Burning Question:
When you think of summer, what is the first smell, sound or taste that comes to your mind?
Morning Devotional:
I was at my parents’ place this past Saturday with my six-month old puppy, Abbie. I was walking her on her leash so she could do her business as we do every morning, but on this day, Abbie had different plans. One moment, Abbie was by my side but in a split second, she broke out of her harness and became a blur of fur running down the street toward a very busy downtown.
Terrified, all I could do was start running and calling her name, but that made her run even faster. The next thing I knew, she was running across a four-lane highway. I thought she was a goner, but nope – she was fast! The next thing I knew, she was in the city park. I was still running after her, calling her name.
The only thing that stopped her were two strangers who saw the scene unfold and managed to corral my runaway Abbie. When I finally reached them, I was out of breath, but I was also immensely relieved! I carried her all the way home, thanking God for her safety and for those helpful hands.
This incident brought to mind Jesus’ parable of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that ran off. We read in Matthew 18:12, “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” I would not rest unless Abbie was safe – then or now – and our Heavenly Father is the same way. He pursues each one of us with this amazing, unending love. He cares for the ‘one’ — that wandering child that is so often you and me. You are never too far gone for His grace. He will always come searching for you.
– Beth
Bible Quiz:
Question: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
Answer: Psalm 119
Storytime: Walking through an angry flock of Geese!