Dear Children,
Gramma and I were lying in bed, enjoying the peace and quiet of our house in the early morning. The clock said 6:30 a.m., and then Cricket, our little dog, jumped up beside us to let us know, “It’s time to get up!” So I played with her a little, and then we got up to start the new day.
I like to take her outside before we eat breakfast so she can have a little run and check out what animals came around in the yard during the night. I always make sure that there is no wildlife around before I take her out, because Cricket is a small dog—she only weighs ten pounds—an easy catch for a coyote or wolf.
So we headed down the steps. She is much faster than I, and she runs here and there. She likes to run over into the evergreen trees where I can’t see her. But that’s okay. I have a good fence there to keep out the wildlife. But sometimes the raccoons, possums and foxes squeeze in under the fence.
Suddenly I heard Cricket barking furiously! I said, “Uh-oh.” So I quickly walked over to see what she was so excited about. When I saw the reason, I said, WOW! And I said it out loud! Cricket was running circles around a possum, barking and growling. And the possum was making growling noises and snarling at Cricket. I wondered what I should do now.
Boys and girls, stop here for a minute and think about what you would do ... .
And now I’ll tell you what I did, and this is always wise to do right away. First of all, I asked the Lord Jesus to show me how I could help these two animals without getting into trouble myself! Then He sent a verse from the Bible right into my mind! Here is what the verse says: “Be careful [or anxious] for nothing; but in everything by prayer ... let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:66Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)). What a good verse to help me!
And then the Lord sent another verse into my mind as I was standing there watching these two animals snarl and growl at each other: “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:1313And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. (Exodus 14:13))! At that very moment, Cricket and the possum stopped snarling and barking at each other! Yes, they continued growling, but no barking.
I softly called, “Cricket, come here!” I was standing about five feet away from them. Cricket did not move, so I softly called again, “Cricket, come here.” She started to walk towards me, but she was still watching the possum. Then she stopped. “Over here!” I said. Then she came right up beside me. I bent over and gently picked her up, and then I walked back around the evergreen trees, holding Cricket in my arms. All the while, the possum never made a move!
Then we were safe from trouble! I stopped, bowed my head, closed my eyes and gave thanks to the Lord for His excellent care in helping me solve a big problem between these two animals so neither of them got hurt!
Children, and grown-ups too, there is a wall between you and God. It is called SIN! He cannot save you unless you come to Him just as you are. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden [with sins], and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)). The Lord Jesus picked up the little children in His arms and said, “[Let] the little children ... come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:1414But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14)).
Boys and girls, I was able to pick up Cricket in my arms and carry her to the safe and happy shelter of our home. Will you let the Lord Jesus do the same for you? He has a safe and happy home in heaven waiting for you, if you will let Him save you.
We love you very much,
Grampa and Gramma
ML-07/10/2016