Family Pages Sherwood’s Sunday School class was reading in the book of
James when he read, “If anyone can control his tongue, it proves that he has per-
fect control over himself in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in his mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also the tongue is a small thing, but what one tiny spark.” He went to his minister after church and said, “I’m not sure
what the last part of this means.” Reverend Smith said, “Let me explain. The old saying ‘Sticks
and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me!’ is not right. Words have the power to help or to hurt. Everyone needs to be careful about what they say so they don’t say hurt- ful things.” Sherwood thought for a moment and said, “I try not to say hurtful things to others or about them either.”
Reverend Smith said, “I’m glad to hear that you said ‘about them’, but we often need to do more than that. We need to say good things about others.” He told Sherwood the story about a small town where a lady lived who had never said anything bad about anybody. When the most
terrible man in town died, everyone in town came to his funeral to see what she would say. She said after thinking hard about the man, “He sure could whistle good.” She found something good to say. We need to be careful that the things we say don’t hurt others even when we don’t mean to hurt them. Careless comments to or about someone else hurt just as much as when we are trying to hurt.
Unchangeable By Mary Drew Bult with Illustrations by Anna Campbell Bult
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Change is happening all around us. It’s fall, after all! The weather is growing cooler, and the trees are transforming themselves with friends! Some of us have experienced more change lately than others. Some have moved to a new home in a new town, state, or even in a new country. Some have endured sad changes such as the loss of a pet or a loved one. Unfortunately, change is not always easy. Often it is unpleasant and scary, but we must all face it. Sadly, there are very few things in this fallen world which can truly be depended upon.
Praise God for His Son, Jesus! Jesus is not bound by this temporary world. Eternal and steadfast, Jesus is the only person you will ever know who is perfectly dependable. He will never break a promise. He will never leave you or stop loving you.
to life despite the lack of faith He observed in many of His followers. Jesus is all powerful, and He promises to give His people exactly what they need. Since He does not change, His promise rings true to this day. If you are one of God’s people, you can know for certain that He will provide for you. Even when you face trials, you can trust that those trials are a part of God’s provision – God plans to use them to mold you into a more Christ-like character.
As you face changes this fall, and in the seasons to come, remember that there is one who does not change. Remember that the Creator of the world is still as powerful as He has always been and that He is at work in your life. Remember that when all else fails, Jesus and His Holy Word (the Bible) can be trusted.
16 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
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