Sunday, November 22, 2020 - Children's Time

“The Old Has Become New”

           A few years ago Grandpa went to an auction, because he likes to do things like that.  He likes looking at the items up for sale and he gets to see folks he knows and visits with them.

             At this particular auction, he saw an old baker's rack.  It was badly in need of some tender loving care.  The paint was peeling, there was a thick crust of rust on the legs, and it had lately been used to hold house plants, so it was dirty and needing a good cleaning.

Well, Grandpa bid on the old rack when it came up for sale, and he made the highest bid. So, home he came with this old rusty, in dire need of care prize. 

The rack did not get immediate attention.  It sat in a back room for awhile holding some old clay crocks that Grandpa had also bought at an auction. 

Now, this old grandma had a dream for that old metal shelf.  I saw a beautiful new baker's rack, with a coat of bright red paint, sitting in my kitchen, with my and Great Grandma's red and blue speckle ware dishes displayed on it. 

So one day I got sand paper, paint remover and rags together.  I grabbed an old lawn chair because I knew I was going to be out there for a while, and out to the carport I went to work.  It required a lot of elbow grease and time, but I got the rust sanded off, and the old paint removed.  Grandpa applied steel weld to the really bad areas on the lower legs.  He then applied a base coat of primer paint before the beautiful "Poppy Red" color I had chosen was sprayed on. All this took days to complete because of the dry times between the paint coatings.

Now in my kitchen stands this beautiful "Poppy Red" baker's rack, holding the family's beloved speckle ware dishes, just like in my dream.  The rack got a new life, a new purpose.  No longer a shabby looking throw away, but a lovely piece of furniture of great value.

The Bible says that when we become believers in Christ we too become new again. In 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17 it says, "those who become Christians become new persons.  They aren't the same anymore, for the old life is gone.  A new life has begun."

A new person again, old sins and habits gone. In their place a changed heart, and the love of Christ Jesus.  Living to please God our Father.  What a wonderful change.  Just like that old rusty shelf, we too can have a new lease on life through Jesus our Lord, by asking for the forgiveness of our sins and asking him into our lives to be our friend and guide while also receiving his precious gift of eternal life.  Thank you, Jesus. 

Dear God, thank you for your son Jesus. Through him we can become new again, our sins forgiven, and become children of God.  Thank you, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, November 15, 2020 - Children's time

"Why keep a broken bell"
 from “Did you know devotions,” by Nancy S. Hill

  There was a big crowd in front of the State House in Philadelphia.  The new bell had arrived from England, and it was about to be rung for the first time.  The bell ringer swung the clapper, the bell made a lovely bong - and then it cracked all the way up the side!  Now it had to be fixed.  A brass maker named Mr. Stow was hired to do the job.  First he melted the bell, and then he remolded it.  The bell was tested again.  This time it just went 'thud' when it was rung, so back it went to the shop.  Again it was remade, and again it was rung.  Finally it was perfect - which was a good thing, because this became the Liberty Bell that was rung in 1776 to gather everyone when the Declaration of Independence was read out loud for the first time.

In 1777, however, the Liberty Bell was in trouble again.  Americans had to take it down and sneak it out of town at night to hide it from the British army, because the army would probably try to melt it and make bullets out of it.  The bell stayed in the basement of a church for a year.  Then it was brought back to Philadelphia and hung up again, to be rung on important occasions for the next fifty - seven years.  But one day something amazing happened when it was rung.  The Liberty Bell cracked again!  What was really surprising was that it broke on exactly the same day, July 8, as it had cracked the first time - fifty nine years earlier.  It hasn't been rung since then, but it has been visited and admired by many Americans.

Liberty is another word for freedom.  Some people say that they don't want to be Christians because they would have no freedom, that there are too many rules to follow.  But that is not true at all!  The Bible says in Galatians 5 : 13 - 14 -  You have been called to live in freedom - not freedom to satisfy your old sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: " Love your neighbor as yourself."

When we follow this rule, we have true freedom and live in a way that pleases God.

 Dear God, thank you for true freedom.  Thank you for freedom from our old sinful nature and your gift of forgiveness through your son Jesus.  Help us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  In Jesus name, Amen.
God Bless

Sunday, November 8, 2020 Children's Time

“Be Watchful and Alert”

Kate the beautiful, yet vigilant, powerhouse of a watch dog caught my attention early one morning as I was preparing coffee.  I heard her barking very excitedly and forcefully.  I looked out and saw her standing on her dog igloo.  She was facing the east and she had the other dogs up, they too were just as excited and sounding the alarm.  

I took my furry sentinel's cue and went to the front door.  As I opened it and squinted through the bright glare of the morning's sun, I saw in the meadow the two Great Pyrenees' that belong to the neighboring farm playing and frolicking with, of all things, a coyote!  All three just bounding about and playing tag in our pasture.

Now I'm thinking, and I'm pretty sure, that our neighbor bought those dogs to protect his farm and livestock from predators such as this, yet these two traitors were entertaining and enjoying the company of this enemy.

Now if these were my dogs, they and I would be having us a serious 'Come to Jesus meeting ' as to what exactly their job description was to do on the farm!

A watch dog's job is to watch for the enemy such as coyotes, cougars and other predators, making the livestock safe from attacks from creatures such as these.  The last thing a farmer wants to see is  his furry help inviting the enemy into the fold to play.

I watched them carry on for several minutes until the coyote and the dogs went separate ways and it made me think.  Sometimes we behave the same way.  We let our guard down and allow the enemy to enter into our thoughts and lives too.

The enemy in our case is the devil.  He has a plan for our lives, and that plan is identified in 1 Peter 5: 8-9, "Be careful!  Watch out for the attacks from the Devil, your great enemy.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.  Take a firm stand against him and be strong in your faith.”

God calls us to be alert.  He wants us to be aware of the devil's purpose which is (John 10: 10) "to steal, kill and destroy.”  He wants to keep us from the joy of living in a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord.

The devil enters our lives innocently at first, gaining a foothold, most times through what we choose for entertainment and play (the neighbors dogs were just playing).  We let the enemy in to steal us through our games, television, music and activities.  When we let these take the place of and become more important to us than our relationship with Christ Jesus, then these have become our idols and we have let the enemy in.

As Kate the guard dog was alert and watchful of the enemy, let us be alert and watchful — keeping our eyes on Jesus. In  James 4: 7 - "So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  Be on your guard for the enemy, like Kate the guard dog.

 Dear God, help us to be on guard, to draw close to You, to be alert, and to be strong in our faith.  In Jesus name.  Amen

God Bless

Sunday, November 1, 2020 Children's Message

"Autumn"

           Autumn is here, the leaves are changing, and you can see them in the wind as they are carried past the window, piling up against the fences and in the gardens. This past week we've felt the chill in the air and this puts grandma in the mood for cooking and baking.  

Grandpa has been out in the garden picking the last of the tomatoes.  He has put a lot of vegetables in the freezer to be used in soups and stews for this coming winter.  

We have put straw in the dog houses so they will have warm beds to snuggle in when the cold winds blow.  It has been a time of gathering in,  storing up,  and preparing for the coming weeks of winter. 

I miss seeing summer go.  The long, warm, sunny days.  I like being outside in the gardens, at the ponds watching the ducks and geese.  There are a lot of things to do on the farm in the summertime.

But winter time is important too.  It's a time of rest for the earth.  The trees and land need rest to prepare for producing crops for next season.  Rest is essential for trees, plants, animals, and people.  Even God himself took time to rest. In the book of Genesis, Chapter 2, verse 1- 2,  "So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed.  On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.  

If it was important enough for God to take time to rest,  then rest is truly important for us mere mortals, and all the earth. 

So this winter, when we are remembering the beautiful spring days and the ever busy sunny days of summer, let us also rejoice in the crisp days of fall and the slumbering days of winter knowing our God made all the seasons and gave them purpose. Just as Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 - “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” 

Dear God,  Thank you for the gift of the seasons,  the gift of work and the gift of rest.  You know what is best for all the earth  Thank you for your loving care. In Jesus name, Amen

God Bless

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

      The Contemporary Christian song writer, Chris Tomlin, along with Ed Cash and Scott McTyeire Cash wrote a song entitled "Whom Shall I Fear ( God Of Angel Armies)," from Tomlin's 7th studio album, "Burning Lights," released 11/9/2012.

     The song is based on 2 Kings chapter 6 - The King of Aram wanted to seize Elisha, the prophet and servant of Almighty God because Elisha would warn the King of Israel each time the Aramean Army would mobilize against Israel allowing them to prepare for attack and foil the ambush. 

     The Aramean King commanded his officers to find out where Elisha was and to send troops to seize him. The report came back that Elisha was at Dothan, so the king of Aram sent a great army with horses and chariots to surround the city. 

     When the servant of Elisha got up early the next morning, went outside and saw the troops, horses and chariots everywhere he cried out to Elisha, "Ah, my lord, what shall we do now?"

    "Don't  be afraid, " Elisha told him, "For there are more on our side than on theirs!"  Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!"  The Lord opened his servant's eyes,  and when he looked up,  he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 

     In the chorus of " Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies), it says: 

I know who goes before me,
I know who stands behind,
The God of Angel Armies
Is always by my side. 
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine.
The God of Angel Armies
Is always by my side.

     This same God who opened the eyes of Elisha's servant to let him see God's Army of Angels is the same God who watches over us today, and he still has his angel armies to guard is.  We too don't need to be afraid. 

     In the book of Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10, it says "Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

     In Isaiah chapter 12 verse 2, it says, "I will trust in God.   See God has come to save me.   I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song.  He has become my salvation. "

     What a comfort to know we do not have to fear because God is always with us; before us to lead and behind us to protect.  

    In Matthew 14: 27, Jesus said to his disciples, 'But Jesus spoke to them at once,' "It's alright," he said, "I am here.  Don't  be afraid."

     The next time you feel afraid, remember your God has His army of angels guarding you.  "Whom shall I fear?"

Dear God,  Thank you for watching over us and teaching us that we your children don't need to be afraid.  For you are guarding over us with your Angel Armies. In Jesus name. Amen

God Bless

Sunday, October 18, 2020 - Children's time

Grandpa has been looking for a Great Pyrenees dog for the farm.  We have coyotes around us and when Great Grandma lived on the farm she had a Great Pyrenees  named Barney.   He was a good guard dog, but he passed away a few years ago. Grandpa wanted another dog just like him. 

Grandpa went to the local animal shelter because they had a Great Pyrenees mix who showed up needing a home.   The dog's  name was Chase.  

As Grandpa approached Chase,  the dog growled and lunged at him. This happened a couple of times.   Grandpa had to say he was sorry but he had a couple of grandchildren who visited the farm a lot and he could not bring home a dog that might harm them. 

About a month later Grandpa saw they had a new dog at the shelter named Kate.   She was an Anatolian Shepherd -Great Pyrenees  mix.  Grandpa went to look at Kate.   She was sweet  and friendly.  Her fur was white,  brindle and black mix. When she looked at Grandpa with those large soft brown eyes,  he knew she was the dog for him.   

Grandpa also saw another little dog at the shelter,  a Labrador mix puppy named Nyla.  She had been abused and had some scars on her to prove it,  but she was a little bundle of pure happy energy.   When Grandpa pet her she was excited,  jumping up and down,  licking his hand. Grandpa knew he had to bring her home too.  As it turns out Nyla was already friends with Kate as they had played together at the shelter. 

The woman at the shelter explained to Grandpa that Kate was found wandering along highway 59 with a Great Pyrenees and both were brought to Oswego.  The Pyrenees  had been adopted out right away but not Kate.  She was scheduled to be put down,  but a woman who worked at the veterinary  took her to the No -Kill shelter.  She later took Kate home to live with her for about a year but then had to return her to the shelter due to unknown circumstances. 

That's  where Grandpa came in.  He also learned that the woman who had saved Kate was his neighbor who lived a mile down the road from our farm, so Kate was practically back home! 

The neighbor woman was so happy to learn that Kate had been adopted again and that she was close enough to come see her.  The woman,  Judy, stopped by to bring Kate some medicine that Grandpa had ordered for her from the vet.  Kate was so happy to see Judy, she jumped up,  licked her face and wagged her tail.   Judy said she had Kate for about a year, and cried for two days when she had to take her back to the shelter.  She was so happy that Kate to had a new home,  and that Nyla had a home too.  Judy knew it would be hard for Nyla to find a home due to her having scars.   Grandpa loves his dogs and they love him. 

God loves us too.  When we feel unloved and like no one wants us, God does.  When life leaves scars on us,  and  we feel the abuse the world inflicts on us,  God loves us.  

Jesus loves us to the point he gave his life for us.  In John 3: 16 it states "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. "

Like Kate and Nyla have found a home with Grandpa who loves and cares for them,  we have a loving and caring God who has prepared for us a home in heaven.  What a joy to know we are safe in Him, that we are his,  forever. 

Dear God,  thank you for loving us.  Thank you for giving us your love and a home in heaven.  Thank you for your Son Jesus,  who gave his life for us,  what more could he give.  In Jesus name,  Amen

God Bless

Addendum:  I wrote this morning about Grandpa looking for dogs for the farm.   I mentioned he first looked at a Great Pyrenees  named Chase.  The adoption didn't work out for Grandpa taking Chase because he growled and lunged at Grandpa.  Well, the Shelter said they sent Chase to a shelter in Ottawa,  KS.   The Ottawa  Shelter  reported that Chase was adopted out.   We were glad to hear that Chase found a home. God is good,  Linda Shields

Sunday, October 11 - Praise Band Sunday - Children's Time

"Treasures in Heaven, and Joey the Attack Squirrel! Huh?”

           I saw this news story about a pet squirrel named Joey, who as it turns out, was an attack guard!  I'll  back up and explain. 

           A man, Adam Pearl, from Meridian Idaho, came home from work one day and noticed strange footprints in the snow around his house.   When he went inside he found a few things out of place, but then he saw some scratches around the door of his gun safe. None of the guns were missing.  

Mr.  Pearl called the police to report that he believed his home has been burglarized.  Officer Ashley Turner arrived to investigate the situation.  As she was checking out the house and the gun safe, something 'flitted' by and startled her.  "Oh, what was that!" she exclaimed.  Mr.  Pearl said, "Oh, that's Joey, my pet squirrel.  He has the run of the house when I'm  not here."

Officer Turner finished the investigation and left.  A few hours later she returned with some of Mr.  Pearl's belongings and began telling him about the person brought in for the alleged crime.  During the questioning she noticed scratches all over the would be thief's hands and asked if he received those scratches during the burglary?

The man stated, "Yeah,  that house had a squirrel in it that wouldn't stop scratching and biting me until I left!"

Joey, the squirrel, prevented the burglary.  He was a heroic and courageous guard squirrel protecting his Master's  treasures. 

The Bible speaks of protecting our treasures, not here on earth (we don't all have a guard squirrel like Joey), but as is written in the book of Matthew 6: 19-21, "Don't  store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten, or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves.   Wherever your treasure is,  there your heart will be also."

But you may ask, "How do you store up treasures in heaven?"  By giving!

Giving to others, tithing, telling others about Jesus, doing deeds of kindness, and sharing.  These are the treasures God is interested in.  Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving others as yourself.  True treasures, and you don't need an attack squirrel like Joey to guard them.

Dear God,  Thank you for your kindness to us.  Help us to show kindness to others, that we too may store up treasures in heaven.   We love you God.  Amen. 

God Bless. 

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:

“Transformers”

             Years ago one of my son's favorite toys was the " Transformers," an action figure from a line of Mecha toys produced by the Japanese company Tamara (now known as Tamara Tomy) and the American toy company "Hasbro." The Transformers debuted in the United States in 1984.

With the "Transformers," the toy parts could be manually shifted about to change the toy from its original form, such as a vehicle, or device, or animal, into a robot action figure and back again.   The taglines for the Transformers were, "More than meets the Eye" and    "Robots in Disguise.” 

There were two main factions; the "Autobots," (the Good guys), led by their supreme leader, "Optimus Prime," and their opponents, the "Decepticons ," (the Bad guys) whose merciless leader of evil was called "Megatron."

From these toys came comic books,  an animated television series and both a feature length animated and live action movies.

In Roman's chapter 12, verse 2, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in the Church of Rome to be like "Transformers," to change their way of thinking and living in such away as to please our Heavenly Father. 

Paul wrote, "Don't  copy the behavior and customs of this world,  but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."

Unlike a Transformer toy that can change back into its original form,  God wants us to keep on transforming forward in our thinking and conduct, becoming more and more like our fearless leader and "Optimus Prime," Jesus Christ.  We can do this by reading God's word, the Holy Bible, and by praying for his help and guidance in our lives to lead us in our transformation.  We too can be real life "Transformers."

Please Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,  Help us to transform into the children that you want us to be.  Help us to become more and more like your Son,  Jesus.  In His name we pray.   Amen

God Bless

Sunday, September 27, 2020 Children's Message

"God’s Hall of Fame"

             John Robert Wooden, was an American  basketball player and coach. He was nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood."  He won 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in a twelve year period as head coach for the  UCLA Bruins, including seven in a row.  No other team won more than four in a row in Division 1 college men's and women's basketball within this period.   His teams won an NCAA men's basketball record with 88 consecutive games.   

Wooden won the prestigious Henry Iba Award as National Coach of the Year a record 7 times and won  the game AP award 5 times. 

Wooden was the first player to be named Basketball All American 3 times. 

The 1932 Purdue Team was retroactively recognized as the Pre- NCAA Tournament National Champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo - Porretta Power Poll.  Wooden was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1960 and as a coach in 1973, first person ever enshrined in both categories. 

Wooden was a devout Christian. His beliefs were more important to him than basketball.  "I've always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate.  It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live.  There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the savior."  Wooden's faith strongly influenced his life.  

Wooden lectured,  wrote poetry and many inspirational books.   He quoted a poem he had written when he was inducted into the Collegiate  Basketball Hall of Fame.  That poem is as follows:

God’s Hall of Fame
By John Robert Wooden

Your name may not appear down here,
In this world’s hall of fame.
In fact you may be so unknown,
That no one knows your name!

The Oscars here may pass you by
And neon lights of blue,
But if you love and serve the Lord
Then I have news for you.

This hall of fame is only good
As long as time shall be
But keep in mind, God’s Hall of Fame,
Is for eternity!

To have your name inscribed up there
Is greater yet by far,
Than all the Halls of Fame down here
And every man-made star.

This crowd on earth may soon forget
The heroes of the past.
They cheer like mad until you fall
And that’s how long you last.

But God, He never does forget,
And in his Hall of Fame
By just believing in his Son
Inscribed you’ll find your name.

I tell you, friend, I wouldn’t trade
My name however small,
That’s written there beyond the stars
In that celestial hall.

For any famous name on earth
Or glory that they share;
I’d rather be unknown here
And have my name up there.

Please pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for placing us in your “Hall of Fame,” not for anything we have done, but because we recognize and place our faith in your Son, Jesus, for what he did for us, by giving his life in place of ours, for our sins, on the cross.  Just like words in the song of Christian artist Francesca Battistelli:

“I don’t need my name in lights.  I’m famous in my Father’s eyes.
I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored.  He knows my name.”

Thank you, God. Amen.

God Bless you,
Linda Shields

Sunday, September 20, 2020 Children's Message

"Saved like a Cat"

             While watching the news today about the flooding that occurred after Hurricane Sally ravaged the area around Pascagoula, Mississippi, I saw a man holding a tiny kitten he had wrapped in a towel.   Her tiny face and ears were wet, yet she was calm, tucked in the towel and held securely in the man's  arms. 

The news reporter asked how he had come about finding the kitten?  The man replied,  "I had come down to the pier to help other men dig out and clear a drain pipe.   Another man put his arm in the drain pipe and pulled out this tiny kitten.   I washed the salt water off her face and ears.  I guess I'm  stuck with her now. "

The reporter said, " Well, all ended well.   Our first rescue of the day. "

Jesus came into a world of lost people, drowning in their sins.   We too were pulled out of the mire.  We too were washed and cleaned by the blood of Jesus that he shed on the cross. Before Jesus, our souls were in danger just like the little kitten trapped in the debris in the drain pipe. And like the little kitten was saved by her rescuers,  we are saved by our rescuer—Jesus' saving grace and powerful blood. The kitten let the man pull her out of danger into his saving arms. 

When we love Christ and accept him,  when we let him save us by asking his forgiveness for our sins and asking him into our hearts, we are saved.  May Jesus be "stuck" with all of us. 

In Titus 3: 5, " He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy.   He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.” 

Prayer:
Dear Jesus,  just like the little kitten was saved and was safe in the arms of the kind man,  you too save by your saving grace and we can always be safe in the palm of your hand. Thank you.  Amen

God Bless,
Linda Shields

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:
Messiah: Ancient Superhero?

                 The Jews,  Jesus' people, believed that God would send a special person to rescue everyone.  Throughout the Old Testament of the Bible, you will find many clues  and hints about this hero who would come.

You will find references to the Messiah all through  the Old Testament,  usually in the books of the prophets - people who preached about what God had in store for the future.   Finding the Messiah in the Old Testament is like an Easter Egg hunt.   There's a  clue hidden here, another one there,  and yet another detail hidden somewhere else. 

There are about sixty important predictions about Jesus in the Old Testament.  The Prophets were giving details of someone who would not be born for hundreds of years. 

A science professor named Dr. Peter Stoner and six hundred students wanted to find out the liklihood of someone fulfilling so many prophecies.  They came up with very reasonable estimates using complicated  math equations to figure out that a person just fulfilling eight of the prophecies was one in a hundred million billion. 

The story of Jesus  comes from four different authors: Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and John.   We call them the Gospels,  which means 'good news.'

John,  a disciple tells us,  "which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,  which we have looked at and our hands have touched" (1 John 1:1NIV)

Luke is a first-rate reporter,  he says, " I myself have carefully looked into everything from the beginning. So it seemed good also to me to write an orderly report of exactly what happened" (Luke 1: 3).  Then there's  Mark,  who got much of his account  from Peter,  a particularly close friend of Jesus. 

Peter states in his own writings,  " We didn't make up stories when we told you about it.   With our own eyes we saw him in all his majesty." (2 Peter 1: 16).

 The Gospel writers were careful to show their accounts came from eyewitnesses: the disciples,  the people who were healed,  those who heard  Jesus' teachings,  and even Mary and Joseph who raised Jesus. 

The story of Jesus has stood the test of time for over two thousand years with no one disproving it.   The story is so strong because it was told by eyewitnesses who were willing to die for their story. 

Smart people believed in him,  and smart people still believe in him today. 

They seem to find that following Jesus makes their lives  better and happier  when times are rough.   It gives them answers for their questions about how to live.  Following Jesus gives them a friendship like no other. 

Prayer:
Dear God,  Thank you for your prophets, thank you for the clues they passed on to us that proved your son Jesus, and the eyewitnesses  who were willing to die to give us the good news.  Amen

God Bless. 

Sunday, September 6, 2020 - God's Favor

Isn't  it comforting to know that as children of God his favor is upon us.   Favor means; "approval,  support,  a liking for someone, (or in God's case a 'loving' for someone); an act of kindness beyond what is due. 

          In Psalms chapter 30 verse 5, "His anger lasts for a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime."  King David wrote this verse.  The same David who was called 'Beloved of God.'  The same David who believed God would help him defeat Goliath, (1 Samuel  chapter 17).  God had helped David while he watched his father's  sheep, giving him the strength and courage to fight off predators when they attacked the flocks.  David didn't  need to know Goliath's strength because he already knew God's. 

David trusted God to help him.  He prayed and gave God praise and thanksgiving for his blessings.  With a contrite heart, he asked God for forgiveness when he had done wrong. 

David was a warrior king who was victorious in his battles because he came to God first to ask if he should enter into a conflict.  He did not enter into battle first, then seek God's help. 

David loved his family.  Like most families, his had problems too, (his problems were greater than most).  His son Absalom wanted to overthrow his own father and become king himself.  Absalom was killed in the failed attempt, yet David's heart was broken for the loss of his son. 

Even though David was far from perfect,  his heart was right with God. God forgave him for the mistakes he made when he asked God's  forgiveness.  God found favor on him for his trust and love.  So much favor that God promised him that through his family lineage the promised Messiah (Jesus) would come. 

The same God who loved, forgave and blessed David is the same God who loves and blesses us.  God places his favor on us too.  Isn't  it wonderful to be 'beloved and favored' of God just like David.

God Bless

Sunday, August 30, 2020 - "Soul Surfer"

“Soul Surfer” by Bethany Hamilton

                 Here on the farm there are 3 Canadian geese that each have a broken wing due to attack from a predator such as a raccoon or fox.  These geese are unable to fly with the other geese, so they remain earthbound on the farm. It's sad to watch them run with the other geese with their wings outstretched,  and while the other geese take off into the sky, these geese flap the floppy wings unable to catch the wind causing them to stop short as they watch the others soar away. 

Then I thought, you know these same things happen to people too.  Soldiers lose limbs in battle.  People lose limbs in accidents or to disease,  yet they able to overcome and go on to accomplish amazing  achievements.

                 One such person was Bethany Hamilton,  a world famous championship surfer from Hawaii.   In 2003, at the age of 13, she was attacked by a 14 foot Tiger shark while practicing surfing with her best friend and her friend's father and brother. The shark bit off her left arm.  The father's fast thinking, (making a tourniquet  from his surf board's tow rope) and Bethany remaining calm during the traumatic event, saved her from bleeding to death. Bethany took priority in surgery over her own father who was prepped and about to undergo a routine knee surgery when a call came into the hospital that a surfer had been attacked by a shark.

  Bethany miraculously survived the attack even though she lost 60 percent of her blood and was in hypovolemic shock. Despite losing her arm,  Bethany returned to surfing a month after the attack.   She had to learn to surf with one arm.   She entered her first major competition January 10th, 2004.  Throughout her career she competed in the United States and other countries.   She placed first in many events becoming one of the best surfers in the world.   In 2012, she became the first woman surfer to surf in the Rip Curl Cup. 

Hamilton said she let Jesus into her heart when  she was 5 years old,  so when the shark took her arm in 2003, it wasn't  hard to put her faith in God.

"Because of where Jesus brought me,  I have no regrets of the adversities God has allowed me to go through," she said at a breakfast, "As you look at me you could think, ' Wow, have pity on her, she lost her arm to a shark,' But I look it as something beautiful.  God has taken something awful and turned it into something incredibly amazing. "

Bethany  wrote about her experience in the 2004 autobiography 'Soul Surfer: A True story of Faith,  Family and Fighting to get Back on the Board. ' In April 2011, the feature film Soul Surfer was released.   She was in a movie called "Unstoppable" where she shows the struggles and happiness of her family. 

                 Other major achievements: ESPY Award (2004), NSSA National Helping Kids Champion (2005), 2nd  place, ASP World Junior  Championships (2008)

Bethany has appeared in multiple television shows, multiple public speaking events motivating audiences world wide to live their lives with tenacity, courage and faith.  She has several books and documentaries of her life.  In 2011, she appeared in a video for the Christian organization 'I Am Second, ' telling of her struggles after the shark attack and how she trusted in God to get her through it. 

Bethany proved God's  words in the verse from Romans  8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God: those who are called according to His purpose. " and also in Philippians 4:13, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. "

Bethany's life has been an inspiration and blessing to millions world wide. 

  God Bless, Linda Shields

Sunday, August 23, 2020 - "What Would Jesus Do?"

"What Would Jesus Do?”

We have often seen the letters " WWJD," What would Jesus do in a situation.  We sometimes find ourselves in situations where we ask "What would Jesus do?”

If we read the scriptures we find what Jesus did was pray.  After his baptism, he went into the wilderness to be alone and pray.  In Mark 1: verse 35 it says,  "The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray."   Jesus often went out alone to pray in the wilderness and gardens  The night Jesus was betrayed,  he went to the garden of Gethsemane  to pray for strength to do what he was born to do,  which was to suffer and die on the cross to take away our sins. 

So the next time we are in a situation and we are not sure what to do, we can do what Jesus did.   We can pray, because that is WJWD, " What Jesus Would Do. "

                                                                                                        God Bless

Gospel for God's Children - Sunday, August 16, 20202

Why is the ocean so salty?" 
from "Did You Know Devotions" by Nancy S. Hill

             Sea water collects it's salt by starting in rivers, which flows against land along their way to the sea, pulling minerals from the ground.   Rain falling on the land washes more minerals into the rivers.   Rivers also rush along on tops of rocks, washing even more minerals downstream into the ocean.   But not all bodies of water have the same amount of salt.   If the sea water has a river near it's shore, the sea water will be less salty, because there is so much fresh river water being added in.   If the sea water is shallow, it will be more salty because of evaporation.  When the sun dries up water, the water leaves it's salt deposits behind.   

The Dead Sea, for example,  is very salty because it is surrounded by a dry desert and has lots of evaporation.   The Dead Sea contains so much salt - about 25 percent- that it is almost impossible to drown in its waters.   The salt makes the water "heavy," which makes a swimmer's body light in comparison.   Your body will stay close to the surface of the water and not sink.   Average sea water has only about 3.5 percent salt,  but it is still easier to stay afloat in any sea water than in a freshwater lake or pool.   By the way,  can you guess why rain is not salty when it falls,  even if it is collected from salty water?  It's  because the salt is too "heavy" to rise with the water vapor that evaporates from the ocean. 

In the same way that salt can keep you floating above danger in the water,  God can keep you floating above danger in life.   Just ask him to help you by saying with the Psalm writer:  “Hold me safe above the heads of all my enemies; then I can continue to obey your laws.”   Psalms 119: 117

When someone rescues you so that you are safe,  you naturally want to do something extra for that person in return.   Your loyalty to God for keeping you safe will please him greatly. 

Say this prayer:  “Thank you God for your loving protection and grace.  In Jesus name,  Amen”

                                                                                                                                  God Bless

Gospel for God's Children - Sunday, August 9, 2020

"Gratitude, Let's tell God Thank You"
Luke 17: 11- 19
(resource from Lisa Appelo - The Power of Gratitude)

Gratitude, telling God thank you.  In this Bible story, Jesus heals 10 men with the disease of leprosy.   How happy this made the men, but only one of them was grateful enough to stop and think of the one who had made this possible and return to tell him thank you. 

Telling God thank you for all the wonderful gifts and care he has given us shows we acknowledge him as the source of our life and needs, not we ourselves.  We see him working around us, sense his presence, care and perfect timing.  When we're thankful we're being obedient, this brings us peace, and draws us near to God.  Gratitude makes us content with what we have.  If we aren't thankful for what God has given us, getting more won't satisfy either. 

James  1: 17 -18— "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights.  Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.  In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word.   And we, out of all creation became his choice possession. "

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.   
Let the whole world know what he has done." 
Psalm 105: 1

 God Bless

Gospel for God's Children - Sunday, August 2, 2020

Strangely enough,  the hole in the first straws was designed to be just narrow enough to keep a lemon seed from getting stuck inside it.  That's  because lemonade was a very popular drink when Marvin Stone made the first paper straw in 1888.

Mr.  Stone enjoyed his drinks very cold,  which meant that the glass was uncomfortable to hold.   He had tried the only solution available for a straw at the time- a wild grass stalk,  which was hollow.   But these stalks made the drinks taste odd.   And when they dried, they either cracked or got dusty. 

Mr.  Stone thought of a better way.   He took a long,  skinny piece of paper,  wound it around a pencil,  dotted the end of the paper with glue,  and pulled out the pencil.   He made several of these tubes,  just for himself.   But when other people saw Mr.  Stone's straws,  they wanted to try one too.   Mr.  Stone owned a factory,  so he instructed all of his employees to roll straws.   The workers made the straws out of wax-coated paper so they wouldn't get soggy when wet.   Mr. Stone sold  many of his simple  straws.   Lots of fancier straws have been tried since then.   Mr.  Stone himself invented a double-barreled straw - two straws stuck together so you could drink twice as much.   Other inventions were a glass with a straw built in; loop-the-loop straws; and chocolate,  vanilla,  and strawberry - flavored straws.   But the plain, simple straw has lasted longer. 

If you could choose a type of straw to use right now,  would you pick the double-barreled one,  the loop-the-loop,  or the flavored?  If you could choose another straw tomorrow,  you would probably want to choose a different kind.   Sometimes choices can be confusing,  and it's  hard to decide between them.   The Bible helps us with many of the choices we have to make- choices about what is right and what is wrong,  what pleases God and what does not please Him.   There is one choice that's  very easy to make,  because Jesus tells us there is only one way to get to heaven:

“This is the way to have eternal life - to know you,  the only true God,  and Jesus Christ,  the one you sent to earth.”   John 17: 3   

God Bless.

Gospel for god's Children - Sunday, July 26, 2020

"If a marble and a bowling ball raced down a ramp, which would win? "
from "Did You Know Devotions"

We all know that  a bowling ball weighs a lot more than a marble.   But if you drop them both at the same time from  a tall   place,  which would reach the ground first?  An Italian scientist named Galileo wondered about this question.  He decided to do tests to find the answer.  Because he lived so long ago,  there wasn't  a stopwatch to use as a timer,  and everything that was dropped down would fall too quickly to measure.   How could he make a decision?  Galileo decided to roll things down a ramp to see which ones won the race.   He understood that gravity, which  is the force that pulls things toward the earth,  would have the same pull on big items and small items.  To prove this, Galileo made his own  timer: He counted drops of water as they fell into a container while two objects rolled down the ramp.   Which object won the race?  The answer is - it was a tie,  and it always will be - even if you put a marble and a bowling ball in the race.   That's how gravity works.  

Christians run a different race.   We are not rolling downhill  and competing against  a bowling ball and a marble.   Instead, we are running toward the goal of becoming more like Jesus and eventually going to live with him in heaven.   The Bible says: "Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”    Hebrews 12: 1

We need to drop the heavy sins that hold us back,  and race on,  letting nothing stop us until we cross the finish line in heaven. 

Dear Heavenly Father,  Help us to live like Jesus,  to run the race of life to the finish line where we will hear you say,  " Well done."   In Jesus name,  Amen     

God Bless.

Gospel for God's Children - Sunday, July 19, 2020

Teach your children about God each day. 

Tell them about a Bible story each day,  that way they will learn to love God and have a relationship with Him the rest of their lives.

Teach them to pray,  as Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6: 5-15.  In Deuteronomy 6: 7 God tells his people about His laws and commands as they are about to enter the promised land: 

“Repeat them again and again to your children.  Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey,  when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.   Tie them to your hands as a reminder,  and wear them on your forehead.  Write them on your doorposts of the  of your house and on your gates". 

And verse 18-  “Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight,  so all will go well with you. "

🏡 I love you guys, 

                            Grandma

Gospel for God's Children - July 12, 2020

"Love"

God loves us and He teaches us to love, to love one another, to love our neighbor.  But  who is our neighbor and how do we love one another?   Jesus taught us in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" that all people are our neighbors. He also taught that as He has loved us we are to love others. 

In the story of the Good Samaritan, a Samaritan man saw someone in need and he helped him.  When we see someone in need, we can help him or her too. We can donate to the food pantry, we can open a door for those who are physically impaired or struggling with their hands being full.  We can help mom and dad with chores. When our friends are sad,  we can offer a pat on the back or a hug.  A gesture of kindness goes a long way in the sight of God.  Jesus said in Mark 10: 42, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, truly I tell you he will never lose his reward. "

Kindness shown to others is not difficult.  Even just a little bit goes a long way and has a lasting effect.  It's like planting a seed,  it seems to teach others this is the way to act, so I'll pass it on.  If we all start passing on an act of kindness, soon the kindness of others grows and everyone will be acting kindly towards others.  This is what pleases Jesus. 

Jesus gave us a commandment before he was crucified, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: "Love each other."  "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. " (John 13: 34)

Let us pray
Open our eyes to see those in need, Jesus.  Give us a heart of love, and the courage to help those in need.  Let others see you in us as we be your hands and feet in fulfilling  your commandment to " Love One Another." Thank you, Jesus.  Amen.

God bless.