Victory Over Temptation, When She Let Jesus Answer The Door.

This is an illustration of the faith of a child who struggled with temptation and how after coming to Jesus she found practical victory over folly by a daily expression faith.

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LET JESUS ANSWER THE DOOR

Little Alexei was a handful; the child was always getting into mischief and trouble.  Family and friends would sadly shake their heads at her latest transgressions and follies, then with a sigh say, "That child is sure to come to ruin early in life."

Then the parent of a playmate that was often brought to tears by Alexei took an interest in her.  Mrs. Morgan invited Alexei to come to church and go to Sunday School.  Alexei was immediately brought under the conviction of God's Holy Spirit; and when she heard the Gospel taught week after week she soon trusted Jesus as her Savior.

A great change came into her life.  She was full of the same energy and vivacious as ever, but instead of going from trouble to mischief she was serving and helping others.  She developed a kind and thoughtful personality.

One day a neighbor asked her.  "Alexei, what happened to you?  How did you change so much?  I know you received Jesus, but doesn't the devil come to you with temptations to get into trouble?"

"Yes, he does! All the time!"  Alexei replied.  "The devil comes knocking on my heart every day.  He comes knocking with temptations just like before.  But I used to go and answer the door and I always followed him into trouble.  Now when the devil comes knocking I let Jesus answer the door for me. And when the devil sees him he runs right away."

(C) Adron Dozat

The Girl Who Taught The Dying How to Live

This story is inspiring and illustrates how much of a blessing we can be when we sacrifice all for God.  This story is a challenge to be thankful for no matter your circumstances.

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THE GIRL WHO TAUGHT THE DYING HOW TO LIVE

Sari grew up in an orphanage in India.  Despite her loneliness, she loved Christ and was a devoted Christian. Sari was wonderful and talented in many ways, so it was no surprise that a handsome young missionary adored her.  She rejoiced that she was soon to be married.

One day Sari was cleaning in the kitchen and noticed some sores on her hand. She had seen such sores before, and her heart broke. It was soon confirmed that she had leprosy. All her dreams of marriage and future dried up; her youth and beauty would be eaten by the disease.

When Sari left for the leprosy asylum, she put on her beautiful white wedding dress so the orphans would remember her as hopeful and beautiful.  Still, many wept when she and her brother walked across the courtyard and out the gates.

Arriving at the leprosy asylum, she was stunned at what she saw.  The women there were dirty.  Their faces were empty, sad, and hopeless.  Dread filled her heart, and putting her arms around her brother, she sobbed,  "Jareth. Am I going to be like them?"

The missionaries said, "Sari. We have heard you love Jesus.  Can you love these women too?  There is much they need."

A spark of hope lit her heart.  She got a vision of what she could do for God in that awful place.  She started a school for women and taught them to read and write.  She was talented at music and taught the women how to sing, and even started a chorus.  She was able to play the piano, so the missionaries got her a folding organ, and she brought music into the asylum.

The place began to change; the sad, sick women there found hope and meaning.  The compound became clean.  The women began to take care of themselves and fix up their hair and wash their clothes.  Anna taught them how to live even though they were slowly dying.

After a few years, Sari's brother asked her about coming to the leprosy asylum.  She said, "When I first came to this Asylum, I was hopeless.  Now, I know that God has work for me to do for Him here.  If I had not become a leper, I would have never found my work.  Each day I thank Him for having sent me here and for the work He has given me to do."

Sari worked in the asylum for years as leprosy consumed her; though her body decayed and withered away, her face was bright with an inner glow.  She never uttered a word of complaint.  She always had a word of cheer for the sad and weary ones.  Many were brought to the Lord because of her.

(C)Adron Dozat

The Two Martins, a tale of Two Confessions

Long ago in the days of the Reformation, two men both named Martin came to faith in Jesus as Savior.

One was Martin of Basel.  Though he trusted Jesus for salvation he succumbed to fear and was unable to make a public confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The best he could do was to write on a piece of parchment the words, "O most merciful Christ, I know that I can be saved only by the merit of Thy blood. Holy Jesus, I acknowledge Thy sufferings for me. I love thee. I love thee." Then he hid the parchment sealing it behind one of the stones in the wall of his home. Over a hundred years later it was discovered.

The other Martin was Martin Luther.  He, too, found the Lord Jesus and accepted salvation by faith. He said, "My Lord had confessed me before men, He died for me, I will not shrink from confessing him, even before kings.!"  Boldly and without fear, Martin Luther confessed Jesus publicly before men.

The name of Martin Luther is respected and honored today, centuries after his confession before men and kings. The name of Martin of Basel is unknown and forgotten.

We should all be glad to confess the Lord Jesus.

"I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God." Luke 12:8.

(c) Adron

Giving The Best for God

This is a dramatic illustration of the extreme attitude of devotion that other religions have which can put many Christians to shame by comparison.

She Gave Her Best For Her God

Many years ago an early medical missionary, Melba Atkinson, went to India to serve in a hospital mission.  One day she saw a woman hurrying toward the Ganges River.  The woman was carrying a sick moaning child in her arms, and Melba immediately recognized the dire illness.  Walking beside the woman was a little child, a beautiful boy with large lovely eyes, and a bright smile:  the young boy was strong and healthy.

The mother approached the bank of the river and Melba seeing the mother was in deep distress tried to help her.  The woman said that she was going to make an offering to her god.  The missionary told her about the Lord Jesus and how Jesus had died on the cross for her sins. She tried to persuade the woman to trust in Jesus.  But the mother was firm.  She would not believe in Jesus.

Just then some people came running up to Melba and told her she was needed at the hospital to give emergency medical treatment to some people who were seriously hurt.

After giving aid Melba hurried back to the river hoping to find the woman again.  She was worried for the woman and her children and wanted to tell her more of the love of Jesus, and of his willingness to save her.  Soon Melba spotted the woman in the crowded street at a distance.  Running up to her Melba saw that she had the sickly child in her arms, but not the handsome boy who had walked by her side; then Melba knew that the woman had thrown the beautiful little boy into the river as her gift to her god!

With disbelief, Melba asked, "Why did you throw your boy in the river?"

"I needed to make an offering to my god. I hope that he will favor me for it!"

"But," asked the missionary, "Why did you choose as you did? Why didn't you give the dying child instead of the beautiful boy?"

Drawing herself up straight and proud the woman said, "I don't know about you Christians, but we give our gods our best."

(C) Adron Dozat

The Sargent and the Boots That Turned.

This is the story of how one person came to faith and continued to live his faith in the face of adversary and how it had a powerful effect on others.

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THE SARGENT AND THE BOOTS THAT TURNED

There was once a Sargent in the Scottish Guards who was a fearsome man in or out of uniform. He was taller and stronger than most men. He was known as the "Mallet" because his fists were so large. When Sargent McGregor was off duty he would dare anyone to go one round with him in a bout of fist-to-cuffs. The wager was a tempting one for many but none could last a single round with the Mallet. He could take the best blows they could give but after a half a minute he would stop playing and crash a powerful punch upon his opponent and send him flying, thus winning the bet. As much as the men in his company feared him they respected his leadership blindly. Sgt. McGregor was a seasoned soldier who fought in the king's army in many campaigns. He was fearless in battle.  Sgt. McGregor was also a bully who used threats, taunts, ridicule, and harsh punishments to keep his command in order.

Randy was a private in his command. Randy is the nickname for one who has loose values and morals; and Randy was a lover of fun, gambling, strong drink, and many other wicked things.  Randy was a good soldier who obeyed orders well enough and fought in combat with distinction worthy of the elite Highland Unit.

Returning from war in the east the Highlander's ship stopped at the island of Malta; the island where Paul the Apostle did many wonders. The highlanders had left to explore and amuse themselves on the island. Randy found himself separated from his companions and wandered about alone.

He came to a statue of St Paul. Without understanding why Randy was drawn to it. He could not help but stand for some time looking at the statue of St Paul. The statue seemed to trouble him but he was not able to leave.

"The Apostle did many miracles on this island." A voice behind him said. Randy turned and saw an old man in plain black clothes.

"The face on this statue looks so peaceful, yet full of authority and confidence," Randy commented.

"Paul was all those things- after he met Jesus."  The old man said. "Have you met Jesus?"

"How can I?" Smirked Randy, "Jesus died long ago."

"You can meet Jesus today and know him as Lord and Savior. He loves you and died for your sins."

Randy looked at the old man and considered these words. The old man had the same spirit of peace and confidence. "Tell me more."

That day Randy learned the Gospel of Jesus and he received Jesus into his life as Lord and Savior. He became a new creation in Christ and resolved to live for Jesus with the same abandon and passion that earned him the nickname of Randy.

His daily prayers and diligence to read the Bible was quickly observed. He gave up strong drink, late-night carousing, his language was without cussing and became gracious.

McGregor despised Randy for all of this. He saw religion as weak and hypocritical. He bullied Randy harshly with many jeers and insults and gave the private dirty hard task to perform. The Sargent criticized every effort Randy made to live a righteous life.

In spite of all the hardships, Randy was faithful to the Lord who he loved. He read the Bible daily and sought to win others for Christ. He was persistent in prayer. His reputation for Godly living became known throughout the entire regiment.

It became his custom to read the Bible in the morning at breakfast. A few guardsmen would sit with Randy and listen to his reading of a few verses. The Sargent would hover nearby for the purpose of mocking God's Word.

One morning the regiment was camped in tents in some distant campaign, and the soldiers were around the campfires when Randy read the words of Jesus' sermon. "But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: But whosoever shall smite the on the right cheek turn the other to him also." * The Sargent rushed out of his tent and pounced upon the words of Jesus, criticizing the teaching of Jesus with mocking and cursing. Randy quietly tried to defend the Lord's words but McGregor refused to listen.

It was a day of a long march through muddy marshes. The cold damp overcast day put the entire regiment in a bad mood; McGregor was more of a bully than ever, and his temper was growing around the campfire that night.

As his last duty of the day the Private knelt in his tent to pray, giving thanks and worship to the Lord; and beseeching God's blessing on the King, country, regiment, and brothers in Christ. His words were soft-spoken but audible to those passing by the tent.

McGregor hearing the muttered prayers became enraged. He was sitting on a stool next to the fire and had taken off his muddied boots to relieve his swollen sore feet. Grabbing one he threw it with all his might into the Private's tent hitting Randy full on the right side of his face knocking him over. The laughter around the campfire was like a roar. The Sargent teased, "I wager he'll not turn that cheek for a time."

Randy quietly picked himself up and resumed his prayers kneeling the other way, facing his other cheek to McGregor, who shouted. "I've never refused a challenge in my life." He snatched up his other muddied boot and threw it hitting the Private squarely on the side of the face knocking him over again. The private picked himself up again and knelt as before to pray for the regiment.

Many of the men around the campfire were humiliated by the scene of Randy faithfully enduring the Sargent's abuse. In shame and silence, they turned away and sought their own tents. McGregor sensing he was losing his audience raised his voice louder and added more insults against the private and his Lord.  He pulled out a flask of rum and drank until he stumbled into his tent for the night.

The sun rose the next morning shining its yellow light on the tents of the camp as the men were making breakfast fires to cook on and to warm themselves. McGregor opened the flap of his tent to preview the weather and mood of the Guardsmen. His eyes rested upon two shiny beautiful boots before his tent. The leather shown with polish and the brass fittings were buffed until they gave off a golden light. They were his own boots that he had thrown at the faithful Christian Private. The boots were now cleaned of all grime and mud; they were restored to a condition better than McGregor had seen since they were new.

"Who cleaned my boots?" The Sargent muttered half suspecting the answer. A passing Guardsman carrying a bucket of water supposing the question was addressed to him replied, "Private Randy, Sir. He spent most of the night at the task."

The words and sight of the cleaned boots did what battles and warfare could not do. McGregor's resistance broke and his heart melted by an act of love and forgiveness. The many words of the Gospel which Randy faithfully proclaimed flooded up in his soul. Tears rolled down his scarred cheeks. He turned back into the tent, knelt next to the cot, and prayed, confessing his sins and receiving the love of his Lord who he now trusted as Savior.

* Matthew 5:39

(C)Adron Dozat

The Knight Of The Shining Shield.

When teaching a class of five and six-year-old children I use this story among others to inspire them that to obey is better than fun. I remember reading it somewhere many years ago and to the best of my memory, this is how it went.

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THE PARABLE OF THE KNIGHT OF THE SHINNING SHIELD

In the old days, there was a great castle in the dark forest. It was wondrous in size, strength, and beauty of the design. It had many high towers, great stone walls, huge iron gates, and a mighty drawbridge that crossed a river like a moat. This castle was filled with the bravest and noble knights who would ride into the dark forest to fight the giants and dragons that tried to master the people. The brave knights would go out every day and help travelers and accompany pilgrims on their way.

Each knight had a beautiful suit of armor that shined like silver, they carried a spear and a mighty sword. Their helmets were inlaid with gold. The shields they carried were the greatest wonder. These shields were blessed by a holy monk who lived alone on top of a mountain. The shields were the shiniest shields when held by the noblest knight who fought bravely. If a knight was untrue or lacked courage his shield would become dull and dark.  A knight with a dull shield became ashamed and did not want to carry it or else all the other knights would know he was fearful or untrue.

The shield with a Star

Some times a  shield would shine brighter than all the others it would show who was the bravest of all the knights; he was the one who proved himself most noble, more courageous, more sacrificing, and daring than all the others. The shield of this knight would shine with a bright golden star from deep within.  It was the highest honor and this knight would sit next to the Captain of the castle at the feast. All the other knights would stand when he entered the room and salute him as if he were the leader of them all. For the longest time, only the Captain had a star on his shield, and all the knights were eager to prove themselves and earn their star.

After a while, the worst of the giants in alliance with the dragons and the witches in the land conspired to attack the castle. They met together in the rocky mountains near the castle to mount the attack. The brave knights prepared to fight against them. They sharpened their swords and their spears.

Sir Phillip was the youngest knight of the castle. He more than the others was eager to fight in the battle and earn his star since he was youngest and felt the others looked down on his youth. He was a great warrior and his shield did have the shine of one who did many great deeds, yet he felt this was his chance to distinguish himself above the rest and earn his star.

At dawn, the Captain called the knights to assemble in the courtyard where they would receive their battle orders. This one would lead and that one would guard the flank and another would scout. "What will be my place?" the young knight wondered. "You, Sir Phillip," The Commander pointed to him. "You are to stay behind to guard the castle gate. Keep the gate closed and locked. Open for no one but me. For if the castle is taken we will have no refuge should the battle turn against us and we will louse spirit which means sure defeat."

You are to stay and guard the gate

Sir Phillip was shattered in his heart for he hoped to win his star. With a salute, he donned his helmet and took his place at the gate.  It was a strong gate with a bridge and iron doors. No attackers ever conquered it.

The knights marched out pass Sir Phillip, the Captain stopped. "Do not forget, open the gate for no one but me, either alive or those carrying my dead body. Let no one else in." Then he rode out to lead the knights who were marching to glorious battle.

Sir Phillip stood watching with a disappointed and heavy heart. Turning he began to turn the crank that slowly bought the bridge up, and put his shoulder to the iron gates to close and bar them. Climbing the high steps to the tower above the gate the knight watched the distant dust of the marchers.

Long hours the young knight stood at his post waiting for word of the battle. At last Sir Phillip saw a knight stagger out of the forest and stumble down the road to the castle.

"I have been hurt and cannot fight any longer," he said. "Why don't I take your place and you take mine in the battle?"

At first, Sir Phillip thought, "Yes! Here is my opportunity!" But remembering his commander's words to stay at his post, called down. "I must stay where the commander has told me, and I must not open the gate for anyone except for him or his dead body. You should return to the battle."

The wounded knight was ashamed and turned to rejoin the battle.

Sir Phillip stood guard throughout the heat of the day wandering about the battle. In the afternoon an old woman came out of the forest and walked up the road. "May I come in for shelter and food?" she called up to him.

"I can open the gate for no one this day except my commander." He replied. "But I will gladly lower a basket with some bread and cider over the wall for you."

"Why are you not with your brothers the knights? They are fighting a desperate battle against mighty odds." She called up.

"How goes the battle?" He yelled down.

"Badly, many knights are wounded. The giants and the dragons are getting the better of them. You should go maybe one more knight will turn the tide and save the day."

"I cannot leave my post, the commander has given me an order not to open the gate."

"You are lucky to have an excuse to stay behind in the castle where it is safe while the others fight and die." She jeered.

Sir Eric was enraged by her taunt and if she were a man he would have challenged a duel for vengeance, but she was only an old lady.  "Here is a basket of food, woman." he tossed it over the moat to her. "Take it and go your way."

The day wore on toward dusk. An old man slowly came out of the forest and walked up the road toward the castle.

"Are you Sir, Phillip?" The old man called.

"Yes," said The Knight.

"You should not be here. The battle goes very badly. Look I have brought you a magic sword. It is more powerful than any other.  No enemy can stand against it. Take it and rescue the commander and the knights."  The old man drew a sword out of his cloak and held it up for Sir Phillip to see. Even from the top of the castle wall, he could see it shine like no other. Sparks seemed to light from its edge.

Sir Phillip turned to descend the stairs that he might open the gate and take the sword to battle. He could hear the old man call, "Take it. Become the greatest knight!" Halfway down the stairs he stopped and remembered the orders not to open the gate. He could not leave. Slowly he remounted the stairs to the top of the castle wall.

"Old man." Sir Phillip called. "Take your sword and go. I will not leave my post."

To the young knight's amazement, a cloud of smoke began to wrap around the old man. The old man began to grow taller and taller until he became a giant as tall as the trees of the forest. Sir Phillip realized he had almost let a giant trick him into leaving the castle unguarded. The Giant shook his fist and turning around stomped into the dark forest.

The Giant shook his fist

Sir Philip decided that no matter what else happened he would not let anyone try to trick him he would not listen to any other.

The sun was setting as the knights returned from the bloody battle. They were dirty, tired, and many had grievous wounds. The commander could barely sit on the horse because of the wounds he received.

Sir Phillip let down the drawbridge and opened the gates. He stood at attention as they passed the portals to the castle.

It was the custom for the knights to gather at the great hall to recount their exploits and celebrate their victory with a feast. The Captain of the castle took his place at the head of the great table, and the other knights sat in rank around him.  Sir Phillip entered and was about to take the lowest seat farthest from the Captain, when the knights called out, "The shield! The shield of Sir Phillip is glowing!" Sir Phillip could not see the shield he carried but when he turned it upward he saw indeed a golden star was glowing from deep inside.

Sir Phillip knelt before the Captain of the castle. "Tell us, Sir knight, did you battle the giants today? Did you defend the castle?"

"No, my Captain only one giant came and he left when I refused to open the gate."  And Sir Phillip told all that happened that day.

The knights did not believe that for what he did he won the golden star.

The Captain spoke up. Our shields reflect the truth. Today the greatest battle was fought by Sir Philip. He fought the battle of obedience and he won.  All the knights stood up to honor Sir Philip the youngest knight to carry a shield with a Golden star.

The original version of this story is told by Raymond MacDonald Alden and was published in Why the Chimes rang and other stories. 1934

(C)Adron Dozat

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James 2:1-12 The True Measure And The Angel

The True Measure
 And The Angel

Here is a story I used in my Sunday School Class. We were covering James 2:1-4, this is a modern day retelling of the verses. I hope the extra details capture attention and makes the point more personal.

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THE TRUE MEASURE AND THE ANGEL

There was a church in a city that was famous for it's good works. It  supported many charities, had started hospitals and raised money for orphanages.  The people of this Church met in a beautiful building with a rich history and strong heritage.

The Lord called the angels to join in his counsel and said. "It is in my heart to bless the members of this congregation.  How shall I bless them? What shall be the measure?"

An angel suggested. "Have one of us go down in the human form of a common laborer, as you were yourself during your earthly sojourn, and the way this church blesses the lowly common laborer will be the measure of blessing you should give unto them."

"You may go in human form wearing the appearance of a common laborer."

The angel walked through the huge wooden carved double doors of the church. His face was suntanned his hair greasy, graying, and uncut, his hands calloused and dark under the fingernails. His shoes were worker's boots, and his clothes were many seasons out of style, soiled and needed mending.

The greeter nodded and held out a Sunday bulletin to the angel as he entered, but except for a nod did not give any greeting.

The lobby was crowded with people in fine suits and clean dresses. The angel waited alone, standing in the lobby; but no one asked his name or introduced themselves or greeted him.

The angel found a space on a pew to listen to the worship. Though the church was full no one sat next to him. No one reached over from the pew behind or in front to say, "Hello."

The orchestra played several hymns beautifully and the choir sang wonderfully. The sermon was passionate and doctrinally correct.

After the service the congregation gathered in the fellowship hall where cookies and coffee were offered as a time to socialize.  The angle milled around the crowd. He walked up to a group of business men and stood listening to their conversation about an upcoming election. No one spoke to him or shook his hand. He stood by the table of cookies and the coffee urn; although dozens of people walked up to the table to get cookies and coffee no one shook his hand, introduced themselves or befriended him.

The angel slowly walked to the exit. Some youth were laughing and enjoying themselves. As he walked past no one said, "Good by."

The angel returned to heaven and gave a sad report to the other angels and the Lord.

"We shall both go next time." The Lord said.  "You may wear a youthful look and fine clothes and I shall wear coveralls and we shall give a second chance to this congregation to prove their measure.

The angel wearing the fine suit barely got through the door before he was greeted warmly.  At the door several beautiful women introduced themselves.  Deacons and ushers came up with invitations to sit with them.

Behind the angel the Lord in the guise an old man in coveralls and a scraggly beard shuffled trough the doors receiving a bulletin and a nod from the greeters. The Lord sat on a pew by the front of the congregation.

"Pardon me sir," said  an usher. "But this seat is reserved for the Trustees."

Without a word the Lord in disguise rose from his seat. "Perhaps there is a seat by the door." The usher offered waiving his hand to indicate the back of the church. The Lord sat by the drafty door.

The angel in the fine suit was given a seat at the front of the church, in one of the newer padded pews. Afterward the cookies and coffee was served in the fellowship hall again as before. The angel had no end of conversation and invitations for lunch. A serving hostess brought him the best cookies and the freshest coffee while he laughed with the men.

The Lord stood by the cookie table, in coveralls. No cookies were offered to him by a hostess, no one introduced themselves to him and no one shook his hand in greeting. As he left there was a crowd of youth at the door, he heard them joke about the old man in coveralls who just walked by.

As the Lord and the angel entered heaven the Lord said. "Have we found the measure by which we will bless this church congregation?"

"Far be it from me to criticize any whom you love, but it seems to me their actions have spoken. They do not need any more blessing, indeed in my judgment they should have less; for they are so blessed in the world's effects that they have forgotten the command to love."

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"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism, Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but you say to the poor man, "You stand there," or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  James 2:1-4.

(C)Adron Dozat