Be Like a Tree Planted by the Water In the Sunshine by Linda L. Linn - HTML preview

William did a Bible Study on the farm about Jesus as God’s beloved Son who is the creator and our redeemer, with the older boys on the farm, and Karen did the same with the older girls on the ranch.

A volunteer read Colossians 1:15-20, Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him all things were created that are in heaven and earth, visible and invisible,

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whether they are thrones, dominions, principalities or powers, all things were created by him and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. He is the head of the body, the church, and is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. Jesus made peace through the blood of his cross and reconciled all things in heaven and earth to the Father.

Just listening to those verses generated some questions and comments. “What does firstborn mean?” asked Gary. William handed him the dictionary. He looked it up and said, “Firstborn means the one who was born first in a family and has the right to inherit his father’s estate.”

Evan commented, “A footnote for verses 15 and 18 in this Bible says firstborn is the one who has preeminence and authority.”

Gary handed the dictionary to Sam who looked up the word “preeminence” and informed them, “A synonym for preeminence is dominance.”

Another boy looked in his concordance and found a reference for “firstborn” in Hebrews 12:23 where it mentions the church of the firstborn, but he decided it didn’t add anything to the meaning, so he didn’t mention it.

Later he found Matthew 7:29 about authority, so he read it to the group, “ Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes did.”

Carlos added, “Authority can also mean the same as power, so I’ll read Matthew 28:18. Jesus spoke to the disciples saying, ‘All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.’ Then in the next verses he says for them to go and teach about him.”

Next William asked a different boy to read John 1:1-14 and 18 as the others followed along. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came to bear witness of the Light, so that all men might believe through him. John was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light. That was the true Light, which lights every man who comes into the world. Jesus was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world did not know him. He came to his own, but his own did not receive him. But to as many as received and believed in Jesus, he gave power to become the sons of God, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. … No man has seen God at any

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time. The only begotten Son, who is with the Father, has made him known.

The boy next to the reader asked, “Why is ‘Word’ capitalized in this section?”

William answered, “Because Word is another name for Jesus. The same goes for ‘Light’ in this section.”

Sam mentioned, “I saw a big poster in the entry way to our church that has at least twenty different names for Jesus, and I remember seeing Word and Light on it.”

“Yes, I’ve seen the same poster.” Then William suggested, “It would be a good thing for the rest of you to look at that poster this coming Sunday. Write down any names you might want to ask questions about for our next meeting.”

A boy questioned, “Does verse three mean that Jesus made everything?”

William responded, “Yes it does. It means that Jesus is the creator of everything in the universe, like it states in Colossians 1:16, which we read earlier today.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Evan, “therefore if we believe the Bible is true, then evolution must be a lie. At the public school, we’ve been taught that everything evolved, and there is no mention of the Bible or a divine creator.”

Gary remarked, “I’d rather believe Jesus made everything, because there’s no way all the plants we work with here on the farm could have evolved. They’re too intricate, and each one makes seeds that grow into the same exact plant. Plus it happens over and over again every year. Evolution can’t explain how that happens.”

William said, “Good thinking you guys! Now let’s look at Hebrews 1:1-6,8,10. Carlos, will you read those verses for us?”

Carlos nodded and when everyone had found the place so they could follow along, he read. God who many times and in many ways spoke in the past to us by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed to be heir of all things, and by whom also he made the universe. Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory and the exact image of his person, and upholds all things by the word of his power. When Jesus had by himself cleansed us from our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. He was made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my son, this day I have begotten you?” And again, “I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” And again, when he brought the firstborn into the world, he said, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” … But unto the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. … And in the

 

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beginning you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

Sam declared, “Those verses clearly go with the other long sections we heard earlier today.”

“Yes,” responded William, “Jesus is God’s beloved Son. He is also God and is the creator of everything, and on top of those things, he cleanses believers from their sins, as it says here in Hebrews 1:3. With credentials like Jesus has, we can be sure he is safe to believe in for our salvation and to be in control of our lives.

“If any of you have not done this yet and would like to today, please stay after the meeting and I’ll pray with you. If anyone isn’t ready yet, read these verses over tonight and think about them. This is an important decision and you need to be sure. I’m not trying to rush you, just asking you to think about it.”

Greg commented, “This is the end of this long section.”

“It was a long one,” Max agreed. “I liked all the scriptures.”

Levi went on. “”So did I. They went together very well to prove who Jesus is.”

“For sure,” agreed Cory, “and they would be good ones to use to convince someone we might be witnessing to at school.”

Kevin suggested, “Daniel, let’s use those scriptures when we talk to someone during lunch at school.”

Daniel nodded and did a thumbs up.

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e g e g g go o otttt tttto o o o rrrre o e e ea a ad a d d d the parts of the book taught by Karen. She liked reading aloud and used lots of expression making the people sound different from each other.

For the days when Karen taught the girls at the ranch about the Bible, they met together in the upstairs game room of the big house. Other mothers on the ranch took turns volunteering to help for each meeting.

One day Karen stated, “The book of Proverbs is very interesting and it’s an important book in the Bible, so we’ll study verses from it, occasionally in our Bible Study Group teaching time. Please find Proverbs, which is right after Psalms near the center of your Bible. We’ll be learning how to find the books in the Bible quickly during later lessons. Listen and follow along as I read parts of the first chapter.

“Proverbs 1:2-4 introduce and tell the reasons Solomon wrote so many proverbs: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity, to give prudence to the simple and to give knowledge and discretion to young people. It sounds like these verses were written especially for you, since I put the word people in place of the word ‘men’ in the verse,” she explained.

 

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“Now put your finger under verses 5 and 6, A wise person will hear, and will increase learning; and a person of understanding shall attain wise counsel, in order to understand a proverb and also the words of wise people… You’ll notice I used person instead of man again. I do this so we won’t think these and other verses in the Bible are just for men. Many times the Hebrew word for ‘man’ can mean person, mankind, or human being.”

She paused and then said, “Please read Proverbs 1:7-8 out loud with me. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear the instruction of your father and do not forsake the rules of your mother. Now read it again and put the word ‘new’ in front of father and then again in front of mother. These are the people you can think of when the Bible says anything about your father or mother, because they are the ones who’ll be teaching you a lot of good things here on the ranch.” The girls did what she had said.

“Verses 10-19 are about what sinful people would tell you to do and they warn us to stay away from them. Then Wisdom speaks like a person would, about what could happen if Wisdom is ignored or scorned. Instead we need to listen to words of wisdom, like verse 33 says. Whoever listens attentively and gives heed to wisdom shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil.”

Karen continued, “Colossians 2:3 says, In (Jesus) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 1:24b,30b, we are told that Jesus is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and that God made Jesus be wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for us. And if we go back to Proverbs 1:23, it says you need to Repent when I (Wisdom) reprove (or correct) you, and I will pour out my spirit to you and will make my words known to you. We could put Jesus or the Holy Spirit there in place of the word wisdom and take the same advice. This is a much better choice to make than ignoring or scorning wisdom, and the consequences that could result. Do you have any questions or comments?”

One girl asked, “If we read all of the book of Proverbs in the Bible, will we become wise?”

Karen responded, “I think just reading it will not be enough. James 1:22 in the New Testament tells us to be doers of the word, meaning the word of God or the Bible. And Psalm 111:10a says, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All who do his commandments have good understanding… If we read and understand what the Bible says, put the positive counsel into practice and avoid the negative behaviors, we will become wise, plus we’ll have a happier more productive life.”

Candy shared, “Yes, and I like the idea of putting the word ‘new’ in front of the words ‘father’ or ‘mother’ in the Bible, because it will help

 

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me focus my attention on my new parents, instead of old hurts caused by my other ones.”

Many of the girls nodded in agreement.

Kim commented, “There are a lot of negative behaviors we need to avoid just in this first chapter.”

June agreed, “That’s for sure!” and then she questioned, “What is the fear of the LORD?”

Karen answered, “It does not mean to be afraid of him, but to respect him greatly and be in awe of his character and authority so we’ll love and obey him.”

Sara mentioned, “I like your way of explaining the fear we need to have for God. Also, I especially like verse 33, because it’s a wonderful consequence of following the way of wisdom.”

Karen concurred, “I do too. I see that our time’s up for today. I’ll see you next time.”

Then Oralie said, “This is the end of today's section.”

Cory noticed, “I recognize some of the girls names in this section as the ones who graduated from the ranch at the same time the first boys graduated from the farm.”

“Your memory is better than mine,” stated Daniel and then he added. “This part talked a lot about wisdom.”

Levi added, “Yeah, I wish we could become wise just by reading the book of Proverbs.”

“Same here,” agreed Max, “if we could, I’d read it every day.”

Kevin concluded, “But at least we can do what Karen told them to do, and we will also become wise.”

G G Grrrre G e e eg g g g m m me m e e en n n nttttiiiio o o on n n ne e e ed d d, “This lesson from ‘Become Honorable People’ will d

be very appropriate for Cory since he will be a senior next year. Then we’ll read it again when each the rest of you are juniors. But all of you can write the references as I read so you can look the verses up again later and maybe memorize some.”

William and Karen taught a special lesson for the classes with older boys or girls. William began, “This year you boys are all juniors or seniors in high school. I would imagine most of you have begun to think about what career you’d be able to do. So I chose some verses that might help you. I’ll give each of you a different one to look up, practice, and think of a comment.”

He handed them out and gave them the time they needed and they took turns with the following verses.

Gary was first, “Colossians 3:22, Servants, obey your masters … in all things, not just to please them, … but to please God. The word, ‘servants’ here could be used to mean employees. Our motive should be to be pleasing to God and I think that would also result in pleasing the employer.”

 

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“I agree,” said a boy. “I'll read Colossians 3:23, which comes right after the verse Gary read. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, not as to men. I think this would mean for workers to do their best for the Lord. And like Gary said, it would also please the employer.”

Carlos mentioned, “We studied this verse in Jesus Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. This verse tells us to have the right priorities and has a good promise.”

Another boy read, “1 Peter 2:18, Servants, be subject to your masters, not only to the good and gentle but also to the headstrong. This verse gives us the reason to submit to the boss.”

Evan stated, “1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 tells us how and why to do our work. Study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your own hands,… so that you may walk honestly toward them who are outsiders, and so you may not lack anything.”

A different boy said, “Proverbs 22:29a tells the result of being a hard worker. Do you see a man who is diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings…”

William inserted, “These next verses are about God’s guidance.”

One boy declared, “I memorized these verses!” So he quoted, Proverbs 3:5,6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. These verses are good for lots of things.”

Sam declared, “Isaiah 30:21a is a very precious promise! Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it…’ When we ask for God’s guidance, he will make it very clear.”

“Indeed he will,” and then William concluded, “James 1:5, is another wonderful promise. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and does not reproach, and it shall be given to him. We need to ask for God’s help and then listen to, and follow his guidance. Thank you all for your good reading and comments today. Now just remember to trust in the Lord to guide you.”

Greg remarked, “This is the end of the lesson.”

Daniel declared, “I'm glad you reminded us to write the references

down as you read the lesson, Dad, because they are good ones!”

“Yes,” and Max went on, “and I’ve memorized some of them already. There are some I can learn to help me continue to do my best in my schoolwork.”

Levi added, “Right, so this lesson was a good one for the rest of us if we use it for our lives right now too.”

“I agree,” said Kevin, “those are good reminders for us and they can help us get ready for working for others.”

 

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Cory exclaimed, “I like the way you guys were able to make the lesson fit you also! And of course it was a very good lesson for me, Dad, just like you said it would be!”

“I’m so pleased with all of you!” Oralie stated. “Your comments after the lessons show that you pay good attention. You are learning what all the other boys on the ranch have learned, and I know it will help you all the rest of your lives.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e s e ss stttta a a atttte e e ed d d d, “This next lesson in ‘Become Honorable People’ would be a good one for Thanksgiving time but also for every day. If you boys take good notes about how to do what Karen says to do, you will know how to do the homework for this lesson.

Early in November of one year, Karen and William had their boys and girls start a “Thankful Notebook.”

First Karen read Psalm 92:1, It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your name, O most High. Then she told the girls, “I really like the Thanksgiving holiday, but we don’t have to wait for the holiday in order to be thankful. Two or three years ago I began writing things I was thankful for in a notebook.” She held it up showing the title, “Thankful Notebook,” and then had them look at some of the pages inside.

Candy observed, “It’s colorful and your handwriting’s so nice!”

“Thank you, Candy,” she replied. “I like colors and they make it enjoyable while I’m writing. Since I enjoy reading the verses again later, I try to write neatly. I used colored ink pens for a while but some of the colors bled through the pages and then I couldn’t read what I had written on the other side. So I decided erasable colored pencils would work better. Then I could even fix my mistakes. So that’s what you see on these later pages.”

Kim questioned, “Where do you get your ideas about what to write?”

A girl agreed, “Yeah, I’d run out of things to write too soon.”

Karen responded, “Here’s the easy part, I find a Bible verse containing something I’m thankful about and copy the reference and verse in my notebook. Since it’s so easy, it’s something I can do everyday and because it doesn’t take very long, I can include it in my own personal Bible study time.”

June asked, “But how do you decide which verse to use?”

“I made that easy for myself too,” replied Karen. “I use the concordance in the back of my Bible! Can you find the one at the end of your Bible?”

Another girl exclaimed, “Wow! There are lots of words here! It goes on, page after page.”

Sara concurred, “I’ll say! Plus each word has a list of Bible references with part of the verse and the word in it.”

 

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“Right,” said Karen, and you’ll notice they only write the first letter of the word in order to save space. I look at some of the words and find one I’m thankful for on the page. Like on this first page of the concordance, I know I wouldn’t chose ‘abhor,’ which means to hate. But ‘abound’ might have a verse or more that would work for me. So I’d look up one of the references and read the verse. If it didn’t work, I’d try another one in the list. Try it now for yourselves.”

She gave them time to find a verse to use and then said, “Put a book mark there and come up here and get a notebook in a color you like, then go back and put your name inside it.”

When they thanked her, she said, “You’re very welcome.”

After they were seated again she continued, “At the top of each page I like to write, ‘I’m ‘thankful’ or ‘I’m grateful’ with a colon. Then I write the date and the scripture reference on the next line and copy the verse carefully after the reference. Then I underline the word I used from the concordance. I do this to help me keep a record of the words I’ve used, since I go in alphabetical order. The next day I use a different color and keep alternating the colors. The red and green pencils I gave you when you received your Bibles are erasable and if you desire more colors, each of you may come to this table at the end of this meeting and take a box with the rest of the colors.”

There were more words of appreciation after that statement.

Karen responded, “You’re all welcome, it’s my pleasure.”

They worked in silence until they finished the verse. Then Karen concluded, “It’s fine if you use more than one verse. When I have two or more verses, I change colors every four lines or so, and usually do just one of the verses each day. Take these notebooks home with you today and try to write a verse each day. You could make a title to put on the cover of your notebook. Next time we meet, bring it and share it with another girl in this group who isn’t in your family, because the girls in your family will probably see it at your home. Being thankful is a good way to start each day. See if you can remember the word you used, and the verse, from time to time during the day, especially if you get bored, or something happens that bothers you.”

Oralie said it was the end of the lesson and asked, “Do you know what your homework is?”

They all nodded and she had them come to her place at the table to pick out the color of notebook they wanted to use for this project and gave them each a package of erasable colored pencils. Instead of commenting about the lesson, they thanked her and got busy.

The next day right after supper and chores were finished, the whole Iverson family came back to the table with their new Thankful Notebooks. Each of them had found a verse to write in their new notebooks, and had put titles and decorations on the front of them.

 

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So they passed them around the table, so all of them got to see the covers and read each verse.

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g rrrre g e e em m ma m a a arrrrk kk ke e e ed d d d, “I think you boys will enjoy this section of ‘Become Honorable People,’ because it’s about farming.”

They nodded and smiled, and he read the following.

After a couple years on the farm, the boys had learned how to plow, prepare, sow, care for, and harvest crops. So William decided to teach the boys about the parable of the sower. First, they got to listen to the fun song the Medical Mission Sisters sang about the sower who went out to sow seed.

Then he read to them the parable of the sower: Matthew 13:3-8. A sower went out to sow seed, and when he did, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and ate them up. Some fell on stony places, where there was not much dirt. They came up quickly, … but they were scorched and withered away, because they had no good roots. Some seeds fell among thorns, but the thorns choked them. But other seeds fell into good ground and produced thirty, sixty, or one hundred times as much as was planted.

Next William asked, “How is this different from the way we do it here on this truck farm?

Sam stated, “We make sure the seed isn’t wasted on places like the edge of a road, stony ground, or where there are thorns.”

Evan added, “Yes, we prepare the ground carefully before planting anything.”

One of the boys said, “Right, I remember picking up rocks and throwing them into the bucket on a front loader after plowing.”

Gary mentioned, “Plus, we irrigate and pull or spray weeds regularly.”

Another boy complained, “All of those things add up to a lot of hard work!”

Carlos laughed, “But we get a good harvest from every seed!”

William praised them, “Those are all good comparisons. The next verses in Matthew 13 tell why Jesus taught in parables. Then in verses 18-23, Jesus explained how the parable of the sower related to people hearing the Word of God. Who will read it aloud?”

Evan read it. Therefore hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the wicked one comes and takes away what was sown in his heart. This is like the seed by the wayside. He who received the seed into stony places is the one who hears the word and receives it with joy, but he does not have any root in himself and only lasts for a while. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, he is offended. He who received the seed among the thorns is he who hears the word and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and he becomes unfruitful. But he who

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received seed into the good ground is he who hears the word, and understands it. He produces thirty, sixty or one hundred times as much fruit as was sown.

Carlos exclaimed, “I get it! We need to prepare our minds like we do the soil so we can understand the Bible and produce a good harvest.”

A boy added, “We need to get rid of rocks like doubts, fears and any sin in our minds.”

Sam agreed, “Right, and not let desire for the things of the world choke out what we are learning about Jesus.”

Gary suggested, “Plus before we tell others about Jesus we need to work first on preparing their soil by praying, making friends, and living an exemplary Christian life.”

Another boy joked, “It sounds like a lot of hard work!”

William joined in the laughter and stated, “Thank you, guys, for your comments. You’ve all learned a lot since you started living here on Mercy Valley Truck Farm. Keep up the good work!”

Greg finished by saying, “The end.”

Cory declared, “This was extra fun to hear! I was just thinking about my ministry partner at the high school. His name is Van, and I think this book would be a great way for him to learn what we are learning. So I’ll ask him if he’s interested and then if he is, I will send him an email with a PDF copy of this book so he can get started.”

“It sounds like a good idea,” agreed Max, “these lessons are all good, and I especially liked that song you played for us just like in the boys heard in the lesson.”

Kevin added, “And I liked all their comments and particularly how you read the verses where Jesus explained the parable.”

“Same here, and I laughed both times about the ones who said it sounded like a lot of hard work,” stated Daniel.

Levi finished, “So did I. Thank you, Dad, for reading to us.”

The others added their thanks, and Greg told them, “I’m glad I can do it and I enjoy your comments.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e d e d d de e ec e cc clllla a arrrre a e e ed d d, “Thank you all for your extra help cleaning up the d

mess we made fixing supper! I’m glad all you boys have decided you want to learn how to cook. Sometimes learning includes making a mess of things, so don’t give up. It will get easier. Now we can enjoy another part of the book, “Become Honorable People,” as we rest.”

At the ranch Karen began, “Today we’ll use some verses from Proverbs and Psalms in our Bible Study Group teaching time to illustrate an idea I heard from Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker. He stated that it’s most helpful to link pain to negative behavior and pleasure to positive behavior in order to change bad habits. How many of you have bad habits you’d like to change?” All hands were raised, including Karen’s.

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“As I read Proverbs 2:1-9, follow along and listen carefully. Smile as long as it’s about positive, pleasurable things. But when you hear about something bad, do a thumb down and frown. I’ll pause after each verse so you can think. Receive my words and hide my commandments in you. Incline you ears to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding. Cry after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding. If you seek wisdom as for silver and search for it as for treasure, then you shall understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom and out of his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous. He is a shield for those who walk uprightly. He keeps the paths of judgment and preserves the way of his saints (which is what you are if you are believers). Then you shall understand righteousness, judgment, equity and every good path. Verses 20,21 say, … Walk in the way of good people and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land and the perfect shall remain in it. Verses10-14,22 say, When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, then discretion shall preserve you and understanding shall keep you, to deliver you from the way of the evil man. Evil people leave the paths of uprightness and walk in the ways of darkness, and rejoice to do evil and be wicked. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. I noticed that these last few verses are the only ones you gave a thumb down and frowned. I agree.

“For the rest of the teaching time for this study group meeting we’ll focus on all of Psalm 1. Read it out loud with me. Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. It brings forth fruit in season. Its Ieaf does not wither and whatever it does shall prosper. The ungodly are like the chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

“Now take your red pencil and underline all the bad things you can find in this Psalm. … Next take your green pencil and underline all the good things you can find in this Psalm.” Karen had them share some of each kind they had underlined. Then they talked about it.

Next Karen instructed, “Your homework for the next meeting is to make a chart showing the difference between the righteous person and the ungodly one. Don’t groan. You’ll find this easy. Just use the words from this Psalm and make one column for each kind of person. You’ll notice you already underlined the righteous one with green, and the ungodly one with red. Use a whole page in your notebook,

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so you'll have room to add things to it as we continue this lesson in our next meeting.”

Oralie finished by saying, “The End.”

Daniel observed, “I noticed that the girls on the ranch also groaned

about homework. Now I know I’m not the only one.”

“Yeah, but it was nice of Karen to tell them how easy it would be to get it done,” added Kevin.

Max stated, “I thought it was fun to smile for all the good parts, and then and do thumbs down and frown for the bad things in that long scripture she read out of Proverbs 2.”

“Same here,” agreed Levi, “and it helped me pay attention better, since it was so long.”

Cory shared, “I'm glad many teachers know how to make lessons interesting for their students.”

Oralie concluded, “So am I, and since you all have a notebook for taking notes, writing questions, answers, and comments, you can easily do the homework Karen described for this lesson.”

Daniel decided that it would be best to not groan, so he smiled and

got started right away. When they all finished, they shared what they had done with each other.

F F F Fo o o orrrr tttth h he h e e n e n n ne e ex e xx xtttt s ss se e e eg g g gm m me m e e en n n ntttt of “Become Honorable People,” Oralie remarked, “If I give you these instructions now, you can do this as I read the next scriptures slowly. Just add what you hear to the chart you made for your homework last time.”

At the next meeting of the Bible Study Group, the girls added what they found in the following verses to their charts.

Proverbs 9:9, Give instruction to a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a just person and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 10:2,3,7,11,29,32, Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to starve, but he casts away the substance of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. The mouth of a righteous person is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright, but workers of iniquity shall be destroyed. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks disobedience.

Proverbs 11:5, The righteousness of the upright shall direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

Karen explained, “The reason we made these charts is to point out the great difference there is between the righteous and the wicked so you can use this knowledge to help you choose the right way. By looking at your chart you can easily see how painful a wicked life can be and decide to NOT live that way. When you look at the benefits of

 

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being upright or righteous, you can see the pleasure of living that way and choose to be an upright person.

“Remember, at our last meeting, we all agreed we have bad habits we need to get rid of. Now you’re going to use the idea of pain versus pleasure to help you get rid of a bad habit. Your homework this week is to choose one bad habit you know you need to change. Write down all the bad things about this habit you can think of and the reasons you need to get rid of it. What might happen if you do not free yourself from this bad habit? Write all those things down. How much discomfort, embarrassment, pain, and so on will it cause for you and others.

“Next, think of a good habit you need to add to your life to take the place of the bad one. Choose one that you feel strongly about so you will be motivated. You need to replace the bad habit with a good one so that you will NOT fall back into doing the bad one. A vacuum will be created in your life and it needs to be filled with a good habit so the bad one will have no room to reenter.

“Last, and this is super important, write down the good habit you want to form, and next to it write all the good things that’ll happen to you because of this new, good habit and how pleasant it will be for you. Think of ways it will help you to have this good habit and how happy, joyful, relieved, you and others will feel because you have it. Write it in a way that will encourage you to make it happen so you can feel all those wonderful feelings and even share them with other people around you.

“I’m not saying this will be an easy thing for you to do, because you’ll need to convince yourselves about how bad it would be to keep the bad habit and how fantastic it will be to develop the good habit. Then you’ll need to work hard to put the new habit into your life. I think that when you find how well this plan works, you’ll probably decide to use it on other bad habits.

Oralie said, “This is the end of this section.”

Daniel asked, “Why is it important to write it all?”

Max replied, “I think it’d because then it would be hard to argue with yourself.”

“I agree,” and then Oralie asked, “Would any of you boys like me to read the scriptures again so you can add more to your charts?”

They all nodded, so she read them again as they added anything they missed.

Then Cory exclaimed, “This lesson fits very well with the title of the book, since upright, righteous, and honorable mean close to the same things!”

“I think so too,” and then Levi added, “I already thought of a bad habit I need to get rid of, and a good one to replace it, so I’m going to try to do what this lesson teaches.

The other boys agreed and thanked Oralie for reading.

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O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e w e w w wa a a as ss s rrrre e ea e a ad a d d dy yy y to read the next section of “Become Honorable People” as soon as the boys had finished their outside chores.

Karen and William decided to do another lesson out of Proverbs. Karen began her lesson, “Let’s take another look at some Proverbs today and maybe find some other verses to go with them. Our topic today is to obey your father and mother. Of course this means the ones here on the ranch. Also remember that King Solomon who wrote most of Proverbs was speaking to his son much of the time. Find Proverbs 6:20-23 and read it with me.”

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake the

law of your mother. Bind them always on your heart, and tie them around your neck. When you go they shall lead you. When you sleep, they shall keep you, and when you wake they shall talk with you.

Christi asked, “Does it mean to actually tie them around your neck? I think doing it would be embarrassing.”

“I agree,” Karen answered, “there’s no need to give mean people a reason to make fun of you. I think it is like a figure of speech that means to remember and think about them.”

Emma suggested, “Then they won’t really talk with you either. You would just think about them?”

Karen nodded in agreement, and they went on to read the next verses aloud together. Proverbs 7:1-3, My son, keep my words and lay up my commandments with you. Keep my commandments and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Liz mentioned, “I heard somewhere that ‘the apple of the eye’ is the pupil, but the phrase has come to mean something cherished.”

“Right,” Hanna agreed, “also we won’t literally bind God’s laws on our fingers, but we will keep them in our minds and obey them.”

Everyone nodded, and Karen asked a girl to read Proverbs 4:10, Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life shall be many.

Stella commented, “This verse has a nice promise, but it’s conditional. The person has to listen and do first.”

“Exactly,” said Karen and asked another girl to read Proverbs 5:1,2, My son, attend to my wisdom, and bow your ear to my understanding, so you may regard discretion, and your lips may have knowledge.

Ellie remarked, “This is another verse where you have to do one thing to have the other one happen.”

Next a different girl read Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.

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Nan remembered, “That’s one of the Ten Commandments and it also has a good conditional promise. I noticed two of the verses talk about living longer.”

“Good comments, girls,” Karen commended, “now please find Psalm 19. Lets close by reading verses 7-11. As we read, notice how well they go with the verses we read in Proverbs.”

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul, the testimony of the LORD is sure, making the simple wise. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever, the judgments of the LORD are true and altogether righteous. They are to be desired more than gold, even much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover your servant is warned by them and there is great reward in keeping them.

Lisa expressed what many were thinking, “The verses we just finished are a good summary and addition to the ones in Proverbs, because they’re talking about the LORD’s commands and words.”

They all nodded emphatically and thanked Karen for the good lesson.

When Oralie finished that segment, she closed the book.

Cory stated, “I like listening to the girl’s comments and questions.”

Kevin observed, “”Yes, and I like the way they compared the verses they read in Proverbs to the verses in Psalm 19.”

“I did also,” Max agreed. “I like the way that psalm uses so many synonyms for the law of the LORD and tells what it does.”

Daniel continued, “Yes, and it reminds me of some verses I

memorized, Psalm 119:103-105, How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding and therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Levi concluded, “God’s word is also more valuable than gold like wisdom is. Proverbs 16:16a states, How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g rrrre g e e em m ma m a a arrrrk kk ke e e ed d d d, “Here’s another lesson related to farming in the book, ‘Become Honorable People.’ I think you’ll like it.”

William put together a special lesson for the older farm boys beginning with verses from Proverbs and continuing with a couple from other places.

“Good afternoon, boys. Today we’re going to start with some verses in Proverbs that have words related to farming. Please look up Proverbs 6:8 and read the last part aloud with me. The ant gathers her food in the harvest. Good, now follow along on verses 6 and 7, Go to the ant you lazy person. Consider her ways, and be wise. She has no guide, overseer, or ruler.”

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Next he had them listen to a Nature Corner story about an ant, and

how it worked with all the other worker ants to bring food for the winter to the anthill. They didn’t even have a leader. Each one just knew what to do and did it.

Afterward he showed a video he found on the web about lessons we can learn from ants.

“Wow!” Carlos exclaimed. “All this information is incredible!”

A boy agreed, “For sure! I never realized ants worked so hard and they don’t even have a boss.”

Evan added, “We have a lot of people working on this farm. We do need a boss, but by working together we get a lot done.”

Gary concurred, “Right, I like working on this farm, I’ve learned a lot in just the short time I’ve been here.”

Another boy continued, “The lessons I learned from the ants today is to work together and keep trying and don’t be lazy.”

“Great comments, boys,” William complimented them. “Let’s look at Proverbs 20:4, to see what can happen when people are lazy. Read it with me, The lazy person will not plow because of the cold. Therefore he shall beg in harvest and have nothing.”

Sam mentioned, “Lazy people can use the heat or the rain or the sun or many other things as an excuse to not work.”

A different boy concurred, “Yes, isn’t there a verse that talks about people who won’t work?”

William replied, “Indeed there is! Find 2 Thessalonians 3:10 and read the last part together. If any will not work, neither should he eat. There were some people there who wouldn’t work at all but were busybodies. In verse 14, Paul said to not associate with them so they’d be ashamed.”

He paused and then smiled, “Enough of the negative side! Write these Bible references down as I read them. Psalm 128:1,2, Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD and walks in his ways. He shall eat from the labor of his hands. He shall be happy and it will be well with him. Proverbs 11:18 the last part, He who sows righteousness will reap a sure reward. And we’ll close today’s lesson with Galatians 6:9, Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint.”

The boys nodded in agreement with those verses.

Then he had them sing the song that goes with Galatians 6:9.

Last, he instructed, “Choose one or all of those verses and memorize them. For our next meeting you can recite at least one of them from memory using what you learned from our lessons on how to memorize Bible verses. See you all next time!”

“This is the end of this section,” said Greg.

Max stated, “I like the last scripture you read and the song that goes with it with a little different wording. We sang it a lot of times at the church school, and it’s fun to sing.”

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Oralie agreed, “So do I, and I got to hear it a lot of times while I volunteered at the school while you five boys were attending there.”

Levi added, “I remember that Nature Corner story about the ant. It was fascinating. So was the video you showed us during this lesson.”

“I think so too,” and Cory went on, “I learned a lot from the video.”

Kevin mentioned, “I could add to Sam’s comment, part of Proverbs 26:13b, The lazy man says, … ‘a lion is in the street.’ I’m glad we don’t have any lazy people here on this farm.”

“Ditto,” said Daniel. “They are all good examples for us.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e s e ss sa a aiiiid a d d, “I’ll read the next part of ‘Become Honorable People.’ d

It has some helpful ideas in it. As we go, I’ll give you time to follow Karen’s instructions.”

Karen and William talked to their study groups about Jesus’ command to love one another.

Karen began, “Think about how we can follow Jesus’ command in John chapters 13 and 14 to love each other. … Write a few of them in your notebook.”

After giving them some time she continued, “We can get some more ideas from the Bible verses we’ll read today. After we read them I’ll give you time to look at the ideas you already wrote in your notebooks. If you find different ideas in the verses, you’ll also have time to add them to the ones you have.”

The girls nodded that they understood, so Karen instructed, “Look up Romans 12:10,16a and read them out loud with me. Be caring and devoted to one another with brotherly love, … Be of the same mind toward one another. …”

Karen observed the girls doing what she had instructed. When most of them were finished she went on, “Now find Ephesians 4:32, and let’s read it aloud. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake forgave you.”

She gave enough time to write, and then said, “The next verse “is 1 Peter 3:8.” They read it together. All of you be of one mind, having compassion on one another. Love as brothers, be merciful, be courteous. They wrote those ideas in their notebooks.

“Last, we’ll read Philippians 2:2b,3 out loud.” Be like-minded, have love for each other, be of one accord or of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or pride, but with humility, let each one consider others better than themselves.

The girls wrote diligently for a more lengthy time since these verses had so many ideas.

When they finished, the class time was also over. One of the girls invariably said something like, “Thank you, Karen, for this lesson. Now we have many ways we can follow Jesus command to love each other.”

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And Karen would respond, “You’re very welcome. All these ways came right out of the verses we read today. You could probably find some more by using the concordance in your Bibles. In fact you could use this method for many topics.”

Then Oralie told them that the section was finished.

The boys had finished writing in their notebooks also, and Cory stated, “I’m glad we had our Bibles with us, so we could look up the verses too. Now we also will have many ideas about how we can show love to others as Jesus commanded.”

“I think so too,” and then Max added, “it’s almost like being in the Bible study with them.”

Levi added, “Yes it is. I’m glad we got to go to the church school and learn so much there, and this is a good way to continue learning.”

“Right,” agreed Kevin, “and we are also learning some ways to do independent Bible studies later.”

Daniel continued, “Exactly, and this way we can become lifelong

learners.”

“Absolutely!” Greg exclaimed. “Your mother and I have gained some ideas for our independent Bible studies also.”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g s g ss stttta a a atttte e ed e d d d,,,, ““““IIII lllliiiik kk ke e e e reading in the book of Proverbs, so I’ll enjoy reading this next section of ‘Become Honorable People’ to you boys, since it has many verses in it from Proverbs.”

William was teaching the newly believing boys on the farm about honesty and truthfulness as opposed to lying and dishonesty. First he read Proverbs 12:19,22, “The lips of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truly are his delight. These verses mean he hates lying but delights in the truth.”

Hugo stated, “Thank you for explaining those verses to us.”

“You’re welcome,” William replied. “What do you think this verse means? Ephesians 4:25,… put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

Pedro thought, “Since we are now believers we all belong to God’s family and we should be truthful.”

“Exactly,” William commended him. “Accuracy fits in this same category. Read Proverbs 11:1 with me, A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.”

Jose shared, “We need to be accurate in our homework and in what we say in class so we’ll be truthful.”

“Absolutely, Jose,” said William. “There are many wise sayings in Proverbs. For our next Bible Study lesson, please read Proverbs 22 and 23 and find one or more wise sayings you like and that’ll help you as you live your life for Jesus. Be ready to tell why you like it or how it will help you.”

Luis observed, “This should be interesting.”

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At the next meeting these are the verses from Proverbs 22 and 23 chosen by the group members.

One boy said, “I chose Proverbs 22:1, A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. It tells about things that are more valuable than money. It’ll help me build a good reputation.”

Luis shared, “I liked many verses, but this is my favorite. Proverbs 22:17: Listen and hear the words of the wise and apply your heart to knowledge. I like it because it’ll remind me to listen to wise people like my new dad and you and Pastor Don.”

Pedro stated, “I chose Proverbs 22:24,25a, Do not make a friendship with an angry man, and don’t go with a furious man, lest you learn his ways. It’ll help me choose friends wisely.”

Another boy continued, “I like my summary of Proverbs 22:26b,27. Don’t say you will pay somebody’s loan because you might lose all you have. These verses will help me so I won’t have to learn this the hard way.”

Jose declared, “I chose Proverbs 23:12, Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words of knowledge. I like it because I enjoy learning and if someone makes fun of me for being a bookworm, I’ll just smile and repeat this verse in my mind or out loud if it’s an appropriate time and place.”

Hugo continued with “I made this summary of Proverbs 23:20,21a, Don’t join with wine drinkers or drunkards or gluttons or you shall come to poverty like they do. I like these verses because if someone invites me to drink alcohol, I’ll just say ‘No thank you,’ and walk away repeating these verses to myself.”

William inserted, “You can all use these verses Hugo chose for anything with alcohol and change the words as needed to include smoking, vape, mind altering drugs, or anything else that would not be good for your bodies or could become an addiction that would be hard to eliminate. It’s much easier to avoid bad habits than it is to break them after they get started.”

Several of the other boys in the group had chosen some of the same verses. Two others had lame excuses for not doing their homework. The last one admitted, “I looked ahead into chapter 24 and chose verse 13 because I like honey and I can use this verse to ask for more honey at home. My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste. But I also have to add verse 14, because I know my new parents know it, plus it’s a good verse for you, Jose. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be for your soul. When you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not be cut off.”

Greg told them it was the end, and Kevin noticed, “That boy was pretty smart, and when you take those two verses together I think

 

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they mean that wisdom is good and will reward you as surely as honey is good and sweet to eat.”

“Good thinking, Kevin,” Cory applauded, “and I liked the verse Jose picked because I feel the same way he does about learning.”

Levi stated, “I think the verses William started with about lying, truthfulness, and accuracy were very good.”

“I think so too,” said Max, “and William’s assignment to find a verse they liked and tell why or how it would help them was a good idea.”

Daniel agreed, “Yes, and then we got to hear them and learn from

them also. I really liked what William said about staying away from things that are not good for our bodies.”

Oralie concurred, “I’m glad you realize how important that is! And it could also include junk food, having too much candy or carbonated beverages since they have so much sugar in them.”

“Right,” added Greg, “and I was talking to William and he told me that families with foster kids in Pine City are using these same teachings with them. See if you can find some scriptures about taking care of your body.”

Max was first, “I remember that 1 Corinthians 6:19 says … your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, … you are not your own.”

“Right,” agreed Levi, “and verse 20 goes on saying, For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”

“I like what 3 John 1:2 says. Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers,” stated Daniel.

Kevin added, “If we do what it says in Romans 12:2, it will help our bodies. It says, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you may prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

Cory concluded, “Luke 21:34 says to take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts are weighed down with excess and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so the day of Jesus return would come upon you unaware.”

“Thank you, boys,” said Oralie, “those are all good scriptures.”

W W W Wh h h he e en e n n tttth n h h he e e e b b bo b o o oy yy ys ss s c cc ca a a am m m me e e e inside after running some races, Oralie instructed, “Today bring your Thankful Notebooks also, so you can write some references that you might want to include in them as you listen to this next section of ‘Become Honorable People.’ It has some good ones.”

Karen asked all her classes of girls on the ranch to bring their Thankful Notebooks to their next class, to share with their

 

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classmates. Their homework was to, “Choose a verse or verses you’d like to read aloud and tell us why you like it or them.”

At the beginning of the next class she instructed, “Show the person on each side of you a page or two in your notebook.

They busily followed her directions and it was a bit noisy for a few minutes. Then it got very quiet except for the one telling about and reading a chosen verse or two.

Nan shared, “I like 1 Thessalonians 5:18, because it helps me remember to be thankful instead of complaining. It says, In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Emma continued, “I chose to share Psalm 119:103,104a because honey’s my favorite sweetener. How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I get understanding from your precepts.

Liz said, “I picked Psalm 92:1,2 because I like the way I can make it a personal prayer. It is a good thing to give thanks to you LORD and to sing praises to your name, O Most High, to show forth your loving kindness in the morning and your faithfulness every night.”

Stella went on, “The verse I chose tells me I can trust God’s promises. 2 Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, … but is patient with people, not wanting any to perish, but that everyone should come to repentance.”

Hanna shared, “My verse is about God’s promises also. I like promises that are kept. Joshua said to the people of Israel in Joshua 23:14b, ‘not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God promised you, all of them came to pass…’ God had a perfect record.”

Christi stated, “I like Galatians 6:9 because I can be thankful that it says, Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we don’t faint. This verse reminds me to keep sharing the Good News so some of my classmates will eventually ask Jesus to be their Savior.”

Lisa continued, “I'm thankful for Acts 1:3, because I can use it to help convince some of my school friends that Jesus is alive. Jesus showed himself alive after his crucifixion to his disciples, by many infallible proofs for forty days, and spoke to them about things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Ellie said, “The verse I chose to share has helped me many times when some of my classmates have tried to get me to do something wrong. 1 Corinthians 10:13, There has no temptation come to you, but those common to man. But God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted above what you can handle, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, so you will be able to bear it.”

June shared, “I’m grateful that the LORD is perfect. I like Deuteronomy 32:4, because it was part of a song written by Moses,

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The LORD is our Rock, his work is perfect. All his ways are just, a God of truth and without iniquity. He is fair and right.”

Candy declared, “This was a fun homework assignment. I enjoyed reading many of the verses I had written. I’ll reread them more often now that I know how much I like it. I chose John 8:12 and I like it because Jesus said it. I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Sara smiled at Candy’s frankness and went on to say, “I like Romans 15:4, because it tells why the Bible was written. Everything that was written in the past was written for our learning, so that through patience and the comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.” I’m thankful I can take my Bible with me as I leave the ranch, and that I’ve learned so many things about how to study it and use it to guide my life.”

Kim agreed, “Same here! And I’m grateful for all the things you’ve taught us, Karen. I chose Psalm 145:8,9, and I like them because they talk about many of the LORD’s wonderful qualities. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

At the end of each class session Karen said, “I have some verses that go very well together that I’d like to read to you from my Thankful Notebook. I like them because they tell about the hope we have all of our lives no matter whether we’re home with our families or out on our own. Titus 2:13, I’m grateful that we are looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, and Hebrews 6:18b,19a, I thank you, God, that, since we have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us, we have much encouragement. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and unshakable. No matter what happens in our lives we can trust Jesus and look forward to his second coming.”

Then Oralie stated, “That’s the end of this section.”

Cory remarked, “I was busy writing all the references.”

Levi mentioned, “I liked hearing the reasons they liked those verses.”

“Yeah,” agreed Max, “they made the verses more meaningful.”

Daniel remarked, “The verses I liked the best are the ones Karen

read at the end each class session.”

“Ditto!” Kevin exclaimed. “And it was also good to listen to all the other ones.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e w e w w we e e en n ntttt o n o ou o u u utttts ss siiiid d de d e e e with the boys to watch them play basketball on the driveway while Greg got ready to read another segment from “Become Honorable People.” When they came in, he called them over to listen as he read.

 

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William and Karen encouraged the older boys and girls to seek the way of the LORD. On the farm William stated, “In 1 Samuel 12:23b,24, Samuel said to the people of Israel, ‘I will teach you the good and right way: fear only the LORD and serve him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things he has done for you.’ Remember, the fear of the LORD is to have deep respect and reverence for God’s power and authority. We talked about this in another lesson.”

“Yes,” said Sam, “I remember that lesson, and this is a good reminder. There are also other verses to remind us to love God with all our heart, so this statement is extra important.”

One boy mentioned, “There are also a lot of verses where the writer listed some of the great things the LORD had done.”

“Indeed there are,” Evan concurred. “And besides those, it would be a good idea to remember and be thankful for things he has done for each of us individually, like putting us into these caring families, and saving us, plus all his daily blessings.”

William commended them, “Those are good points, boys. Now please find and listen to 2 Samuel 22:31-33, As for God, his way is perfect. The word of the LORD is proven. He is a shield to all those who trust in him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and he makes my way perfect. These verses are part of a song David wrote after the LORD had delivered him from all his enemies including Saul who had tried for years to kill him. I don’t suppose any of us will ever have problems like David had, but I’m glad to know we have the same LORD as he did.”

“For sure,” Carlos agreed, “we can trust the LORD because we know about his trustworthiness from these and other verses in the Bible.”

Gary shared, “Precisely! I’m so glad we can trust the LORD as we get ready to go out into the workplace and make our own living. If we had to do it on our own, it would seem impossible.”

“Definitely!” William emphasized, “This is the reason we can pray Psalm 25:4,5 together.”

He gave them time to find it and then they prayed it out loud. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. …

William, concluded this lesson by saying, “We need to pray for his guidance and remember that it says in Isaiah 55:8,9, (The LORD said,) ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways and my thoughts higher than yours.’ Sometimes it might seem like what we think he tells us to do, doesn’t make any sense because his thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours. If you ever have a question about his leading, search in your Bible to see if it agrees

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with Bible truth. And if you get stuck, call your parents on the farm and talk it over with them. That’s what we parents are for!”

Greg emphasized, “All of you remember those last two statements, while you are still home with us and after you move away from the farm!”

“Thank you so much, Dad!” Kevin exclaimed. “I’ve been thinking about when we have to move away from the farm, and it’s scary in a lot of ways. But knowing we can call you and Mom helps a lot.”

Daniel agreed, “Ditto! We have such a wonderful family in this

home that I wish we didn’t have to move away. But I know we have to grow up and be able to take care of ourselves.”

“My feelings, exactly,” added Cory, “and I’m thankful for all the things we have learned in this wonderful family to get us ready to be independent. Plus these books you’ve been reading add to our knowledge. Thank you both very much for taking such good care of us! The boys in that class made some good comments and I liked all the Old Testament scriptures in this lesson.”

“So did I,” said Levi, “it was a good reminder to remember the great things the LORD has done for us.

Max stated, “For sure, just like Psalm 126:3 says, The LORD had done great things for us, and we are glad for them.”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g iiiin g n nttttrrrro n o o od d d du u u uc cc ce e e ed d d d tttth h h hiiiis ss s section of “Become Honorable People” by saying, “This lesson can help us whenever we have to put up with sneering comments and other types of persecution from others when we try to share the Good News.”

During a Bible Study Group teaching time on the farm, William used Acts 3 and 4. He began the lesson by saying, “All of you boys have been on this farm long enough to know that when you try to be missionaries in the public schools you might have to face some threats and persecution. Find John 16:1-4a and read it aloud with me.” Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that you should not be unaware. They shall put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he does a service to God. They will do these things to you because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have told you these things, so that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them.”

William continued, “Jesus said this to his disciples just before he was arrested and crucified. Today let’s study how the disciples responded to persecution in Acts 3 and 4. To me, it’s like reading a thrilling adventure story and I know it really happened. First read Acts 3 and through verse 16 in chapter 4 to yourselves and write a summary of it in your notebooks.”

When they had finished he requested, Hugo, would you please read your summary to us?”

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“Yes,” Hugo replied, “Instead of giving money to the lame man, Peter told him, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ The lame man was healed immediately and praised God. Then Peter explained to the people who saw the miracle that it was not his power, but Jesus’ name and faith in his name that made the man strong and able to walk. Then he told the people to repent and be converted. The leaders of the Jews were displeased and put Peter and John into prison until the next day. When questioned they replied in verses 10b-12 of chapter 4, by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole… Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. The leaders could tell that Peter and John had been with Jesus, and decided to threaten them as it says in verses 17 and 18.”

“Good job Hugo,” commended William and he had another boy read those two verses. But that it spread no further among the people, let us strongly threaten them to not speak in Jesus' name. And they called them in, and commanded then to not speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus.

Then William had Jose read verses 19-21. But Peter and John answered, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you more than God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way they could punish them because of the people, for all men glorified God for what had been done.

Another boy read verse 23b, Then the disciples went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

Pedro read verse 24, And when they heard that, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord, and said, Lord, you are God who made the heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them. … …

Luis finished the story by reading verses 29-31…, And now, Lord, behold their threatening, and grant to your servants boldness to speak your word, and stretch forth your hand to heal, so that signs and wonders may be done by the holy name of Jesus. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Next William stated, “Thank you guys for your good reading with expression. If you want to read another exciting account of some more persecution and how the apostles responded, read Acts 5:12-42 at home sometime. I especially like how this one ended. Have a good evening and I’ll see you next time.”

Karen taught a similar lesson on the ranch. A short time later, both Karen and William had a short meeting for the students who

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were in high school now. They explained that the Grace ‘n’ Faith Church had found out about a tiny book called, “The Life Book,” which is put out by The Gideons International. They had used the web site thelifebook.com, and had obtained hundreds of the books to be given out by students in the public high schools.

The books contain an introduction to the story of the Old Testament and then the whole Gospel of John and later a part that asks questions to point out the need for Jesus to be the Savior. It’s all done in an interesting way that will keep the students reading.

Karen and William told the students on the farm and ranch, who were in high school, to give away as many of these books as they could and to pray for the Lord to use them to bring many others to belief in Jesus. These students looked through the books and were impressed by them, so they were looking forward to giving them to their friends and anyone else who would take one and read it. Other high school youth groups did the same things.

Greg put the book down and said, “The end of this lesson.”

Max commented, “I especially like Acts 4:12, which says that Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved.”

“I do also,” and then Cory remarked, “It was a good lesson and the Life Books are a super way to get high school students interested in Jesus. I'm grateful we don’t have the kind of threats and persecution the disciples had.”

“Same here!” Daniel declared, “and those tiny books are a very effective way for us to be missionaries in high school.”

Levi inserted, “Super! It’s good to know that I’ll have some of those to use next year when I start high school!”

“Positively,” agreed Kevin, “and I was amazed at the boldness the disciples had after they prayed together!”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g w g w w wa a as a ss s g g glllla g a ad a d d to read a section of “Become Honorable People” to d

the boys this evening, so he started.

William and Karen sent e-mails once in a while to share teaching ideas for the different age levels. They used easier things for the younger children. The following idea was for the older children. They started by singing “How Majestic is Your Name,” which begins almost the same as Psalm 8:1a, O LORD our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth.

Then William stated, “All God’s promises are true. He keeps all his promises and covenants. God and the promises he makes are like all the good things mentioned in Philippians 4:8. Who’d like to read that verse for us?”

Luis read, Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if

 

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there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.”

“Good job, thank you, Luis,” said William. “Now I’d like to read it again leaving out some of the words, and putting ‘boys,’ in the place of ‘Finally brothers,’ Boys, whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and worthy of praise, think about these things.”

He had printed this on a big piece of poster paper so they could see it from their seats. He continued, “Somehow this is more meaningful and more easily understood without those extra words. Now everyone read it out loud putting your name in the place of boys.”

They all did it together and he asked, “How did that help you?”

Hugo remarked, “It was like I was talking to myself.”

“Yes,” Pedro went on to say, “it was like I was commanding myself to think about those things.”

Another boy continued, “It made the verse be easier to understand without all the ‘whatever’ words in there.”

Jose commented, “It is indeed, but we just learned in school the other day that if the words just had commas after them here in the Bible it would mean that each thing we’d think of would have to have all eight of those attributes, and we wouldn’t be able to find as many things.

“I agree with all of you,” stated William. “Let’s put the word ‘or’ after each attribute in the verse and it’ll mean we can think about things that fit each category. I left the word ‘finally’ out because today, for this lesson, we aren’t going to study the statements that come before this verse.”

A boy asked, “What does virtuous mean?”

“I’m so glad you asked that question,” declared William with a smile. “How many of you have dictionaries in your homes?”

All the boys raised their hands looking rather puzzled at the way he had avoided answering the boy’s question by asking another one.

William admitted, “I know it’s usually not a good practice to respond to a question with another question, but his question was a perfect lead in to your homework for this weekend.”

The boys all started chuckling. William had a way of making learning fun.

Jose guessed, “I’ll bet we need to use our dictionaries at home in order to complete our homework.”

“You’re right, Jose,” agreed William. He handed out pages with the verse he had reworded at the top with a blank for the boy to insert his name. Then he had them put ‘or’ after each attribute. The directions stated, “Write the meaning and as many synonyms as you can, to go with each word listed under the verse.” He asked, “Where did I get the words under the verse?”

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Some of the boys said together, “From the verse!”

Another boy inquired, “Why do you want us to do this?”

“Good question!” exclaimed William. “I have a very good reason! I know that most of you have unhappy thoughts come into your minds now and then. If you think about them a lot or for a long time you begin to feel unhappy.”

The boys all nodded and he continued, “2 Corinthians 10:5b tells us to bring into captivity every thought to be obedient to Christ. The best way to do this, is to give the unhappy thought to Jesus and then replace it by thinking about things from the list in Philippians 4:8. Memorize the verse on your paper with your name at the beginning and then follow the command. The meanings you’ll find as your homework will help you have many good things to think about in the place of those sad thoughts.”

Pedro remarked, “I’ll bet the next part of the homework is to practice doing what you said and tell you about it at the next meeting when we bring our homework to show you.”

“You’re exactly right, Pedro,” William congratulated him. The boys smiled as he said, “See you all on Monday.”

Then Greg mentioned, “This ends this section of the book.

“I get it!” Kevin exclaimed. “William didn’t answer the boy’s question because he wanted the boys to look up that word and the other seven at home.”

Daniel agreed, “Many times when we have to look up something on our own the meaning sticks longer.”

“For sure,” stated Cory, “and I think it works the same way if I look something up on the computer.”

Max asked, “Do we have the same homework as they did, to do for this lesson?”

Greg nodded at Max and then Levi commented, “I think it will be good for me to do it and have all those good things to think about, instead of some of the hard things that happen at school.”

T T T Th h h hiiiis ss s iiiis ss s tttth h he h e e n e n n ne e e ex xx xtttt segment of “Become Honorable People,” that Oralie read to the boys after chores were done and they had all been outside playing with their family dog, Jolly, in the back yard.

During one of the girls’ Bible group teaching times, Karen said, “I heard a meaningful quote the other day. It says ‘Make the most of present opportunities.’ What does it mean to you?”

Kim shared, “I think I should look at things existing in my life not as problems, but as chances to improve the things.”

Sara said, “For me it means, if I don’t do my best with each circumstance as it happens, I might not get another chance later.”

“Those are both good,” said Karen, and they both smiled.

“Here are some Bible verses to go along with these thoughts,” stated Karen. She gave a reference and asked for a volunteer to

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read it. Then they discussed what the verse meant before going on to the next one.

Galatians 6:10, Therefore as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who are believers.”

Ephesians 5:15-17, Be sure to walk carefully, not as fools, but as

wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. So do not be unwise, but be understanding of what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:5,6, Walk or act in wisdom toward those who are not believers, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace … so you may know how to answer everyone.

Then Karen suggested, “Before our next meeting, notice some opportunities you have during the week. Write them down and also write what you did to make the most of them. I’d love to hear about them next week. Just before we leave let’s sing the song, ‘Freely, Freely,’ because it goes so well with this topic. The Bible verse is Matthew 10:8b, … freely you have received, freely give. Jesus has given so much to us and we can share his love with the other people we meet.”

During the following meeting, Candy said, “I did notice a chance to help a girl at school who dropped her books, but by the time I realized I could help, she had already picked them up. I guess I need to think faster.”

Karen agreed. “Good job, anyway. At least you’re looking for opportunities and the next time, your brain will be quicker with a way to help. The chance you had goes well with Galatians 6:10 that we read at our last meeting.”

June shared, “I had a chance to answer a question from a friend at school. She wanted to know why I seem so happy now. I was able to tell her about my new family and how they helped me accept Jesus as my Savior.”

“Wonderful,” said Karen. “We read Colossians 4:5,6, last week, and it told us to be ready to answer those kinds of questions.”

When Oralie finished reading she asked what did you think of these two short lessons about opportunities?”

Max reflected, “I wish we could have heard their comments about those verses.”

“Ditto,” agreed Cory, “maybe we could give our own comments about the verses instead, like I noticed the phrase, redeeming the time, was in two of the verses, so it must be an important thing for us to do.”

“I agree,” said Kevin, “and I liked the antonyms in the Ephesians verses.”

Daniel concurred, “Yes, and those verses say that wise people

redeem the time and understand what the Lord’s will is.”

“Right,” Levi went on, “and wise people will know how to answer unbelievers with grace.”

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Max complimented his brothers, “That was a good idea to make your own comments. I enjoyed listening to them.”

“So did I,” and then Oralie added, “we could make Psalm 90:12 a prayer. LORD teach us to number our days, so that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

They all agreed and prayed it together, whenever there was something that reminded them to make the most of all opportunities.

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g s g ss sm m m miiiilllle e e ed d d a d a a as ss s h h h he e e e s ss sa a a aiiiid d d d, “This is a fun lesson from ‘Become Honorable People.’ I think you will all enjoy it this evening.”

William asked the boys in one of his Bible Study Groups, “Do you know where this farm gets its water?”

One boy remarked, “I think this might be a trick question, but I’ll try anyway. The water comes from the pond at the high end of their property.”

“Correct,” William smiled. “And where does the pond get its water?”

Another boy answered, “Mercy Stream goes into and out of the pond like it does at Wild Mint Lake on the ranch.”

“You’re right,” stated William. “Where does the stream get its water?”

Pedro replied, “From rain and melted snow running into it and smaller streams that join it.”

“Correct again,” William almost laughed, but he stayed serious. “How about the rain and snow?”

Jose answered, “In science we learned how water in the clouds condenses around a dust particle and keeps getting larger until it’s heavy enough to fall as rain. In the winter it forms snowflakes.”

“You’re right too,” continued William. “How about the water in the clouds?”

Luis responded, “We learned about that in science also. The water in streams, ponds, lakes, and the ocean evaporates and rises in the air until it cools and condenses, making a cloud.”

“Right, said William, “what all of you just described is called the water cycle, and you did a good job of it. One more question and you’ll see where I’m headed. “Who made the water cycle?”

They all laughed, catching on immediately and they shouted, “God made the water cycle!”

“Precisely!” exclaimed William. “We all realize that something as complicated as the water cycle could not have just happened. It needed a very wise creator just like everything else he created. Listen to Psalm 104:1,10,11,14, Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty… You send the springs into the valleys which go among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field. The wild donkeys quench their

 

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thirst. He causes the grass to grow for cattle, and vegetables for man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth.”

Hugo observed, “Those verses say God created everything and keeps it all working together to provide the animals and men with food and water.”

“Very true!” Then William suggested, “Let’s see if we can find a couple more verses about rain. I usually give you the references, but today I want you to try to find them.”

One boy asked, “How can we find them? We aren’t as smart as you are. How do you find them?”

William laughed. “You don’t have to be as smart as I am, you just have to learn how to use the concordance at the back of your Bible. Find the end of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, and then keep going and you’ll find the concordance.”

There were exclamations and comments like: “Wow!” “What a lot of words!” “They’re in alphabetical order.” “It’s kind of like an index but gives Bible references instead of page numbers.” “I found the word rain, and there are lots of references for it.” “How do we choose the right verse?”

William replied, “There are probably a lot of right verses. You’ll notice that there are some words before the reference that can give you a clue as to what the verse is about. Spend some time right now and look up a few of them. See if you can find any that relate to what we talked about earlier today.”

The boys looked diligently for about ten minutes and several found the following verses:

Hebrews 6:7a, The earth drinks in the rain that often comes upon

it, and brings forth vegetables for those who planted them.

Acts 14:15b,17b, God made heaven and earth and the sea and all

that are in them. … God gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling us with food and gladness.

William congratulated all the boys, “You all did a good job of learning how to use the concordance today, and I especially like the verses you found. They’d also be good to use for next Thanksgiving. Practice using your concordance to find other verses you might be interested in, and I’ll see you next time.”

“The end,” said Greg. “I could see you boys smiling when you caught onto William’s plan and realized where he was going with it before they did.”

Levi stated, “For sure, and it’s probably because we had the benefit of learning those things at the church school.

“Positively,” agreed Cory, “and I liked the way William introduced them to the use of the concordances in their Bibles. He and Karen make it fun to learn, so that helps make up for the fact those boys didn’t get to attend the church school.”

 

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“You’re right, Cory,” remarked Kevin, “and I agree that the verses they found in Hebrews and Acts would be good for Thanksgiving. Plus they would also be good to make into personal prayers of thanks for any day.”

“Yes they would, and the lesson was a good review and Bible study time for our evening devotions,” Daniel added.

Max stated, “I think so too, and I would add Amos 5:8b to this lesson about the water cycle. It shows that the Bible is scientific proof of God’s creation. It says, (Seek the LORD) who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the face of the earth. The LORD is his name.” And then Max concluded, “You were right, Dad, this was a fun lesson!”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g rrrre g e e ea a ad a d d tttth d h h hiiiis ss s s ss se e e eg g g gm m m me e e en n n ntttt of “Become Honorable People,” only to Cory and would read it to the other boys as they got to be seniors in high school. First he had Cory read 2 Corinthians 6:14, Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness, and what communion does light have with darkness?

Then Greg explained, “The verse you just read can go with many things in the following lesson.”

William and Karen had made up separate lessons for their older Bible Study Groups to do when they were seniors in high school to help them learn to become committed, virtuous believers who could choose the kind of person they would want to court or be courted by, while they were looking for a possible marriage partner. These groups were smaller and were limited to only that age group. The ranch and farm both used these lessons for the first group that were seniors and each group of seniors after them.

Karen used Fiona’s list, and William used one he had developed. Both lists included good and bad things to look for in the other person. These things can be noticed by observing the person in large or small group situations or on double dates. The lessons encouraged them to watch how people treat others, listen to how they talk, and even what they laugh about, and especially what they criticize. Many of the bad things could be a stop sign for the relationship. The following ideas were compiled from the first three books in the Sunshine Series.

Bad things included, being a bad loser, constantly teasing others or you, being critical of others or you, especially when the others are not present, making fun of others, especially you, complaining or arguing about many things, ignoring you, not listening and/or not trying to understand you, using what you say against you later, being pushy, disagreeing about important issues, or trying to convince you to have sex before marriage.

 

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Good things included the opposites of all the bad ones, plus acting like a gentleman or lady, caring about your comfort or feelings, listening carefully and agreeing when possible, treating others with respect, being a believer so you can have unity.

If possible, before even consenting to date someone, you could ask, “Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior?” And if so ask, “How do you serve him?” If the person is an unbeliever, it would be best to not even consider him or her as a date or possible marriage partner. You can’t change or convince a person after marriage and it would only cause trouble and heartache.

The following questions can be asked about some issues to check for compatibility. What kind of movies do you go to, or watch on TV? How do you feel about jokes and teasing? How do you feel about having premarital sex? What other relationships have you had or what dating have you done?

How often do you like to go to church and small groups? How much money do you like to give to do God’s work? What’s your opinion about finances and having a budget? What place should God have in a person’s life? What place does God have in your life and what does God want you to do in the future? How does it mesh with God’s plan for my life? Do you agree with and adhere to the beliefs of our church? Are you committed to following Jesus and doing his will? Is putting God first in your life and each other next essential? Would you be willing to pray about a ministry we could do?

If you get married, would you like to have a family, and if so how many children would you like to have, and do you want to have them naturally or would you rather adopt them or have foster children? The woman might ask, what do you think about me continuing to work after we would be married or after we would have children?

How shall we handle disagreements? Will we talk over and pray about every important decision? Do you agree that a healthy diet and good exercise are necessary for a good lifestyle? Plus you can add any other questions you think are important.

All the high school seniors at the farm and ranch took these lessons very seriously and since the things to look for were written as lists, they were easy to check off and keep track of as they got to know each other. In addition they were good reminders of the ways good believers should act in order to please Jesus as it says in Ephesians 4:1b-3… walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The answers to the issue questions could be written out to be read by the other person and it would save time during dates and also help the people to answer the questions honestly.

 

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Cory remarked, “This was a long lesson and loaded with very important information. I’ve known for a long time that I only want a believer who has been raised on the ranch for as long as I have been on the farm. I’ll make a copy of it so I can use it when I get ready to look for a possible marriage partner. I see what you meant by the verse at the beginning. Any area where differences are too big, could make people be unequally yoked.”

“I agree,” said Greg, “and if both people follow the commandments Jesus gave in John 15:12, Love one another, and Luke 6:31, as I paraphrase it, Do to others what you would like them to do to you, then they would probably be compatible.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e iiiin e n n ns ss sttttrrrru u uc u cc ctttte e ed e d d d, “Listen carefully for the homework assignment Karen gives in this part of ‘Become Honorable People,’ because it will also be your assignment. Then she read the lesson.

Karen and William used Ephesians chapters one, two, and three as a homework assignment for all the girls and boys in their classes who were eleven or more years old.

Karen instructed, “Please open your Bibles to Ephesians chapter one, and read the first three verses to yourself.”

After they finished she said, “Now focus on the last part of verse 3 which says God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. If I asked you to personalize that part of the verse, I would mean for you to say it in a way that has either your name or a personal pronoun. For example I’d personalize this verse for me like this: God has blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

The girls nodded in understanding, so she continued, “Who’d like to try personalizing verse 4?”

One girl responded, “I will. God has chosen me in him before the foundation of the world, that I would be holy and without blame before him in love.”

“Excellent,” commended Karen. “Now somebody do verse 5.”

A girl who was 12 years old read, “God predestined me to be adopted as his child by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

Karen continued having all the girls do a verse and then commended them and remarked, “I see that you understand how to do this and therefore your homework for the next class is to read the rest of chapter one and all of chapters two and three in the same manner. Be sure to use your name in some of the places. And of course, there are some verses like one and ten in chapter one that don’t work well to be personalized. The next part of the homework is to write down in your notebooks how you felt when you read it this way and how it helped you.”

They all smiled and nodded and she said, “See you next time.”

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Max noticed, “This was a very short section of the book. I guess it’s because it didn’t include what all the other girls did for their verses.

“Right,” agreed Levi, “and I assume it didn’t include them because then one third of our homework would have already been done.

“Exactly!” stated Daniel, “Those three chapters in Ephesians are full of very good ways God has blessed us!”

Kevin mentioned, “I observed that Karen didn’t say they had to write all the verses, just to read them in the way we would personalize them.”

“Correct,” and Cory went on, “all we need to write in our notebooks is how we felt when we read them and how it helped us to read them with our name or with a personal pronoun. Plus I remember reading some personalized verses in the ‘Your New Life’ booklet.”

Greg remarked, “I’ll be interested to listen to what each of you writes in your notebook. Your mom and I will do the same homework and we can share it tomorrow evening.”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g s g ss sa a a aiiiid d d d tttto o o o h h hiiiis h ss s ffffiiiiv vv ve e e e b b bo b o o oy yy ys ss s, “This section of the short book called ‘Become Honorable People,’ is very short, but it is a very good topic.” Then he read it.

There’s a small vineyard on the Truck Farm to provide fresh grapes to stores and for eating on the farm and ranch. One afternoon as some men and some of the boys were pruning the grape vines, they were talking.

One man commented, “This activity reminds me of John 15:1-3 in the Bible where Jesus states, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit. Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so it can bring forth more fruit.’ Then he told the disciples they were already clean because of the word he had spoken to them.”

Another man continued, “Yes, and I’ll summarize the next part. Jesus told them to abide or remain in him and he in them. Branches can’t bear fruit by themselves, but have to stay on the vine. In the same way people can’t bear fruit in the Kingdom of God, without abiding in Jesus. Those who won’t abide are worthless. But those who do abide in Jesus bear a lot of fruit.”

One of the boys asked, “How can we abide in Jesus?”

Yet another man responded, “Now that you boys have asked Jesus to be your Savior, you abide in him by continuing in his love. In John 15:9-12, Jesus said, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Continue in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.

 

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This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.’ Do these verses answer your question?”

The boy replied, “Yes, and it doesn’t sound too hard. Is that all there is to it?”

The man answered, “No, because Jesus went on to say in verses 13 and 14, ‘ No one has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.’ I think this means we need to study all Jesus said in the Bible and do what he says, plus do what he tells you to do by the guidance of his Holy Spirit who lives in you.”

The first man asked, “Would you boys like to do a Bible study that would help you to find the things Jesus commanded us to do? We could work on it during some of the small group times.”

Another of the boys answered, “Yes, please. I think I’ll need help finding all those things.”

Greg told them that this segment was done.

“Yes, it was short,” Daniel remarked, “maybe we could find some of those things Jesus commanded us to do, since we have some extra time today.”

“What a good idea!” Greg declared. “I’m glad you all have your Bibles with you. If each of us finds one more that is not in the lesson, it will be a good start and later you can find some more commands on your own.”

Oralie began the search with Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Daniel was next with Matthew 5:24b, … first be reconciled to your

brother and then come and offer your gift.

Levi found Luke 6:27, … Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you.

Kevin used the one right after it. Luke 6:28, Bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Cory stated, Luke 6:31 says, Do to others what you would like them to do to you.

Max followed with, Luke 6:36, Be merciful as you Father also is merciful.

And Greg finished with Luke 6:37, Judge not and you shall not be judged, … forgive and you shall be forgiven… And then he complimented them, “I think we all found good ones and they go well with the lesson I just read to you.”

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e s e ss su u ug u g gg g g g ge e e es ss stttte e e ed d d d, “As I read this next section of ‘ Become Honorable People,’ change Karen’s first question to fit you boys. Then she read to them.

Karen and William were both teaching about thinking and how it relates to how we feel and what we become.

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Karen began her lesson with the older girls by asking, “How many of you girls desire to become a grouchy woman who’s hard to get along with and not easy to please?”

They laughed and gave her thumbs down!

So she said, “Find Proverbs 23:7 and read the first part with me, as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”

Sara asked, “Does the verse mean we become like what we think about the most?”

“Yes, I think it does,” answered Karen. “If we think sad thoughts we feel sad but if we think cheerful thoughts we feel cheerful. Our hearts are where we store our desires. It’s the central part of us, how we feel, the things we plan to do, and what we think about most.”

A girl inquired, “Can those things be both good or bad?”

“Indeed they can be,” Karen replied. “So it’s important to be aware of the things we desire, our plans, feelings, and what we think about. Otherwise we might just end up being a grouchy woman who’s hard to get along with and isn’t easy to please!”

Kim questioned, “How can we be aware of what’s in our heart? Is it different than what’s in our mind?”

“Those are good questions, Kim,” Karen responded. “They are hard to answer because no person can know what’s in our heart unless we tell them. I think we could have the same thoughts in our minds as are in our hearts. Like Sara asked a few minutes ago, ‘do we become like what we think about the most?’ If we think about something a lot, it could mean that it’s in our hearts.

“Listen while I read 1 Corinthians 2:11,12. What man knows the things of that man except the spirit of the man in him? Even so, no man knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God. Now, we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit, which is of God, so that we can know the things that are freely given to us by God.

“What is our spirit?” another girl asked.

Karen answered, “I looked it up and the dictionary said something like, it’s the emotions and character, or the inner being of a person.”

“So,” … Candy paused to think. “I’m the only human who knows what’s in my spirit unless I tell someone?”

Karen replied, “Yes, but we often tell others just by the things we say. Find Matthew 12:34-37 and follow along. Jesus was talking to bad people and said, ‘O generation of serpents, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart speaks good things. An evil man out of the evil treasure says evil things. But I say to you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified … or condemned.”

June exclaimed, “Wow! Those are scary verses!”

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“I agree, they are indeed!” stated Karen. “And therefore we need to be super careful what we allow ourselves to think. Please find Proverbs 4:23 and read it out loud with me. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out if it are the issues of life.”

Karen explained, “I think it means to be careful what you put into your heart by what you think about, listen to, and read. If you fill your heart with bad things then bad things will come out of it. But if you fill your heart with good things like the truth of God’s word and think about how to live your life as he wants a believer to live, then you become more and more like what God wants you to be. Read the rest of Proverbs chapter 4 and tell me what you need to do in order to guard your heart.”

After reading, one girl stated, “We need to get rid of perverse lips, but what does ‘perverse’ mean?”

Karen handed her the dictionary and requested, “Please look it up and tell the rest of us.”

“It means unreasonable, not cooperative, inappropriate, and a lot more bad things,” reported the girl.

Karen said, “Thank you. It’s really helpful to know what it means, so we can keep from doing those wrong things.”

After getting the dictionary from the other girl, June added, “I just looked up ‘ froward,’ which is in that same verse, and it means close to the same things and includes contrary, disobedient, not yielding, headstrong. So we need to get rid of all those kinds of things.”

Sara agreed, “Yes, those are the behaviors we need to avoid.” then she mentioned, “Verse 25 says to look straight ahead two times, so it must be important.”

Kim added, “Verses 26 and 27a, continue that thought by saying to be sure you’re on the right path and don’t leave it.”

“Then 27 tells us to remove our feet from evil,” finished Candy.

Karen commended them, “You all did an excellent job of summarizing those verses. Now let’s all try to remember to do what they told us to do.”

Next she had them find Philippians 2:5 and read it aloud together, Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus. Then they sang the first four verses of the hymn, “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior,” … as a prayer.

She concluded, “We’ll close with a very positive promise. Please look up Isaiah 26:3,4, and read it with me. You, LORD, will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind remains focused on you, because he trusts in you. So trust in the LORD forever, because in him is everlasting strength.”

A girl observed, “If we focus on Jesus, he will help us to guard our hearts from all those harmful things.”

“Exactly right,” agreed Karen. “Plus we can do it with his help!”

 

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Oralie said, “The end, and I really like the song they sang as a prayer. Maybe we can play it on our guitars and sing it also.”

“What a good idea, Mom,” agreed Levi, “I like it too.”

Max remarked, “This was a long lesson, and I think I missed some of the references for the important scriptures in it. Would you put the PDF up on the monitor so I can copy them down to study later?”

“Certainly, Max,” she answered and did it right then.

The other boys checked their notes to see if they had missed any this time. Since the scripture references were written out on the PDF they were able to write the ones they wanted to study or memorize later.

O O O Orrrra a a alllliiiie e e rrrre e e e ec cc co o om o m m mm m me m e e en n n nd d de d e ed e d d d, “If you do what Karen instructs today, as I read from ‘Become Honorable People,’ you will be able to use it for your homework.”

Karen was teaching a lesson about trusting in God, instead of ourselves to the older girls. First she instructed, “Be sure you write down all the scripture references today, because you’ll need them for your homework.”

Then she asked, “How many of you would like to do what it says in Proverbs 28:26a, He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…”

Naturally, nobody raised a hand!

Next she asked, “How many of you would like to be happy?”

They all raised their hands, of course!

Karen continued, “The best way to be happy is by doing what it says in Proverbs 16:20b, Whoever trusts in the LORD is happy. Let’s sing ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always,’ which is based on Philippians 4:4.” Then Karen went on, “Psalm 33:21 agrees with it. Our hearts shall rejoice in the LORD, because we have trusted in his holy name.”

One of the girls asked, “But how can we trust in someone we can’t see?”

Karen responded, “Your question is a good one. Many people think they have to be able to see something or someone first, before they can trust, but everyday, people trust in electricity, which can not be seen. They do it by faith in their knowledge and experience. It’s the same way with God. We trust or rely on him because of what we know about him from the Bible and our experience.”

Sara shared, “It took me a long time to learn enough from the Bible and from what my new parents taught me to be able to trust in God.”

Karen agreed, “But your patience and perseverance paid off, and now I’ll bet it’s easier for you. Let’s read Proverbs 3:5,6 together, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

 

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Candy admitted, “When I first came to live with my new parents and Sara, I was very skeptical, but it only took a little while of watching them, listening and learning, to convince me that I could trust in the Lord. My own understanding had only gotten me into trouble.”

“I understand how that could happen, Candy,” said Karen and then she instructed, “Now read Psalm 9:10 with me, They who know your name, Lord, will put their trust in you, for you have not forsaken those who seek you. If you seek him, you will find him!”

A different girl asked, “How can we seek God?”

“That’s another good question, replied Karen. “Here’s one way. Listen to Proverbs 16:3a, Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established. If you dedicate all the things you do to God, then he will help your thoughts to focus on doing them for him, and you’ll see how much better you do them.”

Karen continued, “Another way to seek God is to Trust in the Lord and do good, as it says in Psalm 37:3a. Your homework for this weekend is to read all these verses again and notice how they can help you. We’ll close with Romans 15:13, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (trusting), that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Oralie asked, “Were you all able to write down all the scripture references for this lesson?”

All the boys nodded and Max stated, “I'm glad you reminded us at the beginning of the lesson.”

“I noticed there were a lot of them in Proverbs today,” Cory observed, as he smiled at his dad, who nodded and smiled back.

Kevin remarked, “I just did my homework for one of the verses. It’s Proverbs 16:20b and if I do what it says, it will help me to be happy.”

“Thanks Kevin!” Daniel declared. “And I just wrote what you said, so I have a start on my homework too. It’s easier when we have an example to follow.”

Levi proposed, “Let’s all do our homework right now and if we get stuck on one, we can ask each other for help.”

“Brilliant plan,” applauded Greg. “I like the ways you boys work together.

A A A Afffftttte e e errrr tttth h he h e e b e b b bo o o oy yy ys ss s ffffiiiin n n niiiis ss sh h h he e ed e d d their homework and chores, they had some d

time to play outside. When they came inside, they got their Bibles, notebooks and pens were ready to listen to another lesson from the book, “Become Honorable People.” So Oralie read to them.

Karen taught the older girls some things the Bible says about being a good single woman or wife. She started with Proverbs 14:1, Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.

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Kim observed, “This is a hard verse for me to understand. I don’t think we can take it literally.”

“You’re right, Kim,” responded Karen. “No women in the days when the Proverbs were written constructed actual houses or tore them down either. Even today, not many women are in the construction business. But I think we can get the picture meant here. Wise women do things to make a happy, harmonious home, but foolish ones neglect, and even do things that ruin the harmony in their homes.”

One girl commented, “I think this could go for either a married woman or one who remains single.”

Karen said, “I agree. Now let’s look at Proverbs 11:16a, A gracious woman retains honor…”

Sara mentioned, “This verse is true for both single and married women too. We all need to be gracious, which has synonyms like, courteous, well mannered, merciful, kind, and compassionate, as it says here in the dictionary.”

“Thank you, Sara,” stated Karen. “I like all those synonyms! I wish all of us could always act and respond graciously! It’s a worthy goal and one we need to keep trying to reach.”

The girls all nodded and Karen continued, “The rest of these verses are written about wives, but if any of you are led by Jesus to be single, you can learn much from these verses also. Proverbs 12:4 says, A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that makes him ashamed is like rottenness in his bones.”

A girl remarked, “I think this verse is saying women shouldn’t make people ashamed of them, but be virtuous, or good, moral, upright, a good example, law abiding,” she read synonyms from the dictionary Sara had handed to her.

“Exactly,” agreed Karen. “As women we should all be virtuous, and all those good synonyms you read for us. The next verses are Proverbs 19:13b,14b, … the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. … a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Another girl looked in the dictionary and read, “Contention means a heated disagreement, or a dispute or argument, discord, hostility, conflict, and a lot more bad things.” She handed the dictionary to June.

June exclaimed, “I sure don’t want to be like that! I’d much rather be prudent, which means to act or show care and thought about the future or to be wise, sensible, cautious, economical, and so forth.”

“Indeed,” Karen concurred. “I wish all of us could always be prudent. Find and read Proverbs 31:10-12,30 with me. Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her. … She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. … Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.”

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Candy noticed, “I see several things all women should be in these verses. They should be virtuous, trustworthy, fear the LORD, and not do things to harm others. Those are some more worthy goals we can work on with Jesus help.”

“Precisely, Candy!” Karen commended. “I think all of you’ve gotten the point of these verses. The last ones are Ephesians 5:22,23,25, Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as unto the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the Savior of the body. … Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it… If you stay single, Jesus is your head and you can submit to him.

“If you get married, you must agree to submit to your husband, but it is terrifically important that you only marry a real committed Christian man who really has Jesus as his head and will love you like the last verse says to love. Otherwise you might end up being very miserable, like a woman I’ve known for many years has been, who married a man who said he was a Christian, but as it turned out he wasn’t really one.”

The girls nodded seriously.

But Karen repeated, “I can’t stress it enough: BE VERY CAREFUL. I would rather you stay single than to end up like she did. Remember, marriage is a life long commitment. Of course if your husband turned out to be mean and abusive, you’d have to separate from him in order to keep yourself safe. Or if he was unfaithful and committed adultery, you could get a divorce, but I pray none of these horrible things ever happens to any of you! You’re all so precious to me.”

Sara stated, “Thank You, Karen, we promise we’ll be very careful and we’ll also work on becoming virtuous women, won’t we girls?” They all nodded and Karen smiled back at them as they left the room quietly.

“And this is the end of the lesson,” mentioned Oralie after she finished the last sentence.

Cory observed, “I noticed that this lesson was really more for the girls than for boys, but I took notes about things to look for in a possible wife. I certainly don’t want to get the wrong kind.”

“Ditto!” Kevin declared. “I would definitely rather remain single instead of marrying a foolish or contentious woman!”

Daniel nodded emphatically. “I will look for one who is wise,

gracious and virtuous and prudent. I liked all the synonyms they found for those words.”

“I agree,” and then Levi remarked, “I like the way the teachers have taught the students to look up many words the Bible uses to see what they mean.

Max added, “Yes, and we have even started doing that and it makes our personal Bible study times much more meaningful.

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G G G Grrrre e e eg g g c g cc ca a a alllllllle e ed e d d d tttto o o o tttth h h he e e e b b b bo o oy o yy ys ss s as soon as their homework was finished and suggested, “How about going outside for a while and practice running while we dribble the basketballs?”

This suggestion was met with cheers as they hurried to get the balls and met him outside. After a fun time they were more than ready to listen to the next part of “Become Honorable People.”

William taught ongoing lessons to the older boys about how to become real men and good husbands and fathers if God desired for them to be married and have children. He used verses from Proverbs, and other books in the Bible.

He started one lesson by saying, “Please don’t raise your hands to answer this question. Do you ever fear that you might grow up to be like your birth father? If so that fear isn’t unusual, but it’s usually not one you’d need to have, because being abusive isn’t inherited. Most people who are abusive just never learned how to control their own feelings and actions. If you really do NOT desire to be like him, you can do it! But it will take a lot of effort on your part.”

Gary commented, “I’ll openly admit that many times I have thought to myself that I should never get married or have children, because I’ve been so afraid I might abuse them like he did. But you make it sound like there might be hope.”

“Indeed there is!” exclaimed William. “I appreciate your honesty, Gary. I’m going to tell you about some Bible verses and things you can do so you will never be abusive. A lot of these verses come from the book of Proverbs where we have studied other topics, off and on. Please find Proverbs 25:28, He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. During the time this proverb was written, cities all needed strong walls to protect them from being attacked.”

The boys nodded and he asked a boy to read Proverbs 16:32, “ He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

William explained, “This verse means it’s good to be strong, but it’s better to be slow to get angry, and it’s better to have control over ourselves than to conquer a city.”

He continued, “We studied Proverbs 19:11 already and it would be a good one to memorize so let’s read it again together. The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Remember, defer means to postpone or delay. You guys had some good comments the day we studied this verse.”

They nodded, remembering that lesson.

Next he said, “The same thing goes for Proverbs 14:29, He that is slow to get angry has great understanding, but he that is hasty exalts folly.”

Again the boys nodded.

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“Now find 2 Peter 1:5-9 and look at the verses while I read you a shorter paraphrase I made, Be diligent to add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. If these things abound in you they will make you fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus. But he who lacks these things is blind and has forgotten he was cleansed from his old sins.”

A boy remarked, “Those good things sound wonderful.”

“They surely do,” agreed William. Look at Galatians 5:22-25. It’s another long one, but it’s an important passage to memorize, think about, and live. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Against these things there is no law. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Look above these verses and read verses 19-21 to yourselves.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Carlos, “that’s an extensive list of horrid behaviors we need to avoid!”

“Precisely,” concurred William. “A good way to avoid those behaviors is to remember that Jesus died to forgive them and the Holy Spirit now lives in us to produce his fruit listed in the other verses, and help us add the virtues we read in 2 Peter to our lives. We’ll be so full of good fruit, there will be no room for the horrid weeds to grow.”

Evan observed, “So this is where the hard work comes in for us. We need to give our lives totally to Jesus and let his Spirit who lives in us produce his fruit.”

“Yes!” Sam added, “And if we notice even the smallest sprout of one of those horrid weeds, we should pull it right out.”

“Exactly!” laughed William. “You boys are right on target. Those were my next points to make and if you’ll do this all your life there will never be a chance that you’ll be abusive to anybody!”`

Karen used the same verses with the older girls on the ranch, because at times it was the mother who was abusive in the family.

When Greg finished reading, the closed he book.

“Yeah,” sighed Levi, “our birth mother was the one who hurt Max and me so much, and we were so grateful to be rescued from her.”

Max nodded and added, “Yes, thank you Jesus for loving, gentle parents in a safe, caring home!”

“For sure,” continued Levi, “and thank you that we forgave her and our little sisters were rescued and put into a caring home also.”

Cory concluded, “Jesus, we thank you that we all learned today how to live so we will never abuse anybody!”

And everyone else said, “Amen and amen!”

G G G Grrrre e e eg g g s g ss stttta a a atttte e ed e d d d, “It’s time for another lesson from the book, “Becoming Honorable People.” Then he read out loud.

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Karen and William used Titus 2:11-15 and 3:1-9 for their Bible Study Groups on the ranch and farm. They would go one or two verses at a time and the students would read them and comment on them. First they all silently read the whole scripture as an overview.

Next William explained, “I’ll give each of you a verse or two to read aloud. Practice silently and write a comment in your notebook so you can share it when it’s your turn. Also see if you can write a quick summary of everyone's comments as we go.”

Luis was first, “Verse 11 says, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. To me this means that God in his grace has made salvation known and available to everyone. All the things I’ve ever heard or learned about the gods in history is that they are not gracious and never offered salvation to anyone.”

“I agree with you, Luis,” stated Hugo, “verse12 goes on, It teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. This verse clearly instructs us believers how we need to live, keeping away from sins and the things the world wants us to desire. Instead we need to be serious, upright and like God is in this world.”

“Without a doubt!” Jose declared. “And verse 13 is a favorite of mine, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. This verse gives us the incentive to live the way verse 12 says to live. That blessed hope is for me a very good incentive.”

“Absolutely,” concurred Pedro, “and Jesus is the other incentive in the verse because verse 14 says, he gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a separate or distinct people who are zealous for good works.”

One of the other boys read verse 15, Speak and exhort these things with all authority… I think this verse introduces verses one and two in the next chapter because they tell some more ways to live.”

“I think so too,” continued a second boy, “because Titus 3:1 says, Remind them to be subject to (those in authority) and to be ready to do every good work, and to me the word ‘them’ means the ones who are being urged about how to live. But I guess it also could go with the verses that came before and after it.”