A Curious Incident (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:7-11

As Ryder and Josh set plates and forks on the table for lunch, a dog started barking outside. “There Sarge goes again,” said Ryder with a sigh. “He’s always barking.”

“This bark sounds different than usual,” said Mom. “Maybe one of you boys should go check it out.”

“Aw, Mom, we’re busy,” said Josh. “Besides, Sarge barks at everything—squirrels, people, cars. You name it, he barks at it.” Since Mom didn’t insist, no one checked to see why Sarge was barking.

When Josh and Ryder went out to ride their bikes later that afternoon, they stopped and stared at the empty garage. “Where are our bikes?” asked Josh.

“I don’t believe it!” cried Ryder. “They’re gone! Who would have the nerve to come into our garage in broad daylight and take our bikes right out from under our noses?”

“After all the work we did mowing lawns to buy those bikes,” said Josh. “Now this!”

The boys rushed into the house. “Our new bikes are gone! Someone stole them!” Everyone hurried out to see for themselves.

Dad returned to the house to call the police department and report the loss. When he came back outside, he stopped to pet Sarge. “Didn’t we hear Sarge barking a couple hours ago?” he asked. “He was trying to warn us, and we didn’t listen to him.”

That evening Dad read aloud from Psalm 19. “Warnings are important,” he said after he finished reading. “Today Mom warned you boys to check on Sarge, but you didn’t. Sarge was warning us about the bikes getting stolen, but we didn’t listen. In this psalm, we see that God speaks through His Word not only to teach us about who He is and how much He loves us, but also to warn us about sin.”

“You mean how sin separates us from God, and only trusting in Jesus can free us from sin and give us eternal life?” asked Josh.

Dad nodded. “Yes, the Bible definitely warns us about sin in that way. But it also warns those who already trust in Jesus about the consequences of sin and how disobeying God can mess up our lives and keep us from living the life God wants for us. Let’s be sure to listen.” – Evelyn J. Behrens

How About You?

Do you take warnings seriously? God warns Christians about the dangers of sin in the Bible. Listen to Him and obey His commands. Is God warning you about something today? If you think He is, pray and ask Him to help you know what action to take, and get advice from an adult you trust. God’s warnings are one of the ways He helps you and guides you through life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 19:11 (ERV) His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.

Today’s Key Thought:

Pay attention to God’s warnings