Time Out for God
Devotional Ministry
Early one morning during his Christmas break from school, my 10 year old grandson, Peyton, woke up as the rest of his family slept on. When my daughter got up and looked in his room, Peyton was sitting up in his bed with his children’s Bible, a pad of paper and pencil writing a story. Later, when I heard about his story, I was so touched and wanted to share it with you. Keep in mind I have typed it verbatim, but the names of the speakers were added by me in parenthesis to allow you to know who the characters are in his story. I believe Peyton has potential as a future writer, but also see how his little heart was shaped from years of good training not only at church, but at home. I thank God for his good parents, who dedicated him to the Lord when he was just a newborn baby. Be blessed as you consider some ancient Truths from a young person’s perspective.
The Book in the Chest
By Peyton Whitt, 10 years old
(December, 2008)
“Look, it is the book Peter.” (Exclaimed John.)
“Well, you’re right John. Go pick it up. See what is in it.” (Said Peter.)
“Okay. It has many chapters.” (Replied John.)
“How many?” (Questioned Peter.)
“I couldn’t count.” (Replied John.)
“Well, what is the first chapter called?” (Questioned Peter.)
“It is called Genesis and says that God created the heavens and the earth, all the creatures and water. He even made day and night.” (Replied John.)
As they walked on in Jerusalem, this might be a familiar place.
In Lexington, Kentucky in 1945, a boy saw a chest and saw it had three letters. They were G --- J --- H. He had learned God was three things. He was God, He was Jesus, and He was the Holy Spirit. The boy opened the chest and saw a book.
Later he walked by it again and picked it up and brought it to his house. He picked the book up and read to himself, “God gave his only begotten Son to earth to die for our sins.” The boy put the book up.
Fifty years later, he thanked God for all that he done for him. The next year on April 13, 1996 he died from a heart attack. He gave the book to his daughter and she read, “God created everything and everyone.” People were getting so amazed that the book was changing people but they forgot that God’s Son came down from heaven to die for our sins. They also forgot the true meaning of Christmas, God and Jesus.
[Underneath his story Peyton drew two pictures:
The first picture was a Christmas tree with presents underneath. He drew an arrow to the presents with a comment: “False meaning.”
The second picture was of a stable with a Baby in a manger and his comment above it was: “True meaning: Jesus.”
[End of Peyton’s story.]
There are wonderful, hidden meanings in Peyton’s story. The Book Peyton referred is the Holy Bible, the Word of God. The second Truth is that God created everything and everyone. And one vital Truth that even adults don’t always comprehend is that God is three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. An important fact Peyton brought out is that God sent His one and only Son into the world to die for our sins. Of course, we can’t forget the true meaning in his drawings which is the true meaning of Christmas …
Jesus --- not the presents.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
As we study the flawless Words in this wonderful Book, it will shine light upon those things in our hearts not so pleasing to God. Those ancient Words will keep us from sin, but sin will keep us from the Book. Make sure you take time to read its contents every day so you’ll know the life to live to please God.
I can personally vouch for the life-changing power of God’s Word. When I began to read those precious Words, they changed me for the good and I was glad. But I couldn’t leave it lying on the table in order for that to happen, I had to actually pick it up and read it. We need to take a good look at God’s Word for it will be a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105)
Prayer: Father, I am astounded that You saw fit to send your Son into the world knowing that soldiers would kill him at the command of a ruler and an angry mob. He had done no wrong, but came so full of love and compassion for all mankind. You saw a little boy named Peyton who would write a story in such simple terms that even an adult can understand the ancient, profound Truths you revealed to him. Lord, I pray for his life to continue being a blessing in every way. I pray for all of my friends reading this message who do not know you, to know the love you have for each of them. That is my greatest desire and that is for each of them to see your Son in that light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
