Bring Others Into the Sunshine of God's Good News by Linda L. Linn - HTML preview

Chapter 13

Hebrews 13:5, Let your way of life be without covetousness

and be content with the things you have,

for God said he would never leave or forsake you.

One weekend morning on the farm, after breakfast and morning chores were finished Felix complimented his new boys. “Thank you boys for doing such a good job of helping us get packed and moved into this farm house.”

They all said he was welcome and Ken continued, “At least all we had to pack was our own personal clothes and items, since this house came fully furnished and equipped.”

“Yep,” agreed Harold, “all we had to do was decide which room we wanted to share and where to put all our things, since the furniture and closets are so different here.”

Rand continued, “I think it was fair to have you two older ‘brothers’ choose first. I’m happy about the way it turned out and I like the room Keith and I have.”

“I'll have to admit that the closets sure are funny here in this house. They’re like separate, freestanding pieces of furniture, rather than being built into the wall,” inserted Felix.

Sunny concurred, “Indeed they are strange, since they are the antique kind called wardrobes. I’m starting to get used to them.”

Keith remarked, “This house must be very old, since that furniture is antique.”

“I think so too,” and Sunny explained, “this house belonged to the boss who just retired and moved to Pine City. To begin with, the house belonged to his parents who were the boss of the farm before they passed it on to their only son. By then their only daughter was married and living on the Yardley Dude Ranch ten miles on up the valley from here. Before that, she and he had grown up on this farm.”

Felix went on, “While the boss and his wife were getting ready to move he had his sister come here and go through all the rooms, the attic and basement, and take anything she wanted to keep to the ranch, which is now Mercy Valley Ranch. I don’t think she took very much because they don’t have much extra space after changing the big house over into two Caring Foster Homes for girls.”

“Oh,” acknowledged Keith, “that’s the ranch were we go on alternate weekends to ride horses. I like it there.”

“Same here,” put in Rand, “those horses are really nice and it’s a very pretty place to ride.”

Harold asked, “So where are all those girls when we go there?

“Yeah,” Ken echoed, “where are they. I’ve never seen any girls at the ranch, but it might be fun to do things with them!”

Felix laughed, “I'm sure it would be fun! But they aren’t there when we are, because they all come here to the farm to use the athletic field or to learn how to pull weeds away from the growing crops, or how to harvest ripe things.”

“And I imagine,” inserted Sunny joining in his laughter, “that the girls think it would be fun to do things with you boys also, but ‘never the twain shall meet,’ as Kipling's poem, ‘The Ballad of East and West,’ published in 1892, stated. It means that right now those things are too different to happen.”

Ken recognized, “Oh, I remember, we have a rule stating there will be no dating on the farm. After we turn nineteen and move to Pine City, then we can.”

“You catch on quickly, Ken,” applauded Felix, “so how would all of you like to go up in the attic and see if there’s anything up there you would like to have down here in this house or in your rooms?”

Harold stated, “It sounds like fun, because this house must be close to a hundred years old.”

“I agree,” said Keith, “we don’t need girls to have fun anyway. Most of them don’t like to do the same things we like to do.”

Rand declared, “Let’s go for it! Maybe we’ll find some more antiques to add to our other old-fashioned furniture. Some antiques are valuable and pretty when they’re refinished.”

Sunny clapped, “I like the way you boys agree and go with the flow, and accept things the way they are. I think we’ll have fun up there in the attic. So here we go with our older work clothes on.”

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They did have fun and each one found one or more things they would like to bring down, clean up, and maybe refinish to add to the antique ambiance of the old farm house. They even made up some stories to go with some of what they had found.

It was time for an evening Bible study, so Greg read the next part of “Choose Your Examples” as soon as the boys were seated with their Bibles, pens, and notebooks. First he had them read John 17 to themselves, because William had his class read it that way.

William had the boys look up and read all of John 17 silently. Then he said, “This was a prayer Jesus prayed to his Father shortly before he died on the cross. Let’s read verse 3 together. This is life eternal that men might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

One boy commented, “I like that definition of eternal life.”

“So do I,” Sam agreed, “and I like the next verse where Jesus says, ‘I have glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work you gave me to do.’ It reminds me how important it is to finish our work.”

William nodded, “Same here, and the middle part of the prayer is where Jesus prays for his disciples. Next, let’s look closely at verses 20-24 and also find cross-references to go with them, since they relate more to us.”

The boys took turns reading verses and commenting.

Evan read John 17:20,21, “I don't pray for these alone, but for those also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. This is a good way believers can prove that Jesus was sent to the world by the Father.”

Another boy read a cross-reference in Romans 12:5, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another, and Galatians 3:28b, … you are all one in Christ Jesus. I think this means that believers are in unity.

“I agree,” and then Carlos read, John 17:22,23, The glory you gave me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me.

Gary noted, “verse 22 goes well with John 1:14, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. In heaven we’ll get to see Jesus face to face just like his disciples did.”

A different boy stated, “Yes, and Jesus asked for that in John 17:24, Father, I desire that those you have given to me be with me where I am, so they may behold my glory which you gave me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

The last boy read 1 John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. This is another promise that it will happen, just like Jesus said it would.”

William applauded them, “Those are good verses and comments. When your vacation starts next week it would be a good idea to read John 13-17 again. It will help you as you observe Resurrection Day this year. Also read the rest of the Gospel of John, because it tells the rest of the story of Jesus’ time on earth. Focus especially on John 20 and 21. Thank Jesus for all he did and went through to pay for our sins and provide our salvation. I think it will help you to rejoice more on the day we celebrate his resurrection.”

After he finished reading, Greg reminded, “This lesson was first done very close to Easter / Resurrection Day, but it is a good lesson for any time of the year.”

“I agree,” stated Levi, it helped me see how much he loved his disciples and the rest of those who would believe in him.”

“Exactly,” agreed Cory, “and I remember that Jesus is in heaven right now interceding for us and since he knows everything, then he knows just what to pray for each of us.”

Max declared, “What a good encouraging thought to remember everyday while we are at school!”

“Yes it is,” and Kevin went on, “I like verse 24, because Jesus said he wants believers to be where he is.”

And Daniel concluded, “And when that happens, we will get to see Jesus and we will be like him.”

Ben and Mindy made time to go and nurture their friendships with Matt and Fiona, Don, Anita, and their family, Candy, and June, and especially his and her parents. Because they were living on the ranch while Ben worked there, some of these people were further away from them. Therefore many weekends after church they made arrangements to stay in town for a while and visit with one family or another.

Going to see Matt, Fiona and their children brought back many memories for both Ben and Mindy, and they thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about the past, since Ben had been friends with Matt for many years

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before he had met Mindy. And Mindy had been helping Fiona with her children before Ben’s plan to get better acquainted.

They also liked continuing their friendship from where they left off. Many times Ben would say, “I will always be grateful for the way both of you made time for me to spend time with Mindy so we could get to know each other better.”

Mindy would add, “So will I, even though at that time I was very nervous. God knew I needed time and a safe environment to become open to the idea of a man actually wanting a woman like me. Ben convinced me, and I’m so glad!”

On days when they went to see Don, Anita, and their family, Mindy still liked visiting or playing a game with Timothy and Mary. And they still considered Mindy as one of their most special friends. They liked to hear her tell them how she had helped their mother to take care of them when they were babies and toddlers and preschoolers. Mindy always asked and then listened well when they answered her questions about school, evangelism, and new things they were learning or doing.

Sometimes there would be time for a short visit with Anita by herself. Mindy would often say, “Thank you again for all I learned when I was helping with the day care and while I was getting acquainted with Ben. Plus, I continue to enjoy my marriage to Ben, and being a teacher is just the right career for me.”

Anita would reply, “You’re very welcome and of course I thank you again for all your help every day after school and for half a day on the weekends. I’m thrilled to know that you like marriage and teaching.”

When Ben and Mindy visited with their parents, they either took them out to eat, or joined the family for a meal at their house. These visits were also great for reminiscing and getting caught up to date on family happenings.

Since Candy lived on the ranch too, so it was easy to run up the hill to visit with her. One day Mindy and Candy talked about being married.

Candy reminded, “I threw my wedding bouquet to you because I wanted you to have the same joy I was having, but you told me you didn’t think any man would want you with a problem like yours. I told you that you might be surprised some day.”

“You were right, Candy!” Mindy exclaimed. “Ben has told me many times and has proven to me that it is not a problem. I have even become thankful for the way I’m made. A lot of things are easier for me this way. I also agree with your statement that day that marriage is fabulous! Ben is just the right man for me and I’m so happy to be married to him.”

Candy smiled. “I’m super glad to hear you say that because I know that some marriages are much less than happy. But when both people are believers and are doing God’s will, there’s every reason to be happy.”

“You’re right again,” agreed Mindy, “and I’m very thankful that I had such good parents to model what a good Christian marriage is.”

Candy echoed, “My foster parents were excellent models also, and so were Evan’s.

“I think Oscar and Vera’s idea to have Caring Foster Homes is a very good one,” Mindy remarked.

“So do I! And that’s the reason Sara and I get to be here raising foster children and helping to break even more cycles of abuse,” concluded Candy.

Oralie explained, I get to read the next segment of ‘Choose Your Examples,’ because it’s a Bible study done by two women.

When Ruth told her dad, William about her studies with Maria, he asked her to type them up and give their permission so he could use them in the book, “Choose Your Examples.”

Ruth and Maria planned to find prophecies fulfilled about Jesus so they could discuss them at lunch the week before Passover. On Mercy Valley Ranch and Farm, Karen and William did similar lessons with their Bible Study students.

First Ruth and Maria read Acts 3:18,God showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ would suffer, and it was fulfilled.

Ruth admitted, “This was a hard Bible study for me, because I don’t like to think about the horrible things people did to Jesus.”

“I agree,” and Maria nodded. “But since we're both reading through the Bible, we’re interested to see how the prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled. Now I’m even more grateful to Jesus.

“Definitely,” stated Ruth, “so am I. The first thing I found was that God, who created everything and everyone, chose one man, Abraham, then one nation, Israel, and rescued them from slavery in Egypt, as we’ve already read in Genesis and Exodus.”

 

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“Right, and Acts 13:16-39 has a very good summary including what you just said, along with more of their history.” Then Maria continued, “Deuteronomy 7:8a says, God did it because he loved them and would keep the oath he had sworn to their fathers. This is not a prophecy, but it is very important history.”

Ruth went on, “Yes, and the book of Joshua, the history of how God overthrew the nations in Canaan, and gave their land to Israel as their inheritance, is also important.”

“Correct,” Maria acknowledged, “and then they had judges until they asked for a king. Saul was king for 40 years, then God chose David, who would do what God desired him to do.”

Ruth added, “Indeed, and David was chosen by God to receive this promise in 2 Samuel 7:12,14a, When your days are fulfilled and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you … and I will establish his kingdom… I will be his father, and he shall be my son. This is why the genealogy of Jesus goes back through David and ultimately to God himself.”

“Exactly!” declared Maria. “We already went through a lot of prophecies that were fulfilled for Jesus at his birth when we talked before Christmas. So I’ll skip over to Malachi 4:5, which says, Behold I, (the Lord,) will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”

Ruth went on from there, “Yes, and Isaiah 40:3, was quoted in Luke 3:4 as being fulfilled by John the Baptist, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Then Jesus clearly said in Matthew 11:11-14 that John the Baptist was Elijah who was to come. And in Matthew 17:12,13 he said, I say to you that Elijah already came and they did not know him, but have done to him what they liked. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer by them. Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them about John the Baptist.”

Maria observed, “Those verses make it very clear. Then Acts 13:27 says, … the people and their rulers in Jerusalem did not know who Jesus was, nor did they know the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, but they fulfilled them by condemning Jesus.”

“Absolutely!” exclaimed Ruth. “Here are some of the prophecies in Isaiah 53:3-7a,9,12b that were fulfilled, He (Jesus) was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief … Surely he has borne our sorrows, … he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, … he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter … he made his grave with the rich in his death … He was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many …”

“Wow!” declared Maria, “Right there are many of the things that happened to Jesus during the Passover week. Isaiah 50:6 adds, I gave my back to those who smite, … I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

Ruth added, “Exodus 12:46 said to not break a bone of the lamb they killed for the Passover, and in John 19:36 it was fulfilled, because they didn’t break any of Jesus bones.”

“Right,” said Maria, “then there are several more that were fulfilled from Psalm 22:1a,7a,8,14-16,18, My God, my God, why have your forsaken me? All that see me laugh me to scorn … they shake the head saying, he trusted in the LORD, let him deliver him. … I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, … my strength is dried up … and my tongue cleaves to my jaws, … they pierced my hands and my feet. … They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. All of that and more happened to Jesus in Matthew 27.”

Ruth observed, “It’s no wonder the disciples had so much grief when they saw these things happen to their leader, especially when they expected him to become the king.”

“Precisely,” Maria stated, “We know the end of the story, but they didn’t. Let’s talk about the prophecies fulfilled for his resurrection next week.”

Ruth nodded, “Yes, let’s do. I’m so glad we know how the story ended, and we aren’t grieving like they did.”

“The end,” said Oralie when she finished.

Cory remarked at the end of reading, “This was a very good collection of Old Testament scriptures that were fulfilled by what the people did to Jesus during the Passover.”

“Yes,” agreed Daniel, “I’ve heard that verses like these can be good to use with the Jews, who only believe in the Old Testament.”

Levi went on, “Definitely, and they can help other people who believe that the Bible is true, but have not understood the Good News.”

“I’m also glad that we didn’t have to grieve like the disciples did,” Max remarked.

Kevin nodded. “For sure. They must have had two very sad days before he was raised from the dead and appeared to them.”

 

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As soon as Ben had become better established in his own construction business he had bought a tool storage topper for his pickup. It had side compartments for tools and equipment. The back had two doors that opened outward and the bed had two built in pull out drawers for more tools and equipment. This left space above it to carry other larger tools or supplies.

Vern, and Lora often looked at it after going on a horseback ride with Ben and Mindy, because it was fascinating to look at all the tools and how well they all fit into the compartments. Ben enjoyed showing it to anyone and answering questions. Vern and Lora were amazed at how orderly and clean it always was.

Ben explained, “Since I don’t have a garage or storage shed, I have to keep everything I need for building right in here and be able to find it quickly. So I keep it clean, orderly, and easy to access.”

“What a good idea,” stated Vern. “I’m impressed!”

Another thing Ben enjoyed hearing all about, was the new way of travel. This time Mindy told her parents, “Ben and I have been trying to figure out a way we could maybe go with you and your friends, Frank and Becky Warner. Perhaps we could ride with you, in the back of the four-wheel vehicle to see interesting things at least one time a year during a school vacation time.”

“Right,” Ben continued, “We might be able to rent a little travel trailer, so we could go with you and help do RV ministries.”

Mindy went on, “Or, if they don’t rent those kinds of trailers, we could just rent a small RV van,”

“We’d love to have you join us,” then Vern suggested, “Maybe we can work out a way to make the one single bed open up into a double bed and you two could stay in the trailer with us.

Lora added, “Yes, then you could drive or ride with us to the same campgrounds used by Frank and Becky and us. And if Mindy would bring her autoharp she could play for the time of singing hymns, and both of you could also help with the rest of the ministry meeting time.”

“Thank you for wanting us to come,” said Mindy. “We still need to plan how Ben could take a week off.”

Ben agreed, “I think if we wait until the fifth house is finished here on the ranch, I would feel better about taking a week off.”

“We understand,” and then Vern promised, “Lora and I will pray that the LORD will guide you and work out all the details in his best time and way.”

“I would really like for Ben to be able to enjoy times of RV travel and ministry times,” responded Mindy, “Thank you, Dad and Mom. My parents are the best!”

Vern and Lora said back to her, “And you're the best too!”

Oralie remarked, “The same two women continued their Bible study in this next segment of ‘Choose Your Examples,” as you will see when I read it.”

Ruth and Maria were talking as they ate lunch the Monday after Resurrection Day.

Maria observed, “It seemed very strange to celebrate Jesus resurrection on Saturday instead of Sunday.”

“I agree,” Ruth nodded, “but we we’ll get used to it. I liked reading and looking for prophecies about Jesus resurrection this week better than what we did last week!”

“Same here,” and Maria noted, “I liked the way Jesus told the disciples about what would happen in Matthew 20:17-19, As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and I will be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes, and they shall condemn me to death and deliver me to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify, and the third day I shall rise again.”

“Indeed,” remarked Ruth, “it was like a prophecy, and then it was fulfilled shortly thereafter.”

“Exactly,” said Maria, “and even during his arrest, Jesus mentioned two times, in Matthew 26:54 and 56, that the things that were happening, were the way the scriptures were being fulfilled.”

“Yes,” Ruth commented, “as I was reading Luke 24, I noticed in verses 7and 8, the angels reminded the women who had come to the tomb that Jesus had told them what was going to happen while they were still in Galilee, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ Then the women remembered and believed.”

“Yes, but,” Maria continued, “the disciples didn’t believe the women’s report, especially the two going to Emmaus. They had basically given up and were going home. Jesus graciously went to them and in verse 27 he explained how Moses and all the prophets had written scriptures about things that would happen to him.”

Ruth went on, “Right, and when he appeared to the disciples that same evening he reminded them in verse 44, These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”

 

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Maria noticed, “Jesus mentioned the psalms there and I found Psalm 16:10b The LORD will not let his Holy One see decay.

“Perfect,” stated Ruth, and I found verse 47 in Acts 13, that fulfills Isaiah 49:6b, I will give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.”

Maria continued, “Then in Romans 1:1b-4 Paul said, the gospel of God was promised before by God’s prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was of the seed of David according to the flesh. He was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

“Oh,” Ruth declared, “what a great verse to prove the resurrection to people!”

“Yes it is,” then Maria prayed, “thank you Jesus for being willing to come and rescue the people you created.”

Ruth added, “Yes, we praise and worship you, Jesus!”

When she finished reading, Oralie noted, “This is the end of this part, and I agree, it was a much happier topic than the other one.”

“It sure was,” and then Daniel commented, “I found some cross-references that might go with the Matthew 20:17-19 scripture. Would you guys look them up and read them?

They nodded and Cory was first. “Earlier in Matthew 16:21, it says, … Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”

“Right,” agreed Max, “and in just the next chapter, 17:22,23, it says, And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said to them, the Son of and shall be betrayed into the hands of men. They shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceedingly sorry.”

Levi continued, “Luke 9;22, says, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain and be raised the third day.”

Kevin concluded, “Mark 8:31 says almost the same thing, so I won’t read it aloud, but what is interesting to me is that the disciples remembered all the bad parts but completely missed that he would be raised again the third day. Maybe they didn’t know what that phrase meant. We’re blessed that we have the whole book that explains what happened and therefore we know what Jesus meant.”

Ellie drove up to the ranch one early morning to see Lisa, just after the boys got on the school bus. The first thing she said was, “I sure miss being able to talk to you like we did when we were roommates, now that we’re married and living ten miles apart. That’s not to say I want to go back, because I like being married to Hugo, and our four boys are doing very well adjusting to a new family.’

“Wonderful! And I’m enjoying marriage to Jose a lot, plus our girls are special,” stated Lisa, “But, I have the same feelings about missing you, especially since I’m living in the same house where we were roommates. I’m glad we became friends and maybe we can continue to nurture our friendship by phone calls and you coming here once in a while, since I don’t have a vehicle when Jose uses it to go to his job in Pine City.”

Ellie agreed, “Perfect idea, because it wouldn't work for our two families to get together. Perhaps Hugo and Jose can work out a time when the two of them can spend time continuing their friendship since they were roommates on the farm.”

“By all means,” continued Lisa, “I could suggest to Jose that he could stop at the farm on his way home to the ranch after work sometimes and visit for a little while with Hugo.”

Ellie went on, “Yes, and if they plan it in advance, I can do something with our boys while Hugo and Jose are visiting.”

“Our men might come up with other ideas that you and I can cooperate with, in order to help them,” mentioned Lisa.

Ellie nodded. “In addition to those things, they can also use the phone. But I’ll have to admit it’s much better to see each other in person.”

“I agree, and now back to the topic of marriage,” inserted Lisa, “I’m glad we can both say we like it. In fact I had no idea how terrific it could be. Our dad and mom here on the ranch were very good models for us to emulate as parents. But the other joys of marriage were a pleasant surprise for me to find out about on our honeymoon. And besides, our first two weeks here on the ranch were like a second honeymoon.”

“Oh, I agree completely,” and Ellie added, “it was very helpful to have that time alone to get settled and be able to talk and plan how to parent the boys and how to keep our intimate times separate from those times.”

“Precisely,” and Lisa went on, “That part was easy in the apartment we two couples shared. It’s not easy with four teenage girls who don’t go to bed very early.”

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Ellie explained, “We’re lucky since we both work on the farm. Hugo’s parents told us how they worked it out and we do the same. As soon as the boys get on the school bus we have enough time before our jobs on the farm for those times, or for other things we need to do when they aren’t around.”

“Excellent!” Lisa declared. “Well maybe Jose could get his work hours changed so we could have some time in the mornings. I’ll ask him what he thinks. Anyway, I’m very happy each of us was able to have our hope and desire fulfilled by marriage to wonderful men who also desired to raise foster children.”

“So am I!” Ellie stated. “I’m still amazed that God also made it possible for each of us to live in the place of our first choice. Plus, I really enjoy working on the farm.”

Lisa responded, “Perfect! And along with living in this house I have the double blessing of getting paid for doing Vera’s and Mom’s jobs of planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting, the vegetable and flower gardens here on the lower level of the ranch. Plus I get to teach our girls how to do it also. On top of all those things, I don’t even have to drive to Pine City to keep working there! I’m very thankful.”

Greg read the next part of “Choose Your Examples.” It’s a new one, written just for the short book.

During their next classes, William and Karen reminded their students, “Remember part one of this book is only a beginning of how you can keep learning about Jesus and his example for us to follow. Here are just a few verses to help you keep going. Then you can find some more on your own. In fact, these next scriptures might help to convince you that Jesus is the best example for you to choose. Find them and follow along.”

John 13:15, Jesus said, I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

Romans 8:29, … God predestined us to conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

1 John 3:1-3, Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know him. Beloved, we are now the sons of God and it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when Jesus shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1 Peter 2:21b,22,23,… Christ suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps. He did not sin, neither was guile (slyness) found in his mouth. When Jesus was reviled, he did not revile again, and when he suffered, he did not threaten…

“Most importantly, Jesus is not just a story, he’s reality! His life on earth really happened. He existed before and after his life on earth, and of course he’s alive now, interceding for us in Heaven. And he will return to earth to take believers to be with him, and he will be alive for eternity as King of kings and Lord of lords.

“The songs mentioned next have good lyrics to read or sing about Jesus. ‘Sing Me a Song About Jesus,’ says to sing about his love, grace, and victory over death and that he is coming to take us to heaven. ‘It’s Not Just a Story,’ says the world needs to hear about Jesus and know how he can save them. “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” goes with Acts 8:35,… he began at the same scripture and preached to him Jesus. The lyrics tell his story from birth, through his life, then on the cross and buried, and then raised to life again.

“I also like the song, ‘I Will Sing the Wondrous Story,’ because I believe in Him and all he did for us while he was on earth. ‘Tell Me the Old Old Story,’ goes with 1 John 4:19, We love him, because he first loved us. And ‘Oh How I Love Jesus,’ goes with 1 Peter 1:8, Whom having not seen, you love, and though you do not see him now, yet since you believe, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…

“Look in a hymnal or on the web for more songs about Jesus. Many of them are as good as hearing a sermon.”

At the end Greg observed, “This section didn’t have comments from boys so I’m glad I’ll get to hear your comments, boys.”

Max said, “I think John 13:15 goes very well with the lesson and with the title of the short book.”

“I agree,” stated Kevin, “And I especially like verse two of 1 John chapter 3 because it states that we will be like Jesus when he returns.”

“So do I, because it is a precious promise,” and then Cory added, “Plus verse three goes on to tell us to purify ourselves like Jesus is pure.”

“Right,” and Daniel mentioned, “1 Peter 2:21b,22,23 is not a happy scripture but it does tell us beforehand to expect to suffer some things like Jesus did, and to follow his example.”

“You’re right,” agreed Levi, “and 1 Peter 1:8 is happier because it reminds me I can love Jesus now and rejoice.”

 

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Greg responded, “Thank you for your comments, boys. Now how about doing what William suggested right now, using your hymnals to find some more songs about Jesus?”

They got busy right away and Levi found “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.” He said, “I like this one because it says just thinking about Jesus can fill us with sweetness and longing to see his face. He gives us hope and joy because of his love.”

“I like that one also,” and then Daniel followed with “What a Wonderful Savior!” He stated, “This hymn has four verses that are like a person’s testimony about how Jesus made atonement so we are redeemed by Jesus blood. He cleansed our hearts from all sin and rules in there now. He gives us power to win. It has the words of the title at the end of every line and two more times in the refrain.”

Kevin agreed, “It’s a good hymn and ‘Fairest Lord Jesus” is another good one. It reminds me of Psalm 148, because it tells all the things in creation to praise the LORD, their creator. The last stanza of the hymn is a great way to praise Jesus. Beautiful Savior Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise adoration, now and forever more be yours!”

“Perfect!” Cory exclaimed. “I found ‘How sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.’ It’s a good one to sing or read when a believer has had a hard day to remind him that Jesus can heal wounds and bring calm. The fourth stanza tells who Jesus is and praises him as my shepherd, brother, friend, prophet, priest, king, Lord, my life, my way, my end.”

Max nodded and shared, “I found the chorus, ‘His Name Is Wonderful.’ It tells that Jesus is Lord, the mighty king, Master, the rock of ages, Almighty God, and he and deserves worship and love. I’d like to suggest that we use some of the songs in this lesson and some that we have just found, for our ministry times in the park after we practice them enough. I like the way we can use our guitars in our ministry times.”

Oralie smiled at all of them and complimented, “Those are great songs you guys, and Max, I agree with your suggestion.”

Heather was a girl in high school, who had a crush on Cory and had been “chasing” him. In the eleventh grade she talked to him in the hallways between classes hoping to be asked out on a date. The next year she sat near or across from him during lunch and talked to him. In the library she gave him a note with her name and telephone number. She did not attend church.

Cory witnessed to her during lunch times with the help of his partner, Van, and she finally did accept Jesus.

Later Cory told her he couldn't date until after he became 19, and gently told her, “I’m very sorry, Heather, but the woman I marry must meet certain qualifications. The first one is that she has to have been a believer for at least six years. There are many other qualifications also. I’m so glad you are a believer now though, and I hope Jesus will show you who to marry, or if he wants you to stay single.”

She listened and understood, but was very disappointed. However, she took it well and started praying for God’s will to be done, not hers.

Since Cory was in high school with Liz, Christi, Hanna, and Stella, they noticed the way this girl was acting.

Liz thought to herself, “How does he stand that girl?”

And Stella said to herself, “Well, I guess he isn’t breaking a farm rule just by talking to her at lunch and his partner is always there too.”

Later Hanna thought, “I was glad when I saw her praying with Cory and his partner to accept Jesus as her Savior.”

When Christi thought about it, she just shook her head not knowing what to think. The four girls didn’t talk about him when they were together any longer, because they remembered that the farm and ranch graduation / going-away party would be happening within the next few months after the new year started. Maybe they would find out more about Cory then.

From what they had seen, so far he had never even looked at one of them during school time or on the bus. It would be very hard to even speculate who Cory might be interested in getting to know better. They hadn’t heard what he had said to Heather. But it was just as well. It would probably have been more confusing.

In early October Candy’s girls explained to Lisa and Irene’s girls about the Guess my Bible Character Night coming up at the end of the month.

Kate shared, “It’s a celebration about Bible characters and it’s held in the sanctuary of the church. It’s usually very crowded.

 

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“I agree,” and Reba continued, “and the children and teens get to choose a character out of the Bible, make costumes and then that night people guess who they are. After two hours of fun, the younger children go home carrying a little bag of fruit instead of candy.”

“Exactly,” declared Flora, “then they don’t feel like they missed out on going trick or treating that evening.”

Bonnie stated, “It’s so much better than the way the world has Halloween, that I’m really glad we get to do this instead of that.”

“Yeah,” added Reba, “it’s really a lot of fun! Last year we got together with the girls who live on the second story of the house next to ours and we studied a book about who is who in the Bible.”

Bonnie continued, “For sure, and it made a good Bible study time as we looked up scriptures about the people and wrote some of the information in our notebooks.”

Kate tacked on, “Right, and each of us chose one character, but we kept it a secret as we worked on our costumes. When we were all ready a few days before that night, we tried on our costumes and had the others guess who we were.”

“Yep,” and Flora exclaimed, “and this way we got to have the fun two times!”

Lisa and Irene’s girls were happy to learn all this information and decided to copy what Candy’s girls had done by studying and working together on this project.

On another day, Hope and Joy Foster explained the same things to their foster sisters, April, May, Tina, and Lina. They went downstairs to the library to look at a book about people in the Bible so they could each choose a character and get to work on their costumes. They all enjoyed learning about their character and making costumes. When the night came they were ready and had a lot of fun there.

Then in the first week of November the Foster family borrowed Vera’s book about the mountains and memorized the names of the ones that have names. It was easier to tell which mountain was which, now that they had more snow on them.

The following scenes in Part Two of, “Choose Your Examples,” were not copied from other books in the Sunshine series but are new scenes, using Karen and the ranch girls, and William and the farm boys, with comments and questions by those and other people, so they could be like the scenes about Jesus life and his work.

Greg was ready to read the next section of “Choose Your Examples.” His boys were there with Bibles, notebooks, and pens, and they were ready to listen.

In order to get the boys in his home ready for a Bible study lesson about Joseph, William asked them to read the story about him in Genesis chapters 37,39,45,47, and 50. The next day he asked each one to write a summary of a certain portion, which they would read the third day and he and the boys could make comments or ask questions whenever the reader got to the end of a sentence.

Carlos prefaced his reading with a comment. “This whole story was like an adventure mystery. I couldn’t even begin to guess what might happen next! Here’s my summary of Genesis 37:14-28,36, Jacob sent Joseph, his favorite son, to check on his brothers and the flocks. His brothers conspired against him because of his dreams. First they were going to kill him but then decided to sell him to some merchants who took Joseph to Egypt where he was sold to the captain of the guard. But in Genesis 39:2-5a it says, And the LORD was with Joseph … and made all that he did prosper… He was made the overseer of his masters house, and the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake.”

Evan commented, “Jacob’s family did not sound like a very nice one, because of favoritism, disgust, and wanting to get even. But the LORD made the bad things work out well for Joseph.”

Carlos nodded and went on reading, “But then came Genesis 39:7-23. Here’s a summary, The master’s wife tried to get Joseph to go to bed with her, but each time he said no, and finally she grabbed his garment to try to make him do it, but he got out of it and fled. Later, she lied to her husband saying that he came in to go to bed with her, but she shouted and he left his garment and ran away. Joseph’s master put him in prison. But even in prison, the LORD was with him and prospered all he did there.”

Gary exclaimed, “I sure would not want a wife like her! She was unfaithful and a liar on top of it. But Joseph remained pure and was true to his employer even though prison was the result.”

“Right,” agreed Sam, “she reminds me of that horrible woman described in Proverbs 7:10-23. Dad, I’m glad you’ve taught us how important it is to stay pure and away from women like her.”

“Same here,” Evan said, “and now it’s time for my summary of Genesis chapters 40 and 41, through verse 52. In prison, Joseph interpreted dreams of a baker and a butler and it happened as he had interpreted. Then Pharaoh had a dream but none of his magicians and wise men could interpret it. The butler finally remembered about Joseph and told Pharaoh.

 

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“So Pharaoh sent for him and Joseph said to him, ‘God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’ After the dream was told, Joseph interpreted it, ‘What God is about to do, he showed to Pharaoh. Behold there will be seven years of great plenty in Egypt, and after them there shall be seven years of famine, and the plenty shall be forgotten…’ Then Joseph advised, ‘Let Pharaoh … appoint officers over the land and take in one fifth of the food and store it in the cities. … Then they can use the stored up food during the famine…’

“Pharaoh chose Joseph to be second in command to him and do all he had said to do. He also gave him fine clothes, a gold chain to wear, a chariot, and a wife. Joseph was now thirty years old and he went and gathered the food during the years of plenty. During this time he also had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.”

“I think Pharaoh was smart to choose Joseph to carry out his own suggestion,” Carlos remarked and then added, “Finally Joseph’s life was much happier for him.”

“I think so too,” agreed Gary. “This is my summary of Genesis 41:53-45:27 When the famine came, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold food to the people of Egypt and to other countries who came to buy it. Jacob sent ten of his sons from Canaan to buy food in Egypt. Joseph recognized them, but they did not know him. He found out from them that his father and younger brother were alive, and he sold food to them.”

Gary interrupted his reading to explain, “I left out of my summary, all the things Joseph did that involved his brothers. That part sure did add a lot more mystery to the story. My opinion is that he was testing them to see if they were telling the truth.”

Then he continued reading, “When they came back the next time, Joseph sent all the others out of the room and made himself known to his brothers. ‘ I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. Now therefore do not be grieved nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God did send me before you to preserve life.’ He went on to say there would be five more years of famine, so they were to bring his father and come live in the land of Goshen and he would take care of them all. Pharaoh heard of it and agreed, sending provision and wagons to bring them to Egypt. When Jacob heard that Joseph was alive and had sent for him, his spirit was revived.”

Sam remarked, “That would have been a happy ending to the story, but there’s more. Here’s my summary of Genesis 47:1-12. When they arrived in Egypt, Joseph presented five of his brothers to Pharaoh and they requested to dwell in the land of Goshen. He agreed and said they would also care for his cattle. Joseph brought Jacob to Pharaoh, who asked how old he was. Jacob told him and then blessed Pharaoh. So Joseph placed his father and his brethren in the best of the land of Egypt and there he nourished all of that household. The rest of chapters 47-49 are about some of their time in Egypt.

“Then in Genesis 50, Jacob, died and was mourned for 40 days and then Pharaoh’s servants, … and Joseph and his brothers went to bury Jacob in the land of Canaan. When they returned to Egypt his brothers talked to Joseph in verses 16b-21, Your father did command before he died, so shall you say to Joseph, ‘Forgive, I pray you now the trespass of your brothers and their sin, for they did evil to you.’ And now we pray you, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father… His brothers fell down before his face and said they were his servants. Joseph told them, Do not fear… As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, … to save much people alive. Now therefore do not fear, I will nourish you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

Gary declared, “To me, that’s the most amazing part of the whole story, because the brothers really apologized and Joseph repeated his forgiveness. He didn’t hold a grudge or try to get revenge. I hope I can always be pure like he was and able to forgive others.”

William was very pleased with their summaries and the comments they made, therefore, he told them so.

When he finished reading Greg said, “This is the end of this long section.”

Max commented, “The story about Joseph is a long one, and I agree that it is like an adventure mystery.”

“For sure,” and Levi added, “and it seemed like bad things just kept happening to Joseph.”

“True,” continued Daniel, “and when I read that whole story in the Bible, I didn't notice any places where it mentioned how he reacted when bad things did happen to him. I guess it wasn’t an important part of the story.”

Kevin added, “But it did say that The LORD made all he did prosper. So he must have just kept doing what he needed to for each situation.”

“That was a good quality he had,” and Cory went on to say, “I would like to have that quality along with the way he forgave his brothers for what they had done.”

One day when Jose stopped at the farm after his job in the city.

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Hugo mentioned, “I'm glad our wives encouraged us to make time to continue our friendship.”

“Same here,” agreed Jose. “I value our friendship even more now that I’m not living on the farm any longer. Making new friends on the ranch will take time but it is also a good idea.”

Hugo responded, “I think so too and I need to do that here on the farm now that the other boys our ages have moved to the city.”

“You're right, I hadn’t thought about that, and besides you are a dad now,” Jose realized. “There’s so much to learn. I’m grateful to have Evan living as a dad on the ranch. He has shared with me a lot of what he learned from the times he spent observing Candy’s parents with their new fourteen-year-old girls. I’m also learning many things from Lisa’s dad.”

Hugo reasoned, “I think we are both finding out how good God is to help us as we are getting started, and he will continue!”

“Definitely,” and Jose added, “as an example, Lisa explained to me what Ellie had said that Felix told you about getting to have time alone as a couple. I followed Lisa’s suggestion and asked to have my hours changed where I work so we can have half an hour together in the mornings after the girls get on the bus. It’s ever so much better, even though I don’t get paid for working that half an hour. Anyway, I’m grateful for God’s help about this.”

Hugo confided, “Some people might not agree, but I think that half an hour spent with your wife is much more important than the wages you would earn. It will help to keep your marriage strong and happy.”

“I think so too. Thank you for sharing your opinion,” stated Jose.

In November, two women were talking about what age girl would be best for each of them to have come to an After School Place. She could help them with their children and other housework instead of paying the weekly fee other places charged. Each woman had two children. One was two and the other was three years old. After considering many ages, one commented, “A girl twelve years old might be ideal.” She said this because there was a girl sitting there who was twelve.

“It might work,” said the other woman, “and we also need to figure out how to make it work when we both have one in kindergarten and each of us needs to volunteer at the church school at least one day a week to keep track of how the child is doing, and still have a way to care for the other child.”

The first woman said, “We could take turns caring for the one who is still home on volunteer days by taking our other child to the other house and having both girls come to the other home for that day.”

“Brilliant thinking, my friend,” the second woman applauded, “and therefore we need to choose an age for the girl who helps us, who by that time will be a senior during the last year we would need her.”

The first woman exclaimed, “Exactly! So, since we would like to have her come to our houses for three years, she needs to be in tenth grade when we start this project this coming January.”

“Correct,” stated the first one. “I didn’t realize how many details would be involved in a project like this. Plus we need to find ways for the girls to enjoy the things they do to they help us, and find ones who would like to help take care of preschool children.”

The other one concluded, “Exactly, and most importantly, we need to live our lives so she can see Jesus in us and want him for themselves.”

Cory was thinking about his high school graduation that would be coming up near the end of December. He was not concerned about the final exams, because he knew he was ready for them. He also knew what he was going to do for his career, because he had already gotten a good start on the home based business he was doing. It used many of the things he had learned in middle school and high school about business and computers.

Today Cory reminisced about his plan and was getting ready to put it into action. He thought to himself, “I am getting close to the time when I can maybe find a good Christian woman to marry, who would desire to live with me on Mercy Valley Ranch, and we could raise abused foster girls with me there to help her. I know those horses are good therapy, especially for girls. Maybe we will be able to have a home in the fifth house that’s being built this year. If not, I know God will provide.”

Cory had started working on his home business during high school, saving most of the money, after his tithe, for when he would be on his own. He continued thinking, “I’ve already bought a sturdy used bicycle and I ride up and down the valley for exercise and I can use it for the plan I have. I’ve attended all of Gary’s classes for seniors, so I know how to be a committed, virtuous believer a young lady would like to get to know better. I also know what to look for in a possible marriage partner. I got the same list William had developed, so I know what to look for, and also the one Karen used for the girls so I can be that kind of person.”

 

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Cory didn’t know how many were in his senior class or how many seniors there were on the ranch. He had been in a Bible Study

Group with Gary teaching other boys his age since he started high school, so he knew the farm boys who would be graduating with him. But he only knew the names of four senior girls on the ranch that he was interested in getting to know better, because they were the only ones he was sure would fit his criteria of being a believer for at least six years.

He had asked his mother to find out those names soon after she and his dad had started reading the short book, “Becoming Honorable People” to him and his brothers. Another criteria was that they needed to have been living on the ranch those six years, where they had good parents and had been in Karen's classes where they had learned all the things in those two short books and the special classes for seniors.

So in his mind Cory concluded, “I’m feeling pretty good about the time that’s coming up soon. Plus I will start praying about it more often and asking for God’s will to be done.”

Greg was ready to read the next part of “Choose Your Examples.” As soon as they had helped with the clean-up after supper and had finished their other chores, they all met in the living room and he started.

William began this lesson saying, I’m going to introduce Joshua to you today. We’ll use various references. Joshua’s life spans several books in the Old Testament. As a young man, he was a servant to Moses as it says in Exodus 33:11b, Moses servant, Joshua, … a young man, stayed in the tabernacle. I’ll hand out some summaries or verses and you will read yours when it’s your turn as we go clockwise around the circle. You guys can comment or ask questions as we go.

Pedro read this summary of Numbers 13:17-14:5, “Moses sent a group of twelve men went to see Canaan and the people in it. Ten of the group brought an evil report, saying that the land was good but they were sure that they could not win against the giants in the land. The people cried and complained and wanted to go back to Egypt.” And then Pedro remarked, “Those people complained a lot. I hope I can remember to be thankful instead.”

One of the boys agreed and went on, “Numbers 14: 6-9 says, But Joshua and Caleb, who had gone with the group tore their clothes and said, The land … is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land, … for the LORD is with us, so do not fear them. Those two had faith that God would help them.”

Jose declared, “It would take great faith and courage to stand against ten of your peers! Then he read this summary of Numbers 14:10-38, “Moses prayed for the LORD to forgive the people and he did pardon them, but their punishment would be for them to wander in the wilderness for forty years until all those above twenty years old had died, except for Joshua and Caleb.” Then he reasoned, “I guess the LORD can pardon, but some people might still have to suffer the consequences for their sins.”

Another boy nodded seriously and said, “Here’s a summary of Numbers 27:15-23. Before Moses died, he asked the LORD to set another man over the people. The LORD said to take Joshua, … a man in whom is the spirit, … set him before Eleazar the priest and before the congregation and to lay his hands on him and give him a charge, as the LORD had commanded.” Then the boy noticed, “This had to be many years later and the LORD knew Joshua would be a good leader to take Moses’ place.”

“I agree,” and Luis added, “I remember that in the Bible says somewhere that God knows all about us. Now I’ll read this summary of Joshua 1:1-9, The LORD spoke to Joshua, telling him to go over the Jordan with the people of Israel to take possession of the land the LORD had promised their fathers. God would be with him and not fail or forsake him, and repeated three times for Joshua to be strong and courageous and to observe and do all the law said to do. And I know that when something is repeated in the Bible, it means it’s important.”

A different boy read this summary of chapters one through eleven in the book of Joshua, “The LORD led Joshua and showed the people that he was with Joshua as he was with Moses. Joshua obeyed all God said to do. The LORD did many miracles and helped in the conquest of the land. I think the most important part of this summary is that Joshua obeyed God.”

Hugo stated, “Yes and therefore, because he obeyed God, and God helped in the conquest of the land, Joshua 11:23 says, So Joshua took the whole land according to all that the LORD said to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.”

One other boy finished this lesson by saying, “After many more years, near the end of the book of Joshua when he was getting very old, Joshua said in 24:15, … choose this day whom you will serve, … but

 

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as for me and my house we will serve the LORD. I think Joshua lived a long, busy life of serving the LORD and that he was going to continue doing it.”

Greg said, “That's the end of this excellent lesson.”

“I learned a lot about Joshua that I didn’t know before hearing this lesson,” declared Kevin.

The boys nodded their agreement and Max went on, “I like the way Joshua started serving the LORD as a young man and continued it all through his life.”

“Definitely,” Levi went on, “plus he was bold enough to take a stand with Caleb against their peers, even though they didn’t change their minds.”

Daniel admitted, “I wonder if I could have done what he did. He and Caleb lived on and both went into the promised land. In fact, Joshua was God’s chosen leader.”

“Exactly,” agreed Cory, “I think his whole life was full of an ongoing decision to serve and obey God. Furthermore God was always with Joshua just as he had promised those three times.”

This December high school graduation included Stella and Liz, Christi and Hanna, Gina and Helen, Lois and Vicky, Bonnie and Kate, Sylvie and Kendra, Edna and Libby, and some other unnamed girls, all on the ranch. It also included the following boys, Mike and Alex, on the cattle ranch, some other farm boys that Cory knew, whose names are, Ned, Roger, Seth, and Warren, and Cory himself, who was about year younger than the rest of them.

Cory was totally surprised when he found out he was to be the valedictorian this year. He had not even been trying to excel and win that position. Of course his parents were NOT surprised! They knew he was a very good student. Anyway, he thanked the Lord and got busy writing his speech.

He remembered another year when two believing students had tied and gave very good speeches back and forth together. He didn’t have a tie, but Van, his ministry partner, for so many years was to be the salutatorian. Maybe they could work together to give complementary speeches that would enhance the other’s speech.

“To begin with,” Van mentioned, “My speech will be first as a welcome to the graduation ceremony, and yours will be last as a farewell.”

“You’re right, Van,” agreed Cory, “so before we meet here tomorrow, see how much of yours you can get done and I’ll write as much of mine as I can. Then we can read each other’s and see how we can make them go together well.”

Therefore they worked together during study hall and lunch times until they were satisfied with their speeches. They even had their English teacher critique and make suggestions. It was most helpful that she was a believer like they were.

Later when the big day came, the two of them were ready after proofreading, editing, and practicing until they knew their speeches by heart and could use very good expression and clarity.

The high school principal made some opening remarks. Cory’s partner, Van, was the next speaker as salutatorian. “Good afternoon to our respected faculty, beloved parents, honored guests, friends, and fellow graduates, welcome to the long awaited graduation ceremony of this year’s seniors.

“We’ve been preparing for this moment for many years and there are many people to thank. Looking back at those years, I’m grateful for a good school system and teachers who encouraged us students to excel, not to compete, but to learn what we would need to know to fulfill our life goals.

“Before, and during our schooling I’m thankful that most of us have had parents and family who have loved, encouraged, and sometimes prodded us to keep going! They are here today to help us celebrate.

“I’m grateful for good friends and fellow students who have gone on this journey together. I have an especially good friend who has encouraged and studied with me since I met him in the middle school’s great accelerated learning program. He encouraged and helped me in my studies by listening carefully and asking good questions. I did the same for him.

“His name is Cory, and he’s the valedictorian this year! He has been a true friend and he introduced me to his best friend. But then he didn’t just leave me to go be with that one. Instead he urged me to also have the same best friend. I did that, and we three will continue to be lifelong friends. It’s so important to have the right kind of friends! Be sure to listen carefully to Cory’s speech today and find out more about our mutual best friend.

“Cory and I have never been in competition and we weren’t even trying to win the titles we both have today. In fact we both were completely surprised when we found out. Our reason for studying hard and learning all we could was to be able to reach our goals for our chosen careers and lifestyles.

“Now all of us seniors are graduating and we need to continue learning and pursuing our goals for our careers and lifestyles. We have finished one phase of our lives and are commencing an even more important one. So let’s go for it!”

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After the applause for the salutatorian’s speech and other comments and a commencement address by a special guest, it was Cory’s turn.

Cory stood up confidently and began, “Esteemed faculty, distinguished guests, cherished family, friends, and my fellow graduates, I feel that it is indeed an honor to be able to give the valedictory speech at this graduation. We seniors have many people to thank for their help as we worked to reach this milestone in our lives, and I definitely agree with all the ones my good friend, Van, already mentioned in his speech as salutatorian.

“So I thank all the tax payers who help pay to keep the school system going, and all the teachers from kindergarten on up, and particularly my parents and my family and friends, and all my fellow graduates who have stayed in school and finished the course.

“Also I agree with Van that we are beginning a very important time of our lives, so I desire to remind all you graduates and others still in school, that learning is a lifelong endeavor. We all need to do our best to learn all we need to know in order to reach our goals. So let’s avail ourselves of every opportunity to add to our knowledge base and learn the wisdom needed to put it into practice.

“If we have the money to attend a university, we should be sure to learn all we can, while we are there. Many of us don’t have that kind of money, but learning does NOT have to be expensive. We can make use of the public library, buy books at used book stores and there are even many free courses on the web for many subjects.

“We need to make the right choices in every area of our lives, be ready to serve others when needed, be honorable young men and women, ready to meet the challenges of life. Part of what we should desire to learn and practice, is behavior and qualities that are good, like kindness, humility, self control, mercy, patience, and so forth.

There are many things you could add to this short list.

“We also must choose the right kind of people to be our examples, and friends. They can have a profound influence on our lives. So let’s be very careful! Let’s be determined to read books about people with good qualities and then practice those qualities in our lives. Let’s choose people who already show good behavior to be our friends and spend time with them and learn from them.

“Now I would like to introduce you to my best friend. He has room in his heart for all of you and more. He is the one who helped me to get to where I am today. His name is Jesus. When I was born, I was unable to move my legs and no doctors could find a way to help. I spent the first years of my life in a wheelchair with the help of my wonderful parents.

“Partway through second grade, some nice people introduced me to Jesus and prayed for him to heal my legs and make them work. They told me that since Jesus created me in the first place, it was no problem for him. He did heal me right then, so I could walk and run and live a normal life. I was so grateful, that when I found out he wanted to be my Savior and best friend, I was glad to accept! So he has been my best friend for many years. He’s the one who makes life worth living and the one I will serve for the rest of my life.

“Jesus has all the good qualities I mentioned earlier, plus many more, and he is the best example for us to choose. If everyone would live like he does, our world would be so much better. The following words are from a song I like and they are my goal. I want to be like you, Jesus, full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender, and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the sad ones…

“If you don’t know Jesus yet, I have a tiny book I can give to you that will tell you about him. Many of you have already read this book that was given to you by someone who cares about you. I have given many away already, but I’m almost out of time to give any more away, since I’m graduating from high school.

“So, as my farewell gesture of caring, I’ll give as many as I can to all who will meet me at my locker today after the graduation ceremony. My brothers will also be at their lockers and other friends will be at theirs also, so you won’t have to wait in line if you want a book. Just look for students holding up a tiny book that looks like this.”

He held up a book for all to see. Then he gave them some locker numbers and closed his speech with, “This tiny book will guide you in making the most important decision in your life. If you have any questions as you read it, write to the email address on the back of the book, and the one who gave it to you will answer you by email. Or call the phone number and we’ll answer you that way. So I urge you to read the book carefully and please make the right choice! And then let’s all go out there and make our world a better place!”

All the believing seniors and other students who had one, stood up and raised up a tiny book in their right hand as the audience clapped for Cory’s speech. Cory inclined his head in thanks and went back to his seat.

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Diplomas were handed out and the seniors marched out of the auditorium to the music of “The Triumphal March.” Many of the seniors and other students followed the ones who went to open and stand by their lockers ready to hand out tiny books called, “The Life Book.” Cory was overjoyed to see so many taking a book and he prayed that they would read it and choose Jesus!