or three hours, and if neither can claim himself a winner, they seem to agree to rest a while before fighting again until one is defeated. When not fighting, they still threaten each other with harsh calls and noisy wing-flapping.

We may be sure that when these beautiful birds were created, they were not proud and vicious as they are now. When God created them, along with the other birds on the fifth day of His creation, the Bible states, “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:21). What happened to change them? It was sin coming into the world through Satan, and he has never changed from his evil ways. The Bible warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary [enemy] the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour [destroy]” (1 Peter 5:8).

We can only resist Satan and his evil ways by putting our trust in the Lord Jesus and asking Him to lead us in His ways. Have you done this?

ML-07/12/2015

Jimmy Was Really Worried!

Jimmy wasn’t feeling very well, so his mother kept him home from school. He was in first grade, and they didn’t usually have any homework to worry about if they missed a day or two of school. But Jimmy didn’t feel any better the next day or the next, and then he ran a fever.

About the third day, a rash with little red spots began to show up on Jimmy’s legs and arms and tummy. By then he was also coughing, and he was a sick little boy. Those red spots told his mother that this was the measles. She had heard that other children in his class had been out of school for more than a week with the measles, so she wasn’t surprised that he now had them too.

Jimmy wasn’t very happy about the long time he had to spend in bed. But there wasn’t much he felt like doing, and it seemed to him like he was just getting more and more red spots. On one trip to the bathroom, he looked in the mirror, and for the first time he saw that red spots were all over his face too! Then he really got scared as he thought, Maybe those spots will never go away, and then I’m going to look like this for the rest of my life! He kept checking in the mirror each day ... and they were still there. After several days, he was sure those red spots would never go away!

Poor Jimmy was really upset, but he never told his mother what was bothering him. He just didn’t talk much, and his mother was getting worried about him. After a few more days, she talked to the doctor about Jimmy’s measles, saying that he was so listless and didn’t even want to talk.

Most of you children know that measles will go away, but there is another disease that’s a whole lot worse and that will never just get better and go away! And we all have it, and there is no medicine that will cure it! You can stay in bed for a month, and it still won’t go away! God calls it sin, and it’s a whole lot worse than measles! But God loves us so much He has made a way for us to be cured of our sins.

But let’s check in on Jimmy before we tell you about God’s wonderful cure for our sins.

Jimmy’s mother knew that his measles would go away, but she was very worried because he didn’t want to do anything or even talk. She talked to the doctor again, and this time the doctor came to see Jimmy. He checked him over and then said to Jimmy, “I can see you are already getting better, Jimmy, and soon all your red spots will disappear and be gone for good! You’ll be good as new!” Jimmy could hardly believe what he was hearing—that his red spots would all disappear and be gone soon! If the doctor said that, it must be true! He suddenly was one very happy boy again!

Jimmy was so glad to know his measles would go away, and we can tell you there is good news about our sins too. Now a doctor can’t do anything about our sins, but God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ can! He loves us and wants to wash away every single sin that we have now or will ever have. That’s the best news a sinner can hear! The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). And since the Bible says that, we know it is true! That means we can be completely clean from all our sins now and forever. Along with that good news comes the promise of living in heaven with the Lord Jesus after our time here on earth is over. He also will write down your name in His book of life, and that’s very important.

But here is the bad news. God says you won’t be allowed into heaven if you still have your sins. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Jimmy’s measles did go away, and even better news is that Jimmy’s sins are also gone! He asked the Lord Jesus to wash away his sins and be his Saviour. If your sins have been washed away in the blood of Jesus, you will meet Jimmy in heaven someday.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5).

MEMORY VERSE: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5

ML-07/19/2015

"Whosoever"

We had collected a lot of children from the city streets in the gospel buses that day. Now several hundred poor, needy boys and girls sat listening to the story of how Jesus came into the world to die for our sins and to rise again from the dead. They needed to hear that this is how God has opened the way for us to go to heaven.

At the end of his talk to the children, the speaker held up a shiny silver dollar and said, “Whosoever believes, let him come and take it.” Then he put the silver dollar under a book on the table.

He waited. The children looked at each other. They were all “whosoevers,” but the only “whosoever believes” was one shy little boy. He came up to the speaker’s table, hesitated and then took the silver dollar from under the book and said, “Thank you, sir.”

“What’s your name?” asked the speaker.

“Chuckie.”

“I did not say that Chuckie could have the money.”

“No, sir,” answered the half-frightened little boy. “You said ‘whosoever’ ... and that means me!”

Chuckie was exactly right! We are all whosoevers, but are you a whosoever who believes? “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Through His [Jesus’] name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).

Will you be a whosoever who believes?

ML-07/19/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Star of the Sea

“The Lord is a great God.... The sea is His, and He made it.” Psalm 95:3,5

Most people who live near the ocean have seen starfish dead on the beach. Sometimes they are called sea stars. These are sea animals in the same family as the sea cucumbers, sea lilies and sea urchins. Most starfish have five arms that make them look like five-pointed stars. However, there are many varieties. One looks more like a pentagon because it has such short arms, and there are some that have as many as fifty arms. The colors of starfish are usually red, brown or bright orange.

A very colorful one is the brittle star which moves rapidly through the water by thrashing its arms vigorously. This variety got its name because its brittle arms are easily shattered by crabs and large fish that then eat the broken pieces.

With few other exceptions, starfish appear to be stationary or just moving gently with the current. But the Creator did not leave them without a means of travel. The underside of each arm has many tube feet with a tiny suction disk on each foot. The starfish uses its tube feet and suction disks to crawl over the ocean bottom, onto a rock or other firm surface.

It is with these sensitive arms and suction disks that starfish capture food. When a shellfish is found, such as an oyster, mussel or clam, the suction disks of one arm attach firmly to one side of the shell, and those on another arm attach on the other side of the shell. Then the contest begins. The shellfish clamps its two shell halves tightly together while the starfish’s firmly attached suction disks apply continuous pressure as it pulls the shell halves apart. The contest may last an hour or more before the shellfish usually loses the battle. When the two sides of the shell finally open, the starfish’s stomach slides over the shellfish’s soft body and slowly digests it.

Starfish can regenerate new arms when the old ones are broken off. Even if a starfish is cut in two, each piece will grow into a new starfish.

These sea animals are among the lower forms of life, without the benefit of an intellect. We do not expect them to be aware that a divine Creator rules over the sea and its inhabitants. Our opening verse reminds us that this is so, and another Bible verse says, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9).

We who have been given the ability to know of Him, His wonderful works and His great love to us are responsible to act on God’s Word which says, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8). Have you ever done this?

ML-07/19/2015

Melting Hearts

Most of you know all about melting snow and melting icebergs, but what do you know about melting hearts? Here is a true story that will help you to understand.

This story is about a woman who lived in a house on top of a long, high wall enclosing the city of Jericho near the Jordan River. Her parents and her brothers and sisters lived inside the shelter of the wall. And for many years they all had heard the threat of a great army of half-a-million people who were coming to their city to destroy them.

At first it seemed like a faraway tale. But it was different from other tales because, although the people in the city had a wall and a river for protection, the people who were coming had a God. Their God was mighty and could roll back the waters of the Red Sea and lead them across safely and then drown all their enemies who chased them. Their God could also feed them for 40 years in the barren, desert wilderness. There was no other god who could do mighty things like that. And as the people in this city thought about it, they were really afraid—their hearts melted. And what can you do for melting hearts?

The lady in the house on top of the wall was not afraid—she did not have a melting heart. Her name was Rahab. Living on top of the wall couldn’t protect her, and she didn’t have a spear or shield, but her heart was trusting in the same mighty God who had fed His people all those 40 years in the desert. There are no ups and downs with a God like that. He is always the same, always trustworthy. Do you know Him?

Rahab had more than these people’s wonderful stories to believe. She had a personal promise. She was told by two messengers from God’s people that if she tied the scarlet cord in her window, everyone in her house would be safe when God’s judgment fell on the wicked city. Rahab quickly tied the scarlet cord in her window and did just as she was told, and the promise made her safe!

We have a promise too. “He that believeth on Me [the Son] hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). Who is the Son? He is the Son of God, whose precious blood cleanses us from all sin. If you take that promise for your very own, you will be as safe as Rahab was. God keeps His promises. His awful judgment day will find you safe, because you are cleansed by the precious blood of the Saviour who died for you.

Rahab climbed down from her house on the wall and went into the city of melting hearts. The frightened people were probably reminding each other about how the flooded Jordan River would protect them, the strong city walls were good, and they had well-armed soldiers in their city. But Rahab did not listen to them; she had a promise she was counting on. She went to her parents and her brothers and sisters and told them about the wonderful promise God’s messengers had given her. She invited her family to stay in her house, which had only the scarlet cord in the window to protect them. And her family came into her house on the wall!

Will you come? We are telling you this story to urge you to come to Jesus Christ, because His blood is your protection and His Word is your promise. Will you come now and be as safe as Rahab was? God is always the same; His promise will never change.

Soon the army of God’s people came to the wall of the city. The flooded Jordan River was nothing at all when God led His people through on the dry riverbed! And the city walls were nothing at all when God commanded His people to shout and the walls fell down flat! God’s people had a wonderful victory that day. The city of Jericho was completely destroyed, including all the people and their livestock.

I suppose it was crowded in that little house on the wall before the walls fell, but God kept His promise, and every person in Rahab’s house was safely removed to the protection of God’s people. In fact, Rahab lived to be an ancestor in the royal line of Jesus who was born of the virgin Mary.

Would you have been in Rahab’s house if you had been there? Maybe you would not have been invited, but you are certainly invited right now. Come and believe and trust the One who gave Himself for sinners. Come to the protection of His precious blood. There is no halfway point. When you hear of the judgment of God against sin, fear should melt your heart. You may shut your ears and mind to the warning, you may count on being a good person and doing good works to protect you, or you may trust the Saviour of sinners with all your heart. Only one carries the promise of God. Which will you do?

“Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

ML-07/26/2015

Our Shepherd

Our gentle, loving Shepherd calms

Us timid little lambs through storms;

Our stubborn hearts He slowly forms

To be more like His own.

Every lamb does know His voice;

To come to Him must be our choice;

If our hearts we give to Him,

Angels surely will rejoice.

He His lambs shall not forsake;

Not one promise will He break;

Please, O Shepherd, come with haste,

That we may soon behold Thy face.

ML-07/26/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Your Necessary Liver - Part 1

“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?” Job 38:36

In earlier issues we have studied various parts of our bodies and how God has made all of them work together in such special ways. The liver is one of the most important parts of the body. It is certainly the most complex organ of all and is the largest internal organ. Since we cannot live without it, isn’t it strange that we rarely think about it unless some trouble develops?

The liver is the body’s master laboratory. It filters out impurities and waste material from the blood, manufactures organic compounds, and stores and releases nutrients required by the blood. Its work is carried on by millions of cells and enzymes, each a marvel in itself. It supplies the all-important amino acids which, among other things, control the balance of salt and water needed for the bloodstream.

One main job of the liver is to regulate the blood so it will be neither too thin nor too thick. Research scientists continue to study this amazing process. But we know that it is one of the wise provisions of the Lord God, the Creator, who has made every part of the body work together with every other part.

When we cut our skin, blood immediately appears. This flow of blood not only helps clean any dirt and harmful bacteria from the wound, but it soon thickens and forms a clot that becomes a protective scab, permitting the injured part to heal underneath. The liver is responsible for supplying the chemicals in the blood to make this happen. Yet, it is the same liver that keeps the blood from clotting inside the veins and blood vessels where clotting would be very dangerous and perhaps fatal.

When food reaches the stomach, the liver receives a signal and stands by to add vitamins, chemicals and minerals to the bloodstream. It sends its own signal to the gallbladder, instructing it to release bile to aid in the final digestion of this food. For fatty foods, the gallbladder automatically sends an extra supply of bile, since fat is harder to digest.

The liver performs without any instructions from us to control it, which is good, because it senses needs that we are not even aware of. These instructions were implanted when God created man, and our livers have followed them faithfully ever since.

How good it would be if man would hear and follow God’s instructions just as faithfully. “He that hath My commandments [teachings], and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21).

Next week we will consider more of the amazing functions of the liver—this important part of the body that you can’t live without.

ML-07/26/2015

Run for Your Life!

What a wonderful vacation they were having! Camping in the national forest near Mount St. Helens Volcano was the most beautiful place Mike Moore had ever been. He knew there had been signs that the mountain would erupt soon, but he and his family thought they were a safe distance away. A safe distance? . . . No way! At 8:32 a.m. on Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, the volcano erupted! Landslides! . . . hot gasses! . . . floods! . . . suffocating ash! These and other experiences faced Mike and his family! They had to get out, but how? The roads were destroyed! There was only one thing left to do—walk.

They trudged mile after mile down a trail—seven miles through swirling, choking clouds of ash. There seemed to be no escape! But then when they had just about given up hope, they heard a helicopter. Frantically Mike and his wife waved their arms. They were seen, and the family was rescued!

They were rescued because they signaled for help. By their actions, the helicopter pilot saw them and knew that they needed to be rescued. Thankfully, he was able to save them.

There is a Saviour who is able to save you from your sins, if you will admit your need to be saved and ask Him. The Lord Jesus Christ wants to save you. He is completely able and just waiting for you to tell Him. He wants you to see your great need as a sinner and that it is only His work on the cross that can rescue you from the punishment you deserve for your sins. Won’t you stop trudging mile after mile in your sins? Look at the cross! Look to the Lord Jesus, and accept Him as your Saviour! “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

David Johnston was also near Mount St. Helens when it erupted. For him it was a job that put him there. He was a geologist for the United States Geological Survey. He was stationed at a camp six miles away from the mountaintop, and he knew the mountain was a time bomb, ticking away. But his job was to record what goes on just before an eruption so that scientists could learn more about volcanoes. He told his friends, “I’m sitting on a powder keg, but nobody knows how long the fuse is.” He wrote to his parents, “The volcano will give a warning before it erupts, with enough time to evacuate the danger area.” Perhaps that was why there was no panic, only excitement in his call that morning. His last words were, “Vancouver, this is it! This is it!” But there was no time to evacuate the danger area. The super-hot gases traveled at 200 miles an hour. His body was never found.

Reid Blackburn’s job was not so dangerous. He was photographing the mountain from a campsite eight miles away. Surely, that was a safe distance. He took four pictures of the explosion and then ran for his car. But it was too late to escape. Four feet of ash covered the campsite and extended another ten miles beyond it. His body was found later in his car.

But what do the experiences in this story have to do with you and me? David Johnston said that Mount St. Helens was a “time bomb.” We know from the Bible that time is ticking away for this world’s destruction. One Bible verse says, “Flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7). But where can we flee? How can we escape? There is only one answer—flee to Jesus Christ! Just as the safety of Mike and his family depended on help coming from above, your safety also comes from above—from Jesus who died so that you could be saved. Won’t you accept His salvation now?

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).

MEMORY VERSE: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

ML-08/02/2015

The Salesman's Tricks

The plastic mouse was on a fine thread. It climbed up out of a cup and ran up the salesman’s sleeve. As a young boy I watched wide-eyed. The salesman said his little trick mouse was a wonderful buy, as the crowd also watched the amazing tricks. He said it was sure to please and worth every penny.

I stepped forward, put my two dollars down and picked up the amazing mouse. In only a few minutes I realized I didn’t have the salesman’s touch! The little mouse didn’t run so smoothly now and seemed to have forgotten all its tricks. I realized I’d been tricked ... or needed a lot of practice.

God highly recommends His love to us, and it’s free. No tricks here! The closer you look, the better it is. This is real love, and He proved it when He gave His only Son to die for sinners. The Bible says, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

The verse talks about three things. First, it speaks of God’s love—God recommends it. He introduces us to it and goes on to prove that it’s true and real. This isn’t love on a string doing tricks and passing off empty promises. This is the real thing!

Second, it speaks of our sin. Amazing that God offers His love to sinners! Ever meet a sinner? He’s always the other person. But we can’t really accept His love until we bow before God and admit, “I am a sinner and need a Saviour.” All we have to do to meet a sinner is look in the mirror. God doesn’t wait until we’ve cleaned up our act. That would be never because we can’t. He loves us now.

Third, it speaks of Christ’s death. Here is the perfect proof of that love. People ask, “How can the death of a man 2000 years ago affect me in 2015?” First realize this Man was no ordinary man! Jesus was the Son of God. He was more than just a carpenter, more than just a “shining example.” In laying down His sinless life, He took on Himself the curse and judgment sin brought upon mankind. In accepting Him as your Saviour, the forgiveness His death paid for is yours!

The verse is simple with plain words. But the message is powerful and life changing. Jesus Christ is not a salesman offering empty promises; He is the only true and loving Saviour. Have you trusted Him?

ML-08/02/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Your Necessary Liver - Part 2

“Now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18

The human body contains about 25 trillion red blood cells. Each cell lives only about 125 days, which means that over 2 million die every second! What happens to all these dead cells? Even though they are dead, there is still some good in them. The liver dismantles them (something like a mechanic removing usable parts from a smashed car before throwing the rest away) and uses the good parts of the cells to make new ones. (And we thought recycling was a new idea!) The unusable parts are sent into the waste system. Isn’t that amazing!

When blood from the heart circulates through the body, it loses some of its contents en route. The liver replenishes it by providing nutrients, vitamins and essential minerals before it goes back to the heart to be pumped through the body again. If excitement or fright causes a sudden surge of blood, the liver expands itself temporarily to take up this surge, so the extra blood does not reach the heart all at one time. Surely “the works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein” (Psalm 111:2).

The liver is a safety valve for the heart in another way too. Some things that we eat could cause serious problems to the body if there were not some provision made to overcome them. God has also given this assignment to the liver. It has thousands of enzymes which neutralize a certain amount of these materials before the liver is damaged and cannot function in its protective way. That is one reason why we should always be careful what we eat, drink or breathe.

The liver also turns starch (glycogen) into glucose, providing food for the muscles. When the muscles are active, they produce lactic acid, and the liver also helps remove this acid from the bloodstream. Antibodies, also manufactured partly by the liver, are present in the bloodstream to provide protection against viruses and bacteria that cause infectious diseases.

As we think in amazement of all the marvels of our bodies, it should make us realize how completely God has provided for us. The psalmist exclaimed: “In Thy book all my members were written, which in [many days] were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!” (Psalm 139:16-17).

These wonderful thoughts were expressed so well when God said, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you ... thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Do you know Him as your Saviour, and have you thanked Him for all that He has done and is doing for you each day?

ML-08/02/2015

The Little Lamb Was Left Behind

Many years ago, I was taking my morning walk at the base of Schiehallion Mountain. This is one of the highest mountains in Scotland. As I walked, I met a shepherd whom I knew, a kind Christian man.

I noticed he had his plaid wrapped closely around him. Now some of you may not know what a “plaid” is. It’s a long, rectangular piece of woolen fabric that is usually worn over the left shoulder. Inside his plaid was something that he was carrying very carefully.

“What do you have wrapped up in your plaid, Malcolm?” I asked.

“It’s a poor, left-behind lamb,” he answered. “When I was walking my rounds this morning, I found it lying on the cold ground. It had been left behind and would soon have died. I picked it up, wrapped it in my warm plaid, and now I’m carrying it home.”

“And what do you plan to do with it?” I asked.

“I will feed it and take care of it,” said the kind shepherd, “and it will soon be one of the flock.”

And that’s just what Malcolm did. He took good care of it, and the little left-behind lamb soon grew up and became one of the liveliest and strongest sheep of his flock. If my kind friend had not found the lamb and picked it up, it would have died. But instead, he carried it home and placed it in the safety and warmth of his barn where he could feed it and care for it.

Have any of you children ever been called a lamb? Probably not, but that’s just what you are—a little lamb that needs lots of love and care. Many of you have parents that take good care of you and love you. Even when you sometimes do things that are wrong and have to be punished, they still love you. But those wrong things you do are called sin.

Have you heard that there is a kind and loving Shepherd in heaven who wants to rescue you from the cold, unfriendly world of sin? His name is Jesus, and we read about Him in the Bible. “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This good Shepherd loves you so much that He died on the cross to save lambs (like you) and sheep (grown-ups) from their sins. That opens the way for any lamb or sheep to go to heaven. It cost this good Shepherd His life to be able to save lambs and sheep who are lost in their sins.

Our friend Malcolm didn’t have to die to save the little lamb he found. He carried it all the way safely home and into his warm barn where the little lamb would recover and become healthy again. And that’s just what Jesus, our good Shepherd, wants to do for boys and girls. Will you let Him save you from your sins? He has a happy home in heaven waiting for you, if you will let Him wash your sins away. Just tell him you are a sinner and want Him to wash away your sins. He will answer your prayer immediately. Then you won’t be a left-behind lamb any longer. You’ll be a saved lamb ready to go to heaven someday.

“Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep which was lost” (Luke 15:6).

MEMORY VERSE: “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

ML-08/09/2015

Burglar Alarm

The new day for Karen had already ticked off twenty minutes, and she had not made one move to get dressed. Her mother’s reminding her to “hurry and dress” didn’t help. She padded over to the window to see if her puppy “Midnight” was awake. After some minutes Mother called frantically, “Karen, come! Mark will be late for school unless we leave RIGHT NOW!”

Next door Mrs. Jones was near an open sliding door. Suddenly the morning quiet was shattered by an ear-splitting noise. Such a siren along with a loud ringing could only be the Kelly’s burglar alarm. Startled, Mrs. Jones thought, Mrs. Kelly must be gone to take Mark to school by now. Could it really be burglars? Should I call the police?

Mrs. Jones decided to keep her ears and eyes open and wait in front of the house for her neighbor’s return. Just then, as suddenly as it had begun, the alarm stopped, just as Mrs. Kelly herself drove up.

“Your burglar alarm . . . ” Mrs. Jones began.

But at that moment the front door burst open, and Karen ran out into her mother’s arms. Between great sobs she managed to say, “I only wanted some air, and I forgot the alarm was on!”

“Yes, and you forgot to obey me! Now into the house with you!” Turning to Mrs. Jones, she explained how Karen had been disobeying from the start that morning and would not get dressed in time. “Of course, I shouldn’t have left her alone. I told her to sit on a certain chair and not to get off until I returned. I think the two of us have learned a lesson today!”

How many times have you boys and girls not paid attention to the words, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). God knows what is best for us, and in His love and wisdom, He has given us parents to guide and protect us. Karen was, in a way, a burglar, because she robbed herself of happiness she could have enjoyed by being helpful and obeying her mother.

But what is even more serious is that all sin is against God. Karen learned that disobeying when no one else was near had surprising results. Read this Bible verse closely: “There is nothing . . . hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and . . . shall be proclaimed upon the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3). That’s frightening, isn’t it?

How good to have all our sins covered over forever by the Lord Jesus Christ. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin in covered” (Psalm 32:1). Those of whom this is true will never come into judgment. John 5:24 says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [judgment]; but is passed from death unto life.” Will you obey His call to believe and trust Him today?

ML-08/09/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Blue-Footed Booby

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father [feeds] them.” Matthew 6:26

Early-day sailors gave this bird the name booby because it will light on ships and allow itself to be caught. There are several varieties of this swimming sea bird, but the one seen most by North Americans is found along the Pacific Coast—the blue-footed booby. Well named, its broad, webbed feet and legs are a bright blue. Its beak is also blue, but not the same bright shade. Its long wings are brown and its breast and underside are pure white—a very pretty bird.

The Creator has well adapted the booby to its kind of life near the coasts and on islands of the Pacific Ocean, off Central and South America and Mexico. Waterproof plumage allows it to rest on the ocean surface as well as dive for fish. Long, strong wings take it hundreds of miles over water and, beating rapidly, provide a power dive to catch fish. At the last second before hitting the water, the wings are pulled tightly against its body, and its strong beak makes the catch. This bird can also catch flying fish while they are in the air.

Colonies of thousands of these birds make nests only three or four feet apart on bare ground where three or four chicks are hatched and raised in each nest. The hatchlings are naked, but in two or three weeks they are covered with white feathers, and their feet begin to show the blue color. Within three or four months, they are fully developed and can catch their own food.

Another reason for sailors calling these birds boobies was observing their behavior to attract a mate. The male first picks out a nesting spot, and then he tries to attract a female by performing a strange hopping dance. He holds one blue foot up and waves it at the female, making loud whistles while pointing his beak skyward. If the female approves, she joins in, both stopping occasionally to bow, touch bills, point skyward and finally do a stiff-legged walk together. After this, the nest is completed and family life begins.

It is understandable how these activities seem humorous and even clumsy, especially when great numbers are engaged in these rituals at the same time. However, they are full of meaning to the blue-footed boobies and an important part of their courtship.

For thousands of years, these birds, living in remote places, were never seen by man. But the Creator has always cared for them, as the Bible tells us in Psalm 104:27-28: “These wait all upon Thee.... [What] Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.” The Lord God also provides for all mankind, and we should thank Him often for His care.

ML-08/09/2015

Have You Seen Buster?

I stopped at the country grocery store to buy a box of apples on the way home from work. As I walked into the store, I paused at the bulletin board at the entrance where people put up notices for others to read. The number of posters featuring lost pets caught my eye. One of these was a poster with a large photo of a beautiful golden retriever. The title of the poster was, “Have You Seen Buster?”

The poster was enough to break your heart. It said that Buster had disappeared and was greatly missed by his family. It also said he had a bad eye that needed special medicine, which, if left untreated, might cause blindness. Buster’s owner then made a heartfelt appeal for help in finding the dog. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for this family that had lost their pet they loved so much.

Sadly, Buster wasn’t the only pet that was lost. There was also a poster for Cassie, a twelve year old collie dog; Pixie, an eight-month-old Chihuahua dog dressed in a pink sweater; and one for Ozzie, a long-haired Persian cat. The poster for Ozzie had a photo of the cat sitting on a carpeted floor with a baby boy sleeping just behind it in the background. Pets can quickly become a much-loved part of the family, and their loss can cause a lot of pain.

Pets often become very important in our lives; however, there is something far more precious that can be lost. Boys and girls, and grown-ups too, who have never turned to God the Father in faith and love are also lost. Oh, they’re not lost in the sense that they might not know where they are. And they’re not lost because they can’t find their families. They are lost because they have gone astray into sin. And that includes every one of us! Isaiah 53:6 reads, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.”

The phrase “gone astray” sounds like it might refer to a pet that has wandered off and can’t find its way home. But in this verse it is boys and girls and grown-ups who have wandered away from God. They aren’t interested in finding their way back to Him.

Those who stay “lost in sin” and never return to God will end up “lost” for all eternity! It is a terrible thing to be a lost sinner. Being lost means you miss out on the best things this life has to offer, and an even greater loss is missing out on heaven in the life to come.

God doesn’t want anyone to go through life being lost from Him. He wants all people to truly feel sorry about their sins and by faith come to Christ Jesus to have their sins washed away. That changes everything! Then someday He will bring them to His heavenly home.

God doesn’t need any kind of a poster with a picture on it to remind Him who is still “lost in sin.” He has each one at the center of His heart and loves them with a love that will never stop. He tirelessly seeks to bring the lost ones home. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to do exactly that. Luke 19:10 reads, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Seeking lost sinners, the Lord Jesus went to the cross where He gave His life as a ransom for many. Sinners can find forgiveness because, as it says in the second part of Isaiah 53:6, “The Lord hath laid on [Jesus] the iniquity of us all.” This means on the cross the Lord Jesus suffered the terrible penalty of sin, which is death, so that those who believe on Him might go free. Because of His work on the cross, the way is opened for sinners everywhere to have their sins washed away and return to God.

I know that Buster, Pixie, Cassie, and Ozzie would all return to their owners in an instant, with wagging or swishing tails, if only they could! If sinners only knew a little bit of God’s goodness and love, they would eagerly come back to Him too. They wouldn’t remain lost in their sins for a moment longer before they came to Jesus to be washed clean of their sins.

How about you? You can return to God this very minute by confessing the Lord Jesus as your Saviour and believing that God raised Him from the dead. Romans 10:9 reads, “ If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

The problem with boys and girls is not, “Can they do it?” but, “Will they do it?” Will you decide to place your faith in the Lord Jesus and come back to Him and be one of His children forever?

MEMORY VERSE: “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

ML-08/16/2015

Joy From a Little Boy

Today, the angels had more joy,

More joy because a little boy

Heard the happy gospel story

That Jesus came to earth from glory.

And died upon a cruel tree,

So from sin he could be free;

He heard that Jesus’ blood was shed

To wash away his sins, so bad.

He simply bowed his little head,

And in his quiet heart, he said,

“Dear Jesus, I have been quite bad;

I know that it has made You sad.

I am sorry and I can see

That You died on the cross for me;

Come into my heart right now;

You can save me; You know how.”

Jesus heard him loud and clear,

And knew that he had been sincere;

His heart of love reached down from heaven,

Saved this precious boy, age seven.

This little boy was born again,

Saved for heaven, a new Christian,

And saved from hell. It was so real,

He was grinning from ear to ear!

If you’re not saved, please do this too;

Jesus died on the cross for you;

He loves you more than you’ll ever know;

Believing in Him will save your soul.

In heaven there will be more joy

Resulting from a girl or boy

Who simply took God at His word,

Confessed that Jesus was their Lord.

ML-08/16/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Gray Whales of the Pacific - Part 1

“God ... [has] made the world and all things therein ... [and] He is Lord of heaven and earth.” Acts 17:24

There are many whale species throughout the world’s oceans. The largest is the blue whale, with some as long as 100 feet and weighing about 100 tons. The smallest is the Orca, or killer whale, about 30 feet long and weighing 10 tons. Between the two sizes is the gray whale. Its name comes from the gray patches and white mottling on its dark, slate-colored skin. (Newborns are a darker gray to black in color.) It is about half the size of the blue whale but is still very large. Some reach 50 feet in length and weigh 40 tons. These gray whales are found only in the Pacific Ocean, from the Arctic to Mexico, and a small number near Korea.

The grays are one of several species known as baleen whales. These whales have no teeth, but they have horny plates called baleen (or whalebone) which hang in two rows from the upper jaw to strain out the food from the water. They eat by scooping up mud from the ocean bottom into their mouths and straining out whatever food is hidden in the mud—mostly a mixture called plankton, which is small sea animals and sea plants.

Closing their mouths on these big bites, their tongues press out the muddy water, and the food is held back by the baleen strainers for swallowing. This is another example of the wonders of God’s creation, for the throat of the gray whale is not big enough to swallow large pieces of food, nor does it have any teeth to chew with. The baleen strainer takes care of this perfectly, and the whales get all the food they need this way. Of course, the Creator could have made them with large throats and teeth, but we often see the unusual in creation, which tells of His delight in creating a great variety of living things. The gray whale is just another example of His wonderful creativity.

These whales spend the summer months feeding on this nutritious food in the northern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Alaska, up beyond the Aleutian Islands and on into the Bering Sea between Russia and Alaska. But in winter those areas are covered with heavy layers of ice and icebergs, and the whales, being mammals, cannot survive without coming up frequently for air and so would not be able to live beneath that frozen cover.

Because of this, they migrate south in the fall and then back north in the spring. When they return north, there are many more due to a great number of young ones born while they are in the warm southern waters. We will look in more detail at these migrations in our next issue.

(to be continued)

ML-08/16/2015

Invited … Are You Coming?

A certain king planned a marriage for his son. The invitation list included only very special people, and they would be very honored and looking forward to wearing their finest clothes and to be there on time!

Or were they? It depended, I suppose, on what they really thought of that king. If he was unpopular, it would not take much to keep the invited people away.

But why would a king be unpopular? He was certainly rich enough to provide a very fancy wedding feast. He killed the finest of his cattle for roast beef, and the fanciest desserts were ready, and it was all free. I suppose it was a question of what was more important to those invited people.

I know of another King who is unpopular. I have heard His name used scornfully every day, even by children. And I have heard Him blamed when things go wrong among ourselves, and His book is seldom read. Do you know that great King? His name is God. He is not wanted because His holiness interferes with our sin.

When it was time to begin the marriage, the king in our story sent his servants to tell the people who had been invited: “Come; for all things are now ready” (Luke 14:17). An amazing thing happened! Even with a second invitation, none of those honored people took the king’s invitation seriously enough to come. They all had other things to do instead. One went to his farm, and another went to his business. And worse than that, they treated his servants very, very badly.

What would you do, or rather, what are you doing now? God is sending you His invitation while you are reading this paper. What other plans are keeping you from coming?

The servants told the king that nobody invited would come; they all had other plans. This made the king very angry. Since everything was still ready, he sent his servants out to bring in the poor, the homeless and the beggars, until all the seats for the wedding were filled. It did not matter at all that they were a ragged group, for the king made sure that each one was fitted and dressed for the occasion. It is not hard to imagine how pleased and grateful those people would be. The king was pleased too.

Our God is pleased when sinners respond to His invitation to come to Him. He is pleased to pour on us all the love of His heart and the riches of His grace. But God does not forget about those who refuse and hate Him. In our story, the king destroyed those who refused his invitation and treated his servants badly, and he burned up their city. Do you think God cares any differently about those who refuse His invitation and rebel against Him now? There is punishment waiting for them too.

There is one more warning at the end of the story. One of the guests who came did not wear the clothes the king had provided. The king asked him why, and the guest was speechless. The king ordered to have his hands and feet tied up and cast into outer darkness. We are often reminded that God is holy, and He is not to be ignored. He can make you ready for His holy presence, but you cannot do this for yourself. God is willing to do it for you, at the expense of the life blood of His Son Jesus. Are you willing?

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

You may read this story for yourself in Matthew 22:2-14.

MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

ML-08/23/2015

Stop! Look! and Listen!

Walter told an interesting story about his school days when he was a boy. The story started with Constable Mike who came every year to the school to talk about bicycle safety. He taught the students the rules of the road and the importance of following those rules.

On Walter’s way home from school, there was a very long hill that sloped downward. Riding down this hill was really fun, because he picked up enough speed on his bike to coast the rest of the way without pedaling. The only problem was the stop sign at the bottom of the hill! If he passed the stop sign without stopping, he could coast the whole way home.

He did this every day until one day a police car was parked at the side of the road by the stop sign. Constable Mike stepped out of the car just as Walter reached the sign. He spoke sternly to Walter about breaking the rules of the road by not stopping at the sign and explained what a serious mistake that was.

Constable Mike must have seen Walter riding through that stop sign on another day. It makes us think of that Bible verse in Numbers 32:23 where God says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.”

Going down that hill was never the same again for Walter, because that stop sign had to be obeyed! Then one day a car horn honked, and it was Constable Mike. He had a big smile as he waved, because this time he saw that Walter was obeying the rule, and this made him happy.

When God’s Word is followed and obeyed, it gives joy in heaven, especially when a sinner repents of his or her sins and accepts God’s offer of salvation.

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:7).

ML-08/23/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Gray Whales of the Pacific - Part 2

“By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Colossians 1:16

The migration of gray whales is an outstanding event each year. As summer changes into fall, they become restless in the northern waters, and soon groups of females leave first for a 6,000-mile swim to Mexico. The younger ones soon follow, and last of all the males. As they head south, they don’t get lost, for the Lord God, their Creator, is guiding them.

Within a month or so, Alaska is far behind them, and they have traveled past the west coasts of Canada, on to Washington and Oregon, then to California, swimming day and night with only occasional brief, rest stops.

In many of these areas, people are out in small boats or standing on high cliffs with field glasses and cameras, thrilled at seeing these great mammals “fluking,” which is the start of a deep dive. The whale’s body turns straight down, forcing its huge tail out of the water—a thrilling sight. They also seem to enjoy “breaching”—this is when they leap completely out of the water and drop back with a terrific splash. Sometimes one will lift only its immense tail out of the water and whack it back down with tremendous force and noise.

Surprisingly, whales do not seem to mind people watching them, except that a mother with her calf should be left alone. Actually, they seem to enjoy human visitors and often come alongside a small boat to be stroked and patted in a friendly way.

By December or January the whales have reached the coast of Mexico, and they remain there until March or April before making the long trip back north. It is in the warm lagoons of Mexican shores where the calves are born underwater. They would promptly drown if the mothers did not boost them up to the top for their first breath of air. Since a mother cannot tell her baby (which weighs about half a ton), “Don’t breathe until we get up to the air,” how do you suppose they both know this? It is just another of the wonders of God’s creation, for He has given both mother and baby the instinct that preserves its life at this critical time. Most females give birth to a calf every other year.

Migrating is usually referred to as “instinct,” but it should always be remembered that it is a God-given instinct, passed along from generation to generation. God does not for a moment neglect nor fail to guide them while on these journeys. He has taken pleasure in all He has created and, as the psalmist says, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9). Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and mercies to you?

ML-08/23/2015

Stuck in a Ditch!

“We’re stuck! Now how do we get out of here?”

James and his wife Christine had made plans to meet Kyle, a 16-year-old cousin, and Vanessa, his 14-year-old sister. They wanted to take them out for lunch during their high school lunch hour. James and Christine were visitors to the area and weren’t quite sure how to get to the school. Driving down one road, they decided they had better turn around and go back the way they came. But in turning around on the road, James had backed the car a little too close to the soft, gravel edge. The back end of their car slid into the ditch, and James took one look and knew he couldn’t get the car out without help. To make matters worse, they had only ten minutes before they were supposed to meet Kyle and Vanessa in front of the school!

It was a BIG problem now, with hardly enough time to think through what to do. James and Christine are both Christian believers, so they quickly decided to ask God’s help to solve their problem. They knew and believed the Bible verse that says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15). They were used to asking God to help them in their decisions and had learned He was a dependable, loving Father whom they could trust. And right then and there they prayed, asking the Lord God for help to know what to do.

The answer to their prayer came quickly. Christine suddenly remembered the answer was right in James’ pocket. They had gotten Kyle’s cell phone number before they left, so James pulled out his cell phone and texted a quick SOS message to Kyle. “Stuck in ditch ... can you come? Bring 3 or 4 guys to help.” And then he texted where they were stuck.

Kyle texted back that he would round up a few guys, and they’d be there in a few minutes. And it wasn’t long before James and Christine saw the answer to their prayer jogging down the road towards them.

The group talked it over and decided they would need weight on the front of the car to give the tires traction. So two guys sat on the car’s hood, while the others lifted and pushed at the back. James was in the car, giving it a little gas and steering. In less than a minute, all four wheels were on solid ground, and they were ready to roll!

Some walked and some rode in the car to a nearby “fast food” restaurant for hamburgers and drinks for the hungry crew. Then the students crossed the street to the high school, and all got to class on time.

You know, God delights to answer prayer. Sometimes He answers right away, like He did for James and Christine. However, sometimes His answer is “wait,” and other times His answer is “no.” God’s ways are best in every situation. James and Christine were relieved that their answer came quickly, and they thanked the Lord God for His loving care. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Do you know this loving Saviour who loves you and answers prayer? His name is Jesus, and He died for you so that you might be cleansed from your sins and have a place reserved for you in heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7

ML-08/30/2015

A Hard Question

He was a young man with a few hours to spare. He walked along the road with one thing in mind; he wanted something interesting to do. He had just enough money for a movie.

But the young man was early, and although most of the stores were closed, the bookstore was open. The books might help him put in a little time. No harm in trying.

The book on display was a Bible. He had never held one in his hand before. Strange how this book—this Jesus Christ—has such an influence on people everywhere, he thought. This bookstore was in Taiwan, and the saleslady was from America. He knew the book itself was several thousand years old, and yet, somehow, it seemed to have a strange power in world history.

Why? What’s so special about this book, the Bible, more than any other? Why is it that there are people in every country in the world who want to read it every day?

The saleslady did not say much. She was secretly praying, but she let the book speak for itself.

Time slipped by, until he suddenly looked at his watch. I’ll be just in time for the late movie, he thought, but I don’t have enough money for the book and the movie too. What should I do?

Now that’s a hard question to answer, in Taiwan, or in your own life, wherever you are right now. Perhaps it will help you to decide if I tell you what settled his choice. He looked up at a motto on the wall, which said, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy.”

“Are those words from this book?” he asked.

“Yes, Psalm 16:11.” The saleslady showed him the place and let him read it for himself: “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

“I will buy the book,” he said.

He left no name or address, and it was years before they saw him again, since he lived far away. But, you guessed it; they found him a happy Christian, telling others of the Saviour he had found.

A good choice, wasn’t it? Are you choosing the world’s sinful entertainment? Or are you choosing the Lord Jesus’ forgiveness and His pleasures forevermore?

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

ML-08/30/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Cicada Killer

“I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings.” Psalm 77:12

The shrill chorus of many singing cicadas can be very annoying in July and August. The noise goes on steadily with no break until suddenly, as if by a signal, they stop for a few moments and there is silence. But soon they are singing again.

While the cicadas are singing, female wasps, called cicada killers, are hunting them. After finding a cicada, the wasp plunges her stinger into its nerve center. This paralyzes the cicada, but it continues to live. Then, firmly grasping it, the wasp tumbles to the ground and turns the cicada on its back so she can pull it head first, like a sled, to one of the many burrows she has dug in the ground. Sometimes the wasp drags the heavy, paralyzed cicada partway up a tree, until she can get enough altitude to fly back to her burrow. She may have to repeat this several times before the trip is finished.

When the wasp finally reaches the burrow, she drags the cicada to the bottom where she has already prepared a little room. Then she lays an egg and places it under the cicada. After that, she goes back out to catch another cicada. This process is repeated until two or three cicadas are brought to each burrow and an egg placed under each one. As she exits each burrow, she fills it with dirt.

In a few days, the eggs hatch and the larvae begin life by feeding on the paralyzed cicadas. After a week or more of eating this food, the larvae spin cocoons and remain underground through the cold winter. In early summer they change into the pupa stage and shortly break out of the cocoons as adult wasps. Then they have to dig their way out of the dirt-filled burrows. Surprisingly, as full-grown wasps, they no longer eat cicadas, but feed entirely on nectar. Cicadas are captured only when the female wasps need to provide food for the next generation.

How does the female wasp know where to place her stinger to paralyze, but not kill, her victim? How does she know to place an egg under a paralyzed cicada, so the larva will have food for its start in life? Who taught the young wasp to dig its way out of the burrow? We know that these instincts are given by God who created and cares for them.

But have you stopped to think that His provisions for us are much more wonderful? He gives us life and sustains it day by day. He also gives eternal life to all those who accept the salvation He offers. Salvation is provided through faith in His beloved Son, Christ Jesus, who died on Calvary’s cross for us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Have you accepted this invitation?

ML-08/30/2015

Missing Four Years

Sam was a birthday gift for Karisa when she turned 10 years old. He was a cute little Yorkshire Terrier, and Karisa loved him. They were soon the best of friends, and she often played with him outside in the yard.

But one day several months later, Sam disappeared from the yard. He didn’t come home when they called him. The family soon began a neighborhood search, looking for the little dog and calling him by name. Nobody they talked to had seen him, and he didn’t show up the next morning. Karisa was heartbroken.

The family posted notices around the neighborhood and on the bulletin boards in all the local stores. They called the police department and everybody they could think of to report Sam missing. But sadly, they never got a call about Sam being found or even seen. However,

Karisa didn’t give up hope that they would find Sam, but it never happened. She was sad for a very long time.

Some of you boys and girls have been lost, maybe in a store or in a park or elsewhere. That’s kind of scary. I’m sure it didn’t take your parents long to find you, and then everyone was happy again. But there is another way that every boy and girl is either lost right now or was lost and has been found by the Lord Jesus who loves each one of us. Have you heard about being lost in your sins? The Bible tells us about that. “The Son of Man [Jesus] is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Every single person is a sinner, and all sinners are lost in their sins, until they come to Jesus in prayer to have their sins washed away in the blood He shed on the cross. “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). When your sins have been washed away in His blood, not only has He found you, but also He will take you to live with Himself in heaven when your time here on earth is over. That’s His promise to you. But until you have talked to Jesus about having your sins washed away, you are still lost, and those sins of yours will keep you out of heaven! That is even sadder than Karisa losing Sam.

Months went by and then a year. Still no word on Sam. Karisa and her family finally gave up all hope of ever finding him.

But then one day when Karisa was 15 years old, her mom got a phone call from an animal shelter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They told her that an animal control officer had just brought in a little, straggly dog he had found. The workers at the shelter were able to find the microchip on the dog to identify Karisa’s family as the owners! Her mother thought there was no way it could be Sam! He’d been missing for four years, and they live in Louisiana! Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a thousand miles away! She didn’t see how it could be possible that the dog they had was Sam!

The shelter described the little dog as a Yorkshire Terrier, even though he was straggly and dirty and weighed less than six pounds. It was hard to believe, but it could only be Sam!

The little underweight, straggly dog was nursed back to health at the shelter until he was fit to fly home. Then one of the airlines flew the little lost dog home in “first class” for free—four years after he was lost. He landed in New Orleans on an 11:16 a.m. flight, and guess who the welcome committee was ... Karisa and her family! What a happy welcome he received!

Sam has been found. But have each of you boys and girls (including you grown-ups too) been “found” by coming to Jesus to have your sins washed away? If you haven’t, it’s important to settle that matter right away, before it’s too late! You will make the Lord Jesus and all heaven rejoice that another lost one has been found. “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that [repents]” (Luke 15:10).

MEMORY VERSE: “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10

ML-09/06/2015

The Pony Express

The Pony Express was an important part of early American history. It ran from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California—a distance of 1900 miles. Forty men, each riding 50 miles at a stretch, dashed along the trail, using 500 of the fastest horses available. The trip was made in ten days.

To keep the weight down, their clothing was very light, their saddles were small, and no weapons were carried. The horses wore small horseshoes or none at all. The mail pouches were flat and could not be larger than a certain size. Letters had to be written on very thin paper, because the postage was $5.00 an ounce! However, even with all these limits on weight, there was something that every rider carried with him—a full-sized Bible.

The Bible was presented to each rider when he joined the Pony Express, and he always carried it with him. Why? Because the Scriptures were regarded as “standard equipment.” God was important to the people in those frontier days. They realized the need of reading God’s holy Word every day.

We, too, like the Pony Express rider, are on our way to a destination—eternity. God has arranged that He will not leave us without a compass or a guide. He has provided us with these in His precious Word, the Bible.

Is the Bible important to you? Is it standard equipment for you every day? Do you read and study it? I hope so.

“From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

ML-09/06/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Sociable Weaverbirds

“God Himself ... formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.” Isaiah 45:18

The weaverbirds of Africa, Asia, India and Java are part of an interesting species and are noted for their intricate nests. Using their beaks and feet, they braid their nests from grass, bark strips, plant stems and other plant materials. Each group has its own design; some look like a community umbrella and some build suspended nests with side openings or with long tubular-shaped entrances.

One variety, the sociable weavers, builds an umbrella-shaped community roof, sometimes as large as an African hut. The underside of this umbrella roof is divided into many, many compartments, sometimes as many as one hundred, with a pair of weaverbirds occupying each compartment. Another specie, the village weavers, also forms colonies, but these suspend a great number of nests from a single tree without building a roof. From a distance, their nests look like great pieces of fruit hanging from the branches.

Weaverbirds are small, living in most parts of the world. Our English sparrows and house sparrows are part of the weaverbird family but don’t construct the unusual woven nests as those on other continents. All are equipped with short, strong bills and eat seeds and grain. They all chatter continually. The males are usually brightly colored during mating season but dull in color the rest of the year, and the females and young birds are plainly colored—the Creator’s way of concealing them from enemies.

When seeking a mate, the male weaverbird often makes several nests, and when a companion is found, he lets her choose one of them. Usually after she has chosen one, he tears down the others, but sometimes he’ll find more mates to fill the unused ones.

Something amazing about weavers and many other birds too is that if the eggs are hatched artificially and the young birds are raised away from their parents, they will build nests identical to those of their parents! Where do you think they learned how to build them? When God created each different kind of bird, He gave them the instincts for even building their nests, and those instincts are passed along in every egg that hatches. This is one more example of the wonders of God’s creation, the One “in whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

In the same book of the Bible, we are instructed: “Hear My words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto Me” (Job 34:2). We should certainly do this, “for His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He [sees] all his goings” (Job 34:21). We also are given the wonderful promise: “He that [hears] My word, and [believes] on Him that sent Me, [has] everlasting life” (John 5:24). Are you one who has both heard and believed?

ML-09/06/2015

Andy Paid a Price

It was summertime, and a Sunday school picnic was planned for Saturday.

Andy’s family looked forward to the planned activities, especially the children.

There were many activities for everyone to enjoy. One was a water slide that gave a fast ride that ended with a splash into a pond, and there was also a paddleboard on the same pond. It was all so much fun, and Andy and his sister Julie had such a good time.

But good times always seem to end too quickly. And that’s how Andy felt when his dad said that it was time for their family to go home. Andy was disappointed they had to leave, so he asked his dad if he could please stay in the pond a little longer. His dad said, “No,” but Andy kept asking, and each time he asked, he got the same answer, until his dad reluctantly said, “All right.”

Andy headed right for the paddleboard, but his sister headed for it too. They were fighting over who would get to use it. Intending to get to the paddleboard first, Andy jumped off the raft, but as he jumped, his foot caught on rusted nails on the side of the raft.

“OOOOOH—OOOOOUCH!” And, of course, he landed in the water, but he knew he had quite a nasty gash on his foot, and it hurt like crazy! He was wearing a life vest, which kept him floating in the water while Julie ran to get help.

His parents took him right to the hospital where a doctor checked it over, cleaned it up and bandaged up his foot. But along with that, he also had to have a tetanus shot. That’s what wounds from rusty nails require.

Once they were home, Andy sat thinking about how much his foot hurt. And then he realized it was all his own fault, and maybe the Lord Jesus was teaching him a lesson about obeying his parents the first time they say “no.”

For all you boys and girls reading this story, it’s a good lesson to think about. God has given your parents the wisdom to know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” And He has also given us the verse in the Bible that says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). That’s what you should always do. I’m sure Andy is going to be more careful to obey that verse from now on.

MEMORY VERSE: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

ML-09/13/2015

Dino's Bad Day

Dino is a fun-loving, big, bouncy dog that lives with a family who loves him. The children in the family take good care of him. He is well fed, his coat is carefully brushed, he is taken for walks, and when he gets sick, they take him to the vet. The family has trained Dino to obey some commands and to do some tricks. When he obeys a command he is told, he is a “good dog,” and when he does a trick, he is rewarded with a special “doggie treat.” So Dino has a good home and is in need of nothing. But he is still a dog and has a dog’s nature.

One afternoon the whole family went away, leaving Dino home alone. One of the children left a pack of gum on the kitchen counter, pushing it back so Dino wouldn’t see it.

When the family came home several hours later, Dino did not come bounding to meet them with his tail wagging furiously like he usually did. He just stood in the kitchen with his head down and his tail between his legs. Something was wrong. Was he sick, they wondered?

A few moments later one of the children noticed torn pieces of paper scattered on the living room floor. A quick check of the kitchen counter soon ended the mystery. The pack of gum was gone. Dino had found it and eaten it. The paper on the floor was pieces of gum wrapper. Dino knew what he had done was wrong. Because he had been trained not to put his paws up on the table or counter, there was good reason why his head was down and his tail was between his legs.

Poor Dino had to be punished for what he had done. Even though he is a pretty smart dog, he will soon forget the whole thing. In fact, he will probably do the same thing again, if he gets the chance. He doesn’t have the ability to understand, since he is a dog and has a dog’s nature. That’s the way God made dogs.

God has made people much different from animals. He has given us the ability to think and understand and remember. Even so, we still do things that are wrong. If you or I were to sneak that pack of gum, we would hide the gum wrapper so we wouldn’t get caught. Then in a few days we would try to forget the whole thing.

But that’s not the end of it for you or me. We know if our parents had discovered what we had done, we would have been punished. But even so, that wouldn’t have settled the matter with God. A Bible verse says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). So even though we thought we got away with sneaking that gum, we didn’t! God saw what we did, and He calls it sin. The Bible tells us that all sin must be punished by God. That punishment is being reserved until after we die, in an awful place called hell. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment [punishment]” (Hebrews 9:27).

Now here’s the good news. God loves each one of us, and He wants to forgive all our sins. But still, there’s punishment necessary for those sins. Because He loves you and me so very much, this is what He did. He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear that punishment for sin on the cross. “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). If you are truly sorry about your sins, you should confess to the Lord Jesus Christ that you are a sinner and want Him to forgive your sins. He promises He will forgive you and then you will not have to be punished for your sins, because He already was punished for them when He hung on the cross and shed His blood. Won’t you accept and enjoy God’s love for you and thank the Lord Jesus for forgiving your sins?

“God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).

ML-09/13/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Hardy Carp

“Jesus saith unto him ... Go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money.” Matthew 17:26-27

History tells about the interesting fish called the carp, living in the inland lakes and streams of China more than 2000 years ago. Since then, other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, have experimented with them in ponds, lakes and rivers.

Not only do people enjoy the sport of fishing for carp, but some people, mostly Europeans, also enjoy eating them fresh, smoked and canned. There is no way of knowing whether the fish mentioned in the above Bible verse was a carp, but it was probably similar.

Not everybody is happy with carp, partly because they multiply and spread rapidly in lakes and rivers. A female lays about 500 eggs at a time in clumps that stick to rocks or weeds near the bottom. Though carp are useful as food, they are also harmful because they destroy the eggs and breeding places of more valuable fish and deprive other fish of food and shelter. Carp destroy many water plants, making ponds and streams muddy that would otherwise be clear and attractive.

The carp, some as long as 36 inches and weighing as much as 30 to 80 pounds, can hardly be called a pretty fish. Most of them have large, coarse scales covering their bodies, with whiskers along the sides of the mouth and tough, bony fins. However, there are several varieties with just three or four rows of scales on the sides. One called the leather carp is nearly scaleless with only a few scales.

The carps’ method of eating is somewhat disgusting. With their whiskers and flexible lips, they feel along muddy areas for insects, fish eggs and other food. Now and then they suck up a mouthful of mud and then spit it out, apparently to see what they’ve caught. They finally swallow the food along with the mud, only slightly diluted. In spite of this, many people enjoy fishing for them, and they remain a profitable item in many fish markets of the world.

Though they are not popular, these fish serve a purpose in God’s creation. Just by observing their ways, we can see the Creator’s wisdom displayed, as the following Bible verses point out: “Speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath [made] this? In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:8-10).

Not only is the life of a carp in the Creator’s hands, but also so is yours! All His non-human creatures follow His commands, but His desire is that all humans would also follow His commands. Do you?

ML-09/13/2015

The Poor Wise Man

Once there was a little city, but not very many men lived in it. Perhaps there were many mothers there, and girls and boys and babies, but without many strong men for an army, the city was weak and in danger.

A great king came to that city and wanted to take it over, so he laid siege to it. That means that he set his soldiers all around the city and would not let anyone come in, not even to bring food or water to the people inside. There were not enough men who could fight against the king and his great army. It seemed that the poor people in the little city would die of either thirst or starvation.

And that was not bad enough. That king built a great fortress around the city. He set his soldiers to dig earth and stones and built great towers of attack against that little city, so that he would soon capture it and have the victory.

Now that seemed hopeless for the people in the little city. But there was a poor wise man living in the city. He certainly was not rich and famous. He had enough wisdom that he could have escaped, but that was not what he wanted to do. Instead, he used his wisdom to save that little city. I cannot tell you what he did, because the Bible doesn’t tell us, but I can surely tell you that his wisdom was wonderful! The great king with all his soldiers and his fortress was totally defeated! Perhaps he went back to his own country or perhaps he lay dead, but he was conquered.

Was there a parade and fame and rewards for the poor wise man who saved the city? No. The people did not remember him. Perhaps they could tell their children the story of the wonderful deed, but they did not remember even the name of that poor wise man who saved them.

Are you like that too? Perhaps you have heard the story of Calvary’s cross where Jesus was crucified, and perhaps you have seen churches and crosses and religious men in long robes. But do you remember the Lord Jesus who died on that cross for you?

Jesus was not always poor. He owned everything because He is God’s Son, and He made everything. And His home is the wonderful place called heaven. But because He loves you and me so much, He came down to earth and was poor. And when He died, He had nothing—nothing at all but a crown of thorns. Not even a grave to be buried in.

Great statues have been built for Him, but that was not His choice. In our story, no one remembered that poor wise man who saved the city, but God has made a lasting remembrance for him—He has written his story in the Bible, and you may read it in Ecclesiastes 9:14-15.

And God in His book has asked us to remember His Son Jesus who died for us, and He has told us how in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. God’s wisdom brings salvation to us through the death of His Son. Let’s remember our Lord Jesus. His way is perfect.

“God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).

MEMORY VERSE: “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17

ML-09/20/2015

A Trapped Skunk

One Saturday in early spring, Donny and Matthew were exploring in the woods near their home. They were looking for skunk cabbage plants...not for skunks.

Following the creek, they came across a skunk caught in a steel trap by its front foot. The two boys figured the trap had probably been set for muskrats, but it had caught a skunk instead. The skunk must have been searching for something to eat when it stumbled upon the trap.

Donny decided he’d try to free the skunk, but Matthew wasn’t too sure he wanted to get involved. As Donny slowly inched his way toward the skunk, Matthew stayed up on the bank, well out of the way...and held his breath.

“Watch out,” Matthew warned, barely talking out loud. “You’re going to be sorry, Donny.”

But Donny kept right on, talking gently to the skunk. He finally got close enough to reach forward and close his hand around the trap. Meanwhile, the skunk had pulled as far away from Donny as the chain would allow, never taking its little black eyes off him. The trap had caught the skunk’s front paw just above the wrist, but the bones didn’t seem to be broken.

Moving very slowly, Donny grasped both sides of the trap. The skunk stayed perfectly still, but its black eyes watched every move. Slowly Donny pressed down with both hands until the spring catch released.

Suddenly the skunk’s leg came free and it tumbled backward because it had been pulling away the whole time. It quickly got back on its feet, but just stood there holding up its injured leg. It looked at Donny for a few seconds and then finally turned and hobbled away. In talking it over later, Donny and Matthew both felt this was the skunk’s way of saying “thank-you.”

A skunk might be one of the last animals anyone would want to release from a trap. In fact, most people would leave it alone. But Donny was determined to free that trapped skunk. Some people might think that they are too bad for the Lord Jesus to save—that He’d rather not bother with them. But that is not the case at all. Everyone is a sinner, and it doesn’t make any difference if you are a big sinner or a little sinner. The Bible tells us, “There is no man that sinneth not” (1 Kings 8:46). The good news is that Jesus loves each one of us so much that He died on the cross, bearing the punishment for sin. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

No matter how bad a person you might be, Jesus loves you and will save you from sin’s deadly trap. Will you let Him save you?

ML-09/20/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Cuddly Koala

“All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord ... . Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:10,16

The koala, also called the Australian bear, is probably the world’s most loved wild animal. This is easy to understand, since it looks like a live teddy bear. It is also gentle and lovable and is sometimes raised as a household pet.

The koala is not a bear; it is actually a marsupial, since the mother has a pouch for carrying her young. This mammal weighs about ten pounds, is about two feet long and a foot high at the shoulder, and has almost no tail. Part of the reason people love this little animal is because of its inquisitive expression. Its little mouth always seems to be smiling as its round eyes look you over while wrinkling its shiny, black nose. Its thick, soft, woolly, gray fur covers even its small head and large tufted ears, and its soft arms will hug anyone holding it.

A baby koala weighs just a few ounces at birth and spends six months in its mother’s pouch. After that, it rides on her back for about a year, holding on with hand-like paws. During this time, the mother introduces the cub to a diet of eucalyptus leaves. It is interesting to see how the Creator has given them wisdom to know to eat from only about a dozen kinds of eucalyptus rather than the 600 varieties that are not suitable as food. While riding on its mother’s back, the cub learns which of these are safe, but the ability to tell the plants apart is actually given by the Creator who made both the trees and koalas.

A koala is rather lazy. Once it finds a good eucalyptus tree, it is content to stay in the tree until all the tender leaves and buds are eaten. It sleeps during the day in the top of the tree, often hanging with its back downward, like a sloth. Life in these tall trees again shows the special provisions of God for His creatures. Sharp claws and rough padded feet are just right for climbing and holding onto branches while it feeds.

In the hot, dry climate of Australia, what does the koala do for water? The Creator has given this animal a special stomach that not only enables it to get nourishment from the bitter eucalyptus leaves, but also to get all the water if needs from those leaves.

The koala does not know of God’s care over it, but we can know of His care over us. The Bible tells us, “The Lord searcheth all hearts ... . If thou seek Him He will be found of thee” (1 Chronicles 28:9). If you have accepted Him as your Saviour, then you can also say, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19).

ML-09/20/2015

The Frightening Morning of December 6, 1917

Kay McLeod was just five years old when a terrible explosion shook the entire city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she and her family were living. Two large ships collided in the harbor, one of which was loaded with wartime explosives. It quickly caught on fire, and then there was a massive explosion!

Although she is 103 years old now, Kay remembers it all very well. She has a clear memory of flying in the air at the moment of the blast and landing on the floor. She had a Bible and hymnbook in her hand, and she says that was what saved her life. However, those two books were never found in the rubble of their damaged home.

About 2,000 people were killed that morning by flying debris, fires and collapsed buildings, and about 9,000 others were injured. No one in Kay’s family was killed, but their home on Agricola Street was so badly damaged they couldn’t stay there. Kay remembers that after the explosion, her bed was made up of four chairs, until the family had a new place to live.

Although Kay feels the Bible and hymnbook saved her life that day, we know that only trusting and receiving the Lord Jesus as your very own Saviour can save your never-dying soul and give you an everlasting life with Him in His safe and happy home in heaven. John 6:47 promises, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.”

We hope Kay accepted the Lord Jesus as her very own Saviour as a young child, because owning a Bible and a hymnbook will not give anyone everlasting life. Even very young children can understand that disobeying their parents is sin, and it’s our sins that will keep us out of God’s perfect, sinless heaven.

Do you know that even if you are a young child, the Lord Jesus loves you very much and died on Calvary’s cross so you can have your sins paid for? You will need to tell Him that you are sorry for your sins and you want Him to wash them away. If you will do that, He promises your sins are gone forever, and that opens the door for you to live in heaven one day. “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9).

A little child of seven,

Or even three or four,

May enter into heaven

Through Christ the open Door.

For when the heart believeth

On Christ, the Son of God,

‘Tis then the soul receiveth

Salvation through His blood.

MEMORY VERSE: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9

ML-09/27/2015

The Surprise in the Toolbox

Claire looked at the big, sturdy toolbox and shook her head. “What am I ever going to do with this thing?” Then she turned to the young man who was painting her house and asked, “Dan, do you know anyone who could use this big, old toolbox?”

“Sure,” he said, “I’ll take it. I could really use something like that. Why don’t you want it anymore?”

“Well, I’ll tell you a story about this box,” Claire answered. “Originally my husband used it for his tools, but when he got something better suited for his work, we used it to store our cat food in the garage.

“One day the children came out and found a mouse in the toolbox. They were delighted and visited the mouse quite regularly, sometimes with special treats of cheese. The mouse returned their kindness by having a litter of babies in the corner of the box. The children loved it!

“But then one day when I went out to feed the cat and see how the mice were coming along, I didn’t see any mice—just an old air hose coiled up in the bottom of the box. That’s strange, I thought as I fed the cat and closed the box.

“Later, I went out to the garage to check on the mice again, wondering how I could have missed them. When I opened the box, that ‘air hose’ was wiggling all around! It was actually a snake and had, no doubt, eaten all the mice! You can be sure that I lost no time in getting out of that garage!”

The Bible tells us about another snake that sometimes looks different than what he really is: “That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which [deceives] the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). He doesn’t always look like something evil; he wants to deceive us by looking attractive. We read in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” That sounds pretty attractive, doesn’t it? But be on your guard! Don’t let that evil serpent deceive you into thinking he’s something he really isn’t. When you see that his attractions are really evil, follow Claire’s example and get out of there! The Bible gives us a good warning: “Go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and [go] away” (Proverbs 4:14-15).

Claire ended her story by saying, “I don’t want that box anymore. Who knows, the snake may be raising a family in there next! And right now I don’t know where that snake is. It’s probably somewhere in the garage, and that makes me not want to go in there.”

Later that afternoon Dan and his fellow painter saw the snake sunning itself in front of the garage and got rid of it for good. That made Claire happy. And doesn’t it make you happy to know that although that evil serpent, Satan, brought death into this world by his deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden, the Lord Jesus came into this world to conquer Satan and death. He won that victory when He died on Calvary’s cross. And now He offers you and me the gift of eternal life, the result of His victory at the cross.

Will you accept His loving gift? “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

ML-09/27/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Chinch Bug

“By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Colossians 1:16

The name chinch bug comes from the Spanish word chinche, which means “pest.” And that’s exactly what the chinch bug is—a pest!

This black and white bug is so small that when it hatches from its egg, it is almost impossible to see without the help of a microscope. Although tiny, the newly hatched insect immediately starts searching for food. Its little legs have enough strength for crawling and clinging to plants. It quickly finds its way to stalks of wheat, oats, hay or other grasses where it begins feeding and becomes destructive and costly to the farmer. Armed with a sharp, sucking beak, it attaches itself to a stalk, sucking out the sap until the stalk dies. Then it moves on to another one while growing bigger and hungrier.

In about a month it grows to full size, having molted (shedding its outer skin) frequently while growing. At the last molt, wings appear usually about the time corn is beginning to ripen in the fields. Then it flies to the good-tasting corn to continue its destructive work.

At the end of summer, it searches out a place to hibernate. Then in spring when temperatures return to around 70 degrees, it comes out to continue its hungry feeding again.

We may not find anything good to say about chinch bugs, but they form part of God’s creation, and He has marvelously adapted them to their way of life. Perhaps He allows their destructive work to remind us that sin has come into the world and marred the perfection of His creation. Romans 8:22 tells us this: “We know that the whole creation [groans] and [travails] in pain together until now.” This means that sin has brought unpleasantness and suffering to all creatures, including even chinch bugs, which often are the victims of such enemies as birds, frogs, spiders and many others that search them out and eat them.

The Bible also tells of a coming time when all creation will again be perfect without the effects of sin. Isn’t it encouraging to know it will be restored? But before that takes place, those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour will be called up into heaven. Then soon after, severe punishment is going to fall on this evil world with all its sin. God’s promise to those who believe in His Son is this: “The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Will you be included with those called into heaven? Or will you be with those left behind for punishment? Be sure you make the right decision!

ML-09/27/2015

Forgetting Something Very Important

One Saturday afternoon Dad and I were doing chores, and we noticed there were pigeons in the barn. Sparrows are always in the barn, and they make a big enough mess, but pigeons are far messier. So Dad decided to make them feel unwelcome. Using the hose, he sprayed water on the pigeons that were in the barn. That did the job, and they flew out in a hurry. So that was good. But then ... we forgot something very important.

We all have times when we forget things, but some things are just too important to forget! Here’s a question for you: Did you forget to read your Bible this morning before you went to school or to work? It’s important for even children to read perhaps just a few verses from God’s Word or to repeat a memory verse to start the day. And for teenagers and grown-ups, it’s very important to spend time each morning, not only reading God’s Word, but spending some time in prayer with our Saviour before starting the day. That helps all of us do what we know is right and act as Christians should through our busy school days and work days.

After getting rid of the pigeons, the following days were hot, and I noticed the goats had chewed down all the grass in their pen. But I didn’t think anymore about it. On Wednesday evening, when I went to feed the goats their grain, something very strange happened. They would not come to eat the grain! I knew right away something was very wrong! Usually they run to get their grain and gobble it down.

I talked it over with Dad. We both looked at the goats and their babies but couldn’t figure out what the problem was. Finally, I decided to check to make sure the automatic water was turned on in their pen ... AND IT WASN’T! I had turned it off on Saturday so Dad could have more water pressure for spraying the pigeons, and I had forgotten to turn it back on! Our poor goats had NO WATER for four long, hot days! And some of them were mother goats that were nursing their babies!

I had forgotten something very important, and I felt awful about it. Immediately, I turned the water back on, and the goats were very eager to drink. So they could all drink at the same time, we took the goats out of their pen and over to the full, 100-gallon water tank we used for the cows. Instantly, the goats stuck their noses into the water and drank ... and drank ... and drank. They drank the water level down several inches in the tank. No wonder they wouldn’t eat their grain—they were starving for water! Then I knew why they had eaten that grass down to the ground—to get the moisture out of it!

So the story of the thirsty goats has a happy ending. They soon were well hydrated and went back to their own pen where they could begin eating their grain and drink the water from their smaller tank. We were thankful that goats are pretty tough little animals. And I now make sure they always have water.

Are you thirsty to have the matter of your sins settled? Perhaps some of you reading this story have never read a Bible and have never learned about the Saviour of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves you very much and willingly went to Calvary’s cross where He suffered and bled and died. On that cross, He bore the punishment for the sins of every person who would come to Him to be cleansed from his or her sins. Jesus said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). That everlasting life in heaven is offered to you right now. Will you accept the Lord Jesus as your very own Saviour while you are reading this? You don’t want to forget something as important as having your sins washed away forever and having the promise of a future, happy home in heaven.

“Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 7:37).

MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37

ML-10/04/2015

Forgiven

Rosa was a young girl about eight years old when she first heard that the Lord Jesus loved her and wanted to be her Saviour. For many nights she had prayed and cried and wondered how she could be saved from her sins. Then one day she told God that she was sorry about her sins and asked Him to make her heart clean with the blood of His Son, Jesus. Rosa was so happy! She told her parents, brother, aunts and cousins about her Saviour, and some of them came to know and love Him too.

But several years later Rosa got to worrying. As we sat talking one day she said, “Sometimes I ask God again to forgive me. I ask and ask and ask, but I don’t feel forgiven. Isn’t there something more I can do?”

I told Rosa, “No there isn’t. Jesus paid the whole price for your sins when He died on the cross. He rose up from the grave and is now in heaven, and there is nothing for you to do. Just trust Him. How you feel has nothing to do with your forgiveness. You will always be forgiven no matter how you feel.”

I had Rosa take a red pencil and underline some words in her Bible. The verse was John 5:24: “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Notice that it doesn’t say “might have eternal life,” or “probably will not come into condemnation,” or “might pass from death into life”! The words she underlined all mean for sure!

I think these words helped Rosa, and I hope they will help you too, if you are wondering if you are really forgiven. Why not look in your Bible for more “for sure” words. Look in John 3:16, Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9 for starters.

ML-10/04/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Lovely Monarch Butterfly - Part 1

“The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in.” Psalm 121:8

In early fall as days turn cooler, large numbers of beautiful black and orange monarch butterflies begin to gather in flocks. Many of these are in the far eastern provinces of Canada, and others are in Alaska and western Canada. Then, as if by some mysterious signal, each flock takes off in a great cloud that becomes several miles wide and many miles long. They have started a southern migration. Those on the Atlantic Coast are headed for the Gulf Coast areas of Florida and Mexico; most on the Pacific Coast are headed for Pacific Grove, California. Each group has about 2000 miles to cover. Monarchs are the only butterflies known to migrate.

An amazing highlight of these flights is that these butterflies have never made this trip before—there are no parents along to guide them, because they have all died during the summer. How then do these young butterflies know the right time to leave? How do they know where to go? How do these fragile insects have the strength to travel so far, sometimes over mountains and across ocean waters? How can they stay on course in strong winds? None of this could ever happen if it were not for a Divine Power guiding and directing them. Their Creator provided them with the ability to make these migrations when He designed them as part of His wonderful creation. He provides every need for them to reach their destinations.

After their arrival, the monarchs spend quiet lives in the warm southern climate, living entirely on nectar from flowers. But as wintertime passes, the urge to return north is evident. Usually during June they migrate northward in great flocks, returning to the areas they left the preceding fall.

It is God who prepares these amazing creatures for their long journeys, and He wants to see you prepared in the right way for your life’s journey. The final destination for each of us is not to remain here on earth, but we will enter either heaven or hell when we finish life here on earth. He who “is not willing that any should perish” offers you salvation through faith in Christ and His work on the cross—the requirement for entrance into heaven.

When Christ comes back for those who have accepted Him as Saviour, He wants you to be among those who will leave this world “to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). How sad for those who refuse His offer of salvation to hear those awful words: “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire” (Matthew 25:41). We urge you to accept His loving offer now, so that you will enter in and be part of those events “which God [has] prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

(to be continued)

ML-10/04/2015

Figo, the Seeing Eye Dog

When Figo was a puppy, he was selected by his master to receive training as a seeing eye dog. These service dogs need to be calm and teachable, and Figo had both qualities. He is a golden retriever, which is one of the breeds that is commonly selected to learn this important job.

When Figo finished seeing-eye-dog training, he was sent to an elderly lady in Brewster, Connecticut, by the name of Audrey Stone. Audrey was blind and depended on Figo to help her get around the house and neighborhood. Holding onto Figo’s harness, Audrey was unafraid to walk down the sidewalk and into town where she could purchase groceries and visit friends. It didn’t take long for Figo and Audrey to learn that they could depend on each other. Over the years, the bond of their friendship grew very strong.

One afternoon, the pair was walking down a tree-lined sidewalk through town. Figo stopped at an intersection and waited until it was safe to cross the street, just as he was trained. Figo and Audrey were halfway across the street when a minibus unexpectedly turned in their direction. The driver, for some reason, was not paying attention to the street in front of him. He never saw the blind lady and her seeing eye dog in the crosswalk!

But Figo saw the minibus! The dog only had a second to act. He didn’t hesitate but quickly swung around and leaped in front of the minibus, throwing his body against it, to shield Audrey from harm. A piece of steel from the minibus cut a deep gash into the bone of the dog’s leg, and a wheel tore off a patch of his fur. The impact tossed the dog to the side of the street where he barely missed being run over by the minibus tires. The driver heard the crash of Figo’s body against the bus and slammed on his brakes! But he was too late, and the minibus rammed into Audrey, knocking her down hard onto the pavement.

The impact broke Audrey’s ankle and some ribs and injured her neck. Although she was in terrible pain, her only thought was for her dog. People who saw the accident heard her cry out as she lay crumpled up on the ground, “Figo ... Figo ... where is Figo?”

In the confusion, she could only guess how badly hurt her beloved dog was. Figo, for his part, had only one thing on his mind, and that was finding his way back to Audrey. His injured leg made it impossible to walk or crawl. A nearby gas station owner, who saw the dog’s struggle, later said that Figo was trying to “flop” back to Audrey by rising on three legs and falling back to the ground, each time getting a little bit closer.

This touching story, so full of faithfulness, love and loyalty, reminds me of another far greater story. It is the story of God’s love in sending His only beloved Son into this world. When we didn’t see any danger ahead of us, God saw it clearly. He knew that those who die in their sins would spend eternity apart from Him in a place called hell. He loved us way too much to let this happen and not do something about it. He knew there was only one answer, and He made those plans with His Son.

A bystander knew to call 911 for the needed help for Audrey. An ambulance rushed to the scene. The paramedics had to tell Audrey several times that her seeing eye dog was being cared for before she would agree to being lifted into the ambulance.

A kind fireman who had raced to the accident to help, wrapped up Figo’s leg in a splint and bandages and then lifted the large dog onto the front seat of his rescue truck. The fireman drove him to a veterinarian’s office to receive the medical care the dog desperately needed. Both Audrey and Figo will need several months to recover from their injuries before their lives hopefully return to normal.

To make it possible for us to be saved from our sins, God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die in the sinner’s place. When the Lord Jesus gave His life at Calvary, He made a way for those who would afterwards believe. They would be shielded from the punishment their sins deserve. On the cross, Jesus willingly took on Himself the punishment for all believing sinners, so that they might go free. Isaiah 53:5 reads: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Seeing how the Lord Jesus stepped between believing sinners and certain punishment for their sins, how can you not find it in your heart to accept Him as your Saviour too?

Audrey and Figo have a strong bond of love between them. Those who come to trust in the Lord Jesus will also come to love Him, the one who loved you and me so much that He voluntarily died for us. If you will become a believer in the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the cross, there is nothing that can ever separate you from His love. The love between the Lord Jesus and those who believe on Him is a bond that will last for eternity. It is the greatest love that boys and girls, and grown-ups too, can ever know.

Figo’s deep devotion and love for Audrey made him hurl himself into the path of danger to save his master. And the Lord Jesus’ deep love for sinners made Him willing to give His life on the cross to save sinners. Will you believe on Him so that you might be saved from your sins and come to know His deep love for you?

MEMORY VERSE: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

ML-10/11/2015

Have You Noticed?

Have you noticed that part of the memory verse is in darker type? We’ll explain why.

We are happy that many of you learn these verses every week. Memorizing God’s holy Word is very important. One very important reason is given to us in Psalm 119:11. It says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” If a verse has been memorized, the Lord Jesus can bring it into your mind just when you need it most—to help you do or say what is right. And learning the gospel verses will help you to tell others about God’s love and how to be saved from their sins.

Perhaps there are some very young children who are only able to learn part of the verse each week. Since our memory verse this week is longer, we have printed in darker type a part for beginners to learn.

We hope this will encourage everyone, even the very young, to memorize Scripture.

ML-10/11/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Lovely Monarch Butterfly - Part 2

“I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings....Thou art the God that [does] wonders.” Psalm 77:12,14

In early summer in the Maritime Provinces of Canada and across the continent in Alaska, great flocks of beautiful orange and black monarch butterflies arrive in these areas after a 2000-mile flight from warm, southern climates. These are the very same butterflies that migrated 2000 miles south the previous fall.

The milkweed plant used to grow in great numbers in these areas. However, in recent years the Monarch butterfly population has become greatly reduced because of the loss of milkweed plants in Canada and the U.S. Many groups are trying to solve this problem by planting milkweeds in their gardens and along their roadways. It is one of the few plants that the larvae of these butterflies can eat.

The busy females are flitting about, depositing eggs on the undersides of the milkweed leaves. Tiny caterpillars, about one-eighth inch long, hatch in less than a week. They first eat the egg shell, from which they have hatched, and then they eat nothing but milkweed leaves. After about two weeks, they have grown to their full size. These caterpillars are not pretty like their butterfly parents; their skin has yellow, black and white stripes.

After reaching full size, each caterpillar produces a tough silken thread from its mouth which it anchors under a leaf or twig and then suspends itself. Then its final layer of skin splits and peels off, and its exposed body hardens in the air, changing into a pupa. During the next twelve days, a great change takes place. Finally, what is inside works its way out.

Yes, the ugly caterpillar has changed into a beautiful butterfly with its wings pressed tightly against its sides. It climbs up on a leaf to rest an hour or more while its wings expand and harden. Suddenly, without the help of any lessons or trial flights, it spreads its wings and flies away, a fully grown butterfly. From now on, it feeds only on nectar.

When the weather turns cooler, each butterfly, along with hundreds of thousands more, will leave everything behind for the winter, migrating to southern climates, as outlined in the last article.

The Lord often has object lessons for us in what He has created. The unattractive caterpillar reminds us that our lives begin with no purpose except to be “fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Ephesians 2:3). We always try to satisfy these desires with what the world offers. But when God’s love reaches our hearts, we learn that by accepting Christ as our Saviour, we are changed into “a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The butterfly, changed from an ugly caterpillar, has a new appetite for sweet nectar. And the believer’s appetite should be for the Word of God, which is “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103).

ML-10/11/2015

Three Men in Prison

It was not fair that Joseph was in prison. It was all a lie, but he had no chance to answer. He wore iron chains too, and where he had to stay was not a cell, but a dungeon.

However, Joseph was a believer in the living God. His belief shone in his behavior so much that the keeper of the prison noticed it and promoted him to be over the other prisoners. His belief in the living God was the real thing.

The crime he was accused of was considered against the king, which made it even more serious. His fellow-prisoners were the king’s prisoners too. One had been the “chief butler,” which was a very high position. He brought the royal wine-cup to the king. Another had been the “chief baker,” which was a high position too, since eating was of top importance in the king’s life.

But Joseph, you remember, was a servant of the living God, and since he knew God was taking care of him, he could give his time and thought to taking care of others. One morning when he found the butler and the baker extra sad, he asked them why.

Both men had dreamed. The butler had dreamed that he was back in the king’s court. In his dream he squeezed three bunches of grapes into a cup and then gave the cup to the king. What could this dream mean?

“Interpretations belong to God,” said Joseph. Then he explained that in three days the butler would be restored to his former position of chief butler.

How did Joseph know what would happen? He didn’t seem to have any doubt about it, even though there was no court announcement and he had no other way of knowing. The answer is one word— “God.” Do you know that answer too? You can, because you can have God’s Word, the Bible, if you want it. You and I can be sure of what will happen to us after this life, if we simply believe what God says in the Bible.

The butler had three days of waiting time. And for me, I don’t know how long the waiting time may be, but I am sure that God’s Word is true, and the Saviour who died for me has given me everlasting life. The Lord Jesus promises, “He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). I am sure of another of His promises: “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

The baker was pleased to hear the butler’s news, and so he was ready to tell his dream too. He told Joseph that he dreamed that he carried three white baskets on his head, and the top one was full of all kinds of baked goods for the king. And then birds came and ate them out of the basket.

I can imagine how proud the baker was of his baking skills, and he must have waited eagerly for Joseph’s answer. But this dream was bad news for the baker. Joseph explained that in three days the king would hang him on a tree, and the birds would eat his flesh.

And it all came true, just as Joseph said. Why does God tell us such a sad story? You have heard many sad stories of warnings against fire and accidents and drugs, but this is God’s story, and it is far more serious for you than death and disaster. This is forever! Can you see what God is showing to you?

It was God who made the grapes for the butler, but it was the baker’s own hard work that prepared the goodies, and it was the baker who carried his gift on his head.

Are you listening to the lesson? Don’t prepare your own gift and expect God to accept you. Don’t carry your gift on your head, where your brains and your own ideas are. There is only one gift that God will accept to receive you into His home with joy forever. That gift is something that He Himself has prepared for you. Here is God’s answer: “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Read this story in Genesis 40 as God wrote it, and be sure that you have accepted God’s gift to you: “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

MEMORY VERSE: “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

ML-10/18/2015

One Lost Sheep

Have you ever seen just one stray sheep? Usually all the other sheep follow the leader, no matter where it is heading. I once saw something unusual at the sheep farm near our house.

Two shepherds were following a single sheep and herding it as it ran alongside the fence. They were trying to return it to the corral with the others. The sheep was looking this way and that, watching for a hole in the fence as a way to escape. It was a most unhappy looking animal, with fear and distrust in its face. No doubt it wanted to get through the fence and away from its rescuers. However, on the other side of that fence was a busy highway where it would certainly have been killed.

I don’t know how it had become separated from the other sheep. But the shepherds had found it and were not going to let it go until it was safe in the corral with the other sheep.

Are you like that wandering sheep? Are you heading in every direction to try to get away from the Good Shepherd who gave His life for you? Isaiah 53:6 tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” The Good Shepherd wants to save you, but like that one sheep I saw, you may want to go where only danger is waiting. I could see that those shepherds cared for that one lost sheep, and the Bible tells us how much the Good Shepherd cares for you and me. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Remember, Jesus the Son of God loves you so much that He died for you. He is the greatest Shepherd of all. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd [gives] His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

ML-10/18/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Spine - An Engineering Marvel

“God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over ... all the earth.” Genesis 1:26

“In Our image” and “after Our likeness” does not mean man looks like God, but he is the representative of God on earth. He has an everlasting soul and intellect and authority over all earthly creation. Man in this honored place is set apart from other creatures by his upright body—something no other earthly creature ever had or will have.

It is the spine (backbone) that gives man his upright body. It is an amazing column of vertebrae which provides a flexible, strong support for the body. If it were one solid bone, a person would be as rigid as a toy soldier. This is why God provided 36 separate vertebrae, reaching from the base of the skull to the hips. The spine is also formed in curves to act as a shock absorber and to provide maximum strength. Cervical vertebrae support the head, thoracic (chest) vertebrae have the 12 pairs of ribs attached to them, and lumbar vertebrae near the base of the spine carry most of the load.

The vertebrae are held together by discs (or pads) which look something like washers on a garden hose. The top and bottom surfaces of these are cemented to the bones above and below them. Their centers are filled with jelly-like material, allowing the spine to move this way or that and yet retain proper form. The edges of the disc are made of tough layers of strong, elastic gristle to keep the “jelly” from leaking out.

The whole column of the spine is hollow, to allow space for the one-half-inch thick spinal cord. This cord connects 31 pairs of nerves from the brain to various parts of the body, carrying nerve impulses (messages) back and forth. Many things that go on in our bodies between our necks and the soles of our feet are controlled by the brain through the nerves coming down the spinal column. The skull (at the top of the spine) has an opening for the spinal cord and is placed so that it does not interfere with man’s erect posture. This is different in an ape, whose cord passes through an opening that forces its head forward and overbalances it. Because of this, an ape cannot stand erect (except very briefly) and must go on all fours or use its arms for support. This is another evidence that man and the ape are not related.

The Bible tells us, “Now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him” (1 Corinthians 12:18). The design and actions of every part of the body are marvelous to study. How wisely the Creator arranged all parts to have their individual functions, yet to be dependent on one another. The backbone is just one example of this design.

No wonder David could exclaim, “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works” (Psalm 139:14). Then he added, “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17). Have you ever thanked Him for His thoughts toward you?

ML-10/18/2015

Flashing Blue Lights

There are consequences (results) to everything we do, and sometimes it’s really hard to do the right thing. Christians should ask the Lord Jesus to help them each day in what they do, because doing the right thing is not always easy. Mildred found this out the hard way.

Mildred was a young lady driving her car on the HOT, narrow, city streets of a big city. And wouldn’t you know? She got stuck behind a slow-moving garbage truck. The smell of the garbage in the back of the truck was really bad, and she was afraid it was going to make her sick. The longer she was stuck behind this slow, smelly truck, the worse she felt. Since her car didn’t have air conditioning, she couldn’t just close her car windows, because it was just too hot. At the same time, it was nearly impossible for her to pass the truck on the narrow street because of traffic coming from the opposite direction. Poor Mildred had a very “smelly” problem!

Finally, she could stand it no longer. She saw a break in the oncoming traffic, so she stomped on the gas pedal and scooted around the truck and took off into FRESH AIR AT LAST!

Just a minute or so later ... OH, NO! There was a car with flashing blue lights coming up behind her! The policeman had clocked her speeding, pulled her over and gave her a speeding ticket. Now she really felt awful! It was going to be hard for her to pay for a speeding ticket—they cost a lot of money.

A day or so later she went to the city court house to pay her fine. When she came up to the counter, she was so embarrassed because there behind the counter stood one of the boys from high school that graduated with her. He couldn’t believe that this “good-living lady” would be standing in front of him with a speeding ticket, and he laughed and laughed. But poor Mildred still had to pay that ticket. It would have been nice if he had been a real gentleman and paid it for her, but he didn’t. It was her debt, and she had to pay it.

Do you have a debt of sin that hasn’t been paid? If so, God will have to turn you away at the door of heaven, because no sin can ever enter heaven. However, He made a plan so that you don’t have to pay your debt of sin. But first, do you believe what God says in this Bible verse: “There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22-23)? God sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus, to pay the debt of sin on Calvary’s cross for any sinner—man or woman, boy or girl—who will truly believe that the punishment Jesus took on Calvary’s cross was for his or her sins. Another verse explains how this is possible: “The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). And because He loves you so very much, He is willing to pay your debt of sin, so that you can be included with those who will be in heaven. Your name will also be written down in His book of life, and that is so very important!

Mildred couldn’t get help paying her speeding ticket debt, but you may have your debt of sin erased forever. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). If you refuse His loving offer, you will have to pay your own debt of sin forever in the most miserable conditions possible: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). That should make your choice very easy.

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:22-23

ML-10/25/2015

Wonders of God's Creation: Beauty in the Depths of the Sea

“O Lord, Thou art My God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things.” Isaiah 25:1

The chambered (or pearly) nautilus is considered to be the most beautiful and amazing shellfish in ocean waters. Only five species are living today. They live along the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands, several South Sea Islands, South America and India, usually at the edge of coral reefs where waters are warm.

The coiled shells of these sea animals occasionally wash ashore. One that is not severely damaged is a real prize for a collector. Live nautiluses are now trapped and placed in aquariums in the United States and a few other places so people can see their beauty. Measuring from eight to ten inches in diameter, their coiled shells are exceptionally pretty, with alternate red and white stripes over the top and solid pearly white underneath.

Scientists are becoming alarmed because there are fewer and fewer in the areas where they once thrived. They think this is the result of overfishing, because their shells are considered valuable.

The creature and its shell begin life hatching from an inch-wide egg about as long as a man’s finger. As it grows, its shell develops in the form of a spiral. It adds a new chamber to its shell each time it outgrows the old one, and each chamber becomes slightly larger. For the first half-dozen years, these come rather rapidly, but by ten years of age, just one chamber is added per year. When reaching its life-span of about 20 years, its shell will have as many as three dozen chambers surrounding the original center piece, and its body will be about the size of a man’s fist.

The chambers are used as a mixing area for water and air, permitting the nautilus to move up and down, to ocean depths of 1500 feet. As the chambers increase the shell’s size, the unusual creature within moves forward, while a new perfectly curved wall forms behind it. When one of these shells is carefully cut in half, the beautiful curved mother-of-pearl walls can be seen.

The nautilus has long finger-like tentacles on the front of its body that catch small fish, crabs and lobsters, which form its food supply. A jet-propulsion system moves it either forward or backward as it catches food.

These beautiful and interesting creatures are another example of the wonders of God’s creation, as the Bible verse expresses it: “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven ... the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all” (Nehemiah 9:6).

How important not only to know the Lord Jesus as your Creator, but to know Him as your Saviour. Is He your Saviour?

ML-10/25/2015

Thomas Punishes His Teacher

Have you boys and girls had a substitute teacher this school year? A substitute teacher is a teacher who comes in and takes the place of your regular teacher. This story will help you to understand what the word “substitute” means.

Before my mother was married, she was a substitute school teacher. She taught in several country schools that had first grade through eighth grade all in one room. She often told us stories about her experiences as a substitute teacher.

The story I remember the most was about Thomas, a rather disobedient boy who was always shooting spitballs. In those days, Mother gave spitball shooters a swat with her ruler, but even the sharp sting of a ruler did not stop Thomas for very long.

One day Mother caught him shooting spitballs again. This time she told Thomas that he would have to swat her with the ruler, and she handed him the ruler. He didn’t want to do it, and he was so upset that he even cried, but Mother explained that a rule had been broken. She reminded him that the penalty for breaking the spitball rule was a swat with the ruler. She told him that she was going to be his substitute and take the swat in his place. After a long wait, Thomas finally hit her very lightly with the ruler.

Guess what? He never shot spitballs in school again.

Mother was teaching her students a lesson on substitution at the same time she was teaching them that a broken rule must have punishment. Thomas had sinned against my mother by breaking one of her rules, and yet she took his punishment for him. You and I have sinned against God, and the penalty for our sin is death. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” However, the Lord Jesus, who is sinless, paid the penalty for sin by taking the punishment when He suffered and died on the cross. While the Lord Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin, you and I are not automatically saved from our sins. A person can only be saved by believing that the Lord Jesus died for that person’s very own sins and, through faith, trusting the Lord Jesus to save him from a lost eternity and to take him to heaven. In Acts 16:31 we read, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” When a person trusts the Lord Jesus as his Substitute, he can know for sure that he is saved because God tells him so in His written Word, the Bible: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

I hope those of you who have trusted the Lord Jesus as your very own Saviour are thanking Him often for loving you and for being your Substitute by taking the punishment for your sins. I’m thankful that the Lord Jesus took my place, and I’m grateful that He is my Saviour. If you still aren’t saved, won’t you trust Him to be your Substitute too?

MEMORY VERSE: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

ML-11/01/2015

Faith

A missionary was in Africa for many years, telling the natives the wonderful story of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ for sinners. One day he was trying to explain to a group of them the meaning of faith. He said, “Do you see that pool of water over there? Have you ever seen that water get as hard as rock?”

“Oh, no!” they answered in surprise, since they had never seen ice.

“Believe me,” the missionary continued, “in the country where I come from the water gets so hard that you can stand on top of it!”

The natives did not understand this. One boy was heard whispering to another that the missionary was telling lies.

The missionary went on to explain that even though they had never seen ice and did not understand how it could occur, the fact was still true. To believe it, they needed faith. First, they needed faith in the missionary himself that he would tell them only the truth. Second, they needed faith to believe that water could turn to ice, even though they had never seen it happen.

It is the same way with God; He tells only the truth. He has spoken to us in His Word, the Bible. Have you read it and believed it? He has told you that you are a sinner and that there is nothing that you can do to save yourself from your sins. He has also told you that He loves you. And to show His love, He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die in your place. If you will accept Him as your Saviour, you will be saved from the punishment your sins require. Faith is believing God, because He says it.

Some months later the missionary returned to his northern homeland for a short visit. He brought back with him the African boy who thought he was lying when he told them about ice. It was winter where the missionary lived, so the two of them went for a walk to a pond that was being used as a hockey rink by some boys.

Remembering what he had said in Africa, the missionary asked the boy if he would like to walk on the “hard water.”

The boy was afraid to at first, but the missionary took his hand, and together they went out on the frozen pond. Then, jumping hard on the ice, the missionary asked him, “Now do you believe what I said about water getting hard as a rock?”

“Yes,” he answered, “I believe it now.”

That native boy did not have faith. He would not believe the missionary until he saw the ice. If he had believed what the missionary had told him in Africa, that would have been faith...even though it sounded impossible to him. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Do you have faith in God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who can save you from your sins?

ML-11/01/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Army Ants on the Move

“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3

The large, fierce army ants live in the tropical countries of the world. They have no permanent home and are always on the move, except when they rest to raise their young. As they travel, worker ants lead the way with larger soldiers at the sides. The main colony follows, carrying larvae in their mouths. Finally, the queen comes last, surrounded by large numbers of workers. As this colony moves, it may cover an area 50 or 60 feet wide and a quarter mile long.

Every small living creature they come across is killed, mainly insects. They either eat what they kill or break it into small pieces and take it back for the queen and her workers.

Interestingly, these ants are blind and are guided only by feelers and a sense of smell. As they move, they leave an identifying scent. The messengers and scouts follow this scent back to the main group when they have found food. Large numbers then return with the scouts to where the food was found.

Usually the only time the colony stops is to let the queen lay more eggs. Rather than building a nest for the eggs, they cling together in bunches on logs or in hollow trees. After she has finished laying thousands of eggs, the colony moves on in columns, taking the eggs with them.

When the colony makes an overnight rest stop, the columns break up, and they climb up bushes and vines to form living balls. They stay there until daylight, then come back down and continue their move.

The ways of these vicious ants seem cruel and harsh. And yet they serve a purpose by holding in check many creatures that would otherwise overrun the jungle. They are part of God’s ways to keep His creation in balance.

In observing the army ants, we can see that their survival over the centuries has been the result of complete obedience to the ways of God in His creation. To the children of Israel, the promise was given: “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” But, sadly, “they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:23-24).

How happy you and I would be if each of us had a desire to please the Lord and obey God’s Word. But we cannot be obedient and happy unless we have a new life—a new nature—given to everyone who accepts the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Do you have this new life? and are you obeying Him?

ML-11/01/2015

Hilda the Three-Ton Hippo

Hilda the hippo lived in a zoo in London, England. Hippos are huge animals, one of the largest in the wild, including Hilda. She weighed 6,000 pounds! You sure wouldn’t want her to step on your toes!

Hippos are a semi-aquatic animal, which means they spend part of their lives in water and the other part on land. In the daytime they escape from the heat by floating in rivers or lakes. In the evenings and nights, they wander inland where they graze on grasses. They eat a whopping 150 pounds of food a day, which is one reason why they grow so big!

Hilda was content in the zoo where she had a nice pond in which to swim. The zookeepers made sure she had plenty of food and was well-cared for. One day the zookeepers decided that Hilda needed to spend time with other hippos and perhaps start a family. So they loaded her onto a large trailer that was hooked up to a truck to transport her to a Nature Preserve where other hippos lived.

They were driving down a four-lane highway when Hilda suddenly decided to turn around in the narrow trailer. She had to rear up on her hind legs to turn around. When she did this, her 6000-pound body hit the side of the trailer. This sudden movement caused the trailer to swing abruptly from side to side. The driver tried to correct the truck by turning the steering wheel the opposite direction of the zigzagging trailer, but the trailer went out of control and jackknifed on the highway. Unfortunately, when they finally skidded to a stop, the back door of the trailer swung open and out hurried Hilda, eager to be away from the wreckage.

Down the highway Hilda walked, and drivers had to swerve to avoid hitting her. She was bigger than many cars. Hilda knew what she was looking for. She wandered to a grassy area next to the road and began chomping on the tall grass.

Hippos can be quite dangerous. In Africa, they cause more human deaths than any other type of animal. However, poor Hilda was just happy to find some grass and to be left alone. A police officer, who had arrived, called her “docile,” meaning she wasn’t causing trouble for anyone.

For two hours Hilda enjoyed her freedom at the side of the road. Many people passing by had to look twice when they saw the giant animal contentedly munching away at the grass along the road’s edge.

About this time, the authorities from the zoo were ready to carry out a plan to recapture Hilda. Another larger truck arrived, as well as a tractor that had a forklift on one end. Also, one of the zookeepers brought a rifle loaded with a tranquilizer dart.

The zookeeper aimed the rifle and pulled the trigger. The dart went flying through the air, and “ZAP!” it hit the thick skin of the hippo. The needle went into the animal, delivering a large dose of the tranquilizer. A few minutes later the powerful drug did its work, and Hilda’s large legs began to buckle; then she collapsed on her side. The drug had completely knocked her out.

Quickly, the workers drove the truck and the tractor up to Hilda. They knew they had only a short time to work before the drug wore off. With great difficulty, they were able to get the forklift under the hippo. But then suddenly something very sad happened. The stress of the tranquilizer and being roughly handled as she was moved was too much for the giant animal. Her heart stopped, and she died. Her death took them by surprise, because they thought their plan would work. They truly had wanted to help Hilda and not harm her in the process.

The best laid plans made by men can go astray, but not God’s plans. Do you know that God has a plan to rescue you? His plan was made before He created the world. He made this plan because He knew that you would need to be rescued from your sins and all their consequences.

Because He is God, He knew this plan would work beyond any shadow of doubt and would never, never fail. So He sent His Son into this world. The Lord Jesus loves you and me so much that He went all the way to Calvary’s cross where He gave His life as a ransom for sinners. After He died, He was buried and then rose again. He showed Himself alive for 40 days before being taken up to heaven as His disciples watched. Because He lived, died and rose again, those who believe on Him need never be afraid of death. Because He lives, they shall also live in heaven with Him.

The good news now is that anyone who believes on the name of the Lord Jesus shall receive the gift of eternal life. “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15).

Things didn’t work out the way those workers planned with Hilda. However, God’s plan of salvation will never fail for those who believe! Will you believe on the Lord Jesus who loves you so much and be saved from the punishment for your sins?

MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15

ML-11/08/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Wise Old Stork

“The stork in the heaven [knows] her appointed times ... but My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” Jeremiah 8:7

The European white stork has black wing tips, a red bill and long, reddish-pink legs and feet. Storks have no real vocal cords, so they “talk” by clapping their bills together. Although this stork migrates every fall, a pair will return year after year to the same nest. The nests are huge, built mostly on chimney tops or roofs. Each year something is added to each nest, until they become as tall as a man and several feet wide. A pair of storks will stay together for life and are devoted to their young, feeding them great quantities of frogs, grasshoppers, mice, eels and reptiles.

Storks get along very well with humans and are protected wherever they live. Sometimes when they meet you on a street, you would think they were almost human as they stroll along, for they nod their heads like wise old men or tuck their beaks in their chests like absent-minded professors.

During migration, these large birds rely heavily on energy-efficient soaring flight. Before winter overtakes the storks, large migrations begin, following two southern routes. Those nesting in eastern Europe fly through Turkey, Palestine, over the Sea of Galilee, over Mt. Sinai, into East Africa and then down to South Africa. That is how they are known to the people of Bible lands, because some stop off in those lands to stay until spring. Those nesting in Western Europe make their flight to the same destination, but by a different route. These fly over the Rock of Gibraltar and across the Sahara Desert and the Congo forests of Africa. They meet the eastern European storks somewhere along the Nile River and fly together to southern Africa.

These storks have an amazing characteristic: When it’s time to begin these migratory flights, the young storks begin the 7000-mile journey without waiting for their parents. Although they have never flown these routes before, they have no difficulty reaching their destinations. Can anyone deny that they receive this remarkable ability from their Creator? If they were not guided by Him, certainly they would wander off course and die, but He watches over them with utmost care.

As our opening Bible verse states, “The stork in the heaven [knows] her appointed times” and will not change it. The rest of the verse is sad when the Lord says, “But My people know not the judgment of the Lord.” The people were not as wise as the birds and failed to follow the counsel of God.

How important for us all to “hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people ... but let them not turn again to folly [sin]” (Psalm 85:8). Do you know the peace of hearing His voice and applying it to your own heart?

ML-11/08/2015

The Man Who Forgot

Do you remember the story several weeks ago of the butler who was released from Pharaoh’s prison after his dream about the grapes?

Joseph had been very kind to him in prison, and the butler had good reason to remember this kindness all his life. Joseph was a believer in the living God, and he had told the butler the meaning of his dream—a message from God which came true in the butler’s life. This was far more important than an ordinary kindness. A message from God is worth listening to and more important than any kindness that others may show you.

When the butler left the prison, Joseph said, “Show kindness ... unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh.” He explained to the butler that he had been stolen away from the land of the Hebrews and that he had done no wrong in the captain’s house to cause them to put him in prison.

If you have read the whole story in the Book of Genesis, you will know that Joseph’s mean brothers were to blame, because they had stolen him away and then sold him as a slave. And then the captain’s wife was to blame for having him thrown in prison. But Joseph does not blame anybody. If we are true believers, let’s take this lesson to heart. Our God makes Himself responsible for us, and we should not hold bitterness against those who do us wrong.

The butler was released from prison on Pharaoh’s birthday to go back to his old position of honor, carrying the wine-cup to Pharaoh. But in all the excitement of Pharaoh’s court, the butler forgot about Joseph in prison. Two years of freedom and easy living passed for the butler, but it added two more years of unjust prison life for Joseph. Even though the butler had forgotten Joseph, God had not forgotten him. God never forgets those who belong to Him.

Trouble came into Pharaoh’s life. He had dreams at night which troubled him all day, and no one could tell him what the dreams meant, not even the magicians who knew all the tricks. And when Pharaoh had a problem, everyone had a problem, even the butler.

Finally the butler remembered Joseph, and he told the king about the prisoner whose explanation of his dream had come true. Joseph was sent for at once. With a shave and clean clothes, he was soon standing before Pharaoh. And when Pharaoh explained his problem, Joseph said, “[The answer] is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

What a wonderful answer! He took no credit to himself, but only to God “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Joseph explained the dreams: The land was going to have seven years of good crops, followed by seven years of terrible hunger. This was going to be a far bigger problem than Pharaoh alone could handle. And so young Joseph was immediately appointed prime minister. His job was to make a plan and carry it through.

Is the living God worth trusting? Is He able to move kings and nations to carry out His plans? This story has many more details that you may read for yourself in Genesis 41, and each word will teach you that God is God, and His hands control all men and nations. This is not hard for Him to do, since He has all power and all wisdom.

But there is one problem that required the hardest thing that God Himself ever chose to do. He could create the whole world with the word of His mouth, but He had to give up His only beloved Son to save one sinner from his sins. He did this for you, because He loves you! Have you thanked Him? Today is the day to thank Him, and then live for Him every day. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

MEMORY VERSE: “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

ML-11/15/2015

David Brainerd and the Indians

David Brainerd was a missionary to the North American Indians many years ago. When he left home to tell the Indians of God’s love, his friends thought they would never see him again.

David traveled by foot deep into the wilderness with his Bible. One day he knew he was nearing the large village he had been walking several days to reach. After a night’s sleep, he was breaking camp to start on the trail again. He knelt down by his tent and asked the Lord for special help that day. He knew he would be in contact with Indians from the village that very day. He asked for special help to reach them with the Word of God.

As David knelt praying, he thought that only God was watching. Actually, a scouting party of Indians from the village was watching him. As they watched, they saw a large rattlesnake crawl from under the log where David was kneeling. When it reached David’s feet, it reared back as if to strike him on the leg. Suddenly, instead of striking, it turned and slithered off.

The watching Indians were amazed. For sure, some unseen hand had kept the snake from injuring the white man! They went back to their village and told the chief what they had seen. The council decided that the white man was under the protection of the “Great Spirit,” and they would not harm him.

When David reached the village, he was surprised when the whole village came out to greet him. They listened to his preaching as he told them about the Lord Jesus Christ who loved them. Many of them accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

The same God that saved David Brainerd from the snake has saved many Indians and many other people from their sins. He loves you and wants to save you from your sins too. The way to have your sins forgiven is still the same way that David explained to the Indians. First, it is by believing that you are a sinner and need a Saviour, and second, that the Lord Jesus was punished in your place and died on the cross for your sins. That is all that is necessary. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Have you believed?

ML-11/15/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Long-Lived Orangutan

“All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.” 1 Corinthians 15:39

The rain forests of Sumatra and Borneo are the primary homelands of orangutans, part of the ape family. When fully grown, they may weigh as much as 200 pounds and stand over 4 feet tall. Some are known to live as long as 50 years. They are silent and peaceful animals, but powerful and fierce fighters if attacked. In captivity, young orangutans are easily tamed and taught tricks for performances in zoos and animal shows.

These apes have large, hairy heads but very small ears and bare faces and hands. The rest of their bodies are covered with reddish-brown hair, and they have long arms that reach to their ankles even when they are standing. They use their long arms to swing from tree branch to tree branch, often for great distances. They rarely come down to the ground and are awkward when walking, often swinging along on their arms with their knuckles on the ground. They are much more at home in trees where they spend most of their time—the style of life for which the Creator designed them.

Unlike some other apes, orangutans are not very friendly, preferring to be left alone. However, family members are affectionate to one another and particularly to the one baby that is usually born each year. Entirely helpless when born, a baby is fondly cradled in its mother’s arms and, for the first two years of its life, clings to her back when traveling.

While keeping to themselves, they nonetheless maintain groups, spending most of the day gathering fruits and leaves to satisfy their big appetites. Every evening new nests are made by bending branches together and adding leaves for linings. The bent limbs are grasped with fingers and toes, which hold on tightly even while sleeping. Some of these nests are as high as 40 feet above the ground and 4 feet across! The ability to build nests in this way is the result of God-given instincts. Additional nests for afternoon naps are often made, and they even pull big leaves over themselves if it is raining. Instinct has also taught them to hold leafy branches over their heads, like umbrellas, when in a rainstorm while away from their nests.

Even though orangutans look somewhat like humans and perform clever things, there are many differences. They are strictly of the ape family, and all people are of the human family, just as God created them—separate and apart from each other. Our opening Bible verse explains this. The Lord Jesus did not die for apes, but He did in great love die for the sins of all people who put their trust in Him as their Saviour. Is He your Saviour?

ML-11/15/2015

Star Got Lost

Dear Boys and Girls,

Today I’m going to tell you about Star, a beautiful Siberian husky dog. She has a good home and a loving owner, but somehow she got lost. Here’s the story:

It was 8:30 at night, and Crystal, her owner, needed to go to the store before it closed at 9:00. Star was outside at the time. Being in a hurry, Crystal forgot to put Star in the house. When she returned from the store, Star was gone! Crystal searched everywhere, made phone calls, but no one had seen Star.

Maybe you children have heard of the one lost sheep that we read about in the Bible in Luke 15:4-7. The shepherd had 100 sheep, and 99 of them were safe at home, but one was missing. So the shepherd went looking for that lost sheep, and he looked and looked until he found it. Then he carefully picked it up and placed it on his shoulders and carried it safely home. He called his friends and neighbors and told them, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost” (vs. 7). And that’s what Jesus wants to do for you.

Now Star wasn’t lost like that sheep; she was actually trapped and couldn’t get home. Somehow, she had wandered down to the canal where big boats pass through in the summer. But since it was cold weather, the water in the canal was frozen over. This canal also has eight-foot-high cement walls, which were way too high for Star to jump up to the top. So Star just wandered around, looking for a way to get out.

About 7:30 that next morning, someone saw Star down on the ice in the canal and saw that the dog running back and forth and barking needed help. That person called the fire department to see if they could help the trapped dog. They quickly sent their rescue unit.

Firefighters put ladders down on both sides of the canal, and one firefighter, tethered by a rope, dropped down onto the ice and tried to lure Star with treats. But being a stranger, Star was afraid of him and ran along the canal walls, again searching for a way to escape.

Each one of us has been lost in our sins with no way to help ourselves, just like Star couldn’t help herself. God our Father saw that we were hopelessly lost in our sins. Because He loves us so much, He sent His Son Jesus to save us: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). By believing that Jesus paid for your sins on the cross, you can be rescued from your sins. This is God’s good news that we want you to know and believe.

Reports of Star’s problem were announced by radio, TV and the Internet. Someone who recognized Star in the news broadcast called Crystal. She immediately drove to the canal. She only called Star’s name once, and the dog’s response was instant! She recognized Crystal immediately. Using a rope ladder, Crystal climbed down, and quickly Star and Crystal were happily reunited! Crystal climbed back up the ladder, and Star was lifted up in a basket. What a happy ending for both Crystal and Star.

Boys and girls, and grown-ups too, we want each of you to have a happy ending for your life here on earth. If you have accepted Jesus as your very own Saviour, your sins are gone and you are promised a home in heaven. What a happy ending with Jesus waits for you when your time here on earth is over.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:3-4).

We love you very much,

Grampa and Gramma

MEMORY VERSE: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.” Galatians 1:3-4

ML-11/22/2015

Fire!

A friend of mine was awakened in the middle of the night by the cry of “FIRE!” Running to the window, he saw that it was the house across the street. He quickly dressed and ran out to help.

He found that all the people who lived in the house had gotten out safely, except for one little girl. She was still asleep in her bedroom on the second floor. The mother was panic-stricken, not knowing what to do.

My friend decided to try to save her, even though flames and smoke were pouring from the house. He rushed up the burning steps to the second floor, through the heat and smoke.

The child was still sleeping and did not know she was in any danger. My friend quickly picked her up, wrapped her in a blanket, and then made a dash down the flaming stairs. About five minutes after he handed the little girl to her mother, the roof fell in with a crash! She was saved just in time!

Perhaps you, like that little girl, do not realize that you are in danger! You are sleeping on in sin, not thinking that at any moment you might die, and your soul would be lost forever. Listen now to the good news that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He let cruel men who hated Him nail Him to a cross, hammering nails through His hands and feet. He suffered and died on that cross, because He loves you and me. One of those men thrust a spear into His side, and blood and water flowed out. God tells us this blood from the Lord Jesus can wash away sins, yours and mine, if we will just believe in Him.

Although the little girl was not hurt, my friend suffered much to save her. The fire burned his arm and hand badly, leaving one of his fingers permanently scarred and twisted because of the burns. Whenever I shake hands with him, the twisted finger reminds me again of the story of the house on fire.

When those of us who are saved are in heaven with the Lord Jesus, we will see the nail marks in His hands and feet and the spear mark in His side from His suffering on the cross for us. They will always remind us of how much He loved us and what He went through to save us.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

ML-11/22/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: African Wild Dogs

“Every beast of the forest is Mine ... and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” Psalm 50:10-11

African wild dogs, or African painted dogs, or Cape hunting dogs, live in packs of from 5 to 30, which are often made up of family groups. Almost always on the move, they stay just a few days in one spot, then move on to another place, maybe 25 miles away. About the size of wolves, some weigh 40 pounds and can outrun just about any other animal. They are vicious hunters; however, they only kill for food. They themselves have few natural predators, but lions are their main enemy. The dogs’ numbers are declining due to loss of habitat, human hunting and disease outbreaks.

For about three months each year, a pack stays near the dens where as many as 16 pups are raised with much care. Adults and young spend much time together, playfully pushing their muzzles into each other’s mouths. When they are ready for a pack hunt, one or two adults stay behind to guard the pups.

The pups are really cute with inquisitive faces, bright eyes, and big saucer-like ears pointing forward. They usually have tan-colored backs, but their sides and underparts are a blackish-brown with white patches on their throats and legs.

A dozen adults may spot a herd of impalas or other animals and set out to capture one. Several dogs chase part of the herd while their companions go after any that may have broken away. When one impala finally gets separated from the others, a single dog continues chasing it. Apparently knowing that the victim will run in a wide circle, the rest of the dogs leave the impalas they have been chasing and cut across the circle to get in front of the tiring victim. With dogs all around it, the impala soon gives up; the chase is over and the pack moves in for the kill.

The dogs always eat as much of the food as they can but do not quarrel over it as some wild animals do. Eating their fill, they return to their dens and bring up portions for the pups and the guards that stayed with them. Later, when the pups are big enough to join these hunts and an animal is caught, the older ones let the young ones eat their fill first.

The care these wild dogs give their young helps us to think kindly of them. Many of you have parents who have not only shown you love and care in every way, but who also knew the importance of telling you of God’s love. They have explained about the precious Saviour who gave His life to wash away the sins of all who admit to Him that they are sinners and accept Him as their Saviour. Have you done this? And have you ever thanked your parents for telling you about Him?

ML-11/22/2015

"Second Chance Corner"

“Four more minutes till the bus rolls!” announced Dad as he zipped up his jacket. He had been driving the school bus for the last 14 years, and he kept an on-time schedule! His announcement made the children in his family do a mad scramble, even though they had been warned earlier to get their stuff ready to go.

“Your hair doesn’t look combed to me, Herbie,” reminded his mom. Then Beth remembered that she hadn’t brushed her teeth. Sam scattered a pile of books in an attempt to sort out which ones were his. Beth followed Mom, explaining that she needed money to buy paper for school, and Randy suddenly remembered he needed an excuse written for yesterday’s absence. Sam rummaged through the apple box, looking for some extra ones to eat on the way. Then they heard the impatient bus horn, and there were quick kisses and good-byes. Some ran out the door and then rushed back in after forgotten lunches and mittens. It’s a wonder they didn’t knock each other down in the scramble. Then the door slammed, followed by the roar of the bus engine, and they were off.

All was quiet ... then a wail came from the back porch: “I was just putting on my boots, and he didn’t wait for me!”

“Well, Herbie, it looks as if you are left behind, but you know why, don’t you?”

“I just about had them on, too,” was his sad answer.

“Who didn’t get up when he was called this morning? Who was late for breakfast? You always think there’s plenty of time—until it’s too late. Now you will have to run down to “second chance corner” and see if you can meet the bus at the crossroads as Dad comes back down the road from Wagners.” She watched him run out the gate and head for the corner at the crossroads.

Yes, sometimes there is a “second chance,” as there was for Herbie. But there isn’t always a “second chance.” Here’s a Bible verse with very good advice: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

Many of you children have parents who belong to the Lord Jesus, and they have told you that the Bible tells us Jesus is coming back soon, and it may be today! He is coming to take everyone who has accepted Him as their very own Saviour home to heaven to live with Him in His happy home. If you have not asked Jesus to wash away your sins, you won’t be able to go to heaven with Him when He comes. You will be left behind, and there will be NO SECOND CHANCE then. It will be very, very sad, because you are too late!

Don’t wait until tomorrow; don’t even wait until you say your prayers at bedtime tonight! Talk to Jesus right now about your sins. He loves you very, very much and will wash you clean from every sin. Then when He comes to take everyone to heaven whose sins have been washed away, you will be ready to go!

Just as Dad warned the children the bus was leaving in four minutes, Jesus warns you that you shouldn’t wait any longer to talk to Him about your sins: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Don’t be left behind!

MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

ML-11/29/2015

Suddenly, We Were There!

It was summertime, and my husband and I packed up the car and started out from Portland for Kinzua, a busy logging community in central Oregon. We were planning to have vacation Bible schools for the children living in several logging camps. We’d been given our directions: follow the Columbia River Road to Arlington, turn south to Fossil, then east to Kinzua.

By noon we’d left the pasture lands of Arlington and were heading deeper and deeper into the desert. Finally we arrived at Fossil, a town as dead as its name. Everything was dry, dusty and dreary. We stopped to recheck our map. Yes, it really did show we were only eight miles from Kinzua, but there was not a tree worth cutting anywhere to be seen. That seemed mighty strange since it was logging camps we intended to visit.

Sometimes those of us who are Christians don’t realize how close we are to heaven. We could be there today—out of this sin-cursed world and with our blessed Saviour in the twinkling of an eye.

We were hot, tired and unbelieving, but we had only one choice—to follow the directions and keep on going. God has given us His directions too. They can be found in His precious Word, the Bible. We need to study it closely and follow it carefully.

We hopped back into the car and began to climb toward Butte Creek Summit. Just four miles now to Kinzua and still no trees. And then, suddenly, we were at the top of the mountain. What a sight! All down the eastern side of the mountain the trees were thick—thousands of them—tall, strong western pines! We had arrived!

One day the Lord Jesus Himself will come from heaven with a shout to suddenly take all the believers, and we will have arrived home! What a moment that will be! “So shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Only those of us who belong to the Lord Jesus will be taken to heaven when He comes. For those who are left behind here on earth, it will be too late! The door to heaven will be closed forever. They will be left behind for judgment!

Today there is still time to come to the Saviour. He has not closed that door—yet. If you are thinking right now, “Maybe tomorrow,” stop for a moment . . . not one of us knows if we have a tomorrow. Come to Jesus right now! “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

ML-11/29/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: A Three-Ton Baby

“God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth.” Genesis 1:21

Blue whales are the largest and fastest-swimming whale. A newborn blue whale may be 23 feet long and weigh 3 tons at birth. That is one huge baby! But the mother herself may be 100 feet long and weigh 150 tons! These are the largest and heaviest animals known to have lived on Earth.

Whales of all kinds are found throughout the world’s oceans. Many of them spend summers in the Arctic where they are protected from the cold water by a layer of blubber about two feet thick. Before winter comes, large groups migrate thousands of miles south where the calves are born. In spring, they return north.

Although they look like huge fish, whales are mammals and breathe air. They can dive 3000 feet and stay underwater as long as an hour, but they will drown if they are trapped underwater. While underwater, their bodies use oxygen very efficiently; their hearts beat slowly and blood circulation is reduced. When they finally come up for air, they exhale through “blowholes” as they reach the surface, causing a spout of water and vapor to rise 20 feet or more in the air.

Some whales have teeth and eat solid food, including fish, squid, octopus and turtles. These are called toothed whales. Others, like the blue whale, have no teeth and are called baleen whales. Opening their mouths as they swim, seawater passes over hundreds of “baleen plates,” hanging down from the upper jaw. When they expel the water, these plates strain out the plankton and small crustaceans known as krill, which the whales swallow.

Like porpoises, whales are usually quite sociable. They often leap out of the water, play tag and circle boats. The mothers have the help of “aunties” in raising their young. By use of a remarkable sonar system, whales communicate by a series of whistles, clicks and grunts, even miles apart. A wounded whale is never deserted. Others stay with it until it recovers or dies.

Whether we look at these, the largest of all living creatures on earth, or use a microscope to examine the smallest, the handiwork of God is always evident. Each has its purpose in creation and has been made for His pleasure. Yet, except for one, none are aware of God their Creator or of His care over them.

The exception is mankind, who has been given both intelligence and conscience, as well as the Scriptures. These all tell him of God, not only as Creator, but also of his responsibility to Him and the need of having his sins forgiven. In His love, God desires to forgive our sins and offers eternal life to all who accept His promise and show “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Have you done this?

ML-11/29/2015

Train Wrecks

We have just returned from a 5000-mile, round-trip train ride to visit friends and relatives. Our return arrival was 20 hours late. This was due to an accident of a westbound passenger train that passed our eastbound train in the night. The westbound train had gone about 100 miles past us when it sideswiped the back of a freight train that was pulling into a siding.

A few people were hurt in that accident, but even though it didn’t involve our train, we were held up several hours for security reasons. Then later that afternoon, we passed several freight cars that had derailed as the result of a track washout four days earlier.

All this brought me back to my boyhood days, remembering the railroad track behind our house. Those were the days of the big, bellowing steam locomotives. They were fueled by coal, shoveled into the boiler by a “fireman,” and smoke would billow from the stack as the engineer pulled on the throttle to pick up speed. The locomotive’s large drive wheels were turned by long piston rods that clanked as they moved back and forth.

Trains today have sealed wheel bearings, but the freight cars in those days had journal boxes filled with grease next to each wheel. If the journal box ran out of grease, then what was called a “hot box” developed, and the wheel would burn off its axle! This was the cause of two train wrecks in five years and within three blocks of our house! In each case, a “hot box” caused a wheel to fall off, and the crippled car caused the cars behind it to pile up on top of it.

When my father went on a business trip back then, he traveled by car or train. One time when I went to the station to pick him up, the train didn’t show up. The ticket agent said that the train had been wrecked about 40 miles away, but he had no details. I drove home praying, asking the Lord for my father’s safety. Soon a taxi drove up, and my father got out, safe and sound. We all thanked the Lord. He told us that his train was made up of the locomotive, two baggage cars and the passenger car he was in at the very end. He said, “I felt a hard jolt, and the passenger car stopped. I got up and walked to the front of the car where I could see all the way down the tracks! There was that big locomotive with the baggage cars lying on their sides alongside the track.” He learned that a pickup truck had pulled in front of the engine and had gotten caught under the cow catcher and wheels, derailing the front part of the train.

Each of us is on one of two trains that travel in opposite directions. One is called “The Salvation Train,” and it is going to heaven. It can never derail, for the Lord Jesus said, “My sheep ... shall never perish” (John 10:27-28). The fare for this train has already been paid! It is a gift from God, because He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid the price when He died on the cross. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). All that is required for you to come aboard this train is to admit that you are a sinner and believe in your heart that Jesus loves you and died for your sins.

The other train is called “The Destruction Train,” and it’s headed to the wreckage of hell fire. It’s a long train, filled with those people who have ignored God’s love and rejected Jesus’ death on the cross as their ticket to heaven. Satan is the conductor on this train, and he is attracting men, women and children by offering them the “riches and pleasures of this life” (Luke 8:14).

Won’t you accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour now and come aboard “The Salvation Train” while there is still time? This train will be leaving soon, for the Lord Jesus is coming anytime to take home to heaven all who are on “The Salvation Train.” The “ALL ABOARD!” announcement has already been made. Are you on board?

“The Son of Man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:56).

MEMORY VERSE: “The Son of Man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56

ML-12/06/2015

The Cuckoo Bird

The European cuckoo bird has a strange habit. When the mother bird is ready to lay her eggs, she doesn’t build a nest for them. Instead, she flies to the nest of another bird that is off hunting for food, and she lays one egg in that nest. Then she finds another nest where the mother bird is gone for a few moments and lays another egg in that nest. She does this until her whole clutch of cuckoo eggs has been laid so each one is in a different nest.

When the other mother birds return to their nests, they don’t seem to notice that they have a strange egg in their nests. They treat it just like one of their own, keeping it warm and protecting it. But when the eggs all finally hatch, the baby cuckoo bird is larger than the other baby birds in the nest. And this cuckoo baby gobbles up far more than its share of the bugs and worms that the mother bird brings to her nest for the babies. The baby cuckoo bird grows big and strong, while the other baby birds in the nest become weak and sickly and many times even die.

Now I’m wondering if those of us who are Christians might have a “baby cuckoo bird in our nests”? Are we allowing anything in our lives to gobble up the time and energy we should be using to read God’s Word, the Bible, and spend time in prayer? If so, we won’t grow strong and healthy in ways that the Lord Jesus wants for us.

This is a good verse to remember to help us get rid of the “baby cuckoo birds” in our lives. “Order my steps in Thy Word: and let not any iniquity have dominion [power] over me” (Psalm 119:133).

ML-12/06/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Tough Zebra

“A wild ass used to the wilderness ... snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure.” Jeremiah 2:24

The Bible does not refer to zebras by name, but they also “snuff up the wind” and are much like the wild ass referred to in the opening verse.

Among all the animals of Africa, the zebra is truly a beautiful and outstanding creature. Its prominent stripes, short, thick mane, soft, black muzzle and erect ears make it different from any other animal. There are three main breeds. The mountain zebra is the most common, having velvety-black and creamy-white stripes, but their underneath body is all white. The Burchell’s is the tallest. Its stripes are irregular with none on its legs. Grevy’s is the third one and has the most stripes, but they are narrower.

The Creator provided these stripes as an excellent means of camouflage. The zebra’s chief enemy is the lion. The stripes blend so well with grass, trees and brush that the zebra is not easily seen. Even in broad daylight, a group standing together presents such a mixed design of black and white that a hunter (their other enemy) is confused and cannot easily pick one out as a potential victim.

These animals have excellent sight, hearing and sense of smell and are seldom caught unawares. Their bands are always headed by a fierce stallion, and all are savage fighters. When they are attacked, they all turn their heels to the enemy. A kick from any of them can break a jaw or other bone, convincing the attacker to give up the fight.

Out on the African prairie, grass is the main food for many animals, and the Creator has provided an excellent way for some to share this resource. Zebras eat only the tops of certain tall grasses; gnus will follow, since they prefer the middle of the stems; finally, the lovely springboks finish it off down to the ground. They all leave the area until the grasses grow tall again. This is more evidence of God’s special care of all His creatures.

Sadly, many zebras are killed by predators when they carelessly separate themselves from the band. This reminds us of the need of every believer in the Lord Jesus to share his life with others who also love the Saviour, to help protect one another from our “adversary the devil, [who] as a roaring lion, [walks] about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

The Bible says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he [falls]; for he [has] not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). The Lord wants us to help and encourage one another in a happy Christian life. Do you have this kind of friends?

ML-12/06/2015

The Miracle of the Colt

People rarely think about the miracle that took place the moment Jesus sat upon the donkey colt. A king usually chose a stallion to ride on, and it would be considered unwise for anyone to choose an unbroken animal that had never been ridden. But this is exactly what Jesus chose, and on purpose. He told two of His disciples, “Ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither” (Luke 19:30).

This colt was probably about two years old, because, if he were any younger, the donkey’s frame could not carry human weight without damage to the animal’s structure. The importance of this age has great meaning, for this is the age when a male colt is most dangerous. He is at his prime, with strong muscles and bones, and his “flight or fight” instincts have not yet been balanced with the wisdom of age and experience. He is unpredictable and flighty. His hooves have the power to smash a hole in a one-inch-thick hardwood board, and his teeth can bite off a human’s fingers. We decide this colt was not exactly a good choice for a ride through a crowded street in a major city.

Why would Jesus choose to ride such an animal?

What better way to convince the people around Him that in all things He was, and is, in control? Like the people of that day, I work regularly with the various ages of animals in the horse family. Knowing a colt’s usual behavior, as those people would have known, I would have been filled with wonder as I saw a wild and uncontrollable donkey colt meekly submit to Jesus. Truly, Jesus had to be the King of all creation!

There once was a wild little donkey;

He had to be tied to a tree,

And Jesus was thinking about him;

He said, “Go and bring him to Me.”

And when they had brought him to Jesus

As quickly as ever they could,

That restless, that wild little donkey

Was quiet, obedient and good.

When Jesus was riding upon him,

He went just the way that he should,

A quiet, submissive young donkey

Made so by the blest Son of God.

And Jesus is able to make you

Whatever He wants you to be;

He loves you and longs to forgive you

And make you both happy and free.

Have you let Jesus work a miracle in your life? Your age doesn’t matter. He loves you and wants you to be finished with that willful, sinful nature that you were born with. If you will come to Him for forgiveness of your sins, He will give you a new life and nature that loves Him and happily submits to His leading. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

MEMORY VERSE: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

ML-12/13/2015

The Lost $20 Bill

On the way home from the doctor’s office, Esther and the children stopped at the bank to get money to pick up some groceries. The bank teller smiled at the three little boys and gave each of them a lollipop.

Soon they arrived at the supermarket. Esther got out of the car with her car keys and a $20 bill in her hand. Then she unbuckled and lifted the sticky baby out of his car seat, holding him carefully so she wouldn’t get his sticky lollipop all over herself as well.

When they reached the door, Esther realized she no longer had the $20 bill in her hand. “Oh, boys,” she said, “I’ve lost my money! We’ll have to go right back and look for it!”

Back they went to the car and did a careful search—on the ground, under nearby cars, inside their car, and through Esther’s purse. No money. They searched again, looking over every inch of ground while the baby waited in the grocery cart. Still no money.

“All we can do is pray about it,” Esther said to the boys. She knew where to turn for help: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8). Esther prayed, and then she encouraged the boys to pray too. The two older ones asked the Lord Jesus to help them find the $20 bill.

When they opened their eyes, there it was, right behind them! “Look, boys, there’s our $20 bill! It’s a good thing we prayed. I know it wasn’t there a moment ago. Perhaps it blew out from somewhere. Then six-year-old Jonathan added, “But you know, Mommy, the Lord Jesus could have sent it right down from heaven.”

Do you have this kind of trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus? Little Jonathan was only six, and already he could trust Jesus to return that $20 in any way He chose.

Do you have a best friend that you trust? Why do you trust that friend? It is because you have talked to that person a lot, and you know that he or she cares about you and will help you. This is how you can trust in the Lord Jesus. He loves you and wants you to trust Him as your Saviour and Friend. To prove how much He loves you, He died on the cross for you. And He will wash your sins away in His own blood, if you will trust Him. “O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man [woman, boy or girl] that trusteth in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

If you will trust Him as your Saviour, then you can trust Him as your special Friend who is always there to help you with any problem. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Will you trust Him to be your Saviour and Friend today?

ML-12/13/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Birds That Build Playhouses - Part 1

“Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air.” Genesis 2:19

In Australia, New Guinea and neighboring islands, there are 18 known varieties of bowerbirds. Some have descriptive names such as stagemaker, spotted, satin and gardener. They range in size from the 9-inch golden bower to the 15-inch Archbold’s variety.

Many are very pretty with feathers of green and orange and other bright colors. The satin bower is one of these, as is the regent with its golden-yellow head, neck and wing patches contrasting with its black body. Others are plain gray or brown. All of these birds nest either in bushes or in holes of tree trunks where four or five eggs are laid. These hatch in about two weeks, and the young soon learn to find their food, including fruits, seeds, lizards, frogs, spiders, insects and even small snakes.

The outstanding feature of these birds is that the males build elaborate playhouses, called bowers, which are used only to attract a mate. The most common type is located in bushy areas. The male first finds bushes where there are two rows of bare bush stalks that run parallel for several feet, a foot or more apart. He busily covers these rows by attaching long twigs and grass, arching them to make a dome overhead. Then he cleans out the walkway underneath to provide a smooth “run.” Some build more than one room and run and connect them together.

The male then decorates the walls and coverings with shells, bright feathers, flowers, colored leaves and pretty stones. Some of these items will also be spread on the walkway underneath. The final touch is made by smashing juicy berries into pulp and then, with his beak, painting it on the bare upright stalks. Each male decorates his bower with bright objects of one color. Interestingly, the nests of bowerbirds are not decorated; they are simple structures built mostly in trees and not on the ground.

Since these unique birds do not learn how to make bowers from their parents, how do they learn to build and decorate them? The answer is that when God created bowerbirds and placed them on the earth, He gave them the instincts needed for this special trait.

Considering how obedient these birds are to these instincts, perhaps we should consider if we are obedient to God’s instructions to us. One of these tells us, “[God] now [commands] all men everywhere to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30-31). Another verse gives us this promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Have you repented, confessed that you are a sinner, and accepted God’s wonderful salvation?

ML-12/13/2015

God Sees Every Bird's Nest!

It was such a pretty garden wedding, but it was terribly windy. However, in spite of the strong winds, everyone was having such a happy time celebrating with this lovely couple that they didn’t seem to mind the wind one bit.

It was in this very same yard, many years earlier, that a little girl played. Her name was Ruth. Her family had moved to this Idaho desert land, but the father was having trouble making a living for his family.

It had been a windy area for a long time, and Ruth’s mother would go gather sagebrush for fuel for the old cook stove. This kept her family fed with hot meals and warmed the house. Wind can find cracks to get into a house much faster than little field mice get inside. All of us, even the little mouse, like to keep warm inside when it’s cold and snowy outside.

Sometimes Ruth got a little hungry because there wasn’t enough food. But kind neighbors, who also loved the Lord Jesus, seemed to realize that the family didn’t have enough food, and at night they would leave food by their door. Wasn’t that kind of them?

These difficult times for the family did not change for quite a while, and Ruth’s father was getting very discouraged. He loved his family and worked hard to supply their needs.

When spring came and it was time to do field work again, Ruth’s father got his horses out and began to cut hay. As he moved along, too late he looked down and noticed a little bird’s nest hidden in the hay right where he was cutting. He was a kind-hearted man, and he hated to hurt the nest, but it was too late to save it.

But someone else noticed that little nest too—the very Creator of little birds! And do you know what happened? He had a lava rock placed right in that very field, so when the mower’s cutter bar hit that rock, the mower went right up and over that little nest and never touched it! The nest was saved!

Ruth’s father was so comforted and happy about God saving the nest that he took courage. He knew that the very same God who cared enough to protect a little bird’s nest was the very same God who knew their needs and would help him take care of his family. And that’s just what happened!

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

MEMORY VERSE: “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31

ML-12/20/2015

Muffin

Darlene had a great many errands to do that day. She backed the car out of the garage, turned it around and started to drive out of the driveway. But suddenly the family’s little dog, named Muffin, darted in front of her car and began barking. And Muffin barked and barked frantically.

Darlene was not able to drive out without hitting the dog. She leaned out of the car window and scolded Muffin, yelling: “Get out of the way, Muffin!”

But Muffin wouldn’t stop barking and running back and forth in front of the car. So Darlene tried driving to one side of the driveway, and then on the other side. Nothing worked. Muffin would run in front of the car, barking. Finally, she drove right across the lawn and out onto the road.

Just then she heard a terrible, splintering crash behind her. She stopped the car, and turning, she saw that their huge maple tree had fallen right over the driveway where she would have driven if Muffin had not stopped her. Muffin was sitting in the driveway near the tree with a look that seemed to say, “See what I saved you from!”

Perhaps the little dog could hear the tree cracking and somehow sensed the danger of it falling. She tried her best to keep Darlene away from it. And we want to warn you of a danger you may not be aware of.

The Bible clearly warns us of the danger resulting from our sins. The penalty for our sins is death and eternity in the lake of fire. But the Bible also explains that God loves each one of us and offers to save us from that penalty. He is offering eternal life to you and me, because He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sins on Calvary’s cross. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). All you need to do is confess to God that you are a sinner and need to be saved from that awful penalty for your sins. Then accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as your very own Saviour by believing that He died on the cross as your substitute for your sins. Another verse simply says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Muffin warned Darlene of her danger, and God is warning you of your danger too. Have you done anything about it?

ML-12/20/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: Birds That Build Playhouses - Part 2

“I know all the fowls of the mountains.... The world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.” Psalm 50:11-12

Last week we learned about the God-given ability of bowerbirds to build dome-shaped playhouses, called bowers. Other types of bowers are also made by other species of bowerbirds. The golden finds a dead stalk out in the open that is six or seven feet high. He adds twigs and sticks that he has decorated with colored objects to the sides of the stalk. He may add shorter towers close by, carefully clearing the ground around all of them.

The MacGregor also makes his bower around an upright stick, but his is more elaborate. He adds a patio at the base, enclosed by a circle of pebbles in which he displays additional bright items. Another species, the gardener, builds a cone-shaped playhouse with a moss-covered court where he places flowers and fruits. He replaces these daily.

The golden crested uses a tree fern with its umbrella top. He interlaces sticks several feet high around this fern, forming a fence. Attractive objects are attached all around, and a patio is included. He usually places three neat mounds of fruit on the patio, with each mound a different color.

Why do the bowerbirds build these strange playhouses? For one purpose only—each wants to show his work of art to a female bird, hoping she will be attracted to it and accept him as her mate. Having completed his project, he flies to a nearby branch and pours forth song after song, hoping a curious female will come to investigate. When one shows up, he becomes greatly excited, flies to the ground, perhaps picking up a berry and offering it to her. Then to attract her to his bower, he struts proudly through the run or around the patio with his wings outstretched, showing off his bright colors. Outside the run he hops around and sometimes jumps over his bower to impress her. But if she isn’t interested, she flies away, and he returns to the tree branch to invite another female. Strangely, when the male has finally attracted a mate, they abandon the playhouse and build a simple nest elsewhere to raise their family.

How great a variety of birds God gave us! Each one displays His wonderful creation. Revelation 4:11 tells us why He created so many wonderful and interesting things: “Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” As we view any part of His creation, it is plain that it is only God who could produce these many wonders. At His word all were instantly created and given the ability to “bring forth after its kind.” Thus the bowerbirds today are the same as the ones the Lord God placed on the earth many centuries ago.

ML-12/20/2015

The Day the Dog Walked Into Sunday School

I know that Grampa (he’s my dad) writes about dogs and other animals. But I don’t think he ever wrote about a dog going to Sunday school. Recently, a beautiful dog, a Golden Retriever, walked in through the open back door as we were sitting in Sunday school.

Now that was a surprise! At least the dog didn’t bark, and he didn’t growl. And I think he knew he shouldn’t be there. He kept his head down and walked right across the room, not daring to look around at anybody. I think it was his first time inside the building.

His visit didn’t last long, however. We quickly showed him the way out. Then he went next door where he lives and chewed on an old bone.

Did you ever wonder why dogs don’t go to Sunday school? Well, that’s easy to answer, isn’t it? Animals are not like children or grown-ups. God made them different. They don’t think about God or about sins or about heaven.

God made all the animals, but the Bible says that people, and that includes boys and girls too, are made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). That means that we are like God in some ways. We like to make things, we enjoy beautiful things, and we think about God.

Animals don’t care about beautiful gardens. They just run right through them and trample the flowers, as your mom runs to rescue her plants. And animals never pray.

Do you know why you think about God? It’s because God made you that way. We think about God, His power, His wisdom and wonder how beautiful heaven must be. We think about how the Lord Jesus came into the world and how He helped so many people. And most importantly, we remember that because He loves us so much, He willingly died on the cross for us and took the punishment for the sins of every person who believes on Him. And that opens the door to God’s beautiful heaven for us. He certainly is a God of love, isn’t He? The Bible tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:17).

Just thinking about that makes me want to thank Him for His wonderful love. Of course, God made me feel that way. You see, children, we can do something that dogs can’t do. We can learn about the Lord Jesus, accept Him as our Saviour, trust Him, love Him and serve Him. God made us that way. He is so wonderful!

MEMORY VERSE: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him.” Genesis 1:27

ML-12/27/2015

"Don't Touch"

Mother, Grandma and little Robby walked into the fabric shop. Right away Robby noticed a tall rack with cards of colorful buttons hanging on it. He put his hands behind his back and toddled over to the rack, muttering to himself, “Don’t touch, don’t touch, don’t touch.”

But when you’re only one and a half years old, it’s so hard to see something you want very much and still not touch it because you aren’t supposed to. Grandma helped him out. She picked him up, took him to a safer spot, and then went back to her job of matching thread with the fabric she was buying.

Pretty soon she heard that little voice again, “Don’t touch, don’t touch, don’t touch.” But this time one chubby little hand was clutching a card of bright orange buttons.

It had been just too hard for Robby not to touch those cards of brightly colored buttons even though he knew he shouldn’t. His first mistake was to go near them. And how many of us who are older still have not learned that lesson—not to even go near things that we know we should not have. It is called temptation. We are tempted to touch or see or hear or taste or try something that is not good for us. And the minute we go closer, it becomes even harder to turn away from it.

Grandma took Robby away from the buttons the first time, but when he went back to them he got into trouble. It takes little children quite a while to learn what they can touch and what they cannot touch. God gave them a father and a mother to teach them those things. And God has given us His Word, the Bible, to warn and teach us about temptation. It tells us that Satan is the one who tempts us with those things that will get us into trouble. And when we touch or see or hear or taste or try that temptation, it is a sin. James 1:15 tells us that when we follow that temptation, “it [brings] forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, [brings] forth death.” And that is exactly what Satan wants! Every sin is a victory for him.

The Bible also tells us that we can have victory over temptations and sin. But we can’t do it alone. There is Someone who loves us and is waiting to help us at any time. He has already won the victory over Satan and sin. The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, suffered and died on the cross for our sins. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:3-4).

Robby was too little to understand that Jesus had died on the cross for him and that he could give his problem of sin and temptation to the Lord Jesus to handle. But if you are old enough to read this story, you are old enough to understand that you are a sinner and need to accept for yourself the victory the Lord Jesus won on the cross. He will wash away your sins in His blood so that you may be included in His victory over sin and Satan.

He invites you to come to Him right now. “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden [struggling with your sins], and I will give you rest [victory]” (Matthew 11:28). If you have already come to Him, you can say this verse and really mean it: “Thanks be to God, which [gives] us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

ML-12/27/2015

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Friendly Dolphin

“Happy is he ... whose hope is in the Lord his God: which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is.” Psalm 146:5-6

Below the ocean’s surface, a dolphin is giving birth to a baby which will be about three feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. Coming up occasionally for air, the mother will require an hour’s time to bring her baby into the world. If this baby would be born headfirst, like most other creatures, it would drown, for it must breathe air. So God has provided that it will be born tail first, and it won’t need to breathe until immediately after birth.

With birth completed, the newborn will go to the surface for air with its mother’s help. Then she will turn on her side to let her baby nurse. Soon another dolphin will swim close and look the baby over carefully. The mother will not be concerned, because this is an “auntie” that will help in the baby’s training and protection until it matures.

Dolphins have never been known to purposely hurt a person and are quick to make friends. They seem to enjoy swimming alongside ships, and, because they swim very fast, they sometimes go great distances, often swimming in large circles around the ships.

Dolphins are friendly with each other and communicate by means of squeaks, clicks and whistles. When one is injured, others stay with it, guiding or pushing it out of danger. Should one be unable to rise to the surface for air, others will swim under it to lift it to the surface.

These graceful creatures spend their entire lives in water and have no way of surviving on land; yet they are air-breathing mammals. Their bodies are remarkably streamlined for fast movement through water so they can easily catch fish, their main food. The common dolphins grow to 15 feet long and weigh a half ton or more. The bottle-nosed dolphins, usually seen performing in water shows, are closer to 6 feet long and weigh about 250 pounds.

How wonderful that God has populated the world with so many interesting creatures. And a verse from the Bible tells us that all creatures, including humans, are dependent on Him for life: “The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16).

In the same psalm we are told, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them” (vss. 18-19). This is His invitation to us to call on Him for the salvation of our eternal souls. Have you made your call to Him?

ML-12/27/2015

Messages of God's Love: 2015

Table of Contents

Cricket Learned Her Lesson

Too Late!

The Wonders of God's Creation: Your Body's Kind Boss

One Beautiful Sound!

A Lion in the House

The Wonders of God's Creation: Elephants at School

Tina Is Lost . . .

The Stolen Pear

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Gentle Eider Duck

We Were on Our Way Home!

The Baby Swallows

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Sly Fox

Saved Through a Dog

Try This Test

The Wonders of God's Creation: Dugong, the Sea Cow

What Happened at the Well

"Nothing Behind You Matters"

The Wonders of God's Creation: Shearwater Travelers

"Barking Berkley"

The Hunter's Story

The Wonders of God's Creation: Iguanas Love the Heat - Part 1

Skating on Thin Ice

God's Very Special Plan for You and Me

The Wonders of God's Creation: Iguanas Love the Heat - Part 2

A New Mother for Kecil

A Hard Question for Charles

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Hard-To-Reach Goeduck

The Tower That Never Was Finished

Pesky Flies!

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Jakfruit, Tasty but Smelly

Mittens and Cricket-Ready and Waiting

A Spring Snowfall

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Playful Seal

How God Used a Japanese Girl

Snake Snare

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Adelie Penguin

Poor Little Squirrel

A Child of the King

The Wonders of God's Creation: About Your Skull

The Party

Windows in the Bible

The Wonders of God's Creation: Salamanders Like to Hide

Hungry Rabbits

Jennie Carey

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Armor-Plated Pangolin

A Hard Lesson

A Doctor Learns About Gracie's Heart

The Wonders of God's Creation: A Big Fish

Amazing Baby Turtles

An Auctioned Bike

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Malleefowl - Part 1

More Water to Drink

The Carved Feather's Message

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Malleefowl - Part 2

No Catcher's Mask

A Beloved Dog Named Sandy

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Awesome Tiger

"God Is Stronger Than You, Mom"

Valerie's Scare

The Wonders of God's Creation: Mule Deer: The Pride of the West

A Turkey Named Betty

In the Raspberry Patch

The Wonders of God's Creation: Lichens Are Beneficial

God's Most Wonderful Story

Read the Instructions

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Amazing Honeybee

Ted, an Unusual Cat

What Do You Believe?

The Wonders of God's Creation: The Great Bustard

A Hungry Bear

Trees in Bible Times

The Wonders of God's Creation: Outstanding Beauties - Part 1

The Turtle With a Message

The Appointed Day

The Wonders of God's Creation: Outstanding Beauties - Part 2

The Golden Calf

Feeding the Pigs

The Wonders of God's Creation: Red-Tailed Hawks