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

Chapter 14

Isaiah 32:17, The work of righteousness shall be peace,

and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

Oralie was happy that she got to read the next part of “Choose Your Examples” to her boys. It was about two of her favorite Bible characters.

Karen started a lesson one day by saying, “Ruth and Boaz are good examples of qualities that we might want to choose to put into our lives. I’ll hand out some summaries I made of parts of the book. Take time to read them and write a comment or question to go with the one you get.

Sara was first. “Here’s a summary of Ruth chapter 1. After moving to Moab from Bethlehem, because of food was very scarce, Naomi’s husband died and her two sons married women of Moab, but later the two sons died also, so Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem. She told her two daughter’s-in-law to return to their own families. One of them did, but Ruth said in Ruth 1:16-17a,… Do not entreat me to leave you … for wherever you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die and there I will be buried… To me these two verses show how determined Ruth was, and so Naomi let her go with her.”

Candy was next “This is a summary of Ruth 2:1-14. Boaz was a kinsman of Naomi’s husband who had died. Boaz was wealthy. After being in Bethlehem for a while, Ruth asked Naomi if she could go to a field and gather fallen grain. Naomi told her to go. So Ruth went and happened to glean in a field belonging to Boaz. When Boaz came he asked the reapers who the other maiden was. They said she was the one from Moab who had come back with Naomi, and that she had asked permission to glean, and had worked from the morning until now.

“Boaz spoke to Ruth telling her to not go glean in another field but to stay here with his maidens, and to drink the water that was there. He told his young men not to touch her. He also told her to come eat with them at mealtime. She humbly thanked him and he also complimented her for the kindness she had done for Naomi.

I think this summary shows that Ruth was industrious, humble and obedient. It also shows how kind, generous and caring Boaz was.”

“I agree,” said Kim and then she read a summary of Ruth 2:17-23. “At the end of the day she took home to Naomi the amount she had gleaned. Naomi was pleased. Ruth continued gleaning through the barley and wheat harvests. I think it must have been hot, exhausting work, but she kept at it. Next is a summary of Ruth 3:1-4:12. Naomi thought of a plan to help Ruth and told Ruth what to do. It must have seemed very strange to Ruth, but she did it. Then Boaz did his part as the kinsman redeemer, which also seems strange to our culture. He bought all that had belonged to Naomi’s husband and sons and it also included Ruth to be his wife in order to continue that family’s inheritance.”

June commented, “This has been an exciting and unusual story, and there’s some more of it in these verses of Ruth 4:13-17. So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife, and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception and she bore a son. The women said to Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you without a kinsman (redeemer)… He shall be for you a restorer of your life and will nourish your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, and is better to you than seven sons, has born him. And Naomi took the child and laid it in her bosom and became nurse to it. The women and her neighbors gave it a name saying, There is a son born to Naomi. They called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse who is the father of David. All of those are ancestors of Jesus. I think all the things Ruth did without knowing how things would turn out, are amazing!”

“Same here,” agreed Karen. “I’m glad this story has such a happy ending, and that we can learn so much by just reading about it. It would be easier now for you to read and understand the whole short book

 

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in the Bible now that you’ve read and listened to these summaries. And maybe you will choose some of these good qualities you can add to your lives.”

When she finished Oralie said, “I really like this story. Ruth and Boaz were truly honorable people.”

“I like it too,” and Max added, “I would like to be as nice as Boaz.

Daniel tacked on, “Yeah, and it would be nice to be wealthy enough to be able to do what he did for that family.”

“Correct,” conceded Levi, “I guess it would take both to make it work.”

Cory continued, “Ruth was an amazing person. I’d like to find one as good as she was, because she would make a good wife.”

“I hope you can, Cory!” Kevin declared. “Now that you’ve finished high school, you get to start thinking about things like that.”

Cory nodded and smiled at Kevin realizing that Kevin didn’t know how long Cory had already been thinking about finding just the right wife who would fit into his plan.

All the students in Pine City and surrounding areas enjoyed the two week vacation from school. The weather was nice enough to be outside during the first week. Then it was cold and snowy during the next week, so most of them got a chance to do things they enjoyed during either kind of weather.

But it went so fast! Before it ended they were thinking about the new grade levels they would be in for the following year.

Danny Beckett would start kindergarten, Barnabas and Faith and Grace would be in first grade. Patrick would be in Mrs. Clay’s second grade class and Johnny would be in Mrs. Blake’s third grade class.

For the ones we know most about in this story, Mary and the quadruplets and Hope, Joy, Max, and Timothy would all be starting ninth grade at the high school. Levi, who would be in tenth grade, helped Max and Timothy. Lucia, Val, and the twins, Holly and Willow, who would be in tenth grade helped Mary, the quadruplets, and Hope and Joy during the first week in January.

Kevin and Daniel would be juniors this year. Nan and Emma would be seniors this year, so they were getting ready to study very hard and were also busy planning what they would do to support themselves when the time came for the going-away party and their nineteenth birthdays.

After the two week vacation for Christmas and New Year’s Day, Jose and Lisa’s twins were asked by their friends at school, “What did you get for Christmas?” The twins were glad they had been believers long enough to be trained how to be missionaries at school.

One of them answered, “We didn’t get anything for Christmas. It wasn’t our birthdays. It’s the day we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. We get birthday presents in our foster home on our birthdays, but on Jesus’ birthday we give the money that would be used to buy gifts for each other to ministries that help spread the Good News about Jesus to others who don’t know about him.”

The other one continued, “Before we were assigned to the ranch, our other parents always waited until Christmas Eve to take us shopping for gifts for each other, and then all we could buy was socks or underwear. Then we hurried home and wrapped them up to put them under the tree. It wasn’t really very fun that way anyway, so we don’t miss it at all. It makes much better sense to do it the way we are doing it on the ranch.”

Then one of the twins explained why they were living with foster parents now, and concluded, “We have learned a lot from our new dad and mom.”

The other twin asked their friends, “Do you know what happened at Christmas? And do you know why it had to happen?”

Their friends shook their heads, so the twins took turns telling them the answers. And then the twins each took out a little book called “The Life Book.” (It can be downloaded as a PDF file by going to the web site, thelifebook.com and following their directions.)

One said, “We’ll give each of you one of these if you will read it, and write down your notes, comments and questions as you go. Our phone number is written on the first page, so you can call us and ask us, or come sit with us at lunch and we can talk about it then.”

“Right,” the other twin went on, “and see, it’s not very long.”

The girls went on to explain more about the book and their friends each took one to read. During the days that followed, the twins answered many questions their friends had about the book and also encouraged their friends to keep reading.

Of course their friends read at different rates and finished at different times, but each one finished and came to the same good conclusion that they needed Jesus as Savior and to follow him. So the twins

 

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invited them to church where Pastor Don gave them a little booklet for new believers and encouraged them to share the “The Life Book” and the new believers booklet with their parents.

Luis and Pedro had been visiting about once a month, so this time when they came the girls had fun telling them about that experience at school and showed them “The Life Book.” Luis and Pedro were thrilled and praised the Lord.

One girl on the ranch had a January birthday so the graduation / going-away party was very early this year. Happily the big riding building was heated, so it was pleasant in there. There were fourteen girls, who have names we know, and some others, and four boys from the farm.

Ted realized, “Honey, I guess I better get used to having big choirs for the graduation / going-away party, now that the ranch has eight more houses and two more getting close to being finished.”

“I think you’re right, Dear,” agreed Julie. “I know several of the girls have been looking forward to being in your choir. At one time I heard Hanna say, ‘Mr. Blake has such a good voice for reading and singing. I would like to be in his choir when I get old enough.’ You do a very good job of teaching them.”

“Thank you, Honey,” Ted responded. “Hanna is in the choir this year, and she and all the others have done a great job of learning, so their songs at the party will sound very good.”

However, Cory was not part of the choir or party this year, since he had graduated from high school a year early. He wouldn't be nineteen until next year. He realized he would need to wait until after his nineteenth birthday to get married. But this fact didn’t stop him from continuing with his plan, because he was very serious about this plan.

Cory took good notes during four girls speeches at the party and later read his notes. “Stella said she plans to become an airplane pilot. Well, I’ll ask her the same questions so she doesn’t feel left out. Hanna said she desires to marry a young man who wants to raise foster boys on the farm. So I’ll do the same for her, as for Stella. The other two sound much more promising. Liz and Christi both dream of marrying a man who desires to raise foster girls on the ranch. Wow, that gives me two possibilities before I even ask that most important last question. I’m getting excited about asking these two girls my questions. I’ll practice first on Stella and Hanna so I can be smoother with the last two.”

After he took notes on what those four girls had said in their speeches, he had listened carefully to what his fellow graduates from the farm said in their speeches. He was glad to hear them thank their foster parents for all they had been taught, just as well as the girls had done in their speeches. He was surprised to hear two of those boys say they had the same desire he had. So he prayed for God’s will to be done and went ahead with his plan, since it might be in God’s will. He wouldn't know if he didn’t try.

Greg went with his boys outside for a fun time in the snow before reading the next part of “Choose Your Examples.”

William had assigned homework in 1 Samuel to the boys in his classes and asked them to make summaries of the verses or chapters he had assigned to each one. They would be ready to read and also make comments or ask questions after the summaries.

The first boy thought, “I’m glad I get to go first. Then I’ll get to listen and take notes on the other ones.” Then he said, Here is my summary of 1 Samuel 1:11-28. Hannah was very sad, because she had not been able to have a child, so she prayed and told the LORD that if he would give her a male child, she would lend him to the LORD as long as he lived. So when her son was born, she gave him the name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. Then when Samuel was weaned she took him to Eli, the priest, in the house of the LORD. She explained to Eli about her prayer and the LORD’s answer.”

Next he made his comments, “I noticed that she had great faith, because she believed Eli when he said to go in peace… and she was no longer sad. Later, she did exactly as she had said she would. I think that would have been a very hard thing for a mother to do.”

“For sure!” Evan exclaimed. “I made a summary of 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26. So Samuel ministered before the LORD and every year his mother made him a coat and brought it to him when they came to offer the yearly sacrifice. One of those times Eli blessed Hannah and her husband, and God gave them three more sons and two daughters. Samuel stayed in the house of the LORD and grew and ministered before the LORD and he was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men.”

Then Evan declared, “God gave them five times as many children as she lent to him! She always made a new coat to bring to her first son every year, and Samuel thrived where he was.”

The next boy read his summary of 1 Samuel 3:1-9, “Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli, and one night, The LORD called Samuel three times. Each time, Samuel ran to Eli, thinking he was the one who had called, because Samuel did not yet know the LORD. The third time Eli told him to answer, Speak,

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LORD, for you servant hears. I wonder how old Samuel was at that time, and I also wonder how Samuel ministered, but I know I can’t get answers to those questions. I imagine that Samuel was feeling rather frustrated by the third call and it wasn’t from Eli.”

“I think so too,” Sam agreed, and here’s my summary of 1 Samuel 3:10-21. The fourth time the LORD called, Samuel answered him the way Eli said to. The LORD told Samuel what he was going to do and Samuel didn’t want to tell Eli since it was against him and his house. But he had to, when Eli told him to tell him or else…, so he did. And Samuel grew and the LORD was with him. He was established to be a prophet of the LORD … and the LORD revealed himself to Samuel…”

Sam continued, “I assume that the LORD must have taught and given Samuel wisdom during that time, because I don’t think Eli did, from what I read in the rest of that chapter and the one before. Also, it’s good to know more about the man who has the same name as I do. He’s a hero I can look up to and hope to be as good as he was.”

Another boy stated, “My verses were so short that they didn’t need a summary, so I’ll just read them. 1 Samuel 7:15-17, Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He went from year to year in circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpeh and judged Israel in all those places. His return was to Ramah, for there was his house and there he judged Israel, and there he built an alter unto the LORD. I’m glad Samuel stayed true to the LORD and was a good judge. But I was disappointed that his sons did not live like their father did.”

“Yeah,” responded a fourth boy, “it said that in the first verses of chapter 8 and it’s the reason for what happened in 1 Samuel 8:5-22. Here's my summary, The people asked Samuel to give them a king to judge them, and it displeased him so he prayed and the LORD said, Hearken to the voice of the people, … for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. So do it for them, but protest solemnly to them and show them what the king will do when he reigns over them. So Samuel told the people all the bad things a king would do. But they still wanted one. I can’t imagine why people would choose a king who would do all those horrid things when they could have a loving God to guide and judge them. But the sad story is what happened in the rest of the Old Testament.”

Gary acknowledged, “I think you’re exactly right, and it is very sad. 1 Samuel 9 and 10:1-19a contain an exciting adventure story and here’s my summary. Saul was a tall man and his father sent him to search for his lost donkeys. When they couldn’t find them they went to see Samuel, an honorable man and all he says comes to pass. The LORD had told Samuel about Saul and Samuel kept him there that day and night. In the morning they went to the edge of he city and Samuel anointed Saul with oil and told him the donkeys had been found and he was to go to Gilgal where Samuel presented him as king to the people after he had repeated that they had rejected their God by asking for a king. If only the people had repented and done what they could have instead, the rest of the Old Testament could have been far different. But maybe not, because the next group might have made the same bad choices.”

“I think you are probably right, Gary,” admitted Carlos. “My summaries are very short. 1 Samuel chapters 11-15 were warnings from Samuel to the people of Israel and to King Saul, but they did not obey. Then in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 the LORD told Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint the one the LORD would show to him. He obeyed and anointed David to be the next king when God told him to do it. And much later in 1 Samuel 25:1 Samuel died and all the Israelites gathered together and lamented him, and he was buried…Samuel served the LORD all his days and was always obedient and did what God told him to do. I hope I can be like that too.”

William complimented them, “You guys did an impressive job with your summaries and comments. I enjoyed listening to them.”

“So did I,” stated Greg after he finished the lesson.

Cory mentioned, “Now I understand that story so much better because of their good summaries and comments.”

“Same here,” added Kevin. “I think William did a good job of selecting groups of verses that would tell the story in a shorter way than reading the whole book of first Samuel.”

Daniel commented, “I agreed with those guys who wished the people had made the right choices. It’s really sad that they didn’t, and as a result so many bad things happened.”

“But it was refreshing to hear that Samuel stayed true to the LORD all through his life,” observed Levi.

Max nodded and went on, “I pray that I will do the same!”

Cory had found out that Stella and Liz and Christi and Hanna were all several months older than he was. This could help him decide about them. So he went ahead with his plan to get acquainted with the girls and ask them some questions.

The day after the graduation / going away party for the farm and ranch, he asked his parents to set up times when he could get acquainted with some of the girls on Mercy Valley Ranch who had been seniors

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in high school. So they asked Jeff and Karen Spencer and their four girls to come for supper that day. On the same weekend, they asked Oscar and Vera Yardley and their four girls to come for lunch.

He had observed the other ranch girls who were close to those ages at school and he was in classes with them but he didn’t have them invited for a meal because they failed some of his requirements, especially the one of being on the ranch long enough to have a very good Bible background and home training.

After the meals, he rode to the ranch on his bike and talked to the parents of those two families about his plan, emphasizing the need to not tell the girls his final question. He asked for their permission to come ride horses with the family and talk to each young lady separately as they would ride, so he could get better acquainted with them. He would rotate families and young ladies so he had the same opportunity with each one, until he was ready to ask his last question.

After he left, Vera admitted, “Oscar, my beloved husband, I’ve been hoping that at least one of our girls would marry a good boy from my brother’s farm and that they would come live here on the ranch to carry on when you and I no longer have the energy we need to be foster parents. But I also know that time is running out for one or more of them to be able to move into the last house that’s being built here on the ranch.”

“It would be an excellent thing!” Oscar exclaimed. “I have really enjoyed these four girls and we’ve become a close and loving family. They’re all such good girls. I was very impressed with Cory’s valedictory speech, and I think he might make a good husband for one of them. Let’s pray that God will work it all out in his best way.”

The four girls in the Spencer and Yardley families, who had just had attended their graduation / going-away party, had been waiting patiently for several years to find out more abut Cory, ever since he had first started riding on the school bus to attend middle school. They remembered back about all their questions and wonderings, and still thought he was very handsome. Their big question now was why he was not a part of the graduation / going away party.

But now, after their meals at the Iverson home, they were looking forward to getting to know him better, so they could learn if he might be Mr. Right.

He asked each one of them some of the following questions after the first general getting acquainted time. How did you like high school? What things do you like about this ranch? How did the horses on this ranch help you? Why did you choose the career you spoke about in your speech? What do you like about these mountains? Would it bother you if the young man you might marry was younger than you are?

When he had asked about the mountains, Stella had answered that she liked the view very much and especially was glad their family had memorized the names of all of them that had names. This way they could talk about one without having to explain where it was and what it looked like. Cory asked her how they had memorized the names and she told him about the book, so later that day he went on line and ordered one so he could learn the names.

He never did ask those four girls his final question. Because of their answers to some of his other questions, Stella or Liz or Christi, or Hanna, did not seem right for him. He gently told each of them that he had completed middle school in two years instead of three. Therefore, because it would bother them to marry someone younger than they were, he decided that they would not continue getting better acquainted.

However he told himself that next year he would consider Emma or Nan. If necessary he might even have to wait two more years for one of the other even younger girls. The other girls who were his age on the ranch had not been believers long enough to meet his requirements, so he would not even consider them. He was willing to wait, work and save money for when the time was right.

Oscar and Vera were disappointed when he came and told them how his questions had gone. Since they knew of Liz’s desire, they had thought she and Cory might make a perfect couple, since Jesus had healed both of them years ago. But they thought, “Oh, well…, God must have other plans.”

In order to prepare for the next section of Choose Your Examples, Greg put hymnals on the boys’ chairs, open to the chorus mentioned in the lesson.

For Daniel's story, William handed out summaries or verses to each boy and asked them to practice reading it at home with good expression and to add any comments or questions at the end. Then they would be ready to hear the whole story during the next lesson.

On the day of the lesson, William started by singing the chorus of the song, “Dare to Be a Daniel.” Then he explained, “This chorus tells us that Daniel had a firm purpose, and he was not afraid to make it

 

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known. In the Bible it says that his purpose was to not eat the king’s meat, and that he continued to pray to God even when a law said not to do it. Who has the summary of the first part of Daniel 1?”

Luis raised his hand, “This summary is of Daniel 1:1-15 and it says that Nebuchadnezzar warred against Jerusalem and took many of the vessels out of the house of God and also some of the best of the young men of Israel and fed them the king’s meat and wine for three years. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine in Daniel 1:8a. So Daniel suggested to the man over them to prove them for ten days with just vegetables to eat and water to drink. Verse 15 says, At the end of ten days, they looked better than the ones who ate the king’s meat.”

Luis continued, “This part of the chapter goes very well with the chorus you just sang to us. Even though Daniel was a prisoner, God had given him favor with the man who was over them, and he agreed to try Daniel's suggestion. I think God caused these young men to thrive on what they ate.”

“I agree, and this is a neat story,” said another boy. “I have the summary and verses in Daniel 1:17-21, God gave those four young men knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, plus Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the three years they were brought to the king and verses 20,21a say, And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, … he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. I think that because God has all wisdom and everything else, that it was easy for him to make these four excel in those ways.”

“For sure,” and then Jose went on, “Daniel 2:1-19 was very exciting. The king had a dream that troubled him and he told the magicians and others that he could not remember it and they had to tell him the dream and it’s interpretation, or else be killed. Daniel asked the king for more time so he could ask God for help. When God did it, Daniel said the following in Daniel 2:20-23,… Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are his. He changes the times and the seasons, he removes kings and sets up kings, he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding. He reveals the deep and secret things, he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank you and praise you O God of my fathers, who has given me wisdom and might and has made known to me what we desired… God not only saved all the lives of the wise men, he showed Daniel what the king had dreamed and also what it meant.”

“Precisely,” William smiled and continued, “Now we’ll skip over to Daniel 6, and the rest of you boys can read and comment on your parts in order. Together they make another exciting story.”

The next boy said “Here is a summary and a verse from Daniel 6:1-9, Darius had taken over the kingdom… and he set presidents and princes over the kingdom. He preferred Daniel above all of them and was going to set him over the whole realm. So the others tried to find fault with Daniel as verse 4 says,… but they could not find … any fault because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. But some of them figured out a way to get Daniel killed by getting King Darius to sign a decree that anyone who prayed to anyone but Darius would be cast into the den of lions. … Wow! They were a devious bunch who must have been very jealous and hateful.”

“Yeah, they were horrid,” agreed Pedro and he went on with Daniel 6:10-16, “This part also goes with the chorus of Dare to Be a Daniel. He had do be very brave and dedicated to God, because it says, Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house and got down on his knees before the open window and prayed and gave thanks to God three times a day as he had done before. Those men saw it and went to the king to tell him about Daniel. The king regretted having made that decree and tried to deliver Daniel, but he could not, and he said to him, Your God whom you continually serve, will deliver you. It sounds like even at that time King Darius had faith that Daniel’s God could save him from the lions. Daniel knew God could save him because he had saved the three other young men from the furnace.”

“Exactly,” Hugo agreed and read the summary and verses from Daniel 6:18-22. “Then the king spent the night fasting and with no music being played and was unable to sleep. He rose early in the morning and went to the den to ask Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you continually serve able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel answered, My God has sent his angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so they have not hurt me, because I was innocent before him and before you also, O king. Daniel knew God had saved him from the lions because of his innocence. I like the kid’s song called, “Here, Kitty Kitty” sung by Buddy Houghtailing, because it goes so well with this part of the story.”

The next boy said, “I think so too, and now I’ll read the part for Daniel 6:23-25, The king was exceeding glad for him and commanded that Daniel be taken out of the den. There was no hurt found on him, because he believed in his God. The king commanded that those men who had accused Daniel, and their families be cast into the lions’ den and the lions quickly made the end of them. Wow! Those people were quickly judged and disposed of in the same way they had planned for Daniel. Then king Darius wrote

 

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to all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth, Peace be multiplied to you. This letter is continued in the next verses.”

The last boy got to read Daniel 6:26-28, “ I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom, men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, and is steadfast forever, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be unto the end. He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, and has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. … So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. This was a great ending to that story! I enjoyed hearing about it again.”

“It certainly was!” William agreed and went on to explain, “In the rest of the book of Daniel, God gave Daniel visions and dreams about future times. Even though Daniel did not understand them, he wrote them down and they are prophecies for times in the future. Daniel was a very honorable man all his life. Your homework is to think about which of his qualities would be good to have in your lives.”

Greg had finished reading so he said, “The end.”

“I didn’t notice any place in this story where Daniel did something wrong,” stated Kevin, “so I guess that’s why those mean people tried to have him killed.”

“Yeah,” agreed Daniel. “He was so good that it made their badness look even worse. I’m so glad my middle name is Daniel, because the one in the Bible is such a good example for me to choose along with Jesus as the best one.”

“Absolutely!” Levi exclaimed and went on, “They flattered the king and he walked right into their trap. And when he realized what he had done, it was too late for him to do anything to save Daniel.”

“But God saved him from the lions!” Cory exclaimed.

Max concluded, “Yes, and I really like what the king wrote afterward. It sounds like he learned his lesson.”

Stella, Liz, Christi, and Hanna, were talking in the game room of the big house while they put a puzzle together.

Christi asked, “Why would Cory even be interested in us when he could have the choice of all those intelligent girls at school who were working so hard to win that title of valedictorian?”

“What a good question,” replied Hanna. “He’s way above us academically.”

Liz nodded and said, “We’ll probably never know the answer to that question, Christi. But Cory has talked to all four of us now, since the graduation party and he asked a lot of questions. He cleared up the answers to some questions we had been asking each other for the past few years. Also, now we know why he wasn’t a part of the going-away party.

“Positively,” Stella agreed, “Finally we can understand some of the mystery surrounding Cory Iverson.”

Christi realized, “We had been so interested in Cory and had probably built castles in the air about him so often that we didn’t think of other possibilities.”

“I agree,” stated Hanna. “Even though we didn’t talk much about him together, I remember doing some daydreaming. But I never even thought about the fact that only one of us might be chosen to marry him.”

Liz continued, “In fact right after I heard his speech that day at the graduation, I thought he would be perfect for me since both of us had been healed by Jesus and would desire to serve Jesus together.”

Stella added, “Plus, he has gotten even more handsome!”

“For sure,” and then Hanna admitted, “and I wish I has not answered that I would want to marry someone my age or older.”

“The same applies for me,” stated Christi, “but it’s too late now!”

Stella reasoned, “Well, there are four other boys on the farm who are your ages and were at the graduation / going-away party. You could look at your notes about their speeches and see if one might be worth getting to know better.”

“True,” pondered Christi, “let's do that when we get home today, Hanna. Even though they aren’t as handsome…”

Hanna responded, “Sure, let’s do it and talk some more. How about you two, Stella and Liz?

Stella answered, “As you remember, I would like to become a pilot and I’m ambitious and eager to go after my goal. I’m not a homebody, so I wasn’t interested in Cory anyway, because he probably desires marriage. And marriage might not be a good idea for a pilot since it could be a dangerous career.

“You’re right, and I remember you telling us that before,” said Liz. “As for me I am interested in getting married, if I can do like several of the other girls have already done on this ranch. I dream of finding a good man to marry and who wants to raise foster girls on this ranch. And I’d like to be able to live in the final house being built on the ranch. So our two families could invite those families to a meal or to go horseback riding sometime soon. I hope it goes well for all of us.”

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Stella declared, “So do I! Staying single is best for me, but I think it would be a big undertaking to find someone who is worth marrying and spending the rest of your life with him.”

“Definitely!” Hanna nodded emphatically. “If those four aren't worth marrying, then I don’t think I want to look somewhere else. At least they have had all the good Bible teaching and good parents on the farm like we’ve had here.”

Christi concurred, “You are so right, Hanna, and therefore, if these guys don’t work out, maybe we could rent an apartment where we can share living expenses and stay single. But then we wouldn't get to live on the ranch or farm and raise foster kids. Let’s pray about it some more. Our God can work it out if he wants us on the ranch or the farm.”

Oralie mentioned, “I’m glad you boys just finished getting some exercise with our dog, Jolly, outside because the next part of ‘Choose Your Examples’ is a long one. It’s taken from a book in the Bible that I don’t think we’ve read as a family yet.”

For this lesson about two honorable people in the Bible, Karen had written summaries including some verses for the girls to read silently during the first part of the class, and write some comments, including good qualities they could emulate to go with them. Then they would take turns reading the summaries and comments aloud for the rest of the class time.

Kim was first and she read, “In Esther chapter 2, King Ahasuerus was displeased when Queen Vashti would not do what he commanded, so she was to be replaced by the king’s choice of many fair young virgins who had gone through 12 months of purification. Mordecai had brought up Esther after her father and mother died. She was his uncle’s daughter, She was fair and beautiful. She did everything she was told to do during the time of her purification. Others were taken to the king before Esther was. When it was her turn verse 17 says, the king loved Esther above all the women and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins. So he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then in Esther 2:21-23, Mordecai sat in the kings gate and heard two of the kings chamberlains plotting to kill the king. Mordecai told Esther and she alerted the king in Mordecai’s name. An inquisition was made and both of them were hanged on a tree. The matter was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. This chapter introduced both Esther and Mordecai. I’d like to be obedient like Esther was, and smart and brave enough to warn someone like a king about a plot against him, like Mordecai did.”

“Same here,” agreed a girl. Then she read part of the summary of Esther 3 and 4. “The king promoted Haman to a place above all the princes and commanded that all bow to him. But Mordecai would not bow. This angered Haman and he decided to kill him and all the Jews in the kingdom because Mordecai was a Jew. So he talked the king into writing a command to have them all killed on a certain day and to take their possessions. When Mordecai learned of the command he put on sackcloth with ashes and cried loudly and bitterly. Esther was told about him and she sent a man to find out what and why. Mordecai told the man what had happened and gave him a copy of the decree to show it to Esther and tell her he said to go to the king and make supplication and request for him and for her people. Esther had cared enough about Mordecai that she sent someone to find out what was wrong. Caring and doing something to help are good qualities.

June agreed and then read her part. “Esther sent word to him that she could be put to death for going to the king without being called by him. But Mordecai sent back his answer in chapter four verses 13,14. Do not think that you shall escape by being in the king’s house… For if you hold your peace at this time, deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed, and who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther sent him this answer in verse 16, “ Go and gather together all the Jews in this city and fast for me for three days and nights. My maidens and I will also fast and then I will go to the king, which is not legal, and if I perish, I perish. Then Verse 17 says, So Mordecai went and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. This part shows that the two of them had good communication and cooperated with each other. Plus Esther shows good planning and great courage. I hope I never need to do something like she did, but that I can communicate, cooperate, plan, and be brave.”

“To be honest, I don’t think I could do what she did, but she actually did go through with her plan,” said another girl. And then she read Esther 5:1-3, … on the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, … and the king sat on his royal throne… When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, … he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter. Then the king said to her, “What do you desire, queen Esther and what is your request? It shall be given to you even to the half of the kingdom. Her answer in verses 7,8, may seem strange to us, because she asked him and Haman to come that day to a banquet

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she had prepared, and answered the same way at the banquet that day, adding that she would tell him tomorrow. In verses 9-14, Haman was very happy to be the only one asked to go with the king to Esther’s banquet, and he told his wife and friends about his invitation also. But when he saw that Mordecai still did not bow he was very angry. His wife and friends suggested that he have a gallows built so he could hang Mordecai on it. I’m amazed about how hatred can so easily turn into murder.

“For sure,” agreed Candy, “and now I’ll read this summary and quotes from Esther 6. The night before the second banquet the king could not sleep and he commanded that the book of records be read to him. One thing they found was about Mordecai telling about the plot to kill the king. The king asked in verse 3, What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai for this? … His servants … answered that nothing had been done for him. Haman had just come into the court to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared. So, when the king asked who was in the court and found out it was Haman, he was told to enter. The king asked in verse 6, What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, to whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself? I definitely do not want to be like Haman.

“I don’t either!’ declared a different girl. “Now I’ll read what comes next. So Haman answered the king in verse 8,9, … Let the royal apparel be brought which the king used to wear and the horse that the king rides on and the royal crown which is set upon his head. And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may dress the man whom the king delights to honor and bring him on horseback through the street of the city and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor. Then the king said to Haman in verse 10, Make haste and take the apparel and the horse, as you have said and do as you have said to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Let nothing fail of all you have spoken. After Haman had done all he had said to Mordecai, Mordecai went back to the king’s gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and told his wife and friends what had happened. They made him feel worse by telling him that he had begun to fall and would not prevail, but would surely fall before Mordecai. Right then the king’s chamberlains came to get Haman and take him to the banquet that Esther had prepared. I can see that Haman was on a downhill slide to disaster!

Sara agreed and read the summary and verses of Esther 7. “At the banquet, the king again asked what her petition was and promised to give it to her. She answered in verse 3,4, If I have found favor in you sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given to me and my people at my request. For we have been sold, to be destroyed, slain and to perish. If we had been only sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I would have held my tongue… The king asked in verse 5, Who is he and where is he who dared to presume in his heart to do this? Esther answered in verse 6, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. The king was very angry and went out into the palace garden. Then Haman stood up to plead for his life and even fell on the bed where Esther was. As soon as the king came back in he was even more angry with Haman for doing that. One of the chamberlains told the king about the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai and the king commanded they hang Haman on that gallows. When that was done the king’s wrath was pacified. All of those things happened so quickly. In just two days he went from being proud and revengeful to dying on the gallows he had built. Esther continued being humble and brave, which are good qualities I would like to have.”

“Ditto for me,” said the last girl. “Here’s a summary of Esther 8-10. Haman’s house was given to Esther the queen and she set Mordecai over the house and told the king what he was to her. The king took the ring that he had taken from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. Then Esther went again to the king and he held out the golden scepter for her. She besought him with tears to reverse what Haman had devised against the Jews. So he had Mordecai write in the king’s name and seal it with his ring that on the day when the enemies would come to destroy them, they were to gather together and stand for their lives to destroy any who would come against them. The Jews destroyed those who hated them, and the Feast of Purim for two days every year was established to remember how their sorrow was turned to joy. Verse 3 of chapter 10 says, Mordecai was next in power to the king … and was great among the Jews seeking the wealth of his people and speaking peace to them. But before that Esther had to be brave again and go to the king without being called. I’m glad he held out the scepter each time and granted her request, and that Mordecai became a powerful man in the kingdom who helped his people. This story had a very good ending.”

“It sure did,” agreed Karen “and I’m so glad God has been faithful to protect his chosen people, the Israelites. Thank you girls for the good job you did of reading and adding your own comments for this lesson today. See you next time.”

Oralie concluded, “This is the end of this lesson.”

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“What an exciting and amazing story!” Levi exclaimed. “I'm glad you read it to us, because I don’t think I would have understood it if I had just read it in the Bible.”

Cory agreed, “Yes it did help to have the summaries and verses and comments, and to be able to listen to your good reading, Mom.”

Daniel mentioned, “There were a lot of strange customs in this story. It must have happened a long time ago.”

“I think so too,” and Kevin went on to say, “Haman was so evil that I’m glad he was not allowed to live.”

Max added, “For certain! It’s great to have good win over evil.”

Christi and Hanna remembered hearing Lisa and Ellie talking after their graduation / going-away party, and Hanna mentioned, “From what they said, I understood that Mom would not like to have us ask them to call boys families on the farm to ask their families to come here for a meal.”

“Correct,” Christi agreed, “so I guess we had better pray about our dilemma and wait to see what God answers.”

Hanna confessed, “I agree with you, but it’s not an easy thing for me to do. I’d rather get in there and fix it myself.”

So they prayed together asking God to do his will. Then they got busy going through their clothes closets to see what might need to be mended.

A day later, two of the boys on the farm, who had given their speeches at the party, asked their parents to invite the Spencers and their girls to a meal on the farm. It was shortly after Cory had finished asking those girls his questions. The boys names were Seth and Ned, and they were interested in Christi and Hanna.

The same week the Yardleys got an invitation from another family on the farm. Their boys, Roger and Warren desired to get acquainted with Liz and Stella. I wonder if those four boys had heard about what Cory was doing and waited until he had finished. Maybe they had just been shy or slow in acting. Whatever happened, it worked out well, because those families continued to do things together.

After the first horseback ride, Seth paired off with Christi, and Ned with Hanna because of where they desired to live and raise foster children. Their times together were very much like Jose with Lisa, and Hugo with Ellie, since the speeches they gave at the party spelled out their desires. They were able to progress rapidly through the issues and lists to see that they would be compatible.

Each of them felt that the LORD was leading them together. They had all chosen careers in Pine City that would give them enough income to pay their rent and necessities and money to save so they could buy needed items for the houses on the ranch. So after their birthdays they would find separate apartments in Pine City, to rent with their present roommates until time for the weddings.

After their weddings, one of each pair would move to live with their spouse in the other apartment until they could move to the ranch or the farm.

Things were a little more complicated for the Yardley’s girls. Liz desired to marry a farm boy and live on the ranch to raise abused girls like her dear foster parents had done for her. But Stella already had other plans. So we’ll follow their progress more slowly in some of the scenes that come later.

Cory was not discouraged about his plan, He told his parents after talking to the girls, “I had already thought about the possibility of my age being a problem, and I can accept the waiting.”

“I like your attitude,” Greg responded. “Sometimes waiting has very good results.”

Cory nodded. “Yes, like I wanted time to hear the rest of the lessons and then get printed copies of both short books anyway. That way I can review and study them and put the teachings into my life, so I can be a good husband and foster dad.”

Oralie concurred with both of them and then suggested, “Plus it would be good to continue your home based job and keep saving money, because there are a lot of things you and your wife will need to buy for a home on the ranch.”

“Exactly,” agreed Cory, “and besides it would probably work better to be closer to the age of the woman I would marry.

Greg went on, “True, and in addition, this time of waiting would give Nan and Emma a chance to decide on their careers and pray to find out God’s will for their lives.”

“Precisely, since those are the next ones I’m interested in getting to know better,” stated Cory.

Oralie was relieved, “I'm glad you will be staying here on the farm as one of our big happy family. I was not ready for you to get married so soon.”

“I admit that I’m glad also,” stated Cory, “marriage is a very big responsibility and I’d just as soon wait a little longer. Besides, I enjoy our family a lot so this will be good for all of us.”

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Another day Greg read the next part of “Choose Your Examples” to the five boys.

William started this lesson saying, “Today you will meet three other honorable men. I’ll hand out summaries and verses. Please read them and write down any comments and questions, so you can read them also when it’s your turn. The first man is Stephen.” After giving them time, he asked Hugo to read his aloud.

Hugo began, “I will be reading from Acts 6:5a,8,10,12,13a,…The apostles were choosing deacons, and as one of the seven, they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy Spirit, … And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. The people who argued with him were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. … they stirred up the people, … caught him and brought him to the council, where they brought false witness against him. These verses sound a lot like what the people did to Jesus. I think it was probably some of those same people, and they were probably still upset and angry about Jesus and about what his disciples had been saying and preaching about Jesus resurrection.”

“I imagine you are right about that,” said a boy. “I remember in Acts 4, they put Peter and John into prison overnight and then threatened them the next day. My part is next. Stephen answered those people in Acts 7, which is a very long chapter. In it, Stephen gave the history of the Israelite people from Abraham, including Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon. Then he reminded them that they had persecuted the prophets and killed many, including in verse 52b-54, the Just One (Jesus), whom you betrayed and murdered. You have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. They had listened to him up to the point where he pointed out their wrong actions and then they got extremely angry with him. The result is in the next verses.”

Jose read it. “Acts 7:55-60 says, But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city and stoned him… Stephen called upon God and said Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. He knelt down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 8:2 states, Devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. Wow! Stephen didn’t get to work very long for Jesus. But he asked God to forgive them as he was dying, like Jesus had done at his crucifixion.”

“Good job boys,” William commended. “This was a very sad story, but it showed how Steven was brave and filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus welcomed his spirit into Heaven to be with him. Next you will meet Barnabas. His story starts in Acts 4.”

Another boy read, “Acts 4:36,37 says that, Joses was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, and it means the son of consolation or comfort. He was a Levite of the country of Cyprus. He sold his land and gave the money to the apostles to help needy believers. In Acts 9:27, Barnabas took Saul … to the apostles and declared to them how Saul had seen and heard the Lord speak to him in the way, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. What Barnabas did there, showed that he was also an encourager and peacemaker, because the other brothers had a hard time believing that Saul could really be a believer now after the way he had persecuted the believers.”

“I don’t think I blame them,” declared Pedro. Then he read, “In Acts 11:19-22, … Persecution caused the brothers and apostles to be scattered to other cities and they preached the word as they went. Verse 21 says, The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. When the church in Jerusalem heard this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Verses 23-26 say, When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and exhorted them all … to cleave to the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch… For a whole year they assembled with the church and taught many people… In verses 29,30, the believers there sent relief to the brothers in Judea by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. These verses show that Barnabas was trusted, and he went where he was sent.”

The next boy continued, “Acts 12:25 and chapters 13 and 14, tell about what they did when they had fulfilled their ministry in Jerusalem. They returned to Antioch from Jerusalem and took John Mark with them. The Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul, now called Paul, and sent them to work, as he directed, and they took John Mark with them. They ministered together in many places even after John Mark went back to Jerusalem. I like the way they went and did what the Holy Spirit directed them to do.”

 

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“Yes,” said a different boy, “the same happened often in the book of Acts. Here is a summary of chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and were sent to Jerusalem to get an answer for a question. When they had the answer they were sent back to Antioch, where they continued teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, until they went on separate trips. Verse 39b says, Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus. I would imagine that Barnabas continued serving Jesus, even though there’s not very much written about it.”

William thanked those boys for their good reading and comments, and then explained, “There is not very much written about Timothy the next honorable man, but Luis will read and comment about him.”

Luis read, “In this summary of Acts 15:41-16:1-3a, Paul and Silas went together and when they came to Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy. Verse 2 says he was well reported of by the brothers who were there. So Paul took him with them to help in the ministry. Later, in 1 Timothy 1:2, it says that Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, my own son in the faith, Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. And in 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul said, This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, … that you by the prophesies might war a good warfare. Another time in 2 Timothy 1:2 Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, my dearly beloved son… Many times in other letters Paul wrote to other people and places he called him Timothy our brother. I noticed that he was a disciple and was commendable. Paul considered him as his beloved son in the faith and also called him a brother, which would mean a fellow believer and worker.”

William commended all of them again and reminded them to think of ways they could use their good qualities in their lives.

Greg concluded, “This is the end of a pretty long lesson.”

Daniel remarked, “Yes, it was longer than some of the others, but it was a good one.”

Max commented, “I agree. The one about Stephen was sad, but we learned about his boldness and that he was filled with the Spirit.”

“Right,” said Levi, “and I like the meaning of Barnabas’ name. The things in the verses about him went with his name.”

Kevin continued, “Yes, things like, he sold some land and gave the money to help those who needed it, he encouraged people and helped the leaders to accept Paul, and he gave John Mark a second chance to stay with him in ministry.”

“Positively,” Cory concurred, “Barnabas would be a good example for us, and Timothy would be also, because he was a believer and fellow worker who was commendable.”

After a few more family activities, Roger and Warren obtained permission from Mr. and Mrs. Yardley to come often and ride horses with their family so they would have time to talk with Liz and Stella.

On their first ride Roger told Liz, “Years ago Cory, the one who was valedictorian, and his parents prayed for me after he had told me his testimony. When I first came to the farm, I was in a wheelchair like Cory’s had been, and Jesus healed and saved me also! If he hadn’t, I’d probably still be in a wheelchair with no hope of a future of serving Jesus, like I talked about in my speech.

Liz exclaimed, “Wow! I’m so glad you told me your testimony! And now I’ll tell you mine. My birth dad broke my right hand and wrist in punishing me and then refused to have a doctor fix it. So it was useless and ugly. I was rescued from that abusive home and got to live here on this ranch. After several weeks Sara and Candy who were girls just a few years older than I was, convinced me to forgive him. I did forgive him and then they prayed for Jesus to fix and heal my hand and wrist. Jesus did it right then, and it’s has stayed perfect. I decided right then, that I wanted Jesus to be my Savior and that I would serve him for the rest of my life.

“Thank you for telling me, Liz,” responded Roger. “You and I have so much in common already. Maybe we could make a great couple. Would you be willing to have me come often so we could ride and talk about issues and other things so we can see if we would be compatible?

Liz answered, “Yes, I think it would be a very good idea.” Then she admitted, “I had built a castle in the air about Cory since I found out in his speech how he had been healed and saved. But I spoiled my chance, when he asked if it would bother me to marry someone a little younger than I was. I didn’t know he was younger until he explained to me about the accelerated program in middle school.”

“I can understand how that must have been disappointing,” stated Roger. “Cory is a very nice person and is also very mature for his age. But I’m glad for me because it gives me a chance to ‘court’ you within the ranch and farm guidelines of no dating.”

Liz responded, “I’m happy also, because I think you’re right, we might make a great couple. And my younger sisters can have a chance with Cory next year if he wants to wait.”

 

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So Roger and Warren came for every horseback ride that would work for them, and both couples did a lot of talking.

The most recent newcomers on the ranch are Brad, Irene, and their girls. They had been there for several months. On a cold day near the end of February, their girls were surprised.

Two tiny kittens were in a box at the bottom of the stairs waiting for their new owners to carry them up the stairs. Brad and Irene and their girls live in the upstairs of the fourth new house built on the ranch.

Irene had brought the kittens from the local animal shelter, and Brad put a sign on the box. “There are four boxes here that need to go upstairs. Quickly decide who will carry which box and when we all get inside our house, we’ll sit on the floor in a circle and let the kittens wander from person to person.”

In a little while Irene explained, “While the kittens are visiting each of us, we can decide if we want to keep them.”

The kittens had just been weaned, but they looked tiny and so cute. One was a gray tabby with stripes and the other was a ginger tabby, also with stripes. They both had short hair.

A little later, Brad asked, “Are you ready to vote like we do in our family meetings?”

The girls nodded and the “Yes” vote was unanimous. Irene went on “Now we can talk about all the new tasks they will add to our other ones. Then we’ll vote again.”

The list included, prepare their food and feed them, clean the food dishes, pick up the things they knock off on the floor, pet and play with them, groom them, keep them from going out the door since cats are not allowed to be loose on the ranch, round up and put away cat toys as needed, clean and change the stainless steel litter pan as needed.

Brad explained as one of the kittens climbed into his lap and went to sleep, “The reason we need to vote again is that we had not thought through the extra work the kittens will cause. Plus they will grow up into cats and they will still need the same care. Cats live a long time so they will be here longer than you are.”

So the family voted again and it was unanimous again to keep them. So, Irene stated, “Now we can choose names for them. Here are pieces of paper and pencils for everyone. Write every name you can think of, that you would like and might fit them. Write big and put one name per paper, and only put each name one time. When you are done come and pin them to the bulletin board.”

After all the names were put on the board, everyone read all of them and noticed that some were repeated many times. The group talked about the names and decided to choose the ones that had the most repetitions. In that way they came up with names they all liked. And the whole family enjoyed the new pets.

Before Oralie read the next part of “Choose Your Examples,” she explained, “This lesson is about three women you might not have heard about before.”

In Karen’s home, as an extra Bible study during their devotions, she handed out some scriptures to be read aloud and then commented on by her girls. She explained, “There are three women in the new testament who have some good qualities we might want to choose for ourselves. First is Tabitha, then Lydia, and last Phoebe. Then one of you will read some other scriptures. And last, I’ll read a paragraph I wrote explaining about some bad people or things done in the Bible. Practice these and then write down any comments you would like to make so you will be ready when it’s your turn.

Lisa read, Acts 9:36-42, “ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick and died… When they sent for Peter, who was in a nearby city, he came … and all the widows stood by him weeping and showing the coats and garments Dorcas had made while she was with them. Then Peter sent them out, knelt down and prayed and then turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. I like the way Tabitha was so faithful in doing good works, that it was well known in the city. When she died, many women mourned, and then many people believed in the Lord when she was raised to life again.

Ellie was next, “Paul, Silas and Timothy went to Philippi and Luke wrote in Acts 16:14,15, A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, heard us and her heart was opened by the Lord so she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul. When she was baptized, and her household, she implored us saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide there, and she constrained (or urged) us. Later after being whipped and put in prison and then released, Paul and Silas left the prison. Acts16:40 says, … they entered into the

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house of Lydia and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them and departed. Lydia believed in Jesus and was baptized. She was hospitable and wanted to have them stay in her house. She was like a servant.”

Then Christi read Romans 16:1,2,27, “Paul wrote, I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord, … and that you assist her in whatever business she may have need, for she has been a helper of many and of myself also. … To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. (Written to the Romans from Corinth, and sent by Phoebe, servant of the church at Cenchrea.) This is like Paul applauding Phoebe for being a servant and helping him and many others. She even carried the letter Paul had written to Rome.

Hanna read Romans 15:3a-7, For even Christ did not please himself… For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, so that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be of the same mind toward one another according to Christ Jesus, so that you may with one mind and mouth glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, receive one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. These verses include the good things as examples for us to do. They start out by using Jesus as an example for us.”

“Right,” agreed Karen, “and now here are some men and women to NOT copy. King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, had no good qualities only bad ones. Herod and Herodias did bad things. King Asa began as a good king, but later failed. So don’t give up, instead finish strong and faithful! If you sin like King David did, repent and do better. And remember 1 Corinthians 10:11a says, things, (including bad ones,) happened … as examples and they are written for our admonition… This is a good way to look at the other bad people and things that happened in the Bible. They are things for us to avoid. Now I thank you girls for reading so well with good expression and adding your good comments at the end.”

The girls said she was welcome and added their own thanks.

Hanna stated, “Thank you, Mom, for the good lessons you always teach us. I’m thankful I have all my notebooks so I can review them later and especially after I graduate from here.

“Yes, I thank you too,” agreed Christy, “the lessons really help me to think and learn how to live.”

“I agree and thank you, Mom,” and Lisa added, “without the lessons, I would probably just read over some important things in the Bible and miss how important they are.”

“For sure!” Ellie declared. “Thanks, Mom. It’s good for me to read a small portion of the Bible and then think about it and make comments.”

“I agree,” Karen responded, “you’re all welcome, and it’s my pleasure. I’m glad to know you are all being helped by the lessons! Plus I can see that all of you are becoming honorable young ladies. I think it’s a great idea for you to keep your notebooks so you can review and add new thoughts to them. All of you girls and the rest of the girls on the ranch and all the boys on the farm gave us permission to record and use these lessons in the two short books Mr. William Beckett and I and others have written. All of you are part of the others who helped write the books.

“Their titles are ‘Become Honorable People’ and ‘Choose Your Examples.’ Consequently, you and the rest of the ranch girls, plus the boys on the farm will be given copies of both books as PDF files as a graduation present when you or they graduate from high school. This way you can review all you’ve learned in these classes and study them again before your nineteenth birthdays and put them in to practice. You can all read the lessons again on your own computers or smart phones if you have one. You could also print them out and put them in a three ring notebook so you could write more notes on them. Then you could take them with you to your new homes where you might not have a computer yet.”

The girls replies were, “Hooray! Super! Brilliant! Thank you again!”

After saying it was the end Greg shared, “I was talking to Gary the other day, and he said his dad, who is William, and Karen had given copies of both books to the church with permission to have all the youth group facilitators send emails with the PDF files for both of those books to the seniors in their groups each year. They encouraged them to read the books during their senior year and ask them questions, if they had any, as they read them.

“The same thing goes for all the new believers groups. The PDF files would be given to each family or individual. If anybody did not have a computer or smart phone, they could request and pay for the church to print them a copy of each short book. I think its a great way to learn a lot of information in an interesting way.”

His boys all nodded in agreement and thanked him for telling them.

Later Cory wrote in his notebook, “It was interesting to hear a lesson with two of the girls I talked to not very long ago.”

 

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Stella realized after several horseback rides beside Warren that she would have to speak seriously to him because she could tell he was wanting to marry her. So she prayed and asked Jesus to help her say the right things.

The next time Warren and Roger came to ride with the family she expressed, “Please listen to me, Warren. I think you are a very nice person and a committed believer. But I know I made it very clear in my speech at the party that I need to stay single.”

“I know,” responded Warren, “and I thank you for the compliments. I was hoping I could persuade you that I’m willing to take the risk of your dangerous job as a pilot. Although I’d hate to lose as lovely a person as you are…”

Stella continued, “I’m sorry, Warren. I’m not willing to let you take that risk. My mom told me I need to get the exercise that caring for and riding horses can give me, and she’s right. But the only way I’ll agree to keep riding with you, is if you will be willing to just be friends, and not be hurt when I leave here after my birthday to continue my training and find a way to serve Jesus.”

“But,” countered Warren, “we could be married and I could go with you and work to pay for your training. And we could enjoy each other and work together to serve Jesus.”

Stella stated, “Enough, Warren, I will not continue a useless argument, so I’ll have to ask you to stop coming on rides with my family.”

“You’re right, Stella,” Warren conceded, “I’m being a selfish pest and I’m sorry to have upset you. I won’t come here again.”

Stella replied, “I forgive you, and I’m glad you understand. Now let’s finish the rest of this ride by quoting scripture memory verses. You go first and I’ll be next.”

The rest of the ride was much more enjoyable for Stella. But the situation posed a bit of a problem for Roger. When they got back to the farm that day Warren told Roger about what Stella had said.

Therefore Roger went to visit Cory and told him what had happened. Then Roger asked, “Cory, is there a way I could rent your bicycle so I can continue to go horseback riding and talking to Liz? I don’t have a drivers license yet and Warren does. But now he can’t take me there anymore. I’ll start studying and get my learner’s permit and a license as soon as possible but I don’t want to lose the good start I have with Liz.”

“I totally understand,” replied Cory, “and of course you may borrow my bike. I don’t need it except for exercise right now and I can get that during times when you’re not using it. No rent is needed. Let’s just say that I appreciate you waiting until I had a chance to talk to those girls before you tried it. So we’re friends helping each other out. I think you and Liz will make a perfect couple, so go for it!”

“Thanks Cory!” Roger exclaimed. “you and I have been friends for years and I’m sorry your plan didn’t work out for you. But I’m already very impressed with Liz.”

Cory shared, “I’m glad for you, and don’t worry about my plan. That part didn’t work out, but next year I’ll get to talk to the two who are more my age. I had anticipated my age being a problem so I wasn’t surprised. This gives me another year to work and save money for the things we’ll need.”

“I’m glad you told me how you feel,” Roger concluded. “Thanks again, Cory.”

“You’re very welcome,” Cory responded, “and if I’m busy when you come for the bike, you can just tell my mom or dad that I said you could borrow my bike. I’ll tell them also, but they might need to be reminded.”

One weekend in one of the many Grace ‘n’ Faith churches in Pine City a man was finally able to convince some of his unbelieving friends to come with him to church. His friends knew he had some problems with his heart. He had let the pastor know about his friends so that he could include a presentation of the Good News. The pastor did that, but nobody came to see him after the service.

At the end of the church service, a woman was walking over to visit with a friend of hers when she saw a man stiffen in his chair, and then he couldn’t move. When she saw this happen, she called some other believers and they went and prayed for Jesus to heal the man. Jesus did heal him, and several unbelievers who had come with him to the service were saved as a result.

The man was overjoyed for his own healing and that several of his friends were convinced by the miracle they had seen, so they accepted Jesus as their Savior.

The small group facilitators of the churches received an email about the miracle and salvations to share in their small group praise times. It was a good faith builder and an encouragement to keep the eyes open and act quickly when opportunities might be seen.

 

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