Messages of God's Love: 1989

Memory Verse: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36

Does the year 2000 sound like science fiction to you? It always did to me. I’d like to help you realize that today we are only 11 years from that strange-sounding year. Have you ever stopped to think what year you will graduate from high school? I graduated with the class of 1970. That may seem like a long time ago to some of you, but my mother graduated in 1946! If you are in the 8th grade this year, you will graduate in 1993. Those in grade 5 will graduate in 1996.

Our family had a surprise recently be cause we had never stopped to think about when our little son Joel would graduate from high school. He will be in 1St grade this year. Last May when the kindergarten class had its closing ceremony, a school near our house had a large sign that read: “WELCOME, Parents of the Graduates of the Year 2000!” We suddenly realized that our Joel would graduate with the class of the year 2000. That year began to seem closer than we ever had imagined!

However, we do not expect to attend Joel’s graduation, because the Bible says that the Lord Jesus is coming soon to take all those who trust in Him to heaven. The Bible says, “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and 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.

We are happy when we think of the Lord Jesus’ coming to take us to His happy home in heaven. The Bible says there will be no tears or sadness there, but much rejoicing and happiness in the presence of the Lord Jesus who loves us so much.

How about you? Does it make you happy to think of the coming of the Lord Jesus? Are you ready to meet Him? No sin will ever enter heaven, so if you have never trusted in the Lord Jesus to wash away all your sins, you will be left behind for the punishment that will fall on this world with all its sin. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

We do not know exactly when the Lord Jesus is coming because God’s Word, the Bible, says, “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:42. However, the Lord Jesus Himself said, “Surely I come quickly.” Revelation 22:20. This is why we do not expect to be here in the year 2000.

Call upon the Lord Jesus today, while there is still time. He will wash away your sins, making you ready for heaven. “The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

ML-01/01/1989

The Fight

The leopard is a member of the “big cat” family. Some others are the lion, panther and jaguar. A full-grown leopard is a beautiful animal, tawny-white in color with black circular spots shaped like roses all over its body. Both its teeth and claws are long and sharp. It weighs up to 180 pounds and can be more than seven feet long from its nose to the end of its tail.

The leopard’s strength is unbelievable! When cornered it can fight well beyond its weight and size. This was seen in an incident in one of the zoos in Chicago.

At this zoo in the “lion house” a pair of large leopards had a cage with both an inside and outside area. Beside the leopard cage was a cage with three young lions in it.

One day while the leopards and lions were outside, the keeper was cleaning the cages. When he finished he forgot to close the door between the two inside cages.

When the animals returned to their inside cages, the lions found the door open into the leopards’ cage and attacked the leopards. A terrible fight began!

The three lions charged the two leopards. The attack was met by the male leopard. Keeping his body between his mate and the lions, he fought savagely. The snarling and growling of the leopards mixed with the roars of the lions increased as they sparred and tore at each other until the building almost shook with the noise of the battle.

The keepers tried to stop the fight by spraying water from fire hoses directly at the fighting animals. Finally, with the help of the hoses the keepers forced the lions back and into their own cage. The door was closed and locked.

The noise ended; the battle was over. But it was too late for the male leopard. His back was broken during the fight. He lay helpless and died shortly after. Yet he had fought so strongly defending his mate that the keepers found she was almost unharmed.

The male leopard died defending his mate. In a far more wonderful way the Lord Jesus Christ died to save all who would believe in Him. There on the cross He endured Satan’s power, but more important, He endured God’s punishment against sin — our sins. The Lord Jesus did not sin and could not sin. He died for sinners like you and me. How great His love is! “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

We did not love Him — He loved us. For those of us who know Him, that love came to where we were and saved us. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. Have you accepted Him as your Saviour?

ML-01/01/1989

Breathing and Eating: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Genesis 2:7.

What a marvelous thing the human body is, designed by our Creator, who makes no mistakes. Let’s look at the part the nose, mouth and throat take in the life of each of us, for it is through them that air for our lungs and food for our stomachs reach the vital parts of the body where further miraculous things take place.

The nose certainly is easy to see, but it is much more complex than it appears for it is made up of a combination of parts working together in harmony. It is used principally to breathe in air, but functions in other ways as well, including the smelling of a rose or other object and assisting in improving the taste of food.

Medical people refer to the nose as a nasal cavity, made up of two nostrils, divided by the septum. The hairs inside, which we sometimes think of as a nuisance, are extremely important, for their job is to filter incoming air, picking out dust, bacteria and other impurities that would be harmful to our lungs. The soft inner lining of the nose, like the rest of the airway, contains many small glands which secrete mucus onto the surface. Also the surface is covered with short, hair-like projections which beat rhythmically in a special direction. These automatically sweep out accumulated mucus with its collection of filtered impurities, sending them on to the stomach, which knows how to dispose of them.

Helping the hairs do their work, sinuses, located above the nose, drop small amounts of mucus into each nostril to moisten them and aid in the filtering process. Part of this moisture from the mucus is passed on to the air just breathed, which is also warmed in the nose so it will be just right for the lungs. The sinuses located above and beside the nose also assist in this task.

Of course there are times when, bothered with a bad cold, it is difficult to breathe through the nose and we have to get air through the mouth. That is a wonderful provision of the Creator, for otherwise we wouldn’t get enough air under such conditions to keep us alive. However, breathing through the nose best prepares the air for the lungs.

As our opening verse expresses, the very first breath that gave life to Adam was breathed into his nostrils by the Lord God. This was not true of any other creature, and mankind has always had a special place in God’s thoughts.

When He reads your heart does He find that you have special thoughts toward Him, too? He has done so much for you in providing His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be your Saviour if you will only trust in Him. Your thoughts should indeed be of thankfulness and acceptance of His wondrous gift of salvation.

(to be continued)

ML-01/01/1989

Buffy, the Stray Dog

Memory Verse: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

Our home is in the country, so it is not unusual to find stray cats and dogs wandering around from time to time. People who have gotten tired of their pets sometimes take them for a ride into the country and push them out the car door, leaving them behind to take care of themselves. Some of these poor animals die of hunger. Others become confused and are hit by cars. Many are picked up by dog catchers. Pet owners should never be so thoughtless of these animals. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:10, “A righteous man regardeth [is concerned for] the life of his beast.”

Buffy was one of these stray dogs that wandered into our neighborhood one day. Since she had no collar on, no one knew what her name really was or even to whom she belonged.

She fared much better than most other strays. She was not only a cute dog, she was also intelligent and “street wise.” She always looked both ways before crossing the road, she had remarkable ways of getting food, and because she was a friendly dog the neighborhood children soon loved her. All the children wanted to have her for their own pet. But our neighbor’s daughter, who already had a dog, talked her dad and mom into adopting the stray dog. She bought her a new collar and named her Buffy.

Buffy had more freedom than most dogs in our neighborhood. Where we live, as in many areas, dogs are not supposed to run loose, but Buffy was not tied up or fenced in. She was free to play games with the children and walk with them to the bus stop each morning.

For a while all went well; then we began to notice some of the bad habits Buffy had. Our own dog, Bandit, was kept locked in her own pen. We soon discovered that Buffy could climb over the fence just as nimbly as a monkey; then she would eat Bandit’s food. If she saw us coming, quick as a flash she would climb back over and make a beeline to her new home. It was bad enough having our dog’s food stolen each day, but things got worse Bandit learned Buffy’s bad ways and was soon climbing over the fence herself. Bandit was not as smart with her freedom as her street-wise friend. She soon simply disappeared and never returned home. Shortly after, we learned that Buffy had taught her new owners’ other dog, Sugar, to climb out of her pen as well. Sugar’s freedom soon ended. She was struck and killed by a passing car.

All this makes me think of a verse in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Be not deceived: evil communications [friends] corrupt good manners.” It is very tempting to look at the unchecked freedom of unbelievers who seem to be having so much fun and wish you could do the same. You can read in Psalms 73:2 how David says, “My feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped,” all because he was jealous of the riches of the wicked. He was saved from a fall when God showed him the end of those who leave God out of their thoughts and lives: “Then understood I their end.... Thou castedst them down into destruction.” Psalms 73:17,18. If a Christian’s feet slip out of the path of obedience — a place of “good manners” — the path leads downward to much unhappiness.

Buffy caused more problems with other neighbors who complained bitterly about her bad habits. Then one day Buffy was gone. I wondered what happened to her, but didn’t find out for quite a while. One day while walking through the woods I came upon a skeleton of a dog. There was black dog hair scattered around and the skeleton had a collar on the neck that looked so familiar. After a few careful questions to other neighbors, I learned that what I had guessed was true — those were Buffy’s remains. Someone had put a quick end to her troublesome ways.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. This is a good thing for everyone to remember. If you are not saved from your sins and continue in your own way, there is only certain destruction for you. When you let the Lord Jesus wash your sins away, God will take you as one of His own dear children and guide you through life. If you are saved and are longingly looking at the pleasures of this world, please remember this little story and the warnings from the Bible, and continue in the narrow path of obedience and blessing.

ML-01/08/1989

Spiders

At our house there is almost nothing that is disliked more than a spider. Any size or any shape, all are loudly exclaimed about... and not nicely. It makes no difference that they catch insects and so are good. “The only good spider in this house is a dead one!” has been stated a number of times. And that is how most of them end up... dead.

Spiders do not really bother me, but maybe that is because I do not Live in Africa or South America. Mere you can find really large spiders. There are pictures of spiders that are nearly six inches across! I would not want one like that in my house.

Some of these big spiders are poisonous. Anyone bitten by one of these will die if they cannot reach a doctor or hospital quickly.

There is a story about a missionary in Africa who had an experience with one of these large poisonous spiders. He had walked into his louse and there on the floor was one of these big spiders. He went back outside and found a straight stick bout six feet long.

Instead of killing the spider with it immediately, he stood about five feet away and began teasing it a little by touching it lightly with the end of his stick.

As he drew the stick back toward his legs, away from the spider, it suddenly jumped right onto the stick. The spider tried to bite the stick, and the missionary could see the poison running down the stick.

He then killed the spider quickly, but realized how foolish he had been to “play” with something so dangerous. The spider had been very accurate in its attack on the stick. If it had decided to attack the missionary’s leg instead, he most certainly would have been bitten!

Perhaps you would know better than to tease a poisonous spider, but are you playing with something that is even more dangerous — SIN? Sin is a deadly enemy — telling a lie, disobeying, or doing something secretly that you know is wrong are Satan’s traps to lead you to an everlasting punishment. God says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4.

How can we be free from Satan’s power? Escape is only through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ whom God sent into this world to be our Saviour. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31) is God’s way of escape for you. It is “the blood of Jesus Christ His [God’s] Son” that “cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. We must believe and accept the Lord Jesus as our Saviour to be saved and set free from sin.

ML-01/08/1989

The Mouth Does More Than Talk: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments [or instructions]." Psalms 119:73.

The mouth is a very efficient part of our heads and contains some very essential parts. These include the teeth (which we are inclined to take for granted unless we have a toothache) that are perfectly adapted to the kind of food we eat.

As the mouth closes on a bite of food, chewing immediately begins. At this time the very active tongue joins in the action, moving the food from one side to the other, all the while gradually working it from the sharp front teeth (incisors and cuspids) on to the bicuspids and finally back to the molars which finish the chewing process. All this time saliva has been added to it so that when the food is reduced to fine particles it is also moist enough to safely enter the throat and pass on down to the stomach.

Where the backs of both the mouth and nose come together there would be danger of the tongue pushing food up into the nose, which could cause a lot of trouble, but a partition, called the palate, prevents this from happening. This palate actually forms the roof of the mouth and toward the front is hard and rigid, but in the back become soft and elastic.

Another precaution against fool going the wrong way after it has been chewed is a pink safety vale behind all this, hanging down like baby’s thumb, called the uvula. If food or liquid threatens to go the wrong way, this swings upward automatically along with the soft palate to keep it from doing so.

On either side of this little safety valve are the tonsils, which hell trap bacteria and other microbe that might get past the controls in the nose.

Your lips are the first to touch anything offered to your mouth They are very sensitive and signal whether to accept anything that may be too hot or cold. They have great deal to do with speech an singing, too, as well as visually showing the kind of mood you may be in — cheerful, sad, frightened or surprised. The tongue, which cover the whole floor of your mouth, is the principal organ of taste an decides whether something is sweet sour, bitter, salty or tasteless.

Doesn’t it seem strange that with both the nose and mouth performing so marvelously, we scarcely eve think of them? How good the Creator has been to provide these things that go on performing all the years of our lives, with scarcely conscious command or instruction from us. Who but God could form each part of our bodies in such wonderful ways?

“Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.... Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and int His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalms 100:3,4.

(to be continued)

ML-01/08/1989

No Warning

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

It was a warm spring day, and Jeanne and several of her girlfriends decided to take a hike up to Wallace Falls in northwestern Washington. It was a beautiful place to hike with lots of evergreens and other bushes along the pathway. They could hear the falls off in the distance and were eager to reach the top of the falls. As they hiked, the girls were talking and laughing, enjoying one another’s company. But Jeanne probably wasn’t feeling real happy inside.

Not too long before, at her high school, the classmates had all been asked to write a little message that would be printed under their picture in the yearbook. At the end of her message, Jeanne had written two little words: “I’m scared.” What a strange message! What was she scared of? Jeanne had heard about the Lord Jesus and His love for sinners like herself, but she never seemed very interested in the subject. Was she scared of God? Was she scared of death?

As the girls neared the top of the falls they heaved a sigh of relief; the hot hiking part was over with, and there before them were the beautiful falls! The girls decided to take off their shoes and wade in the pool of water just above the falls to cool off.

“Oops!” yelled Ann, Jeanne’s best friend, “there goes my shoe!” as it fell in with a splash. “I hope it doesn’t go over the falls!”

“Here, I’ll go after it,” yelled back Jeanne. As Jeanne made her way after the shoe, she discovered the current was stronger than she thought. She turned around and struggled to get back to the other girls, but the water current was just too strong for her. Right before her friends’ eyes, Jeanne was carried over the falls!

The girls could hardly believe what had happened and ran for help. But it was too late. Several weeks later, Jeanne’s body was found. Yes, Jeanne had passed from this life into eternity, and with no warning.

Boys and girls, are you ready to face eternity? If you should be suddenly taken with no warning, like Jeanne, where would you be? How wonderful if you would be with the Lord Jesus in heaven where there is true happiness and no more sorrow or tears. But how terrible if you should end in hell with the devil and his angels! There is no happiness there! — no light and no love! Come to the Lord Jesus and have your sins washed away while you still have time. Jeanne had no idea when she woke up that morning that she would be in eternity that very afternoon.

And you do not know when you will be taken either. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1. The Lord Jesus loves you and is still saying, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Won’t you come to Him today?

ML-01/15/1989

Purple Crayons

When Nancy opened the clothes dryer she found purple all over the clothes. Somehow she had overlooked a purple crayon that had been left in Nathan’s pocket when she did the wash. What a mess! Purple crayon had melted in splotches all over that dryer load of light-colored clothes. What could she do?

Sin has made a mess of our hearts, too. It has left a red stain on everything that we do.

Nancy called a friend and asked, “How can I get rid of these purple crayon stains?” And we have a Friend who knows all about the red stains on our hearts. This Friend loves us and would like nothing better than to wash those stains away in His precious blood and make us clean and happy. Won’t you call on that Friend, the Lord Jesus Christ? He loves you more than any earthly friend ever could. Will you let Him wash away those stains of sin from your heart?

It took Nancy a long time and a lot of work to get all those purple crayon stains out of those clothes. The Lord Jesus will take all your sins and their stains away, as far as the east is from the west, the minute you call on Him. He did all the work necessary long ago on Calvary’s cross when He bore all the judgment of God against sin. “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.

ML-01/15/1989

Pam's Eye Trouble

Seven-year-old Pam was having eye problems, so one afternoon her mother took her to the eye doctor’s office for an examination. The doctor sat Pam in a chair and covered her left eye. He asked her if she could read the bottom line of the eye chart on the wall.

“No,” said Pam very firmly.

“How about the next to the bottom line, Pam; can you read that?” asked the doctor.

Again she answered, “No.” “What about the line above that?”

Now Pam’s mother and the doctor began to worry, for Pam sadly shook her head to indicate she could not even read that line.

“Are you sure, Pam, that you can’t see the letters on that line?”

“Sure I can see them,” said Pam, “but I can’t read them.”

At last the mystery was solved. Pam saw the letters, but she could not read them because they did not spell out a word she recognized. Pam’s mother and the doctor together breathed sighs of relief. Now the doctor could find out what was really wrong with Pam’s vision, and he soon prescribed glasses to help her see better.

Do you have an eye problem? All of us do when it comes to seeing ourselves the way God sees us. We cannot possibly “see” how bad we really are. Yet we actually do not need to “see” that with our eyes, but simply need to understand that we are sinners in God’s sight.

Once we admit that we are guilty of being a sinner, there is the next line to read on God’s “chart": God hates sin and He cannot have it in His presence. We need to “see” this clearly or we will struggle on without getting anywhere. Pam struggled with the letters because she was trying to form words with them. You will struggle on with your sins if you think you have only a few small ones that do not amount to much.

The fact is that a letter is a letter and a sin is a sin. Each one stands alone. And it only takes one sin, great or small, to keep you out of heaven; the total number does not matter.

But just as the doctor had the only remedy for Pam’s eye problem, God is the only One who has the remedy for your sin problem. His Son, the Lord Jesus, was punished on the cross for the sins of all who would accept Him as their Saviour. Believing this provides an instant cure that lasts forever. No further treatment is necessary. The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. Do you believe it?

ML-01/15/1989

The Throat's Part in Our Lives: Part 3

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” Psalms 100:2.

In the two preceding articles we have looked into the services given to our bodies by the nose and mouth. After their work is done the throat (pharynx) takes over. About five inches long, it is located about seven inches from our lips and connected to the esophagus (down which food travels) and to the windpipe (through which air moves to the lungs).

At that point where the throat divides into two tubes, the Creator has provided an amazing safety valve (epiglottis) to keep the air and food separate from each other. Both begin their journeys sharing the pharynx, but where they separate the air passage going to the front and the food tube behind it — there is the safety valve to make sure the right material goes into each one. When no food is on the way, the valve allows the air to pass along to the windpipe and lungs, but keeps it out of the food tube. But when food is present this wonderful valve shuts off the part to the windpipe, and the food goes on down to the stomach. Otherwise there would be some real problems.

This part of the body is one of the wonders of God’s creation and could never come about by so-called evolution. How interesting that the valve doesn’t have to be told, but just opens and closes at exactly the right time!

The larynx, also called the voice box, is an important part of the throat. It is from there that our voices and songs originate. Within it are two vocal cords through which air from the lungs is forced when we talk. These cords are usually relaxed, but speaking or singing draws them close together, and as air is forced through they vibrate to make a great variety of sounds. The amount of air forced through and the degree of tightness of the cords determine just what sound will be heard, so that when talking or singing, these have to change their tightness over and over instantaneously.

Of course the forming of words and music also requires the use of the tongue, mouth and even our teeth. But how wonderful it is to think how all these cooperate to work so perfectly. Animals may grunt, moo, squeal, etc., but cannot speak or sing as we do. Birds can produce God-given melodies delightful to hear, but they cannot compose any other music. It is only mankind that has this ability, and that is because of the kindness of our Creator in making it possible.

When we consider all the ways He has provided for us, surely we should respond to Him as our opening verse expresses and serve Him with gladness, letting our vocal cords bring forth songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

ML-01/15/1989

An Icy Plunge

Memory Verse: “For 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

As his mother wrapped his plaid scarf around his neck, Sam dug his hands into his coat pockets to find his mittens.

Merle, his shaggy golden retriever, was all ready to go. He pranced around, slapping his big front paws against the floor as if to say, “Hurry up, Sam!”

The pair slipped out the door. The snow came up to Sam’s boot-tops. Merle ran and dove and twisted and turned in the deep snow like a happy puppy.

“Wait up, Merle!” Sam had to call out to his dog. “You go a lot faster than me with your four legs!”

They headed through their backyard and on through a clump of willow trees with their long, slender, hanging branches, then on to the edge of a frozen lake.

Merle found a stick and brought it to his master’s feet.

“You want to play fetch, Merle?” Sam said as he picked up the stick and hurled it onto the lake. It hit the ice and slid.

Merle’s swift strides brought him to the spot where the stick landed almost before the stick hit. When he tried to stop to pick up the stick, his feet slid out from underneath him and his husky body slammed against the ice.

Sam heard a “CRACK,” like the snap of a big whip, as a large patch of ice broke up underneath his dog. Merle was plunged into the icy water.

“Merle, Merle, don’t drown, boy!” Sam shouted excitedly!

“Can somebody help us!” Sam yelled as loudly as he could. The nearest row of houses was so far away that Sam didn’t think anyone heard him.

As Sam watched Merle struggle in the icy water, he couldn’t hold back the sobs. He loved Merle, and his dog was in danger of freezing to death or drowning.

Before we go any further with the story, I want to tell you that God loves you! This is true because we read it in the Bible. “For 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.

God does love you, no matter who you are. Notice this verse doesn’t read, “For God so loved the good people of the world,” nor does it read, “the worthy people of the world.” If it did, no one could be sure God loved them. It reads, “For God so loved the world,” so we can be certain He loves each one of us.

We also learn from this verse that souls are in danger of perishing. If you haven’t put your faith in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to save your soul, then it cannot be said that you “shall not perish,” because if you die without the Saviour you will “perish.” To perish is an awful thing. It means being separated from God for all eternity in that awful place called hell where there shall be much weeping and gnashing of teeth. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, and to make a way of escape possible, He sent the Lord Jesus to die on the cross. Now, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Won’t you believe in Him and then tell someone what you have done? Of every believer the Lord Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28. This will be true of you, too, if you will trust in the Lord Jesus.

We left Sam standing on the shore watching Merle struggling in the icy water. Not knowing if any help was coming, Sam bravely decided to go to the edge of the broken ice to try to pull Merle out by himself.

“Merle, I’m coming to get you out!” Sam tried to reassure his dog.

Merle swam in small circles in the patch of water. The hole in the ice was round and about five feet wide. Sam could see Merle’s big coffee-colored eyes looking at him as if he were asking for help.

With every step Sam could hear the ice shifting and cracking beneath him. He walked slowly and stepped carefully, pausing after every step and holding his breath to see if the ice were breaking. Wishing someone would come outside who could help him, Sam kept checking the houses on the other side of the lake, but the only signs of life were spirals of smoke coming from the chimneys. He wished he and Merle were back safe in their warm house.

Sam was almost to the edge of the broken ice. Scared that the ice was going to break again, he lay down and crawled on his belly the last few feet. He stretched one arm out over the murky cold water. Merle swam over to it. Sam dug his fingers into his dog’s long, yellow hair at the scruff of his neck. Merle’s skin was loose and easy to grab. His fur was soaked and heavy. Sam got a good grip and pulled... Merle got his two front paws onto the ice as Sam tugged. Merle had just scrambled out of the water onto the ice... “CRACK!” The ice broke away beneath both of them, and boy and dog were plunged into the icy water!

Sam yelled in fright. He swallowed a mouthful of water and choked. Water was filling his boots and making his feet feel like lead weights. His heavy winter jacket soaked up the water and felt so heavy. All this weight wanted to pull him down under the icy water. He didn’t want to drown, so he fought with all his strength to stay afloat. It was harder than anything he had ever had to do before. He was getting numb in the cold water and his arms and legs were getting tired. They didn’t want to move; they wanted to stop and give up.

Sam felt a nudge at his back. It was Merle pushing him with his nose. Sam turned around in the water and reached his arm around his big dog’s neck. The dog was strong enough to keep them both afloat for a while.

Ten minutes passed; they seemed like hours.

Suddenly a fire engine pulled up to the edge of the lake. A neighbor had called the fire department when he heard Sam’s call for help.

The crew worked quickly. The firemen pulled a long ladder off the side of their bright-red engine. They opened it up to its full length and laid it down on the ice. One of them walked carefully on the ladder rungs across the ice to the open water where the two were struggling. He pulled Sam out. His face had turned blue from the cold water. He couldn’t move his fingers. Through lips that would hardly move he kept saying, “Get my dog out, get my dog out,” as the fireman carried him to the fire engine and rushed him to the hospital.

Later at the hospital Sam’s father was able to reassure him that Merle was safe at home, drying out on a warm rug by the heater.

It had been a close call, but now both Sam and Merle were safe. Won’t you accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour that you might be safe, too? “The Lord is... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML-01/22/1989

The Useful Gourd

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head.” Jonah 4:6.

The Creator of all things could immediately prepare that gourd for Jonah, but if you were to plant seeds it would take much longer to have a gourd. Perhaps you are acquainted with this odd “fruit” often covered with warts and painted in pretty colors — that is sometimes used as a decoration. They can either be raised in your home garden or purchased at a store.

Growing on the ground like squash or pumpkins, gourds have been popular around the world for centuries. However, they are seldom used for food as the taste is far too bitter. In America they are sometimes used as baby rattles or toys, but more often for decorative purposes since they grow in a variety of shapes — round, oval, or tube-like. After ripening, a curing period is required after which the outer skin is peeled off. Then they are ready for decorating, perhaps by carving beautiful designs on them before painting. Some prepared by skilled carvers and painters make beautiful ornaments for various parts of a house, or perhaps to hang from a porch ceiling.

Musicians sometimes make large gourds into drums, rattles, or use them for the sound chamber of guitar-like instruments. Women in some southern countries make them into hats, cutting large ones in two and painting them in brilliant colors and designs. Other women in Asian countries cut large ones the same way, but use them as containers on their heads for packages, or even for carrying water. These women can balance loads on their heads so well that they often walk long distances and never use their hands to hold them in place.

Other common uses are for floats for fishermen’s nets and for dippers, spoons and bowls for the kitchen. Some have even used them for wheelbarrow wheels. Others are made into bird houses. They are placed in the crotch of a tree, hung from a branch, or mounted on a pole near a house or barn after boring the right-sized hole for the bird to enter.

Gourds, with their many varieties and uses, represent just one kind of plant among an endless variety the Creator has put on the earth to give service and pleasure to mankind. Yet few people pay attention to the Bible verse that says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.

How thankful we should be for all His wonderful provisions, but most of all for God’s love in sending His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to give His life on Calvary’s cross where He bore the sins of all who will confess themselves as sinners and accept Him as their Saviour. If you have not yet accepted this great love, do so today. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-01/22/1989

The Lost Bird

Memory Verse: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34:8

Our bird, Joey, is a cockatiel. Cockatiels are small parrots. Joey is gray and white with a cute yellow head. Most of the time he just chirps away to show how happy he is. He knows a few words, and when he talks it’s rather funny to hear. He has quite a throaty little voice. Anyone not knowing what words he could say would find it hard to understand him.

One day somebody in the family, without realizing it, opened the back door while Joey was out of his cage. And wouldn’t you know, Joey flew right out the door! We were all horrified, of course. We all knew that a bird out of its cage and out of doors is very hard to catch.

We ran outside and found him in our backyard tree. Our father got a ladder to get him down with, but just as he climbed within reach, Joey flew off again.

We chased Joey all over the neighborhood for two or three hours. We tried holding up his cage when he perched on a store roof with a bunch of pigeons. Joey wasn’t interested. We called him and called him, holding out a finger for him to land on. But that didn’t work either. Joey was enjoying his freedom!

Sometimes boys and girls are like Joey. It’s fun to be out doing whatever you want, not caring what your parents think or what God thinks. But God loves you and always knows what’s best for you. Just as Joey didn’t know what trouble to expect out in the big city, boys and girls don’t know what trouble is ahead either. They are almost sure to meet troubles if they don’t accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour and Master of their lives. Joey was out enjoying his freedom, but he didn’t know that soon it would be not only dark, but cold. Joey’s happiness was not going to last.

We soon lost sight of Joey. Sadly we gave up hope and stopped looking for him. All of us went back home... and then we decided we still had one hope left — we prayed, asking the Lord Jesus to send our pet bird back. He knew that Joey was lost and alone out there in the cold, and we knew that if the Lord Jesus wanted us to have Joey back, He could bring him back to us. “Things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27.

The next day, after praying again each time we looked at Joey’s empty cage, someone called on the telephone asking for Mother. “You don’t know me,” were the first words he said. Then he explained that he had our Joey safe in his home, five blocks away from our house. He had found our poor, tired, hungry, lost little bird in a tree in his backyard that morning. He had climbed up a ladder, talked soothingly to him for ten minutes, then carried Joey down in a baseball cap.

Of course, we went to pick Joey up that very day, and you can be sure we thanked the Lord Jesus for giving us our pet back again.

We remembered how Joey wouldn’t let us anywhere near him, and yet this kind man went to the trouble of climbing up his tree and then gently lifted this strange little bird into his hat to carry him back down. We could only think of how the Lord Jesus had once again solved a problem in His special way. The chances of catching a lost pet bird are pretty slim. We had the feeling that if God hadn’t been looking after Joey on his long adventure around that big, busy city, we would have lost him forever.

Are you forgetting God and following what you think looks fun and exciting? You may not think of it as a mistake now, but you will change your mind when it turns dark and cold. The happiness sin gives does not last. One of the reasons Joey probably let that kind man recapture him was because he was tired, bewildered and hungry. His freedom wasn’t fun anymore. He was an unhappy little bird. Only real freedom from your sins through trusting the Lord Jesus Christ will bring lasting happiness in your life. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers [sin]: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.” Psalms 124:7.

The Lord Jesus loves you and is lovingly reaching out to you. Won’t you let Him save you? “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalms 34:8.

ML-01/29/1989

Inside or Outside

How many of you have sung this song in Sunday school?

One door and only one,

And yet its sides are two—

Inside and outside,

On which side are you?

One door and only one,

And yet its sides are two—

I’m on the inside;

On which side are you?

Do you know what this song is asking? Here is a story to help you.

One day Tom and Marie went to visit some friends. As they came near their friend’s house a very large dog ran toward them from a neighbor’s house with a deep, “WOOF! WOOF!” Without even knocking, Marie opened their friend’s front door, jumped inside and slammed the door behind her. Marie was safe! She was on the inside. Poor Tom was left on the outside with that big dog.

If you have put your trust in the Lord Jesus, you are safe on the inside. You are safe from the judgment that is coming on sinners. All who are sinners are on the outside and will be cast into the lake of fire. They are not safe; they face terrible danger. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you are safe. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

What about Tom who was left on the outside? Happily for him the big dog was friendly and did not harm him. He then came inside, too.

Now let me ask you, “On which side are you?” Are you safe on the inside with the Lord Jesus, or are you in danger on the outside, facing the punishment for your sins? “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation [worth being accepted by all], that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML-01/29/1989

More About Salamanders

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind.... and God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24,25.

Some time ago we studied the interesting salamanders. Let’s take a closer look at them. Closely related to lizards, there are over 300 species throughout the world. To maintain the moisture in their skins, most are found near ponds, streams or in marshy places. However, some in the tropics live high in treetops where they get moisture from cup-shaped leaves that hold water from frequent rainstorms.

In size, they range from one-inch to five-feet long. They also come in many colors, from orange-red to very dark black or brown or with mottled skins of mixed colors. All salamanders’ legs are short, but their tails are usually almost as long as the rest of their bodies.

All have been given large eyes and good vision by the Creator, as well as long tongues (about one-third the length of their bodies) which can flash out so quickly that even if you were watching closely you likely would miss the action. It’s not necessary for them to chase their prey (insects, millipedes, flies, etc.). Salamanders wait quietly on a rock or other bare surface until a victim comes by and capture it with a flick of their tongues.

While some species give birth to little ones, most hatch from eggs. The eggs have been laid at the side of a stream or pond, and after hatching, the young live on insects that come near them. When grown they leave these homes and make new ones in nearby brush or grass, or go into burrows or perhaps just under a pile of moist leaves.

Some have very flat bodies, allowing them to squeeze between tight leaves of moisture-retaining plants. These salamanders have been provided by the Creator with webs on their hands and feet, enabling them to hold to the smooth, wet foliage. Their tails that wrap around tree branches (like most monkeys) also help them when looking for food.

An unusual feature God has given salamanders is their ability to grow new tails, legs and some other body parts that have been torn off. Also, like a chameleon, they can change the color of their skin to match the rocks or soil around them.

These interesting creatures are seldom seen because they hunt mostly at night, but we can easily see one reason for their place in God’s creation — they are helpful to mankind. They destroy great quantities of insects and pests that would otherwise be eating farm crops, fruits, and other products.

Did you ever stop to think that God has a definite reason and place for you in His creation, too? The Bible tells us this, saying, “Every man [person] hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.” 1 Corinthians 7:7. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister [use] the same [gift] one to another, as good stewards [managers].” 1 Peter 4:10. If you ask the Lord Jesus to show you how to use your gift to please Him, He will surely make it plain to you.

ML-01/29/1989

Carmen's Story

Memory Verse: “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

The great man had arrived, and there were banners and cheers of welcome in Carmen’s town in Chile.

Her school was let out so that the children could line the streets to see him. It was a wonderful sight as he drove slowly by, with marching bands before and behind his long, black, shiny car. Everyone stood on tiptoe for a better view.

Then the school-children went back to class, and the teacher told them to write an assignment about the great man whom they had just seen.

Carmen remembered that God has said, “Honor all men” (1 Peter 2:17), and she wrote carefully about this great, important man, but her heart was also thinking of the One who is truly far more important and “higher than the kings of the earth.” Psalms 89:27. She wrote faithfully about the Lord Jesus and of what He has done for sinners. At the end of her assignment she wrote, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

After school the teacher called her to her desk and asked her to explain what she meant by those words about all having come short of the glory of God. This was a hard question for a 12-year-old girl to answer, but she tells it this way —

“And since I had my Bible with me, for I always take it to school, I showed her what it said.” The teacher asked to see the Bible and said she had never had one in her hand before.

“Would you like me to leave it with you?” asked Carmen. The teacher gladly agreed, so Carmen marked some verses that might help her. The teacher was delighted. She often chatted with Carmen about her faith in Christ, and soon had a Bible of her own.

What do you think of that story, girls and boys? Is it worth speaking for Christ, even if you do not know how it will be received? Sometimes it is not received gladly, but it is still worthwhile.

Perhaps I could tell you one more story of a man named Julian, who was a short, little man with a big pack of Bibles on his back. These were often gladly received, but not always. Some enemies of Christ finally caught him and threw him into prison for passing out Bibles.

“Why do you do this?” asked his guards. “You know it will get you into trouble.”

His brave answer was this, “For the joy of bringing bread to the hungry and water to the perishing.”

Julian was sentenced to death for spreading the Word of God. Is it worthwhile, boys and girls? The Lord Jesus loved us and thought that we were worth dying for even when we were His enemies, and He is worth more than 10,000 of us! In heaven we will worship and praise Him. Why not start now?

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Revelation 5:12.

ML-02/05/1989

The Saving Arm

As Peter walked along the dike,

He heard a dreaded sound...

The trickle of leaking water,

That caused his heart to pound!

He hurried down the dike’s steep side

And did not hesitate

To use his arm to fill the hole

Before it was too late.

The darkness settled around him;

All night alone he stayed,

Holding back the angry sea,

That his country might be saved.

When no one else could save us,

Nor hold back dark judgment’s tide,

The Son of God stepped in between

When He was crucified.

“He saved others.” Matthew 27:42.

“He that believeth on Him is not condemned.” John 3:18.

ML-02/05/1989

Pepper

We live next door to a family with five children and a dog named Pepper. He is a friendly little dog who enjoys playing with the children. But even though Pepper is friendly and has a happy home, he once had a bad habit. He chased cars. It was this bad habit that got him into trouble one day.

It was winter and Pepper was chasing a car when he slipped on a patch of ice. As he fell his long tail got caught in the back bumper of the car and was badly mangled. His owners took him to the vet who cleaned up and treated his other cuts and bruises. But Pepper’s long tail was in such bad shape that it had to be removed.

Pepper’s five little owners were terribly upset. Poor Pepper! How would he ever get along without his tail? But it did not seem to bother him. He was just as friendly as always. However, there was one thing that had changed —Pepper did not chase cars anymore. He learned his lesson.

We can all learn a lesson from Pepper. We all have problems or sadness. Often the Lord Jesus uses these to make us stop and think. Is there a bad habit we have that God does not like? Are we “chasing” after something that is not pleasing to the Lord?

When problems come up, the first thing to do is go to the Lord Jesus in prayer about them. He sometimes has something to teach us, and He will help us to learn. If we are willing to learn the lesson, then we will be happy in the sunshine of His love. Pepper did not worry about living without his tail, and we do not need to worry about tomorrow, either. How good it is to be able to take everything to God in prayer, and ask Him to help us and guide us.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer.

O, what peace we often forfeit,

O, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

ML-02/05/1989

The Philippine Eagle

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Isaiah 40:31.

The rare Philippine eagle’s name identifies it with its Pacific Ocean homeland where it is now protected from hunters. For many years they were killed because many natives thought they kidnapped babies.

Perhaps this undeserved reputation came about many years ago when one of these eagles was seen carrying a small monkey to its nest and the native mistakenly thought it was a human baby! Actually, Filipinos have now been convinced that that could not possibly happen and have learned that this eagle’s food supply is mainly small animals like squirrels, snakes, bats, a few birds and only an occasional monkey.

The Philippine eagle is large and impressive, with a crown of bristly brown and white feathers surrounding its rather fierce-looking head and a strong, blue, hooked beak appearing so threatening beneath its piercing eyes. This hooked beak is part of the Creator’s design to enable it to capture necessary food and mercifully kill it quickly. Sharp claws on strong feet are also part of this provision.

Its nest is always placed high in tall trees. Just one egg is laid each year, and the mother seldom leaves the nest during a two-month incubating period while the male brings food to her. Occasionally he will help in the incubation. Then, after the eaglet hatches, both parents share in feeding it, even for a while after it learns to fly. An eaglet is dependent on its parents for a long time.

The feathers of mature eagles form a pretty design when wings are outstretched and tail feathers extended. Behind the white throat and neck feathers and out to the middle section of the wings they are mottled light brown, edged and flecked with white. The remaining half of the wings is dark brown, but each feather is tipped with ivory white. Long tail feathers are dark except for white tips.

The Bible speaks of eagles in many places, often referring to their strength and to the great heights to which they fly. They are indeed an impressive part of God’s creation. That holy book tells us that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23. But it is interesting that a promise in writing was given to the young people of Isaiah’s day (which is still a promise today), in which the Bible uses eagles as an example of God’s blessings to those who put their trust in Him. (See our opening verse.) Without that trust, problems of life can be very troublesome, but God graciously helps His own to overcome them. Have you put your trust in Him?

ML-02/05/1989

A Dangerous Way to Fish

Memory Verse: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness: but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“BOOM!” The dynamite was loud enough and the blast strong enough that it made him jump ... but Wilfredo was getting a lot of fish. He knew that fishing like this was against the law, but most likely no one would ever know what he was doing since he was a long way out in the jungle. He hoped on one would ever find out about his fishing with dynamite.

It seemed so easy and so much faster than any other way to fish. Just light the stick of dynamite, wait until it was almost ready to explode, and then throw it quickly into the river. The explosion underwater killed lots of fish. The dead fish would quickly float to the top, and what a catch! His family would eat some and they would sell the rest.

Wilfredo was unaware that his whole life was about to be changed. He had grown up in a Christian home and had gone to Sunday school and many Bible meetings. He had often been told of God’s wonderful plan of salvation for poor lost sinners. He had heard many times how the Lord Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, had been buried and rose again the third day. But Wilfredo had not accepted God’s loving offer of the forgiveness of sins. He had heard the warning from Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape, if we neglect [pay no attention to] so great salvation?” But Wilfredo had neglected it. He had learned by memory the verse, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Eccl. 12:1), but he had not remembered the One who had made him.

Wilfredo’s Christian father had taken him to gospel meetings every Sunday for over 10 years. That meant that he had heard of God’s wonderful love over 500 times! His family read the Bible together every morning each day of the year. Wilfredo had heard the Bible read over 3,000 times! What amazing patience God had shown Wilfredo! A kind teacher might have explained a math lesson to him a second time if he did not understand it the first time, or a really patient teacher might even explain it three or four times. But is there any love and patience so great as God’s — to explain to a poor lost sinner his need of the Saviour thousands of times?

Now as Wilfredo was fishing with dynamite, he was not thinking about God. However, in one last and powerful way, God was going to remind Wilfredo that no one can stay in this world forever — that everyone will leave; everyone will face God.

He put a match to the fuse and watched and waited for the red glow to burn low. Just another few seconds and he would let go... “BOOM!” Before he could throw it, the blast went off, and Wilfredo knew he was hurt badly.

The terrible pain confused him and he ran. He could not see where he was going, but he ran deeper and deeper into the jungle. Friends who had seen the accident ran after him until they caught him. They carried him to a hospital. It was while he was in the hospital that Wilfredo learned how badly he was hurt. He had lost his right hand and his right eye.

Now his thoughts turned toward the Saviour he had neglected for so long. The devil had been a hard, unkind master, and Wilfredo no longer wanted to serve him. Wilfredo knew now that God had spared his life to give him another opportunity to forsake his sins and be saved. He was now willing to accept God’s free gift. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Are any of you boys and girls like Wilfredo? Do you have Christian parents or friends who have often read God’s Word to you? Have you often been at Bible meetings? God is patiently waiting for you to accept His loving offer of salvation. Have you turned away from God’s loving gift a hundred times?... or even a thousand times? “The Lord... is long-suffering [patient] to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Some day God’s patience will end. Some day the door of salvation will be closed forever. Trust in the Lord Jesus, God’s beloved Son, today before it is forever too late. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Wilfredo is so thankful that now he is saved. He says it was worth even losing a hand and an eye. He began reading his Bible and rejoicing in the sureness that his heavy load of sin was gone from his heart forever. He now teaches a little Sunday school class himself. From his own experience he tells the children of God’s loving patience in waiting for sinners to be saved. The children can see that Wilfredo is happier without his hand and eye and his sins than he ever was with two hands, two eyes and his heavy load of sin. “Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you.” Isaiah 30:18. “The long-suffering [patience] of our Lord is salvation.” 2 Peter 3:15.

Is God still waiting for you?

ML-02/12/1989

Helen Forgot

Once a week it was grocery-shopping day. As soon as school was over, the boys hurried home so they could go too. Mother loaded the two babies into the carriage while the boys took Helen between them. Then off they all trooped down the street and over the hill to the supermarket.

The two boys thought it was great fun to load the cart they were pushing with groceries while Mother followed behind with her cart full of babies, telling them which things to take off the shelves. Edith, the smallest, sat in the cart’s baby seat, and George rode in the bottom of the basket. Helen laid on her tummy on the rack underneath the basket and was reminded very plainly to keep her hands off the floor.

Almost always it was a happy time for everyone. But one day Helen disobeyed. She started dragging her hands on the floor. Mother didn’t notice what Helen was doing, and a moment later the cart, heavy with three children in it, rolled over the end of her middle finger. Helen screamed! Mother stopped the cart with the wheel right on top of the finger, because she didn’t see what was making Helen scream. Helen screamed louder! Mother moved the cart, but the poor little finger was badly squashed. Blood was oozing out all around the fingernail and the whole end was turning black and blue.

Helen had forgotten that God says, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20. And so their happy time ended sadly.

But “what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and 8 answers that question: “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance [strong punishment] on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Have you obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

ML-02/12/1989

The Meerkat

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness.” Psalms 36:6.7.

Meerkats make their homes in Southern Africa in two wild areas protected from hunters. One place is called Kruger National Park and the other Kalahari Gemsbok Park (named after the deer-like gemsbok which is the park’s main resident). Sharing these areas are gnus, springboks, hyenas, lions, leopards and ostriches. The Creator has provided them all with ability to adapt to the red sand dunes and hot, open country with its infrequent watering holes.

These reddish-brown squirrel-like animals are members of the mongoose family. They are noted for living in groups of 25 or more. Their life-style is rugged, and their major enemies are eagles, hawks and other birds of prey. Another enemy is the cobra, but the meerkats are usually too quick to be caught and even seem to enjoy teasing these vicious snakes into striking without success until they give up.

Much time is spent searching for their food, consisting of insects scratched from the sand, as well as mice and lizards. While some are searching for food, others frequently stand upright on their hind feet (much like prairie dogs), in groups of a dozen or more, heads tilted back, on the alert for their enemies overhead. If one is seen, a shrill warning is given and all immediately dive into their nearby burrows.

A meerkat is not likely to wander off alone, for the group habit of watching out for each other is really the secret of their survival. Those hunting food make a purring sound, enabling the others always to know where they may be. If one wanders to a spot where the others no longer hear the purr, they call it back.

When food is scarce they move as a group to another location, usually where ground squirrels have already dug out burrows. The meerkats take over without so much as a “thank you.” Twice a year from two to four little ones are born in these individual burrows and kept there for about a month. When allowed outside they find others to play with and are often joined in their fun by older brothers and sisters, as well as the parents, all of whom help in training them.

The clever ways of meerkats in surviving and even thriving in such barren country, remind us of the wisdom of the Lord God when He created them and adapted them to such unusual conditions.

And this He has done with all His creation, as our above Bible verse indicates. More than that though, He has provided a home in heaven for every man and woman, girl and boy, who accepts His loving invitation: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. Have you accepted this invitation?

ML-02/12/1989

Are You a Sea Gull or a Mouse?

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

It was a beautiful day and the air was very still. So why was the plastic bag in the garbage barrel moving like that? Walking over for a closer look, I decided to see what was going on. There must be something alive in that barrel!

Sure enough, I found a bird — a sea gull — looking up at me. It had a frightened look in its eyes.

The bird must have been looking for food and thought it would find something good in the garbage barrel. But when it wanted to get out, there was no room for its large wings to flap, and so it was stuck in the barrel. It could not get out by itself.

Sea gulls were one of the birds included in the list of creatures that God called “unclean.” (We read about this in the Bible in the book of Leviticus.) Not only were there other birds in the list, but also certain animals, fish and insects. They were called “unclean” because of their dirty habits of living or eating. You can easily understand sea gulls being in this list when you see them eating garbage. God told the children of Israel that they could not eat any of these creatures that had “unclean natures.” But He also gave them another list of the creatures that they could eat. These creatures had “clean” habits of living or eating — they had “clean natures.”

In Romans 3:23 we learn something about ourselves that’s not very good. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” You and I have an “unclean nature"; it is our nature to sin! Often this sinful nature gets us into trouble—trouble we cannot get out of by ourselves. And our friends cannot help us. “None... can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Psalms 49:7.

Back to our trapped sea gull. Was there any hope that it could be freed? Oh yes. The sea gull was easily released from his prison when I tipped over the barrel. He walked out and flew away. As he glided over the water, he seemed glad to be free.

Is there any hope that a sinner can be freed from his sins? Oh yes. God is able. “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17. Do you know that you need to be saved? “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Do you know that you are lost? If you still have not had your sins forgiven by trusting in the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, you are lost and need to be saved from your sins.

Do not wait any longer. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. The sea gull did not waste any time getting out of that barrel. Be wise and do not waste any time being saved from your sins.

Here’s a story about another “unclean” animal and what happened to it.

While two men were camping, they heard some scratching sounds in a garbage can. They discovered a mouse inside. The steep, slippery sides of the can kept him trapped in there. He could not get out of his prison. One of the men tipped over the can to let him out. The mouse came up to the edge and looked around... then he turned and went back in again. There were a few scraps of food in there and he wasn’t going to leave them. The men stood the can up again. So the mouse was left inside and in a short time would starve to death.

Do you think the mouse was foolish to do that? He could have had his freedom, but instead he chose to stay in his garbage-can prison. Millions of people are just as foolish as that little mouse. They would rather stay in their sins than to be free of them and become Christians.

Which one of these “unclean” creatures are you like? Neither one was “good,” but one was set free and the other died. If you trust in the Lord Jesus, you will be free from your sins. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. If you refuse to trust in the Lord Jesus, you will die in your sins. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Hebrews 2:3.

Are you a sea gull, or are you a mouse?

ML-02/19/1989

A Story About Nothing

This story is about nothing—nothing at all. That’s what you brought into the world with you when you were born. Just nothing... zero.

There was a man in Italy who added a great deal of money to his first zero, and he became a rich man with a lot of zeros after the number one. He had an expensive car and much more. He also had in his car one little New Testament which he had stuffed nit of sight in his glove corn3artment, because he didn’t know what to do with it.

Think of that! The eternal Word of sod, showing the way to everlasting oy with the answer to all the sins and sorrows of life and death... and he didn’t know what to do with t! He knew how to handle money and how to make more. He knew how to get a beautiful house and how to meet important people, but me didn’t know God’s simple way of salvation. How poor can a rich man be?

Then came the car accident. The ambulance was called, and there las nothing he could do but wait. His injuries were not severe, but he knew very well that he could have been killed. His hand reached for as ownership papers of his car, and his fingers came up with that little New Testament. For the first time, he opened it and read that verse bout “nothing.” It was 1 Timothy 6:7. “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

“I felt as if I had been struck by lightning!” he said later. He realized that if he had been killed, all his possessions would be reduced to the original zero. Nothing would be left for eternity. Not a single penny of all his riches would be his the moment after his death.

But after death there is something that would still be his. His sins! These you cannot get rid of after death. They must be gotten rid of before death or they are yours forever, through the endless ages of eternity. Will you please, at this moment, picture this awful truth standing before God in your sins!

However, the awful debt of my sins has been paid by the One who loves me and died for me on Calvary. His precious blood cleanses from all sin now, and this cleansing is forever. After I’m gone everything I own will also be lest behind for someone else. But, Jesus is mine forever. I cannot lose Him because He cannot lose me. When God looks at me He sees Jesus, now and forever.

The rich man in the car accident began to read the Bible earnestly, and he soon accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and was then baptized. Will you also receive this loving Saviour as your own? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-02/19/1989

A Visit in the Riparian Area

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalms 23:1.2.

No, riparian is not the name of a country; it is one kind of beauty spot the Creator has arranged in many lands, hidden away from general view.

A stream of clear, cool water makes its way around the slopes of a hill or quietly winds its course through a flat area where banks are green the year round with grass and brush. Tall trees stretch out their branches and often meet overhead with those from the opposite bank. This is called a riparian area.

What lovely places these are quiet and peaceful with the sun peeking through the leaves and sparkling here and there on the stream. The riparian area is the home of many fish as well as a resting place for those migrating upstream to lay their eggs. It is also a favorite place with small animals, such as squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, gophers, etc., as well as with numerous birds calling back and forth. It is a safe place for them all hidden from their larger enemies, including birds of prey searching out in the open.

A visitor sitting quietly near the stream will soon see or hear these residents and perhaps get a glimpse of a mother deer with her little fawn, a coyote, fox or even a bobcat coming to drink in the cool, clear stream.

Sports fishermen love these places, too, as do campers, not only for catching trout and salmon, but because of the soothing and restful surroundings. They enjoy the pleasant calls of so many birds and lovely displays of ferns, flowers and other plants, many of which take on added beauty in the autumn time.

What a beautiful picture the stream presents as it moves through the riparian area — sometimes in a series of small white cascades, but more often quietly gliding through more level areas, where it is like the “still waters” referred to in the opening verse.

Perhaps the Psalmist was enjoying a riparian visit when he also wrote: “He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field.... By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.” Psalms 104:10-12.

When you have an opportunity to visit such a place as this, be sure to think of the One who created it and who also provides you with many blessings in your life. And be sure to thank Him often for His wonderful ways and love to you.

ML-02/19/1989

Do You Go to Sunday School?

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

The teachers had been praying for good weather on Saturday as plans were being made for the yearly Sunday school picnic.

Invitations had been handed out, games had been planned, cakes had been baked, and prayers had gone up that the Lord Jesus would bless each child attending. At 10:00 sharp the bus pulled away from the Sunday school with 50 children headed for a good time at the park.

An hour later those children were busy having fun. Some were jumping in a sack race. Other smaller children were having a treasure hunt among the trees. And, as usual, the teachers were trying to be everywhere at once!

A small boy came up to his teacher and asked, “Is there good money in this?”

What did he mean? Did he want to know if the prizes for winning the races were worth the work of trying to win? No, he wondered if the pay for being a Sunday school teacher were high enough to make all this work for the teachers worthwhile! His teacher happily explained to him that when you have good news to tell, you don’t feel you need to be paid to share it, even if it takes some work.

And what good news we have! “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

Most of us probably think of Sunday school as something that has always taken place for children on Sundays. But Sunday schools did have a beginning. And the first person to start a Sunday school lived a long time ago.

Right in the heart of the city of Toronto in Canada is the statue of a man holding a Bible, and underneath on a plaque is written the story of Robert Raikes. We learn that he was a very rich man who lived in Gloucester, England over 200 years ago. Seeing so many children on the streets on Sunday afternoons, he began to invite them into his home to teach them the story of God’s love. In this way, in 1780, he began the very first Sunday school.

How thankful we can be for men like Mr. Raikes and many others who have given their time and energy to tell children of God’s love and His wonderful plan of salvation. “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me.” Matthew 19:14.

Just as there was a time long ago when there were no Sunday schools, the Lord Jesus tells of a day coming very soon when Sunday school doors will be shut forever. He has promised, “I will come again.” John 14:3. Maybe you have attended Sunday school for the last time. Perhaps today the Lord Jesus will return to take home to heaven those who have accepted Him as their Saviour. Don’t delay any longer if you have not yet trusted Him to wash your sins away. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1.

ML-02/26/1989

Discovered!

Mr. Johnstone yawned and stretched. The morning sun shining through his window had wakened him after a good night’s sleep, and now he was ready to get up and go to work.

Suddenly, he noticed something and jumped out of bed. Something was wrong; his clothes were not neatly folded as he had left them. In fact, some of them were missing. He hurried from room to room checking to see if anything else had disappeared. Sure enough, his watch was gone, his wallet had disappeared and several other small, valuable items also were gone. Mr. Johnstone knew that he had carefully locked the doors before he went to bed, and he did not see how anyone could have gotten in. Continuing his search, he found that one of the windows at the back of the house had been broken. He also noticed that there was blood on some of the glass. Looking more closely, he found spots of blood in the different rooms where the thief had been.

Mr. Johnstone called the police who came quickly. He showed them the broken glass and the blood, and told them about the things that had been stolen. Then he showed them the trail of blood which led out the door and down the sidewalk.

Two of the policemen set off together to follow the drops of blood. They followed the drops up a flight of stairs of a house and stopped at a closed door. The policemen knocked loudly on the door, called several times, and finally pushed the door open and went in. Inside they found a man with a bleeding hand. The policemen questioned the man, but he claimed he knew nothing about any robbery. Spying a large bag under the bed, the officers pulled it out and opened it. There was Mr. Johnstone’s watch, his wallet, and all the other things that had been stolen from his home. The thief had been discovered!

I doubt that you have ever broken a window and stolen from anyone. But you don’t have to be a thief to be a sinner. God tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” He also says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. God is looking at your heart right now and He can see the stains of sin which no one else can see.

The thief who stole from Mr. Johnstone was put in jail for his crime, but God has good news for you and me. Although we are sinners, God offers us forgiveness through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Don’t try to hide from God. Admit that you are a sinner and need forgiveness. Trust His Word, the Bible, which says, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17.

ML-02/26/1989

Disobeying and Its Results

When Tommy was 11 years old, he knew the verse, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1. But Tommy liked to swing on a gate in the basement of his house. Even when he had been told not to do it, he tried it once more. The gate swung open. What a nice ride it was! Then... SMASH! The ride ended when Tommy’s toe hit the wall.

How it hurt! His disobeying could not be hidden. During the night it throbbed so much he couldn’t sleep. The next day his parents had to take him to the hospital where the toenail was removed.

Although Tommy is a grown man now, he still has trouble with that toe. It continues to remind him that we don’t get away with it when we disobey.

You boys and girls who know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, do you want to do something for Him? Here is something any boy or girl can do for the Lord: “Children, obey your parents.” (Do you remember where this verse is found?)

ML-02/26/1989

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it.” Psalms 95:4.5.

Imagine a lovely summer evening and you are standing at the seashore looking across the water at a beautiful sunset as the gentle incoming waves quietly wash up on the sand. What a beautiful sight this can be, with all around you so peaceful.

Perhaps two or three days later you come to the same spot. Now the wind is blowing fiercely, huge waves are thundering against the beach, and the sky is black with threatening clouds. How changeable the ocean can be, you might think and be reminded that our own lives are often changeable also.

But no matter how rough the ocean’s surface appears, if you could look down into deep water you would find it calm and undisturbed by the troubles overhead. Perhaps such a contrast should cause us to realize that when troubles are allowed to come our way, we also should find it possible to be calm, by casting all our cares upon the Saviour who tells us to do this. We can be encouraged by these wonderful reminders from God’s Word, the Bible. “O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them.” Psalms 89:8,9.

More than three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered by the oceans, the largest of which is the Pacific, some 11,000 miles wide between Panama and the China Sea. Before explorations were made it was generally thought that the floor of the oceans was almost level, but researchers have since discovered amazing facts about what is below the surface — among other things, that the floor of the Pacific is mostly rough and irregular, with mountains and deep valleys in many places never seen from above.

If Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, with its peak five-and-a-half miles above sea level, were placed in the deepest part of the Pacific ocean, it would rise five-and-a-half miles above the bottom, but still be completely covered by another mile of salt water. In other words, the ocean at that point is more than six miles deep!

In other parts of the same ocean, where the water is not so deep, many of the underwater mountains break through the surface, causing the upper parts of them to appear as islands. The highest of these is the island of Hawaii, surrounded by other beautiful lower ones, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai and others, extending all the way to Midway Island.

These things all speak majestically of God’s wonderful creation, and we will look at them further in the next few articles.

(to be continued)

ML-02/26/1989

God's Love to José

Memory Verse: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1

“José! José! Wake up!” Mama was calling. “José, wake up and come. Mama’s sick!”

José was awake now and went to his Mama’s bed. He hadn’t been sleeping well because he knew that his Mama was very ill. Now at her bedside, he was wide awake.

“José,” she gasped, “you must go for Grandma! I’m very sick. Go get Grandma to help.”

José lived in a small village called Cornaca which was high in the Andes Mountains. The people who lived there were very poor. Most of them made their living growing a few crops and caring for goats. José was only a boy, but he knew the path to Grandma’s house, although it seemed awfully long in the middle of the night. He hurried along the shorter path by the riverside because he knew that they must get back quickly to Mama.

Mama! She was the only one José had. There were no brothers or sisters, and Papa had run away and left them. Yes, Grandma must come quickly and help Mama get better. Mama was the only one who belonged to Jose.

He arrived at Grandma’s little hut and called, “Grandma! Wake up! Wake up and come now, because Mama’s sick!”

Grandma got up and soon they were both hurrying along the path back to the hut where Mama was.

Grandma did all she could to help, but, sadly, it was too late. Nothing could help now. Early that morning José stood unbelieving as Grandma told him that his dear Mama was dead. How could this happen? Who would be his very own now? Would he have to live alone?

Grandma took José home to her little hut, but even Grandma could not ease the ache in the small boy’s heart. He felt forsaken. There was no one who loved him like Mama.

Sad to say, José did not know about the kind Saviour who loves little children. He had never heard that God is a loving Father to those who trust in the Lord Jesus. He had never read or even seen God’s precious Word, the Bible, that tells us that the Lord Jesus “took them [children] up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:16. No one had ever told José these things, and his heart was sad and lonely.

Some time later, Papa came back. It was not a happy meeting. Because Papa had been gone so long, he seemed more like a stranger. Now his message to Grandma was surprising. “I want José to come with me. I have married again, and I need José to work in the fields. He’s coming with me.” There was no use for José to fight against it. What could a small boy do?

So José left with Papa to go to a new home... only it did not seem like his home. His new stepmother thought he should work hard. Sometimes he had to work with Papa in the fields, and sometimes he had to care for his stepbrothers and stepsisters.

It was not long before another trouble came into the life of poor José. Papa was working as a witch doctor. Sometimes he was able to cure sick people, and he demanded to be paid in strong drink.

It was a very sad life for José. Through the years he had to work hard, and his heart was sad and lonely. But God was tenderly watching José from heaven and planned one day to show him how great and how tender God’s love is for poor lost sinners. However, that day was still a long way off. Before José was to learn of the greatness of God’s love, he had another very sad day.

Papa was having more success in being a witch doctor. But since his pay was strong drink, Papa was often drunk. Finally one day Papa had a hard time contacting the evil spirits as he worked as a witch doctor. He drank more and more, but still could not contact the evil spirits. Poor Papa found that the devil was a hard master, and he died that day from too much drink.

What a sad day for José! Papa was gone too. He was a real orphan now, and his life began to be more difficult. He was the oldest child, and he had to help his stepmother with all the hard work that Papa used to do. His stepmother did not love him, and she often beat him.

José endured many long, hard days until finally he could stand it no longer. He had to do something. He would run away! He would find his way back to Grandma’s house. Life would not be so bad there.

José watched for an opportunity to escape, and he left. He headed for the village where Grandma lived. He knew he must get away fast before anyone came to look for him. He went quickly over the dusty .rails. Sometimes he walked and sometimes he ran.

Suddenly, José heard the clip-clop of a horse behind him. They were coming for him! Where could he hide?

There was no place to hide! The horse was coming closer, so José just ran, anywhere, as fast as he could! Suddenly the horse was beside him, and strong arms swept him up into the saddle.

His stepmother had sent the neighbor on a horse to find him. He could not get to Grandma’s. He was taken back against his will for more 3eatings and more long days of hard work.

José now felt very forsaken. No me loved him and there was no one or him to love. He thought, I’ll lever have a home and I’ll never have my own family. I’ll always be only an orphan.

José would have been right in thinking that he would never have a family... if it had not been that od had a special and loving plan or him. God is a loving Father and desires to have children of His own. He chooses poor lost sinners to be cleansed from their sins and adopted into His family. God sent its only Son, the Lord Jesus, into his world to save sinners. The Lord Jesus shed His precious blood for inners so that we might be welcomed into God’s own family. As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on its name.” John 1:12.

José still did not know about God’s wonderful plan. He lived with his stepmother for several more years and waited until he was older and stronger to run away again. This time he got away and felt that he could manage by himself now. José found work in a mining town. Not long after this he as invited to some Bible meetings. For the first time he heard God’s md news, that “Christ Jesus came to the world to save sinners.” Timothy 1:15. He heard that God loved him, a poor orphan, and that the Lord Jesus had died for his sins. José’s lonely heart accepted God’s loving offer, and he was saved. Now he suddenly found that he had a family! And what a family! There were not just a few, but many hundreds of believers who told him that they were all his brothers and sisters in Christ. “We have the same loving God as our Father,” they explained to him. José had joy in his heart that he never thought was possible.

If you were to visit José today, he would tell you that God has done wonderful things for him that he had never dreamed of when he was a poor orphan boy. He knows he has a wonderful home prepared for him in heaven, but God also lovingly gave José a home here in this world. He has a lovely young wife and three small children. Recently José said, “I never expected to have a house or a family, but God has given me both. I never thought that I would ever live in a house as nice as the one that God has given me. God has been very good to me!”

God wants to be a Father to you, just as He is for José. He has a wonderful plan for your life, and it all begins with the same good news that brought joy to José. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Have you received God’s gift? He is waiting to take you into His family. Trust in the goodness of God today! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1.

ML-03/05/1989

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Thy way is in the sea, and Thy path in the great waters, and Thy footsteps are not known.” Psalms 77:19.

In the preceding article we looked at the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean, in which the deepest spot is 30,180 feet and which is over 4,000 miles wide, also has a chain of underwater mountains 10,000 miles long. Some of these are higher than the Rockies, but still out of sight under the water. By contrast, the floor of the North Atlantic is mostly wide, flat areas in which deep sea channels have made cuts like rivers.

It would take an entire book to list all the islands in every ocean and the details of islands such as Japan, the Philippines, the Bahas, Cuba, Iceland, Madagascar and many others which represent entire nations. These have risen up through the ages to become the home of millions of people and often supply much of the world’s food.

Most of these islands have been formed in one of two ways. Many are volcanic, that is, they began as fierce volcanos, breaking through the ocean floor. Over a period of many years with many eruptions, they became higher and higher, finally breaking through the surface and rising above it. Some of these, like the island of Hawaii, are still active volcanos and are adding to their size with thick fiery streams of lava.

Other islands are formed by coral that built colonies on burned-out underwater peaks, lifting their summits higher year by year and eventually rising above the surface where waves of the ocean gradually deposited many things that decayed and turned into soil. Birds, making their nests on these new lands, also often help by dropping seeds that take root, helped by the fertility of decaying fish and other marine life that have been washed into the coral by stormy waters. Wind and rain also bring deposits of dust and vegetation from great distances, so that in the course of many years rich, fertile soil is formed.

Some people fear that someday the oceans may rise and cover many shores and even cities. But there is a Bible verse that should remove that fear. It says, “Who shut up the sea with doors, when it break forth... and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?” Job 38:8,11. We know all these things reveal the hand of the Lord, the Creator of all things, who keeps everything under His controlling power.

Another Bible verse says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Do you remember to thank Him often for all His care and love for you?

(to be continued)

ML-03/05/1989

The Roar of a Tiger

Memory Verse: “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Christy read the sign out loud. It was written in big letters in the window of the pet store, “LIVE BENGAL TIGER HERE. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. COME AND SEE.”

“Dad,” Christy asked as her father backed their green van into a parking place outside the store, “why do they have a tiger at a pet store? Nobody is going to buy it.”

“They have it here for advertisement. It’s to get people to come into the store. While the people are in the store looking at the tiger, they’ll also look at the puppies, kittens, birds and fish and maybe decide to buy something. This is one way to get new customers,” Mr. Whittier explained.

They got out of the van and walked into the pet store. A man at the counter asked, “May I help you?”

“Yes,” Mr. Whittier answered, “we would like to see the tiger.”

“Of course,” the man said, pointing down a long aisle. “He’s back there.”

Christy stuck her hand in her father’s and together they walked down the aisle. On the right side were shelves full of fish tanks. In them were brightly colored fish. On the left side were dog leashes, collars, feeding bowls and pet shampoos, all neatly arranged.

Near the back of the store was a room where puppies were sometimes allowed to run loose. Christy and her dad walked up to the counter which separated this room from the rest of the store. Looking into this room, they could see the tiger chained to a post.

Even lying down he looked huge! He was dark orange with black stripes. His tail was long and switched back and forth.

Mr. Whittier gave a low whistle as he admired the huge beast.

The tiger drew back his whiskers, opened his mouth and lazily yawned.

“Look at those teeth, Dad! They’re huge! Some of them are bigger than my finger. Wow, with a throat that size I think he could swallow me without chewing!”

“And I think he could get me down in only two bites,” her dad added.

The tiger’s trainer heard the two talking and came out to greet them. It was a young lady. She surprised them because she was a small person.

“That is some kitty you have there,” Mr. Whittier remarked to her.

“He sure is. His name is Bernard.”

“How big is Bernard?” Christy asked.

“He’s about 10 feet long and weighs 425 pounds.”

“I sure wouldn’t want to tangle with him,” Mr. Whittier admitted.

The tiger paced back’ and forth, as far as his chain would let him. Then all at once he lifted one of his giant front paws and stepped into his water bucket. Water spilled out onto the floor.

“Bad!” shouted the trainer at the giant creature from India.

Christy and her dad jumped a little at the trainer’s loud shout.

A funny look crossed the tiger’s face as he took his foot out of the bucket.

“Sorry to startle you.” The trainer explained, “I have to let Bernard know he is doing wrong right away or pretty soon he thinks he can do anything.”

“Aren’t you afraid of him?” Christy asked in amazement.

“No, he is big, but he is afraid of me. I have trained him since he was a cub, and he knows I am the boss. I don’t ever let him forget that either.”

“Look! He’s doing it again!” Christy told the trainer as the tiger put his foot back into his water bucket.

This time the trainer grabbed a nearby buggy whip and lashed him several times. “Stop it!” she commanded as the whip cracked!

Both Christy and her dad fearfully stepped back from the counter. They expected at any second that the tiger would lash out with his powerful legs and sharp claws and shred the trainer to ribbons! Instead, the tiger obediently lifted his foot out of the bucket again.

“I don’t know what has gotten into him today,” the trainer stated. “He usually behaves better than this.”

“Aren’t you afraid he might make a meal out of you?” Mr. Whittier asked the trainer.

“No, we feed him every day, so he is never hungry.”

“What do you feed him?” asked Christy.

“Oh, about 15 pounds of raw meat a day,” the trainer replied, “He would eat more if he got more exercise, but he doesn’t always get the exercise he ne....” Before she finished the sentence the tiger slapped the water bucket with his foot and sent water flying all over the room. Now his trainer was furious! She ran into the room, up to the tiger and gave him one hard kick. The tiger let out an explosive roar!

At this point, Christy and her dad had the same idea at the same time — they ran out of the store as fast as they could.

They waited outside a few minutes until trainer and tiger settled down before they went back in.

The trainer was sitting at the back of the store in a chair looking comfortable and relaxed. “He won’t do that again,” she informed them.

Together Christy and her dad took one last look at the tiger and left for home.

Tigers are magnificent animals! They are stronger and have quicker reflexes than men. Yet, like all animals, they are not able to understand about God. This is why men, women and children mean so much to God. God could say only about man “that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth.” Jeremiah 9:24. That is not true of any other creature.

Bernard the tiger was yelled at and punished by his trainer in order for him to obey. He was afraid of his trainer. God wants us to obey Him, too, but He doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He wants us to obey Him because He loves us. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world so we might know how much He loves us. For three-and-a-half years the Lord Jesus did wonderful miracles which no other man could do. He gave sight to the blind, healed people of all kinds of diseases, fed thousands of hungry people at one time, and even raised people from the dead.

Everything He did was done in perfect love and holiness. Yet it isn’t only by these great works which the Lord Jesus did when He was alive that we learn how much God loves us. It was the death of His perfect, beloved Son that helps us begin to understand how much He loves us.

God allowed His Son to be crucified so that we might have a way of escaping the punishment for our sins. The Lord Jesus died and shed His blood so that all who believe on Him would never have to be punished. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all men unto Me,” the Lord Jesus said in John 12:32.

Isn’t God’s love in sending His Son to die for your sins enough reason for you to accept Him as Lord and Saviour of your life?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

ML-03/12/1989

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 3

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“They that go down to the sea in ships... these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.” Psalms 107:23.24.

All the continents are surrounded by “continental shelves.” These reach out from the shores in rather shallow water but suddenly drop off into deep canyons, except for a few places where they continue on as flat areas. It is along these continental shelves that most of the commercial fish are caught and where beautiful shells are found.

Incidentally, if you were looking up from the floor of the Bering Sea or the North Atlantic, you would discover that icebergs which appear so huge above the water are actually nine times larger underwater. No wonder they crush huge ocean vessels that get in their way!

Another discovery has been that not only volcanos break through the ocean floors, but springs of clear, fresh, cold water also bubble up as well as springs of boiling-hot water. The Creator has designed just the right kinds of sea life to live in each of these places.

It would not take long for an explorer to find that there are many caves in the rocky bottoms of the oceans. These caves almost always hold a wide variety of fish and other marine creatures, including Moray eels, many octopuses and huge numbers of squid. Speaking of fish, how amazed you would be as an explorer to find yourself surrounded by huge schools of fish, large and small, and to meet porpoises, sharks, whales and other large creatures.

But you would not be able to go very deep, even if equipped with a diving suit and scuba tanks, for the pressure of the deep water would crush you to death. Most submarines cannot venture into the deepest places, and yet the Creator has placed in them strange forms of sea life that make their homes there, some of them equipped with electric rays that provide light as they swim about in the total darkness. However, if creatures living in these great pressures are brought up to the surface, it means sudden death for them, for their bodies explode like a bomb.

If space permitted we would look at more of the wonderful sights down below the surface of the seas, including the great variety of beautiful corals, shellfish, seaweed and other things the Creator has placed there. What a happy thought to think of the pleasure our Lord had in creating such a great variety of them and to know that He cares for them and supplies their needs.

Those who know the Lord Jesus as Saviour will some day sing the heavenly song quoted in the last book of the Bible. “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. Will you be there to sing that song?

ML-03/12/1989

The Wandering Hen

Memory Verse: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Mary shone her flashlight around the small chicken coop and counted her hens perched on their roost for the night. Four brown hens and then two white ones carefully watched the light.

It was just as she had feared... white hen number three was missing again.

It hadn’t taken long for those seven fluffy little chicks to grow into the pretty brown and white feathered hens they were today. It also hadn’t taken Mary long to realize that one was a “wayward chick"!

The chickens had spent the first few weeks of their lives last spring under a warm light in a box on Mary’s sun porch. There were four, soft, little black chicks and three yellow ones. Anytime one escaped from the box, it was always a yellow one. The family thought about marking each yellow chick with a different color to see if it was always the same one who was running around the porch, peeping unhappily because it couldn’t get back into the box.

The warm days of June arrived, and the chickens were moved into their chicken coop at the back of the yard. They had everything chickens could want. There was straw to nest in, a feeder full of food, plenty of water, and a little door to the outside. A ramp led down from the door into a fenced run where there were weeds to eat and plenty of grasshoppers waiting to be caught. With all of this, why would a chicken want to get out?

Mary’s white hen isn’t the only one not satisfied. Read the story of the sheep in the gospel of Luke, chapter 15. That sheep had green pastures to feed in, a shepherd to care for it, and a safe fold to sleep in at night. Yet it wandered away, too.

After the white hen had escaped from the chicken run several times, Mary’s father helped her clip all the hens’ wings. A few feathers were trimmed off just one wing, and then they couldn’t balance themselves to fly — at least not high enough to go over the fence and escape.

The seven hens spent the summer growing bigger and fatter. Then one September day Mary looked out the window and discovered a white hen in the pumpkin patch! The clipped wing feathers had grown back, and the hen was once again able to fly over the fence!

Doesn’t this remind us of ourselves? We are all born with a nature that is never satisfied, and every one of us wants his own way. “By one man sin entered into the world.” Romans 5:12. We are just like that hen, or the sheep of Luke 15. Both wandered into danger and away from the care of those who wanted to protect them.

Now Mary’s flashlight showed her that the white hen in the pumpkin patch had not come back on its own. Mary and her dad decided to look for it.

The night was dark, and they thought a white hen would be easily seen, but they couldn’t find it. They had to give up.

This is where the story is different from the one the Lord Jesus told of the lost sheep. In that story the shepherd went after the lost sheep until He found it.

In daylight the next morning Mary and her father made another careful search, but there was no sign of the missing hen. But late in the afternoon Mary’s brother saw something white in the bushes across the road from their home. The hen was found!

But, do you know, that hen still didn’t want to go home where it would be safe. How foolish when it was in such danger from foxes, hawks or even cars on the road. You also are in serious danger; you face the punishment for your sins. However, the Lord Jesus loves you and suffered for sins and gave His life on the cross. He tells us He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Won’t you let Him save you?

Mary’s hen may run away and be lost again. But how wonderful to know that when the Lord Jesus saves us He also promises we shall never be lost again. “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28.

ML-03/19/1989

The Doctor

Harry was a young man in the army. He had been brought up in a Christian family. His father and mother loved the Lord Jesus and knew Him as their Saviour and had taught their children about Jesus. But Harry had never accepted Jesus as his own Saviour. He knew how to be saved, he knew all about what Jesus had done, he had even memorized many verses in the Bible. But, he had never taken that step of accepting the Lord Jesus for himself.

Now he was in Korea during wartime. Even with some of his buddies being killed in the war, he still did not seem to be concerned about being saved. If anything, the war seemed to make him hard-hearted. “God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.” Job 33:14. Some of his buddies were killed almost beside him. Still Harry did not seem to feel the need of settling the “heaven or hell” question for himself.

One night while Harry and his squad were on patrol, they were ambushed by the enemy. Harry was wounded and several others were killed. He was taken prisoner by the Communists.

For many days he lay in a North Korean army hospital where he had lots of time to think. Still, his close call with death and God’s mercy in sparing his life did not seem to soften his heart.

One day a young doctor in that Communist hospital came to Harry and asked him many questions. To Harry’s great surprise he discovered that the young Korean doctor was a Christian! The doctor had to be very careful not to say too much about God, or he would be punished. It was the beginning of Harry’s “waking up.” He thought to himself, Here I am, brought up in a Christian family, having gone to Sunday school, having read the Bible, and still I am not a Christian. Yet now I am being urged to become one by a North Korean army doctor in Communist territory!

For the first time in his life, Harry was ashamed before God when he thought of how long he had ignored the Saviour who loved him. The Lord Jesus wanted to bless Harry. He had followed Harry all the way to Communist North Korea to bring him that eternal salvation that only Christ can give. When Harry thought of that love and the prayers that he knew were going up for him every day, he broke down. He surrendered to God and thankfully accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour.

If you, like Harry, have not yet surrendered to Him who “loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20), why not give up your fight and ask Him to be your Saviour, too?

“God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML-03/19/1989

The Jakfruit, Tasty but Smelly

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And 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.

The Lord God, as Creator, has placed a great variety of fruit trees throughout the world. Adam and Eve, of course, only saw those growing near them, and it was 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 pieces weigh up to 80 pounds. This fruit, with its rough, knobby, pale-green skin, looks 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 get them down.

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

The fruit itself, inside the hard, tough skin, is in sections and about the color of an orange. It tastes like a mixture of pineapple, pear, and artichoke. But there is one objection to this tasty treat (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 this smell, but visitors to whom it is offered 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 trials in learning how to pick it safely and to overcome its strong odor. But in the end the delicious fruit was worth it all. And so, each of us needs to learn that the Lord has something good in every trial we may experience. Through David’s writing in the Bible we have been given this encouraging verse: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalms 31:24.

Do you hope and trust in the Lord Jesus?

ML-03/19/1989

A Night Ride

Memory Verse: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

It was a beautiful night. A cold, biting wind rushed past our faces. Even with goggles on, we felt the cold. The moon broke through the cloud cover and bathed the snowscape with bright moonlight. I held on tightly to Bill as we roared across Phantom Lake. His brand new snowmobile seemed to be flying, we were going so fast.

Phantom Lake was lovely in moonlight. Its light blanket of bite snow was broken only by scattered patches of blue-black ice. I wondered about those ice patches.

Why was it that most of this late-winter ice was covered with several inches of snow, but a few patches were bare? The thought quickly passed. The recent cold snap surely had thickened the ice after the warmer weather. Besides, there were other snowmobile tracks crossing these snowless patches. Obviously there was no problem.

Bill had just traded his old snowmobile in for this new one. He had asked me to go with him to try it out. He was an experienced snowmobiler, but it was my first ride on one. I had always preferred the warmth of the house to a cold ride on a snowmobile.

“Would you like to drive?” Bill asked.

“I’d love to,” I answered, “but I’m a rookie at this, and your snowmobile is barely off the showroom floor.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he answered, “it’s easy.” He gave me some instructions on the basics of driving.

Operating a snowmobile couldn’t be easier, I discovered. The surge of power as I squeezed the throttle was both a shock and a delight. We skimmed along a well-worn trail in the middle of the lake, flashing past a cluster of empty ice-fishing shanties.

Far in the distance we saw the lights of the only other snowmobile leave the lake and head inland. The lake was ours, to explore and do with as we wanted. We were alone in a wintry wonderland.

There are many people today who have this same attitude about their life —it’s theirs, to do with as they want. The Bible tells us something about these people in Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.” And in Proverbs 14:12 God says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

If you have not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are on that way which ends in death and punishment in hell that will never end. Any other way you may try, hoping to reach heaven eventually, will have this same final result — hell. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

The Lord Jesus has opened the way into heaven through His death on the cross. All who accept His shed blood as the remedy for their sins have the way opened to them for an everlasting life with God in heaven. Accepting His way is the only way; your own way will not get you there.

For ten minutes Bill and I raced up and down Phantom Lake. “I’m getting cold,” I hollered back to him. “Let’s head back home.” I slowed down and began an easy U-turn. The snowmobile left the snowy track and edged onto a dark, bare patch of ice as I made the loop.

We had almost completed the turn when I heard a peculiar sound, almost like ice cracking. I thought it must be my imagination.

But it wasn’t! Both Bill and I sensed it at the same time. The snowmobile had broken through the ice. This had to be a bad dream! No way could this be happening to us!

But there we were, still on the seat with the snowmobile sinking slowly, nose first into the icy cold water. The black ice on the bare spot, we discovered too late, meant a weak point where the ice was only an inch or two thick. The warm weather together with a natural spring feeding into the lake at that point kept thick ice from forming.

We climbed off the sinking, bubbling snowmobile and started to tread water. The shock of the freezing water was stunning. We gasped for breath and struggled in the water. This was more than a mild inconvenience. We had a problem!

As sinners, God has to bring us to a realization that we have a problem. Sin is often like an undetected disease. Until a doctor tells us that we have the disease and we believe what he says, we will not get the treatment that is required.

We each must accept God’s verdict concerning our sins. He says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Then in John 3:36 we find His cure for our sin: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” Jesus Christ is the answer for your sin problem. Won’t you accept Him right now?

I reached over to try to stop the snowmobile from sinking further, but quickly realized my foolishness. It was much too heavy. Seconds later we lost sight of the $3,000 machine as it settled to the bottom of the lake.

I knew Phantom Lake was a shallow fishing lake. But at that point it did not matter whether we were in 6 or 60 feet of water. Our feet were not touching bottom, and we had to keep from slipping under the ice. If we did, we might not find the open spot again.

I knew that we would only last about five minutes in that icy water. I tried to lunge up on the edge of the ice. But the ice wanted no part of my 185 pounds. It broke off, plunging me back into the freezing water.

Struggling against the weight of my now-soggy snowmobile clothing, I swam with difficulty to the far side of the hole. The ice there was snow-covered which meant it was thicker. Still, there was nothing to grab hold of to pull myself out. I got an elbow out over the edge, but I could not swing my leg out because of the waterlogged clothes.

Suddenly I felt a boost and I was up on the ice fast. Although weighing only 120 pounds, Bill was very strong. He had gone under water behind me until his feet touched bottom. Then pushing off with his legs from the bottom, he lifted me right up onto the ice. Without that push I could not have made it.

Lying down on the edge to spread my weight over a large area to keep from breaking through again, I reached for Bill. Gradually I worked backward, pulling him out onto strong ice.

What a relief it was when we were both out. It seemed like an eternity, but we were in the water probably no more than two or three minutes.

We walked the 100 yards to shore and then on to Bill’s house. Within minutes of reaching it we were wrapped in blankets and preparing for a steaming hot bath. We had survived!

These two men survived this experience by their own strength, ability and quick thinking. But strength, ability or quick thinking is not the solution to your sin problem. Christ and His work on the cross is the only answer for this problem, and the solution has been completed. Won’t you accept it now and be saved?

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

ML-03/26/1989

The Lively Marmosets

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.” Deuteronomy 4:39.

If you think monkeys in the zoo are interesting, you would really enjoy seeing the toy-like marmosets in the rain forests of Central and South America. These are true monkeys, but much smaller than the more common ones. With few exceptions, a full-grown one is only about the size of a small kitten, but at first glance their long furry tails make them look nearly twice as big.

They are quite appealing creatures, with small round faces surrounded by a long cap of white hair. The rest of their fur is a variety of colors. Their food is fruits, insects and the green stems and leaves of shrubs and trees.

Unlike most animals, the baby marmosets are cared for mostly by their fathers. It is common to see a tiny one clinging to its father’s back as he scampers through the trees, but at feeding time it goes back to mama.

There are many varieties, one of which is known as the golden marmoset because of its bright, silky, golden hair. It is a truly beautiful little animal. But perhaps the most graceful of all is one called silky. Its fur also has a golden sheen, but is more chestnut in color.

The smallest marmoset is understandably named the pygmy, being only about the size of a big mouse. Its lovable appearance includes long, soft hair behind its ears, draping over both sides of its head like an expensive cape, almost hiding its pretty face and large mouth. The rest of its fur is rather dark, and its long tail is circled with light-colored rings. Many people consider the pygmy marmoset the prettiest of all monkeys, large or small.

Another, almost as small, is called the buffy-headed. Its light-brown face, inquisitive dark-rimmed eyes and black chin whiskers account for its name. This one’s heavily furred arms and legs are dark or light brown or sometimes blackish. The buffy lives in small groups apart from the others, and it is difficult to get more than a quick glance at one as it scampers through the lower branches of the deep jungles of Brazil where it makes its home.

It’s nice to know they are always under the Creator’s care, as the Bible verse tells us: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalms 145:9. Have you ever thanked Him for His more-special care for you and His love in providing a way of salvation for you if you will accept Him as your Saviour? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

ML-03/26/1989

An Old House

Memory Verse: “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

A number of years ago, an old shell of a house was moved to a new location not very far from us. Its windows were broken out; some doors were missing; other doors could not be opened or shut. It had a large sign on it that said, “CONDEMNED.” It was not a very pretty sight, and people living in the neighborhood were not too happy about its being moved there. Not only could no one live in it, but it also was not a safe place for children to play. Boys and girls liked to explore through it just to see what was inside such an old, run-down, empty house. No one seemed to take any interest in the old house after it was moved. It was just left on the wheels used by the movers for a long time.

Then one day some workmen came and began to change its looks. They built a foundation under it. But it was still just an empty, old house with no windows and doors, and it still had the “condemned” sign on the front of it. Even the new foundation did not make it a house in which anyone would want to live, and it was still not a safe place to play.

As the work went on bit by bit, the looks of the house began to change. It was interesting to see it changing from the ugly “not-fit-to-live-in” look into a “cute little place.” A new roof was put on. New windows and doors were added. But as yet nothing had been done to the inside of it. The house still was not a place in which someone could easily live; the inside had to be made over.

Soon walls were repaired and painted. New cabinets and bathroom fixtures were installed. The old floors were repaired, and new carpet was laid. Inside and out it was so changed it hardly looked like the same old house. Almost anyone would like to live there now. The house would no longer have to wear the “condemned” sign, because it was no longer the old, run-down shell it once was.

This ugly, condemned, old house gives us a very good picture of every boy and girl and every man and woman who has not received the Lord Jesus as his or her Saviour. The Bible tells us “he that believeth not is condemned... because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18. That makes us like the old empty house. God says that if we refuse to accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour, we are condemned and not fit for the Lord Jesus to come live in us. The old house had to have something done for it before it could become a home. When the Bible tells us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” we learn we have to have something done for us before the Lord Jesus can come live within us.

Even though every boy and girl is a sinner, God loves each one. “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. He has done something for us so that we might be saved from our awful sins. What did He do? “He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. What God has done in giving His son to die for us is the new foundation on which we may rest. When we let the Lord Jesus wash our sins away, we are not condemned. We are changed and given a new life in Christ.

But the house had to have much work done inside it to make it comfortable. God continues to work in each boy and girl who has the new foundation — his sins washed away. “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

God gave His very best when He gave His Son to die in your place. Will you let Him work in you by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ? He will give you everlasting life and will also come into your life to live and to make you more like Him.

The ugly, old shell of a house is now a lovely home in which a family lives. The change was made by someone first giving it a new foundation and then working on the outside and inside to make it more livable. The Lord Jesus has finished the work needed to give you a new foundation. Will you let Him do this?

ML-04/02/1989

Love Story

Jeff and Grace had been married for many years and loved each other very much, but they had no children. One year, when they were quite old, Jeff decided on a very special birthday present for Grace. In the fall of the year, he waited until his wife went out on an errand, and then he hurried out to their yard and planted crocus bulbs in the grass. All fall, until the ground was frozen, he continued to work on his surprise whenever Grace was gone. Tulip, daffodil and crocus bulbs disappeared into the ground as he planted them all over the yard.

Jeff’s health began to fail that winter. He was told by his doctor that he had cancer. He said very little about it, and accepted it as allowed of the Lord. He always kept a smile on his face. As the winter days drifted by he sometimes would look over to his dear wife and say, “You have a nice surprise coming on your birthday.” But he would not tell her what it was. How he looked forward to her birthday in the spring. He kept watching eagerly as spring showers turned the grass green, and then little by little tiny leaves opened on the trees. And then, yes — in the grass the crocuses were coming up!

One bright sunny day he took Grace by the hand and led her out into the yard to see a beautiful multicolored lawn and garden. All those colorful flower faces were turned up to the sun. “Happy birthday, dear,” he said.

Tears ran down Grace’s face as she said, “This is the most beautiful birthday gift I have ever had.”

Jeff’s health got worse very rapidly that spring. One day he had to be taken to the hospital. He became so ill that they had to move him to a different hospital for treatment. He was taken there by helicopter. As they flew over the city Jeff spoke to the pilot and told him that soon his soul was going through the sky to be with his Lord and Saviour. Jeff wasn’t afraid to die because he completely trusted the One who said, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” Isaiah 43:1.

Jeff has gone to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven now, and Grace is alone. As she waits for the time when they will be together in heaven, she has her special birthday present every spring when those crocuses, tulips and daffodils bloom. It is just as if Jeff were there with her saying, “Happy birthday, dear!” And what a comfort that is to her.

Our heavenly Father has not left us without hope either. In John 14:2 The Lord Jesus says to us, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Then in verse 3 He says, “that where I am, there ye may be also.” We are patiently waiting for Him to come for us, and while we wait we are told to “comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18. The crocuses are such a comfort to Grace, and so is the Lord’s promise to us.

Have You Noticed?

There is something different about our memory verse this week. Have you noticed that part of the 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. Can you think of some reasons why? One very important reason is given to us in Psalms 119:11. It says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” If a verse has been learned, 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 what will please Him.

Some of you children probably learn these verses by yourselves. Some of you younger ones may have someone help you learn them. 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 plan to do this each time we have a longer verse.

We hope this will encourage everyone, even the very young, to memorize Scripture.

ML-04/02/1989

Sturgeons Grow Big

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.” Psalms 104:24.

Unlike the huge fish in South America’s warm waters, sturgeons prefer the colder northern waters. They are found mostly in Russia and nearby points of Europe, a few Oriental countries, Canada and the United States.

Olive-green or bluish-gray in their top covering, they are not very attractive, but are certainly unusual. Twelve rows of silvery knobs, looking like the teeth of a big saw, stretch down their backs. They also have helmets of bony plates covering their heads, tapering down to a pointed nose, below which four, pink, worm-like barbels dangle. When feeding, they push their snouts into the mush of the ocean floor and the barbels feel out their food while their mouths pucker up like funnels to take in fish, crabs and other shellfish.

Only a few varieties become greater than 100 pounds, and some of these are the giants of the fish world. In America the big ones are usually found in West Coast rivers, such as the Fraser, the Columbia and the Sacramento. The all-time-record catch weighed almost a ton (2000 pounds) and was 18 feet long! However, that was several years ago. Now it is unusual to find one weighing more than 1000 pounds, but even that is twice as heavy as a big gorilla! How would you like to have one of these huge fish on your fishing line?

In springtime the adults migrate from the ocean into rivers. The females, heavy with thousands of eggs, swim upstream until they find a place to lay them. These masses of eggs stick to rocks and plants until in about two weeks they hatch out. At the end of summer, when the young fish have grown almost a foot long, they migrate downstream and out into the ocean. Only a small number actually make it since other fish eat many of the eggs as well as all the little fish they can catch.

There is always a good market for sturgeon meat, but even more so for the tasty eggs which are called caviar — a pound of which sells for as much as $800. At that price most people cannot afford them, so they are served mostly in fancy restaurants or on the tables of the wealthy.

It was on the fifth day of creation that God formed the creatures of the sea — from the tiniest to the largest — and the sea creatures of today are just like those He placed in the waters thousands of years ago.

Do not be misled by those who falsely teach so-called evolution and speak as if the world’s interesting creatures just happened to form themselves. Instead, enjoy God’s invitation: “But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create.” Isa. 65:18.

ML-04/02/1989

The White Cat

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

Paul and Sue had three children who wanted a pet of some kind. So Paul went to an animal shelter to choose one. An animal shelter has pets that owners have had to give up for some reason. The shelter takes good care of these animals until a new owner chooses them and will give them a good home with love and care.

Not many dogs were small enough for their house. As he walked along, peering into the cages, Paul noticed the prettiest white cat. But it was a big one! He hadn’t really thought about a cat, but this one was so pretty he couldn’t pass it up. So he put the cage in the car and took it home. That cat was the biggest “scaredy-cat” you ever did see. He wouldn’t eat, and he wouldn’t let anyone pet him. He hid under the couch or under a bed. A day or so later he found an open window upstairs and jumped right out.

All of the children cried, thinking that their pet was gone. But as they searched outside they would catch glimpses of a white cat. They called, “Here kitty, kitty.” But he wouldn’t come. He would only sneak around the edge of their yard in the bushes.

All they wanted to do was to love that cat, and take good care of it... but he wouldn’t let them. Some people act just like that too. When our Lord Jesus reaches out to let them know how much He loves them, they turn away from Him. They try to hide from Him and will not come to His gentle calls. So, just like the white cat, they have to work hard to live. The Lord Jesus said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. He promises loving care and rest, but they will not come!

Dad went back to the animal shelter to ask them for some advice on how to catch the cat. They gave him a cage to use as a trap and told him to put some cat food in it.

Sure enough, the trap worked. But each time it was not their white cat that was caught, but one belonging to a neighbor! As time went on, it seemed they caught nearly every cat in their neighborhood except the one they wanted —their own. So Dad talked to the man at the shelter again, and he said to try putting sardines in the trap. So they reset the trap with a whole can of sardines emptied into it.

That night fierce squalling and screeching came from the cage. When they went out to check, sure enough, there was their big, white cat in the little cage but smelling just awful, for he had rubbed the sardines all over him!

The family made sure all the windows in the house were closed before Dad brought the cage in and let their cat out. My, how that cat smelled! Each day he seemed to smell worse, and so did their house. It wasn’t so easy to love that cat now. But they continued to show him love anyway, even though he still didn’t seem to want it. As time went on the cat learned to trust them, and he soon became a good, clean pet, returning the love that the family gave him.

The Lord Jesus is reaching out to tell sinners that He loves them, in spite of their badness of sins. He died to wash away those sins and badness, and make us clean and happy, too. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” 1 John 4:10. “Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6. Will you let Him show His love to you and make you happy? Will you let Him wash away all your sins and badness?

ML-04/09/1989

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, 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 play catcher while Todd, their regular catcher, stepped up to 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!”

There are many people around us who are not properly protected. They go through each day without concern about the danger they face. You may be asking, “What danger?” It is the danger that each person is in 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 (Rev. 1:5), he will face the punishment for his sins. But God has made 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 any who will believe in Him and accept Him as their Saviour.

Having accepted Christ as Saviour, a Christian has complete protection. Nothing can take away the eternal salvation that only Christ can give. It is free for all who will simply accept it. Won’t you put on God’s “helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17) which will give you all the protection you need?

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. There a doctor carefully removed broken pieces of plastic 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. He was not allowed to get out of bed or even move his head around, because any little bump would prevent his eye from healing.

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, even in little league, without wearing the right protection. 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 offered in love 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.

ML-04/09/1989

The Impressive Trumpeter: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

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

If ten people were asked which of all the birds they liked the most, there would probably be ten different choices. One might say the peacock, another an eagle, another a pheasant, but quite likely one or more would choose a swan. It is difficult to make such a choice, because every creature of God stands out in some way; different beauties and features are seen in each of them.

We can easily understand a person choosing a swan. They are so lovely, so graceful, so majestic to look at as they glide slowly over the smooth water of a pond or lake. A pair of them together almost looks like the king and queen of all birds.

There are several species of swans and it is difficult to tell one from another, but the one called the trumpeter is the largest. In fact, it is the largest waterfowl in the world: an adult weighs 35 pounds or more. With its neck extended it may measure five feet from the tip of its bill to the end of its short tail. Each of its huge wings is nearly four feet long — in other words about as tall as many girls and boys. If a big swan were mounted half way up the wall of your bedroom, the tip of one wing would touch the ceiling, and the tip of the other would reach the floor.

Those beautiful white wings are not only for flying, but they also make powerful weapons with which to strike an enemy, along with their strong beaks and large webbed feet.

It is impressive to see a flock of swans flying in perfect formation high in the sky. It is also interesting to watch these big beauties land on the water. As they drop down near the surface, their strong webbed feet are extended before them and, just like a water-skier, they zip along the surface a short way before settling down. It is equally amazing to see them take to the air from the water. Paddling hard with their big feet to gain speed and at the same time beating their big wings fast, their feet soon rise to the surface. They run along it, as though racing on the water, until finally with necks stretched out and feet tucked under their tails they are clear of the water and usually on the start of a high flight.

Although unknown to them, there is never a moment when these unusual birds, called trumpeters because of their loud calls, are not under the watchful eye of the Creator, as the Bible tells us: “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven... the earth, and all things that are therein... and Thou preservest them all.” Nehemiah 9:6.

(to be continued)

ML-04/09/1989

A Lesson About Peace

Memory Verse: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“Mommie! We found a bird!” shouted Joel as he burst in the door.

“Come see our bird!” I went outside with Joel and saw that, sure enough, Daddy did have a small bird in his hand.

The children had gone for a walk with their father while we were visiting friends in southern Illinois. It was a beautiful spring day in April, and the children were glad to be outdoors. Now they were very excited about the small bird in their father’s hand.

“It’s a little dove.” Daddy said.

“The wing has been injured and we walked right un to it and picked it up.”

“We want to take care of it!” all the children said.

So we brought some bread crumbs outside, and all five of the children gathered around to watch the bird eat. But of course, the poor little dove was so afraid of us it would not eat.

“Maybe it’s thirsty.” someone suggested. So we brought water, but the bird would not drink either. Daddy knew what the problem was and said, “With all the children crowded around to see the dove, it’s too scared to eat. Let’s put the bird down on the ground and get back a few feet.” We all stepped back several feet away from the bird. Still it did not eat. We had done all that we would think of to care for the dove but it was not at peace even several feet away from us. It would not trust us so it could not enjoy the things we had offered it. The poor bird only wanted to hop farther away.

We began to think about the lesson our dove was teaching us. Our kindness was not enjoyed by the bird because it was not at peace with us; it did not trust us. God’s Word tells us of many kindnesses and wonderful blessings that God is offering us.

If you are not enjoying the love of God, His promise of a happy home in heaven and many other good things, perhaps it is because you are not at peace with God. Perhaps it is because you know that God cannot be pleased with some of the things that you have said or done. You cannot enjoy your sins and enjoy God’s love at the same time!

The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus “made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:20. He suffered for our sins and shed His precious blood so that He can freely offer us the forgiveness of sins. Believe in the Lord Jesus today and you will have peace with God and can begin to enjoy all the good things that God has to give. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.

The little dove was not at peace with us because it did not know that we did not want to harm it but only to do it good. It is God’s great joy to bless those who accept His Son, the Lord Jesus, as their Saviour. “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.” Job 22:21.

ML-04/16/1989

The Little Furnace Cleaner

I was working in the kitchen one summer evening while my husband David was working at his desk in the living room. Our 11/2-year-old son Brian was playing and dividing his time between both of us.

Suddenly I became aware that Brian seemed rather quiet. I looked around for him where he had been sitting on the floor playing with his toys in the hallway, but he was not there. “David, is Brian in there with you?” I called.

“No, I thought he was with you,” came his reply.

I called Brian, but there was no answer. I called again much louder, and this time he answered, but he sounded so strange. My first thought was that perhaps he was playing hide-and-seek, but my instincts told me that something was wrong. I was becoming concerned.

A 11/2-year-old little boy or girl cannot get along without his parents for very long. If he becomes separated from them, he is lost and needs to be found quickly.

A seven or eight-year-old child or a 20-25-year-old person can be lost, too, but I don’t mean from their parents. In the Bible the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking of Himself as the Son of man, said, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Who was He seeking; who was lost? It also says in 2 Corinthians 4:3, “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” The lost are people who have not accepted the gospel. It is “hid” from them because they have refused to believe it.

Brian was lost and that was serious. Yet when his mother called him he answered. By answering, she could follow his voice and find him.

The Lord Jesus is calling you. Have you heard His voice? He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. This is the gentle knocking of the Lord Jesus at your heart’s door. He wants your attention. He is calling you. Won’t you answer?

I walked into the hall where Brian had been playing. Beside his toys, the large grate covering the cold-air return to the furnace was pushed off to the side. Anxiously, I kneeled down beside the hole and called Brian’s name again. This time his answer came clearly, and it was coming up from the cold-air return!

“David,” I shrieked, “Brian’s fallen down into the furnace!” We both hurried down the basement steps as fast as we could. Terrifying thoughts were running through my head. A drop that far could mean broken bones... or worse.

Down in the basement by the furnace I called Brian once more and heard him answer, “Mommy!” from inside. David quickly pulled the handle to lift the panel off the side of the furnace.

There was Brian, sitting on top of the blower motor. Under him were two furnace filters which had been ripped out of place on his way down. He was sitting there with a look of wonder on his little face, but as soon as he saw us a big smile covered his dirty little face.

Have you seen that you are a helpless sinner and turned to the only One who can save you — the Lord Jesus? On the cross He was punished for the sins of all who would accept Him as their Saviour.

Brian was completely helpless inside the furnace, except for calling, “Mommy!” As a sinner you are helpless, too, but you can call to the Lord Jesus. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13. He loves you and is patiently waiting for you simply to trust in Him as your Saviour. Won’t you do that right now?

David carefully lifted Brian off the motor. He was so dusty and dirty that it was hard to tell the color of his clothes. We checked him from head to toe, and found nothing wrong — no broken bones or even scratches, just lots of dirt. He certainly needed a bath.

How easy it would be if we could simply take a bath and have our sins washed away. But God says, “For though thou wash thee... and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity [sin] is marked before Me.” Jeremiah 2:22. There is only one way we can be saved from our sins, and that plan of salvation was completed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t wait any longer — time is short! Why not accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour right now? You might not have the opportunity tomorrow. “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-04/16/1989

The Impressive Trumpeter: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

"[God] doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.” Job 9:10.

Swans are natives of North America only. The largest number lives in Alaska (most of these migrate south in the fall), and smaller groups live in Canada and the United States. The male, with his coal-black beak with a little touch of red on each side, along with his massive white wings, long neck and yellowish body feathers, makes a very impressive figure... and one not to be tampered with. He is quick to attack another swan or animal as big as a moose, or even a person, should any get too close to his nest.

The nests, some five or six feet across, are built of cattails and other plants woven together with tough grass. Usually four or five large, light-tan eggs are laid by the pen (mother) who incubates them for a month. During this time, when she has to leave the nest, she covers her eggs with down pecked out of her feathers or with plants pulled out of the ground. The cob (father) is almost always nearby as a guard.

After pecking and kicking its way out of the shell, the chick’s (cygnet’s) wet down dries quickly, and it is soon testing out its little legs. They grow fast on the food supplied by the parents, which includes snails, insects and other water creatures as well as green water plants. Soon they are taught how to get their own food by stirring the bottom of the pond with their bills and feet, causing the food to float to the surface.

Eggs hatch early in June, and the little ones start eating water plants when just a few days old. Soon they take to the water and by October are ready to fly. Learning how to feed doesn’t require much training, for they automatically turn their tails up in the air, like ducks, and plunge their long necks down to the bottom for their food. An adult eats about 20 pounds a day, but of course the little ones start out needing much less.

Cygnets, with their sparkling black eyes, custard-colored beaks and grayish-white downy feathers, make a pretty picture nesting beside the mother who is so much bigger. Families stay together through the first winter, but separate in springtime.

These beautiful and interesting birds speak of the Lord God’s interest and care over all He has created, but they can not be expected to know the One who made them, as we do.

With all the Bible tells us of His special love for us, how happy it is when the Lord touches our hearts and we can say as David did: “Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk.” Psalms 143:8.

ML-04/16/1989

For a Friend

Memory Verse: “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

It was hot and black. The water didn’t do much. “We’ve got to get out of here!” Henry called to Rocky. It was too hot to stand. Crawling on hands and knees and following the hose line, they started for the door.

Reaching the door, Henry realized his friend wasn’t with him. In the smoke and heat behind him he heard the alarm on Rocky’s air pack — only 3-5 minutes of air left. Where was he? In the blackness Henry heard thumping and yelling.

Henry said later, “I was mostly thinking about myself. My alarm had gone off and I knew I had to get out of there!”

But he went back in.

This is what God’s love is like... only greater! “The Father sent [His] Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14.

Rocky had bumped into a counter and had let go of the hose. Out of air and confused in the black, smoky heat, he was lost. But now he held onto the leg of his friend as they both crawled out to safety.

In moments, Rocky, now unconscious, was in a police cruiser being rushed to the hospital to treat his burned face and lungs. It would be several weeks before he would see his saviour-friend, Henry.

The fire chief said, “Henry risked his life. The odds were probably against his making it.”

The Bible says, “For a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:7,8. Yes, it takes courage to risk our life for a friend. But stop and think of the love of the Lord Jesus. He gave His life for His enemies — sinners. That includes you and me. We are lost, in darkness and in great danger. Our time is limited as well, and the alarm certainly has sounded. Thank God there is One who loved us so much He took the punishment for our sin when He died on the cross. We could only perish in our sins if He did not save us.

Have you really thought about your helplessness and danger? The One “who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Gal. 1:4) is reaching out to you. Will you follow Him?

ML-04/23/1989

Personal Life Vest

My husband, John, and I have an unusual home; we live on a houseboat. We keep it moored at a downtown dock. From this location John has only a 20-minute walk to work. The boat is not very large, but it is comfortable. This is the only home our son, Joel, has ever known; the boat has been our home since before he was born. He is now six years old and goes to school nearby.

Being around water all his life, Joel knows all about the dangers. From his first tottering steps he has been trained to be careful and aware of the dangerous conditions all around him.

When Joel was old enough to play off the boat, we had him fitted with “personal flotation devices.” He wears a life vest in the summer and a special coat, called a “floater coat,” in the winter. Each of these could keep him afloat with his head above water if he were to fall in. He has been taught never to leave the boat without wearing one of these.

Do you have a “personal safety device” for your eternal soul — that part of you that will never die? Everyone has a soul, and while here on earth we have to decide what will happen to our soul when our body dies. Each of us has sinned, and, according to the Bible, judgment or eternal punishment is required by God for all sin. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27.

However, God has provided an escape from that eternal punishment, which is the result of sin. He loves sinners so much that He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear the punishment instead, for everyone who will accept Him as their Saviour. For them He becomes their “personal safety device” which will protect them from the punishment that their sins deserve. On the cross the Lord Jesus was punished, and the blood that He shed there will wash away all trace of sin. Then each can enter heaven (God’s presence) because of what the Lord Jesus has done for them. He has protected them; He has kept them from sinking into hell, where their sins would have taken them; He has given them each a personal salvation (protection).

Six-year-old children are usually busy and can get into trouble rather easily. Joel was no exception. In fact, because of the dangers of living among the boats, docks, ladders and water, he probably got into more trouble than most children his age.

One day Joel and his eight-year-old friend Meg got carried away with their game of tag. Joel lost his footing on a narrow walkway and SPLASH — he fell into the water. I was about 25 feet away, but out of sight when I heard him cry out. I dropped what I was doing and dashed toward the sound. I heard Meg calling encouragingly to him. As I rounded the corner of the boathouse, I saw him in the water with the tide carrying him away from the dock.

But Meg was handling the emergency just the way she had been taught by her parents. (She also had grown up with the ocean as her front yard.) She hadn’t even taken the time to call for help. Once she realized that Joel was floating away she quickly threw him a life ring that was nearby which had a rope attached. Joel had caught it and Meg was pulling him in as I arrived. The training they both had received and the protective life vest that Joel was wearing probably had saved his life.

Although this is not pleasant to think about, none of us knows when a disaster might strike and we could be killed instantly. We all know of water accidents, car accidents, fires, earthquakes and other things. Usually there is no time to get ready for such things, because they happen suddenly. This was the case when Joel was playing tag. One second he was safe on the dock... and the next second he was in the water, and easily could have drowned had he not been wearing his “personal protection device.”

Each of us needs to prepare right now to be sure that we have the eternal protection we need. Besides the dangers of sudden death and not having our sins washed away, we also know from the Bible that the Lord Jesus is returning very soon. He is coming to take back to heaven with Him every person who has accepted Him as their Saviour. After He comes, the opportunity to be saved will be gone forever. Don’t put off this decision until it’s too late. Accept the protection now that is being offered. “Now is the accepted time... now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-04/23/1989

The Scarce Snow Leopard

The Wonders of God’s Creation

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

The snow leopard, also called the ounce, is a rare member of the leopard family and is one of the world’s most beautiful animals. A full-grown one will be two and a half feet tall at shoulder height and some six feet long, including its two-foot furry tail. Its weight will be from 100 to 150 pounds. Since it often lives more than a mile high on cold mountainsides of Tibet and a few other Asian places, the Creator has given it a coat much thicker than the leopards of warmer climates.

Its long white fur, overlaid with soft gray, and with deep black spots over most of its body (on some these markings are a variety of black-circled orange shapes), remains plain white on the chin, chest and stomach. Along with yellow eyes, circled with a ribbon of deep black fur, it has small ears and a face like that of a house cat — a very pretty picture. Just like your pet kitten when calm and relaxed, its sharp claws are not visible, but when its paw reaches out to strike, the claws become fierce weapons ready for action.

Blending in so well with its surroundings, mountain climbers might walk near one, sitting on its haunches and quietly looking at them, and be entirely unaware of its presence. This animal’s food is made up of antelope, deer, mountain goats, smaller animals, pheasants and other birds. When these are not available it may raid a farmyard for sheep and calves, but it has never been known to harm people.

A mother trains her kittens to catch prey by lying on the ground and gently switching her tail from side to side. The kittens try to pounce on it, but just as they pounce she gives a quick jerk and they are left empty-handed (or should we say empty-pawed?). Eventually their reflexes become sharper and they are able to use this needed skill when hunting for food.

These lovely animals instinctively hide among the rocks and snow where they live, because the coloring of their fur conceals them so well. But there is One who is well aware of them at all times, as the Bible verse tells us: “For He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven.” Job 28:24. In other parts of the Bible we also read that He is the provider and protector of all His creatures.

Perhaps you are familiar with another verse that tells us: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3. What do His eyes see in you?

ML-04/23/1989

Grandma Forgot

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

While Robby was still opening the door he hollered happily,

“Hi, Grandma, it’s hobby class day!”

“Sure is,” I answered, “but it’s only 11:00, and it doesn’t start until 2:00. You have to play awhile and eat lunch before we go.”

But Robby was only four years old, so at 11:05 he asked, “How long is it till hobby class?” At 11:10, “Is it time for hobby class yet?” At 11:15, “When is hobby class going to start?”

By 12:00 I was tired of reminding him that we had to wait until 2:00, so I told him I would give him a prize if he didn’t ask again. He didn’t ask, and hobby class time finally came.

The children had fun painting sun catchers to decorate their windows at home. Then after everyone had a yummy cupcake and some juice we sang choruses, and Henry spoke to us about God and the sun.

Henry told us that in the beginning God created the sun (Genesis ch. 1). In the book of Joshua, God, who controls the sun, made it stand still so His people could have an extra-long day to win a victory over their enemies (Joshua ch. 10). In Matthew, Mark and Luke we read how God darkened the sun so it could not shine at all for three hours while He punished His own beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for the sins of all who will believe (Matthew ch. 27). Then in Acts we’re told how God made a light shine even brighter than the sun so bright that it blinded Saul of Tarsus when he was on his way to gather up the Christians to throw them into prison (Acts ch. 9). The last thing Henry told us about the sun was that in heaven we won’t need it because the Lord Himself will be the light there (Revelation ch. 22).

Then hobby class was over. Robby’s mommy and daddy took him home. I went home to our house. And both of us forgot about Robby’s prize.

I hadn’t been home very long bore the telephone rang. When I answered, Robby said, “Grandma?”

“Yes?”

“Grandma, you forgot my prize.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Robby,” I answered. “But I’ll tell you what. When you come to Sunday school tomorrow I’ll give it to you then. Will that be okay?”

“Yes, that will be okay, Grandma,” Robby said thoughtfully, “but you’d better write it down in case you forget.”

God never forgets His children. He tells them, “I [will] not forget thee.... I have graven [engraved] thee upon the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:15,16. There are many things in God’s Word, the Bible, that He would like us to think about and remember, too. I wonder if we pay close attention to what He tells us in the Bible so we’ll never forget?

Here is one verse that tells us something God wants us to remember: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Can you memorize this verse for next week?

ML-04/30/1989

The Lightning Storm

Lightning can be very frightening for some people and also for some animals. Our dog is one of those animals that is spooked at the first flash of lightning or crack of thunder. We have seen him try to hide under a small stool that is less than half his size, or if the bathroom door is open, we sometimes find him hiding in the bathtub. When this happens he is also trembling.

What our dog doesn’t know is that he is already safe when he is inside the house during the storm. How foolish it is for him to hide under such a small stool or in the bathtub. The stool does not hide him or protect him, and the pipes to the bathtub might even act as a lightning rod to attract lightning.

Do you think you can hide from God? There is nothing big enough or safe enough to hide you or your sins from God. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3. But God has promised that all who will accept His Son, the Lord Jesus, as their Saviour will be safe in His house when He carries out His fierce punishment of sin. The Lord Jesus said, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

Won’t you come to the Lord Jesus now? He loves you and offers a place of safety. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3:7. “I flee unto Thee to hide me.” Psalms 143:9.

ML-04/30/1989

Are You Adopted?

Ted always felt the chilling grip of the prison walls as he walked into the state penitentiary, but still, he returned nearly every week. In his heart was a deep desire to help the men behind bars who were bound, not with actual metal chains, but with the chains of sin. He knew the Lord Jesus Christ was the only person who could break those chains of sin.

As the prisoners walked into the chapel that evening, Ted noticed that one man’s face looked quite different compared with the glum expressions of the others. Jim’s face was “alive” with a glow of joy in his eyes. Ted felt that something special must have happened to Jim. Perhaps he is going to receive a parole or something, he thought to himself.

Later, after the meeting, Jim came up to Ted and said he’d like to tell Ted something about his past life, and this is the story he related: “When I was only five years old my parents deserted us kids. So we were cared for in foster homes. As time went by I was moved from one place to another. Sometimes a couple would come to visit these places, looking for a child to adopt so they could have a boy or girl to raise and love as their own child.

“As I watched these people looking over the group, I always hoped that I’d be the one they would adopt and give a home to, so I’d have someone to call ‘Mom and Dad.’ As the years passed that hope grew into a burning desire to ‘belong.’ I would ask the matron, Will somebody ever adopt me?’ She would have to say, ‘Well, I just don’t know, Jim, maybe someday you will be chosen.’ But it never happened.

“In all those foster homes no one ever told me about Jesus. The only thing I remember in the way of prayer was what one house mother taught me — ‘Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. Amen.’ It seemed the Lord answered that simple prayer in spite of all.

“As I grew older I got into trouble and was put in detention homes, then in reform schools, then in jails, till finally I landed in the penitentiary. God saved me about two years ago while I was being held for trial in the county jail. A man came there with a Bible and spoke to us of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I accepted Him as my Saviour.

“The other day as I was reading in my Bible in Romans 8:14-17, it suddenly dawned on me, I finally had been chosen! I was adopted into the family of God, and God is my Father. I am His child! No one else would have me as theirs, but God adopted me, and I belong to Him.”

We had a happy time together there in that prison. We gladly talked of the wonderful promise that all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour are adopted into God’s family. They are His children, and soon will inherit their home in heaven forever!

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, besides Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.” Isaiah 64:4.

ML-04/30/1989

The High-Leaping Impala

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

South Africa has a great variety of animals, some cruel and vicious and others gentle and harmless. Among this latter group are several closely related animals such as the gazelles, klipspringers, springboks and impalas. The impala is a beautiful animal. Its velvety coat is a soft brown color over its head, neck, back and legs, but clear white on its stomach and another white patch under its stubby tail. Its nimble legs are long and slender but surprisingly strong, and for a good reason, as we will see.

This prairie animal is only about three feet high and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. Males have V-shaped horns, beginning with a short backward slant and then straightening upward a total length of two or three feet. These horns are indeed a part of the Creator’s display of beauty on this animal and look as though they might have been carved by an artist.

The impala is quite content with the food supply of the prairie herbs, bushes, shrubs and the most important and nourishing Savannah grass. But there is the constant threat of a lion or other vicious animal. When an impala becomes aware of an enemy, it barks an alarm, and in a flash the whole herd scatters in various directions. This is where their slim, strong legs are so valuable, as they run for safety in a series of dashes and long-distance jumps as high as ten feet and as far as thirty feet in single, graceful leaps... a beautiful sight.

When bounding away from such danger in these great leaps, the front feet are in the air on the first bound. When the hindquarters come up, the white patch under their tail becomes a signal to others that it is time to get going, too. The lion, presuming it is well hidden, seems to be surprised at the swift action and gets confused as to which impala to chase. When it hesitates, sometimes they all escape.

The Creator has also provided another means of warning through tick birds that frequently ride on an impala’s back. These birds not only rid it of pesky insects, but also give their own warning when they see danger approaching.

The Creator’s care over these gentle animals should remind us that His care over us is even more tender. He invites you to prove His wonderful love, as the Psalmist so well expresses it: “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear [love] Him, in those that hope in His mercy.” Psalms 147:11. Has He ever had the pleasure of hearing you thank Him for His love?

ML-04/30/1989

What Train?

Memory Verse: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

“HIT TRAIN, BUT DRIVER KEPT GOING,” the newspaper headline said.

It was 2 a.m. as the freight train thundered through the railroad crossing in the countryside near Bowmanville, Ontario. Sergeant Stan Bosak brought his police car to a stop at the flashing red signal. He waited on the lonely, dark road for the train to pass.

A flash of light from his rearview mirror caught his eyes. He watched the car coming up behind him. Too fast. Not stopping. Swerving around the police car, Michael smashed into the train! His 1984 Camaro hit between two railroad cars. It was dragged down the tracks with the train.

Can you believe somebody would ignore the railroad crossing signals and not stop? Yes! And aren’t people this foolish in other ways? God tells us to “Ponder [consider] the path of thy feet.” Proverbs 4:26. Do people ever ignore God’s Word and forget to stop and consider what He says? That’s a question for you to answer....

Two miles down the track Sergeant Bosak looked into the wrecked car. Michael, the 25-year-old driver, unhurt, was still pushing on the gas pedal. The wheels were spinning, but they had no tires now.

“Train?... What train?” Michael said.

The policeman commented, “I have never seen anything like this in my life!” One headlight was still on, smoke was everywhere, and the car was a total wreck. The car had ended up on an embankment, and the driver thought he was still driving.

Yes, of course, you guessed it. The young man had been drinking and wasn’t even aware that he had hit a train. Sergeant Bosak said, “He is very, very lucky. Somebody up there protected him.”

Yes indeed, Someone was protecting him. And it wasn’t luck! God watches over each one of us. In spite of all our carelessness and sin He still loves us, having sent His Son to deliver us. He calls for each one to come to the Lord Jesus. We need a Saviour. Are we just going to cruise along and ignore the warning? Are we so blinded by Satan that we don’t even know we’re heading for a destructive dead end? As Michael turned onto the dark country road that night he did not expect anyone to know he was driving illegally. But can sin be hidden forever? Who can know what God will allow to bring us before Him, the “Judge of all the earth” who will reveal “every secret thing"?

Perhaps you have felt like the driver of the wrecked car. The ride has been rough and you’ve said to yourself, “I’m getting nowhere and something is very wrong in my life.” Maybe you haven’t recognized that God is speaking to you and using the circumstances of your life to get your attention. He is calling you away from the passing world to the Saviour who loves you so much that He died for you, if you will have Him. Don’t race on! Stop! Listen to His Word. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.

ML-05/07/1989

Beware of the Snake!

One day Mr. Hogan, a farmer living in Kentucky, drove his car out to one of his fields. This field was part of the floodplain of the nearby river and was just now dry enough to begin planting. His tractor and planter had been left in the field overnight as he had been working there the day before.

It was a warm spring day, so he left the car door open while he unloaded bags of seed from the trunk. Returning to close the door, he just caught a glimpse of the tail of a snake disappearing inside his car.

Now most snakes are not poisonous, but the family of snakes called pit vipers are poisonous. These have a deep pit or hole in front of each eye. This family of snakes includes copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, and all of these live in the state of Kentucky. Mr. Hogan did not see very much of the snake, but it looked to him like a water moccasin which he knew lived in the area near the river. He also knew they were poisonous and would bite if annoyed or upset. So he decided it would be best not to drive the car as long as the snake was in there.

His car was not new, but Mr. Hogan found good use for it. Now something had spoiled its use for him. This reminds us of the garden of Eden which God made perfect and beautiful for man to enjoy. But Satan through the serpent (snake) came into that lovely garden and spoiled it. He caused man to sin, and ever since, sin has ruined all God’s wonderful creation. Along with the sin came death: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12. Sin brings death more surely than the bite of a snake. We have all been bitten by sin. But what a relief it is to read, “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. " Romans 6:23.

Mr. Hogan carefully began looking for the snake. He even removed the seats but could not find it. He wondered if he had made a mistake. But no, he knew the snake had to be in there somewhere.

Each of us knows, or should know, that we have sin in us. We read in the Bible that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. “All” means everyone — including you and me. The only One who ever lived on this earth who did not have sin in Him was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Don’t be tricked by Satan. He will tell you to forget about your sins because you are not as bad as someone else. But the facts remain — “all have sinned” and “the wages of sin is death.”

Not finding the snake, Mr. Hogan decided to call an expert to come kill it. The man, called an exterminator, closed the doors and windows of the car and filled it with a poisonous gas. Two days later Mr. Hogan found the dead water moccasin under the dashboard.

Satan, “that old serpent, the devil,” came into this world hoping to destroy man. But for any man, woman, boy or girl who trusts in the Lord Jesus, Satan has been defeated. The Lord Jesus, by His death and being raised from the dead, has defeated the power of Satan.

Mr. Hogan did not have to know everything there is to know about snakes to understand that a water moccasin is dangerous. You also do not have to know very much about sin to understand that you need to be saved from it. If you are not saved, why not accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour right now? You can go through life happily (or until the Lord Jesus returns for His own) and be at peace with God.

“Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21.

ML-05/07/1989

Bristletails, Silverfish and Firebrats

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God created great whales.” Genesis 1:21. “And God made... everything that creepeth upon the earth." Genesis 1:25.

In those marvelous days of creation, God made everything from great whales to the smallest creeping insects. Everything was perfect until sin came into the world through Adam’s disobedience. Since then all creation has suffered, including the insects living today, and God had to tell His people that “every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination.” Leviticus 11:41.

That did not mean that God would not still care for these insects, for He does every moment, but they would be types of Satan’s hidden and evil ways.

Throughout the world there are billions of insects, such as termites, ants, mosquitoes, flies, etc. that for various reasons we naturally don’t like. There are also some that God has made helpful to mankind, such as honeybees, ladybugs and others. These He has made an exception, and they are not called “an abomination.”

However, the three in our title do much harm and are very clever at hiding themselves. They are true examples of Satan and his sinful ways. The bristletail is one of these, another is the silverfish, and the third is called the firebrat, because it hides in warm places behind a stove or fireplace. They are almost as similar in appearance as identical triplets and are hard to tell apart. They have no wings, but their scaly, one-half-inch-long bodies have six legs and two bristle-like extensions in front. All of them have most peculiar appetites.

For instance, the bristletail eats the paste used to stick wallpaper to a wall. Finding a loose spot, it crawls inside and, if not discovered soon enough, over a period of time gobbles up so much paste that the wallpaper falls to the floor or just hangs loosely.

The silverfish (not related to a fish in any way) likes to eat the glue used in binding books. Oh, how they love chewing up the glue until the book falls apart!

But none of them is choosy and each kind seems to find its way to shelves, drawers, or closets where starched clothes are soon damaged, because starch is also a special treat to them.

All three of these pests are reminders that the evil things which Satan tempts us with are seldom out in the open, and cause much harm when we do not guard against them. Our best protection from his evil ways is expressed in the Bible verse: “Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.” Psalms 16:1. When you make this a truly honest prayer, God will always help you.

ML-05/07/1989

Woodchuck or Wood Duck?

Memory Verse: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

It was a warm spring morning as the three men drove along the winding country road. Doug, Gerald and Bob were on their way to finish some forestry work in the woodlands of Nova Scotia. As they round a curve, Doug suddenly swerved the car to miss hitting a small, reddish-brown object lying on the road.

“What was that?” exclaimed Bob.

“I don’t know!” Doug answered as he brought the car to a screeching halt. “I think we missed it,” he said as he looked in the rearview mirror.

Jumping out, they hurried back to see what it was. There on the pavement, inching its way along, was a baby woodchuck. As Gerald picked it up, he wondered where its mother could be. Had she been struck by a car? Perhaps a fox or coyote had gotten her. Woodchucks, also called groundhogs, hardly ever stray far from their burrows, so why else would this little fellow have wandered out onto the road?

“I wonder if it has any brothers or sisters?” Gerald said, passing the furry little ball to Doug. As the men searched the shrubs beside the road, sure enough, they found a second one, but no more. Rather than taking a chance on leaving the little animals to die, the men placed the two little woodchucks in a cardboard box and continued on their way.

That evening, when the men arrived at their motel, the tiny woodchucks were making little squeaky noises, and one looked rather weak. Doug called the Provincial Wildlife Park to find out what a by wood-chuck would eat.

The park attendant, thinking Doug had said “baby wood ducks,” replied, “Oh, just feed them some chick-starter.”

Hanging up the receiver, Doug told the others what the attendant had said. “Chick-starter for woodchucks?” For some reason it didn’t sound right, but the parks people should know.

Before long they had found a chicken farmer in the village who kindly gave them some feed. But when a dish of it was placed in the box, the little fellows just sniffed at the food and waddled through it, still making their sad little noises. There must be some mistake.

In the Bible we read, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12. Boys and girls, Satan (the enemy of your souls) is working hard to see that you get wrong information. He wants to stop you from coming to the Lord Jesus as a needy sinner and accepting Him by faith as your own precious Saviour. Satan would tell you not to be in a hurry, or that there are other ways to heaven. But God says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2), and, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).

Just then the phone rang... it was the park attendant. Realizing his mistake, he was able to track down where the men were staying and called to say, “Baby woodchucks like milk.”

Buying a can of evaporated milk from the corner store and an eyedropper from the local hospital, the men took turns feeding the cute little rascals. It wasn’t long before their bellies began to bulge!

When the men returned home, each family took a turn keeping the baby woodchucks overnight. The children were so excited to hold and feed them. Then the little woodchucks were taken to their new home at the Provincial Wildlife Park where they would receive the best of care. Now the families enjoy visiting the park each year to see how the woodchucks have grown.

What a happy home awaits all who will receive the Lord Jesus. Won’t you tell Jesus, not later, but right now, that you want Him as your Saviour?

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML-05/14/1989

One Warning Is Enough!

Jean sniffed the air again, as she had been doing all afternoon. “Honey, what do you think that strange smell is?” she asked her husband, George.

“I don’t know. I’ve noticed it too, and I can’t imagine what it is. While you put Joy to bed, I’ll go down and add more wood to the furnace. It’s pretty cold out tonight.”

Jean started getting the baby cleaned up and ready for bed while George went down to the basement.

It sure is warm down here for such a cold night, he thought as he checked the thermometer. Eighty-two degrees! Wow! And I haven’t added more wood for quite a while. George put his hand on the wall beside the chimney. That was hot, too. Suddenly his mind began connecting the heat with the smell.

Dashing upstairs, he felt the chimney there. Sure enough, it was even hotter there than downstairs. Glancing up, he saw the corner of the wall and ceiling starting to turn black. What a scary feeling!

Quickly George dialed the fire department. And within a few minutes four fire trucks with their sirens wailing were on their way up the street to the house. Jean and George were bundling up the baby in warm clothes and putting on their own winter coats.

“Better get out of the house right now!” yelled a fireman as he disappeared up a ladder. “You’ve got a bad chimney fire, and the attic is likely already burning!”

George and Jean didn’t have to be told a second time. They grabbed up baby Joy and left! How many times have you been told about the fire of God’s judgment — a fire that will never be put out, far hotter than any house fire! Are you sure you’ve left that fire behind? There’s only one way to escape that everlasting fire, and that’s to admit to the Lord Jesus what a sinner you are. He loves you and He’s longing to forgive you. He took the punishment for sin in His own body on the cross — so we could go free! Isn’t that wonderful? We never need to fear the fire of hell again if we come to Him and accept the pardon He so freely offers. But don’t wait; there isn’t time! Let the Lord Jesus forgive you now.

Luke 3:17 tells us, “He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat [those who have confessed that they are sinners and trusted the Lord Jesus to save them] into His garner; but the chaff [those who continue in sin] He will burn with fire unquenchable.”

The firemen did put the chimney fire out before there was much damage done to the house. George and Jean were so thankful for the firemen’s warning and what they did to save the house. Will you listen to the warning of God’s judgment for sin and accept His loving offer of forgiveness through the work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

ML-05/14/1989

No License to Fly!

From tiny eggs

Come little birds,

And little thoughts

Hatch into words,

Which then take wings

And fly away,

But may come back

To roost some day!

Before some words

Are airborne things,

We would do well

To clip their wings!

Some words are best

Left in the nest!

Don’t let them fly

Without a test!

ML-05/14/1989

The Cute Viscacha

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“God that made the world and all things therein... is Lord of heaven and earth.” Acts 17:24.

These pretty little animals, from one to two feet long, plus long bushy tails, live off the plants, grass, seeds and roots of the mountains and plains of South America. Viscachas are related to chinchillas but act more like prairie dogs. They have burrows and post sentries while gathering food. The sentries sound an alarm, scooting them all into their burrows when danger approaches.

Those in the mountain area are mostly shorter and are covered with gray or brown fur which is soft and short. This makes them look something like rabbits, except for their long side whiskers and bushy tails. Most of them have a plain black stripe down their backs.

The ones on the plains are larger and heavier. Their coats are a coarse gray or light brown and their underparts are plain white. These dig networks of burrows, many of which end up in a large den where two dozen or more of these animals make their home. Sometimes lizards, snakes, toads, foxes and owls make their way into these dens, but although some are natural enemies they seem to get along together in the dens. No doubt this is a special provision of the Creator, to preserve the viscachas from being wiped out.

These lowlanders often make their homes near cultivated fields where they get into farmers’ crops. This often results in their getting shot and becoming a tasty meal on a farmer’s dinner table.

In general the faces of the various species are outstanding. Although colors vary, they all have upright, open ears atop a light-brown forehead. Their eyes stand out sharply inside a white circle of fur. Many of them have another white band going from the top of the tiny nose (itself surrounded by dark fur) up to the eyes. Then the chin and throat become part of the white fur of the underparts. There are many patterns involved, all looking as though someone had painted ribbons and patches on the cute little heads without a pattern to follow.

Viscachas stay in their dens in daylight, but at early dawn and again at dusk go after their food. While out searching, if they come across things of interest, such as bones, stones, a piece of bright metal, etc., they take them home and make a pile of them, just like the packrat of North America does.

We may not understand just what part these little animals have in God’s wonderful creation, but we do know He delighted in placing them on the earth and now watches over them. The Bible tells us: “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Colossians 1:16. Aren’t you glad that “all things” includes you, too?

ML-05/14/1989

Icy Water

Memory Verse: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:28

“Got one!” exclaimed a fisherman on the pier as the taut line bent his fishing rod. The vapor from his breath quickly turned to frost in the cold winter air.

Coho salmon are big fish and fight to the finish, so the fisherman was grateful when a man farther up the pier picked up his long-handled fishing net. The man carefully picked his way down the pier, avoiding the “Thanks,” the fisherman said as he carefully put the fish on his stringer.

“Nice coho ya got there.”

The fisherman’s second rod suddenly twitched and jerked as another fish tugged on that hook.

“Wait a minute... got another one.... Will you get this one for me, too?”

“Sure.”

slippery patches of ice. In the early-morning darkness he strained to see the slippery spots. The sun wouldn’t be up for another hour yet.

The man placed his net in the water underneath the tired fish and scooped it out. The fish frantically flopped around in the net. Its wet body glistened in the light from a street lamp at the end of the pier.

This one was reeled in and netted like the first.

“Be careful on the ice,” the man with the net said before he left to return to his own spot.

“Yeah,” the other man grunted in reply.

The waves were continually crashing against the pier. They would hit with a big splash and roll back into the next incoming wave. The spray was whipped by the wind and covered everything.

The man with the net suddenly heard a yell followed by a splash! He looked back at the fisherman he had just helped. He wasn’t there! The man quickly walked back, watching for the slippery patches. The last couple of feet to the icy edge of the pier he crawled on his belly.

Ten feet below he saw the fisherman struggling in the waves. Fishing line was tangled around his neck and arms. A big wave washed over the fisherman; he disappeared beneath the surface. He reappeared, and the man on the pier quickly lowered a net to him.

“Hang on to this!” he shouted.

The handle of the net was made out of broomstick. Under the pressure of the man’s weight going up and down in the thrashing waves, the handle began to crack. The fisherman couldn’t last long in that black, icy water if that handle broke.

Life without the Lord Jesus is cold and dark too. It’s cold and dark because He alone is the “Sun of Righteousness” who can bring the warmth of His love and light into our souls. If you have looked for love and never found it, you understand that cold, empty feeling inside. An empty heart has a coldness just as cruel as falling into icy water. Our human hearts long for love. God has made our hearts so that only His love can fully satisfy them; nothing else even comes close. If you want to feel and know God’s love you must come to Jesus, His Son. On Calvary’s cross He proved how much He loves us. “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.” Ephesians 5:2. “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16.

God’s love is a love which can fill your heart completely. Haven’t you been tossed and driven along on life’s sea long enough without it? Christ is the Saviour of sinners! If you want this love which is beyond understanding, bow your knees before Him and receive Him as your Saviour.

The other men on the pier quickly gathered around the man holding the net. “I have a piece of rope in my tacklebox; somebody get it,” the man ordered. “Now tie a loop at the end and hand it to me.”

Lowering the loop to the fisherman in the water, he told him, “Put your arm through the loop.”

A police car with sirens wailing suddenly pulled up to the pier. A fire engine was right behind the police car, and a helicopter was soon above them. The firemen in their long black rubber coats studied the situation. One of them hurried back to the truck and lifted off a long aluminum extension ladder. He carried it down the pier.

“We’ll lift the man out of the water like he is sitting on a seesaw,” one of the firemen explained to the small crowd of fishermen watching.

The firemen extended the ladder and slid it into the water underneath the fisherman. Then three of the firemen threw their weight on their end of the ladder, and the fisherman at the other end was lifted right out of the water. They pulled him to the pier and rushed him to the hospital.

“Yeah,” he said later on, “I thought I was going to slip from the grasp of the fellow holding the net.... I thought I was going to die. That man saved my life.”

The fisherman had a close call. Now here’s a question for you to answer: When do you think that man’s life was saved? When the net was lowered to him? When the fire engine came? When the helicopter flew overhead? No, none of these is right. The man’s life was saved when he was pulled out of the water and all danger of his perishing was past.

1 Timothy 1:15 reads, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Here’s another question for you to answer: When is a sinner saved? When he hears the gospel message? When someone prays for him? When he realizes he is a sinner? No, none of these is right. They are all important, but not one by itself brings salvation. A sinner is saved the moment he puts his trust in Christ. As soon as a person believes that the Lord Jesus died for his sins, all danger of perishing is forever over. “My sheep hear My voice... and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:27,28. The Lord Jesus will never let a believer slip from His grasp. Once we trust Christ, the salvation of our souls doesn’t depend on our holding onto Him, but on His holding onto us, and thank God He will never let us go!

Can anything ever loosen His hold on us once we believe? Never! Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:38 and 39: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Wouldn’t you like to be saved from all your sins and be freed from the danger of perishing, forever? Wouldn’t you like to know the love of God which is so great that it is beyond understanding? This can all be yours if you will come to Christ Jesus and by faith accept Him as your Saviour.

ML-05/21/1989

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Colossians 1:16.

The grouse is mainly an American bird, although there are many of them in Europe and Asia as well. For the most part they are forest birds, but some prefer the open plains and sagebrush country. In the United States and Canada there are ten species which include the prairie, blue, sage, sharptailed and ruffed, which we will talk about in our next issue.

While there is quite a difference in sizes, they are all similar in appearance, and most of them nest in low bushes or concealed places under logs. Their food, too, is much the same, including seeds, leaves, buds, berries, snails, etc.

Camera-carrying hikers discover that the grouse is hard to find. When the bird is aware of a person coming near, it immediately dashes behind a tree or into the brush where it is well hidden because the color of its feathers blends so well with the ground or brush. Sometimes if a grouse is aware of a person getting too close, it will fly from the ground with such speed that a hunter with his gun is usually too startled to take a shot. Although unable to fly any great distance in these fast flights, grouse will land where they are well hidden, and the hunter doesn’t have a chance of seeing them a second time.

When a fox or coyote approaches, a mother grouse will signal her brood of chicks to scatter to safe hiding places and lie perfectly still. Then she lets the animal see her fly to a tree limb where she waits out of reach of its snapping jaws until it gives up and leaves the area. Only then will the mother hen drop to the ground, call her little ones to her side, and go on searching for food.

Although they are shy and clever birds, the males all follow amazing patterns of “drumming,” strutting and dancing when trying to win a mate. This will be described in detail in a following issue.

The grouse, so well equipped for its life in the wild, is another example of the care our Creator took in providing for the needs of each creature. But His greatest care and love is shown to people. Just think of His expression to each person who will listen: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3. Have you accepted that love by receiving Him as your Saviour?

(to be continued)

ML-05/21/1989

Above the Clouds and Lost

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

It was a cold January day when Al Hensen taxied his single-engine Cessna toward the runway at the Eau Claire, Wisconsin airfield. Al was going to fly alone that day. It was not his first solo flight, but he had not had very many flights by himself. He was still considered a “student pilot.”

His plan for the flight was to fly to Rhinelander, Wisconsin and return, a round trip flight of about 250 miles.

“This looks like a great day for flying,” he thought as he waited for clearance from the control tower to take off. “A few clouds to the north, but they don’t look too bad.”

Having received clearance, Al took off and climbed smoothly into the cold, still air. Turning to the northeast he climbed through 6000 feet. Reaching his flying altitude of 6600 feet, he leveled off. Then looking down, he saw the “few clouds” had become a solid cloud cover underneath him. He could not see the ground. All he could see were clouds below and sky above. He was worried because he had never flown in conditions like this before, and he was not rated for instrument flight.

Al was scared, realizing the danger. He was alone in a plane, separated from the safety of being able to see the ground by a cloud layer, and did not know how to get through the layer. He made a right decision — he radioed for help.

Al recognized the difficulty he was in and called for help. There are people today who are in real danger because of sin, but they do not recognize their danger. Satan has “blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Having kept these people from seeing their danger, Satan will keep them from doing what Al did — call for help. Help for the sinner is very near. The Lord 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.

Do you recognize that you are a sinner and need a Saviour? You have to admit this before you can be saved. Al could have flown for a long time in the wrong direction if he had not recognized that he was lost. A sinner, too, must recognize that he is lost, away from God and then God in His love and mercy can save him. “The Son of man [the Lord Jesus Christ] is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Al’s radio call reached the air traffic control-center at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two controllers, Ron Carrick and Dick DeCramer, located Al’s plane on radar. Their job then was to come up with a plan to bring him down safely. They told Al to turn until he was headed back toward Eau Claire where breaks in the clouds were reported.

Meanwhile, a commercial pilot of a DC-9 taking off from Rhinelander volunteered to help guide Al to a break in the clouds. With the help of the controllers, the pilot was able to locate Al.

During the flight back toward Eau Claire, the engine of Al’s plane stopped twice. He was given instructions by the DC-9 pilot on how to start it. Just as a large opening appeared in the cloud cover, the engine quit again... this time he was out of gas! There was no way to start it. Al headed toward the ground, having no place to land, no fuel and no power.

Could it be that Al was “almost saved” but now would crash so close to the safety of an airport? Had he waited too long before turning back? Had the pilot and the controllers not been clear enough in their instructions?

One of the controllers said to the other, “He will be killed... that’s hilly country with snow on the ground, power lines and trees!”

Have you been told how to be saved but have not followed the simple instructions? Have you postponed a decision with, “not now,” or “I don’t need that,” or “I’ll wait until I’m older"? The Bible warns those who put off this most important decision: “Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1. None of us know if we will be here tomorrow. We who are saved know that the Lord Jesus is returning momentarily to take to heaven all who know Him as their Saviour. Then all opportunity to be saved will be gone forever.

Won’t you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour right now? He loves you and wants you to accept His offer of salvation. He died on the cross for sinners. There He took the punishment for the sins of all who would believe in Him. His blood has washed away all their sins. He has done everything He can do to save you. All you have to do is accept Him as your Saviour.

As Al started down he was sure he would never be able to land the plane safely. The only noise was the rush of the air outside and the quick instructions on how to land a powerless plane, being given by the DC-9 pilot still circling above him.

“Nothing but hills, trees, and snow,” thought Al as he tried to pick out a spot to land. He picked out a road near Rib Lake, about halfway between Eau Clair and Rhinelander. On this deserted road he safely landed his plane. The DC-9 pilot radioed to the Minneapolis controllers that he was safely down, out of the plane and walking!

Yes, Al had guided his plane to a safe landing, using the instructions that were radioed to him. The only way that you can be saved is to follow God’s instructions. They are found in His Word, the Bible: “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.

Al Hansen was happy and thankful to be safely on the ground again. He wrote a letter to the pilot and the controllers thanking them for their help. He knew that without them he would have been killed.

We who know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour should thank Him daily for His salvation. Without His work on the cross there is no way that we would have been saved.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Revelation 1:5,6.

ML-05/28/1989

A Stray Kitten

One day a stray kitten came to our house. It stayed around, and now it seems to love us. All we did was give it something to eat, show it a little love, and name it Teeny. Now Teeny comes and rubs against our legs, purring so loudly it sounds like a little motor. Teeny was only a little stray kitten, but how the children love him.

Doesn’t this remind us of the Lord Jesus? He picks us up, lonely, stray sinners, and brings us to Himself. He shows us His loving kindness, watches over us, and sees that we have everything we need. We are just drifting in this world with no purpose to our lives. But when we come to the Lord Jesus, we find a purpose for living and a home.

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn and sad;

I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad.

Oh, how happy He must be when we thank Him for all that He has done and when we tell others about Him.

“Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee.” Psalms 84:4.

ML-05/28/1989

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“O Lord, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.” Psalms 92:5.

The differences between some of the grouse species of America are outlined below:

Prairie grouse: This one is a resident of the Sierra Mountains of California. It is speckled brown over most of its body, but with a cottony-white underlayer showing when it ruffles its feathers. It has a blue-black color behind its neck and down both sides. In the summer months it lives on the lower slopes of the mountains where a variety of food is available. In winter it moves into the forests higher up. Its diet there is limited pretty much to fir needles.

Sage grouse: As its name implies, this grouse prefers living in sagebrush country. It is one of the largest and appears even larger during mating dances when males puff out their pretty white body feathers while standing upright. At the same time their huge tail feathers, brown with white cross stripes and shaped like arrows, are raised skyward — a marvelous sight. The hens are more plain in their brown and white feathers.

Sharptailed grouse: These live in the mid-west plains as well as in the foothills of mountains in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and on up into Canada. In Montana, nature lovers have provided an area called “Dancing Prairie” to protect and feed these pretty birds so their numbers will increase. Their food is mainly grain, buds and flowers.

Ruffed grouse: In the clothing industry the collars of jackets and coats are referred to as the “ruff,” and that is how this bird got its name. When males get into the excitement of their mating dances, the black feathers surrounding their necks billow out like an over-sized collar.

The clever and shrewd ruffed grouse, with its square tail, is one of the smaller species, but puts on the biggest mating display and makes the most noise. It lives on western mountain slopes during summer months, but drops down to lower elevations in winter where it feasts on leaves, fruits, oak buds, acorns, etc. In our next issue more details of this one will be given.

As we consider these unusual birds, let us think of what David said in Psalms 105:4,5, “Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works that He hath done.” Looking closely at creation helps us to see a little of the wisdom and majesty of the One who created it all.

ML-05/28/1989

Frozen to the Boat

Every winter the Rideau River near our house freezes all the way across. The ice is often a foot thick and strong enough that a truck can drive over it. This thick ice often causes problems in the spring. If there is a warm rain and the snow melts quickly, the water flows overtop the ice as well as underneath. This sometimes causes flooding in the homes that are near the river. The city workmen often have to blast the ice with dynamite so that it will break into pieces and float down the river.

Several years ago these workers were out in boats. The water was about two feet deep on top of the foot-thick ice. One worker placed dynamite in a hole in the ice and quickly moved his boat away. Somehow his boat overturned and the poor man ended up in the icy water!

The man climbed on top of the upside down boat which was being carried swiftly down the river towards the Rideau Falls.

Another workman saw the poor man’s dangerous situation and quickly phoned the fire department.

The fire department raced to a bridge that crossed the river just above the falls. They quickly lowered a rope for the man to grab as he passed underneath.

Sad to say, the man did not grab the rope, and just before the boat went over the rushing falls, the firemen holding the rope heard the poor man cry out, “I’m frozen to the boat!”

It was too late by the time the firemen learned that the man’s hands were frozen to the boat. The poor man could not help himself even a little. If only the firemen had lowered a man on the rope to grab him, before it was too late!

Boys and girls, if you have never had your sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ, then you also are in great danger, moving swiftly toward judgment. The Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27. The poor man whose hands were frozen to the boat could not help himself, and in a similar way you, too, are “frozen” with the chains of sin, and no attempt of your own to “do your best” or “try harder” will help to take those sins away.

It was too late when the firemen realized that what the man needed was not a rope, but a person. But the good news of this little paper is that there is a Person who is able and willing to save you from the awful judgment your sins will bring. That Person is God’s own Son, the Lord Jesus. He came into the world and went to the cross of Calvary to suffer and die for the sins of any who would believe on Him. He rose from the dead the third day, and now the Saviour we are telling you about is alive again and in heaven. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4.

There was no one to save the man from the falls, but the Lord Jesus, as the loving Saviour, is ready, willing and able to save you from the judgment that is coming upon this world. Call to Him today! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

ML-06/04/1989

A Chinese Chicken

In 1947 Mr. Chang was a gospel preacher and he lived in a little village in China. The communists were then trying to take complete control of China from the Nationalist soldiers.

One day some Nationalist soldiers, retreating from the Communists, asked Mr. Chang if they could sleep in the room that he used to preach the gospel. Mr. Chang allowed the soldiers to sleep there, even though he knew what the Communists would do to him if they found out about it.

Several days later Communist soldiers arrived. They soon found out that Mr. Chang had put up Nationalist soldiers for the night. They arrested him and put him in prison. Poor Mr. Chang! He knew what the punishment would be — he would be killed for what he had done.

The day before Mr. Chang’s trial his wife and several other Chinese Christians were in the gospel hall praying for him. A chicken from the neighborhood wandered into the hall cackling loudly and laid an egg right on the floor. The chicken made such a racket with its cackling that it disturbed the prayer meeting. Mrs. Chang got up and caught the chicken. She wrote a short note about the egg and tied it to the chicken’s leg along with some money to pay for the egg. Then she took the chicken outside and let it go.

About an hour later the lady who owned the village inn came down the street, bringing a man with her. Following them came a crowd of curious villagers. Arriving at the door of the little hall, the lady said to the man. “This is where the Christians are.” Then she turned and left.

The man said he was the Communist judge who had come to judge Mr. Chang’s trial the next day. He asked Mrs. Chang some questions: “Did you write this note that was tied to the chicken’s leg? And did you include money with the note?”

“Yes,” answered Mrs. Chang to both questions.

“Well,” said the judge, “that chicken belongs to the lady who owns the inn where I’m staying.” Then he asked her several more questions about her honesty and why would she pay for an egg when it had been laid on her own property?

Mrs. Chang told him about her Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of how He not only saves us from our sins, but He gives us a new life that wants to please Him in all things.

The Communist judge was impressed. “There will be no trial for your husband,” he stated. “I will have him released from jail, and we will forget the whole incident about the soldiers.”

How wonderful are the ways of God! The prayers of those Chinese Christians were answered in a way they did not expect. There is a wonderful verse in the Bible that says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalms 50:15.

Let’s not forget the last part of that verse, “and thou shalt glorify Me.” How often we take God’s loving care for granted and forget to thank Him. He sent His own Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world to save sinners such as we. As believers we know that He took our place and died for us on that awful cross. Now He is risen, gone back to heaven, and He wants us to trust Him as our Saviour and to thank Him for all He has done. We now have a new life that will want to please Him in all things.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled [restored] us to Himself by Jesus Christ.... We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17,18, 20.

ML-06/04/1989

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 3

The Wonders of God’s Creation

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

Grouse of every kind at least once a year put on one of the most amazing shows of any wild creature, and those who have witnessed it describe it as follows: When male birds are looking for mates, they invite female birds (hens) to come and look them over. Usually the first invitation takes place before sunrise. A male stands on a stump or log where, with tail spread wide and claws dug into the wood, he gets down to the business of “drumming.” He makes this loud noise by beating his wings vigorously while his body feathers are puffed out and his tail feathers are spread wide in a big arc.

The woods echo with this thunderous noise, repeated time after time. Soon other males come to investigate and join in the “drumming.” It is not long before the hens show up, too, no doubt admiring these glamorous males for their grand display of feathers, the drumming of their wings, and stamping of their feet.

The next step calls for males to get into a lively dance, some circling to the right and some to the left, while others just run around in any direction. As the dance gets livelier the frenzied birds start leaping into the air, bodies and feathers puffed out, and occasionally jumping clear over one another.

The hens, excited by this grand show, get into the act as well, leaping into the air with the males, then lowering their heads and stretching their wings to the ground. They all make quite a display, stamping their feet, rattling tail feathers, running and jumping, reminding an onlooker of an exaggerated war dance.

One by one, the males eventually leave the dance arena, bowing gracefully to a female which interests him. When the show is over and choices of mates have been made, these otherwise-normal birds begin building nests to raise families.

In the world of wildlife, there are many ways in which a male and female are attracted to one another, but perhaps this extraordinary performance of grouse outdoes them all. Actually it is another reminder of the pleasure God the Creator had in making a world with so many interesting things in it. His voice in the opening Bible verse is a message that we should be glad to observe when we see how wondrous His ways are.

Have you heard His voice inviting you to come to Him and know Him as your Saviour? That invitation is given many times in the Bible. One invitation says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

ML-06/04/1989

Buried Treasure

Memory Verse: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

It was a warm sunny day in early spring. Mrs. Green was enjoying the smell of damp earth and the sounds of birds chirping, as she dug up a new garden patch in her backyard. As she hummed softly, she thought of what she would plant there: lettuce and peas first, then cucumbers and tomatoes after the danger of frost was past. She would also plant some bright flowers for pretty color all summer.

Clink. What was that? Her shovel had hit something hard. She bent down to take a closer look. Sifting through the dark brown soul, Mrs. Green uncovered a small metal box inside a plastic bag. It looked like it had been there a long time. Taking the box out of the bag, she gently shook it. Something rattled inside.

Mrs. Green studied this strange box, wondering how it had gotten into her garden. Was someone trying to hide a treasure there?

While He was here on earth, Jesus told His disciples, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt [or ruin things].” Matthew 6:19. This small metal box had been ruined. The plastic bag had not protected it very well from water and the metal had rusted. Do you think in the ground was a smart place to hide a treasure?

Jesus goes on to say, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:20. While we finish our story, think about how we can hide our treasures in heaven.

Carefully, Mrs. Green opened the little box. What she saw inside made her smile. There were two pennies, a nickel, a dirty white rock, a rusty bell on a chain, a tiny ivory dog, a bead and a shell... all treasures that would belong to a child.

Mrs. Green remembered a game that her children used to play. They would gathered up small treasures and bury them in carefully wrapped packages, to be dug up a year later. They thought it was so much fun to find their special belongings again to see what they looked like after such a long time underground.

One of her daughters, as a little girl, had buried this treasure box quite a few years earlier. She had grown up and moved away, forgetting to dig up that box of special things. Mrs. Green smiled again as she held in her hand that collection of nearly worthless objects that once had been so special to her daughter.

Our never-dying souls are a far more valuable treasure than this box of trinkets. In fact, if we could have anything in this world that we wanted, it wouldn’t do us any good if we ended up losing our souls. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. This is like storing our treasure on the earth. It will get ruined and we will lose it.

If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be sure our souls are safe, hidden with Christ in God. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36. Wouldn’t you like to have your soul kept safe in heaven? You may, if you will trust in Jesus today.

ML-06/11/1989

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” only made her feel cross. The little five-year-old yawned and padded over to the window to see if her puppy “Midnight” was awake. He was, and his wagging tail made her smile back at him.

After some minutes Mother called frantically. “Come, Karen! Mark will be late for school unless we leave RIGHT NOW!”

Next door Mrs. Jones was sewing near an open sliding door. She nearly dropped her needle when the morning quiet was shattered by an ear-splitting noise. Such an insistent siren along with a loud ringing could only be the Kelly’s burglar alarm. “Horrors!” thought Mrs. Jones, “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. After all, she was a good mother, and it would be a shame to cause her any trouble with the police in the event that a child had been left alone in the house. 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 gasping sobs she managed to say, “I only wanted some air... and... I forgot the alarm was on!”

“Yes, and you forgot to obey Mother! Now into the house with you!” Turning to Mrs. Jones, she explained how Karen had been naughty 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. Dear me! I think the two of us have learned a lesson today!”

Not every little girl or boy has had their early-morning sins announced to the entire neighborhood so loudly. But how many times have you 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 sense, a burglar, because she robbed herself of happiness she could have enjoyed by being helpful and obedient to her mother.

But what is even more serious is that all sin is against God. Karen learned that a disobedient act done when no one else was near had surprising results. Listen seriously to this verse from the Bible: “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. Rather frightening, isn’t it?

How good to have all our sins covered — covered over forever by the Lord Jesus Christ. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin in covered.” Psalms 32:1. Those of whom this is true will not even come into judgment, as we are told in John 5:24, “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.” Won’t you be obedient to His call to believe and trust Him today?

ML-06/11/1989

Hardy Olive Trees

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” Leviticus 24:2.

The olive tree has always held an important place in the world. You may have noticed that the illustration of an olive branch is still a symbol for peace. It is a very rugged tree with a gnarled trunk, willow-like leathery leaves and yellow blossoms. Even with little care it will often still be producing olives even though it may be more than a thousand years old. (Some of the trees brought to California by the Spaniards are still alive.)

In Bible days olive trees had a special part in the lives of people in Palestine and neighboring countries and are often referred to as tokens of God’s blessing on His people. Their fruit, the olive, not only provides food, but its oil has been used for centuries for lighting lamps, cooking, ointment, lubricants, in soap, etc. Kings and priests were usually anointed with olive oil before taking their place of honor among the people. But more importantly, God’s people, Israel, were carefully instructed to use olive oil in many places inside the tabernacle and temples in connection with sacrifices offered to the Lord, as our opening verse shows us.

Olives in the Mediterranean and Jordan areas ripen in the fall or early winter. When finally ripe, entire families often pick together — pulling the fruit off by hand fathers up on ladders, mothers reaching lower limbs, and children climbing up the trunk for others.

The oil is then taken out of them by presses. In olden days donkeys, walking slowly in a circle around big millstones, provided the power to crush the oil from the olives, but now this is usually done by modern machinery.

When trees eventually produce too little fruit they are cut down, mostly to be used for firewood.

However, some selected hard pieces, yellow in color and with patterns showing in the grain, are more likely to go to skilled artists who make lovely carvings which sell for high prices in tourist shops as souvenirs.

In the first chapter of Genesis we learn that on the third day of creation God created fruit trees, and when He looked on this lovely creation He “saw that it was good.”

(Read Genesis 1:11,12.) Many years later, when King Solomon thought about the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, he wrote: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1.

All of us, young or old, should be glad when we see the marvelous works of creation. They show us a little of the majesty and wisdom of the Lord God, our Creator. How thankful we should be that all things were made by Him for us to enjoy.

ML-06/11/1989

The Lost Glasses

Memory Verse: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

From time to time we have had stories about different things that have been lost. These stories have been used to remind our readers that they are “lost” in their sins and need to be “found” by the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have not yet believed in Jesus, the Son of God, you need to know that He loves you and He is seeking you. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

This story about lost glasses is for boys and girls who have already believed on the Lord Jesus and received Him as their own Saviour. It shows how our loving God and Father cares about every little thing that touches our lives from day to day. Our Father cares about even our glasses, our clothes, our food and everything that happens in our lives.

When Stephen was in the sixth grade, he came home from school one day without his glasses. He hadn’t had them very long.

His parents were upset when he told them, “I have lost my glasses.” Their concern was not only because Stephen needed his glasses to be able to see, but also because of the cost of replacing them. So Stephen and his father set out to search for them.

They retraced his steps from home back to school. The janitor was very kind to let them back into the school building after hours.

First they went to his last class, then his homeroom, and finally to his locker, but they did not find the glasses. It seemed rather hopeless. Since Stephen had already accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, his parents suggested that they pray about the lost glasses and trust God to help them find them.

In their family prayer time that evening and again the next morning they asked God to help with this serious problem. In their prayers they mentioned that they knew that God could control the actions of the people needed to help find the glasses. They believed the Word of God that says, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7. There are many verses in the Bible that teach us that God is for us and interested in every detail of our lives.

That very day, the day they prayed about finding the glasses, the school principal called Stephen’s home about mid-morning. He asked if Stephen had lost his glasses. He said that a lady had found a pair of glasses in front of her house. The principal had gone to her house, picked up the glasses, and then called Stephen’s house. When he found that Stephen had, in fact, lost his glasses he said, “I think the glasses the lady found are Stephen’s.” And sure enough they were!

The town where they lived was large, and the school was large. Our loving God and Father did indeed control the actions and thoughts of a very kind lady and the principal in answer to their prayer.

Does God hear and answer children’s prayers? Indeed He does! He invites all to call on Him for salvation, and He delights to give His children “richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17.

When boys and girls accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and receive forgiveness of their sins, they can then pray to God as their Father about everything that touches their lives. They can thank Him for the good things and ask His help for the problems.

ML-06/18/1989

Shimbi

It has been many years ago now since we pitched camp near a river where there was a group of villages. We wanted to bring the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ to these Africans, some of whom probably never had heard of His great love.

The caravan was rather large. Many things had to be taken with us. In those days there were no stores along the roads. Food for a three-week trip plus tents, folding cots, chairs and a table had to be carried on the shoulders of men.

After the tents were pitched and before it got dark, the carriers went into the forest to find wood to build a fire for the people to sit around. Each man brought a long log and then piled it on top of others until the pile of wood was three or four feet high. What a big fire it made!

Messengers were sent to the villages inviting the people to come hear words read from God’s Book. When they would see the flames of fire (which could be seen a long way off) they were to come to a meeting.

The dry logs soon burned down to bright red ashes. It was an interesting sight to see the people come. The men came with a blanket draped over one shoulder, the women carried babies on their backs, and children ran happily beside them. While waiting for the meeting to start, little girls sat close to the missionary chattering about lots of things. They liked also to peek into the tent to see how we sat on chairs, not on the ground.

When all were seated on the ground around the ashes, the head man of the caravan, who also was the evangelist, stood up, started a well-known hymn, prayed and read a chapter from the book of Mark. (Mark was the only part of the Bible translated into their language at that time.) He spoke faithfully to the people about the love of God in sending the Lord Jesus Christ into this world to die for sinners. On the cross He was punished for the sins of all who would accept Him as their Saviour. He explained that each of them was a sinner and that without Christ they would not go to heaven.

There did not seem to be much response at the meeting. But what a surprise awaited us the next morning when a young boy came to the tent door. Greeting us by clapping his hands together and the usual “Mutende” (peace), he said he wanted to believe. He had not been able to come to the evening meeting, so came in the morning. His name was Shimbi. He not only wanted to accept the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, but wanted to attend the boys’ school on the mission station so he could learn to read. He wanted to read God’s Book.

When school opened he was there. He was a bright pupil and told others in the village about the Lord Jesus. His sister came to the mission station saying she also wanted to believe. She said, “Shimbi has believed and I do not want to be left out.”

Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? There is still time, but the opportunity will soon be past. Don’t wait any longer. The Lord Jesus loves you and wants you to be saved right now. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

ML-06/18/1989

Plants With Strange Appetites

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“The Lord God made the earth and the heavens, and every plant of the field.” Genesis 2:4,5.

Most of us are pleased to find any kind of flower growing in the wild, enjoy its fragrance and perhaps take a picture of it. Many of them seem so delicate that we are careful not to handle them roughly.

But among these plants and flowers are some with strange ways. In an earlier issue we considered one of them, the three-foot-tall pitcher plant, that is sold in garden stores to people who like them in a living room or sunporch. The top of this plant is open (like a pitcher) and syrup at the bottom attracts many insects. The insects, crawling down to get a stomach full, find themselves trapped and unable to escape. Soon they die there and become food absorbed into the plant.

Another is the sundew, which has sticky flowers in which crawling or flying insects are trapped and gradually “devoured” by the plant — not with a set of sharp teeth, but by being absorbed into the plant’s system.

Bladderwort plants, growing in ponds, use a different way of trapping. When a water bug, or even a small minnow, bumps into one, that part of the plant flies open and the victim is sucked inside where it cannot escape. It then becomes part of the food supply of its captor.

Then there is the huntsman’s cap. Its prey, attracted by its sweet smell, lights on its top and to its surprise finds it so slippery that it slides down to the bottom where rain water has collected. It soon drowns and decomposes to form food helpful to the plant.

Other plants don’t eat insects; God has designed them to keep insects away by their producing chemicals that either chase the insects off or may even kill them. Among these plants are marigolds, some varieties of mushrooms and goldenrod that discourage insect visitors by burning holes in their bodies with their chemicals. Even cucumber plants give off odors that send cockroaches scurrying away.

These are exceptions to the general nature of plants. Most plants need insects, such as bees, butterflies and moths, to help them develop their flowers, fruit or berries. But as we consider their ways that are strange to us, we are reminded in our opening Bible verse that they are all among the wonders of God’s creation, and we know each one serves a real purpose in His order of things.

He has a purpose for your life, too. He invites you to come to Him through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus, who gave His life on Calvary to be a Saviour to all who will trust in Him. One happy purpose for those who trust in the Lord Jesus is to serve and honor Him. Are you trusting in Jesus?

ML-06/18/1989

A Lesson Learned

Memory Verse: “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

The 11-year-old cousins finished their homework and then strolled outside, from Ann’s house over to the woods. As they passed the trash barrel where Ann’s dad burned trash. Ann glanced into it and said, “Hey, look what Dad threw away... a spray can of black paint.”

“Let me see it,” said Art. He Pulled off the cap, shook it and began spraying the little trees and vines along the path, but the paint didn’t come out very freely. He got tired of trying to make it spray, so he threw it on the ground. He sat down on a stump just as Karl came along.

“Hi,” said Karl, “whatcha doin'?”

“Nothin’ much,” said Ann and Art.

Karl put his hands into his pockets and felt some matches. “Look what I’ve got. Wanna light a fire?”

“Sure,” said Art. “Here’s a good place.”

Soon they had a hot fire burning, and the can with its warning, “DANGER —EXTREMELY FLAMABLE,” was lying on its side getting blacker and blacker.

The Bible carries some warnings in it too, and they apply to every one of us. Are you paying attention to those warnings? “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3:7. “Seek the Lord.” Amos 5:6. “Watch... and pray always.” Luke 21:36. “Repent!” Acts 17:30. You can’t afford to ignore God’s warnings!

Suddenly there was a loud “POP!” and just as suddenly Art and Ann were covered with flaming paint.

“You’re all black!” cried Ann, as she wildly tried to brush off the flaming paint that was clinging to her face.

“So are you!” Art answered. Karl ran to help them, insisting, “Go home! You better go home!” “No, I can’t,” wailed Ann. “I’ll get in trouble!”

Do you ever feel too naughty to come to God? Don’t feel that way. He already knows all the bad things you’ve done, but He still loves you and wants you to come to Him for forgiveness. “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.

In the short time it took Art and Ann to smother the flames, they both knew they had gotten some burns. Art grabbed Ann by the arm. “We’ve gotta go home!” he insisted “We can’t stay like this!” and he started pulling her toward the house.

There’s no other way for you and me, either. We must come to the Lord Jesus Christ, “for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

The burns took quite a while to heal, but by the Lord’s mercy Art and Ann are both fine now with no major scars. A few days ago Ann said, “At least I learned my lesson — not to play with fire.”

But what about YOU? Are you playing with the fire that never shall be put out? If you are, remember the rich man in Luke 16 who “in hell... lifted up his eyes, being in torments,” and thank God for the Lord Jesus “who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.

ML-06/26/1989

Candy's Trust

The front door slammed shut for the last time, ending the family morning rush to school and work. The sudden stillness seemed almost heavy, and perhaps that is why three-year-old Candy slipped onto the family-room couch beside Mother for a little chat. Mother had settled herself there with a sigh and a second cup of coffee to enjoy her small daughter. They often sat together like this, and Mother would share what was on her mind.

The family station wagon had many mechanical problems, being old, and, as we sometimes say, a “lemon.” There was an ongoing dream and prayer with this family of seven to purchase a nice, large van that would end all problems and be perfect for this trip or that. Candy often chattered away about such plans, but today her thoughts went deeper.

At last she asked, “Mommy, how is the Lord going to let us know when our own van is ready? Will He just call down from heaven and say, ‘Your van is ready!'?”

Now, I suppose you are smiling as Mother did, but with her smile was a tear of thankfulness for the sweet child’s simple faith. But you laughingly might say, “God doesn’t call down from heaven!” Oh? But hasn’t He? Since time began He has been calling down, sometimes out loud and sometimes in written words. Then wonder of wonders! He came down in the person of the blessed Lord Jesus. The written words He left us, although not so startling as vocal calls, are really best — because we can read and reread them to be sure we understand their meaning.

God has something for us too something of far greater value than a nice van. Listen. In Matthew 22 (in the Bible) Jesus speaks of a great marriage supper in heaven which God has prepared for His Son. He wants you to be a part of it and to have a home in heaven with Him. Jesus said, “Behold... all things are ready: come unto the marriage.” verse 4. Then in the 24th chapter we read, “Therefore be ye also ready.” How does a child get ready for such a wonderful thing? We must be clean, perfectly clean of any stain of sin, for heaven is a holy place. Past sins, forgotten sins, “little” sins all must be gone! We can not do one thing to make ourselves clean. So we have a problem. The Son of God Himself came down to help us in our need.

Do you want a perfectly clean heart and the peace and joy it would bring? The Lord Jesus calls this desire “thirsting for the water of life.” For only with a washed heart can one have that life with Him. John 7 verse 37 says, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” And He promised, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. On Calvary’s cross He shed His own precious blood that we might be cleansed from our sins. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Now the question is, are you ready? God is, and He still calls to you from heaven.

ML-06/26/1989

Garibaldis Are Tough

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and everything that moveth therein.” Psalms 69:34.

The garibaldi is a scarlet-colored fish, less than a foot long, and very protective of its home territory in the offshore ocean waters of California. They are usually found in tide pools reaching 90 feet below the surface.

It was named after warrior Garibaldi of old times, who is remembered for his bold and tough style of fighting. This fish when mature develops a bump on its head that adds to the fierce look of its mouth and the spinal fin running all the way along its back. Extra-large scales seem quite in place on its bright body, and it has green eyes. All in all it is well named.

The males choose rocky, fortress-like areas for their homes. With few exceptions they challenge all intruders, no matter how big, but seem to make sure there are crevices in the rocks for escape if the invader is too tough for them. However, they have an interesting relationship with a little fish called a senorita. This little fish is allowed to safely come to them to clean parasites from their bodies.

When about five years old a male garibaldi cleans off a rocky space for a nest and guards it carefully. But strangely, when an appealing mate shows up he dashes threateningly toward her. However, she avoids him and heads for the nest, even though he may nip her a few times on the way. Reaching it, she swims slowly back and forth, dropping thousands of eggs which stick to the algae he has allowed to grow there. When she has finished, the excited male fertilizes them with a fluid from his body, and from then on he intensely guards them from intruders. Meanwhile, the female has disappeared, quite content to leave all problems to him.

Eggs hatch in about three weeks and the baby garibaldis are half an inch long. They start life with a blue coloring, but as they get older this is replaced with permanent scarlet, or sometimes orange. When about four inches long they feed like adults, and the little males of the group take on the aggressive ways of their father, while the females are chased off and have to make their own way in their watery world.

This is one more instance where mankind has been allowed to discover one of the amazing varieties of creatures God has placed on the earth, primarily for His own pleasure, but which He often allows us to enjoy as well.

The psalmist expressed his appreciation of these works of the Creator when he wrote: “Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward:... if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalms 40:5.

Do you ever think about your Creator?

ML-06/26/1989

Hugo and the Condors

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

“Look!” Hugo called to his friend. “There’s a condor!”

“There are two of them!” his friend called back.

Hugo and his friend live high in the mountains of Bolivia. Their homes are not as nice as most of the homes that you have seen. They are made of bricks of mud that have been dried in the sun. The land is very dry and there are high mountain peaks all around the plateau where Hugo and his friend live.

Condors often live in this area. They are one of the largest and heaviest land birds. They have a wingspread of 12 feet — twice the height of a man! Like vultures, they eat dead animals. Condors are so common in the mountains of Bolivia that they are the national bird of that country.

It is always a special sight to see condors flying high above the earth when they leave their nests in the high mountain peaks to search for food. Now Hugo and his friend stood watching as the birds began to fly overhead. How they would like to see those huge birds up close!

Suddenly Hugo had an idea. “Let’s lie down and be very still,” he said to his friend. “Condors eat dead animals. Maybe they will think that we are dead and will come closer. We’ll get to see them up close.”

“Okay,” his friend agreed.

So both boys lay down on the ground and stayed very still, hoping that the condors would notice them.

Hugo kept his eyes closed except for a little slit so that he would be able to see if the birds noticed them. Sure enough, the condors changed their direction and began to fly in large circles overhead.

“Wow!” thought Hugo, “those birds did notice us!” But he did not say a word nor did he move even a little. He wanted them to come closer. This was fun! The birds continued flying in circles overhead and slowly began to come closer to the two bodies that were on the ground.

Hugo never realized just how big those condors could be. They flew closer and closer. Peeking out of the little slits in his eyes, Hugo began to get a close-up look at the large birds. How ugly their bald heads were, and their big hooked beaks seemed so close!

They circled just overhead now, always coming closer. Suddenly Hugo was struck with fear. Those birds were very ugly, and they thought he was dead! They wanted to eat him!

Hugo and his friend had thought they were going to have fun, but their “fun” ended up being pretty scary and even dangerous. Boys and girls, we must warn you that sin is often like the “fun” that Hugo thought he was going to have. Sin often seems not so bad, and the Bible tells us that there is sometimes pleasure in sin for a short time. But the devil is your enemy and he is a hard master. Like those fierce condors, Satan “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. You may think that you can “play” with sin and then leave it when you want, but God’s Word, the Bible, warns us that “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15. Only the Lord Jesus, who never sinned, can rescue you from the paths of sin.

Hugo knew that his fun with the condors had gone too far. Suddenly he yelled to his friend, “Let’s get out of here!” They jumped up and ran as fast as their legs could take them to a place of safety. They had been very frightened by till condors, but they reached home safely and learned a lesson the: would never forget.

Boys and girls, I hope you will not forget that you cannot “play” wit: sin. Even a small lie can lead ye deeper and deeper into the paths of sin. God loves you and wants to deliver you. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to suffer and die on the cross to break the devil’s power an save us from our sins. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ on Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

Accept God’s wonderful gift today!

ML-07/02/1989

Where Are You Going?

Two evangelists started out on a hot summer day on a trip, stopping now and then to give out tracts in small villages.

One young boy, about ten years old, was handed a tract. The evangelist asked, “Where are you going?”

The boy answered politely, “Oh, I’m just going across the street to the little store over there.”

“I don’t mean that,” explained the man. “Where are you going when you leave this world?”

This took the young boy by surprise. He had never been asked this question before. He did not know what to answer.

What would you have answered if you had been this boy? Would you hang your head and not answer or wish that you were somewhere else right then?

God has His eye on you, young boy or young girl. You must prepare to meet Him, your Creator. Amos 4:12 Says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Do you believe His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, loves you so much that He died on the cross for your sins? Have you called to Him to save you from your sins? Don’t put off this important step in your life. Everyone will one day face God, their Creator. This is the most important thing in life to prepare for.

ML-07/02/1989

Hide and Seek

Almost everybody knows how to play “hide and seek.” I think it is one of the first games that children learn to play. What fun it is to have your daddy hide and then try to find him. Where could he be? In the closet? Behind a curtain? Under a bed? “MAKE A NOISE, DADDY. WE CAN’T FIND YOU!”

It does not take long for children to learn how to find someone. They soon know all the good hiding places. But it is harder to teach children how to hide. They have to learn to be very quiet, to stay completely out of sight, and to keep very still. All three of these are hard for children to do.

I can remember when my children were quite small and just learning to play hide and seek. I had told them to go hide while I counted up to 50. They ran off squealing as I counted, "1.. 2 ... 3 ... 48 ... 49... 50! HERE I COME, READY OR NOT!”

I looked carefully all over downstairs and then went upstairs into their bedroom. What do you think I found? They were very quiet and they were perfectly still, but they were not out of sight! They both were lying on the floor with their heads under the bed. They couldn’t see anything, and so they thought they were hidden. But the rest of their bodies, from their shoulders down, were in plain view!

Are you trying to hide from God? Some people are. What they are really trying to hide from Him are their sins. How foolish! The Bible says that “His [God’s] eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Job 34:21. What does God see? The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. Yes, He sees and knows everything about us, so why try to hide? It is impossible! We must bow before Him, admitting that we are sinners, and accept His Son the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. Then we won’t want to hide from Him any longer, but we will want to be as close as we can be to Him “who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML-07/02/1989

The Cheerful Cardinal

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.... By them shall the fowls... have their habitation, which sing among the branches.” Psa. 104:10.12.

There are so many beautiful birds throughout the world — all part of God’s creation — that it is impossible to select one as being the prettiest. But somewhere near the top of the list is the lively, cheerful cardinal.

The male is particularly showy in his bright red feathers, with a black, mask-like face and throat and black tips on his wings and tail. A red feathery crest sits perkily on top of his head. The female, too, is pretty, but her coloring is not quite so showy.

Both male and female are cheerful, swift and busy birds. They have a variety of lovely songs that can be heard long distances through the forests of the eastern United States and as far west as South Dakota and Texas. They are also welcome residents of Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia and an attractive addition to any neighborhood fortunate enough to have a pair. Farmers are happy when they settle nearby, for they eat great quantities of insects and seeds of harmful weeds.

Although the female’s song is softer than the male’s, it too is clear and cheerful, and both sing throughout the year. And that’s another nice thing about them they don’t migrate. How striking the flash of their bright red feathers is as they fly over the snow or perch on a snow-covered limb to sing a happy song!

In springtime males and females nest in low shrubbery to raise a family — the male winning his mate by bringing her seeds and cracking the hard shell for her. She seems content to do most of the nest building as long as he feeds her. The finished nest is lined with soft material, then bluish-white eggs are laid in it, hatching out in about two weeks.

The little ones are fed by both parents. After about 10 days they are ready to make their first flight. Soon after they fly the mother leaves them, and the responsibility of teaching them the ways of bird life is left to the father. But he seems to enjoy doing this.

Do you think God cares about cardinals? Yes, He surely does, for they are His creation and included in the Bible verse: “These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their meat [food] in due season.” Psa. 104:27.

And how wonderful is the care that He shows to you, including you in another verse that says: “God our Saviour; who will have all men [all people] to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:3,4. Are you one who has been saved by admitting that you are a sinner and accepting the Lord Jesus as your Saviour?

ML-07/02/1989

What Time Is It?

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

Once, a long time ago, a boy several years older than I came to my house to keep an eye on me while my family was away for a few hours.

We went outside so I could show this boy our tall maple trees, our apple and plum trees, and our swing set. All these things were special to me.

“Big deal,” was all he said.

Then I showed him our cats, my dog and my sisters’ pony.

He wasn’t interested.

I remember slowly coming to understand that this boy didn’t like me.

We went into the kitchen. He stood looking at the clock. Turning to me he said, “You don’t even know how to tell time, do you?”

“Of course I do,” I lied.

“I don’t believe you.”

“It is very easy; anyone can do it.”

“If it’s so easy, tell me what time it is.”

I looked at the clock. I saw the three hands of different sizes. I saw the little one moving fast, and the other ones not moving at all. I heard a steady tick, tick, tick. What it all meant, I didn’t have a clue.

“3:30,” I guessed.

"3:30 I wish! It’s only 2:00... I knew you didn’t know how to tell time.”

I don’t remember anything else about that afternoon. I only remember that I was ashamed I got caught lying. That was one of the sins that was washed away when I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Saviour many years later.

That older boy asked me if I knew how to tell time. I didn’t know how. Now I have a question for you about time. At what time does God want you to receive His Son, the Lord Jesus, as your Saviour?

If you don’t know I can tell you... it’s right NOW. Not at 2:30 or 11:30, but right NOW. Now is the time to receive the Lord Jesus and have your sins forgiven. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

If you already are saved from your sins that is wonderful. I have another question for you. When is the best time to live to please the Lord Jesus?

When I am done playing with my friends? No. Maybe tomorrow? No. Now? Yes.

Now is the time to be saved from your sins if you are not already. Now is also the time to please the Lord Jesus if you are saved. Now is the most important time in God’s thoughts for us! Tomorrow could be too late. Do you know what is going to happen tomorrow?

ML-07/09/1989

Forest Adventure

Toni Marie and her younger brother Bradley could hardly wait! It was the Fourth of July and their family was going on a picnic to the mountains to fish and play! Daddy remarked as he put his fishing rod in the camper that he probably would not use it, because the streams were low from very dry conditions in the mountains. “We won’t need to worry, Mother, the children can’t drown in the little trickles we’ll find there.”

Dad was right about the streams. However, he found a few pools worth a try with his rod. The quiet of the mountains and the fresh pine-scented breezes were calming to city nerves, and everyone was having a relaxing time. After a good lunch Mother settled down in a chair with a book; Dad was fishing while Toni and her brother wandered downstream. At first they made little dams and played with such things as their imaginations came up with. After some time Toni got tired of these engineering projects, and seeing a pretty rock above, decided to explore a little on her own. So busy was her little brother in his play that he did not even see her leave.

Toni found one thing after another that interested her, but each new adventure took her farther away from the picnic site. Back at the camp Mother began to feel uneasy at not having heard the children for some time. At her request Dad called out with a mighty “halloo.” Bradley answered not too far off, and the parents again relaxed. It was not until another hour perhaps that Bradley trudged back, muddy but happy, and reminded Mother of the cookies left from lunch. “Okay, Bradley,” she replied. “Here, take a few back to Toni. She probably sent you anyway.”

“But, Mamma, Toni went away. She’s... gone.”

When they asked him when, where, and why, he just shrugged. After all he was very young.

So began a twelve-hour search which lasted through the long, dark night and into the morning hours. Rangers and volunteers were terribly concerned that they find Toni quickly, for the forest was thick and was home to many mountain lions and deadly rattle snakes — not to mention coyotes and other wild creatures.

As the afternoon wore on and darkness began to creep in, Toni had begun to try to find her way back to the camper. Do you think she could find her way? No, she was

Like a little wandering lamb,

Lost upon the hills....

Where the hungry lion hides,

Where the fiery serpent glides.

Oh, she was not aware of any lions or snakes, for she had not seen any. Even the rangers remarked later that it was only a miracle that in all of her stumbling about she had not been bitten by a rattlesnake. Toni had wandered for a long time, called over and over and over again, and, yes... cried. We do not know if she prayed.

At last, she curled up exhausted under a huge tree and fell asleep. It was there that kind Jim Fairchild of the rescue unit found her safe and sound. What a friend in need he was and how wonderful his strong arms must have felt as he wrapped her in a warm blanket and held her tight!

Toni, just like us, wanted to wander on her own. Satan, “the fiery serpent,” knows how to lure us out into his world with interesting things and pleasures. And there we wander, hopelessly lost in sin, unless rescued from sure disaster ahead. Unlike Toni who called and no one heard her, you may call to the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, who always hears. His own words spoken when He was here on earth were, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. If you love to wander in sin and refuse to call upon Him, then you will some day feel the terrible “sting” in death. The Bible says, “The sting of death is sin.” 1 Cor. 15:56. “If ye believe not that I am He” (the Saviour), Jesus said in John 8:24, “ye shall die in your sins.” Then to die in your sins would mean that you must bear the punishment for them all alone — in the lake of fire. But right now one look and call in faith to the Lord Jesus will take them all away, for “Christ... His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:21,24.

Will you wander on lost in sin, until it is too late?

ML-07/09/1989

The Friendly Llama

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“In whose hand [the Lord’s] is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10.

The llama, somewhat like a sheep but with much longer legs as well as a longer neck, is a native of Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and the mountains and plains of some other South American countries. It is difficult for a stranger to easily tell the difference between llamas and gentle alpacas and guanacos, which we looked at in an earlier paper.

These nimble animals measure about three feet high at the shoulders and have backs, sides and tails usually covered with dark brown hair, nicely set off with necks, heads and legs of a tannish-white color. There are several variations — some even being an attractive light tan over the entire body —others mostly black. Big, alert ears rise up from their foreheads and their pretty dark eyes are shaded with long eyelashes. The Creator has provided them with thick wooly coats to keep them warm in the chilly mountains.

Because they are exceptionally clean animals and their feet are well-padded, some of them become real favorites with an owner’s family. Sometimes they are allowed to come inside the house to be petted, and their little ones are picked up and cuddled like a baby and given a sweet treat. Incidentally, their mouths have a smiling appearance which makes them seem very good natured.

No longer wild, they are very useful to their owners. For one thing, they are sheared like sheep for their wool, which is prized because it contains no oil and has a sweet smell, even after being spun into yarn.

In addition, they are used for carrying loads of 100 pounds or more, covering 10 to 20 miles a day. They are particularly valued as pack animals over high, dry mountain trails, because, like a camel, they can get along without water for four or five days and are sure-footed with their padded hoofs.

But llamas can be stubborn, and owners have learned that it only makes matters worse to punish them when they lie down and refuse to get up until some of the load is taken off. They are also determined to set their own walking pace on the trails and will not increase their speed even if the drivers try to make them go faster. But, aside from these stubborn streaks, they are valuable and lovable animals.

The Bible verse at the beginning refers to the Lord’s goodness to every living thing and reminds us that every person, young or old, depends on His care even for His goodness. Have you followed this verse: “Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever"? 1 Chron. 16:34.

ML-07/09/1989

Peter's Ice Adventure

Memory Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

At last, the first signs of spring! The ice in the LaHave River was finally breaking up!

Peter, age six, was enjoying the fun of jumping the ice cakes near shore. What fun it was to pretend that they were islands, each one a different size, and some almost too small to stay on. He caught sight of another small one. Would he be able to get to it? At last he jumped his way over to it. It was pretty small, so he sat down on it so he wouldn’t lose his balance. This one was floating slowly away from shore, so slowly he was hardly aware of it. Was he really drifting out from shore?

At first it was fun, but soon Peter discovered he had floated too far out to jump back to another ice cake near shore. He knew he was in trouble and began to call for help. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalms 56:3.

At home, Peter’s mother heard those cries. She called to her neighbors as she ran to the river. Several followed her. For several moments they watched with rising fear as Peter drifted slowly, slowly away from shore.

Do you know, dear children, if you haven’t asked the Lord Jesus into your life you are drifting farther and farther away from Him? And while you drift away from Him, you drift farther into the swift current of sin.

Peter’s mother, a believer in the Lord Jesus, cried to the Lord to help them. She believed the verse, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1. How she loved her son!

“We must find a boat,” the neighbors shouted. Another neighbor nearby saw what was happening and quickly pushed his rowboat into the water.

Peter was afraid. He was far out from shore now... his floating island was almost in the middle of the river! His mother called to him, “Sit still, Peter; don’t move!” She knew if he moved, he would tumble into the icy water. Peter obeyed.

How important it is to obey our parents. But to obey God’s voice calling to us to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as Saviour is even more important. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Ryan’s Friend Ryan sat on the front steps of his home petting Lady, his dog, thinking sadly of how she was the only friend he had in this small town. Since moving from the city, only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Don’t put it off; accept Him now before the current of sin takes you far away and you are lost forever.

God’s eye was on Peter and the rescue boat reached him in time. He was pulled into the boat. He was safe at last! On shore, his mother rejoiced and thanked the Lord Jesus for His goodness and mercy to Peter. How thankful Peter was to be safe in his mother’s arms.

Wouldn’t you like to be safe in the arms of the Lord Jesus and out of danger?

ML-07/16/1989

Ryan's Friend

Ryan sat on the front steps of his home petting Lady, his dog, thinking sadly of how she was the only friend he had in this small town. Since moving from the city, he had never really made friends with any of the boys at school.

It was then that he noticed some boys about his age running down the street. In a few minutes a boy he recognized, named Kevin, came running by, and seeing Ryan sitting on the steps stopped and called, “Hi, Ryan. How come you’re staying at home on a day off school?”

Ryan didn’t answer, but he did walk down to the gate where Kevin was standing. “Boy, I’d sure like to have him for a friend,” Ryan thought. Kevin was smart and popular.

“Why don’t you come with us? Scott, Chuck, Todd and me are goin’ out to Cairn Creek.... It’ll be fun.”

“Wait and I’ll ask my mom,” he answered excitedly. Ryan was overjoyed when his mom said, “Yes.”

While she quickly packed him a lunch she said, “Ryan, I know that you want to make friends here, but don’t forget the ‘Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ Don’t do anything that would not please Him.”

Kevin and Ryan had to hurry to catch up to the other three boys, who seemed a little surprised to see Ryan. But since he came with Kevin, they did not say anything.

The morning passed quickly because they were having fun. About lunch time Scott said, “Hey, you guys, it’s time to make that raid for our lunch.”

“Let’s send Ryan,” said Chuck. They all thought that was a good idea, so Ryan was told to go to Mr. Wilson’s orchard and pick ten apples.

Ryan looked around the group. “Hey, did he say we could have the apples?” he asked.

“Did he say we could have them? How could he when he doesn’t even know?” laughed Chuck.

“Do you think old Wilson would give anything away?” sneered Todd. “Just go and help yourself.”

“Not me,” said Ryan firmly.

“Don’t be afraid. We’ll be your lookouts,” encouraged Scott.

Ryan was silent for a moment. He belonged to the Lord Jesus, and he knew that stealing was wrong... and yet he did want friends, too. But Jesus was the best Friend he could ever have, and so he quickly asked, “Lord Jesus, help me.”

“I’m not goin',” he said flatly. “That’s stealing, and I’m not stealing for anyone. I belong to Jesus.”

“Aw, c’mon,” said Kevin, “he’ll never miss a few apples.”

Ryan shook his head. “Those apples don’t mean much to you, but they still don’t belong to us. If we take some, it’s stealing — just like stealing money. I wouldn’t take Mr. Wilson’s money, would you?”

Ryan picked up his lunch and headed back to the road. He felt sad at losing his new friends, but then he thought of Jesus, the “Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” The Lord Jesus wouldn’t leave him!

He hadn’t gotten to the road when he heard someone running up behind him. “Hey, Ry, wait up.” It was Kevin calling him.

“Ry, what you say is right,” he puffed. “I never thought about it like that. It didn’t seem wrong to take apples, but I know it’s not right to steal!”

Kevin and Ryan became good friends. But better than that, Kevin soon learned about Jesus and His love and asked Him to be his Saviour, and together the two boys tried to please Him in everything they did.

How happy the Lord must have been to see this loyalty in His young believer! And what a reward Ryan got in winning Kevin, not only as his friend, but also to the Lord Jesus.

May this story help each one of us always to remember: “Thou God seest me” (Gen. 16:13); “A true witness delivereth souls” (Prov. 14:25); “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (Prov. 29:25.)

ML-07/16/1989

The Crab That Is Not a Crab

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“O Lord, how manifold are Thy works... the earth is full of Thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable.” Psa. 104:24,25.

The horseshoe or king crab is not a true crab but is more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Because it looks like a crab and lives in salt water, most people think of it as one of the crab species, failing to notice that it doesn’t have the visible claws of true crabs.

Its name comes from the fact that when seen from the top its shell looks like a horse’s hoof, and when seen from the bottom it looks like a horseshoe. The whole body is covered by the shell, with its mouth and claw-like legs up front and other parts narrowing down to a sharp, stiff tail about six inches long. (Indians used these tails in bygone days for spear points.) This tail is a help both in moving along the ocean bottom and in turning right side up when a wave or obstruction turns the crab upside down.

Every year its shell that has grown too tight is discarded and a new one grows in its place. A big shell can be more than a foot across. Four eyes appear atop the dome-shaped front of the shell — one on each side and a pair up front in the middle.

The back pair of legs (also under the shell) push the “crab” along the sand or mud and have stiff flaps to keep the crab from sinking into the sand. It moves rather quickly along the bottom in a “bobbing” manner, first raising up a little, then its legs and tail dig into the sand to push it along.

Its food includes sea snails, worms, mussels, oysters and clams. It is understandable that oyster and clam fishermen kill these crabs whenever they have opportunity, but there are always millions more to replace them.

Horseshoe crabs leave their winter homes in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in early summer, migrating north to islands off the Atlantic coast of America. There they work their way up the beaches to the high-water mark to scoop shallow, basin-like holes in the sand or mud. They lay from two to three hundred eggs in them, covering them over before returning to the sea. In a little over a month’s time these eggs hatch out in great quantities, that is, any eggs that are not eaten. Hordes of birds have an instinct given by the Creator to know each year just when the migrating crabs have laid their eggs and are on hand to enjoy a great feast.

What a contrast was the response of David, the Psalmist, when he thought (as shown in the opening verse) about the wonders of God’s creation, compared with those of whom the Bible speaks in Rom. 1:21, “When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful.” How happy it is to know the love of God and thank Him for His Son, the Saviour of sinners. Are you a thankful one?

ML-07/16/1989

Have You Ever Been Lost?

Memory Verse: “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

Dad turned the van into the driveway, left the engine running and opened the doors. Five busy boys tumbled out into the night and ran to the house. Mom gathered up baby Ruth, the diaper bag and a few other packages and followed the boys. Neither Mom nor Dad noticed that three-year-old Luke had fallen asleep in the back of the van and was still sleeping there. Dad started back to the mall to lock it up and to do a little cleaning inside.

As long as the engine was running Luke continued to sleep, but shortly after Dad had parked and left the van he woke up. Realizing he was alone, Luke climbed out of the van and ran to the mall. But the door was locked.

The door to heaven is still not only unlocked, but open. Don’t miss your opportunity to come to the Lord Jesus. He loves you and is waiting with open arms to receive you. “Now is the accepted time... now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

Frightened, Luke began screaming and banging on the door with his little fists, but his daddy was far down the hall and couldn’t hear him. At home, his mommy saw that he wasn’t with the other children and tried to call the mall, but Dad didn’t hear the telephone either.

How wonderful that our heavenly Father ALWAYS hears us when we cry to Him. And it doesn’t matter if we are a little person or a big person. He says, “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24. When Ishmael was a young boy dying of thirst in the wilderness, God heard his cry (Gen. 21:17). When Daniel asked Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to pray with him for mercies of the God of heaven to understand the king’s secret, God heard and answered their prayers, so the king didn’t put them to death (Dan. 2). Josiah was only eight years old when he was crowned king in Jerusalem. He must have often prayed for the Lord’s help, because 2 Chronicles 34:2 tells us that “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.”

Now Luke’s mommy began to cry to the Lord Jesus for the safety of her little boy. He heard and answered her prayer.

Luke, fearing that his daddy would never hear him, began running down the busy street beside the mall. But God had His eye upon little Luke and sent a kind man to help him. The man didn’t know Luke and wondered what he should do to help this crying, lost little boy.

Remembering that the supermarket at the very end of the mall was open 24 hours a day, he took Luke there and asked the clerk at the service desk if she would make an announcement about him over the loud speaker.

If you are still lost in your sins, don’t you think it would be a good idea to make an “announcement” about it to the Lord Jesus? You could tell Him that you know you are a lost sinner, that you believe that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He will keep you in His loving arms until He takes you home to heaven. The Lord Jesus will forgive you, because He took the punishment so that sinners who believe on Him may go free. He had no sins of His own to be punished for. He rose from the dead and He will raise us up, too, if we believe in Him.

When the clerk made the announcement all the people near the service desk looked over to see the lost boy. Now God had already arranged that Luke’s uncle was in the store at that very moment, checking out his groceries, so he went over to see if he knew the little boy. When Luke saw his uncle he threw his arms around him, and in a few minutes a happy Luke was safely on his way back home.

David said in Psalms 86:7, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me.” Try it. The Lord Jesus will never turn you away.

ML-07/23/1989

Hippo Hunt

The men on the mission station in Africa were planning to go on a hippo hunt. They asked us women if we would like to join them. A couple of us said, “Oh, yes, we certainly would.”

We were to be gone several days, since the hippos lived by a river quite a distance away. That meant men had to be hired to carry the equipment needed for the trip tents, folding cots, chairs, tables, food, cooking pots, etc. It was to be a journey through the jungle on a narrow dusty path, single file. We ladies rode bikes. We had to get off now and then to lift them over tree trunks that lay across the path.

After reaching the river we selected a site not too far from where the hippos were supposed to be living. We set up camp, got the tents all arranged and ate supper. Then, because everyone was tired, we went to bed.

Early the next morning we started off, the men with guns and the carriers with spears. We were quite a large group of people, and each person had to walk very cautiously, trying to hide ourselves so the hippos would not see us. It wasn’t too long until a hippo was spotted.

If you have ever seen a hippopotamus in the zoo, you know how very large they are. Only the elephant and rhinoceros are larger land animals. A full-grown hippo may weigh as much as five thousand pounds. Its legs are short, but it can run as fast as a person. Each foot has four webbed toes for swimming. It has a huge head and an enormous mouth — enough to frighten not only people, but its wild beast enemies, too.

One of the men got close enough to the hippo in the water and shot it with his rifle. After it was shot a native tied a rope to one of its legs, and they all pulled the hippo up the river right to the camp where we had stayed the night before.

A very busy day followed. Many sharp knives removed the skin and cut up the meat. We had never seen such a pile of meat! There was enough to give to the people living in nearby villages. They came with knives to help and were given their portions. All were happy and thankful.

That provided another opportunity to witness for the Lord — to tell them that the God who sends the sunshine and rain to make their crops grow also sent His Son to save them from their sins.

The next day when the luggage was packed, we started back home, glad to tell of His great love and kindness in helping to supply their need for food.

Even though very few of us have to hunt for our food, we should still be thankful for all that God provides for us. We sometimes forget that all the blessings we have have been supplied by a God who loves us. His love is so great that it sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinners like you and me. On the cross the Lord Jesus was punished so that those of us who believe in Him can be forgiven and go to heaven. He died so that we can have everlasting life. His blood can wash us clean from every stain of sin if we accept Him as our Saviour. Is He your Saviour? Won’t you accept Him now?

“For 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.

ML-07/23/1989

Who Am I?

Called to come out from a land of culture and great riches

Across the burning desert sands with servants, tent and dishes.

What made him come, great man of old, the “father of the faithful"?

The man that was the “friend of God” had faith that “He is able.”

The counsels of his God were known, the promises were given

As sand that is beside the sea, as stars that fill the heaven.

A city glorious, not made with hands, his eye of faith could see

Still trusting God with confidence, who could this person be?

ML-07/23/1989

The Pretty Mink

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind... and it was so.... And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24.25.

The mink is a pretty little animal with thick and glossy dark-brown fur, offset by a white spot on its chin which often extends over its cheeks and down between its front legs. It is only about two feet long from nose to tail-tip and weighs less than four pounds. Beady black eyes, a long slender neck and small ears all add to its beauty and give it a very alert appearance. Its legs are short and the feet are equipped with razor-edged claws.

Like weasels, their food is mostly fish, frogs, mice and other small animals, birds, eggs, muskrats and rabbits. The Creator has equipped them with partially webbed hind feet to help in swimming and moving about underwater for much of their food.

Excellent swimmers, they like to make their homes close to streams or ponds, sometimes in abandoned animal burrows, inside a hollow log, or in tall grass under an overhanging bank. If necessary they make their own burrows, about ten-feet long and usually with two entrances. One entrance may be under water, but both open to a large den where half a dozen or so little ones are raised in the springtime. When born, these babies are tinier than a man’s little finger and are covered with soft white fuzz.

The mother mink nurses them for about five weeks and then adds some solid food for two more weeks before taking them outside where she teaches them to find their own food. She also teaches them how to protect themselves from owls, bobcats, etc. The youngsters playfully chase each other around, have mock battles and slide down banks into streams. At other times they curl up like a ball and float down a stream as lightly as a cork, just for the fun of it.

Adult mink are tough fighters, lightning-fast on their feet and put their needle-sharp teeth and claws to good use. They also spray enemies with an awful-smelling musk which discourages the most vicious bobcat, fox or owl foolish enough to attack.

During winter they continue hunting, their webbed feet helping them in snow and their sharp ears detecting the noise of mice below the surface. Rapidly, they dig through to capture the rodents that no doubt thought themselves quite safe.

Wild animals have no knowledge of their Creator and His constant care of them. The Bible verse says: “O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness.” Psalms 36:6,7. How happy for us to notice that this verse includes mankind, just as the Bible tells us in many places of His love and care for us. Have you ever thanked Him for this?

ML-07/23/1989

A Home for Nancy

Memory Verse: The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Nancy felt so lonely. Papa and Mama had both died, and there was no one who really loved her now. She was only three years old, but she was old enough to miss Mama, and to wonder what would happen to her now. Where would she live, and what did it mean when all the older people shook their heads and called her an “orphan”?

A relative agreed to take Nancy for a while, and so she went to her house. It did not seem like home—how could any place be home without Mama and Papa? Nancy stayed with this relative for a while, but life was often difficult in Bolivia, the country where Nancy lived. Soon the relative found that she could no longer take care of Nancy. There was a kind lady at the bakery in a town nearby. Maybe she would take Nancy.

So little Nancy was taken to another home, and although the bakery lady was kind, Nancy still felt lonely. But she soon felt even worse because the bakery lady died. Again, Nancy wondered what would happen to her. Would there ever be a home for her? Would anybody love her?

The husband of the bakery lady kept Nancy, but not long after this he married another lady. His new wife, Doria Lupita, did not want an orphan girl around the house. She felt she had enough to do without looking after an orphan. “Couldn’t we give her away?” Dona Lupita asked her husband. So as different customers came into the bakery to buy bread, they would ask if anyone wanted Nancy.

Nancy, no doubt, felt sad and fearful, but God was tenderly watching over her. He sent a kind Christian lady named Mrs. Bolivar into the bakery.

Dona Lupita saw her chance. “Would you like to take this little girl home with you?” she asked.

Mrs. Bolivar talked it over with her husband, and they both wanted her. And so Nancy was taken to her fourth home.

This home seemed very different to Nancy. The kind Christian man, Mr. Bolivar, was happy to have Nancy in his home and he cared for her most tenderly. He knew that the kind Saviour, the Lord Jesus, loved little children and had taken them into His arms and blessed them. He felt that God would have him take this little child and care for her and love her, too.

Nancy at last began to feel like she had a real home and someone who loved her. She sat beside Mr. Bolivar as he tended his little store selling rice, flour and a few other things. It was not long before she began calling Mr. Bolivar “Papa.” He greatly enjoyed Nancy’s company and took her to all the Bible meetings that he attended. She happily sat by his side as they read God’s precious Word, the Bible. She learned about the loving Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who loves even little orphan girls and can cleanse them from their sins. She soon believed that this kind Saviour had indeed shed His blood to wash away her sins. Nancy was happy at last. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

A few months later little Nancy was playing with some bricks when a scorpion bit her. Mr. Bolivar was concerned because such a bite can sometimes be quite dangerous. Just to be sure, he decided to take his little Nancy to the children’s hospital.

On the way to the hospital, Nancy asked through her tears, “Papa, can I have a bag of popcorn when we get back home... a whole bag just special for me?” Mr. Bolivar said yes she could, but little did he know that that would be the last request that dear little Nancy would ever make.

The doctors decided that Nancy needed a certain drug, and they gave it to her. Sorry to say, Nancy had a reaction to the drug and died almost immediately. Mr. Bolivar was very sad. His precious Nancy who had only recently found a real home with him was gone. The Lord Jesus, who had called little children and blessed them, had now called Nancy to His home in heaven. Oh, what a comfort it was to Mr. Bolivar to know that she was in the best home! She would never have to leave it for another one. It would be her home forever.

Boys and girls, do you have a home in heaven? Sin can never enter God’s home in heaven, but God has provided a way that your sins may be forgiven. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and Nancy’s home in heaven will also be yours for all eternity. “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2.

ML-07/30/1989

Guaranteed!

A little while ago I was talking to a friend about some plastic kitchen items she had bought a number of years ago. They were starting to wear out, and she was complaining about how disappointed she was that they had not lasted as long as she had expected. I tried to explain to her that the products she had bought came with a life-time guarantee — a promise that at any time all she had to do was return the item that was wearing out and she would receive a new one completely free. As long as the wearing out was caused by normal use, the guarantee (or promise) was good for as long as she owned the item. But she would not believe that the promise applied to her items.

“Oh, that can’t possibly apply to me,” she said. “That guarantee may be all right for other people if it breaks right after they buy it, but they certainly won’t give me new ones free. These things are over ten years old.”

I explained to her that the guarantee did not have a time limit, so she could have a free replacement if she would just turn in the worn-out items. Still she would not believe me. So she is stuck with some worn-out things that she will probably have to throw out before long.

You know, as I spoke with her, I thought of how some boys and girls (and men and women, too) treat God’s free offer of salvation. God has provided the salvation at such a high cost to Himself for every lost, guilty sinner. The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died on the cross and there bore God’s just punishment against sin. Now, because of the high cost of that perfect Sacrifice, God can and does offer to forgive the sins of every one who will believe in His beloved Son. “Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 13:38. And yet many people still say, “God can’t possibly mean that He can save me. His salvation and forgiveness may work for other people who don’t have a very big pile of sins against them, but He certainly can’t forgive as big a sinner as I am.” And yet, when God says, “WHOSOEVER believeth in Him [the Lord Jesus Christ] should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), doesn’t that include every single person in this world? Are you doubting or ignoring God’s free offer of mercy and forgiveness simply because Satan (the devil) has convinced you that it really does not apply to you? God cannot lie, and when He says His salvation is for WHOSOEVER, that means YOU. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

ML-07/30/1989

The Bird With a Big Bill: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” Psalms 50:11.

Looking at a spoonbill, it is easy to understand its name, as the outer end of its long, bony beak flattens out to look just like a spoon or small shovel.

There are great numbers of these birds’ in warm climates of the world. One species, called the royal, makes its home in Australia along with the yellowbill. Most of them in these southern lands are all white except for yellow crests on their heads. The African is also pure white except for brilliant red legs and a matching neck band. Another white one is the common, with a prominent crest of long feathers at the back of its head that it lifts up in a pretty display on occasion. Its home is in parts of Europe, Asia and northern Africa.

There are many other varieties, including the roseate, which we will consider in our next article.

The Creator gave spoonbills their unusual bills for a special purpose. Wading on their long legs in shallow lagoons, they thrust their heads down to the soft bottom and swing them back and forth, snapping up anything they recognize as food. This is mostly fish, shrimp, other water creatures and insects. Then, lifting their heads up high they enjoy their snack as the “catch” slides down their throats. Since they cannot see the food they catch (except for floating creatures) they often hunt at night as well as in the daytime.

Nesting habits are not limited to any particular style of nest. Some are on the ground in marshes and others are in brush or tall grass. But more often they form either small or large colonies in cypress or mangrove trees where nests are close together, providing added protection from enemies. Some of these groups will build a platform of sticks high above the ground with individual nests on it. But whatever type of home they choose to have, we can be sure the Creator has provided the ability to construct it, and their cleverly built homes speak of His care over them.

The beautiful plumage of these birds was at one time in great demand to decorate ladies’ hats and clothes. To keep the lovely spoonbill from extinction, they are now protected from this kind of hunting.

These birds are another display of the wonders of God’s creation. We read in the Bible that all things have been created for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11), and it has pleased Him to place all varieties of animals, birds and fish upon the earth.

When we have occasion to see any of them, let us remember they are not the result of “evolution,” but have all been created and preserved by the Lord God, according to His divine wisdom and pleasure.

(to be continued)

ML-07/30/1989

A Close Call

Memory Verse: “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

It was a lovely sunny day in midsummer. Susan asked Debbie to go fishing with her. Since Debbie was only five she asked her mother if she could go. The answer was “no.” Susan was a few years older so she didn’t feel she needed to ask her mother.

When Debbie’s mother went back to her housework, Susan whispered to her friend, “Oh, I’ll take care of you, Debbie. It’s so safe on the pier, we’ll be all right.”

Now Debbie really wanted to go because she loved fishing. She liked to bait the hook and was quite good at taking the fish off the line. But she had always gone with a grownup. Sometimes they would take a bucket along and put the live fish in water in the bucket, and she would watch them swim around.

Thinking of how much fun it would be, Debbie decided to go with Susan anyway.

What these girls didn’t know was that the day was going to end in near tragedy. The Lord Jesus, who loves them, had His eye on them. He knew what they were doing, and that day they were going to learn an important lesson about obeying. “Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.” How important this is, children, even though sometimes you feel you are wiser than your parents.

All went well for a time. The tide was just right for fishing, and the water was so clear they could see lots of fish. They could even see the fish biting the hook!

Suddenly, everything changed when Debbie decided to throw a pebble in the water and watch the ripples. A moment later Susan heard a big splash! You guessed it. Debbie had fallen into the water, but she couldn’t swim! A frightened, struggling Debbie looked up, only to see Susan running away! Debbie paddled with all her might to keep her head above water. She was so scared. Was she going to die?... she knew she was not saved!... would she go to hell? What seemed like a long time to her was only a few minutes until some people came running to the pier with Debbie’s mother in the lead.

Her mother was almost beside herself with fear. She was sure Debbie would have drowned by now, but Debbie was still paddling and was, oh, so tired. Debbie was quite a distance from the pier, so a long pole was held out to her. She clung to it and felt herself being pulled to safety.

How happy and thankful her mother was, and how she thanked the Lord for His goodness to Debbie. Debbie accepted the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour shortly after this happened. Have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, or are you going to wait until you are faced with death? Jesus loves you and is calling to you today. All you need to do is answer Him, “Yes, Lord Jesus, I want to be saved right now.” “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.” Isa. 1:18.

ML-08/06/1989

Just in Time!

The beautiful campgrounds in the California mountains were closed for the season and the summer’s visitors were gone. Only the ranger and his young family remained. He was still working on the trees, trimming and cutting them, and getting the area ready for winter.

The weather was still warm, and the ranger was off working. His wife and two small children were sitting in the bright sunshine, enjoying the beautiful day. It was a full-time job for the mother keeping two-year-old Jimmy out of trouble and danger. Fearless, he would dart about, usually followed by big Sheba, the family’s German shepherd dog. She was their guard by day and night. There were many coyotes in the area, and even by five o’clock in the afternoon they could be seen slinking through the bushes.

Perhaps only Sheba knew just how much she was needed.

One afternoon Jimmy ran off toward a small rise which had a sharp drop into a dry wash. His mother quickly jumped up to go after him, only to freeze with sudden fear. A mean, gray coyote had shot out from the brush in a hurtling charge at Jimmy. In an instant it would be too late! But it was not too late for Sheba! With magnificent strength and speed she cut off the coyote, and the two rolled in a snarling fight. Quickly, the coyote ran off... for that time. Perhaps he was old and needed an easy victim.

Yes, he would wait and watch for another chance, and to the patient hunter the chance comes. Satan, our powerful enemy, also waits with tricks and snares that can lure boys and girls into his trap. But the Lord Jesus loves you and wants to give you joy, peace and the blessings of your sins forgiven and a home in heaven. Satan, like the coyote, would like to drag you away into his evil world to crush and ruin you forever.

A day or two later Jimmy and Sheba were playing in and out of a large dry culvert that carried rain water under the road. Sheba streaked through the culvert with Jimmy chasing her. He had not come out on the other side yet when his mother saw, again too late to help, the same gray ball of fur hurtling for her son! Would Sheba see? Could she possibly cut off the coyote this time?

Sheba did see the coyote! Just like our blessed Lord Jesus not only sees and knows our need, but “in due time” (at just the right time) He came down to save us from sin and Satan. Sheba whirled and leaped! Again the fangs of Sheba and the enemy clashed, and not an instant too soon! Jimmy was safe.

Are you frightened to know that you are hunted by the most deadly enemy in the entire universe? Except for the power and work of the blessed Lord Jesus who loves you, you cannot escape from Satan. You and I have our own wills that love to sin and do just what Satan wants us to do. Now Sheba had to rescue Jimmy twice. But by one complete work, the Lord Jesus broke Satan’s power over us. That power is sin. “The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23. God will send those who die in their sins to the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (Rev. 20:15). Oh, pray that urgent prayer — “God be merciful to me a sinner"! Luke 18:13. Then believe that “faithful saying... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML-08/06/1989

The Bird With a Big Bill: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath.” Deuteronomy 4:39.

In our last issue we were introduced to the large and beautiful birds known as spoonbills. Now let’s take a look at the species that makes its home in the United States and, because of its coloring, is known as the roseate. This one is considered by many to be the prettiest of all varieties. They are found mostly along the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to Texas.

The main body of the roseate, including the underside of its wings, is a deep pink, but the tops of the wings are pink only where connected to its back. Short tail feathers are usually orange; its legs and feet are deep pink. The only white on the roseate is on its neck and breast and the lower top-sides of the wings. However, an absolute rule on their coloring cannot be made because several variations show up. But these are always in beautiful harmony, presenting a lovely display the Creator has given us to enjoy.

The reason for so much pink on the roseate, as well as on its relative the flamingo, is that the diet of both birds includes large quantities of shrimp from the ocean shorelines. The depth of the color depends on how much shrimp they eat.

Roseates most frequently make their nests of sticks in bushes along the water’s edge, but sometimes they will colonize with others on raised platforms. After nest building is completed, both parents take turns incubating four or five eggs until they hatch in three or four weeks. The parents also take turns guarding and feeding them.

Their way of feeding is to insert their heads into the spoon-like bill and throat of a parent, which then produces already digested food for them. When little ones are waiting for food, they line up on the side of the nest, whistling and trilling noisily. When a parent arrives, the first one getting to its bill doesn’t want to leave, so the parent eventually shakes it loose so another one can have a turn.

How do you suppose these birds all learned the same way of life? Well, they didn’t need to learn, because the Creator gave these instincts to the very first ones He created, and they have been passed on to each generation ever since.

And when we think of His wondrous ways in creation, how it would please Him to hear each of us repeat and really mean the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote: “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36.

ML-08/06/1989

The Hireling

Memory Verse: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

Perhaps you have read in John 10:13 the words, “The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” Do you know what a hireling is? It is a person who is hired to do a job. He is only interested in getting the job done so he can have his pay. The story of Robin and his sheep will help you to understand this.

If you had been in Scotland many years ago, you might have seen Robin coming down the hillside with a flock of 274 sheep. He had carefully counted them, because it was his job to bring them across the river in the ferryboat and to deliver them to the new master who had bought them. Robin’s job of keeping all the sheep together was made much easier by his clever sheep dog “Wully.” Wully brought all the straggler sheep back in line.

It was morning when they reached the town beside the river where the ferryboat made its daily crossing to the other side and back again. Robin, Wully and the sheep had been on the road a couple of hours already, but the business of the town was just beginning. The factory chimneys had just begun to pour out their billows of black smoke which settled over the town like thunderclouds. The poor sheep were terrified of the smoke, and they ran off in 274 different directions to get away from it.

Robin did not know the verse in Isa. 53:6 which says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” God says that we are just like those foolish sheep who ran off. Each one of us has gone astray; each one of us had decided to do what we want. And it’s because we are sinners. And sinners make wrong choices.

What did Robin do after the sheep all ran off? Remember that he was a hireling who was being paid to take the sheep across on the ferryboat, but the sheep did not belong to him. Robin found a comfortable spot to sit down and said, “Wully, go find them.” Wully set off at once, and since he was a very smart dog, he soon had rounded up all the sheep, while Robin sat knitting himself a sock.

Can you see how different this is from the Good Shepherd about whom we read in John 10? The Good Shepherd Himself goes after that which is lost until He finds it. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. He knows each sheep by its name, not by a number that changes each time it is counted.

When the sheep were gathered together Robin counted them... 273. “Wully,” he said, “there’s one missing.” And off went the dog to find the one lost sheep, while Robin sat down again and went back to his knitting.

Robin had not even bothered to count the sheep twice to make sure he had counted correctly. Along came a schoolboy and counted the sheep again for him. “They’re all here,” the boy said. “There are 274.” But Wully was still off searching for a lost sheep.

That number was important to Robin, but not names. If he had the right number he would get his pay, and that is all that mattered. But the Lord Jesus, that Good Shepherd of the sheep, calls every one of His own sheep by name and leads them Himself. You are important to Him and so is your name. You do not need to try to scrape up some importance for your name here. You do not need to have your name written at the top of the list. If you are one of the Lord’s own sheep for whom He died on the cross, then you may be sure that your name is written in the most important place — in the Lamb’s book of life, and it will never be erased.

At that moment the whistle of the ferryboat blew its warning, and Robin did not check the schoolboy’s number again. Somehow he was able to herd the whole flock onto the boat, and off they all went across the river.

The hireling received his pay for the job, and Wully never saw his master again. Kind people must have watched and perhaps fed Wully, because they said that for years the poor dog waited at the wharf and checked every passenger each time the ferryboat made its landing. But Robin never returned.

This is not like the loving Master whom we serve. Some of us are gladly serving the Lord Jesus with the ability that He gives us, and we have His loving promise, “I will NEVER leave thee nor forsake thee,” and “Where I am, there shall also My servant be.”

Will you trust this wonderful Saviour, this great Good Shepherd, this wonderful Master? We have God’s Word and the proof in our own hearts that He will never fail to keep the smallest of His promises, or the biggest!

ML-08/13/1989

"No Talking in Class"

It was exciting to receive an invitation to Mark’s birthday party. In just a few days some of the boys in Miss Doll’s third-grade class were supposed to go to Mark’s house after school for a game of football and some cake and ice cream.

When Mark’s birthday finally came it seemed as if the arithmetic, reading, spelling and other lessons would never end. The boys were more interested in whispering about the fun planned for after school.

One of Miss Doll’s schoolroom rules was, “no talking in class.” One penalty for breaking the rule was to be kept after school. This is called a detention.

When the bell rang at 3:30 to dismiss school that day, I could only watch the group of boys walk down Glenmont Avenue toward Mark’s house. I couldn’t go with them because I had to stay in school. In my excitement I had disobeyed the “no talking in class” rule and was serving my detention.

God’s penalty for sin is far more severe — “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezek. 18:20. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23. He is coming soon to take all the boys and girls and men and women whose sins have been washed away, to be with Himself. If you, a sinner, have never had your sins washed away by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be left behind.

Miss Doll was kind and let me go after about 15 minutes, and I ran all the way to Mark’s house, getting there in time for most of the birthday party. The football game had just started.

Accept the Lord Jesus right now so you won’t be left behind when He comes again. “The Lord... is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. He is still waiting for you now, but He is coming very soon — maybe even today. After He comes for His own, you will have no more opportunity to be saved. Make sure that the Lord Jesus is your Saviour so you won’t be left behind. We cannot promise that you will have a second chance to be saved, as I had to go to Mark’s birthday party.

“Now is the accepted time... now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-08/13/1989

A Little Donkey

There once was a wild little donkey,

He had to be tied to a tree,

But Jesus was thinking about him;

He said, “Go and fetch 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 patient, submissive wee 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.

ML-08/13/1989

The African Aardwolf

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!” Psa. 36:6,7.

The Aardwolf (called earth wolf by natives) lives in the dry, open parts of Southern Africa. It looks like a dog with extra-large ears and pointed muzzle, and is quite similar to the closely related hyena, although smaller. It is about three feet long, plus a bushy black-tipped tail of the same length. It appears somewhat out of balance with a sloping back and hind legs shorter than those in front. It is also very plain looking, with rough, coarse, yellowish striped fur and a crest down its back that rises in angry bristles when the wolf is attacked.

In spite of fierce looks, loud barks and roaring, it is harmless and shy around people. Although having strong claws and sharp teeth, it uses them only for defense or for getting food. When available, it prefers a meal of dead animals (carrion), large insects, white ants and termites. It finds these last two by breaking into nests and mounds with the sharp claws on its strong front legs. These insects being its principal food, the Creator has provided it with a sticky tongue to help catch and dispose of thousands of them in a single meal.

Because of its sharp claws and teeth, plus the fact that it can spray enemies with a foul-smelling fluid, this animal is left pretty much alone. Also, the natives do not care to eat aardwolf meat.

The claws are important for digging deep burrows where it lies and sleeps in the daytime, doing its hunting at night. These burrows are cleverly designed. Three or four pairs of aardwolves each have their own burrow, and each burrow is extended farther into a central chamber where on occasion the aardwolves get together. In bad weather they stay underground for days at a time, but when the weather is clear some will interrupt their daytime snoozes to enjoy an outdoor sunbath.

If an empty burrow is available they help themselves to it and avoid digging their own. But they still have to make changes to provide a room where little ones — usually triplets — are born. Like puppy dogs, their babies are blind and helpless at birth, but in less than a year they are fully grown.

It is not likely anyone would want to make pets of aardwolves. But in spite of their odd characters they are part of God’s creation, and even though they are unaware of it, His loving care is over them. This love and care is told to us in His Word, the Bible, and each of us should respond as the psalmist did when he wrote: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord.” Psa. 145:9,10. Does He hear your voice in praise and thanksgiving?

ML-08/13/1989

A Storm in the Bay of Fundy

Memory Verse: “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56

“And, behold, there arose a great tempest [storm] in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves.” Matt. 8:24.

One cold November night about 9 p.m. in a small fishing village along Canada’s Bay of Fundy coast, two fishermen set out in a small boat to reach their fishing boat anchored off shore. The older man, Leslie, 59 years old, and his 24-year-old son Charles were about 100 yards from shore facing heavy seas and a sleet storm when their small boat was swamped by giant waves. Both were thrown into the water.

The Bay of Fundy is always cold, with temperatures reaching only in the 40's in mid-summer. Many men have died and still do die in these waters where 33-foot tides are the highest anywhere in the world. “For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.” Psa. 107:25.

Leslie, being unable to swim, was suddenly in very serious trouble.

God’s Word, the Bible, says that “man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” Job 5:7. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12. Man is a sinner by nature and needs a Saviour, and God has provided a Saviour for mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. God is seeking to turn man from his own way, and He may need to raise a storm in your life for you to see your need. Turn to the Lord Jesus now and have your sins washed away by His precious blood. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

The wind was in the fishermen’s favor, as it was blowing toward shore and would help to carry them in. But the five-foot-high waves continually washed over them, and each time they swallowed more water. Finally, numbed with cold and exhausted, Charles managed to get his father to shallow water, and then to the rocky shore. He rolled him over to remove his water-soaked coat and then dragged him out of danger.

After lying on the shore for some minutes, both men crawled the 100 yards to their car and then were able to drive themselves home. Both lived for many years afterwards.

Leslie and Charles both are now with the Lord Jesus in heaven. They had put their trust in the only Saviour of sinners. Won’t you?

“The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56.

ML-08/20/1989

Dino's Bad Day

This is Dino. He is a fun-loving, bouncy dog that lives with a family who loves him. The children in his 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, which isn’t very often, they take him to the vet and follow his instructions. 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 at 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 that didn’t belong to us, 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. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 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].” Heb. 9:27.

Now here’s the good news. God loves each one of us, and He would love 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.” Heb. 9:28. If you are really and truly sorry about your sins, you should confess to the Lord Jesus Christ that you are a sinner. 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 died 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?

“For 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-08/20/1989

Lively Spider Monkeys: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“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.” Rev. 4:11.

There are many species of monkeys in the northern parts of South and Central America — all having long prehensile (grasping) tails. They have also been provided with long legs and arms, all important to their way of life. Not only can they use their tails to grasp tree limbs, but the tips of their tails have a remarkable sense of touch so that they can hook tasty insects or other objects out of crevices or holes in trees.

Sad, but true, if a spider monkey is mortally wounded it will curl its tail around a branch as it dies and remain suspended head downward until it is removed or its body decays.

The long tails and sprawling legs of these monkeys make them appear awkward, as they twist the soles of their forepaws outward and the hind paws inward when on the ground. But in trees they are completely at home and move swiftly and gracefully about, using their long arms, legs and tails.

The red-faced (or coaita) variety is only about a foot long from nose to tail; its tail adds another two feet. The name “red-faced” is not entirely accurate, for its head is actually a dark copper color, showing some red in bright sunlight. The rest of it is mostly shiny black.

These are residents of both Brazil and Guiana, and they are much loved by most of the people. They will swing by their tails or lean against a tree for hours at a time. But if threatened, they scoot away so swiftly that nothing but a bird could keep up with them.

A hunter told of trying to shoot one of these in the top of a tall tree. It fell headlong for about 30 feet, at which point its tail wrapped around a limb, bringing it to an immediate stop. It hung there a short time and then took off, making its escape before the hunter got in another shot. Aren’t you glad it got away?

Another species, living along the Amazon River, is the variegated with quite similar habits to the others. Its black fur is somewhat longer and its tail more bushy. Those who have watched it report that it will sit for great lengths of time high in a tree without moving; then suddenly it becomes active, swinging swiftly backwards and forwards in an upside down position, just like the pendulum of a big clock.

Another interesting variety will be considered in the next issue. Meanwhile let us remember these are part of God’s creation, in which He took delight, as our above Bible verse informs us. Like God, we too may take delight in His creation.

(To be continued)

ML-08/20/1989

The Styrofoam Boat

Memory Verse: “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Job 34:21

Ann’s house is set back in the woods a few hundred yards from the road, and about the same distance behind the house runs an interesting little stream that changes in depth from about six inches to two feet. But even two feet deep was too shallow for Ann and her cousins, who lived next door, so they built a dam with sticks and stones and bricks. It raised the water level enough to sail a boat. Now all they needed was the “boat.”

Ann knew that her uncle had a large piece of Styrofoam about six inches thick that would be just perfect! The cousins all cheered when he said they could have it. They immediately carried it down to the stream. It didn’t take them long to find some long, strong sticks to use to push it through the water. Nearly every day when their homework was finished, the four cousins would take turns riding on the “boat,” usually only two riding on it at a time.

At spring vacation some other cousins came to visit. Ann and the three older girls headed for the stream. All four of them carefully climbed on the “boat” and began poling their way down the stream. What fun! Soon they were laughing and shouting and shoving their sticks down into the muddy bottom to make the “boat” go faster. The once-clear water was now cloudy with mud. Ann, who was standing at the back, gave her stick an extra hard shove into the bottom, but it caught on something. The other three girls were so busy speeding up the boat that they did not notice Ann’s problem. Ann lost her balance and tumbled headfirst into that muddy water.

In only a few seconds Ann had climbed out of the stream. But what a change! Every inch of her was covered with mud, and she was shivering with cold.

Now Ann’s father had been watching them the whole time. And Someone is watching you every minute. Do you know who it is? It is God. “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all.” Job 34:21. He is watching you because He loves you so much. Ann’s father was watching her because he loved her. She belonged to him; she was his child. Do you belong to God? Are you one of His children?

We all have done many bad things in our lives; we must come to the Lord Jesus and trust Him to wash our hearts clean and give us of His life. That’s how we become children of God. John 1:12,13 says, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

But even though we are God’s children, sometimes we fall again into the muck of sin, just like Ann fell into the muck of that stream. Ann’s father stepped out of the woods and said, “Ann, you get home quickly and take a long, hot shower.” If we are one of God’s children there’s only one thing to do if we do something wrong — get back quickly to our loving Father and let Him clean us up. If we will go to Him and “confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

It took a lot of soap, shampoo and hot water for Ann to clean up. Soon she was back with her cousins, warm, dry and in clean clothes. She felt much better.

And God wants each of us to be clean from sin so we can enjoy all the good things He has to share with us. In Eph. 5:25-27 we read that “Christ also loved the church [that includes everyone who has trusted Him to forgive their sins], and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word [by reading our Bibles], that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” It’s wonderful to be clean like that! Come to the Lord Jesus confessing you are a sinner, and let Him make you His child, and then let Him keep you clean and pure all your life.

ML-08/27/1989

Who Am I?

The sound of ringing hammer and the ax made chips that flew,

People pointed, laughed and mocked at him, but he had work to do.

He warned of coming judgment and that God would punish sin

But they laughed and said “Who are you?” Still he offered them, “Come in!”

Their safety now was ready—and eight souls were there—no more.

Creation’s kinds came with them and then God shut the door.

His judgment fell upon them, though they cried and beat in vain

No safety now—nor ever, for God had indeed sent rain!

ML-08/27/1989

Left Behind!

The wind and the damp, cold air made us shudder as we hurried from the airplane into the bleak airport terminal in Gander, Newfoundland. It was two o’clock in the morning, and the passengers were tired and stumbling with weariness after a long flight across the Atlantic Ocean. This was the last stop before home, and we were all looking forward to the end of the journey.

The immigration official announced, “Please have all passports and vaccination certificates ready for inspection.”

The line of weary passengers shuffled forward, and at last it was our turn.

“Your passports, sir.”

We handed over our passports, and they were carefully checked. “All in order, sir. And may I see your vaccination certificates?”

These were handed over at once, but after a moment’s inspection the officer frowned and said: “Something’s wrong here, sir. You have just four certificates, and there are five in your family.”

“But, officer, our baby is just a year old, and the doctor at home told us that he didn’t need a certificate.”

“I’m sorry,” replied the immigration official, “but the regulations say that not one person is permitted to enter the country without a vaccination certificate. The plane must go on without you.”

What could we do? Just one little thing wrong with our papers, and they would not let us into the country. We could only stand and watch as our suitcases were taken off the plane and it took off without us, leaving us stranded 2,000 miles from home!

Boys and girls, you are all on a journey, too, and sooner or later that journey is going to end in eternity. Is everything ready for you to enter heaven? Thinking that “everything will be all right” is not enough. We thought our papers were in order, but they did not satisfy the officials, and we were refused permission to enter the country.

The Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross of Calvary is our only passport to heaven. God tells us in 1 John 1:7 that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If so, you are ready to enter heaven to spend eternity with Him. If not, you are not ready, and if the Lord Jesus were to come today and call all those who have accepted Him as Saviour home to be with Himself, you would be left behind for punishment!

As we watched the plane take off leaving us behind, we wondered what would happen next. The officials directed us to a building that had once been an army barracks. He said we could sleep there for the rest of the night while they decided what to do with us. The next morning they called a doctor who came out and vaccinated the baby, and then, after a phone call to the capitol for permission, we were allowed to board a plane and finally arrived safely home.

Soon the Lord Jesus will come to call those who have trusted Him to be with Himself in heaven. Are you ready? Or will you be left behind?

“Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 24:44.

“Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

ML-08/27/1989

Lively Spider Monkeys: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God made the beast of the earth after his kind... and God saw that it was good.” Gen. 1:25.

In the preceding issue the red-faced and variegated species of the spider monkey family were reviewed. Today we will consider the wooly (or muriquis, which are in many ways the most remarkable members of this family.

Their homeland is in the forest region of Brazil, close to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Much of that forest is now being cut down and many are concerned that these creatures will soon have no place for a home. But efforts are under way to see that no further trees are destroyed.

An adult wooly, weighing over 30 pounds, will measure about five feet in length, including a long fur-covered tail. Except for a dark face, slightly flushed with red, they appear quite light when standing facing you, but the backside is considerably darker. On some there are areas of deep orange as well, and they all have a cute appearance.

Their antics are amazing, such as dangling out in space from a slender limb, just holding on by the tail and one arm. But when a mother leads a little one around she is very careful. To get from one tree to another where the space is too great for it to swing, she will pull the branch to which it clings farther across, or leap to the other tree and work one of its branches across so the youngster can safely reach it.

At other times she will stretch herself over the area, grasping one side with a strong arm and the other side with her tail. Then junior walks across her body to make the trip. On other occasions a mother will be spotted with a little one clinging to her back as she scampers through the trees.

For the most part woolies are peace-loving and playful, fond of swinging back and forth under a high branch, and hanging on only by their tails. But they will chase away other species that try to compete in picking fruit from a tree, which, including the leaves and flowers, represents most of their food.

Wherever seen, monkeys are interesting animals, and we can understand their Creator taking pleasure in creating them. The Bible, God’s Word, does not teach that mankind “evolved” from monkeys and apes. The Bible, which is our only sure and true source of knowledge of such things, plainly teaches us that when God made Adam he was instantly a complete man. If in all things we trust and believe what God says, we are always on safe ground.

ML-08/27/1989

A Reason to Read

Memory Verse: “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31

Chocolate cookies! Paulino had never tasted anything so good in his whole life. In fact, he had almost never tasted anything sweet before.

Sometimes his family had dried fruit, but this was the first time they had ever been given anything so sweet and so good as chocolate cookies.

Paulino and his family lived in a mining village high in the mountains of Bolivia. The owners of the mine knew how to get people to work for them. They paid the workers a wage but also gave them some extra free things that had never been seen before in the mountains... special things like sugar and chocolate cookies. When Paulino tasted those cookies, he was glad that his 16-year-old brother was old enough to work in the mines. His family would go to the mining storeroom and carry home their share of sugar, cookies and other free items on their donkeys.

Sadly, working in the mines was very hard on the miners’ health. The air deep inside the mines was bad, and the miners often got sick. After two years Paulino’s brother died of the lung disease that was the result of the bad air in the mines.

Were those cookies as good after Paulino saw his brother die? Losing his brother was a high price to pay for some sugar and cookies, and it was, perhaps, the first time Paulino thought about death.

Sad to say, Paulino and his family had never heard of God’s loving plan of salvation. They had never been told the good news that “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. Paulino and his family only had a religion of fear that told them to do certain things to try to please God. They had never read the good news of the Bible that says, “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.

Paulino did have one opportunity to learn these things when he was a boy. Gospel preachers sometimes passed through his town in jeeps, and since they did not have time to stop in every place they threw gospel papers out the window. But Paulino did not pick them up. Grownups warned him, “Don’t pick up those papers! They have a curse on them!” They did not know that “gospel” means “good news,” nor did they know that the good news of those little papers could bring everlasting happiness to them.

Even if Paulino had picked up one of the gospel papers, he could not have read it. He had never been to school and did not know how to read. There was little reason to learn to read in Paulino’s village. Books and newspapers were almost never seen. But it was really Paulino’s religion and his own fear that kept him from even touching those little gospel papers that brought honor to God and joy and salvation to lost sinners.

Paulino did learn that there was a book called “The Bible.” He had never seen one and he did not know what it said. His poor father, however, was a slave to strong drink and often when he was drunk, he would call out, “Bring me a Bible.” Paulino wondered what that book could be and why his father would call out for it when he was upset.

Paulino had never heard that God loved him and wanted to give him joy and peace, as he grew up through his teen years. Later when he married and had a young family, he moved away from the mining town to an area near the jungle. He had other relatives there who had learned to read the Bible and had accepted God’s loving offer of the forgiveness of their sins through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These relatives read the Bible to Paulino, and soon God’s love worked in his heart so that he accepted Christ as his Saviour. Paulino began to understand that those gospel papers tossed out the windows of the jeep brought happiness, not a curse. He understood that there was a very good reason to turn to the Bible when someone was upset — it had the answers from a God of love. All the joy and peace of believing God’s Word, the Bible, now belonged to Paulino.

At the age of 25, Paulino began to learn to read. He knew that he should read the Bible for himself. After he learned to read, he read God’s Word every day to his family. He is now a grandfather, and not long ago he stood up before a group of Christians and brought joy to their hearts as he explained the precious verse in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

It is not likely that anyone ever told you not to even touch a gospel paper. Most likely either your parents or friends have even encouraged you to read this little paper. But have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour? Are your sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ? “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Turn to Christ today for salvation, and you also will find that God’s Word, the Bible, will bring joy and peace to your heart. “Being born again... by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23.

ML-09/03/1989

A Narrow Escape

Johnny was having fun with his toy truck. He was pulling it along behind him and enjoying the noise it made as it went bumpity-bump across the railroad tracks. Suddenly Johnny stopped. His truck was hard to pull across the tracks and at the same time he had noticed something scary. A train was coming down the tracks toward him. He knew he should run, but he did not want to leave his truck behind so he hung onto the string and pulled harder. The train came closer and closer, and still Johnny stayed on the tracks, tugging on his truck.

Johnny was in real danger, and you may be too. I know a freight train is not about to run over you, but unless your sins have been washed away in the blood of Jesus, you are in danger of everlasting punishment. The Bible warns us that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Johnny certainly would have been killed if no one had been there to rescue him, but someone did see Johnny on the tracks. Mr. Kucy had stopped his truck at the tracks to wait for the train to go by, and he saw Johnny’s danger. He realized that Johnny needed someone bigger and stronger than himself to save him and so, leaping from his truck, he risked his own life to save him. Johnny was snatched off the tracks just in time, while the freight train rushed by, smashing his little truck to pieces.

Are you being just as foolish as Johnny was? He was not old enough to understand that his life was more valuable than a $2.00 toy truck. Are you risking your hope of living forever in heaven with the Lord Jesus because you’re afraid of what your friends will think or because you’ll have to give something up? You are old enough to understand that asking the Lord Jesus to save you from your sins is much more important than having a few friends or a little fun right now. Heaven or hell is forever!

Mr. Kucy risked his life to save Johnny, but the Lord Jesus gave His life to save us from our sins. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. Won’t you accept Him as your Saviour right now? “Behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

ML-09/03/1989

A Monster Fish

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money.” Matthew 17:27.

Across the Pacific Ocean the Mekong River flows through fields and hills of northern Thailand, and it is here that a huge fish, plaa buk by name, provides the natives with some fishing thrills each year.

A fully-grown plaa buk is six to nine feet long and will weigh between 600 and 700 pounds. Though it looks like a small whale, it is a member of the catfish family and its graying-pink smooth skin has no scales. Much of its weight is in its massive wide-mouthed head, from which its body tapers down to a big upright tail.

To catch one, native fishermen travel together in a dozen or more large dugout canoes to a likely spot. They spread a huge net between two canoes starting at one shore, with another net between two more next to them and perhaps one or two more nets, until they spread across to the opposite side. Then they drift slowly downstream — other members of the party following behind. A net is the only way to catch one of these monsters, for an ordinary fishing line would immediately break, and if one were caught with a strong rope or cable, how would the fisherman ever get it to shore?

After a plaa buk has been caught in one of the nets, the crews get busy making sure it doesn’t escape. The net is drawn to the shore and then floated to a suitable riverside dock where there usually are some excited men, women and children waiting to see the action. They hope they may be given a piece to take home, for it is considered a very tasty treat.

Ropes are attached to the net, and strong men pull the fish from the water onto dry land, where the audience gets a good look at it before sharp axes, machetes and knives cut it up for carrying away.

At times these fish are divided among the people with the fishermen rewarded with the largest portions. But not always. Some restaurants in nearby cities gladly pay a high price for this meat which they serve to customers who will pay high prices for it. Selling to these restaurants, as much as $1000 may be paid for just one fish representing more money than a native could otherwise earn in a full year’s time. It is easy to see why these fish are usually sold, rather than eaten in native huts!

The Lord God who arranged for a fish to bring a piece of money to Peter (see the opening verse), is the One who knows all the fish of the world, for He is their Creator and has placed them in the waters to serve His purposes. He also knows all about you: “Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?” Job 31:4. David also wrote, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalms 95:6. Have you ever knelt down before your Maker? Have you ever worshiped Him?

ML-09/03/1989

Rosa's Prayers

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

How Rosa wanted to go to that Sunday school class! Mama was willing to let her go, but Papa said “No!” Uncle Saul would let his girls go—why couldn’t she go. How she would have liked to sing the songs with the other children. “Jesus Loves Me” was a favorite with almost everyone.

And the Bible stories—they were wonderful! It was exciting to hear about the story of David and Goliath and wonderful to hear how the Lord Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and raised the dead back to life.

But every time Rosa or Mama would ask Papa they would get the same answer: “No, Rosa’s not going to Sunday school!” Well, she could pray. Perhaps God would change her father’s heart.

The little Sunday school room was very cold, for Rosa’s family lived in a little town in the Andes mountains. There was no way to heat their homes, and the town was so high in the mountains that the sun never warmed them up. None of that would have bothered Rosa. She had warm clothes and could bundle up. If only she could go to sing the hymns, learn the Bible verses, and hear about the blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus who loved her and died for her.

Rosa and Mama loved the Lord Jesus, but sad to say, Papa did not. His sins didn’t seem to bother him, and so he had never turned to the Lord Jesus to have them washed away. Because of this, he would not let Rosa go to the Sunday school. Sometimes Rosa would try to slip away without Papa knowing it and go to the class. But whenever Papa found out, he was very angry.

One day Papa had a terrible accident. He worked in the mines and his arm got caught in a machine and was badly hurt. He was taken to a hospital where the doctors did all they could to help him, but Papa was worried that he would not get better. He began to think of how he had kept his little daughter from going to Sunday school, and he wondered if God was going to punish him.

So Papa began to make promises. He promised God that if He would make him better he would go himself to the Bible meetings. He would give up his evil ways and turn to God.

Poor Papa. He did not know that God blesses us not for what we do, but for what His Son has done for us. He did not know that “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. God was not waiting for Papa to be good by doing what he promised, for God tells us plainly in the Bible that “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:12. God was waiting for Papa to simply look to Christ for salvation. “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. I wish I could tell you that Papa did look to Christ for salvation, but I cannot.

God did make Papa better. It was not because of the promises Papa made, but simply because God is love and gives us so much. Sad to say, Papa did not keep his promises. After his arm healed, he went back to his sinful ways. He did, however, change in one way: Papa now let Rosa go to Sunday school! How happy she was to go with her cousins. She could now sing with a heart full of joy and learn more of the wonderful ways God cares for those who trust in the Saviour.

And so for several years Rosa went to Sunday school and to the Bible meetings. When she grew to be a young lady, she met a fine Christian young man named Hugo. After a few years Hugo fell in love with Rosa and wanted to marry her. Papa found out that Hugo loved his daughter.

Again Papa said “No!” Rosa loved Hugo and knew that he also wanted to follow the Lord Jesus. She prayed that Papa would understand what a fine young man Hugo really was.

One day Hugo came to speak with Rosa’s papa. This time Papa got angry and ordered Hugo to get out. He picked up a rock and threw it at Hugo. Rosa and her mother could do nothing but wipe their tears away... and pray. This they did. But this time Hugo and many Christian friends also prayed, and Papa again changed his mind, but without a serious accident. God softened his heart, and he began to see that Hugo would indeed be a good husband for his daughter.

Rosa and Hugo were so happy and thankful that God had answered their prayers. They had learned that God is a loving Father to those who trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus, for salvation. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psalms 50:15.

Do you know God as your Father like Rosa and Hugo do? Have you ever talked to Him in prayer? Or are you more like Rosa’s father? Are you planning to be a better person and hoping that God will think that you are good enough for heaven? Instead, won’t you believe God’s Word today, that there are none that do good, and turn to the Saviour who died for your sins upon the cross of Calvary. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.

ML-09/10/1989

The Boy in the Camera Shop

The boy was only ten or twelve years old. He came often to the camera shop to get pictures developed and printed. The shop owner did not know whether they were the boy’s own rolls of film or whether they were brought in for someone else. The boy came again and again, and each time he came, the man in the shop laughed at him.

Why should he laugh at a good customer? Well, each time the boy came in he did something that the man thought was funny — he gave the man a gospel tract. What a strange thing for a boy to do! Why would he continue to hand the man a gospel tract every time when the man always laughed at him for thinking he needed it? More than likely, the reason was that the boy knew the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour and found, as many of us also do, that the message was too good to keep to himself. And he probably went home and prayed for that shop owner, for he knew that the Word of God has power, even when it is laughed at.

About ten years passed, and the boy did not come any more. But when closing time came in the camera shop, the man moved his displays all to one side and arranged chairs in the center for a meeting. What could this be for? He set out Bibles too, and before long people began to arrive for a Bible study. It was his own store, and he was free to use it to spread the good news to others. The man who had laughed at the boy and his gospel tracts had, in time, accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. He was now spreading the good news and the words of warning to those who would listen and to those who laughed.

If you know the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you, don’t get discouraged. This may be your last day for passing the good news on to someone. Be faithful today. “Thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6. The boy’s faithfulness with those gospel tracts had good results.

ML-09/10/1989

Don't Step on a Stingray

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power... there is nothing too hard for Thee.” Jeremiah 32:17.

Stingrays are big fish, seemingly afraid of nothing. Mature ones measure four or five feet wide across their flat, fleshy “wings” with which they gracefully swim with little effort. Long tails, with their six-inch spears, make them look much like a boy’s huge kite sailing under the water. The common species is darkish gray on top, but white underneath. Others have different coloring, including one called blue-spotted which is chocolate colored with round blue spots over its entire body.

Along North America’s Atlantic Coast, on to the Caribbean Sea and other places in the world’s oceans, stingrays often lie half buried in the sand in shallow water. This is a time when they can be very vicious, although they are not as vicious as the electric rays to which they are related.

If left alone, they do not attack anyone swimming among them, but if you should unintentionally step on one you would immediately regret it. The angry ray would strike your leg with its whip-like tail and its sharp, barbed spear would dig into your flesh. Oh, how painful this is, but it is even more painful as it pulls the spear back out and the barbs tear the flesh even more!

Incidentally, off the shore of Cayman Island in the Caribbean, sports divers, swimming among big schools of stingrays and feeding them by hand, have developed a friendly relationship with them. They will even pet and hug them, which the stingrays seem to enjoy. These divers have discovered that the scale-less skin of these big creatures is as smooth as velvet, but the divers are careful not to irritate them in any way.

The mouth of a stingray does not extend in front as with most other fish, nor does it have visible jaws, but it has what looks like a large hole under its head. To secure its food, made up of fish, crabs, oysters, sea worms, small squid and other water creatures, it cruises slowly over the ocean bottom. Since its eyes are on top of its head it cannot see what is down there, but when its mouth comes in contact with anything edible, it sucks it up and if unsuitable it spits it out. But good food is passed along to a grinding plate with strong teeth where shells and other unsuitable parts are removed and the edible food is crushed and moved on to the throat and stomach.

We may not understand why stingrays were part of God’s creation, but we know they have a place in His purposes. And we know He looks with love on every person in the world and invites us to let that love into our hearts by accepting His Son, the Lord Jesus, as our personal Saviour. Is your heart open to Him?

ML-09/10/1989

Our Map Collection

Memory Verse: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Do you like to collect things? Maybe it is stamps, coins, dolls or stuffed animals. There are lots of interesting and useful things to collect. We enjoy collecting maps.

Not long ago we started out from New Jersey on a trip to Florida and then to Texas. Each time we crossed a state line we would stop at the Visitors’ Center to pick up a map. On the day we crossed from Mississippi into Louisiana we collected our 9th state map of that trip. If we didn’t waste any time we still would be able to cross into Texas and get another one from the Texas Tourist Center before it closed at 5 p.m. So we hopped back into our comfy little car and were on our way.

Shreveport was the last city in Louisiana before Texas. As we drove through it the sky was getting blacker and blacker. Then just as we crossed into Texas the clouds broke and sent down such torrents of rain that we could barely see the sign, “REST AREA AND TOURIST CENTER —1 /2 MILE.” It was still raining just as hard when we drove into the rest area. But we wanted that map!

As I buttoned my coat and tied my hood snugly under my chin I said to my husband, “As soon as I open this door you pull the lever to open the trunk lid, okay?” I got out of the car, ran to the back, grabbed the big umbrella that was at the very front of the trunk, pushed the button on its handle, and it popped open. But in those few seconds my shoulders were soaked. Still, we wanted that map!

I hurried around to the driver’s door, and Earl climbed out under the shelter of the umbrella. Then together we waded up the walkway that was rapidly becoming a river, getting our feet soaked. The attendants gave each of us a map for braving the rain.

Did you know that God has a map for each one of us? It’s His holy Word, the Bible. I wonder if everyone reading this story has a Bible? If not, don’t let anything stop you from getting one and from studying it. (If you do not have a Bible of your very own to read, you may write to the address on the back page for a free New Testament [Matthew through Revelation]. We will need your name and complete address.) In Psalms 19:10 and 11 when David was speaking about God’s words he said, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

We not only WANTED that map of Texas, we NEEDED it. How could we get to Tyler without knowing the way? And only the map of Texas could show us the way. None of the other state maps could help us. And how can we get to heaven without knowing God’s way, since it is His home? The Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. There are many other instructions in God’s Word, and we need to know every one of them if we are to travel through this life the right way. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

An hour later when we were coming close to Tyler, Earl put his hand in his shirt pocket and got out a little card with directions on it.

Before we left New Jersey he had called his brother and asked him exactly how to reach his house. Sometimes we must not only read our Bibles but we must talk things over with the Lord Jesus if we want to be able to live as He wants us to. In fact, the Lord Jesus says in Luke 18:1, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint [give up].”

Here is a good prayer from God’s Word for each of us to pray every day. “Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity [sin] have dominion [power] over me.” Psalms 119:133.

ML-09/17/1989

Being Thankful

The “suppertime” call rang out and Nathan and Grandpa took their places at the table. Grandma’s homemade bread and other goodies met Nathan’s bright eyes as he folded his hands and waited... and waited. Though Grandpa was hungry, too, he was adjusting his knife and fork and plate as he finished a little conversation with Grandma. The wait was too long for hungry Nathan, so he put his little hand on Grandpa’s arm and said, “Say grace, Grampy, say grace.” So with heads bowed Grandpa thanked God for His love in giving Jesus to die on the cross and for the food that He had again provided for them, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grandpa’s prayer had especially pleased Nathan, so when eyes opened he looked up at his grandpa with a satisfied smile and said, “The Lord Jesus loves that!”

What a truth and lesson we have from a three year old. The Lord Jesus does love to hear our thankfulness for everything He has provided for us. Salvation from our sins through His precious blood is, of course, the greatest. But our food, health and safety are included in His daily care for us, too. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

ML-09/17/1989

Where Is Suzanne?

Suzanne was just a toddler. Suddenly Mother missed her. Mother called and looked through the house, but could not find Suzanne. She went outdoors and called again, but there was no answer. So Mother called to the neighborhood children who were playing nearby. She asked if they would help her hunt for her little girl. Soon they were scattered around, looking in all the stairways and ditches outside where a little child might have fallen. But little Suzanne was nowhere to be found.

Mother finally went back in the house, and there, at the top of the stairs stood a tearful Suzanne. When she saw her mommy, Suzanne asked, “Where were you? I couldn’t find you.” Mother asked her the same question, as she picked up her little girl and hugged her close. Suzanne did not answer, but as there were some little rolls of dust in Suzanne’s hair, Mother guessed she had perhaps fallen asleep on the floor by the bed and rolled under it out of sight. Or maybe she had just crawled under there to hide when she heard the call, thinking, “What fun to come out after a while and say, ‘Here I am!’"

This story is like the Bible story of the shepherd searching for his lost sheep. He left all the other sheep and hunted until he found the lost one. Then he carried it home, rejoicing, and asked his friends to come rejoice with him. Do you know who this Good Shepherd is? He is the Lord Jesus, and He is calling to every boy, girl, man and woman who does not know Him, “Come unto Me... and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

“Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7. And there was joy among the children outside when the word was shouted, “Suzanne has been found!”

ML-09/17/1989

Egrets Are Charming: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God created... every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying... let fowl multiply in the earth.” Genesis 1:21,22.

Egrets are found in several parts of the world but most commonly in Africa, South and Central America and parts of the United States, including Florida and other Gulf Coast areas, the coasts of California and Oregon, and in scattered locations from Maine to Texas, as well as a few in Utah.

With few exceptions, such as the cattle egrets, the vast majority of these birds seek out shallow waters along the shores of lakes, rivers or swamps where they wade through marshy areas to find the fish, frogs, small birds and other creatures that form the major part of their food supply. Their method of capturing these is to stand motionless for long periods of time in water halfway up their legs, waiting for a desirable bit of food to appear. Then, quicker than your eye could follow, the long neck stretches out and its sharp beak stabs its victim, which it quickly eats.

Nesting is usually in high places in trees — the male first picking a suitable spot where a nest of dead sticks and twigs can be lodged securely. Often whole colonies nest in close groups. Having found the right spot, the male then tries to win the attention of a female for a mate, attracting her with repeated loud calls until she comes to look him over.

Then, with a display of his beautiful feathers, wide-spread wings, and the plumes on his back lifted up, he goes through a variety of poses, either twisting his neck up over his back or extending it straight up skyward. At the same time his beak changes colors to show how excited he is. Sometime during the performance he may take a dry stick in his beak and offer it to her, to work up her interest in nesting together.

Over the years many egrets have migrated from Africa to South and Central America, and some worked their way northward into nearby areas of the United States — mainly Florida. In more recent times numbers of them have moved on into many other states, as mentioned at the beginning.

The scripture verse at the opening of this article tells us how this interesting bird, in its many varieties — along with all other birds — was brought forth on the earth, and the Creator instructed them to thereafter “bring forth after its kind.” And that is exactly what has taken place with each variety. They are here today because God arranged it for His pleasure, as well as ours. He created them with the same present beauty we see today. Let us thank Him for this wonderful provision every time we look on such lovely creatures.

In our next issue we will consider some of the species in more detail.

(to be continued)

ML-09/17/1989

He Had No Fear

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

It does not make sense to risk your life by taking chances. Teenagers sometimes feel they have to prove they are brave. Children, being young and not understanding what might happen, are sometimes hurt, crippled or killed. God and your parents love you and want you to live and not suffer unnecessarily. Driving a car faster, climbing a higher mountain, or swimming a swifter stream does not prove that a person is better than anyone else.

Our town was located between two rivers and a millrace, so we spent lots of time near and in the river. We boys learned to respect the water and to be very careful not to jump or dive where there was much chance of being hurt. We often fished and swam around a small island above the dam.

One time after it had rained heavily, two of us had gone in swimming up by the island. My friend started to swim toward the dam. After just a couple of strokes, he quickly changed direction and swam powerfully away from the dam. I thought he was just having fun. I did not understand that the strong pull of the current had made him fearful of being swept over the dam. Since I thought I was a strong swimmer, that fear never crossed my mind. But when I reached the dam where I had often stood on the concrete edge, I began to understand.

This time when I reached for the edge with my feet, the current from the water going over the dam was so powerful I was washed away in the churning water. Because of an underwater barrier the action of the water does not allow anything falling in to get out easily, but the current returns anything (this time, me) up against the dam to be recycled once more in the billowing water. First my feet would come up, and then, sweeping the bubbles away, I would grab a breath of air before being recycled against the dam. After some minutes of this recycling I was sure I was going to die as I was tiring very fast and just about ready to just give up. Having thought that I had been a good swimmer, I wondered what the newspaper would say about it if I drowned.

Some of my friends were on the dam with fishing poles and were trying to set a hook in me to snag me out of the trap into which I had gotten myself.

I am happy to say that they did not have to fish me out like a very large salmon. About the time I was ready to pass out, exhausted, I gave up completely and sank down in the water. It was only then that I was washed clear of the fast, churning, foamy water. Relieved and thankful, I swam ashore and thought about my deliverance.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

People often struggle with salvation in much the same way. They try everything they can think of that might help them become a better person. But they soon come to realize that it doesn’t last. They are no better off, and they cannot solve the problem. Yet, that is the first step — to admit that our struggling doesn’t work; we can’t do it.

The next step is to understand that the sin problem has already been solved. Christ solved it for us when He died on Calvary’s cross. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

The last step is to give up all struggling and just accept the deliverance that Christ is offering you. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.” Galatians 1:3,4.

How many of these steps have you taken?

ML-09/24/1989

Too Late

In my commuting 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 had to catch a train on the other side of the river to take me home. The ferry was a necessary link and 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. 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, which was about 20 feet away, so that 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 ferry boat, I was too late. I had run as fast as I could, but I was TOO LATE. Since I missed the ferry, I would also miss the train I had hoped to ride.

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 for the door of salvation to be closed is nearly 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, even though we might have to wait for a long time. But in God’s schedule, once He has closed the door, no one else can be saved. With God there is no second chance... as many people prefer to think and hope. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of heaven’s door when it is closed. Enter right now while it is still open.

“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.” Luke 13:25.

ML-09/24/1989

Egrets Are Charming: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee.” Job 12:7.

Last week we considered a few facts about the lovely egrets, their homelands, nesting and methods of securing food. Now let us look at some of the outstanding species of these birds more closely.

The great white is the largest of all egrets and makes a grand sight as it stands with large snowy wings outstretched and its long, white neck gracefully curved. Standing on its long black legs, topped with its white-feathered body and long yellow beak, it is truly an outstanding beauty and is another example of God’s marvelous creation.

Perhaps because of its large size, the great white is bold. As an example, it has been seen in Florida waters standing upright on the back of a crocodile that is swimming on the surface. As the crocodile moves along an occasional frightened fish will leap out of the water. The watchful egret jumps off its moving perch to catch it, then returns to the crocodile’s back to enjoy the treat.

The little egret looks like a miniature of the great white; it is only about half its size. It is very active and appears in great numbers in many places.

The American is another large egret, about three-and-a-half feet long with a wing spread of nearly five feet. When flying lazily along it has the most dignified appearance of all, with its long neck in a comfortable “S” shape and legs straight out behind it. Its slow speed makes an onlooker wonder how it can remain high in the air. It carries the same dignity when wading through or standing statue-still in a swamp, searching for a fish or frog.

The American nests high in a cypress tree overlooking a bog or marsh. While usually seen in Florida and the southern states, some also make their homes along the seashores of California and Oregon. It is one of the species which has been almost wiped out by hunters who at one time killed them for their beautiful feathers. Fortunately, the government stopped the hunting before it was too late.

The snowy egret is another very beautiful bird, similar to the great white but smaller. Its pure-white feathers are emphasized by a black bill and legs and yellow feet. A spectacular crest of plumes behind its head adds to its beauty. This one was also nearly wiped out by hunters some years ago.

In what way do you think the animals and birds of the earth teach and tell us a message, as our opening verse states? Their survival would certainly be one way; they have no schools or teachers to show them how to face life and find food and shelter. Because of these very facts, they tell us of the Lord God who has created and cares for them. They teach us that “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord,” as we read in Psalms 33:5.

(to be continued)

ML-09/24/1989

Saved From Two Fires

Memory Verse: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Isidoro was an Indian farmer who lived in Bolivia near the jungle. He farmed his land in an old way called “slash and burn.” First, they would cut down the tall trees and brush out of the jungle, then burn them, and then plant their crops among the stumps.

This was a poor way to farm, and Isidoro never made much money from his crops. He had a small hut made of sticks and a roof made of palm leaves. But Isidoro was poor in another way too. He had never accepted the riches of God’s grace. He did not know “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty [becoming poor] might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

It was not that he had not heard about God’s love to sinners. His cousin had told him that God sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, into the world to die on the cross so that sinners might have their sins forgiven. His cousin had also warned him of the danger of turning away from such an offer of salvation. He had told Isidoro plainly that the Bible says that those who die in their sins will spend eternity in the lake of fire that burns forever and ever.

Sad to say, Isidoro didn’t bother listening to his cousin’s talk of “religion.” But God Himself planned to speak to Isidoro, for God sometimes gives His own warnings in order to help us know that His Word is true.

One night Isidoro was alone in his hut in the jungle. He settled down for the night, planning to have a good rest. During the night he woke up knowing something was wrong. Fire! His hut was in flames! He did not have a moment to grab anything out of his little home. He ran out and escaped with only his night clothes. Without even any shoes, Isidoro had to walk barefoot in the dark night through the jungle to the next village.

Poor Isidoro. Everything had been lost... or was there something saved after all? Yes, his life had been saved. He had not died in the fire. Isidoro began to think about his cousin’s warnings about what happens to those who do not obey the gospel. He had been terrified to wake up in a hut that was on fire. How awful it would be to wake up in a greater fire that will never be put out!

Isidoro knew now that he needed the Saviour. He believed God’s Word that Christ had died for his sins. He was still poor in this world’s goods, but he was now “rich” in God’s grace. Now he knew for sure that he would someday be in God’s home in heaven.

Boys and girls, have you found this treasure in God’s love? Are you sure that you will be in God’s home in heaven? If you die in your sins you will wake up in the flames of hell. Turn to Christ today, just as Isidoro did, and you will have God’s riches and be safe from the judgment of your sins. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7.

ML-10/01/1989

Two Rabbits

John was nine years old and lived on a cattle ranch in the western part of Texas. There were coyotes on their ranch which sometimes attacked and killed their new calves. To help protect the calves John’s father bought a dog, a greyhound, which not only gave the coyotes a good chase, but it was so fast it could catch most of them.

The greyhound is the fastest of all dogs. Some people train them for racing. John’s father was not interested in racing. He just wanted a dog that was fast enough to catch coyotes and big enough to kill them once they were caught.

They named him Blackie, and he was soon trained to catch coyotes. He loved to chase anything. When he could not find a coyote to chase, he could always find a jackrabbit.

The jackrabbit lives in the plains of western United States. It has big, strong hind legs which help it to run very fast. When chased by Blackie, a jackrabbit would lay back both ears and run for its life... with Blackie not far behind. John noticed that a jackrabbit would never run into a safe place such as a hole, a cave or heavy brush. It depended on its speed to get away from danger. It almost seemed to be too proud of its speed to use a hiding place. Passing by the safety of holes in the ground or a ledge of rock, the jackrabbit depended on its strong hind legs... and always lost to Blackie!

There are those, like the jackrabbit, who think they can outrun sin and Satan. They say, “I’ll take my chances; I’m not afraid.” They depend on themselves and their good deeds to get them through. Their pride keeps them from running to the place of safety in the Lord Jesus Christ. They do not believe that their sins will catch up with them. But God says in the Bible, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.

One day Blackie surprised a little cottontail rabbit in the brush and started to chase the tiny animal. The cottontail was only about a third the size of a jackrabbit. John saw what was happening and thought to himself, “Too bad, little rabbit. You don’t have a chance!”

Suddenly Blackie’s bark changed. At first John wondered if he were hurt. John worked his way through the brush and found Blackie beside a big rock. The rock was huge and had an overhanging ledge. A hole, only about four inches wide, went into the ground, under the ledge, and right down under the rock. The little cottontail had run into that hole under the huge rock, and it was perfectly safe! This scared little rabbit could not depend on its speed to escape, but it had enough sense to hide in a safe place under a rock.

We hope that you, like the cottontail, will not depend on your own strength and ideas to try to escape your sins, but will find a place of safety. Have you seen your danger without the safety of the Lord Jesus Christ? Run to Christ the Rock for salvation and protection. He is waiting to save you right now with open arms. “A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert [shelter] from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32:2.

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psalms 91:2.

ML-10/01/1989

Who Am I?

The camp was spread on the desert sands,

The people in thousands were numbered;

Each tribe had a spot for their camping place,

And a captain that bore their standard.

Fourteen-thousand, six-hundred and sixty souls

Of the tribe of Judah alone,

Kept rank in the march behind this man

Whose name joins a list of renown.

His sister was wife to Aaron the priest

(Try Numbers 2 and 3),

And in case you still don’t know his name,

Matthew 1 and 4 you may see.

ML-10/01/1989

Egrets Are Charming: Part 3

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“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.

The past two issues have explored the ways of four varieties of birds called egrets, and now we have space left to look only briefly at a few more, although there are many others as well.

The reddish egret is one of the more recent immigrants to the United States and is still found in great numbers in various parts of Central America. Medium sized, it makes its home in brackish (somewhat salty) lakes and salt marshes along the Gulf Coast.

In contrast to those already considered — as its name implies it has reddish and orange-red feathers from its head down beyond its chest and is crowned with spindly feathers over the top of its head. Its main body feathers are grayish-black mottled with white.

The gray egret is another three-foot long bird that is an exception to the pure whites. It is bluish-gray on its upper plumage and wears a crest of the same color over its head. But forehead, neck, edges of wings and thighs are white with pretty white plumes hanging from its neck, contrasting with the blue-black sides of its breast and flanks.

We have saved the cattle egrets for last because their feeding habits and manner of life are different from all the rest, although their appearance is much the same.

In their native land of Africa they are almost sure to be found where there are water buffalo and other browsing wild animals. They follow these animals in great numbers, close on their heels as they move about, snatching insects uncovered by the animals’ hooves. They often ride on the backs of these big beasts, too. Egrets have no other choice when accompanying hippos which move through plant-covered ponds where they disturb insects that fly into the air. These insects quickly become part of the bird’s food. None of these animals seem to mind having the birds riding on their backs.

Those which have migrated to America do just as well as their African relatives. They have joined herds of cattle, particularly where they are spread over areas of grazing land. They, too, ride on the backs of the animals as well as spreading out like a living, white blanket over pasture land. Some have even become more modern and now follow tractors and other equipment when they are turning over the soil. You can see by this that cattle egrets are not interested in frogs, lizards and fish like other egrets, for their diet is almost entirely limited to insects.

The Psalmist declared, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” Psalms 95:6,7. David knew what it was to be truly one of the Lord’s people and to have Him as his Good Shepherd. Have you made Him your Good Shepherd and Saviour, too?

ML-10/01/1989

Three Close Calls

Memory Verse: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Hebrews 2:3

Recently I was invited by a Christian trucker to drive with him from Ontario, Canada, to Atlanta, Georgia and back. It was a very enjoyable time. Imagine driving a truck that is so big that it needs 18 tires and a 450-horsepower engine to make it run and powerful air brakes to help it stop! Sid has to be a very careful driver, and this is why: on the way home we saw three close calls with four-wheelers (cars).

The first close call was in Atlanta when a slow-moving car pulled onto the freeway directly in front of us! Then many miles up the road, as we drove down a hill, two cars tried to pass our truck at the same time and very nearly collided right beside the truck! The third close call happened closer to home when a foolish driver was swerving dangerously and almost hit the truck in front of us! Sid said he sees things like this many times as he travels all around the country. Close calls!

I thought of the many close calls that we have in life. Are you taking chances with the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you only thought about believing that the Lord Jesus died on the cross and shed His precious blood for you? Have you only thought about accepting Him as your own Saviour? If you have heard the wondrous story of His love for you and have only thought about accepting His free offer of salvation, you are taking a terrible chance. If you die before accepting Him as your Saviour you will spend eternity without Christ in that awful place called hell. You don’t have to take that chance, because the Lord Jesus Christ has provided a safe pathway to heaven for you. But to get onto that safe pathway you have to pass a checkpoint, the cross of Christ. If you will accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and believe in your heart that He shed His precious blood on that cross to wash your sins away, you can follow the safe pathway to heaven. No more chances; no more close calls!

Do not neglect the free offer of salvation. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Hebrews 2:3. Do not allow a close call to become a tragedy!

“For 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. Choose everlasting life! Choose Jesus Christ! Don’t take another chance, another close call with a lost eternity, without Christ forever.

ML-10/08/1989

Hale's Cave

Tom, Dick and Jack were pals, as well as cousins. It was a real treat for Dick and Jack, who were city boys, to spend their summers at Tom’s house in the country outside Albany, New York. They had many adventures together as they grew up. Tom was older than either of the other boys, and it was he who knew about secret spots in the woods where they could play together for hours. He knew where the fishing was good, where there were old Indian trails, and where there were neat caves that boys their age could safely explore. Tom was a great storyteller, so when it rained and they had to stay indoors, the boys would go up to the attic and Tom would tell them about his adventures and the mysteries he had discovered exploring Hale’s Cave in Thatcher Park in the Helderberg mountains.

At last, Tom’s mother felt the boys were old enough to explore the cave on their own. They packed a lunch, a flashlight and some matches. Then Uncle Henry drove them out to the Helderbergs. The boys were excited about exploring the cave, although Jack, who was the youngest, almost changed his mind when they peered into the darkness and suddenly a bat swooped out of a cave, scaring them all a little.

It was fun, though, exploring the cave. After they had gone in quite a distance, Tom suddenly turned off the flashlight, and the three boys now were in the blackest darkness they had ever experienced. Tom pretended he could not get the flashlight to turn on again, and Dick and Jack were really frightened. Jack was glad the others could not see him, as there were tears in his eyes. What if they had to try to find their way out in the dark? Would they have to wait for Uncle Henry to miss them and come in with a rescue party?

All three boys thought about how awful it would be to be cast by God into what the Bible calls “outer darkness,” to be in the “blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 13. The awfulness of being shut out from the presence of God in darkness for all eternity suddenly became very real to them. How glad they were that God in love had sent His only begotten Son to be punished for their sins during those three hours of darkness on the cross of Calvary so that they might never have to know the “outer darkness” of hell!

Simply confessing to God that we are sinners, deserving to be shut out from God’s presence, and receiving the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we pass from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God.

What a relief it was when Tom switched on the flashlight, and the boys were once again able to see their way through the passageways! How good the sunlight looked as they came to the mouth of the cave!

“Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:12.

ML-10/08/1989

Caribou

During winter when the snow becomes deep, some of the larger animals that do not hibernate (sleep through the winter), often have difficulty finding enough food to eat. In Canada where this occurs with the caribou herds during most winters, the Canadian Air Force will help by hauling hay for the caribou to eat. Once the herds are located, planes loaded with bales of hay will fly near them and drop these bales for them.

Recently a pilot reported that he was hauling hay to a large herd that was stranded in deep snow in an area 400 miles north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Many of the caribou were lying down, because they were too weak to stand. When the hay was dropped they could not even get up to eat. As the pilot circled the herd he saw a strange sight. Several of the stronger caribou walked over to the hay, picked some up in their mouths, and carried it to the weak and dying animals. They laid the hay down close enough so that the caribou who could not get up could reach it.

What a good lesson this is for each of us in being kind to others. Every kind act we do for others, if it is done to please the Lord Jesus, will be rewarded by Him. The Lord Jesus says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matthew 25:40.

“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

ML-10/08/1989

The Lovely Manakins

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Colossians 1:16.

In the forests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil and on nearby islands, there are over 50 species of the interesting manakin, a bird not much larger than a swallow, but much more active. They are provided by the Creator with small but strong beaks, slightly hooked on the end, with which they pluck fruit from trees, as well as insects from the air, while flying. These items form their principal food supply.

The more common manakins include those called the long-tailed, swallow-tailed, white-bearded, golden-headed and the blue-backed. Their names describe each one’s general appearance. They are also called jewel birds, perhaps because of the brilliant coloring of the males. The females, however, are mostly plain olive-green, this being a kind provision of their Creator, so that they blend in with their surroundings while sitting in their nests or taking care of their little ones.

Manakins have a most outstanding way of choosing mates. Not all follow the same pattern, but many—particularly the white-bearded, golden-headed and blue-backed— put on a remarkable show First of all a group of handsome males selects an open area between trees, and one or more remove twigs, leaves, grass, pebbles, etc., exposing the bare ground in a large circle.

With this area ready, female birds, drawn to the loud calls of the males, look on from nearby branches as the males get into action. The leading one first jumps high in the air, hovering there with fluttering wings in front of a female and perhaps flying back and forth near her before dropping back to the ground. Then, one by one, the others leap up and perform the same way while making a noise like a cat meowing.

In some of these groups each male will make 100 jumps or more, becoming faster and faster each time. Before long the females, in their excitement, hop up and down from perch to perch, and then with wide-spread wings each makes its way to the ground, selecting the male of its choice. Soon pairs fly off together to build a cup-shaped nest in a tree or bush, where two eggs are laid and incubated for about three weeks. After hatching, the little ones are cared for by the mother for another three or four weeks (her mate leaves it all up to her) until they are able to be on their own.

The Lord God found great pleasure in creating all living things, and we can be sure of His tender thoughts toward these lovely birds as He watches over them. His eyes are always on you, too, inviting you to admit your need of having your sins forgiven and accept Him as your Saviour. Have you done this?

ML-10/08/1989

A Worthless Bird

Memory Verse: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

Joel found another bird! Perhaps some of you remember a story not long ago that told how he found a young dove and how the dove taught us a lesson about peace. This time the bird he found was a big black grackle, and it taught us a different lesson.

Joel found it as we arrived at the house of our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Lyons. Our three children quickly called the Lyons’s children, and soon we were all gathered around the bird.

At first we thought its wing was hurt, but soon we realized that the wing was fine, but the bird was very sick.

You may already know that a grackle is not a pretty bird like a robin or a cardinal. They are not well-liked where we live. There are too many of them, and they are noisy pests most of the time.

As we stood around the sick bird everyone had the same idea.

“I think we should put it out of its misery,” said one.

“The world’s better off with one less grackle,” said another.

“Maybe we should just bury it,” said a third.

To our surprise, Mrs. Lyons came out of the house with a towel in her hand. She planned to rescue the bird! “I have a friend who works for the Bird Rescue Center,” she explained. “They rescue birds of all kinds. Please call my friend while I wrap the bird in this towel.”

She gently wrapped the bird in the towel, and Mr. Lyons went to the phone while the rest of us looked on in amazement. She was going to save a grackle?... a worthless bird?

But even kind Mrs. Lyons must have had a little doubt because she called after her husband, “Ask them if it makes any difference if it’s a grackle.” We thought it most certainly would make a difference. Surely not even the Bird Rescue Center would want to save a grackle!

We were wrong. They said to bring the grackle over! So as we shook our heads in unbelief, our friends got into the car to take the sick grackle to the Bird Rescue Center.

As we thought about the kindness of the Lyons to this bird, thoughts of a greater love came to our minds.

God has proved His love to boys and girls “sick” with sin. The lies we have told, the pride of our hearts, and the unkind things we have said and done have so stained our hearts with sin that we are like that worthless bird. But God in His tender love did not think of us as worthless. He loved us so much that He sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world to die for our sins. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9.

There was nothing good in us, but the Lord Jesus willingly laid down His life in order to save us from our sins. “Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6.

God has even taken the care to tell us in His Word, the Bible, that He also notices the birds. And if He cares for each little bird, His loving care for His own children is much greater. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31.

It did not cost Mrs. Lyons much to show kindness to that grackle. But the Lord Jesus paid a terribly high price for our salvation, even when we did not deserve it. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18.

Do you know this love of God that rescues sinners sick with sin and makes them His own children? You are worth a lot to Him. Accept Christ as your Saviour today, and you will know God as your loving Father.

ML-10/15/1989

A Story About Priorities

A priority is something that you do first, even if other things have to wait. If you are not saved from your sins, this matter should be settled first. You need to take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. This has priority over everything else you plan to do. Here is a story that might help you to understand.

Picture in your mind a little house in Bolivia with a wooden fence around a plain dirt yard.

Beside the house there is a mother and several young children, and not far away is a rather fat pig. The mother has a tub in which she is busy washing the children’s clothes, with soapsuds up to her elbows.

The story begins as a tall young man comes into the yard carrying a Spanish Bible.

He asked the mother if he could tell the children a Bible story. This request suddenly took top priority. The mother quickly set down her bar of soap on a stone, wiped the suds off her arms, and sat down with her children, ready to listen. They wanted to hear the message from God’s Word, the Bible.

What was the message? Of all messages in the world, the Word of God is the most important. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what color your skin is, or what language you speak, it is just right for you and me. God speaks not only to all of us as a group, but to each one of us individually. He is speaking to you at this moment. He is telling you in His Word that “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. He also tells you in John 3:16 that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” This message is for everyone. But the 16th verse does not end there. It goes on to say that “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This message is more personal; He is talking to you as a special person. It must be just you, one person, who makes this most important decision to believe in that only begotten Son of God, in order that you may not perish but have everlasting life. This is your top priority at this moment. Will you settle it right now?

The family listened while the wonderful story of Jesus and His love was told to them. (And whenever you hear about Jesus, whether it is new to you or not, I hope your priority is to listen and to let others around you listen. This is important too.) But there was one there whose priority was to eat, and that one did not listen at all. The missionary suddenly interrupted his message with the cry, “The pig is eating your soap!”

Everyone gave chase.

The pig was a good runner, but not very good at turning corners. Instead, she crashed into the fence, dropped the soap, and went off with foam around her mouth from the piece she had bitten off. The mother reclaimed her bar of soap, and then the gospel message was continued. It was too important to be ended by a hungry pig.

Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from listening and receiving God’s message for you today. John 3:16 is God’s wonderful promise of everlasting life for you today, but remember it contains that sad and hopeless word “perish.” This means that there is a lost eternity in outer darkness for those who do not, individually and one by one, believe on the One whom God has sent to die for them. You will never, never make any decision more important than this. Will you then, right now, claim that wonderful verse and believe on the only begotten Son of God, that you may not perish but have everlasting life?

ML-10/15/1989

Insects in Watery Homes

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3.

The Lord God is not only the Creator of the beautiful and spectacular things that we see, but the above verse includes the many things we are not even aware of.

One of the world’s largest insects, called the giant water bug, is one of these. Many live in tropical regions, but some are in North America as well. Most are about four inches long, but some are just half that size. They are good fliers, but usually stay close to their homes on ponds or lakeshores, where their wide flat bodies float with their heads tipped downward, although clear of the water.

Their strong beaks give deadly bites to bugs captured for food. Front legs, wide and flat, have sharp edges that are helpful in capturing these as well as fish as big as themselves. Hind legs provide paddle-like power for fast swimming on or below the surface.

The male of one variety is unusually helpful to his mate, allowing her to spray his back with a glue from her body and then lay 100 or more eggs over it. He carries these around for 10 days until they hatch. Other species just lay their eggs on water plants, held in place by a similar glue.

Although not aware of it, they are always under the watchful eye of their Creator and serve a useful purpose in destroying many insects that are harmful to farmers’ crops.

Another insect in a watery home is the damselfly, which looks like a small dragonfly. The female lays her eggs in shallow water down among the weeds. Sad to say, often a tiny wasp named polynema which is about the size of a grain of rice, is likely to show up. Using paddle-like wings as oars, the female dives down to lay eggs also, depositing one of her own on each of the damselfly’s eggs already there. Then she swims to the surface and forgets all about them.

By the time the damselfly’s eggs hatch into nymphs that will remain under water for some time, the polynema’s eggs placed on them will have changed into worm-like grubs that slowly eat their hosts, until they become full-grown wasps and fly into the air. But many little damselflies will never become full-grown, because their intruder’s hunger has killed them.

You might ask, “Did God create polynemas, too?” Yes, but when He created them they were not harmful in any way. Their harmful change was the result of sin coming into the world — all created things being affected by it.

But the time is coming, after all believing Christians are taken to heaven and God’s judgment against wickedness and evil has taken place on the earth, that there will again be a peaceful creation. If you are one who knows the Lord Jesus as your Saviour you will be in that happy home above, looking down on the lovely new creation. Will you be one of those up there?

ML-10/15/1989

Lynn's Story

Memory Verse: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5

Our family often went on picnics to a park about 15 miles from town. There was a lovely swimming pool in the park. The children usually enjoyed a good swim besides enjoying the picnic food of hot dogs, chips and cold drinks. It was especially fun for the children when they could invite their friends to share these happy times. One of these friends was Lynn, the little neighbor girl who lived across the street. She was the same age as our youngest son. They were in the first grade together and were best friends.

On one of those bright happy days we invited Lynn to go with us to the park. Everyone was having a happy time. The children were splashing and yelling and having fun in the pool. Mother was watching from a lawn chair in the shade of a huge oak tree, enjoying seeing the children’s fun. Into this happy scene near tragedy came. Our 12-year-old daughter Jenny stumbled over Lynn’s little body on the bottom of the pool!

Boys and girls this shows just how quickly the happy times of our lives can change in a moment. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1. Who would have thought that in the middle of the children’s happy play one of them could get into trouble with the mother carefully watching? Can anyone know what will happen in their life the next day, or even in the next moment?

Because we cannot see into the future to know what may happen, we must be sure we are ready for serious changes like Lynn’s. We can be ready for every event in life if we accept the Lord Jesus as our own Saviour. He becomes our Saviour when we believe on Him as the Son of God who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3.

Jenny was able to get Lynn’s unconscious body to the edge of the pool. There were willing hands to go to work to save her life. A young fireman from a nearby town was one of those who helped. He had just finished his training in life-saving skills. He quickly gave Lynn mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, a brand-new skill at that time.

Through the mercy of the Lord, this young man was able to get our little friend breathing again. The happy ending of that near-tragic event is a picture of how the Lord Jesus came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Little Lynn was helpless; her life depended on her rescuers. And, boys and girls, there is nothing you can do to help save yourself from your sins. The saving of your soul depends on the Lord Jesus. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. It is your sins that will take you to the bottom, but the Lord Jesus loves you and died on the cross to pay the full penalty of your sins. Jenny was able to get Lynn to the edge of the pool, and your parents may bring you to Sunday school. But like Lynn, you must have the work of another for you that you might have life. “He that... believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. The Lord Jesus is waiting to save you. Will you let Him?

ML-10/22/1989

Are You Facing the Sunset?

Some of you are not only grown-up boys and girls, but have been with us long enough to be grandfathers and grand mothers. We are glad to have you in our big family of readers, and so we have chosen a story especially for you.

This is the story of two young men who set out to drive straight east across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto. Their vacation in Vancouver was over, and they were heading home. At the end of the first day they had reached the Rocky Mountains and were enjoying every minute of it; the weather was perfect and the scenery was wonderful. Now the mountains were fading into darkness as they faced a rosy sunset.

Greg turned on the headlights, but somehow, he was not enjoying the sunset. “There’s something wrong here,” he finally said. “We shouldn’t be facing the sunset. Toronto is east of Vancouver, and the sun should be setting behind us.”

“It’s okay,” his brother assured him. “We’re just going around the mountain... it will straighten itself out.”

And so they watched the glowing sky a little longer, telling themselves that things would be all right, but at the same time troubled by an uneasy feeling that things were all wrong.

Perhaps you understand that uneasy feeling. We who are older know very well that our days on earth are drawing to a close. We have many reminders that the days of our youth and middle age are over and that the evening of life has come. After sunset comes the long, dark night. If we are facing the sunset, is there any way that the long, dark night can be changed?

For those two brothers driving, things did not straighten out. They were becoming more and more sure that they were headed the wrong way, and so they did the wisest thing possible. They stopped at a hotel and talked to someone who had a good map and who knew the road well. They discovered that they had made a wrong turn, and it was right-about-face to correct their error.

And for you also, there is no use waiting for things to straighten themselves out. There is a book, the Bible, which tells you where you made the wrong turn. You will find the answer in Psalms 58:3. “They go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” And Isaiah 53:6 reminds us, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” This problem will not straighten itself out. In fact, it becomes worse — “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. You are facing death and a dark eternity.

God commands a right-about-face for you. “God... now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30. If you will follow God’s command —“Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15), you will find yourself facing the light of the sunrise, for you will have changed directions and will be following God’s way.

We urge you to get out your Bible and read for yourself the story of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and remember that this is the price that He paid in order that God might give you the gift of everlasting life. Read the story until you can say, “The One who died there on the cross took my place and died for me.”

Now we are facing the sunrise! Death and judgment are behind us. We are on our way to that heavenly home where we will see our Saviour’s face, and where there is no night, no death, no sorrow and no crying. The best that the world can offer is like darkness compared with the glorious day that is before us. The darkness will soon be past for us. The Lord Jesus is coming, probably before we die. His coming is one day nearer today than it was yesterday.

Greg and his brother went back, made the correct turn, and reached Toronto on time. Let us also make the right choice in obedience to the Word of God. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

ML-10/22/1989

Orchids in Action

“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet... Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Luke 12:27.

Orchids usually make us think of a special occasion when sweethearts, husbands, children or others wish to please a lady being honored. Most of us think of them as being grown in a greenhouse or a florist’s shop, but in many countries they thrive in the wild outdoors. Altogether there are over 400 varieties.

Those sold by florists are definitely lovely. For the most part, these are known as “Queen of the Orchids” with a trumpet-like main flower, backed by broad, smooth petals. A wide variety in different colors is available (at a price!). Orchid plants are tough, and great numbers grow unseen in forests and hillsides of tropical areas and even in the swamps of colder lands. A few of the more unusual varieties are listed below.

One is the fly orchid. Its petals look like and have an odor similar to that of a female fly. This attracts a male fly. Although he is disappointed in what he finds, the plant benefits from his visit as he unknowingly transfers pollen from one plant to another. This produces seeds to grow more plants.

Another, known as the ophrys, makes a variety of images with its foliage and flowers, looking like spiders and other insects. These, attracting investigators, have their pollination needs taken care of the same way as the fly orchid does.

One of the most interesting is the bucket orchid. This one benefits by red ants that make their home among its roots and crawl into the flowers for nectar, again, transferring pollen from one flower to another. If it were not for the ants this orchid would soon die out, and if it were not for the orchid the ants would do the same. They need each other.

But some have been purposely designed by the Creator to be unattractive to insects, for they are best pollinated by hummingbirds. The birds’ long beaks help the pollination process when the birds dip them deep into the flowers to secure the sweet treat.

We could look at many other features of the lovely orchids if more space were available, but these examples help remind us of how wonderful the Lord God’s ways are with all His creation, so often using two living things of entirely different types to benefit one another in ways which only He can arrange.

He is your Creator, too, and He can do far more than take care of your lifetime needs on earth. His wonderful invitation stands open for you to have eternal life in heaven by coming to the Lord Jesus who died on Calvary’s cross. He gives eternal life and forgives the sins of all who admit they are sinners and accept Him as their Saviour. That is the pathway to true happiness now and forever. Make sure it is your pathway!

ML-10/22/1989

Wishbones

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.” 1 John 5:13

Did you ever make a wish on a wishbone?

You probably know what a wishbone is, but in case you don’t, a wishbone is the forked bone in the chest of a bird. You may have seen one when you had a whole roasted chicken or turkey for a meal. When your mom buys a chicken that is already cut up, the wishbone has been broken. But if the bird is whole, look for it sometime.

When we were young my sister and I would find the wishbone in a cooked chicken or turkey (turkeys have quite large ones, you know), and my mother would carefully clean off all the meat. Then she would set the bone on the windowsill where the sun would shine on it and dry it out.

When it is dry, a wishbone is quite brittle and will snap easily. My sister and I would each take hold of one fork of the wishbone and pull. Of course, before we pulled on it we would each make a silent wish. Did you ever wish for something? I don’t remember what I used to wish for. It was probably something that I wanted very much, like a new bicycle, or some toy, or something special to eat.

What chance do you think there was of my wish coming true? Did the wishbone have any power to give me my wish? No it didn’t, and I think I realized that, but somehow I must have thought that maybe, just maybe, it would come true.

How foolish it is to trust in wishes!

When Jesus was here on earth He said, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36. His words sound far more certain than wishes, don’t they? I hope you noticed that in this verse there are only two kinds of people — those who believe on Him as their own Saviour and those who don’t believe. Which are you? Boys and girls, and grown-ups too, who believe on Him have (that’s definite) everlasting life.

And for those who don’t believe, the judgment of God awaits them. That means they do not have their sins forgiven, and they must bear the punishment for their sins in hell forever, away from God. That’s definite too!

Jesus also said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30. Are you a follower (a sheep) of Jesus? If so, He says definitely that we have eternal life, and that we cannot in any way be taken from Him. We are held in His and His Father’s hands. Now that’s security, isn’t it!

After my sister and I each had made a wish, we would pull on the wishbone until it broke. Whoever got the larger piece of the wishbone with the web at the top was supposed to have his wish come true. But I don’t ever remember that any of our wishes came true.

One day I heard of a trick to get the larger piece of bone with the web. Supposedly the one who pulls first will usually get the smaller piece. I tried letting my sister pull first a few times, and it worked. But when she figured out the trick she wouldn’t pull either. There we would sit, each holding a side of the wishbone, waiting for the other person to pull. Usually one of us would lose our patience and pull... and end up with the smaller piece. Well, that trick spoiled all the fun, so we quit wishing on wishbones.

I hope you don’t just wish you were saved from your sins, but that you are definitely trusting in the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour so that you know for sure that you are saved. “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-10/29/1989

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 to them, “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 teenage 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 required 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 native boy who thought he was lying when he told them about ice. It was winter 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?

ML-10/29/1989

The Oil Bird

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“For He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven.” Job 28:24.

In a recent article we considered the manakins (or jewel birds) of Central and South America. A bird which lives near them is known as the oil bird, and it, too, is unusually interesting.

These are bigger than the manakins, measuring about 18 inches from beak to tail-tip. They are brilliantly colored a reddish-brown; tail feathers are decorated with black bars, and heads and outside wing feathers are set off with white spots. Their powerful beaks are decorated with long whisker-like feathers at each side. Their wings, when outstretched, measure about three feet across, contrasted with very short legs.

The oil bird makes its permanent home, not on a tree limb or on the ground, but inside pitch-black caves where a person would need a light to find his way. Whole colonies share many of these caves, making nests and raising young ones in the darkness. How can they do it? Just in the same way that bats do. The Creator has given them ability to make sharp, quick sounds while flying in the cave. These echo back to their sensitive ears, telling them when something is in the way and a safe way around it.

In addition, they are night birds, hunting in the dark for the fruit of certain palms and other fragrant kinds of fruit which they gulp down whole while flying. Fruit of this kind is very nourishing and is all the food they need for themselves and their growing chicks. Good night vision and a keen sense of smell help them find these fruits.

It is the chicks that gave the guacharo the more common name of oil bird. Here is how it came about. When little ones first hatch out they are quite large and have enormous appetites, gulping down immediately all their parents bring them. But these fruits are full of fat and oily juice, so that in a very short time their enormous appetites cause them to become larger than their parents while still in the nest. But as their plumage fills out they gradually thin down. By the time they are three or four months old they leave the nests in a normal size, which is further helped by the exercise of searching for their own food.

Natives of the area, in times past, discovered that the fat of these young, oversized birds produced a rich oil and that when one was killed and the oil boiled out or squeezed from its body it made excellent butter, as well as fuel for their lamps. Killing them is no longer permitted, but that is how the oil bird got its unusual name.

Does the Lord God, their Creator, see these birds in the dark caves or when flying about at night? Yes, He both sees and cares for them, for His eye is always on every living thing, as the opening Bible verse tells us.

ML-10/29/1989

The Pumpkin That Caught Geese

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

The tall woodsman stood looking at his garden. The summer had been a good one, and now the only vegetables left lying in the late fall sunshine were his large, orange pumpkins. A sound from the sky made him look up. A smile spread over his face as a flock of wild geese flew low in a V formation, honking as they went. He watched as they glided down to land on the marsh not far from his clearing in the woods. How good those geese would taste roasted over his fire! He headed for the cabin where his rifle hung on the wall.

An idea began to form in his mind. He pictured the marsh with the geese swimming and feeding as they rested up before flying on south. He knew a shot from his rifle would give him one goose, but it would certainly frighten all the others away. He set his rifle down, and instead picked up his hunting knife and headed for the pumpkin patch.

Soon the top had been sliced off a pumpkin, and the seeds and pulp were scooped out. A few more cuts made eyes, nose, and a mouth. Putting the top back on, the woodsman was pleased with what he had made.

He carried the pumpkin to the edge of the marsh and set it in the water. Knowing it would float, he gave it a gentle push. There was a flutter of wings as a half-dozen geese flew into the air. The pumpkin bobbed slowly out into the marsh, and after a while the geese returned to the water. They kept away from the grinning orange face.

The next day another pumpkin was chosen and the woodsman did the same thing. A second smiling pumpkin face floated with the first one, and this time the geese did not fly off as it floated out into the center of the marsh. Several days went by and each day he added another pumpkin to the marsh. Now there were five pumpkins floating here and there, and the geese had lost all fear of them. They swam happily between them.

The sixth morning the woodsman carefully chose the largest pumpkin from his garden. This time he turned it upside down and cut a wide hole in the bottom. The inside was cleaned out and a face carved in it just like the others. Then he took a large sack from his cabin, put a heavy stone in it and headed for the marsh.

He slowly squatted down, put the pumpkin over his head, and slipped noiselessly into the water. Slowly he began to wade out to the center of the marsh, keeping just his head above water. Closer and closer he came to the geese who were swimming around, not paying any attention to the floating pumpkins.

This is just the way Satan is trying to capture us. He is too smart to approach us with a “bang,” like the woodsman’s rifle. He uses tricks. He wants us to get used to the bad things in the world around us. Soon they seem harmless. But the devil has his eye on us. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that we are to be careful “because your adversary the devil... walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The woodsman stopped wading and just waited. He was watching the geese through the face holes in the pumpkin. Before long a goose swam close by. With a swift movement the woodsman grabbed the goose’s feet, pulled him underwater, and into his bag. Soon another followed, and then another and another, until the bag was full. Then he waded out of the marsh and lifted off his pumpkin head. There would be many feasts from that hour’s work!

The Lord Jesus tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11. The devil has a special interest in those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He knows they can never be his, but he would love to see their lives spoiled. He uses many tricks to attract them and ruin their happiness in the Lord Jesus. verse 17 and 18 of Ephesians 6 tell us that the Word of God and prayer are two important parts of our armor. Don’t forget to spend time reading your Bible and praying every day.

ML-11/05/1989

The Snow Storm

CRASH!

“What was that?” everybody asked at the same time.

“It sounded like a branch of a tree breaking and falling,” said Dad, “but there isn’t any wind to cause it.”

Dad went to the front window. “Wow, look at all the snow!” he exclaimed. The whole family came to the window to see. The night was very still, but large, heavy snowflakes were falling fast. Everything in the garden was already covered with a thick blanket of wet, heavy snow.

“It must be nearly a foot deep already,” said Dad. “I’ve never seen it snow so hard before.”

CRASH!

“Look over there,” said Dad. “That old oak tree over at Kennedy’s house has just lost a big branch. The snow is too heavy for the trees!”

Through the night it continued to snow, with the temperature dropping and the wind picking up and getting stronger each hour. Anyone who was awake would have heard branches breaking and falling. Each one told of the end of another struggle between tree and heavy snow.

The next morning showed the damage that had been done by the snowstorm. Abandoned cars were everywhere. Great branches of trees had fallen. Telephone wires were down, and even some telephone poles had fallen.

When we think of all the damage that a snowstorm can do, we must remember that a pretty little snowflake is what caused it. Snowflakes may be small, and one of them will melt quickly on your finger, but their habit of sticking together makes them dangerous. One seems to attract another, and when they meet they stick together. If the snow is wet it will pile up on everything and become so heavy that things start to break. Sin is very much like this, too. Most of us think we are pretty good. At least we can always think of someone who is worse than we are. We don’t really understand how awful sin is in the sight of God. Sometimes we see what sin has done to a person; one sin leads to another, then another, until finally something terrible happens. The Bible tells us that all it takes is one sin for something terrible to happen — we cannot go to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus.

God who cannot have one sin in His presence, yet loves you and me, opened the way for sinners like us to be with Him in heaven. He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be punished on the cross for sinners. If you believe that He was punished for you — that He died because of your sins — and accept Him as your own Saviour, you are saved — your sins are washed away in His blood. Why not accept Him right now?

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

ML-11/05/1989

The Busy Gray Squirrel

“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.

The gray squirrel of Canada and the United States (named because the entire top of its body, its face and its legs are gray) is definitely a favorite with many people. No doubt this is because of its cute little barks and chattering, as well as its fondness for playing “hide and seek” by scampering up, down and around tree trunks when people try to take its picture.

The gray top fur is complemented with white below, separated by a rust stripe; its bushy tail, as long as its body, is a pretty rust, black and white. Fur on its tail grows extra long as cold weather approaches, making a warm blanket to pull over its back and head or to curl up with in its nest. Its tail also acts as a rudder which, together with its strong hind legs, enables it to jump from tree to tree. If the squirrel accidentally falls, its tail immediately spreads out like a parachute. On rainy days it is also used over its head as an umbrella. No wonder a squirrel seems proud of it and spends so much time grooming it!

These small but tough creatures often show up in parks, making friends with those who feed them, but they can also be annoying at times. For instance, they will climb into a birdfeeder and eat only the sunflower seeds, spilling the rest on the ground, or get into flowerbeds and eat buds and seeds. In a field of corn or wheat they can be a real problem, digging up seed. But aside from these things many consider them the most intelligent of all animals and are willing to put up with the problems.

They are well equipped to shell nuts of any kind or to get inside pine cones with their long, sharp claws and curved teeth. (Their claws and teeth are always growing to keep up with wear and tear — a kind provision of the Creator.) Through summer and fall they bury nuts for winter food, as well as tuck dried mushrooms in branches of trees. They sometimes forget where the nuts are buried, but with their keen sense of smell, even through a foot of snow, they usually find them or those of another squirrel. The ones they don’t find often take root, and a new little tree shows up the next spring.

The nests of these squirrels are made of twigs and leaves, complete with a rainproof roof, and are usually high in trees or may be in a convenient hole in the side of a dead tree. As many as six little ones are born in the springtime and for several weeks rely on their mother’s milk for growth. But before long they are well covered with fur, have been taught the important things of a squirrel’s life, and are on their own.

All in all, these active little animals seem to fit in extremely well with the pleasure the Lord knew in creating them (as mentioned in our opening Bible verse), and He now looks on them with tender care.

ML-11/05/1989

The Rings … Gold or Brass?

Memory Verse: “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

The knock at the door came late at night. Mr. and Mrs. Albert were thousands of miles away from home for thy had gone to South America to tell the good news of God’s salvation to lost sinners. They also wanted to help the little groups of Christian believers in the area.

Mr. Albert opened the door to find three of the Christians, Freddy, Juan and David, standing there. Something was troubling them.

“Come in,” said Mr. Albert. “How may I help you?”

Freddy, the uncle of the two teenagers, asked, “Do you know how to tell if a ring is really made of gold?”

“Well, I’m not sure,” answered Mr. Albert.

Freddy and his nephews went on to explain that David had been left to look after that David had been left to look after his father’s store that afternoon. A stranger had come in with an urgent need to travel to another city but had no money. He showed David two rings that he had and told him that if he would give him money to make the trip, he would not only repay him when he returned, but he would also buy him a soccer ball. He would leave the two rings with David to assure him that he would return. “They are real gold rings,” the stranger had said.

David believed the man and gave him the money he needed. But that night he began to have doubts. Were they really gold rings? Maybe they were only made of brass and had no value at all. Since David’s father was away, Uncle Freddy and Juan went with him to Mr. Albert’s house. Could Mr. Albert tell if they were really gold?

Mr. Albert knew that his wife had a gold wedding ring, so he compared the two rings with Mrs. Albert’s wedding ring. All three were shiny. All three looked like gold.

“There’s only one test that I know of to make sure if something is made of gold, or just brass,” Mr. Albert told them. “A drop of acid is the way to test. If the object is brass, the acid will leave a stain, but pure gold will not stain. But I don’t know if I have an acid that is strong enough to make the test.”

Then he remembered the jeep. “That’s it!” he said. “We can get some acid out of the battery in the jeep.” So they got a straw and went out to the jeep to get a drop of acid from the battery. Back inside the house in good light they made the test. Were the rings gold or brass? Soon a brown spot on each of the two rings told them the truth. Brass! The rings were not gold at all. A sad, but wiser, David left Mr. Albert’s home that night. He knew then that the stranger would never come back for his nearly worthless rings. He would never repay the money; David had been tricked.

Now I have not told you this story just to tell you about David’s mistake or that you might know how to test gold rings. No, I have told you because if you and I are honest, we must admit that we are like those brass rings. We have been “tested” by many temptations, and many times we have proven that we are sinners. Every lie, every proud look, every unkind thought or word has left a stain of sin on our hearts. If we are honest, we must admit that God’s Word, the Bible, is true when it says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalms 14:2,3.

But our God is a loving God, and He has not left us without a way of salvation. Just as we can be sure that all have sinned, we can be sure that all sins can be cleansed. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. “Through this man [the Lord Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things.” Acts 13:38,39. Come to the Lord Jesus today and have those sin stains washed away in His precious blood. Not one stain will remain.

David’s two rings were only brass. But not all rings are made of brass; some are made of gold. There was one Man who lived on this earth who was like a pure-gold ring. The Lord Jesus never sinned. He was tempted by Satan just like you and I are, and He lived in this same evil world that we live in, but He lived a perfect life. God also looked down from heaven upon the Lord Jesus and said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17. “Christ... who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously; who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:21-24.

Think of that wonderful love! The Lord Jesus had no sins of His own, but He took my sins upon Himself when He was on the cross. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5. He suffered for you too that you might be saved from that punishment. Have you received His wonderful salvation? Is it possible that you will turn away from such great love?

There is one last warning in the Bible about those stains of sin. If they are not removed before you leave this world, you will carry them with you forever. God’s Word tells us of the end of those who turn away from the salvation that He offers. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still.” Revelation 22:11.

Won’t you come to the Lord Jesus and be washed from your sins today?

ML-11/12/1989

The Barometer's Warning

The fishing fleet was ready to leave port and go out to sea, but just before they left the fishermen checked the barometer. They were amazed to see that during the night the indicator had dropped from “fair” to “stormy.” Looking out over the water they could see no sign of a storm; the sky was clear and sunny and the sea was calm, so it wasn’t even windy. The only possible warning of trouble to come came from the barometer.

The men didn’t know what to do. They did not want to lose a day’s fishing with the weather so good, so they decided that something must have gone wrong with the barometer, causing it to give a wrong reading. Only one captain believed the barometer’s reading. Every boat but one went out to sea.

Everything went well for a while. The boats arrived in good time at their fishing grounds and let down their nets.

Rather quickly the sky clouded over and the wind began to howl. Soon a fierce storm hit, and the men were frightened. The barometer was right after all! Leaving their nets behind, they headed back to the safe harbor, but many of them never made it. The storm became so violent that some of the boats sank and their crews drowned... all because they refused to believe the barometer’s warning.

God has given us warnings too. “God... now commandeth all men every where to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world.” Acts 17:30,31. “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

What are you doing about God’s warnings? Are you believing and acting on them? Or, have you ignored God’s warnings? The fishermen ignored the warning and died. Do not refuse to believe God’s warnings, but accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today.

ML-11/12/1989

The Huge Banyan Tree

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass... and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind... and it was so.” Genesis 1:11.

It was on the fifth day of creation that trees appeared at the command of the Creator, some no larger than a bush and others immense like the giant redwood of California. Included in these were the banyans, so surprising in appearance that they always amaze visitors who see them for the first time in India, Hawaii and some tropical islands.

This tree has a most unusual way of growing. Its branches grow extremely long, and then bare roots sprout from the branches. These roots take nourishment from the air and eventually grow down to bury themselves in the soil. This provides a new source of food and soon enlarges the bare root into a strong, upright support for the branch from which it grew, helping it to grow longer and to send more and more roots down to the ground.

The result is that old, mature trees look like they are made up of a great number of younger ones (although really part of the original). People or animals can easily walk through these. But, inch by inch, over a period of time, these supports enlarge into trunks and press against each other and the mother tree, continually adding to its size. Because of this the trees eventually become bigger in circumference than in height, and some have been found to be more than a third of a mile around. The largest known banyan tree has 350 large trunks and over 3000 small ones.

These trees not only provide welcome shade, but also produce a bright red fig-like fruit which, if undisturbed, produces pretty flowers that attract insects to pollinate them, just as bees and other insects do for flowers and fruit buds. This fruit is not suitable for man to eat, but birds and bats find it a welcome food supply. A bird, carrying one of these fruits to another tree (not necessarily another banyan), may let some of it fall into a crotch in the tree below its perch. There, with the benefit of mist or occasional showers, a seed will sprout and take root, soon developing its own long branches which grow just like the others, sending roots to the ground and starting the process that eventually will turn into another huge banyan tree.

It is certain that no one person, no matter how far he may have traveled, has ever seen all forms of creation placed on the earth by the Creator. But they are all known to Him, as a Bible verse tells us: “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Acts 15:18.

Even more important is the fact that God knows all about each of us and wants us to trust in His love, as another verse assures us: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7. Make sure that you are one who trusts in Him.

ML-11/12/1989

Tony's Trouble

Memory Verse: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

Tony’s mother had to go to his big brother’s school one day. Tony was not five years old yet, so he had not started school himself. His mother had told him to wait in the hall quietly like a big boy while she was busy talking with the teacher.

Nearby was a drinking fountain, so Tony took a long drink. Then he fooled around squirting water a little bit. Suddenly he saw an interesting red rope hanging down above the water fountain. He looked at it awhile, and then climbed up on the fountain to see if he could reach the rope. Sure enough he could. He gave it a real hard pull.

Oh my, what a loud noise! The big fire alarm on the ceiling gave an ear-splitting, screeching and clanging noise.

Tony’s mother came running back to where he was standing, frightened. All down the long hall doors quickly flew open and out marched long lines of boys and girls. They all lined up outside on the playground, shivering in the cold wind.

Tony was not old enough to remember what the Bible says in James 1:14, “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” But Tony was old enough to know that his mother would not want him to climb up on the drinking fountain nor to pull the red rope. Poor Tony; Numbers 32:23

Satan had won another victory in him. The poor little boy began to cry as he clung to his mother.

The principal soon realized what had happened. He called the fire department and told them not to come, because it was a false alarm. But he was angry with Tony and his mother.

Tony’s mother said she was very sorry. But that was all she could do then. In Proverbs 22:24 we are told, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.”

After they had arrived home and Tony had calmed down a bit, mother had a little talk with him. She wanted him to understand that doing his own will and doing thoughtless things, too, are sin. Sin is a dreadful thing in God’s sight, and no sin can be in heaven. God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for our sins so that we might be with Him in heaven someday.

We are so glad that Tony understood what sin really is, because he then asked the Lord Jesus to forgive him and to make him one of His own dear children.

Tony’s mother took him back to the school so he could tell the principal that he was sorry for all the trouble he had made. This was not an easy thing to do, but Tony did it to please the Lord Jesus. And then he felt so much better. “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.

ML-11/19/1989

The Little Gray Dog

One Saturday morning in December Mrs. Turner looked out the window at the blowing snow and read the thermometer... 10° below zero! It was such a cold morning that she shivered even standing indoors. She noticed a little gray dog sitting in a yard up the street. She felt sorry for it because it looked terribly cold.

About noon, as Mrs. Turner was leaving home to run an errand, a neighbor girl, Jill, called to her, “Do you know whose dog this is?” But Mrs. Turner had no idea. Jill was carrying the little dog and said, “His feet look frozen,” but as soon as she set him down he ran away.

Jill could have helped the cold little dog, but for some reason she set him down instead of taking him home. How often we are like that. We know many of our friends are in the cold grip of sin without having the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Yet we do not help them; we do not give them the message of God’s love.

Later that afternoon Shelly and Ellen Turner bundled up to walk to the store. What should come scampering over to meet them but that same little gray dog. He seemed friendly, and Ellen had no problem catching him. He seemed glad of the warmth of her arms as she carried him home to their garage. Although the dog was wearing a collar there were no tags on it to tell them to whom he belonged.

Are we like this shivering dog? Do we really belong to Someone the Lord Jesus Christ and yet no one knows? We are told in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Or do we have our light hidden under a bushel as described in Matthew 5:15?

Mrs. Turner came out to the garage to check on the dog. She was glad to see that he was warmer, but the garage was not warm enough for him to stay there until they could find his owner. So Mrs. Turner called the animal control center in their town. Within a few minutes the van pulled into the driveway.

The animal control officer walked around to the back door of the garage. How surprised Mrs. Turner was when the officer greeted the dog with a friendly, “Well hello, George, how are you?” The officer knew George well — he ran away from home often, and the officer was usually called to pick him up. George would have to go to the police station even though the officer knew exactly where he lived. Because George ran away from home so often, breaking the law of no loose dogs, he could not go back home until his owners paid the cost of the tickets that had piled up.

Boys and girls, how many times have you sinned, breaking God’s laws? The Bible tells us “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. We sometimes sing, “My sins were high as a mountain,” and that would be a lot of sins. There is no way we can pay for all those sins. We cannot even pay for one of them! However, the Lord Jesus paid the price for all our sins if we will only believe on Him and accept Him as our Saviour. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. Then we can sing,

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain;

He washed it white as snow.

How sad it would be if George never got back to his home — if his owners never paid the price of those tickets (and that was the only way George could be free to go home). Have you ever thanked the Lord Jesus Christ that He paid the price for your sins and set you free? “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift [the Lord Jesus Christ].” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

ML-11/19/1989

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.

Do you remember last winter how excited people were over some whales trapped in the ice in Alaska and how happy an event it was when the hard work of kind people freed them? These were gray whales, found only in the Pacific Ocean from the Arctic to Mexico and a small number near Korea.

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 Orcas, or killer whale. Between the two sizes is the gray species. It is about half the size of the blue, but is still very large as some reach 50 feet in length and weigh nearly 50 tons.

The grays are one of several species known as baleen whales, because of the baleen (or whalebone) plates hanging down in their mouths from the upper jaw. These are actually hairs pressed into long, narrow, plastic-like shapes that act as filters when the whale is feeding. They eat by pushing their open mouths through a muddy ocean bottom, scooping up mud and whatever food is hidden in it mostly a mixture called plankton (small sea animals and plants).

Closing their mouths on these big bites, the mud is filtered out in big clouds and the food portion is held back by the baleen sieve 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 sieve 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, which cannot survive without coming up frequently for air, would not be able to live beneath that frozen cover.

Because of this they migrate south in the fall and north in the spring. When they return north there are many more, because a great number of little ones are 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-11/19/1989

"I Want to Go Home"

Memory Verse: “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32

Mr. Albert was just about ready to leave for home when he saw Maria. She was crying.

As a missionary in South America, he often went to Children’s Hospital to help when someone he knew was sick. He had just finished visiting someone else when he saw Maria crying in her hospital bed.

“I want to go home,” she sobbed, not knowing that Mr. Albert was watching her.

He stepped over to her bedside. “Hello,” he said kindly. “You don’t look very sick.” He noticed that all the others in her room were getting medicine, but not Maria. She wouldn’t answer but went on crying.

Mr. Albert wondered what was wrong with her and why she couldn’t go home. He decided to ask the nurses about Maria. But they wouldn’t tell him anything either.

Mr. Albert felt so sorry for the little girl who wanted to go home. Most of the other children had a mother or a father there with them, but there was no one with Maria. Mr. Albert saw the man in charge of the hospital and asked him about Maria. “What’s wrong with her? She doesn’t look very sick. Why can’t she go home?” he asked.

“Oh, she’s fine now,” the man said, “but her parents don’t have the money to pay her hospital bill. She can’t go home until her bill is paid.”

Mr. Albert had never even seen Maria before, but he felt sorry for the little girl who had to stay in the hospital even after she was well. He asked how much the bill was and decided to pay it himself. He was glad that Maria could go home.

But now there was another problem. There was no one to take her home. Her mother would not be coming, because she knew that the people at the hospital would ask her to pay the money she owed. She did not know that Maria’s hospital bill had been paid. So no one would come to take her home.

When Mr. Albert first saw Maria crying, she was dressed in a shirt that said “Children’s Hospital,” and she was not allowed out of bed. Now the nurses gave her a dressing gown and let her up. So Mr. Albert took her to the door of the hospital and asked her where her mother worked. Maria said, “Down the street,” but he soon realized that she really did not know.

How could they find her parents? The nurses now had another idea. “We’ll announce it over the radio,” they said. “Someone in her family will hear it.” So they called the radio station and had them announce that the hospital bill for Maria had been paid and that she was now free to go home. Mr. Albert could not wait at the hospital any longer. He had a Bible meeting that he had to go to, so he had to go home.

Maria’s debt was for money that she owed the hospital. She could never pay it. Because of your sins, you owe a debt to God that you can never pay. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death” and “after death the judgment.”

But God’s good news for you is that the Lord Jesus paid the debt for sin when He died on the cross of Calvary. “Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18,19. God now offers you a free salvation because Jesus paid the price. Won’t you accept this free gift today?

Mr. Albert did not expect to see Maria again. Imagine his surprise when Maria and her mother knocked at his front door a few days later! They did not know where he lived, but had asked around town if anyone knew where the American missionary lived. Finally someone was able to tell them. But what could the mother want now? Why had she gone to so much trouble to find Mr. Albert’s house? He was so happy when he found out!

“I just wanted to come and tell you thank you,” Maria’s mother said. “Thank you for paying the hospital bill for Maria.”

Mr. Albert assured her that she was welcome, and in his heart he was so glad that they had come to say thank you.

Have you accepted God’s gift? Do you know that He is also waiting to hear a “thank you” from you? Have you ever really thought about what it is that the Lord Jesus has done for you? He gave His life for you on the cross of Calvary so that your sins could be forgiven. He has promised you a home in heaven and many wonderful blessings. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. Have you ever told Him “thank you"? God has written in His Word, the Bible, that one poor man who was healed “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.” Luke 17:15,16. Ten people had been healed that day, but only one turned around to thank the Lord Jesus. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” Is the Lord Jesus still waiting to hear your “thank you"?

Before Maria and her mother left, Mr. Albert and his wife, knowing they were poor, gave them some clothing for their family and some soap. The mother had only come to say “thank you,” but by coming she got something more. Perhaps you only think of escaping from the fire of hell, but if you come to the Saviour, you will find that He has more wonderful things for you than you ever thought possible.

Once more, Mr. Albert did not expect to see Maria again. But to his surprise she came back for a second visit. After that she came often to his house. Mr. Albert had Bible classes for children, so he told Maria what day each week she could come for the Bible class. But she still continued to come very often to his house just to visit. In fact, she came so often that Mr. Albert finally had to ask her to come only on the day of the Bible class.

Mr. Albert was too busy to visit with her every day, but he thought how his love was much less than the love of the Saviour. The Lord Jesus never turns anyone away no matter how many times they come to Him. The Lord Jesus said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. The Alberts could not have Maria always in their house, but the Lord Jesus wants you to be with Him in heaven forever. His love is far greater!

Have you received this great love of the Saviour? Trust in the Lord Jesus today and you will begin to enjoy the loving-kindness of the Lord.

ML-11/26/1989

Gray Whales of the Pacific: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“For 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 their companions for a 6,000-mile swim to Mexico. The younger ones soon follow, and last of all the males. All are heading south, and 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 coasts of Canada, on to Washington and Oregon, then to California, swimming day and night with only occasional brief rest stops.

In all these areas people are out in small boats or standing on high cliffs with field glasses and cameras, thrilled at seeing these interesting 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” — when they leap completely out of water and drop back with a terrific splash. Sometimes one will lift only its immense tail out of 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 little one 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 they 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 that little ones (calves) are born. These are born underwater where they would promptly drown if the mother did not boost them up to the top for their first breath of air. Since she can’t tell her baby (which weighs about half a ton) “don’t try to 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.

It is quite common to refer to migrations as “instinct,” but it should always be remembered that it is a God-given instinct, passed along from generation to generation, and that He 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 expresses it, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalms 145:9. Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and mercies to you?

ML-11/26/1989

A Double Rescue

Memory Verse: “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12

Near the town where we live is an area called Turner Falls, Oklahoma. It gets its name from a series of little waterfalls on the small river that flows through this rocky country.

One of the favorite spots in Turner Falls is the “Old Swimming Hole.” At the base of the largest falls a natural pool has been formed by the water plunging over the cliff. Because of its rocky bottom, the water is clear and clean. Many people admire its beauty and also enjoy swimming in its cool water.

Though the pool is inviting there are some hidden dangers. As might be expected the bottom of this natural pool is uneven. There are some unexpected “holes,” making some deep places that cannot be seen. A grownup could stand in some of these holes, but a boy or girl would be in water too deep for them.

One time we went to Turner Falls for a day of picnicking and swimming. It was great fun to get close to the falls where we could feel the cool mist made by the falling water.

This day a young girl stepped into one of these unexpected holes and suddenly was in water over her head. Fortunately, when the girl stepped into the deep water her daddy was very near and came immediately to help her. Though he could not swim, he thought his longer legs made it safe for him to be the rescuer. Suddenly, he stepped into a hole so deep the water was over his head. Now both of them were in danger. But to everyone’s relief both of them were quickly rescued.

This story should make us stop and think. One moment we may be having fun and enjoying life, and in the next moment we may be in serious danger. Actually, unless you have already trusted the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, you are in danger every moment. You could die and be called into eternity in an instant. Listen to what the Word of God, the Bible, says and obey it. The book of Amos warns us all: “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12.

The girl thought she was safe in her daddy’s arms, even though she knew he could not swim. Is it possible that you think you are safe by trusting something besides the precious blood of Jesus to take away your sins? The Bible plainly says, “Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22. If anyone tells you there are many ways to heaven, or if they say that we are all going to the same place but only taking different ways, do not believe them. There is only one way: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6, The Lord Jesus loves you. He died on the cross to save you from your sins. He is the Rescuer who can save you and all who believe on Him out of the deep, dangerous waters of punishment for your sins. The little girl’s daddy really tried to save her from the deep water, but he had to be saved out of it himself. “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.

If you have not yet trusted the Lord Jesus, you are very much like the little girl in water too deep for her. The Lord Jesus loves you and wants to rescue you. He wants to wash all your sins away in His precious, shed blood. He will save you from your sins and be your friend to walk with you through every difficulty of this life.

Will you let Him save you right now?

ML-12/03/1989

In the Raspberry Patch

In the cool of an overcast July morning, Mother and her 15-yeald daughter Sally hurried to pick all the raspberries before the sun broke through and it turned hot. Sally seemed to show somewhat less enthusiasm than Mother, although she loved the plump, juicy raspberries.

“Mother,” Sally said laughing, “there you go again! I really think you would stand on your head to catch one silly raspberry before it drops. See, your scarf is caught... 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, Mother smiled a little sheepishly. “You know, I’ve wondered that myself sometimes, but it seems a shame for beautifully juicy fruit to lie in the dirt and rot. I just can’t let them fall.”

“Humph!” retorted Sally. “It doesn’t bother me!”

Mother’s thoughts took a serious turn and after a few minutes she asked, “Sally, 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 Sally and stubborn Mother who 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 many other people who might be less trouble to Me?’ Like the wonderful Shepherd He is, our Saviour went out, searched for, and found the lost sheep!”

"‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.’" Sally reverently quoted John 10:11. “Yes, Mother, I am so glad He found me. It’s really wonderful knowing, too, that ‘the Father Himself’ loves us (John 16:27). Also, ‘All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). Even you, Mother, let the poorly formed and stunted raspberries fall to the ground, but the Lord doesn’t. It seems as if He especially cared about people with problems, like the poor, the blind, and the widows.”

Have you met the seeking Saviour, that 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.

ML-12/03/1989

A Hooked Loon

Two fishermen were in a boat near Thunder Bay, Ontario when they noticed a loon which was acting rather strangely. Loons are water birds, much like ducks, that can swim long distances under water as they catch fish to eat. They usually do not let people get close to them. They dive under water and swim away, coming up far away. The loon that these two fishermen were watching actually came right up beside the boat. It even allowed them to pick it up!

The men lifted the loon into their boat and then they could see that it had a fishing line wrapped around its beak, neck and wings. It also had four hooks and three wire leaders stuck in its body. The men took the loon to shore where they cut off the fishing line and removed the hooks with pliers. While they worked to free the loon, it remained quiet until they finished.

“I really think this bird came to our boat for help,” one of the fishermen remarked. “During that painful process of removing the hooks, it never struggled or made a sound. We even took a picture of it before we let it swim away.”

The loon seemed to know that it could be helped by the men. Boys and girls, and adults, too, have a special Person they can go to for help. They can be healed not just from illness, but be healed from sin. This special Person who can help is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. He is the only One who can take away sin and give peace and comfort. His blood is God’s remedy for sin.

The Lord Jesus said, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31,32.

The great Physician now is near,

The sympathizing Jesus;

He speaks, the drooping heart to cheer,

O, hear the voice of Jesus.

ML-12/03/1989

The Great Blue Heron

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

When the Lord God created the world He designed it with oceans, mountains, deserts, forests and everything else that made it a wonderful and beautiful globe. Then in each region He placed birds, animals and other creatures suited to that area’s vegetation and weather conditions. His wisdom becomes evident as we observe how each creature fits into the area where He has placed it.

An example is the great blue heron — a bird that is part of a variety known as waders, making its home in marshes or beside lakes, streams and other watery places. The great blue is the world’s largest heron, standing four feet tall and having a six-foot wingspread. Seeing one standing motionless in the shallow water of a pond with its long, spindly, red legs holding it like a statue, you would probably exclaim, “spectacular!”

Its name comes from the generally bluish-black feathers on its back and wings, but it is hard to make a general description, for its coloring does not set a definite pattern like a flamingo’s does. But each one is beautiful, whatever its color. As examples, one is bluish-black over its back, but has reddish wings and red patches elsewhere. Another is pretty with the top of its head a deep blue, back and wing feathers a somewhat lighter shade, with a rusty-red throat and neck and a pinkish breast and lower body parts.

But the varieties make great blues more interesting and do not affect traits common to them all. These include long spindly legs, long, narrow, flexible necks and strong, sharp-pointed beaks used to catch food, including fish, insects, frogs, mice or other tiny animals. They are very patient when hunting these, standing statue-still in water, with yellow eyes alert for any motion. Then when a fish or other small creature approaches they thrust their strong beaks down quick as a flash and rarely fail to catch it.

It is a treat to see this bird wing its way across the sky. When first taking to the air, its long neck is stretched straight forward, but as it rises high above the ground its neck is gradually drawn back to a graceful, double curve and, with its long legs straight behind it, it makes a wonderful picture.

Herons like living in large colonies high in trees alongside a marsh or stream. One tree may hold a dozen roughly built nests, so loosely woven that their eggs can be seen from below. Both parents provide for the little ones for over two months or more before they mature enough to fly away to make it on their own.

Psalms 33:5 tells us, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” And Psalms 150:6 tells us, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Have you ever praised the Lord?

ML-12/03/1989

Sheba the Sheep Dog

Memory Verse: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Sheba was a cuddly little ball of fluff when Alan and Mary put her into the corral with their sheep. Alan had picked her up that day from a neighboring farm where she had been born right in the corral with their ewes and lambs. Now, when she was six weeks old, she was so little and affectionate that the whole family would have loved to make a pet out of her. But she was a Great Pyrenees pup and they had bought her to protect their sheep from troublesome dogs and intruders. If she were to be a good sheep dog, all her love must be for the sheep. She must learn to think of them as her family.

Sheba quickly grew into a large, strong dog, and when she was about six months old she began to set herself up as the leader of the flock. When she barked she expected all the sheep to get behind her. If any did not, she would take them by the scruff of the neck, knock them down and wrestle with them until they were willing to follow her as their leader.

Sometimes the Lord Jesus has to wrestle with us too, when we are stubborn and want to go our own way. But it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance, and the writer of Psalms 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word.”

Since the corral can be seen from the highway, quite a few times drivers have screeched to a stop and raced up to the house to tell Alan or Mary that a white dog is in their corral killing their sheep. Alan tells them that Sheba is not killing them but guarding the sheep, and he offers to take them out to the corral to watch.

As soon as Sheba sees a stranger approaching she barks savagely, and all the sheep crowd in behind her so she is standing between them and the intruder. God has put it into the instincts of these Great Pyrenees dogs to so love and care for the sheep that they will sometimes give their lives in protecting the sheep from harm: a sweet reminder of our good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, who willingly gave His life to provide safety for His sheep. Sheba hasn’t been put to that test yet.

If you are one of the Lord’s sheep, He loves you so much that He willingly gave His life to save you from that roaring lion Satan, who is walking around looking for someone to destroy. Don’t let him get his teeth into YOU! Run to the Lord Jesus for safety, and be sheltered by His precious blood that cleanses us from all sin and opens the door of heaven for us.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

ML-12/10/1989

"He Died for Us"

The United States has five Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Each of these is large enough to have large ships going from port to port just like on an ocean. In fact, since all of these lakes are connected to each other and from Lake Ontario ships can reach the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the port cities on the Great Lakes are like ocean-port cities.

The boats that travel on the Great Lakes carry cargoes such as ore, coal, grain and other materials that are shipped in large quantities. These ships have crews and in some cases a few passengers. Years ago many people used these ships for travel before there were airplanes and good highway systems. It was on one of these ships that this story took place.

A ship named the Swallow was traveling from Detroit, Michigan to Buffalo, New York on Lake Erie. It carried a full load of tar, the crew and several passengers. One of the crew was John Maynard who as the pilot or helmsman had the responsibility of steering the ship. The captain would tell him the course to steer, and it was John’s job to follow the captain’s directions.

One day a frantic cry came from one of the crew, “Captain, there is a fire in the hold!”

“All hands on deck!” ordered the captain. “To your fire stations! Keep a steady course, John!” he ordered as he left the bridge to check the fire.

“Aye, aye, Captain,” replied John.

The trained crew fought the tar fire with all their skill, but they could not control it. Billows of black smoke rose from the back of the ship. The heat of the fire was so intense that the crew had to retreat to the front of the ship.

“How far are we from Buffalo?” an anxious passenger asked.

“About 45 minutes,” replied the captain.

Everyone but John Maynard was at the front of the ship. The forward motion of the ship kept the smoke and heat away from them. But this was not the case for John. The smoke and heat swirled up through the bridge where he held the wheel. But he knew that the safety of everyone on board depended on his being able to steer the ship into port.

“John Maynard!” shouted the captain through the radio.

“Aye, aye, sir; what course should I steer?” came the reply.

“East, south-east!” shouted the captain.

The fire became worse, but the shore was closer now. Only a few more minutes....

“John Maynard!” the captain called again.

“Aye, aye, sir,” came the answer through the raging flames and smoke.

“Can you hold on for five minutes more?” shouted the captain.

“I’ll hold on... with the help of God.”

Those were John Maynard’s last words. At that moment his hair and beard were burning and his clothes were on fire. His right hand was completely burned, and he steered only with his left hand. Yet because of his courage he was able to steer the ship to shore where everyone was rescued — everyone, that is, except John Maynard. He died before he could be rescued.

He was buried in a cemetery in Buffalo, New York, and a large marble monument marks his grave. Engraved on it are these words:

To the Pilot, John Maynard,

from

the grateful passengers of the

Swallow

“He died for us.”

Have you ever thought about the Man who died for sinners like you and me? His name is Jesus and He died on Calvary’s cross. He suffered the punishment from God that we deserve, because He loves you and me. Have you accepted Him as your Saviour? Has His blood washed your sins away? The answer to these questions can be “yes” if you will turn to Him now and be saved. Let it be engraved on your heart, “He died for me!”

“For Christ... appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Hebrews 9:24,26.

“Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.” John 13:1.

ML-12/10/1989

The Shepherd and His Sheep: Part 1

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

The Lord has very graciously called those that love Him His sheep and lambs. This is understandable because these animals always need someone to look after them. If they see a chance to break away, they quickly get into trouble and usually don’t get back until the shepherd goes out and saves them. The Lord Jesus does this for all who love Him and know Him as their Good Shepherd.

Most of North America’s sheep are raised in Texas, California, Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado, but there are some raised in every state as well as the provinces of Canada. The largest flocks in the world are in New Zealand where they often cover hillsides so solidly that from a distance they look to be snow-covered.

These wooly animals are called lambs until they are a year old, and after that the females are called ewes and the males are called rams. The cries of the little ones sound like they are calling “Ma Ma,” and the mother ewe does her best to see that they stay near her. For the first week the lambs’ only food is their mothers’ milk, but soon they start eating grass and hay. Then they seem to enjoy spending all the time possible in the pastures.

Like cows, sheep have a four-part stomach, which the Creator has provided to enable them to digest all their food. They eat so rapidly and swallow so fast that they don’t have time to do any chewing. In fact, they can’t, because their upper jaw has only a thick pad with no teeth, although the lower jaw does have them. When they close their mouths around a bunch of grass, they clamp down hard on it and give their heads a strong jerk, and then just swallow the bite. Later the sheep bring the grass up to their mouths for “chewing the cud.” Then it passes on to another part of their stomachs.

Large flocks in the western parts of the United States and Canada are watched over by shepherds and their helpful dogs. This is a lonely job with no human visitors for long periods of time. During these times the shepherds get to know their sheep and lambs really well. The shepherds live alone in campers in which there may be a refrigerator and a small stove for cooking and warmth when the weather gets chilly.

It would be a poor shepherd who was not kind to his sheep, as well as to the trained dogs that help him. The beginning Bible verse tells us of the Good Shepherd who cares for boys and girls who know Him as their Saviour. He thinks of them as His much-loved lambs and the older ones as His sheep. And He wants you to be His lamb or sheep, too, if you have not yet accepted the Lord Jesus as your Good Shepherd and learned how He will protect you when Satan tries to harm you. Are you part of the flock He loves so well?

(to be continued)

ML-12/10/1989

The "Thing's" Coming

Memory Verse: “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3:7

One sunny day as I was sweeping my front porch, the little five-year-old boy who lives next door came over, as he often does after school. He is quite a rascal and speaks only poor English. Even though I am a mother of three children, he always calls me “sir.” But that sunny day in September it was not his poor English that surprised me. He said boldly, “Sir, you are going to die. Want me to tell you why? Because of the thing that’s coming!” With no more explanation than that he ran off to play with his friends and left me wondering what the “thing” might be.

It was not long before I found out. Soon the whole town was talking about it, and it was not a joke. The “thing” was a dangerous hurricane. The weather forecasters had named it Hurricane Gilbert, and already many people had died and many millions of dollars of damage had been done as it passed over islands on its path towards the coast of Texas. The weathermen gave warnings to all the people who lived along the Gulf of Mexico, saying that Hurricane Gilbert was one of the strongest storms ever measured. Its winds were blowing at 200 miles per hour!

Our neighbors were quite worried, and the whole town began to make preparations. Some people nailed plywood over their windows to protect them. Others used yards and yards of tape on their windows to keep them from shattering. Because people were stocking up on food, the bread and milk shelves of the grocery stores were soon completely empty. Schools were let out early so children could reach home before the storm hit. Refuge centers were planned. Almost everyone who lived along the coast closed up their homes and drove inland where it would be safer.

Those of us who took the weathermen’s warnings seriously and prepared for it were shocked to hear of some who did not. One man on South Padre Island refused to leave. He said, “I just earned $600 nailing up plywood for people, and I want to be here to take it down for them.” Some others were reported to have actually been out surfing. They were enjoying the unusually high waves and were more interested in having fun than in getting away from the danger. These people seemed very foolish to us as the hurricane headed our way.

Would you unwisely ignore a warning like this? What about God’s serious warning of judgment that will come to those who die in their sins? The Bible tells us that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27. God in His love has made a way of escape from this storm of judgment. He sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, to suffer and to die on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty our sins deserved. “For 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. How sad that not just a few, but many are ignoring both God’s serious warning and His loving plan for salvation. Are you?

The one man about whom I told you did not look for a safe place from the storm because he wanted to make money. The others ignored the warnings because they wanted to have fun. Has money or having a good time kept you boys and girls from being saved from the punishment for your sins? Have you found safety and the forgiveness of your sins in the Lord Jesus? The Bible warns, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:12. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3:7.

ML-12/17/1989

The Stolen Fork

Richard was ten years old. He and his brothers loved to go with Dad and Mother to the Automat, a restaurant where almost all the food was displayed in shiny coin-operated dispensers. First they would go to the cashier and exchange dollar bills for nickels, dimes and quarters. Then each one would choose a tasty beef or chicken potpie or a plate of franks and beans, put the right coins in the slot, open the glass window, remove the food, and put it on his tray. Drinks such as milk or chocolate milk came out of a faucet or spigot shaped like a lion’s mouth. When each in the family had their meal, they would find a table and Dad would thank the Lord Jesus for their food. Then the boys would dig in to the feast.

The knives, forks and spoons were plain metal, but of good quality. Each one was stamped with the words, “Horn and Hardart,” who were the people owning all the Automats in New York and Philadelphia.

Imagine how Mother felt one day when she was emptying Richard’s pockets before putting his pants in the wash and out fell a shiny fork with “Horn and Hardart” on it. She felt sorry that Richard had taken the fork, but she did not say anything to him about it until Dad came home and they could talk it over together.

Dad and Mother showed Richard the fork and asked him how he got it. With the evidence right in front of his eyes, how could he deny that he had stolen the fork from the Automat? Richard was ashamed. Almost at once he confessed what he had done. Dad told him it was stealing and needed also to be confessed to God. Richard knelt by the living room couch and confessed to God the sin of stealing. He expected a spanking from Dad, but this time Dad did something different. He made Richard take the fork back to the manager of the Automat.

“Aw, Dad,” he complained, “can’t I just put it back in the tray with all the other forks? I don’t want the manager to know I stole it.”

“No,” answered Dad. “You must take it to the manager and tell him you took it.”

Richard’s wise father then went with him and stood next to him while he told the manager what he had done. And the equally wise manager did not make a joke of what Richard had done. He explained that every year many forks, spoons and knives disappear from Automats, costing the company thousands of dollars. Then, to Richard’s relief, the manager forgave him and thanked him for bringing the fork back.

Richard now is a grandfather, but he never forgot the lesson he learned at the Automat.

Boys and girls, God says, “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. Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for the sins of all those who would receive Him as their own Saviour.

ML-12/17/1989

The Shepherd and His Sheep: Part 2

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want [lack anything]. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalms 23:1.2.

David, who wrote many of the Psalms, could understand how the Lord Jesus is like a shepherd, because he himself had been a shepherd when he was young. He never forgot how dependent he was on the Good Shepherd’s watchful care over him day and night. When he was troubled he told Him all about it and was led “beside the still waters” for rest and comfort.

You will notice the verse doesn’t say, “He leadeth me beside the swift waters.” No, it is the still waters we need for safety, refreshment and quietness. The Good Shepherd who watches over all who love Him, will never lead any into places where the evils of Satan and the world are like wild waters. He stays beside His own and leads only into safe and pleasant places.

That’s the way it is with sheep and lambs, too. No matter how much grass is available, there are times when they need the shepherd to lead them to a quiet place beside a gentle stream or pond to drink, lie down and rest before returning to their grazing.

Have you ever rubbed your hand over the wooly coat of a sheep and noticed how much whiter it is down underneath? This shows how the outer part has been soiled by dust, rubbing against brush, tall grass and flowers and other things — all of which make it necessary for the wool, after it is clipped, to be washed thoroughly before it can be used.

Sheep, of course, don’t realize they are getting dirty and their wool is going to need washing. Sometimes, too, people think that if they are living “good” lives, their sins aren’t serious enough to need washing away before they can get to heaven. But a holy God cannot look on sin, and to reach His lovely, heavenly home we must first be made clean. But, as the Bible verse says, “Though thou wash thee with nitre [strong cleaner], and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity [sin] is marked before Me, saith the Lord God.” Jeremiah 2:22.

If you have ever tried to “turn over a new leaf” and to never again do anything naughty, you know it’s impossible. How wonderful it is that the Lord Jesus on the cross took away all the sins of everyone who will admit they are a sinner, repent of their sins, and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. There is no other way in which you can enter heaven.

Nothing in all the world is more important than to listen to His invitation: “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. Have you accepted that gracious invitation and now know Him as your own Good Shepherd?

ML-12/17/1989

The Bold Thief

Memory Verse: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

There was that raven again, eating our kitten’s food! I looked at the big black bird more closely. I saw it had a little gold ring around one of its legs. That must be a tame bird, someone’s pet, I thought, but I sure wish its owner would keep it at home. Fuzz is going to starve at this rate.

Did you ever stop to think how many ravens are eating up your food? Jesus said, “My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:32,33. How often do we let the “ravens” of laziness or perhaps busyness peck away until our day has gone by, and we haven’t eaten any of the bread of God — we have not read our Bibles. We’ll be just like Fuzz. He was so skinny there was hardly anything left of him but fur and bones.

That night at suppertime we talked over Fuzz’s problem, and it was decided that I should sit right beside Fuzz until he’d had time to eat all his food. The raven would not come close with me sitting there.

The next morning I sat on the back step guarding Fuzz’s dish. It wasn’t long until Mr. Raven arrived and perched on the ground a few yards away from us. Fuzz wasn’t eating very well with that big bird watching him so closely. When I petted and talked to him he’d take a nibble or two in between nervous glances at that bird that was twice as big as he was. All the time Mr. Raven was cocking his head from side to side and hopping a little closer every minute. Suddenly he flapped his big wings and rushed in, and just as suddenly there he went with the whole dish in his big beak, food and all, flying off over the housetops.

Fuzz was scared! I was disgusted! Something had to be done! I began wandering around our small community searching for Mr. Raven. Pretty soon I found him, looking very much at home on the roof of a neat little house with a chain dangling from its chimney probably Mr. Raven’s chain.

I knocked at the door and told the lady who answered about the trouble we were having with her bird eating all our kitten’s food. It was then arranged that Mr. Raven would be chained to the chimney between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning and between 4:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon while Fuzz ate his meals.

Soon Fuzz was a healthy, sleek cat. But he needed to have that time, completely free from the raven, to eat his food in peace. The Bible tells us that if we’ve found out how gracious the Lord Jesus has been to save us from our sins we should be as eager to feed on the Word of God as a newborn baby is to drink milk. (1 Peter 2:2,3.)

Let us be very careful not to let the “ravens” of this world rob us of the food we need to grow into healthy, strong Christians. The Lord Jesus tells us not to spend all our time working only for the meat that doesn’t last, “but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” John 6:27.

ML-12/24/1989

A Pardon

Many years ago there was a missionary who had gone to the country of Bolivia in South America to preach the gospel. The people there thought the gospel was only this man’s idea. The missionary tried to show them that the gospel is the “good news” of God’s wonderful plan of salvation, but they would not listen. Some of the people became angry when the missionary spoke to them about the gospel and wanted to harm him.

One night about midnight a man knocked loudly on the missionary’s door. He told the missionary about a plot to kill him and his wife. There was a mob of about 60 drunken men armed with rocks and clubs who were on their way to kill them. This man, at the risk of his own life, had come to warn the missionaries to move out quickly.

But where could they go? The only way out to safety was the same road along which their enemies were coming.

They dressed quickly and, putting a few of their belongings in their little pickup truck, they started off in the darkness. Sure enough, down the road they could see the band of men coming toward them. Calling to God for help, the missionary turned on the bright headlights and, keeping his hand on the horn, drove straight at the drunken mob.

Taken completely by surprise, the men ran to get out of the way. They threw rocks at the speeding truck, but none of them hit it.

The missionaries drove a long way down the dry riverbed, which was the only road in that area. Then, asking the Lord for guidance, they drove to another section of that province, to the home of a dear Christian man who was a district judge.

After hearing of their experience, the judge said, “This is a serious matter. The governor must be told.”

The missionary pleaded with the judge not to report the men, because he had already forgiven them. He knew that most of them had been led by only a few men, the leaders, and that they were all so drunk they did not know what they were doing. But the judge insisted they be reported. So they went to the capitol to tell the governor what had happened.

The next morning on orders from the governor the twelve leaders of the mob were arrested and put in prison.

The following day the missionary asked to talk with the governor. He said, “Sir, I love these people, and I am asking a favor of you. Please release these men and let me take them back to their homes. I have forgiven them, and I have asked the Lord Jesus that you might approve my request.”

“They will kill you!” exclaimed the surprised governor. “They should be punished.” But after consulting with others, the governor said, “If you can forgive these men, then you may take them to their homes.”

The men were released after stern warnings from the police. Then all twelve climbed into the back of the missionary’s truck.

The missionary and his wife drove off with the men. Late that afternoon they arrived at the same spot where the men had thrown the stones. He stopped there and asked the men to get out of the truck and listen to God’s Word. Opening his Bible to Luke 23:34, he read the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as He hung upon the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Then he told them of Jesus and His love for poor sinners and of how He was the missionary’s own precious Saviour and that He could be theirs also. Just as the Lord Jesus had forgiven those who nailed Him to the cross, the missionary was happy to do the same by forgiving them.

These hard men were greatly affected by what the missionary said. While he spoke to them, they took off their hats in respect. When he had finished talking they told the missionary and his wife they were sorry for what they had done and promised them their love and friendship. They kept their word, too. Later one of these men accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Many of the children of these men were later saved also.

Even the governor was so impressed by the outcome that he was convinced of his need of the Saviour. Later, he also accepted the Lord Jesus and was saved.

This same precious Saviour who saved these Inca Indians in Bolivia is the same Saviour for you today. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” Heb. 13:8. He will give you, a sinner, His free pardon if you will in simple faith trust in that precious blood He shed on Calvary’s cross.

“And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them.” Luke 7:42.

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

ML-12/24/1989

Spittlebugs or Froghoppers

The Wonders of God’s Creation

“God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty... and things which are despised... that no flesh [person] should glory in His presence.” 1 Cor. 1:27-29.

There are countless insects in the world, some so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Yet in some way each one has its part in keeping nature in balance, even though it is hard to see how some can be useful when they are such a nuisance.

But, besides being helpful to other things, the above Bible verse tells us that God allows them to help keep us humble rather than proud. In another verse we are informed “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6.

One such insect called the froghopper, or spittlebug, is an example of this. Have you ever wondered what those globs of white froth (looking like spittle) are doing on grass stems and plants in a field or in your own yard? The next time you see one, look closely and you will see inside it two tiny nymphs clinging tightly to the stem, sucking juice from it.

That ball of bubbles is not spit. It is partly digested plant sap that the nymphs mix with a material similar to that used by some other insects for spinning silk cocoons. Of course they don’t realize the Creator gave them this unusual arrangement to protect themselves from the hot summer sun as well as from other insects and birds that would like to eat them. The sticky froth stops them.

By the time the nymphs are fully grown the spittle-like foam has all disappeared and the nymphs have turned into flat, leaping insects about half an inch long, brown, greenish, or sometimes red and black, looking something like tiny tree frogs — which is how they got their other name of froghopper. They look odd with heads that appear too big for their tiny bodies. Their legs and wings also seem extra long, but are a big help when hunting for food. The grass and plants on which they feed while protected by the froth, wither away after they hatch. Then, as adults, they fly into pine trees and damage them severely, eating the needles and are thus a real pest in parts of North America.

These insects are mainly a nuisance, yet God has created them for a purpose which perhaps only He can understand. But we can see how they help to keep us humble when we think of how much effort has been made to get rid of them and still, year after year, they continue to show up.

God is never pleased with proud ways. So let us always remember His promise: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6,7.

ML-12/24/1989

Fire!

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

The whistle blew in the small Indiana town. “Fire!” people were shouting, “Fire at Steve Cole’s house!” Men and women, boys and girls were running to watch the firemen. It seemed that everyone was there... except Steve. “Where is Steve?” A fireman opened the kitchen door, and there sat my Uncle Steve.

Uncle Steve was old and forgetful, and his mind sometimes got foggy and he could not think straight. This time he did not realize his house was burning and that he needed to get out.

Poor Uncle Steve isn’t the only one with that kind of problem. Lots of people do not realize that time is running out and that they need the Saviour. They think, “Maybe later I will think about those things.” But the Bible tells us, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. Later would have been too late for Uncle Steve, and later may be too late for you if you are not yet saved from your sins.

Uncle Steve was brought out quickly, and the firemen tried to put out the fire, but the house burned to the ground.

Cousin Norman took Uncle Steve to his home. He told us that Uncle Steve was so dirty he almost didn’t know who he was. You see, Uncle Steve had no wife nor children, and no one had cared much about him. So Cousin Norman filled his bathtub with nice warm water and scrubbed him clean and then put clean clothes on him. Then he said, “Yes, you are my Uncle Steve!”

Since Uncle Steve couldn’t live in his old house anymore, Cousin Judy took him to live at her home. She kept him clean and gave him good food. So there were at least two people who cared for this poor old man. Someone else cared about Uncle Steve, too. Maybe you already know who He is. Uncle Steve had heard many times about the Lord Jesus and His love for sinners and His death on the cross. But we don’t know that Uncle Steve ever accepted the Lord Jesus as his very own Saviour.

Isn’t it sad? He was over 80 years old, and he did not know the Lord Jesus. I know many of you reading this story already know Him and love Him, and I am thankful for that. But for those of you who have not received Him, don’t wait another minute! Don’t just sit in your “burning house!” “Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1.

Cousin Norman loved the Lord Jesus and his sins are washed away in the blood of the Saviour. Cousin Norman washed the dirt off Uncle Steve’s body, but he could not wash even one sin stain from his heart. “None... can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” Psalms 49:7. Only the Lord Jesus can do that. Will you let Him do that for you right now?

ML-12/31/1989

"Look What Followed Me Home!"

One afternoon as Debbie was walking home from school she found a stray puppy. It was just sitting on the grass in an empty lot. She stopped and petted it for a few minutes. It even rolled over and let her scratch its tummy.

Debbie started walking home and only had gone a little way when she noticed the puppy following her. “You’d better go home,” Debbie told him and started on her way again. But when she looked back, the puppy was still following her.

The puppy was lost and did not know which way to go. It followed her all the way home.

“Look what followed me home from school, Mom! Can we keep him?”

Her mother picked up the puppy and looked him over. Then she said to Debbie, “He looks well-cared for, Debbie. Although he doesn’t have a tag on his collar, I’m sure he has a home. He belongs to someone maybe a boy or a girl just like you. Let’s keep him here and see if we can find his owner.”

After giving the puppy something to eat, Debbie put him in the garage to keep him from running away.

“How can we find out who he belongs to?” she asked.

“I guess the best way is to make some signs and put them up where people will see them. You can start making some signs right now, if you want to.”

Debbie sat at the kitchen table and worked on a sign. It read:

FOUND: BROWN AND WHITE

PUPPY

CALL: 367-2905

Debbie made up five of these signs and walked back along the way to school. She got permission to put three of the signs in store windows that she passed. Then she hung one sign on an old nail in a tree in the empty lot where she first found the puppy. She took the last sign to school with her the next morning and tacked it on the bulletin board.

Two days passed and no one called about the lost puppy. But then on the third day the mother of a little boy called. She had seen the sign in one of the store windows. When she described the puppy they had lost to Debbie’s mother, it sounded like the puppy Debbie had found. “We’ll come right over to see,” the lady said.

Fifteen minutes later they drove into the driveway. Debbie was glad to take the little boy out to the garage to show him the puppy.

When the puppy and the boy saw each other the boy yelled, “Nickie, I found you!” The puppy barked and wagged his tail with delight and licked every part of the boy he could reach. Soon a happy boy and his puppy were on their way home together.

Like the little puppy, there are lost children. But instead of being lost from home, they are lost in sin and do not know which way to turn. But the Lord Jesus loves big and little children and wants to take them in His arms and save them. He says, “The Son of man [the Lord Jesus] is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

When the little boy and the lost puppy found each other, they were happy. When the lost sinner and the seeking Saviour meet, how wonderful it is. The Lord Jesus died so that we can have our sins washed away. God will accept us when our sins are gone. He brings us into His house of love, feeds us, takes care of us and makes us happy. This happiness will go on forever for those who accept Him as their Saviour. They will be with Him in heaven for eternity.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

ML-12/31/1989

The Useful Water Buffalo: Part 1

“Behold now behemoth [large beast], which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.... His bones are like bars of iron.” Job 40:15.18.

There is no relationship between the water buffalo of Asia, India and Africa and the animals we often call buffalo in the United States and Canada. (Their correct name is bison.)

Wild water buffalo which make their homes in grassy jungles, swamps and marshes are huge animals, much like the large beast described in the opening Bible verse. Fully grown water buffalo measure up to six feet high at their shoulders and weigh more than a ton. Because of their fierce natures, loud roars and great strength, only a well-armed hunter would want to get near them.

But the ones in which we are interested have, over many years, been tamed — becoming somewhat smaller in the process — and are as gentle as a cow, at least with people they know and serve. They seldom kick or attack people or other animals, do not roar loudly and are more useful and friendly than most bulls on North American farms. It is not uncommon to see youngsters or grown persons riding or even sleeping on the bare back of a water buffalo, with only a rope or strap needed to guide them.

As a working animal, milk producer, source of meat and even as a human companion, this ungainly animal is one of the most important domestic animals in the world. Their owners consider them a source of power, wealth and pride. In fact, so valuable has this bulky beast with its droopy neck and massive horns become, that its reputation is spreading to more and more parts of the world where people welcome them to replace hand and machine labor.

To say the least, they are a happy answer for many farmers who cannot afford a tractor or other machinery, as they do work no other animal could match. Sure-footed, their broad hoofs are well suited for moving through deep mud, and they have become in many areas the principal means of plowing and preparing rice paddies which are covered with several inches of water and muddy soil below. Besides plowing, water buffalo transport heavy loads on sleds or carts and do a variety of other jobs on farms where their slow speed is plenty good enough.

Do you think animals of this kind are watched over by their Creator? Yes indeed. There is not one part of God’s wonderful creation, large or small, that is not under His watchful care, as this Bible verse assures 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.

Let us never forget another verse that tells us: “For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Job 34:21. Does that make you uneasy or does it make you glad?

(to be continued)

ML-12/31/1989

Messages of God's Love: 1989

Table of Contents

The Class of the Year 2000

The Fight

Breathing and Eating: Part 1

Buffy, the Stray Dog

Spiders

The Mouth Does More Than Talk: Part 2

No Warning

Purple Crayons

Pam's Eye Trouble

The Throat's Part in Our Lives: Part 3

An Icy Plunge

The Useful Gourd

The Lost Bird

Inside or Outside

More About Salamanders

Carmen's Story

The Saving Arm

Pepper

The Philippine Eagle

A Dangerous Way to Fish

Helen Forgot

The Meerkat

Are You a Sea Gull or a Mouse?

A Story About Nothing

A Visit in the Riparian Area

Do You Go to Sunday School?

Discovered!

Disobeying and Its Results

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 1

God's Love to José

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 2

The Roar of a Tiger

At the Ocean's Bottom: Part 3

The Wandering Hen

The Doctor

The Jakfruit, Tasty but Smelly

A Night Ride

The Lively Marmosets

An Old House

Love Story

Sturgeons Grow Big

The White Cat

No Catcher's Mask

The Impressive Trumpeter: Part 1

A Lesson About Peace

The Little Furnace Cleaner

The Impressive Trumpeter: Part 2

For a Friend

Personal Life Vest

The Scarce Snow Leopard

Grandma Forgot

The Lightning Storm

Are You Adopted?

The High-Leaping Impala

What Train?

Beware of the Snake!

Bristletails, Silverfish and Firebrats

Woodchuck or Wood Duck?

One Warning Is Enough!

No License to Fly!

The Cute Viscacha

Icy Water

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 1

Above the Clouds and Lost

A Stray Kitten

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 2

Frozen to the Boat

A Chinese Chicken

The Seldom-Seen Grouse: Part 3

Buried Treasure

Burglar Alarm

Hardy Olive Trees

The Lost Glasses

Shimbi

Plants With Strange Appetites

A Lesson Learned

Candy's Trust

Garibaldis Are Tough