The Story Of Trusting In The Rock

This short story illustrates that there is one who is steadfast, trustworthy, and will not be shaken.

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The coast off of Cornwall England has seen many shipwrecks over the centuries. One night, many years ago a ship was beaten by the fierce Atlantic waves until it broke up. All were lost except a young Irish boy, Emmet. He floundered on the waves until in the dark he was slammed against a jagged rock. He clutched the rock and held on throughout the long night as the storm waves pounded against him over and over,

The sun came up as the storm spent itself out leaving a clear blue sky. Coastal townsfolk searched the beaches and shore for any survivors but found none until someone looked across the waters with a captain's telescope. Through the lens, they saw Emmit's limp form on the distant waters still clutching to the rugged rock.

Quickly a rescue boat was launched, and the men leaned their backs against the oars to reach him. Emmet was almost dead from the storm and the icy seas. The rescuers carefully brought him onto the boat and took him to the shore.

After a few hours, Emmet had been warmed up and given hot food. His recovery from the ordeal was quick and complete.

Someone asked him, "Son, didn't you tremble out there on that rock in all that storm?"

Emmet replied in classic Irish manner, "Tremble? Aye, I did tremble, but do you know the rock never trembled once all night long?"

Christ is like that rock If you have trust in him you will find that he is firm and secure, no matter what storms may enter your life.

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(c)Adron Dozat 4/9/17

The Story Of The Coal Miner Who Settled Accounts With God

This short story reminds us that it is important to come to God while we are able. Tomorrow may be eternally too late!

Many years ago, an American preacher held a revival-type meeting in a mining town in England. Clyde, a big muscled coal miner, was deeply burdened over his ways of drunkenness, gambling, and brawling. As the meeting closed, he walked up to the preacher. "Reverend, I know I am a sinner and am afraid of God's mighty hand of judgment. How can I find peace with God and peace with myself?"

The preacher opened before him the scriptures and showed him the way of salvation. He patiently explained that Christ came into the world, seeking to save that which is lost. He explained how Christ gave his life as a ransom for us. He explained that Christ's death on the cross paid for the sin of the world; and how all we need to do to be saved is to come to him, believing in Christ's finished work on the cross.

Clyde was so burdened with his sins that he could not see the light. As the hours passed, the preacher urged him to turn from self and, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."

Clyde did not find peace.  When the clock struck eleven, the preacher suggested that Clyde go home and return the following evening and then make peace with God.

Clyde replied, "No, I will not leave! It must be settled tonight or never!"

They stayed together, talking and praying as the hours passed. As the clock struck three, the light of the glorious gospel was shown upon the miner. He understood and believed the glorious fact that the work of Christ on the cross took away his sin and brought him peace and joy. Standing, Clyde shouted, "It's all settled now! The Lord Jesus Christ is mine!" With tears in his eyes, he thanked the minister who had been so patient with him.

A few hours later, Clyde went to his work in the mine, happy and rejoicing because he was a saved man. The day's work had barely begun when the rumble of crashing stone was heard.  The roof of the mine had caved in. Many men were buried beneath it.

The alarm blew, and hundreds of townsfolk ceased their work and joined the rescue efforts to save the trapped miners.  They dug out the earth, stone, and debris throughout the day to rescue the buried men.  After a fearful time, they reached Clyde; He was barely alive, and in the torchlight, it was clear he would soon be gone. Clyde's lips moved, and the men leaned close to hear his last words as life ebbed from him.

"Thank God, it was settled last night."

 (c) Adron Dozat 1/22/16

The True Tale Of Finding Jesus In Prison

The True Story of Finding Jesus in Prison

Long ago a man was in a Japanese prison for murder. His name was Miyamoto, He spent twenty-five years in the prison, and it turned him into an angry and bitter man.

One day he was sitting in his cell making plans to start trouble with some other prisoners. He was going to start a riot and during the riot, he hoped to be able to harm someone that he had a grudge against.

Above his head was a shelf and on the shelf were some books. As he sat planning to make trouble a book fell off of the shelf and hit him on the head. He picked it up. It was open to the words which said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."* The book was a New Testament. The Governor of the prefecture was a Christian and he arranged for New Testaments to be placed in the prison cells.  

Miyamoto began to read the New Testament. He read about the beautiful life of Jesus, He read about how Jesus died to pay for our sins even the sin of murder. He read how Jesus could save sinners from the judgment of sin.

At last, Miyamoto cried out and confessed his need for a savior and he received the gift of salvation. He became a follower of Jesus. He began to live a changed life and was no longer the violent prisoner he was.

Soon he was set free from the prison. He returned to his own village to see his family once more, he felt ashamed of his crime, so he intended to visit and then go to a distant place where no one knew he was a murder. Everyone saw a big change in Miyamoto, and they wondered at his new life.

When Miyamoto announced he was leaving to go to a far village his family and the village folk begged him to stay. "You are a wonderful example for our young men and boys. Your life shows what Jesus can do. We want you to stay because we want this Jesus religion too."

Soon the people of the village sought the Lord Jesus too. They wanted to have the Savior just like Miyamoto.

*Matthew 11:28

(C)Adron Dozat

What is Love? A Question Asked.

This short post is a nice little story illustrating of the ideal of love and the reality.

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A young lady had written a collection of poems. She had worked a long time on them and was very proud of her work. For a while, she would read them to small groups and poetry meetings. Feeling that it was time to share them with a wider audience she decided to have them published. She traveled to the offices of a major magazine and asked to speak to the editor.

'How may I help you?" Asked Horace, the old editor.

"I have some poems I would like to have published; I am told they are very good."

"Well, let's see. What are they about?"

"Oh, they are about love."

"Humph," Snorted Horace. "What is love?"

The young lady looked up with a dreamy faraway look and said, "Love is gazing at the golden sunset over flowering fields on the first day of spring as a lark sings...."

"No.! No! Stop it right there, Miss." cried the editor. "You've got it all wrong. Let me tell you what love is. It is getting up cheerfully in the middle of the cold winter night to go out and get medicine for a sick child."


God loved mankind not by having warm feelings of good will but by sending "His only begotten son.*" into the world to die for mankind's sin so man may come to him and receive eternal life.

*John 3:16

(C)Adron Dozat

For Me Two Men Have Died. The Testimony of Sailor Ben Seymor

This is a testimony of a hardened sailor who was converted to faith in Jesus.  

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FOR ME TWO MEN HAVE DIED
THE TESTIMONY OF SAILOR BEN SEYMOR

It was a long time ago when ships were powered by coal and steam. A freighter was traveling back and forth across the Atlantic. It had a crew of hardy, tough seamen who worked hard at sea and when in port spent their liberty equally hard, in drinking, fighting, and gambling- all except for Old Nate, because Old Nate was a Christian who deeply loved Jesus.

The hard men of the crew respected Nate. He was a hard worker who was able for any duty or task needed, he was fearless in the face of danger, and he was as rugged a seaman as the rest but would never compromise his faith for drink or gamble with the other sailors. He would bow his head over the meager rations at the mess and thank God quietly for small blessings he enjoyed.

Ben Seymor was a young crewman who could not understand Nate. Sometimes he would tease Nate about his mealtime prayer, Bible reading, and sober manner.

Old Nate followed Jesus' teaching and had a forgiving heart toward Ben. Often Nate would share the Gospel of God's love with him and ask the young sailor to receive Jesus, but Ben would just snicker, and refused to trust Christ.

One day a huge storm with dark skies and the cold icy wind came out of the north. The waves were piled up like mountains in the sea and beat the steamship again and again until it began to break in half. The crew rushed to the lifeboats and lowered them into the water, but as they did one of the two lifeboats was crushed by a wave that smashed it against the side of the ship shattering the frail lifeboat.

The desperate crew began to panic. The second lifeboat was overfull since all the men were in one boat when they should have been in two. The sailors looked up at the ship and saw two men had yet to leave- Nate and Ben were still on the sinking ship. It was clear that there would not be any room for both of them. In the dark storm, Ben's face was pale with fear. Over the winds the men heard his voice cry, "I am lost, eternally lost."

The old sailor put his arms around Ben as if to comfort him but suddenly with the strength of a lifetime hardened at sea he picked Ben up and threw him over the railing into the waiting lifeboat.

Nate called down and said, "Ben, you are not ready to die. I am. I am willing to die for you, but mind you that I see you in Heaven."

Old Nate's last word echoed in Ben's mind as the men rowed away from the sinking ship. They watched in horror as it went under the waves taking Old Nate down to the bottom of the sea.

What Nate did for Ben broke his heart and it was not long after this that Ben received Jesus as his Savior. Whenever he could he would testify to anyone who would listen and he would say, "Two men have died for me. Old Nate went down with the ship for me and the Lord Jesus went up on the cross for me."

(C)Adron Dozat

The Gospel According to St Nicholas

St. Nicholas was a Christian and the testimony of his life and sacrifice for his Savor is powerful but belittled in modern times.

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THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. NICHOLAS

Many years ago lived a wealthy man named Nicholas, who enjoyed the fine things in life. He was a leader in the city and was also a bishop in the church. Being wealthy and important made him a busy man, but he never missed church services and preached a sermon every Sunday.
One Sunday he preached a gospel of freedom. He quoted the Apostle Paul, "'For freedom Christ has set us free, stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.'* Our Lord came to free us from sin by living a perfect life and by taking the punishment for our sin on the cross so we can have eternal life. He only asks that we receive the gift of life that he offers. Let us not forget the cost he paid to give us freedom and we must use our freedom to live good lives of gratitude and do good works in the name of Jesus."

Later the town leaders and important people stood with Nicholas on the steps of the cathedral and shook his hand praising his words and sermon. A poor farmer in coarse clothing waited at the bottom of the steps. When Bishop Nicholas came near. The farmer removed his tattered hat and with bowed head said, "Sir, I am so glad to hear your gospel today. We should cherish freedom above all else, but slavery has come to my house."

"You must repent of your sins that bring you into slavery," Said Nicholas. "If it is the slavery of drunkenness you must put your wine away. If it is the slavery of gambling you must throw the dice away if it is the slavery of gluttony you must put your rich meat away; and ask God's help to overcome the sins that bring you into slavery."

The man looked up, his eyes were pleading and desperate. "Sir, it is not slavery of soul or of spirit, but it is slavery to the bankers. My crops failed to produce and I had to borrow from the bankers for the seed but the next harvest failed, now the bankers want to sell my three daughters into slavery to pay the debt. I rejoice to hear you speak out against slavery, so I am glad that I can ask you to help pay back the debt to keep my girls from the slavers."

"I see, I will certainly pray for your need. And I will tell the deacons to pray also."

"But Bishop, are you not wealthy? Surely my little debt is small compared to your abundance."

"Friend, you presume upon my generosity and suggest I lack grace. I assure you of my prayers. Good day." Nicholas walked away his fine robes billowing in his haste.

The poor farmer turned as he stumbled back to his farm; his hands worked the brim of his hat as he wiped tears from his eyes.

That night at dinner Nicholas called his steward to read the Word of God to him while he ate. Stephen, his steward, opened the Bible and began to read a passage from The Gospel. "Now behold one came to him and said, Good Teacher what good work shall I do that I may have eternal life?...Jesus said to him if you want to enter life keep the commandments....The young man said to him all these I have kept from my youth what do I still lack...Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect go sell all that you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.' But when the young man heard that saying he went away sorrowful for he had great possessions.*

That night in a dream Nicholas saw the Lord standing at the end of his bed. With him was the rich young ruler asking, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Lord's answered. "Go sell all that you have and come and follow me and you will have treasure in heaven." As the young ruler turned away Nicholas saw the ruler's face was not a young man's face but his own old face. In his dream, The Lord looked at him and said sadly, "Nicholas." Then shook his head slowly and walked away. Nicholas woke sitting in his bed staring at the point where the Lord had stood.

"Lord Jesus," He prayed. "Forgive me, forgive my hard heart and greedy grasp on riches that rust and perish. Forgive me for turning away from your law of love."

He bounded from his bed lit a candle and called for his servants. "Bring the jewels, bring the gold, and fetch the strong box!"

Bundling the treasure of gold and jewels in three bags he went out into the night. "Master," His servant said. "Surely you do not intend to go out into the city streets with treasure at night? Wait for us to fetch a guard."

"The Lord is my refuge and protector. I go with Jesus as my companion." Nicholas said. "And no longer call me your master but your brother. Any who are in my service are no longer slaves but free this night."

Nicholas walked under the stars and each one seemed to speak to him the words of the Lord, "I am the truth the way and the life... The truth will make you free... I have come that they may have life... He sent me to proclaim release to the captives." Then the words of the Apostle came to him- the words he used that very day in a sermon, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

He prayed as he walked the city streets. "Lord, how shall I do this? Three girls for the slavery auction tomorrow, shall I buy them and set them free? Shall I pay the price to the banker tonight? Shall I see the magistrates and abolish slavery in our city? Tell me Lord."

He seemed to hear the words of the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, "Let your giving be done in secret, do not even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." At that moment it became clear to him he must give his gifts secretly. He took the road out of town leading to the farms.

In the distance, he saw the farmhouse with a pale light in the window. In the dark, the farm was a sorry sight. Though the walls were mended and the buildings were well maintained, the moonlight showed a stunted crop on one side and a withered orchard on another. He bent over and scooped up some of the dead dry soil in his hand; rubbing it between his fingers he could tell it was poor soil that had little life or vitality left in it.

Silently he crept up to the farmhouse window. The shutters were old and even though closed he could see through the gaps of the planks. Inside the fire was low in the hearth. Garments soaked in the soapy water of a large tin basin, tunics were draped to dry by the hearth's tiny flames. The youngest girl sat on a stool weeping. The other two girls were draping the cleaned leggings and tunics over a line by the hearth to dry.

"Sush, Lydia," said the oldest. "We are hard working and know farming. The slavers will save us for last. The greedy wicked men will have spent their money for the pretty girls. They always go first for the drinking houses but we will go to a farmer or craftsman."

Lydia wept louder. "We will never see papa or each other and we are young and fair and I just know we will be bought by a drinking house where the men are pagan and wicked." She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. It was too much; soon Martha and Phoebe joined her in a tangle of arms as the three girls wept themselves to sleep.

Nicholas' heart broke with each sob. He wiped tears from his own eyes to see clearly through the shutter.  Slowly he opened the shutter so as to not awaken the sleeping girls. Reaching into the satchel he lifted one of the heavy bags. The gold and jewels were tight in the wrapping and it fit in the cup of his hand nicely. Leaning slightly through the window under which the three maidens slept he gently tossed the bag into the leggings drying on the line by the fire. It sagged down as the bag sank to the toe. A moment later the second and third were tossed into the leggings.

Nicholas looked down at the sleeping girls and silently closed the shutter.

The walk back through the night was different, he felt as if a burden was lifted. He began to congratulate himself. "That was a good deed, and a task well done. I wish I could see their faces when they dress for the auction and find gold enough to pay their debts."

Lying in bed felt good after the long midnight walk and he quickly fell to sleep.

The dream came back. The Lord stood by the end of his bed and the rich ruler had just asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" The Lord replied as before but with a pause said, "Go sell....all... you have." The Lord turned and the words echoed in Nicholas' ears as he sat up in bed, "Go sell all you have... All you have... All."

Nicholas leaped from his bed. "Brothers! Awake! We have work that needs to be done." The servants came and found Him heaping the remainder of his wealth onto a table. Take these coins and give them to the poor. Take these jewels to the jeweler and sell them then give the money to the poor. Bring the merchants who buy houses. We are selling it all, everything, it must be done by dawn. Go now."

The servants looked without understanding and fearful for their future. Looking into their faces Nicholas knew their fears. Where will they live and what will they eat? If the master has no money what will become of his servants? "I will not abandon you, my Dear Brothers, take from my treasure what you need, but we have much to do together."

"Stephen, I have the most important task for you."

"Yes, master."

"Brother," Nicholas said with a bellowing laugh, "Tomorrow after we have sold everything I want you to take all the gold to the slave auction. Outbid every bidder and bring each man, woman, and child to me."

"But, Brother, why do you give your servants freedom and then take new ones? We will serve you faithfully as friend and brother."

"Stephen, Jesus said he came to set the prisoners free and we shall follow his mandate. The apostle James said, "Be doers of the God's Word and not hearers only." I have too long been one who spoke the Word in sermon yet did it not. From now on I will speak God's Word in my actions. Bring to me all who are at the slaver's auction so I may set them free in Jesus name."

"Bishop Nicholas I fear they will be worse off without homes or occupation. Will you provide purses full of gold for them? I fear you may soon be homeless yourself."

"I will provide money to any who need. I have in mind a new home, a certain farm with an old orchard which will give ample wood for handcraft to employ any who are willing to work.

So the next day no one went into slavery for Steven used the wealth of Nicholas to rescue all the slaves. Nicholas sacrificed his entire fortune to pay the debt of the farmer, ransom the three girls, to free those to be sold as slaves and give to the poor.

For many years he lived on the farm with the freed slaves. They turned it into a carpenter's workshop because they wanted to follow Jesus who was a carpenter and made many useful things out of wood.

Nicholas became gifted at making the most useful wooden bowls, spoons, and utensils; but as time grew on but his most popular creations were toys. When asked why he made toys he would say, "Because of the fruit of the spirit. When God's spirit comes into our lives His Spirit grows fruit and God's Word says the first fruit is love, but the second is joy. Toys give joy to the children whom Jesus loved. And toys bring joy to those who give them." Then he would go on for an hour talking about God's Holy Spirit and how Jesus said let the little ones come.

If you asked why he gave the toys away freely he would say, "It is because the Father gave away His son for us as the Bible says, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  So by giving the gifts freely he hoped to teach by example that the Gospel is a free gift that we all need to receive.

They said you had to be careful when you asked Nicholas anything since he would answer a question with a sermon because he never stopped being a Christian who loved to tell the story of God's love.


Galatians 5:1, Passage abridged, Matthew 19:16-22. Matthew 6:3-4, Luke 4:18, James 1:22, 33 Galatians 5:22-23,

(C)Adron Dozat

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He Wanted Her Savior Too

This is the true story of how a woman whose unbelieving husband was brought to faith by the quiet testimony of her faithful life

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HE WANTED HER SAVIOR TOO

Martha was a devoted Christian but her husband, Jim, considered all religion in general and Jesus in particular to be for the weak and ignorant. Jim would drive her to church each week where he would park and get out to open her door like a gentleman. Jim would stand and watch to make sure she met her friends and got up the steps to the church entrance safely, then he would leave and drive back home.

Martha prayed daily for her Jim to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus but the years passed and Jim seemed to become ever more hardened to the gospel.

One Sunday morning, the minister preached a passionate message proclaiming the gospel of salvation through faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As so often Martha sat there thinking with a sigh, "If only My Jim could hear this message and understand the love of Jesus for him!" The minister finished his sermon with an invitation for any who wanted to trust Jesus to come forward and kneel at the altar and confess Jesus as savior and Lord.

All heads were bowed in silent prayer while moments passed as no one approached the altar until the soft sound of a man's familiar footsteps gave Martha a start; she looked up and saw her husband at the front of the church. She watched as he confessed his need for the Savior and gave his heart to the Lord.

Afterward, Jim said, "Martha, I've been watching you for a long time. Your life is always clean and beautiful. You are always kind, forgiving and gentle. I knew that you had something I didn't have. This morning, after dropping you off out front I listened to the music and the singing. The words of the song compelled me to come in. I sat in the back of the church and when the minister asked if there was any who wanted to give their hearts to Jesus I decided that I wanted your Savior too."


(C)Adron Dozat

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Bought With Blood

Many years ago when the empires had colonies and conquered other peoples an Englishman was traveling in Africa with many wagons and servants including an armed escort of redcoat solders.

One day, a native boy darted out of the bushes and came running toward him. Moments later a crowd of warriors and villagers burst out of the bushes and chased after him. The boy ran up to the white man to find protection, and jumped into his wagon. Soon the crowd from the village caught up with him, and their leader, a chief, tried hard to reach the boy.

"Let me get him." The Chief demanded. "He is my slave. He has cast a spell on me."

The Englishman tried to shield the poor native boy. "I will pay for his crime. I will give you gold. How much is his fine?"

The native chief, in rage, said, "I don't want money. I want blood. Our law says I must see blood to break the spell."  Then in a rage, he fitted an arrow to his bow and shot at the boy.

Quick as a flash, the Englishman threw his arm in front of the boy, and the sharp arrow struck his arm, piercing deep into it.  When the chief saw it he was afraid of what would happen because he had wounded an Englishman and the solders had readied their guns.

The Englishman pulled out the sharp arrow; the blood flowed freely, running down the length of his arm. He raised his blood-covered arm for the chief to see and said, "You did not want gold. You wanted blood. See, here it flows before your eyes. But now you have broken a law of the British Empire and have wounded an Englishman. You must pay."

"Oh." Said the chief, he dropped his bow and covered his head with his hands in grief. "My heart is sad, Englishman, I did not mean to hurt you."

"But you have," said the Englishman. "I have bought your slave with my own blood. You must give him to me, so there will be peace between my people and yours."

The chief was glad to get off so easily and quickly accepted the arrangement.

Then the poor boy came up to his new master, and kissed his feet, saying, "Gobi, whom you have bought with your own blood, will be your faithful slave forever."

"Oh, no," Said the Englishman, "We English do not have slaves. You are free!"

"Free?" asked the boy. "Then let Gobi serve his master, for you have bought me with your blood!"

Never since has an Englishman had so faithful or trustworthy a servant as Gobi was to the Englishman.


For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ,...1 Peter 1 :18-20

© Adron 6/7/13

The Parable Of The Eagle Who Thought He Was a Chicken

Here is a colorful allegory I sometimes use when I am mentoring young people. It parallels many truths.

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THE PARABLE OF THE EAGLE WHO THOUGHT HE WAS A CHICKEN

The gray ferret, Wagraye, was the most wicked animal in the hundred-mile forest. His crimes included stealing bird's eggs and kidnapping baby bunnies. He would break up the beaver's dam for no other reason than mischief and steal the squirrel's nuts out of meanness. He was a murderer who would kill not out of necessity but for the pleasure of it.

The Great Eagle was the King of the Skies, and he despised the Grey Ferret. As he flew above the forest guarding over the innocent creatures, he would search for the ferret so he may put a halt to the evil the malicious animal would do. The noble eagle hopped the ferret would repent of his wicked deeds and turn to do good, but sometimes the King of the Skies wished disaster would befall the ferret, so he watched and waited.

One day the wicked ferret went too far and, for entertainment, attacked a squirrel's nest, hurting and maiming the baby squirrels. The eagle dove from the skies like a flaming angel of vengeance. His battle cry was a scream of living fury and spread terror over the forest. The ferret dodged the razor claws of justice and, shouting his own war cry, turned to attack. Many ferrets joined him, and a great battle was fought across the grassy meadow. Dozens of ferrets swarmed over the eagle, trying to overwhelm him by their many numbers. The eagle slashed and bit, bringing death to many.

The brawl ended without warning when the bloodied ferrets fled to holes and hideaways. The eagle stood alone on a black stump of a tree in the midst of the blood-stained meadow. Scattered all about the eagle lay ferrets; many dead and many more whimpering with broken bones and gushing wounds.

"You will pay for this attack!" The Grey Ferret yelled from a hole in the ground.

"You will pay for all the wrongs and evils you have done, Ferret." The eagle cried.

"Payment? What justice is this when you have slain my children, my clan, and my wife."

"It's no more than you have done to so many innocent creatures. Stay in your hole and never come out to do mischief again, or my vengeance will be a hundredfold." The eagle spread his great wings and swooped into the sky.

"I'll teach you about vengeance." Muttered the bitter ferret. He slithered out of his hole, and without a look at the injured and dead ferrets that covered the meadow, he stalked off to carry out revenge. The ferret traveled to the heart of the hundred-mile wood to a rocky mountain that rose like a ship sailing on a sea of forest. He climbed the rocky sides and scurried up cliffs. Day and night, he climbed, ignoring the heat until he reached the top far above the green forest. At the very pointed top of the mountain was the nest of the Great Eagle. In the nest was a single egg; it would hatch a son who would be the Prince of eagles and take his place as King of the skies one day. The ferret waited, and when the eagle soared away, the ferret, like a master thief, stole the egg.

"I said I would get my revenge," he muttered gleefully to himself.

Down the cliff face, he ran, jumped, and scampered. The ferret recklessly bounded over rocks and slid down gravely dusty paths. All the while, he cradled the egg with as much love as a mother. It must not be hurt during the crazed descent. Not until the ferret came under the shadow of the many forest trees did he stop to rest. It was then that he heard the cry of the King Of The Skies. "Ferret! You have killed my son. You will pay for this wrong!"

"It is you who will pay." The vile rodent muttered. He slithered through bushes and under trees carrying the egg as if it were gold. Quickly and silently, the ferret padded through the forest to its very edge and looked across the asphalt road to the Land of Man. Waiting until dark, he crossed the road to a familiar place, the chicken farm.  The ferret had often entered by a secret way to steal and eat the eggs. This time he did not come to steal and eat an egg; he left an egg. The eagle's egg was lovingly placed in a chicken's nest in the chicken house.

"Now, my ladies, take good care of this one." He hissed to the chickens cowering in the corner. "It is a payback for the ones I took before. Teach him everything you know, make him the most chicken of all chickens there ever was."  The ferret slid like oil out into the night.

The eagle sought the murderer for many days. Every day he felt the gash of grieving in his heart. How he vowed to deliver justice! From the first hint of sunrise to the final dimness of dusk, his piercing eyes roved the forest hungry for any sight of the despised one. At last, he saw the villainous rodent sunning himself boldly on a rock. With rage, the eagle swooped down from the sky and snatched the ferret in his claws.

"I got you now, you son of evil!" the eagle cried. "At last, you shall pay for the death of my Son."

"Fool of a turkey you are, your son lives. Kill me. You will never know where."

"You lie."

"No. Let me live, and I will tell you where you will find your son."

"Tell me first, and I will decide."

"No. I will tell you after you set me down safely."

The eagle seeing the ferret, was stubborn and will not tell, took him to a high rock above the forest like a spike. Setting down the ferret where it could not escape, the King of the Skies demanded, "Here, I have set you down. Now tell me where my son is."

"Ha! I am the winner! Your son is in the land of man, in a chicken house. He is living with the chickens and thinks he is one. Your son will never fly. He will never rule at your side. He will be a freak and laughed at by all creatures because he thinks he is a chicken. Your son will never be an eagle."

The King of the Skies let out a painful cry that was heard across the hundred-mile forest. "Enjoy your rock." Raising his wings, he lifted himself away. The ferret ran to the edge of the rock to see the sides were smooth as glass and too steep to climb down to the distant forest far below. Back and forth across the rock, the ferret ran looking for a way down but now found none.

"Your majesty, my Lord and King, you have done me wrong; you stranded me on this rock! I can't get down. I will perish up here."

"Ha! We have both kept our word; you told me where my son is, and I set you down safely. I will find my son, and you will find justice." The great eagle flew away as the trapped ferret ran back and forth vainly, seeking a way down.

Driven by the passion, the great eagle flew across the forest, covering the many miles in a short time. From high in the clouds, his keen eyesight soon found the chicken farm. He saw the Prince of eagles, a lone large brown bird among hundreds of white, silly, foolish chickens. The Prince was scratching in the dirt just like a chicken, plucking at bugs and grain thrown by the farmer.

The King of the Skies called for his son to come to the heavens and join him as ruler of the skies. Over and over, he called. The Prince heard only the clucks of the chickens; a senseless noise he made for no reason except the hundreds of chickens around him did it. He never learned the language of eagles, so his father's words were nonsense to him.

Every day the King of the Skies would fly above the chicken farm calling his son. He watched as the Prince became more and more like a chicken.  The Prince ran when the chickens ran, he ate what the chickens ate, he slept when the chickens slept. It broke the heart of the King of the Skies a hundred times over.

The Prince was an eagle who thought he was a chicken because he knew nothing else. His heart had the fire to be something other than a chicken. He sensed he was meant to be more. He knew a bird such as him was not meant to live in the dirt and scratch the ground for bugs and eat corn like the foolish little birds around him.

The Prince tried to fulfill this inner prompting by attempting to be the ruler of the chickens. He was a prince even though he didn't know it and something deep inside him told him he should bring justice and order to the scattered-brained chickens. His efforts were wasted, for they were oblivious to his promptings to do right, and they rejected his rule. When he tried to lead them, they turned on him by the hundreds, pulling his feathers out and pecking at his exposed flesh with their hard pinching beaks.

The King of Eagles saw this attempt at fulfillment and grieved deeply for his son's frustration.

The Prince felt he was meant for more than a chicken coop. He tried to woo and win the favor of the chickens. He tried to romance the chickens and compete with the roosters. He was rejected by the chickens and becoming a source of jokes among the rosters. The Prince found a corner of the chicken yard and sulked by himself, sad and alone.

The King of Eagles saw this and cried out in grief for the Prince's disappointment.

The Prince felt deep inside that he should be more than a bird sulking in a corner; he felt others were supposed to look up to him. He tried to be popular. Seeing one of the roosters clowning around, he thought he would try to be a clown. He told jokes to the chickens and tried to do tricks to amuse them. But eagles do not have a sense of humor, and his tricks looked awkward, for eagles were made for majesty, not for comedy. He went back to the corner of the yard and felt sorry for himself.

The King of The Skies saw this from far above, and his heart broke again for his son.

The Prince lifted his wings and wondered what they were and why. He had a feeling deep in his heart that these wings were for majestic glory.  He flapped them while squatting in the chicken yard. Something felt right, but he didn't know what. He was afraid to wave his beautiful wings since none of the chickens ever did. As the chickens slept, he hopped out in the chicken yard to flap his wings secretly but felt guilty as if he was breaking a rule. His guilt began to weigh him down until he gave into it and tucked his wings in.

The King of the Skies watched daily and daily mourned for what his son was becoming.

The Prince climbed the top of the chicken house. He spread his wings. "Watch everybody, I am going to fly." A few chickens looked around momentarily at his appeal. The Prince leaned over the side of the house with spread wings and tumbled to the ground. Chickens ran around laughing. The Prince went to the corner of the yard and felt sorry for himself.

The King of the skies could take it no longer.

The following dawn, the sun rose over the chicken yard and shown on something new. When the chickens went into the yard, a great bird sat in the midst of it. They kept away from this stranger. The Prince looked at the great bird. "What a beautiful bird!" I wish I could be like him.

The beautiful bird said, "Son, I've come."  But the Prince did not understand the language of the eagles since the only language he heard was the cluck, cluck, cluck of silly chickens. The King repeated, "Son, I've come to show you how to be what you are meant to be."   The awesome beauty of the commanding voice of the King terrified the Prince.

The King of Eagles lived among the chickens with the Prince for many seasons. The Prince admired the great bird, though the chickens feared him. The King of the skies was patient with all. Day by day, he spoke to the Prince. The language of eagles was beautiful to the Prince; every sound would make his heart jump. Trying the sounds felt right, and: slowly, over time, his understanding of the eloquent commanding language of great birds grew.

The King of Eagles began a daily routine of exercise in the middle of the chicken yard by flapping his huge wings, sending dust high into the yard.  The Prince would copy this, and together they would flap their wings like two dancers. The Prince felt dormant urges to fly bubble up from his soul as his wings grew firm and strong.

The Prince began to feel that he was becoming what he was meant to be. He began to suspect that there was joy somewhere in the world, and he might find it.

The King of Eagles taught the Prince the way of the noble eagle. He taught about honor and integrity. He spoke of guiding the forest creatures well. He taught about the need to for a ruler to be fair and just. The more the Prince learned about justice, protecting the weak creatures, and avenging the victims, the more he felt his purpose was near.

After many seasons, the King said to the Prince, "Bird, do you know why you are here?"

"I am a chicken, and chickens stay here."

"No. You are meant to be an eagle. You are meant to rule from the skies to be the bringer of justice and enforce fairness in the hundred-mile wood."

These words sounded like golden sunlight to the Prince's heart.

"But I am in a yard. I sleep in a chicken house. I live with the chickens."

"You are the Prince of the Skies stolen from my nest by a foe. I have taught you all I can teach here. You must follow me to take your true place in the skies." So the Great Eagle spread awesome wings and swept himself into the sky. "You must follow me to take your true place."

The Prince hesitated. The chicken farm was home; it was near, familiar, and he had a corner where he could sit and feel sorry for himself.

From above, the King called down, "You are meant to be an eagle. If you don't follow me, you will be a chicken, yet not a chicken, forever."

The Prince looked at the blue sky. It was so big, so far away; there was no ground, fence, or chicken house. He hesitated. Around him were hundreds of chickens, scratching in the dirt, pecking for corn and bugs. It was a safe place, and he knew it well.

The King of Eagles said one last word. It would be his final. "Come!"

The Prince felt the word echo to his core. "Come," resounded into his heart as if there was no other word in creation. "Come." He heard the call of his father, and he answered. He answered with a true eagle's scream that sent all the chickens fleeing like white tumbleweeds to the corners of the yard. Alone in the center of the chicken yard, he lifted wings and stretched his mighty wings up, and swept them back with power. He felt his body, soul, and heart lift from the earth, and with strong beats of his wings, he left the yard and the chickens behind forever. Rising up, up, up, he became the Prince of the Skies.

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This allegory illustrates how we sense a need for more in our lives. We were made for better things than to be scratching in the dirt of the earth for meager trinkets. But we need someone to rescue us and bring us to the place we belong. 

If you want to know how Jesus can rescue, follow this link: Salvation.

(C) Adron Dozat 7/14/12

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The Tale of the Nobleman And The Wooden Chest

The Tale Of The Nobleman
And The Wooden Chest

This is a story about a man who had a secret that empowered him to a place of status and power.

* * * * *

THE TALE OF THE NOBLEMAN AND THE WOODEN CHEST

A long time ago a king had a very good nobleman who was well respected and admired by all who knew him. This nobleman was not the kind who sat in his estate house and indulged in the good life, he was a hard and sacrificial worker. He always fulfilled his duties above the expectations of the king. He eventually became one of the king's trusted advisers and was part of all the great events of the kingdom. This nobleman became first among the counselors.

The Nobleman's Chest

There was one odd and particular practice of this nobleman that caused many to wonder and talk.  He had an old wooden chest that he took everywhere.  At night he would bring it into the bedchamber and set it respectfully at the foot of the bed. During the day he would bring the chest into the counsel room and set it next to his bench while he debated and discussed the affairs of state. On travels, as ambassador, he would bring it along and place it on the seat next to him in the carriage. Those who didn't know better assumed it to contain state documents or important papers of the office of First Counselor. Because of his high position and authority, none dared to ask him. The box was watched over by guards if he left it momentarily, valets would give it respect and handle it with the greatest care. The wooden box became synonymous with the nobleman.

As the years of his service came to an honorable end and the nobleman prepared to retire from public service a banquet was held by the king in his honor. The banquet hall was overflowing with the best of the kingdom, and ambassadors from all the surrounding kingdoms came to honor the nobleman who worked so tirelessly for the good of his king and his people.  Speeches were given about the good works the nobleman performed and the reforms he brought about.

The moment came when the nobleman stood before the many guests to make his fairwell when someone in the crowd shouted out. "What is in that box you have carried all these years?"

The nobleman as a country lad

"That is my secret." The nobleman replied.  "Many years ago when I was a country lad a wealthy young man rode his horse through our village. It was there that the horse threw a shoe. I offered to fetch the blacksmith for the man. 'Yes, My Good lad.' the wealthy man replied, 'And where might I rest while my horse is shod?' 'Our village is a poor one without hostel or inn, but you are welcome to share my lunch and sit in the shade of the tree while I fetch the blacksmith,' I told him. So I gave the man my lunch and sought the blacksmith. It was a few minutes later that I returned carrying the blacksmith's bag while he brought the cart. I held the bridle of the horse and helped the blacksmith, then got water and fodder for the horse.  The rich man said. 'You work with a full heart, young man, come be my servant and I will pay you worthy wages.' Yes, sir, I was overjoyed at such good fortune to be in the employ of such as him. 'Go fetch your things and ride behind me,'  he said, but I told him I had nothing but the clothes I wore. 'We shall fix that straight away.' he replied. So I rode behind my new master. Imagine my surprise when we rode to the castle. 'Tell me, sir, what is your name?' I asked him. 'I am the prince,' he answered, 'the king's first son and heir to the throne.'"

"In the castle I was given a small store room to make as my chambers but it was full of forgotten relics. As I cleaned it out the washer woman brought me a beautiful change of clothes. 'Let me take those and burn them.' she said pointing to the rags I was wearing. 'No, I will keep them and put them in this old box to remind me that I am not better than any other; this way I will mortify my pride and stay humble, because if I do not stay humble I will not be any service to my new master.' My master became king and as the years of service passed I went from lowly servant to First Counselor because I always remembered I am no better than anyone else."

The noble man opened the box before the fine people of the banquet and lifted out the rags he once wore as a peasant boy. As he sat down the entire audience stood up to honor him.


(C)Adron Dozat

The Position, a Modern Parable. 1 Thessalonians 2:3

The Position
A Modern Parable

Preface: I wrote this modern parable for teaching in my Church Sunday School Class. I hope you find inspiration in it.

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THE POSITION,

A MODERN PARABLE

Andy's parents were honest, hard working people but times were bad and their business was doing poorly; so poorly that they couldn't pay back the bank loan.

“Wait here in the lobby while we go upstairs and talk to the loan agents,” Andy's dad said. "We may be a while so work on your homework. Afterward well see the sights in the city."

The lobby was big and had many chairs to sit in; Andy sat down in one next to a low table. He enjoyed watching the people around him, and said hello to those close by and smiled at others across the room. He opened his backpack and brought out his homework textbooks, Andy was proud of his grades.

Beyond the glass entry door an old man with a cane struggled up the steps. Without a thought Andy went out and gently helped the old man, saying, “Here, sir, let me hold your arm. Let me get the door. Watch the step.” Slowly the man was helped inside and across the lobby. As Andy returned to the chair he picked up some litter and put it in the trash can by the security desk.

A crowd of people came off of the elevators and nosily ambled through the lobby. With alarm Andy saw a binder on the floor as they left. Leaping from the chair he scooped up the binder and ran to the door where he called out while waiving the binder until a lady came to claim it.

Back at his seat he found a wallet with large green bills poking out of the fold, it lay on the little table next to his textbook. Andy looked at it in amazement; it was not there a minute ago. Andy wondered where it came from. Picking it up he looked around but now the lobby was empty except for the security guard at the desk writing a report in a book.

Going to the Guard he asked, “Did you see someone by the chair where I was sitting? They lost this wallet.”

“No, I didn't, but I think I know who it belongs to. I will put it in the safe until I find the owner.”

The window cleaner entered the lobby with his buckets and poles. Andy saw that the man had no room to work, so he got up and moved things out of the man's way. Andy sat down to finish his homework and struggled with a particularly difficult math problem.

“Hello.” Said a voice.

Looking up He and saw an elderly man in a nice suit standing before him.

“Good morning," said Andy, "How are you?”

“Just fine," replied the gentleman. "I've been watching you. You have been busy.”

“Oh, well, I'm just waiting for my parents. They are at a meeting and then we will see some of the city before we go home.”

“And I see you are working on your homework?”

“Yes, but I am stuck on this problem.”

“Math is one of my specialties may I look at it?”

“Sure, I would be glad to have help.” Andy showed the problem to the elderly man. “But I have to learn it on my own. You know, that is just right way.”

“You are very wise to have that attitude. You know I watched you helping the window washer. That was thoughtful.”

“Oh, thank you sir. It is just the Golden Rule. You know, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

“And I saw you pick up some litter and put it in the trash.”

“Well, it is just the thing a good citizen does. Oh, did you louse a wallet with some money in it.”

“No, I didn't. Did you find one?”

"Yes the security guard has it.”

“I'm sure it will get into the right hands. I saw you greeting people and being friendly,” Said the elderly man.

“We should be friendly, it is respectful, and honors God their Creator.”

“Young man,” the elderly man was using a new tone of voice and sounded less friendly and more serious. “I put the paper on the floor, I asked the window washer to wash those windows, and I invited the old man to come though I knew he would not be able to open the door while holding a cane. I dropped the wallet and I hired those people to drop the binder.”

Now Andy was becoming concerned. He wondered if he was in trouble.

The elderly man continued. “I own a business and I have an open position that I need to fill. I don’t want to waste my time sorting through all the greedy, ambitious, people who will do anything to get ahead that will apply. So I set up a test in this lobby. I sat in the corner watching people and any one could have done the thoughtful righteous things you did, but no one did, just you. So, would you like an honest position in my company? It could be part time since you have to finish school.”

“What is the job?” Andy asked. “What is the company? And who are you.”

“The position is a good one, it is hard but you will have no problem doing it.”

“I should talk to my parents first. If they say it is ok, then sure.”

“Good,” Said the elderly man in a kindly cheerful voice. “Here, take my card; show it to your parents. They will know what to do. You can start Monday.” And the elderly gentleman got up, shook his hand and walked out the lobby door.

“Son who was that.” his parents walked up.

“Here is his card, Dad.” Andy held the card up for his father to take. His father's mouth opened and his eyes grew big.

“What is it honey?” Andy's mom leaned over to see. “Oh my!”

“Andy do you know who that was?” Dad looked intent.

“Who?”

“Bernard R. St. John. He is the owner of this bank and a bunch of other business as well. He is one of the richest men in the country. What did he want?”

Andy explained what happened while they were away. He finished saying, “He wanted me to work for him Dad. Part time of course, since I'm still in school.”

“Well, sure you can.”

Next Monday. Andy took a bus to the bank office. A little nervous he walked through the doors. The receptionist glanced at him casually, “May I help you?” she said in a lazy voice as if she didn’t care to be bothered by a kid selling magazine subscriptions.

“I'm Andy, Mr. St. John told me to come to work here. I’m starting today.”
She looked up suddenly, her eyes big. “You're Mr. Andy? You are the one starting today? Oh.” She picked up a phone receiver hit a button and said, “Mr. St John. Mr. Andy is here.” She paused. “Yes.” She put the receiver down. “Take the elevator to the top floor. They are waiting for you.”

Andy had summer jobs before but this looked like nothing he expected. As he road the smooth ride on the elevator he wondered who “they” were that were waiting for him. The elevator doors opened into a large room with a big meeting table in the center and a crowd of business people standing in groups around it. They turned to look at him in silence.

“May we help you?” said a man in a grey suit.

“I was told to come to this room. I am starting work today. Mr. St. John arranged it.”

“OK. Just wait a minute Mr. St. John is coming shortly.” A man in a black suit said.

“I think this young fellow wanted to go to human resources on the third floor. Just take the elevator to the third floor and go right.” A Woman said.

Another man stepped up. “You better get going. We were about to have a very important meeting with Mr. St. John and his new Co-Chief Operating Partner.”

Just then the elevator opened and Mr. St. John walked in. He went around the room shaking hands. After a moment one said. “Where is the new Co-Chief Operating Partner? We were looking forward to meeting our new boss.”

“But you already have.” Mr. St. John walked to the head of the table and stood. “Please, everybody sit down. Mr. Andy, please bring that chair and set it next to this one.”

Andy felt good to have something to do, this was more like it. He lifted the chair from the corner and placed it next to the one Mr. St. John indicated. He looked at Mr. St. John, smiled and took a step back to give Mr. St. John room to do his job. Mr. St. John sat down.

“Andy, have a seat.” Mr. St. John indicated the chair. “Gentlemen, my last business partner proved to be dishonest, untrustworthy, and to deeply lack character. Since I have companies in dozens of countries, in many industries, employing thousands of workers; and since these companies are worth many billions of dollars I feel I need a partner. I prepared a test, a test of character. I ran this test for weeks in the lobby of our bank. Only one person passed the test, and that one person is my new partner. You will follow his instructions as if they were mine. He has the same authority to hire, fire, open factories, develop products, buy and sell and every other thing that I do to guide and grow our many enterprises; he will be my equal in every way. What I earn He will earn, and we will split evenly all bonuses, and pay. That person is...” Mr. St. John paused and put his hand on Andy's shoulder, “Is Mr. Andy. He is young but that is not a problem, indeed it is an advantage in many ways.”

“Me?” Andy gave a start and stared at Mr. St. John. “No way. I thought you said you had a position for me.”

“Yes, the position of Co-Chief Operating Partner.”

“But I am not qualified.”

“You only need one thing to be qualified for this position; your qualification is my choice of you.”

Mr. St. John kept his word, and Andy was indeed his equal partner. Andy brought fresh ideas and honest integrity to the many business activities they undertook and together they did much good for many people.

This is a far fetched tale since it is so unlikely that a multimillionaire will make an untried youth his equal partner but something far greater has happened many times over; the King of the universe has redeemed sinners and made them his partner and heir. For when we come to Jesus we become partners with God in His work here on the earth. "We sent Timothy to you, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ." 1st Thessalonians 3:2: "God's fellow worker" in other words a partner.

(C)Adron Dozat

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Adron 

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