May 2023

ARK MINISTRIES HOPE OF THE WORLD There are two children’s notes I keep. One supposed to be an apology states, “Dear Bud, Ms. C made me write this note. All I want to say is sorry for not being sorry cause I tried to feel sorry but I don’t. Liam.” The second note addressed God directly, “Dear God, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother. Larry.” Both notes make me smile because they are honest expressions. Honesty affords the opportunity to understand the way of obedience for a better life. Obedience to God is walking in love. We know that God is love. The God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob loves us and proved it by giving his only begotten son for us, Yeshua/ Jesus. When we don’t comprehend the depth of such sacrificial love, we will miss out on why we should apologize walking in repentance, forgiveness and humility. We are joint heirs through adoption by what Yeshua/Jesus did for us. That should make us want to obey. The Bible’s scriptural truth reveals in Matthew 18:1-5 that we are to become like little children or we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. We can’t hide our feelings, reactions, or intentions from God, even when we may not be as direct as Liam and Larry. The Lord knows our hearts, mindset, and our struggles. When honest with ourselves and the Lord, we can mature and change. Think upon Yeshua/ Jesus when he humbled himself like a child, although he knew all. He was not seeking to be the center of attention, not concerned about his status, but instead humbled himself in obedience to the Father. Yeshua/Jesus taught us to love God and our neighbor, but he also said we are to come to him like children. The innocence of a child is to be raised up, molded, and directed to live a life of truth and love that glorifies and honors God. Maturing in the revelation of scripture, we develop the willingness to obey the word of God. We are to read the word of God and take it as the

Dear Coach Flabby My kids want to play sports. They are young so I am concerned about what sport or physical training they should do.

This month is Read With A Child Month. Why not share a book with a child? There are several public libraries in Saline County to visit. Call ahead for hours and methods of operation. “Dozens of Doughnuts”