A Lesson for Will

Bible Reading: HEBREWS 10:23-25

“What’s the matter, Cojack?” Will squatted down beside his puppy’s basket. “Are you lonely? Maybe I can stay home with you this morning.” Even as he spoke, Will knew that wasn’t likely. It was Sunday morning, and his family was getting ready for church.

Dad came out to see what was going on. “Why aren’t you dressed, Will? It’s almost time to leave. You’d better hurry.”

Will looked down at the dog. “I think Cojack wants me to stay home with him this morning. Can I, Dad? I’m tired of getting dressed up and sitting still in church for so long. Can’t I skip it today?” Before Dad could say anything, Cojack started whining again. “Maybe he wants a drink,” said Will. He hurried to take care of the puppy.

“You know,” Dad said as Will returned with some water, “Cojack is really dependent on you. He depends on you to feed him and care for him, and he thrives on your love. He really needs you, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah, he does,” said Will, smiling. It was nice to be needed, and now maybe Dad would let him stay home.

“We’re a lot like Cojack, Will,” Dad continued. “We all depend on somebody. Who do you depend on?”

Will thought for a moment. “On you and Mom. You give me food and clothes and a home and stuff.”

Dad smiled and nodded. “We do those things because we love you and want to take care of you. Mom and I depend on each other too, and also on our church family. We depend on them for love and encouragement, and they depend on us. And we all depend on Jesus. He’s the one who gives us everything we need. He gave our family the food, clothes, and home we provide for you, and He also provides us with forgiveness from sin and eternal life. He also puts other Christians in our lives so we can support and encourage one another.” Dad rumpled Will’s hair. “So don’t you think we’d better all be in church if everyone is depending on us?”

Will looked up. “Okay,” he said with a sigh. Then he grinned. “It’s a good thing I can depend on you to encourage me to go, huh?” BEVERLY MCCLAIN

How About You?

Do you attend church regularly? It’s great to spend time with other Christians and worship Jesus together. It’s a blessing to have people you can depend on to care for you and pray for you. And just like you depend on them, they depend on you. Pray for them, and be in church so you can be encouraged by one another and enjoy God’s blessings together.

Today’s Key Verse:
HEBREWS 10:25 LET US NOT NEGLECT OUR MEETING TOGETHER, AS SOME PEOPLE DO, BUT ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Attend church faithfully