Children’s Story

Children’s Story – All Comes From Above

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In a humble cottage in France, a poor godly man was dying. Calling his only son to him, he said, “My dear little Pierre, you will soon be left alone, and many troubles will come to you in this world; but always remember that all comes from above; then you will find it easy to bear everything with patience.”

Shortly after this, the poor man died, and little Pierre found himself quite alone in the world. The only thing he could do for a living was to go out and beg. As he went from door to door in the villages, he would sing for the people receiving from them just enough to keep him alive. Every time anybody gave him some food or money, he would say, “It comes from above,” remembering his father’s last words. It became a habit with him to use these words whatever happened to him, and he found that they did indeed help him to bear everything with patience.

One day, as he was passing through a village, a sudden gust of wind blew a tile of the roof of a nearby house. It struck Pierre on the shoulder, knocking him to the ground.

“It comes from above,” were his first words as he got back on his feet. But, as you can image, the people standing around nearby, laughed heartily.

A minute later, however, another gust of wind tore off the entire roof of a cottage a little farther down the street. Had little Pierre gone on, he might have been killed by it. So he thought to himself that the tile that had struck and hurt him had indeed “come from above” in more senses than one.

On another occasion, little Pierre was employed by a wealthy gentleman to carry an important letter to a businessman in a neighboring town. As he was told to be quick, Pierre ran as fast as he could. Coming to a stream, he tried to jump over it, but, he fell in and was nearly drowned. When he finally climbed out onto the bank drenched and weary, he found that the precious letter had disappeared. He tried, but could not find it anywhere in the muddy water. “It comes from above,” he murmured to himself as he sadly made his way back to the rich gentleman’s house.

Naturally enough, the gentleman was very angry with him. In fact, he drove him out of his house. But all Pierre could say was, “It comes from above.”

The next day, however, the gentleman sent for him. “Your falling into that stream was a fortunate accident for me,” he said. “Circumstances have changed overnight. If that letter had been delivered, I should have been involved in serious loss. Please accept this little gift as a token of my gratitude.” And the gentleman put more money in little Pierre’s hand than he had seen in a long time.

“It comes from above,” he said, as he went down the steps smiling.

And so Pierre grew up always believing that the hand of God was ordering his life, confident that, as it says in Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” One day he, too, became a successful businessman.

We too should have such a faith in our heavenly Father. It will save us much needless sorrow and discouragement, and will fill our hearts with a quiet peace and confidence to bear everything with patience, as we remember that, “all comes from above.” Try it for yourself and see how God can work in your life!

Children’s Story – Ellen Meets James

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Ellen Harmon was just a teenager when God called her to serve Him. After much anguish and prayer, she accepted that call, dedicating her entire life and will to God. As His chosen servant, she didn’t want to do anything outside of His will. Though she was weak and often ill, due to a tragic accident, when she was nine, whenever God told her to do something, she obeyed. Often she had no idea how she could obey, but with complete trust in God she did His bidding and He always gave her the strength to fulfill His command.

Ellen had no thought of marriage during these early years. Convinced that Jesus was coming soon, she devoted all her time and energy to preparing herself and spreading the good news to others. She felt that there was no time for marriage. So, unwed, Ellen prayed, obeyed, and traveled for God.

Well, God had a wonderful surprise in store for Ellen. One day she was invited by a neighbor and his sister to travel with them to Orrington, Maine, a town one hundred fifty miles away. This neighbor, William Jordan, had borrowed a horse and sleigh and needed to return them to their owner, a minister named James White. Elder White was having trouble with some people caught up with fanaticism, and William hoped that if Ellen accompanied them she might help them overcome their fanaticism.

How Ellen struggled. Was it really her duty to go? As she earnestly prayed for God’s guidance, she was convinced that He wanted her to go. Soon the three were gliding over the snow on their way to Orrington, James White, and the fanatics. What a time was in store for them! After a journey requiring nearly two days they arrived tired, ready for a good night’s rest. Ellen barely noticed the young minister to whom she was introduced.

The next morning after worship, Elder White and his visitors decided to visit a family living near town. Upon arriving, they were surprised to find several other sleighs in the yard. They inquired, “Are you having a meeting today?”

“No,” came the reply, “several people have simply shown up at the same time.” Ellen remembered God’s promise that He would prepare the way for her to share His messages.

Those present were invited to hear Sister Ellen speak. As she stood to speak, a shout of “Glory Alleluia” was heard. People began clapping their hands, shouting, and jumping up and down. Ellen was dismayed. Earnestly she asked if anywhere in the Bible Jesus and His disciples behaved in this way, and she reminded them that He was their example. Then James shared from the Bible that God is a God of order and not confusion and that He speaks in “a still small voice” [1 Kings 19:12]. He told them that it was Satan leading them to behave like they were so the neighbors would be turned away from God’s truth.

From that home they visited other families and companies. They sometimes met with strange ideas, and always Ellen and James would share truth from the word of God. At one time they arrived after the meeting was started. Someone inside saw them coming and quickly went to the door and locked it. But, “In the name of the Lord,” Ellen opened that locked door and entered. What a scene met their astonished eyes. On the floor lay a woman crying pitifully. She was warning the others not to listen to or believe Ellen Harmon or her visions. Trusting in God, Ellen knelt by her side and commanded the evil spirit to leave the woman. Quietly the woman stood up and sat down. With no further disturbance Ellen spoke to the gathered company of Jesus who calls His followers to be good, pure and sensible.

Day after day they traveled, visiting homes, sharing God’s message and rebuking the fanatical beliefs being taught. In many places peace was being disturbed and God’s message damaged by noisy, rowdy, pretended Christians. Neighbors in one place had even complained to the police. At another town, two guards were posted to prevent any preacher from holding meetings. As the messengers of God approached this place, they prayed earnestly for the Lord to shield them as they passed the guards. Quietly they glided right past. It was as if God had blinded the guards to the sleigh carrying His servants.

As time passed the fanatical ones were rebuked and quieted. The meetings became quiet and happy. At their last meeting in Orrington, God gave Ellen a vision telling her to leave quickly, that her work there was done. Though the meetings were quiet, spies had been tracking them, and they were in danger.

Early the next morning, Ellen, Jordan and his sister left. They later learned that officers had gone to James’ home searching for him. James and a friend were arrested, whipped and thrown into jail. They were accused of being part of the noisy disturbances.

James, in thinking of their travels and troubles, worried about Ellen, young, weak and alone. But not a thought entered his head that one day he would be a lawful protector and companion to her. But indeed that is exactly what happened. James asked Ellen to be his life companion. He felt that together they would be a stronger witness for the Lord. “Besides,” he exclaimed, “I love you. I’ve been praying about this.”

Ellen, though she respected and admired this earnest Christian, wanted only the Lord’s will. “James, I also will pray that the Lord may make His will known to us.” Quietly and patiently they asked the Lord’s guidance in this most important decision. To their joy, they recognized the Holy Spirit guiding them to join their lives in God’s service. When they were certain that it was God’s will, and not until then, they were married.

There was no fancy wedding. There is no record of invitations, bridesmaids, or even a wedding gown. No, there was important work to be done. Every penny was needed for telling the world of Jesus’ soon return. In harmony with God and with one another, theirs was indeed a blessed and happy union, as will be all unions where God’s will reigns.

Children’s Story – God’s Light from the Heavens

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James and Ellen White were still newlyweds when one day James suggested a trip. He thought they should travel to see some longtime friends in Topsham, Maine. Happily Ellen agreed. Early the next Friday, with the family horse hitched to the sleigh, they set out gliding cheerily on their way. It was important to them to get an early start, as they wanted to arrive in plenty of time before the hours of the Sabbath began that evening. They understood how special, how holy and how important the Sabbath is to Jesus, their best friend.

Sabbath morning, and being well rested after their travel, they journeyed to the Curtiss home for a Bible study. Upon arrival they were pleasantly surprised to find among those gathered, an old friend, a retired sea captain by the name of Joseph Bates.

Captain Bates had heard Ellen relate her visions before, but he was not entirely convinced that the visions were from God. You see, at that time there were other people claiming to have visions and communications with angels. These other visions were very different from the ones Ellen had. Not only that, but they did not agree with what the Bible taught. However, because of these false claims, people were very wary of those claiming to have visions. In fact, some preachers even told their church members that God no longer spoke to His people through visions like He did with Abraham, Daniel, Joseph, Isaiah and others.

But there were some dedicated Bible students who believed that God was still speaking to His people by visions. After all, the Bible, speaking of the last days, says, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17. Besides, they were sure that when so much error was being taught, the Lord would not leave His people without messages from heaven to warn and guide His faithful followers.

Captain Bates was an honest man who was sincerely seeking the truth. And that day, God had a special gift in store for him. As the group was studying and praying, the Lord gave Ellen a vision. Captain Bates studied her intensely. He felt that here was his opportunity to find out the truth about these visions. As she moved about the room while in vision, a bright smile was on her face, and then, to his surprise and astonishment he heard her speaking. Now that isn’t so strange, is it? But the startling thing was not that she was speaking but that while she spoke she did not breathe! Think of it, speaking without breathing!

Softly, and with music in her voice, she was describing what she saw—a vision of the heavens.

“I see four moons,” she said. Then she went on to describe different planets including one with beautiful colored rings around it.

“She’s looking at Jupiter!” exclaimed Captain Bates who, being a sea captain, was very familiar with the heavens, as back in those days, before all of the satellite instruments we have today, ship’s captains depended heavily on the stars when charting their courses.

Ellen continued speaking. “That’s Saturn she’s describing!” he proclaimed excitedly. And still later, “Now she’s viewing Uranus!” Though Ellen had not named any particular planet, Captain Bates knew by her descriptions exactly which ones she was describing.

A little later she began describing “the opening heavens,” an entrance into a heavenly region beyond, glorious with light. Captain Bates was very excited. He jumped up, eyes dancing. “How I wish Lord William Rosse was here!” Lord William Rosse was a very famous English astronomer. Captain Bates continued, “I wish he could hear that woman talk astronomy, and hear her description of the ‘opening heavens.’ It’s ahead of anything I ever read on the subject.”

Now you may think there is nothing unusual about Ellen being able to describe the planets and the heavens. After all, many people have studied and know much about the heavens today. But, as always, the Lord had planned this and arranged things long before they happened. Some time before this meeting, Captain Bates had visited with Ellen, trying to discuss astronomy with her. He found her totally unfamiliar with the topic. In fact, she confessed that she had never opened a book on astronomy in her life. (Remember, she barely had a third grade education.)

So that day, when he listened and watched her in vision as she accurately described so much in the heavens, Captain Bates knew that the knowledge was directly from the Lord. He was thoroughly convinced. He knew that the Lord had given Ellen White this special vision in his presence so that he would know without a doubt that the Lord was with Ellen, and that it was the Lord giving her the visions.

Today, let us remember that the Lord will always lead and guide His faithful, honest-seeking ones. We may not always know how, when or where, but if we obey all the light we already have, He is sure to give us more in His time and in His way.

Children’s Story – A Mother’s Voice

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Since the prevailing Indian troubles commenced, an Indian camp was captured, together with a number of prisoners, including squaws, and some half dozen white captives, boys and girls from five to twelve years of age. Word was sent throughout the country, inviting those who had lost children to come to the camp and identify, if possible, their children, as none of them could give any account of who their parents were or where they were taken from, so young were they when they were taken captive by the Indians. Numbers of parents went to the camp—more than there were children—and, of course, many of them returned with heavy hearts at being unable to find their lost ones. Among the number who went hundreds of miles to the camp was a mother who had lost two children several years before—a boy and a girl, one three and the other five years old.

Efforts were made to persuade her not to go; as so long a time had elapsed, it was certain she could not identify her children even if they stood before her. But she could not rest; she must go and go she did. On arriving at the encampment she found the captives ranged in line for inspection. She looked at them first from a distance, her anxious heart pounding in her bosom. But she did not see her children; at least she saw nothing in the group that bore the slightest resemblance to her baby boy and girl, as they had looked when playing about her doorstep. She looked long and steadily at them, as her heart began to sink and grow heavy in her bosom. At last with tears and sobs she withdrew, but when some paces off, she stopped and turned about quickly, as apparently a thought had occurred to her. Drying her eyes she broke forth in a sweet hymn she had been wont to sing to her children as a lullaby. Scarce a word had been uttered, when two of the captives, a boy and girl, rushed from the line exclaiming, “Mamma! Mamma!” The mother went home perfectly satisfied that she had found her long lost children.

This is a true story. Those children, even though they had been separated from their mother for a long time, remembered the tune their mother used to sing to them when they were little and recognized her voice. Because they remembered, they were able to go home with her.

Jesus always puts a song or a word in our hearts when we are faithful to spend time listening to Him. It may be a song like “Jesus Loves Me,” or a scripture verse that you have learned by memory. Philippians 4:13, NKJV is a good one to memorize: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me,” and “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10, NKJV. God loves to hear you repeat His Word.

God loves His children more than a mother loves her children, and He always wants you to be able to know Him through song and verse.

The Signs of the Times, August 28, 1879.

Children’s Story – Before the Fact

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Mrs. Lois A. Calkins knew what the historian meant when he said, “The history of the world is the record of man in quest for his daily bread and butter.” When she was growing up in Southern Minnesota with her father very old and feeble, her mother’s health was also poor, and two younger brothers who were not old enough to do much in the way of farm work, their “quest” was quite difficult. Especially with what happened one early autumn.

Clouds of grasshoppers swept down on the entire area and deposited their eggs. A reward was offered for the carcasses of these insects, and many bushels of the grasshoppers were destroyed. But the battle seemed useless. The prospects for the Calkins to have food for the coming year were very, very dark.

“Our family had not been Christians too long before this first real test of faith came to us. We knew that when those eggs were hatched in the spring there wasn’t a chance for any garden to grow. And since we were solely dependent on that little garden for our own food and for some income from the sale of vegetables, we were quite concerned.

“We studied the Bible the best we could. We prayed a great deal about the Lord helping us like He did the people of Bible times. We felt that there was no reason why He wouldn’t help us as much today as He did then. So, in our own feeble way, we tried to claim His promises.”

That spring found every inch of ground crawling with the newly hatched insects. Every farmer within a hundred miles’ radius was infested with myriads and myriads of the destructive pests. All hopes for gardens were given up. Some were planning to move off and give up farming.

“My father hired one of the neighbors to come over with his plow and turn over our garden ground. The neighbor thought we were the most foolish people on the face of the earth.

“ ‘You’re throwing your hard-earned money away,’ he repeated over and over again as he plowed our land.”

The following day the three children, under the supervision of the father, went out into the garden to plant seeds.

“We had to push away the insects that had come right back to the newly plowed ground as we planted the seeds. I must say that almost every time I pushed some seeds into the dirt, I prayed for the Lord to make them grow.

“The grasshoppers were so strange. When they were fully-grown they hopped way up into the air and flapped their wings; it sounded just like hail falling all around us. Then when they were quiet, they would lay in big heaps everywhere, five or six deep.

“All of the farmers around had not planted much. Some none. But those who did plant anything had it immediately chewed to pieces as it first burst out of the ground. An occasional stalk of corn could be seen sticking up here and there, but never more than seven or eight inches tall.

“One day our garden seemed to have turned green overnight. Buds had burst the sod all through the area. I ran out and looked at the growing vegetation. Everything everywhere else was eaten almost as fast as it came out of the ground. But our garden seemed like holy ground!”

The Calkins family spent even more time in prayer after the garden started growing than before. Their prayers were a mixture of petition and thanksgiving. Only the grace and mercy of God would allow these crucially needed plants to grow in the midst of devouring insects. And that is exactly what happened!

“It was so weird. All the leaves on the trees in our yard had been consumed. It was spring and they looked like they were in the midst of deep winter, so bare and lifeless. Yet, the garden was so beautifully green and prosperous. Neighbors and folks from miles and miles away started coming by to look at this strange paradise.”

The Calkins’ farm had a bumper crop that year. Though it does not seem like a gigantic amount in comparison with crops being produced through mechanical assistance, it was overwhelming to them.

“We harvested fifty bushels of beets from a very small patch. There were eighty-three very large squashes that came from just three vines! Everything we planted came up in abnormally large quantities and of the highest quality. The crop was large and excellent.”

The Calkins filled their cellar with the finest vegetables they had ever seen. Neighbors who had been able to set aside some money came to the Calkins to buy produce. They gave a large amount to friends and neighbors who, like themselves, had not been able to save any money for any type of crisis.

“When folks came to our place to get their produce, they would all say that Someone was surely looking after us. Others went so far as to say that it was definitely a miracle. But, one particular neighbor put his finger right on the reason and cause.

“ ‘Calkins,’ he said to my dad, ‘I heard a minister once say that God would “rebuke the devourer” for believing folks. Most of the church folks ’round about these parts feel that this is what has happened. I guess you folks are paying God the tithe.’ ”

“My dad stood to his feet and looked the friend right in the eye.

“ ‘Do you know where the Bible says that if a person pays the tithe God’ll do that … “rebuke the devourer” … like you said?’

“ ‘I think it’s in Malachi, but I’m not sure,’ he said as he made his way to the door, picking up a basket of vegetables on the way, ‘Yeah, I’m sure it’s in Malachi.’

“Needless to say, it wasn’t long after the farmer had left the house that my dad was thumbing through his Bible for the book of Malachi.”

“ ‘I’ve found it! Come here and listen to this,’ he said as he waved us all together around the kitchen table. ‘It’s Malachi 3:10–12. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse … and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts … I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground. … And all nations shall call you blessed.” ’

“We had another prayer meeting, right then and there. We thanked God for His promise that we had just read. ‘And just think,’ Dad said, ‘He did all this even before we knew that He had already promised to do it!’ ”

W.A. Spicer and Helen Spicer Menkel, The Hand That Still Intervenes, Concerned Publications, Inc., Clermont, Florida, 1982, 37–41.

Children’s Story – Kant and the Robbers

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John Kant was Professor and Doctor of Divinity at Cracow. Kant was a pious man, with a spirit peculiarly gentle and guileless, and he at all times would have preferred to suffer injustice rather than exercise it. For many years he had conscientiously followed his duties as spiritual teacher of the place to which he had been appointed by God. His head was covered with the snow of age, when he was seized with an ardent desire to revisit the scenes of his youth in his native country, Silesia. The journey appeared fraught with peril to one at his advanced age; but he set his affairs in order, and started on his way, commending himself to the care of God. Kant rode slowly along, attired in his black robe, with long beard and hair, according to the fashion of the time. Then he pursued his way through the gloomy woods of Poland, which scarcely a sunbeam could pierce; but there was a light in his soul, for God’s Spirit irradiated it.

One evening, as he was thus journeying along, holding communion with God, and taking no heed of objects beside him, on reaching an opening in the thick forest, a tramping noise was suddenly heard, and he was instantly surrounded by figures, some on horseback and some on foot. Knives and swords glittered in the moonlight, and the pious man saw that he was at the mercy of a band of robbers. Scarcely conscious of what passed, he alighted from his horse, and offered his property to the gang. He gave them a purse filled with silver coins, unclasped the chain from his neck, took the gold lace from his cap, drew a ring from his finger and took from his pocket his book of prayer, which was clasped with silver. Not till he had yielded all he possessed, and seen his horse led away, did Kant intercede for his life.

“Have you given us all?” cried the robber, threateningly. “Have you any more money?”

In his alarm and terror, the trembling doctor answered that he had given them every coin in his possession; and on receiving this assurance, he was allowed to proceed on his journey.

Quickly he hastened onward, rejoicing at his escape, when suddenly his hand felt something hard in the hem of his robe. It was his gold, which,having been stiched within the lining of his dress, had thus escaped discovery. The good man, in his alarm, had forgotten the secret store. His heart, therefore, again beat with joy; for the money would bear him home to his friends and kindred; and he saw rest and shelter in prospect, instead of a long and painful wandering, with the necessity of begging his way. But his conscience was a peculiarly tender one, and he suddenly stopped to listen to its voice. It cried in disturbed tones: “Tell not a lie! Tell not a lie!” These words burned in his heart. Joy, kindred, home, were all forgotten. Some writers on moral philosophy have held that promises made under such circumstances are not binding, and few men certainly would have been troubled with such scruples on that occasion. But Kant did not stop to reason. He hastily retraced his steps, and entering into the midst of the robbers, who were still in the same place, said meekly:—

“I have told you what is not true; but it was unintentional—fear and anxiety confused me; therefore, pardon me.”

With these words, he held forth the glittering gold; but, to his surprise, not one of the robbers would take it! A strange feeling was at work in their hearts. They could not laugh at the pious man. “Thou shalt not steal,” said a voice within them. All were deeply moved. Then, as if seized by a sudden impulse, one went and brought back his purse; another restored the book of prayer; while still another led his horse toward him, and helped him to remount it. Then they unitedly entreated his blessing; and solemnly giving it, the good old man continued his way, lifting up his heart in gratitude to God, who brought him in safety to the end of his journey.

The End

Children’s Story – For Whom Did She Do It?

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Her name was Marie Copeland. “I’m sure I shall be the girl,” she said to herself. “There are more in my basket than in any other girls.”

“How do you get on, Marie?” asked the teacher.

“Oh, finely! I’m sure I shall get the money.”

“Oh, you mean the dollar toward the Indian scholarship?”

“Yes, you know we are all working hard for that, and Mr. Blake offered a dollar for it to the girl whose basket held the most berries in two hours.”

The teacher stood with his hands behind him and watched her a few moments.

“Are you working for the Indian boy or for yourself?” he asked. Marie looked up in surprise and indignation.

“Why, I thought I told you,” she said.

“Yes, you told me,” he answered quietly, and turned away to the other children.

“I told him,” said she, uneasily. “What could he mean?” and again she picked harder than ever. Her cheeks grew a little flushed as the moments went by, but her basket became more and more heavy until Mr. Blake announced the two hours up.

Marie stopped then and turned to join the group who were comparing baskets.

Just in front of her was lame Bessie—a little girl with a sweet, winsome, but just now dirty face. Marie did not like dirty faces.

“Do you think I’ll get it?” asked Bessie, holding up her basket to Marie.

Poor child! Her hands were scratched, her dress torn, her apron stained, but her blue eyes very sweet and honest, as she added: “I can’t generally give things, but I thought maybe I could this time.”

And there were about two dozen berries in her basket!

“Are you doing it for yourself or for the Indian boy?” Marie’s “mindears” heard this echo, although there was no sound.

“Oh, for the boy of course! What a question to ask!” Marie answered crossly, but her lips didn’t move.

“How happy it would make Bessie!”

“Now they are mine; I picked them my own self, and I think I might have the credit! It’s too mean for anything!” Marie’s lips did move this time. “Besides it wouldn’t be honest for Bessie; she didn’t pick them.”

“He said, to the girl whose basket held the most berries”—

“Well, I will not do it!” said Marie.

But she did do it. In less than five minutes the contents of her basket filled Bessie’s. “Oh, could you believe it?” cried Bessie, joy shining through the stains on her face. Marie made no answer, neither did she tell any one else. But the teacher who, with his hands still behind him, watched Bessie’s reception of the prize, turned to Marie and said: “You did it for the Indian boy, and God bless you!”

The End

Children’s Story – The Perfect Helper

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It was wintertime, and Amber was excited! Amber had always lived where it was too warm for very much snow, but now her family was living in Colorado. The ground was white with a thick blanket of snow; better yet, the pond was frozen solid.

Five-year-old Amber had never ice skated before, but the neighbor had given her a pair of ice skates and she couldn’t wait to try them out.

“Mom, can we go to the pond now?” Amber pleaded, on the first bright moonlit night.
“Yes, dear, just as soon as your dad gets home,” her mom answered.

So when Daddy got home they were off to the pond. After lacing up her skates, Amber eagerly stood up on the ice. But in the same moment—Oops!—she was sitting on the ice!

“Daddy!” she cried.

And Daddy was there in an instant to help her. Then, with Daddy’s hand holding hers, he pulled her across the ice. Oh, what fun! She knew her daddy would help her.

During the next few weeks, Amber was back on the ice. And, with her daddy’s help and the help of her other friends, she learned to skate. Soon she wasn’t slipping and falling anymore! All of her daddy’s help paid off. She had finally learned to skate!

Even though Amber didn’t suceed immediately, her daddy was always there to help her get up when she fell. Soon, much to her daddy’s joy, he didn’t have to hold her hand anymore. But do you know who is an even bigger Help? It’s Jesus!

Just like Amber’s daddy, Jesus is always there to help us up when we fall back into a bad habit or when we fail at something we have tried to do. All we have to do is pray and Jesus will put out His hand and help us up. And He doesn’t just pick us up. He helps us not to fall again!

And just like the joy Amber’s daddy had when she could skate on her own, Jesus is even happier when we break some bad habit we’ve had, or repent of some sin and resist the temptation to do it again. The Bible says in Luke 15:10; “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

Never forget that even though we overcome bad habits or sins, we will always need Jesus by our side to help us do what’s right. That’s why Jesus is the perfect helper; there’s nothing He can’t help us do. So when you feel hopeless, remember, Jesus is there. It says in the Bible, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. And that’s a promise! I’m thankful for that, aren’t you?

The End

Children’s Story – Winifred’s Party

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“O Winnie!” sighed Cousin Esther, “if you wold only be serious a few minutes, and think. It is Jesus who invites you! I have accepted—I am happy; but I want you, and—”

“Don’t bother please, Essie; that’s a good girl!” coaxed Winifred, kissing her cousin. “I will be good, sometime, truly. Just now I want some fun. There’s my party—it’s just too bad you won’t wait for it.”

“I can’t, my dear. I agreed to spend the month with grandmother; you know she is an invalid, and must not be disappointed.”

“But it is really going to be something nice, for this place,” urged Winifred. “It is to be a lawn party, and in the evening the grounds will be illuminated with Chinese lanterns…I shall invite the Thorntons and Ellises, and all the best people.”

Esther listened gravely. “I hope it will be very pleasant, Winnie. Now I must go and pack; will you help me?”

The next day Esther Gordon left her cousin’s elegant home for a quiet visit with her invalid grandparent. Winifred missed her at first, but she soon became so interested in her preparations for her party that she forgot everything else.

A few weeks afterward, Esther received a letter from her cousin. Here is part of it:

“And the party! O Essie, it was a perfect ‘fizzle’ from beginning to end! That is, it was not a success, as I meant it to be. Everything was made ready all right, and the house and grounds were beautiful. But when I gave out the invitations,—do you know, not a one accepted? The Thorntons were going to start to Europe at once. The Ellises were going to Bar Harbor sooner than they expected. Edith Longly had a nervous attack. Well, there was ever so many excuses. Of course I could have given up the party, but I had engaged the caterer, the Chinese lanterns, and the orchestra, and I was bound to go on, anyway. I felt insulted. Most of them could have accepted if they had cared to. Seeing I couldn’t have the people I wanted, I meant to have some, anyway; and so I invited our seamstress and her sister, a couple of teachers I know, a lame boy living near, and a dozen or more whom I knew would accept, and be glad to enjoy such a treat. They all came, and in spite of my feeling so disgusted, I enjoyed it greatly. You see, they all enjoyed it so much I was so sorry I hadn’t planned it for them in the first place. I wish you had been here. Write soon to

Your loving cousin, Winifre.”

Esther answered the letter at once. Part of it was as follows:

“I am sorry if you were disappointed about the party; but I do not believe you were, really, for you enjoyed the guests who came more than those for whom you prepared. Just read a few verses in Luke 14:16-24. Isn’t your experience a perfect parallel to the man in Christ’s parable? Commentators all agree that Christ here represented his own gracious invitation to people to come to him, and receive what he has prepared for those who love him. Don’t you believe he is insulted when his invitations are refused on one flimsy excuse or another? There are those who will accept and enjoy the feast, and those who excuse themselves will be left out. Do, Winnie, accept. You don’t know what you miss!

Lovingly, Esther.”

Winifred read the letter carefully, and with growing astonishment and interest. “I never thought of it in that way before! I wonder if he does feel—insulted! His invitations are beautifully worded, too, and promise so much! Strange I never thought of it—an invitation to be refused or accepted! Which shall it be?”

The End

Children’s Story – The Right Decision

by

It was the beginning of vacation when Mr. Davis, a friend of my father, came to see us, and asked to let me go home with him. I was much pleased with the thought of going out of town. The journey was delightful, and when we reached Mr. Davis’ house everything looked as if I were going to have a fine time. Fred Davis, a boy about my own age, took me cordially by the hand, and all the family soon seemed like old friends. “This is going to be a vacation worth having,” I said to myself several times during the evening, as we all played games, told riddles, and laughed and chatted merrily as could be.

At last Mrs. Davis said it was almost bedtime. Then I expected family prayers, but we were very soon directed to our chambers. How strange it seemed to me, for I had never before been in a household without family worship. “Come,” said Fred, “mother says you and I are going to share the bed,” and I followed him up two pair of stairs to a nice little chamber which he called his room; and he opened a drawer and showed me a box, and boat, and knives, and powder-horn, and all his treasures, and told me a world of new things about what the boys did there. He undressed first and jumped into bed. I was much longer about it, for a new set of thoughts began to rise in my mind.

When my mother put my portmanteau (a leather trunk that opens into two halves) in my hand, just before the coach started, she said tenderly, in a low tone, “Remember, Robert, that you are a Christian boy.” I knew very well what that meant, and I had now just come to a point of time when her words were to be minded. At home I was taught the duties of a Christian child; abroad I must not neglect them, and one of these was evening prayer. From a very little boy I had been in the habit of kneeling and asking the forgiveness of God, for Jesus’ sake, acknowledging His mercies, and seeking His protection and blessing.

“Why don’t you come to bed, Robert?” cried Fred. “What are you sitting there for?” I was afraid to pray, and afraid not to pray. It seemed that I could not kneel down and pray in front of Fred. What would he say? Would he not laugh? The fear of Fred made me a coward. Yet I could not lie down on a prayerless bed. If I needed the protection of my heavenly Father at home, how much more abroad. I wished many wishes—that I had slept alone, that Fred would go to sleep, or something else; I hardly knew what. But Fred would not go to sleep.

Perhaps struggles like these take place in everyone’s mind when he leaves home and begins to act for himself, and on his decision may depend his character for time, and for eternity. With me the struggle was severe. At last, to Fred’s cry, “Come on, come to bed,” I mustered courage to say, “I will kneel down and pray first; that is always my custom.” “Pray?” said Fred, turning himself over on his pillow and saying no more. His propriety of conduct made me ashamed. Here I had long been afraid of him and yet when he knew my wishes he was quiet and left me to myself. How thankful I was that duty and conscience triumphed.

That settled my future course. It gave me strength for time to come. I believe that the decision of the “Christian boy,” by God’s blessing, made me the Christian man; for in after years I was thrown amid trials and temptations which would have drawn me away from God and from virtue, had it not been for my settled habit of secret prayer.

Let every boy who has Christian parents, read and think about this. You have been trained in Christian duties and principles. When you go from home do not leave them behind you. Carry them with you and stand by them, and then in weakness and temptation, by God’s help, they will stand by you. Take a manly stand on the side of your God and Saviour, of your father’s God. It is by abandoning their Christian birthright that so many boys go astray, and grow up to be young men dishonoring parents, without hope and without God in the world.

M.A. Vroman, Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle, A. B. Publishing, Ithaca, Michigan, 1905, 29–31.