STORY

Thirteen-year-old Zack loved playing video games. He’d been saving up for months to buy the latest console, and he was just $50 short. One Sunday, Pastor Mike spoke about giving generously to God. Zack fidgeted in his seat, thinking about his savings.

After church, Zack’s best friend, Lily, excitedly showed him a flyer. “Look! The youth group is raising money for a mission trip to help build a school in Guatemala!”

Zack felt a tug in his heart. He thought about the kids who didn’t even have a proper school, let alone video games. That night, he tossed and turned, torn between his desire for the console and the urge to help.

The next morning, Zack made a decision. He took his savings jar to church and poured it into the donation box. “God,” he whispered, “I trust you with this.”

Weeks passed, and Zack felt a strange peace. He enjoyed helping at car washes and bake sales for the mission trip fund. Then, on his birthday, his parents surprised him with the exact console he wanted!

“But how?” Zack gasped.

His mom smiled. “We’ve been saving too. We saw how you gave your money to help others, and we wanted to bless you.”

Zack realized that his generosity had not only helped others but had also brought unexpected blessings. He learned that giving to God always leads to greater joy than keeping things for ourselves.

VERSES

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! – Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

QUESTIONS

1. Why did Zack initially struggle with the idea of giving his money?
2. How did Zack’s act of generosity impact him and others?

APPLICATION

Think about something you have that you could share or give to help others. It doesn’t have to be money – it could be your time, talents, or belongings. Choose one way you can be generous this week and do it, trusting that God will bless your giving heart.

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us. Help us to be generous with what we have, just like Zack was in the story. Show us ways we can give to others and trust in your provision. Give us cheerful hearts when we give. In Jesus’ name, amen.

STORY

In a lush green forest, there lived a young squirrel named Nutkin. He was known for his boundless energy and mischievous nature. Nutkin loved to scamper around the forest, collecting acorns and playing with his friends.

One day, Nutkin came across an ancient oak tree. Its branches were gnarled and twisted, and its bark was wrinkled with age. At the base of the tree sat Old Oakley, a wise old owl.

“Hello there, young one,” hooted Old Oakley. “Would you like to hear a story?”

Nutkin, always in a hurry, replied, “No thanks, Mr. Owl. I’m too busy for old stories!”

As Nutkin started to scurry away, he heard a creak and a groan. Looking up, he saw a heavy branch about to fall right on top of him! Just then, Old Oakley swooped down and pushed Nutkin out of harm’s way.

“Wow! Thank you, Mr. Owl!” exclaimed Nutkin, his heart racing. “How did you know that was going to happen?”

Old Oakley smiled gently. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn to listen to the forest. The old oak was trying to warn you, but you were too busy to notice.”

Nutkin felt ashamed. “I’m sorry I didn’t want to listen to your story earlier. I thought because you were old, you wouldn’t have anything interesting to say.”

“That’s okay, little one,” Old Oakley replied. “We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them.”

From that day on, Nutkin made sure to spend time with Old Oakley, listening to his stories and learning from his wisdom. He discovered that the owl’s tales were full of exciting adventures and valuable lessons.

Nutkin learned that respecting elders wasn’t just about being polite – it was about valuing their experience and the important things they could teach. And as he grew older, Nutkin became known as one of the wisest squirrels in the forest, always ready to share what he had learned with the younger animals.

VERSES

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 NLT

Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 NLT

QUESTIONS

1. Why did Nutkin not want to listen to Old Oakley at first?
2. What did Nutkin learn about respecting elders?

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for giving us older people in our lives who can teach us important things. Help us to be respectful and to listen to their wisdom. Please give us patience and kindness when we talk to our elders. In Jesus’ name, amen.