Thursday, February 19, 2026

God's Gift

A Story of Love, Courage, Loss, and Redemption

The dawn stretched across the Montana valley like a golden ribbon, warming the frost‑kissed earth. Micah Hayes tightened the strap of his satchel and breathed in the crisp air. Gideon, his wise shepherd dog, padded beside him with a quiet confidence that always made Micah feel braver than he really was. Life had steadied since Elias’s rescue, yet the ache of constant loss still clung to Micah’s heart — the loss of his father, the loss of peace, the loss of trust stolen again and again. But Micah had grown, shaped by hardship into a boy with exceptional insight and a courage deeper than he understood.

Hazel stepped onto the porch, brushing flour from her apron. Her eyes held both warmth and worry. “Micah,” she said softly, “Elias came by before sunrise. He left this.” She handed him a folded note. Micah read it slowly: Someone is stealing from me. I’m trying to change, but someone wants me to stay broken. Micah felt a tug in his chest. “Mom… he needs help.” Hazel touched his shoulder. “Your father always said, ‘Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing right while afraid.’” Micah swallowed hard. He missed his father’s voice — but he carried his wisdom like a lantern in the dark.

As Micah and Gideon walked toward Elias’s cabin, the wind carried the scent of pine and river stone. Gideon suddenly froze, nose twitching. Then — a sharp bark. Micah knelt beside him. “Tracks?” Gideon nudged the ground. Boot prints. Deep. Rushed. And beside them, long drag marks. “Someone was carrying something heavy,” Micah murmured. Gideon’s ears pricked, and he bounded ahead, tail stiff with purpose.

Elias’s cabin was a wreck — drawers overturned, shelves emptied, the door hanging crooked. Elias sat on the floor, head bowed. “Micah… they took everything. My tools, my food… even the Bible you gave me.” His voice cracked. “I’m trying to change, but it feels like someone wants me chained to who I used to be.” Micah sat beside him. “Elias, you once stole from us. But we didn’t give up on you. And we won’t now.” Gideon pressed his head against Elias’s arm, offering comfort without a single word.

Elias looked up, eyes shining with shame. “Why do you care so much?” Micah hesitated, then spoke with quiet conviction. “Because someone cared for Barabbas too.” Elias blinked. Micah continued, “Barabbas was guilty, but Jesus took his place. ‘For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10, KJV). If Jesus could love someone like him… then we can love you.” Elias covered his face, overwhelmed by a grace he didn’t know how to receive.

Suddenly Gideon barked — loud, urgent, commanding. He bolted out the door. Micah followed, heart pounding. Down the hill, a figure sprinted through the trees with a bulging sack. “There!” Micah shouted. Elias’s breath caught. “That’s… my brother, Rowan.” His voice trembled. “He thinks if I change, he’ll lose me.” Micah felt a deep ache. He knew what it was to lose someone — even someone still alive.

They chased Rowan to the riverbank. He stumbled, dropping the sack. Gideon circled him with sharp intelligence — not attacking, but cutting off every escape with perfect precision. Rowan glared at Elias. “You think you’re better than us now?” Elias stepped forward, shaking. “No. I think I can be forgiven. And I want you to be free too.” Rowan scoffed, but his voice wavered. “Free? From what?” Elias swallowed. “From the fear that keeps you stealing. From the emptiness that never fills.”

Micah approached gently. “Rowan… stealing won’t heal your hurt. It only spreads it.” Rowan’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t know how to stop.” Micah reached into the sack and pulled out the worn Bible. “Start here. My dad used to say the truth sets you free. Jesus said it too.” Rowan stared at the book as if it weighed more than his guilt. Gideon sat beside him, tail thumping softly — a silent invitation to hope.

They walked back together, slowly, like men learning how to breathe again. Hazel welcomed them with warm bread and warmer grace. As they ate, Elias whispered to Micah, “You gave me something today.” Micah smiled. “What’s that?” Elias looked at Rowan, then at Gideon, then at the peace settling over the room. “A gift. The courage to believe I can be different.” Micah glanced at Gideon. “He has a way of helping people see the truth.”

That night, Micah sat on the porch with Gideon curled at his feet. The stars shimmered like promises across the sky. Micah held his father’s old pocketknife — the one symbol he kept close — and whispered, “Dad… I’m trying to be the man you hoped I’d be.” A warm breeze brushed his cheek, gentle as a father’s hand. Micah opened his Bible and read aloud, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21, KJV). Gideon lifted his head, eyes wise and steady. And Micah understood: Gideon’s gift wasn’t just courage — it was the way he helped people see the truth, the way he guarded hearts as faithfully as he guarded their home. In a world full of loss, love had won again.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© MBANNABENKRBPBNMRMPM 5454332 #665

Parallel Bible Lesson: Barabbas — Mercy Offered, Choice Unknown

Theme: Salvation was offered, but we don’t know if he accepted it.

Opening Thought

Barabbas was a man guilty of serious crimes. He was set free while Jesus — innocent and holy — was condemned. This moment is one of the clearest pictures of grace in the Bible.

“Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” — Matthew 27:26 (KJV)

Key Truth

Barabbas didn’t earn his freedom. He didn’t deserve it. But he received it. Salvation was offered to him — but the Bible never tells us if he accepted it.

Parallel to Today

Many people hear about Jesus. They hear that He died for them. They are offered forgiveness, just like Barabbas. But some walk away. Some never choose. Some never say yes.

Discussion Questions

What do you think Barabbas felt when he saw Jesus on the cross?
Do you think he ever wondered, “That should’ve been me”?
Why do you think the Bible doesn’t tell us what happened to him?

Spiritual Application

We don’t know if Barabbas got saved. But we do know this: Jesus took his place. And Jesus took your place too — Will you accept Him today?

Memory Verse

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (KJV)

Closing Thought

Barabbas was given a second chance. You are too. Don’t let your story end with a question mark. Let it end with a YES to Jesus.

The Coupon of Salvation

Jesus died for all. He took our place. The gift is offered — but will they accept it? That’s the question.

It’s like a coupon. You can hold it in your hand. You can know it’s valuable. You can even tell others about it. But unless you apply it, it doesn’t change anything.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Barabbas was handed freedom. Jesus took his punishment. But the Bible never tells us if Barabbas accepted the deeper gift — salvation.

Many people today are just like him. They’ve been offered grace. They’ve been handed the truth. But they haven’t applied it.

Teaching Prompt for Kids or Adults

Hold up a real coupon. Ask:

“What does this coupon promise?”
“What happens if I never use it?”
“What if I say I believe in it, but never turn it in?”

Then say: “Jesus is the gift. But you have to say yes. You have to apply it to your own life.”

MBANNABENKRBPBNMRMPM 5454332 #667

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The Dog Who Knew the Truth

🌄 The Dog Who Knew the Truth

Silver Ridge, Montana

In 1954, in the little mountain town of Silver Ridge, twelve‑year‑old Micah Hayes lived with his mother in a tiny cabin that always felt too empty. Life had been hard since his father passed away, and harder still because someone had been stealing from them—small things at first, then bigger ones. Tools disappeared. Firewood vanished. Even the money Micah earned from odd jobs slipped away from the jar on the shelf. Each loss felt like a fresh bruise on their already‑tired hearts. Their only comfort was Gideon, Micah’s unusually smart shepherd dog, who seemed to understand every word spoken and every tear shed.

Micah tried to stay hopeful, but the constant theft wore him down. “Mama,” he whispered one night, “why would someone keep taking from people who already have so little?” She brushed his hair back gently. “Because sin blinds the heart, son. But honesty—truth—always finds a way to shine.” She quoted softly from the KJV, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). Micah wanted to believe that, but freedom felt far away.

One cold morning, Micah discovered footprints in the snow leading away from their shed. Gideon sniffed them, ears alert, tail stiff. “You want to follow, boy?” Micah asked. Gideon barked once—sharp, certain. And so began an unexpected adventure through the frosted woods, where the trees whispered secrets and the wind carried hints of something Micah couldn’t yet name.

As they followed the trail deeper into the woods, Micah felt a knot tightening in his chest. Every crunch of snow beneath his boots reminded him of the things they had lost—not just tools and money, but peace, safety, and trust. The cold air stung his cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the sting of being wronged again and again. “Lord,” he whispered into the wind, “help me do what’s right, even if I’m angry.” Gideon glanced back at him, as if understanding the prayer, and pressed his shoulder gently against Micah’s leg before continuing forward.

Gideon suddenly stopped, ears pricked, nose lifted to the air. He circled once, then trotted toward a narrow path Micah hadn’t noticed before, hidden beneath a fallen pine branch. Micah blinked. “How did you find that, boy?” Gideon barked softly, then nudged the branch aside with his paw, revealing fresh footprints beneath. It was as if the dog could read the forest like a book. Micah felt a mix of fear and determination rise within him. Whoever had been stealing from them was close—closer than he had imagined.

Micah paused for a moment, leaning against a tree as memories washed over him—his father’s steady voice teaching him that honesty was the backbone of a man, his mother’s quiet prayers whispered late at night when she thought he was asleep. The losses they had suffered weren’t just things; they were reminders of how fragile life had become. Yet even in the ache, Micah felt a small spark of hope. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” he murmured, recalling the verse his mother loved. Gideon wagged his tail, as if agreeing with Scripture itself.

The deeper they went, the more the forest seemed to hold its breath. The tall pines stood like silent witnesses, their branches heavy with snow. Micah’s heart pounded—not just from fear, but from the weight of what he might find. Was the thief dangerous? Desperate? Lost? Gideon stayed close, brushing against Micah’s side every few steps, grounding him. “Whatever we find,” Micah whispered, “we’ll face it together.” Gideon gave a soft, reassuring whine, his eyes bright with loyalty.

The trail led Micah and Gideon to an abandoned mining shack. Snow clung to the roof, and the wind whispered through broken boards. Gideon growled low—not in anger, but in warning. Something was wrong.

Micah stepped toward the shack, but Gideon suddenly darted past him, nose to the ground. He barked sharply, then again, more urgently. Micah followed—and gasped.

Just a few yards from the shack, beside the old mine shaft, a man lay half‑buried in snow. His foot was wedged tightly between two splintered boards, twisted painfully. He was wrapped in a ragged blanket, shivering so hard his teeth chattered. His face was thin, his eyes hollow with fear.

The man looked up, startled and ashamed. “I—I didn’t mean harm,” he whispered. “I just… I had nowhere else to turn. I tried to run, but I slipped. I’ve been stuck here for hours. I thought I was going to freeze to death.”

Before Micah could respond, Gideon climbed down into the narrow shaft with steady confidence. He braced himself, nudging and pulling at the trapped boot. Inch by inch, he worked the man’s foot free.

When it finally came loose, the man cried out in relief and slumped back into the snow.

Micah knelt beside Gideon and stroked his fur. “Good boy,” he whispered. Gideon barked once—bright and proud.

The man wiped his eyes. “Thank you… thank you, Gideon,” he said weakly. “You saved my life.”

Micah helped him stand and guided him toward the shack for shelter. When they stepped inside, the man froze. Scattered across the dusty floor were the stolen items—Micah’s tools, his mother’s lantern, even the jar that once held their savings.

The man lowered his head. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone,” he murmured. “I was just desperate.”

Micah looked at him—not with anger, but with compassion. “Let’s get you warm first,” he said gently. “Then we’ll talk.”

Gideon sat beside them, tail sweeping the floor, the quiet hero who had brought truth into the light.

Micah’s heart pounded. He wanted to shout, to demand answers, to take everything back. But something in the man’s trembling hands stopped him. Gideon stepped forward, sniffed the man gently, then sat beside him as if guarding—not against him, but for him. Micah swallowed hard. “Why did you steal from us?” The man’s voice cracked. “Because I was like Barabbas—choosing the wrong path, hurting people who didn’t deserve it. I thought I had no way back.”

Micah remembered the story of Barabbas—the guilty man set free while Jesus took his place. He whispered, almost to himself, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). The man bowed his head. “I’ve been lost a long time, son.” His honesty—raw, painful—hung in the cold air like a confession waiting for grace.

Micah took a deep breath. “Stealing is wrong. You hurt us. But… you told the truth. And that matters.” The man’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ll return everything. I’ll work to repay what I took. I just—” His voice broke. “I just need a chance.” Gideon nudged Micah’s hand, as if urging him toward mercy. Micah nodded slowly. “Come home with us. Mama will know what to do.”

When they returned, Micah’s mother listened quietly. She didn’t scold or shout. Instead, she said softly, “Honesty is the first step toward healing. We forgive you.” The man wept openly. It was the first time in years someone had spoken to him with kindness. Over the next weeks, he worked hard—chopping wood, repairing fences, helping neighbors. The town, once wary, began to see the change in him.

As spring warmed the valley, the man—whose name was Elias—became part of their lives. He attended church with them, sitting in the back at first, then closer each week. One Sunday, he stood and shared his testimony. “I was a thief,” he said, “but their honesty, their forgiveness, and that dog’s strange wisdom showed me a better way.” The congregation listened, moved. Gideon barked once, as if approving the message.

By summer, Elias had saved enough to rent a small cabin. He started a woodworking shop, using the very tools he once stole—now returned, restored, and redeemed. Business flourished. Micah and his mother no longer lived in fear, and their home felt full again—full of hope, laughter, and the warmth of a story that proved honesty can heal, forgiveness can transform, and love can rebuild what loss tried to destroy. And Gideon, the dog who knew the truth, remained the quiet hero of Silver Ridge.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

🕊️ The Two Thieves — A Devotional of Choice and Grace

1. The Cross Was Not the End

Jesus was crucified between two thieves — one mocking, one repenting.

But He is no longer on the cross.

He is risen.

And He lives in every believing heart.

Romans 6:9 (KJV)

“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”

2. Two Men, Two Responses

One thief hurled insults.

The other humbled himself.

Luke 23:39–40 (KJV)

“And one of the malefactors… railed on him… But the other answering rebuked him…”

They were both guilty.

They were both dying.

But only one chose truth.

3. The Repentant Thief’s Prayer

He didn’t know theology.

He didn’t quote scripture.

He simply said:

Luke 23:42 (KJV)

“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

And Jesus answered:

Luke 23:43 (KJV)

“Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

4. The Gospel in One Breath

That thief had no time to earn salvation.

No chance to prove himself.

He was saved by grace — through faith — in a moment.

5. Jonah’s Echo — A Modern Parallel

In Gideon’s Gift, Jonah confesses: “I took things.”

He doesn’t bargain. He doesn’t justify.

He simply tells the truth.

Elias forgives him before he asks.

Gideon stands between them — like Jesus between the thieves — offering quiet grace.

6. The ABCs of Salvation — Simple, True, Eternal

A — Admit you are a sinner.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (KJV)

B — Believe on Jesus Christ.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31 (KJV)

C — Confess Him as Lord.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus… thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9 (KJV)

7. No One Is Too Broken for Grace

Barabbas was a murderer.

The thief was a criminal.

Jonah was a liar.

But Jesus died for each of them.

Luke 19:10 (KJV)

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

8. Your Crossroad Moment

You stand between two choices:

Pride or repentance.
Mockery or mercy.
Escape or eternal life.

Jesus is still offering paradise — to the one who asks.

9. A Prayer of Repentance

If your heart is ready, pray this aloud:

“Lord Jesus, I admit I am a sinner.
I believe You died for me and rose again.
I confess You as my Savior.
Please forgive me and remember me.
I want to be Yours — today and forever.”

10. The Invitation

You are not too far gone.

You are not too broken.

You are not too late.

Jesus is no longer on the cross.

He is risen — and He is ready to live in your heart.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Pulled From the Fire: Based On Jude 1:22 and 23

Pulled From The Fire

Use All Pictures For This Story Only

Colorin Page Danger

🦉❤️ Hazel

Not far from Hooty and Hoot’s cozy nest lived Hazel,
a tiny Northern Saw‑whet Owl —
small, round‑eyed, soft‑feathered,
and very different from the Great Horned Owl family that watched over her.

She wasn’t related to them by feathers,
But she was loved by them just the same.

Hazel had a broken wing,
wrapped gently in leaves and pine threads.
She couldn’t fly.
She couldn’t climb.
She couldn’t escape danger on her own.

And danger was coming.

The Shimmering Woods rested under a soft blush of first light, of dawn —
a gentle Valentine‑pink glow drifting through the trees as morning quietly arrived.

High in an ancient pine, Hooty the Great Horned Owl and his nephew Hoot slept soundly,
curled together in their warm nest.

But in a smaller hollow of the same tree,
Hazel, the little Saw‑whet Owl with the broken wing,
slept alone.

She was different from them —
smaller, softer, with bright golden eyes
and a voice like a tiny silver bell.

Hooty had taken her in when she was injured.
Hoot adored her.
And though she wasn’t their kind,
she was their family.

While they slept, a thin ribbon of smoke crept through the trees.
It curled upward, whispering around the branches,
slipping closer and closer to their pine.

A spark leapt.
A flame climbed.
A crackle stirred the air.

Then —
a sharp, smoky scent reached their nests.

Hoot blinked awake first.
“Hooty… something smells funny.”

Hooty stirred, sniffed, and his eyes snapped open.

“Smoke,” he said.
“Something is burning.”

Below them, the fire was already rising.

And Hazel —
tiny, injured, and different —
was in terrible danger.

🔥 Hazel’s Desperate Cry

A trembling voice squeaked from the hollow.

“H‑Hoot… Hooty… help me!”

Hazel pressed herself against the edge of her nest,
her broken wing tucked tight,
her eyes wide with fear.

Hoot gasped.
“We can’t leave her! She can’t fly!”

“And I will not leave my nephew,” Hooty said,
“and we will not leave Hazel.”

They were a family —
different feathers, same love.

But the fire was climbing fast.

A burning branch cracked —
fell —
and crashed down, blocking the only safe path out.

They were trapped.

🔥 Love That Refuses to Run

“Hooty, what do we do?” Hoot cried.
“We can’t leave Hazel!”

“And I won’t leave either of you,” Hooty said,
pulling both owls close beneath his wings.

Hazel whimpered.
“I’m scared…”

Hoot pressed his head against hers.
“I won’t leave you, Hazel. Not even for a second.”

The fire roared around them like a furious beast.
Heat pressed against their feathers.
Smoke stung their eyes.

They were out of options.

So they prayed.

“Hooty,” Hoot whispered, “ask God to save us.”

Hooty bowed his head.
“Lord… we need You. Please deliver us. Please send help.”

Hazel squeezed her eyes shut.
“Please, God… please…”

🔥 The Ranger’s Fight Through Fire

Then —
a shout tore through the smoke.

“I hear them! Owls — three of them!”

A forest ranger burst through the briars,
slapping flames aside with a heavy fire blanket.
Branches scratched his arms.
Smoke burned his lungs.
But he pushed forward anyway.

He saw them —
Hooty shielding the little ones,
Hoot holding Hazel’s good wing,
Hazel trembling but trusting.

“There you are!” he cried.

He beat back the flames,
lifted the burning branch with a grunt,
and reached for the owls.

Fire trucks roared into the clearing.
Firefighters sprayed water,
shouted orders,
and raced to save every creature they could.

Deer bounded to safety.
Rabbits darted through wet grass.
Squirrels scrambled up soaked trees.

The forest was chaos —
but help had come.

The ranger scooped all three owls into his arms
and ran them out of the fire.

They were safe.

📖 The Bible Truth (KJV)

“And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.”
— Jude 1:22–23 (KJV)

Hazel was different.
Hazel was helpless.
Hazel was loved.

And God delivered them all.

❤️🌙 After the Fire — Peace, Prayer, and a Lullaby

The fire was out.
The danger was gone.
And for the first time all day, the Whispering Woods felt still again.

The ranger carried Hooty, Hoot, and Hazel to a quiet rescue cabin at the edge of the forest — a warm, safe place where frightened animals were gently cared for until their homes could be restored.

Inside, soft lantern light glowed like a tiny sunrise.
Blankets were spread across a wooden table.
A bowl of cool water sat nearby.

Hooty settled the little ones down, his wings wrapping them like a sheltering hug.

Hazel sighed, her broken wing now bandaged.
Hoot leaned against her, refusing to leave her side.
Hooty rested behind them, feathers singed but heart overflowing.

For a long moment, none of them spoke.

Then Hooty lifted his head.

“Children,” he said softly, “before we sleep… we must thank the Lord.”

Hoot and Hazel bowed their heads.

Hooty prayed with a voice full of gratitude:

“Father, You heard us when we cried.
You sent help when we had none.
You saved us from the fire,
and You gave us a place of peace.
Thank You for Your love,
Your mercy,
and Your protection.
Amen.”

“Amen,” whispered Hoot and Hazel together.

A gentle peace settled over them —
a peace deeper than the quiet woods,
stronger than the fire they had escaped.

Hooty smiled down at the little owls.

“Now,” he said, “rest your hearts.
You are safe.
You are loved.
And God is watching over you.”

He began to hum a soft lullaby —
a tune he used to sing to Hoot when he was very small.
Hazel’s eyes drooped.
Hoot snuggled closer.
The melody wrapped around them like a warm blanket.

No yawns had dared to come during the danger.
But now, in the safety of God’s care,
they came freely.

One tiny yawn from Hazel.
One sleepy hoot from Hoot.
And finally, a deep, contented sigh from Hooty.

The fire was behind them.
The night was gentle.
And love — brave, rescuing, God‑given love —
held them all.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

Hooty's Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank You for loving us with a love that rescues.
Thank You for hearing us when we cry,
for sending help when we are afraid,
and for watching over us just like You watched over
Hooty, Hoot, and Hazel.
Teach us to love others the way You love us—
with courage, kindness, and compassion.
Help us to be brave, to protect those who need help,
and to make a difference in someone’s life.
Thank You for Your peace,
Your protection,
and Your never‑ending love.
Amen.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

God protected them, God delivered them, and their hearts overflowed with thanks.

Dear Lord, Thank You for loving us with a love that rescues. Thank You for hearing us when we cry, for sending help when we are afraid, and for watching over us just like You watched over Hooty, Hoot, and Hazel. Teach us to love others the way You love us— with courage, kindness, and compassion. Help us to be brave, to protect those who need help, and to make a difference in someone’s life. Thank You for Your peace, Your protection, and Your never‑ending love. Amen.

🌙 Hooty’s Lullaby Called "Hush Now Little Owls."

A gentle children’s song

Hush now, little owls, the night is calm and near,

The Lord has kept you safe tonight; there’s nothing left to fear.

The fire’s far behind you, the danger’s flown away,

So rest beneath My feathers now until the break of day.

Sleep now, Hazel darling, your wing will heal in time,

God held you through the flames tonight with love so strong, divine.

And Hoot, my brave young nephew, your heart was true and kind,

You stayed beside your friend in need—love never leaves behind.

So close your eyes, my little ones, and let the shadows fade,

For God has wrapped this quiet night in peace that He has made.

Tomorrow brings new sunlight, new songs for us to share,

But now we rest in safety, held gently in His care.

Back to the First Verse To End

“And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.”
— Jude 1:22–23 (KJV)

Susan Barker Nikitenko MBCoAnnaBen PBKbNMRMPmGeaorgePas49876 #5

Jesus the Gentle Shepherd — and the Righteous Confronter

This Picture is for this Lesson Only -2026©

Jesus the Gentle Shepherd — and the Righteous Confronter

Many people imagine Jesus as only soft, quiet, and mild. But Scripture gives us a fuller, richer picture. Jesus was both:

The Gentle Shepherd who carries the weak
The Righteous Lord who confronts the stubborn

These two sides are not opposites. They are perfectly united in Him.

1. Jesus Was Gentle Toward the Humble

When people came broken, ashamed, or seeking mercy, Jesus was tender:

He welcomed children
He touched lepers
He forgave sinners
He restored Peter
He comforted the fearful

Matthew 11:29 says:

“I am meek and lowly in heart.”

This is the Jesus who binds wounds, lifts the fallen, and carries the lambs close to His heart.

2. Jesus Was Firm Toward the Proud and Unrepentant

But when hearts were hard, proud, or hypocritical, Jesus confronted boldly.

The Temple Cleansing

He overturned tables, drove out money changers, and declared:

“My house shall be called the house of prayer.”

This wasn’t loss of control. This was holy zeal. This was righteous anger. This was love protecting what is sacred.

His Warnings to the Pharisees

Jesus confronted religious leaders who refused to repent:

He exposed hypocrisy
He corrected false teaching
He warned of judgment
He called them to repentance

This was not cruelty. This was truth spoken with authority.

3. Jesus’ Anger Was Always Holy

Human anger is often selfish, impulsive, or destructive. Jesus’ anger was pure, purposeful, and protective.

He was angry for the right reasons:

When God’s name was dishonored
When the vulnerable were exploited
When repentance was refused
When truth was twisted

His anger flowed from love, not pride.

4. Meekness Is Not the Absence of Strength — It Is Strength Under God’s Control

Jesus shows us that meekness includes:

Gentleness toward the repentant
Firmness toward the rebellious
Patience toward the weak
Courage toward injustice

The Gentle Shepherd carries lambs, but He also defends the flock.

The Lamb of God was silent before His accusers, but He also rebuked the storm, commanded demons, and confronted sin.

5. What This Means for Us

Following Jesus means learning both sides of His heart:

Be gentle with the broken.

People who are hurting need tenderness, not harshness.

Be firm with sin.

Love does not ignore what destroys.

Be patient with the weak.

Jesus never crushed a bruised reed.

Be courageous when truth is at stake.

Jesus never bowed to pressure or fear.

This is the kind of love that transforms families, churches, and communities.

A Short Devotional Prayer

“Lord Jesus, Gentle Shepherd and Righteous King, teach me to love like You. Give me gentleness for the hurting, courage to confront sin, patience with the weak, and wisdom to know the difference. Shape my heart to reflect Your meekness and Your strength. Amen.”

💖 Valentine’s Devotional: “Loved by the Gentle Shepherd”

💖 Valentine’s Devotional:

“Loved by the Gentle Shepherd”

Valentine’s Day is often filled with cards, candy, and heart‑shaped decorations. But beneath all the glitter and sweetness lies a deeper question every human heart asks:

“What does real love look like?”

The world gives many answers—romance, gifts, grand gestures.
But Scripture gives a better one:

Real love looks like Jesus.
And Jesus calls Himself the Gentle Shepherd.

The Shepherd Who Leads With Love

In John 10:11, Jesus says:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

A shepherd is not harsh.
A shepherd is not proud.
A shepherd does not push, intimidate, or demand.

A shepherd leads, protects, guides, and carries.

Isaiah 40:11 paints the picture:

“He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom.”

That is the heart of Jesus—
strong enough to save,
gentle enough to hold.

This is the love we celebrate on Valentine’s Day.

The Meekness of Jesus: Strength Wrapped in Tenderness

Jesus taught meekness, but more importantly, He lived it.

When others pushed children away, He welcomed them.
When the disciples argued about greatness, He washed their feet.
When Peter denied Him, He restored him gently.
When sinners came broken, He lifted them with compassion.
When soldiers arrested Him, He chose silence over retaliation.

Meekness is not weakness.
Meekness is strength under perfect control.

Jesus had all power—yet He used it to heal, forgive, restore, and save.

This is the kind of love that changes families, friendships, and futures.

A Valentine’s Story: The Shepherd’s Way

Imagine a shepherd walking through a rocky hillside.
He hears a cry—a lamb stuck in a thorn bush.

He doesn’t shout at it.
He doesn’t scold it for wandering.
He doesn’t leave it to struggle.

He kneels.
He reaches.
He lifts.
He carries.

That is Jesus with us.

When we fail, He restores.
When we fear, He comforts.
When we wander, He seeks us.
When we break, He binds us up.

This is the love every heart longs for.

A Family Reflection: How Jesus Teaches Us to Love

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to ask:

How can we love like the Gentle Shepherd?

Be patient when someone frustrates you.
Be gentle when someone is hurting.
Be forgiving when someone fails.
Be humble when you want to be right.
Be kind when you feel irritated.
Be restoring when someone needs a second chance.

This is the love Jesus showed.
This is the love He calls us to show.

Galatians 6:1 calls it “the spirit of meekness.”
A love that lifts instead of crushes.
A love that carries instead of condemns.
A love that reflects the Shepherd’s heart.

A Valentine Truth for Every Age

Children, teens, adults, grandparents—
every heart needs the same Shepherd.

His love is not seasonal.
His gentleness is not temporary.
His meekness is not fragile.

His love is:

Steady
Safe
Sacrificial
Strong
Shepherd‑shaped

This is the love that heals homes, softens hearts, and strengthens faith.

A Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, Gentle Shepherd, thank You for loving us with a meek and mighty love. Teach us to walk in Your gentleness, to speak with Your kindness, and to love with Your patience. Shape our homes, our families, and our hearts to reflect Your shepherd’s heart. Make our love real, humble, and beautiful—for Your glory. Amen.”

💖 Valentine’s Devotional Story: The Gentle Way

💖 Valentine’s Devotional Story:

“The Day Love Chose the Gentle Way”

Valentine’s Day had arrived in Maple Glen, a small town where families still waved at each other from porches and children still raced their bikes down the sidewalks. The church fellowship hall smelled of cupcakes and construction paper, and the annual Family Valentine Workshop was in full swing.

Moms, dads, grandparents, and kids gathered around tables covered in glitter, glue sticks, and heart‑shaped stickers. Laughter filled the room—until it didn’t.

At the center table sat Eb, age nine, determined to make the “best Valentine card in the whole world.” He had planned it all week. But when his little sister, Maddie, reached across the table for a marker, her sleeve caught the edge of his masterpiece.

The glitter spilled.
The heart tore.
The masterpiece was ruined.

Eli’s face flushed red. Maddie’s eyes filled with tears. The room grew quiet.

Everyone knew this moment.
Every family has lived it.
Every heart has felt it.

And this is where the story turns.

A Moment That Could Go Either Way

Eb had two choices—
the loud way
or the gentle way.

The loud way is easy.
It rises fast.
It feels powerful.
It leaves damage.

The gentle way is harder.
It takes strength.
It takes humility.
It heals.

The Bible calls this gentle way meekness—not weakness, but strength under God’s control.

Galatians 6:1 teaches, “restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.”
Not with anger.
Not with pride.
Not with “I told you so.”
But with a heart that remembers we all need grace.

A Father’s Quiet Example

Eb’s dad knelt beside him.
He didn’t scold.
He didn’t rush.
He simply placed a hand on Eli’s shoulder and whispered:

“Son, this is one of those moments when love gets to choose what kind of heart it wants to have.”

Then he added something Eb would never forget:

“Meekness is love with muscles.
It’s strong enough to stay calm.
Strong enough to forgive.
Strong enough to try again.”

Eb looked at Maddie—still sniffling, still sorry.

And something softened.

Love Chooses the Gentle Way

Eb took a deep breath.

“It’s okay, Maddie,” he said quietly. “Let’s make a new one together.”

Her face lit up like sunrise.

And just like that—
the room warmed again,
the tension melted,
and the workshop buzzed back to life.

But something deeper had happened.

A boy had learned that real love isn’t proven by perfect crafts, but by patient hearts.

A sister had learned that forgiveness feels like a warm blanket.

A family had lived out Galatians 6:2—
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

And everyone watching had witnessed a truth that changes homes, churches, and generations:

Love is strongest when it chooses meekness.

A Real‑Life Truth for Every Age

Every family knows the moments that test us:

A spouse speaks too quickly.
A child breaks something precious.
A teen rolls their eyes.
A parent loses patience.
A friend disappoints us.

These are the crossroads where love decides what kind of story it will write.

Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are the meek.”
Not the loud.
Not the proud.
Not the ones who always win the argument.

The meek.
Those who choose gentleness when harshness is easier.
Those who choose forgiveness when frustration feels justified.
Those who choose love when anger knocks loudly.

A Fun but True Valentine’s Lesson

At the end of the workshop, the families voted on the best Valentine card.

Guess who won?

Not Eb.
Not Maddie.
Not even the perfectly symmetrical glitter hearts from the Johnson twins.

The winning card was the one Eb and Maddie made together—
a little crooked,
a little wrinkled,
but full of love.

On the front they wrote:

“Love is patient. Love is kind.”
—1 Corinthians 13:4

And on the inside:

“Love chooses the gentle way.”

Everyone clapped.
Everyone smiled.
Everyone knew they had witnessed something better than a craft project.

They had seen Christlike love in action.

Reflection for Families

Where is God inviting you to choose the gentle way
Who needs your patience today
What burden can you help carry
What moment can you restore with meekness

Meekness is not small.
It is not quiet weakness.
It is the courageous strength to love like Jesus.

And Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to practice it.

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, clothe our families in meekness. Teach us to love gently, forgive quickly, and restore one another with grace. Help us choose the gentle way, the Christlike way, the way that brings peace into our homes and joy into our hearts. Make our love real, strong, and beautiful—for Your glory. Amen.”

MBCOPPMRMNMPBKBAnnaBenGPastorGeN 65477 #3

And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Monday, February 9, 2026

“The Broken Ladder Behind the Barn.”

Galatians 6:1 KJV

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
“The Broken Ladder Behind the Barn.”

A devotional story inspired by true events

The sun was just beginning to rise over the rolling fields of Willow Creek Farm, painting the frost‑tipped grass in shades of gold. Morning chores had already begun—cows lowing, chickens fussing, the old windmill creaking in the cold breeze.

But behind the barn, out of sight, seventeen‑year‑old Caleb Turner sat on an overturned bucket, head buried in his hands.

He had broken the ladder.

Not just any ladder—the tall, sturdy one his father used for repairing the hayloft and cleaning the gutters. The one his grandfather had built by hand. The one everyone trusted.

Caleb had climbed it the night before, trying to fix a loose board on the roof without telling anyone. He wanted to prove he was responsible. Capable. Grown.

But halfway up, the ladder shifted. He panicked. He jumped. The ladder crashed to the ground, splintering into three jagged pieces.

He wasn’t hurt. But his pride was.

And worse—he had hidden it. Dragged the broken pieces behind the barn. Planned to pretend he knew nothing about it.

Now guilt gnawed at him like a hungry animal.

He heard footsteps crunching in the frost. His father, Daniel Turner, rounded the corner, carrying a coil of rope.

“Caleb,” he said gently, “you’re out here early.”

Caleb stiffened. “Just… thinking.”

Daniel set the rope down and studied his son’s face. “Son, I found the ladder.”

Caleb’s breath caught. Shame flooded him. “Dad, I—I’m sorry. I tried to fix the roof. I wanted to help. I didn’t mean to break it. I should’ve told you. I was scared you’d be disappointed.”

His father didn’t speak right away. He walked over to the broken ladder, knelt beside it, and ran his hand along the splintered wood.

Then he looked up at Caleb with eyes full of quiet compassion.

“Son,” he said, “this ladder can be mended. And so can you.”

Caleb blinked. “You’re… not angry?”

“I’m not happy you hid it,” Daniel said honestly. “But I’m not here to punish you. Galatians 6:1 tells us what to do when someone stumbles. We restore. Gently. Humbly. Because we’ve all broken a few ladders in our time.”

Caleb swallowed hard. “Even you?”

Daniel chuckled softly. “Especially me.”

He stood and placed a hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “Come on. Let’s fix it together.”

They carried the pieces into the workshop. Daniel showed Caleb how to sand the edges, how to fit the joints, how to reinforce the rungs. It took hours. It took patience. It took humility on both sides.

But by noon, the ladder stood tall again—stronger than before.

Caleb ran his hand along the smooth wood. “Dad… thank you. For not giving up on me.”

Daniel smiled. “Restoration is what love does.”

Later that afternoon, Caleb climbed the newly repaired ladder—this time with his father steadying the base. Together, they fixed the loose board on the roof.

And as Caleb hammered the final nail, he realized something:

His father hadn’t just restored a ladder. He had restored a heart. A relationship. A young man’s courage.

It was Galatians 6:1 lived out in sawdust and sunlight.

Gentle. Humble. Healing.

The kind of restoration that doesn’t just fix what’s broken— it strengthens what remains.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© MBCOPANNABENKRYSTBENPBRMNMPMGPASTOR454321212

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

God's Gift

A Story of Love, Courage, Loss, and Redemption

Parallel Bible Lesson: Barabbas — Mercy Offered, Choice Unknown

Theme: Salvation was offered, but we don’t know if he accepted it.

Opening Thought

Key Truth

Parallel to Today

Discussion Questions

Spiritual Application

Memory Verse

Closing Thought

The Coupon of Salvation

Teaching Prompt for Kids or Adults

🕊️ The Two Thieves — A Devotional of Choice and Grace

1. The Cross Was Not the End

2. Two Men, Two Responses

3. The Repentant Thief’s Prayer

4. The Gospel in One Breath

5. Jonah’s Echo — A Modern Parallel

6. The ABCs of Salvation — Simple, True, Eternal

A — Admit you are a sinner.

B — Believe on Jesus Christ.

C — Confess Him as Lord.

7. No One Is Too Broken for Grace

8. Your Crossroad Moment

9. A Prayer of Repentance

10. The Invitation

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

🦉❤️ Hazel

🔥 Hazel’s Desperate Cry

🔥 Love That Refuses to Run

🔥 The Ranger’s Fight Through Fire

📖 The Bible Truth (KJV)

❤️🌙 After the Fire — Peace, Prayer, and a Lullaby

Hooty's Prayer

1. Jesus Was Gentle Toward the Humble

2. Jesus Was Firm Toward the Proud and Unrepentant

The Temple Cleansing

His Warnings to the Pharisees

3. Jesus’ Anger Was Always Holy

4. Meekness Is Not the Absence of Strength — It Is Strength Under God’s Control

5. What This Means for Us

Be gentle with the broken.

Be firm with sin.

Be patient with the weak.

Be courageous when truth is at stake.

A Short Devotional Prayer

💖 Valentine’s Devotional:

“Loved by the Gentle Shepherd”

The Shepherd Who Leads With Love

The Meekness of Jesus: Strength Wrapped in Tenderness

A Valentine’s Story: The Shepherd’s Way

A Family Reflection: How Jesus Teaches Us to Love

A Valentine Truth for Every Age

A Closing Prayer

Monday, February 9, 2026

Galatians 6:1 KJV

ATTENTION!

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