Saturday Mornings with

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................. 5 EPISODE 1 LOST IN A CAVE ........................................................................................................................................ 6 EPISODE 2 STRANDED ON AN ISLAND ....................................................................................................................... 7 EPISODE 3 THE WILD GOAT ....................................................................................................................................... 8 EPISODE 4 THE WINNER............................................................................................................................................. 9 EPISODE 5 THE NEW SKATES ................................................................................................................................... 10 EPISODE 6 COUSIN BARNEY ..................................................................................................................................... 11 EPISODE 7 THE KITE ................................................................................................................................................. 12 EPISODE 8 THE MECHANICAL MAN ......................................................................................................................... 14 EPISODE 9 THE TIME MACHINE ............................................................................................................................... 15 EPISODE 10 ON THE LINE ......................................................................................................................................... 16 EPISODE 11 THE POLKA DOT TIE .............................................................................................................................. 17 EPISODE 12 ALL ALONE ............................................................................................................................................ 18 EPISODE 13 PILGRIM BOY ........................................................................................................................................ 19 EPISODE 14 THE SILVER MINE .................................................................................................................................. 21 EPISODE 15 TEN PIN ALLEY ...................................................................................................................................... 22 EPISODE 16 BOY LOST .............................................................................................................................................. 23 EPISODE 17 SUDDEN STORM ................................................................................................................................... 24 EPISODE 18 THE BELL RINGER.................................................................................................................................. 25 EPISODE 19 NOT FOR SALE ...................................................................................................................................... 27 EPISODE 20 THE SHOEMAKER.................................................................................................................................. 28 EPISODE 21 THE RUNAWAY ..................................................................................................................................... 29 EPISODE 22 OFFICER BOB ........................................................................................................................................ 31 EPISODE 23 THE PARADE ......................................................................................................................................... 32 EPISODE 24 THE DOG SHOW ................................................................................................................................... 33 EPISODE 25 DOWN AT THE FARM ........................................................................................................................... 34 EPISODE 26 THE WATERFALL ................................................................................................................................... 36 EPISODE 27 HAPPY LANDING ................................................................................................................................... 37 EPISODE 28 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .................................................................................................................................. 38 EPISODE 29 MAN OF THE HOUSE ............................................................................................................................ 39 EPISODE 30 BULLY UP A TREE .................................................................................................................................. 41 2

EPISODE 31 BIG APPLE ............................................................................................................................................. 42 EPISODE 32 THE BRIDGE .......................................................................................................................................... 43 EPISODE 33 THE JICKETS .......................................................................................................................................... 44 EPISODE 34 THE LEMONADE STAND ....................................................................................................................... 46 EPISODE 35 HOCUS POCUS ...................................................................................................................................... 47 EPISODE 36 GOOD NEIGHBOR ................................................................................................................................. 48 EPISODE 37 A DILLAR, A DOLLAR ............................................................................................................................. 50 EPISODE 38 RAGS & BUTTONS ................................................................................................................................. 51 EPISODE 39 JEEP IN THE DEEP ................................................................................................................................. 52 EPISODE 40 THE STOPPED CLOCK ............................................................................................................................ 54 EPISODE 41 WHO ME? ............................................................................................................................................. 55 EPISODE 42 TO THE RESCUE .................................................................................................................................... 56 EPISODE 43 IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED......................................................................................................... 58 EPISODE 44 FINDERS KEEPERS ................................................................................................................................. 59 EPISODE 46 THE CARETAKERS.................................................................................................................................. 62 EPISODE 47 THE HARD WAY .................................................................................................................................... 63 EPISODE 48 HALLOWEEN WHO DUN IT ................................................................................................................... 65 EPISODE 49 RICKETY-RACKETY ................................................................................................................................. 66 EPISODE 50 HELP ..................................................................................................................................................... 68 EPISODE 51 BOY IN TROUBLE .................................................................................................................................. 69 EPISODE 52 THE GREATEST ...................................................................................................................................... 70 EPISODE 53 BLIND MANS BLUFF ............................................................................................................................. 72 EPISODE 54 CHRISTMAS: LOST & FOUND ................................................................................................................ 73 EPISODE 55 WHOS GEORGE? .................................................................................................................................. 74 EPISODE 57 ZILLION DOLLAR COMBO...................................................................................................................... 77 EPISODE 58 UPSIDE DOWN & BACKWARDS ............................................................................................................ 79 EPISODE 59 LOUDER PLEASE.................................................................................................................................... 80 EPISODE 60 NEW YEAR PROMISE ............................................................................................................................ 82 EPISODE 61 READY OR NOT ..................................................................................................................................... 83 EPISODE 62 KUM BA YAH......................................................................................................................................... 85 EPISODE 63 WHATS HIS NAME ............................................................................................................................... 86 EPISODE 64 PIECES OF EIGHT................................................................................................................................... 88 EPISODE 65 CHICKEN ............................................................................................................................................... 90 3

EPISODE 66 HAPPY EASTER ...................................................................................................................................... 91 EPISODE 67 DOGHOUSE DREAMHOUSE .................................................................................................................. 93 EPISODE 68 GOOD BAD LUCK .................................................................................................................................. 95 EPISODE 69 THE WATCHDOGS................................................................................................................................. 96 EPISODE 70 COME, COME TO THE FAIR................................................................................................................... 98 EPISODE 71 SCHOOL WHO NEEDS IT? .................................................................................................................. 99 EPISODE 72 - THE FAMILY OF GOD ........................................................................................................................... 101 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................................. 102

INTRODUCTION

I grew up Lutheran, which means that there were two things that had a significant impact on my life: (1) Martin Luthers Small Catechism; and, (2) the television show Davey & Goliath. For my recent birthday, my kids got me the entire Davey & Goliath series (all 71 episodes) on DVD. My sister Gretchen Wolfrum and I still make references to D&G episodes in conversations and laugh about our favorite dialogues. This past Sunday, I shared one of the episodes with the kids in Gods Backyard. If you have ever seen Davey & Goliath, you know that the song playing at the beginning is Martin Luthers A Mighty Fortress is Our God. I asked the children if they knew what song it was none of them did. When I told them it was written by Martin Luther one of them said, You mean Martin Luther King, Jr? I thought that was kind of sad, but understandable. Martin Luther died 467 years ago to the day yesterday and the kids get a day off from school for Martin Luther King Jrs birthday. Their work was similar MLK was used of God to help deliver people from the bondage of associated with discrimination while Martin Luther was used of God to deliver people from the bondage to a works based gospel to the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus the Messiah alone to the glory of God alone. MLK was assassinated for the stand that he took. Martin Luther, at threat of death, stood up against the two most powerful men in his world the pope and the emperor. Children should know about both of them. But children, and adults for that matter, should also know the biblical truths that were shared in the episodes of Davey & Goliath. I thought I would start a series, working my way through D&G episodes and the lessons to be learned from them. Thats my plan anyway; we will see where it goes.

EPISODE 1 LOST IN A CAVE

As a kid, I watched Davey & Goliath every Saturday and Sunday morning. Only God knows the impact that it had on my life. As I wrote yesterday, I would like to go episode by episode and see the biblical truths that are taught. No one may read these, but it will help me to appreciate the gift that was given to me by God as a child and given to me again by my children as an adult for my birthday. The first episode of D&G is entitled Lost in a Cave. It starts off with Davey flying a model airplane, which ends up getting stuck in a tree. Just about the time of the crash, Daveys father (John Hansen) is being dropped off from work by a coworker, Frank Johnson, and the following conversation ensues: Davey: Dad, its up in the tree? Dad: What is? Davey: My airplane, will you help me get it down with the ladder? Dad: Frank, will you excuse me, we have an emergency. Frank: Sure John, see you in the office on Monday? Dad: Ill be there, God willing. Davey: Dad, what did you mean when you said, God willing? Does God care whether or not you see Mr. Johnson on Monday? Dad: Of course He does, He cares for all of us and what happens to us. Davey: Why? Dad: Because He loves us. Davey: You mean God cares for each one of us? Dad: Yes. Davey: Wow, even me! Dad, whats it like when God cares for me? Good question. Daveys father reminds him of an episode the previous summer when he was lost in a cave. Davey wanders off during a cave tour. The tour guide and Goliath go searching for him. Goliath goes on ahead and finds Davey; however, while chasing a bat, Goliath ends up in a deep pit with steep walls. Because of his love for his dog, Davey goes after him, injuring his foot. Even with an uninjured foot, there is no way D&G can get out of the cave. They are lost and unable to do anything to help their situation. The tour guide risks his life, getting injured along the way, searching, finding and rescuing Davey and Goliath. As they exit the cave, Daveys mom notices that the tour guide is injured. He notes, What matters is your boy is safe! Thats what Gods care and love are like. Paul tells us, for when we were still without strength (lost in a cave with no way out), in due time Messia h died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a good man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us (Romans 5:6 -8). Jesus is the shepherd of Luke 15 who risked His life searching for the lost sheep, not content with merely having 99 out of a 100. Of

course there are many other ways that God demonstrates His love and care for us, but the sending of Jesus to die for us is the greatest. If you are not feeling loved and cared for today by God, just look at the cross and remember Jesus gave His life for you.

EPISODE 2 STRANDED ON AN ISLAND

In the episode, Stranded on an Island, the Hansen family goes for a trip to an ocean islan d not far from the mainland. While their dad is renting a boat, Sally notices a tide schedule and asks Davey what it is. He explains to her that it tells when the tide will be high (i.e., when the waves will come way up on shore) and when they will be low (i.e., when the waves barely reach the shore). He asks his dad how they know when the tide times are. Mr. Hansen indicates that because of the wonderful way God made the world, the tides are so dependable that they can be predicted to the minute. Well they arrive on the island and Davey and Sally have a great time burying their dad in the sand, building sand castles, playing keep away from Goliath with a beach ball, and eating lunch. When they decide that it is time to go home, Davey sees that the boat is completely out of the water and the following conversation ensues: Davey: Hey Dad, look! Dad: Weve been having too good a time. I forgot about the tide going out. Now we will have to wait till it starts back. Sally: Will it really come back, Mom? Mom: It always has and I have an idea that it always will. Thats the way God made the tides. We can count on them. While they are waiting, Davey and Goliath do a little exploring. At one point Goliath starts searching for food, fearing that they may be stuck there for weeks. Davey reminds him, When God makes something, you can depend on it. Well of course, the tide does return and the Hansen family makes it safely off the island. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun and the rotation of the Earth. In Jeremiah 31, we have the promise of the New Covenant: Behold, the days are coming, says Yahweh, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says Yahweh. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh, for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yahweh. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Thus says Yahweh, Who gives the sun for a light by day, the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, Who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (Yahweh of hosts is His name): "If those ordinances depart from before Me, says Yahweh, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever."

The faithfulness of the New Covenant is demonstrated by the predictable nature of the sun, the moon, the stars and, thus, the tides. God is faithful, He can be depended on. It may seem that He is working slowly at times, but we must remember the words of the Apostle Peter: Beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with Yahweh one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Yahweh is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8, 9). We can be certain that any "delays" are part of His plan and for our good.

EPISODE 3 THE WILD GOAT

In the episode, The Wild Goat, Davey is supposed to go on a scout hike, when it is canceled by a thunder and lightning storm. While they are waiting out the rain, Davey and Sally do some painting and the following conversation occurs: Sally: Im painting a picture of Goliaths house. Davey: Im painting a picture of a great big house. Sally: Im going to paint a picture of the whole world. Davey: I can paint something bigger than that! Sally: What? Davey: Ill paint a picture of God. Sally: You cant paint a picture of God cause you cant see God. Can you, Mom? Davey: Sure we can! (pause) Well, how do we see God, Mom? Mom: Well, you cant paint a picture of God like you paint a picture of Goliath, but you can see things God does, if you look for them. You can get an idea of what He is like that way. Te ll you what, lets look today and discover where we can see Him. By this time the storm ends and Davey and his dad go on their own hike. Along the way, they come across a tree that was shattered by lightning and at the base is a baby mountain goat that has been knocked unconscious and has a broken leg. Davey puts a splint on the leg and they bring the goat home. After his leg heals, it soon becomes apparent that Alfie (the goat) does not belong in the Hansens home. Even though he would make a keen pet, D avey decides to do what is best for Alfie return him to the mountains and his mother. Back home, Davey tells his mom how happy Alfie was to return to the mountains. His mom replies, Ill bet he was, but then God made goats free to run and play. Davey then realizes that He had experienced what his mom had been talking about weeks before, when she said we see God through the things that He does. Then she remarks, I saw God in what you did for Alfie. In the way you took care of him, helping him to get well. And you loved Alfie so much, that even though you wanted to keep him here as a pet, you wanted more to do what was best for him. So you took him back to his home. God loves us that way.

The connection between love and seeing God is brought out by Jo hn in his first epistle: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us (4:7, 8, 12) In his gospel, the apostle indicated, no one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He had declared (explained, interpreted, unfolded, made known) Him (John 1:18). It is only through Jesus that God can be seen is His glory. But Jesus is not physically here on earth. So how are people to encounter Jesus? It must be through the love of the people who know Jesus. One of my favorite songs is Youre the Only Jesus by the Imperials, which included these words: If not you, I wonder where will they ever find the One who really cares? If not you, how will they find the One who heals the broken heart, gives sight to the blind? Cause you're the only Jesus som e will ever see. You're the only words of life, some will ever read. So let them see in you the One in whom is all they'll ever need. You're the only Jesus, some will ever see. Will someone encounter Jesus through us today and see God?

EPISODE 4 THE WINNER

Todays episode (The Winner) has one of the greatest lessons any person can learn. The world would have a lot more happy people, if only they could learn what Davey learns. The story begins with Davey taking his new toucan over to show his friend Mike. When he arrives at his friends house, he finds Mike building a go -kart for an upcoming coaster derby. Mike encourages him to enter the race, which is three weeks away. While building his go-cart, Davey gets to the point of attaching the wheels to the axles and does not know how, so he goes over to Mikes to ask. As Mike is explaining about cotter pins, Jake flies off and Davey never hears about having to bend the ends of the cotter pins. The next day is the race. Davey wins his heat and is in the finals against his friend Mike. During the race, one of the cotter pins comes out, the wheel slips off the axle and Daveys car leaves the track. At home, Davey lies disappointedly in his bed and has the following conversation with his Dad: Davey: Why couldnt I have won? Dad: You might have Davey if you had known to bend the ends of the cotter pins? Davey: Well, I didnt even know what a cotter pin was. Im no mechanic. Dad, why didnt God make me like Mike? Dad: Well, Davey, I suspect God didnt make you like Mike for the same reason He didnt make Mike like you. Soon after, Davey gets a call from Mike, whose dad got him a toucan for winning the race. But he has no idea how to teach it. So he asks for Daveys help and Davey understands what his dad was trying to tell him it is God Who made us different from others. In 2 Corinthians 10, the Apostle Paul says, For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We,

however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the sphere which God appointed to us (vv. 12, 13). Comparing ourselves to others will result in one of two ungodly conditions: jealousy or pride. If we compare ourselves against someone else and we come up on the short end, we will covet what they have. When we are jealous, we are not only breaking the 10th commandment (you shall not covet), we are defaming the wisdom of our Maker. God is the potter, we are the clay. In Isaiah 29:16, we read: shall the thing made say of him who made it, He did not make me? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, He has no understanding. God knew what He was doing when He made you. On the other hand, if we compare ourselves against someone else and we come up on the long end, we will be prideful. Pride pushes God totally out of the picture, acting as if we actually made ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul writes, for who makes you to differ from one another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (vs. 7). The correct answer to those questions is obviously: (1) God made us to differ from one another; (2) we have nothing that we did not receive from Gods hand; and, (3) we have no reason to boast. I think of the words of the psalmist, serve Yahweh with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that Yahweh, He is God; it is He who made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture (100:2, 3). We did not make ourselves, there is no room for pride. God made you just like you are, including your strengths and weaknesses. You dont have to be better than anybody else you simply need to be the person Jesus made you to be. Follow the advice of the author of Hebrews, who wrote, let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (13:5). Stop playing the comparing game it robs you of joy and God of glory.

EPISODE 5 THE NEW SKATES

With newly fallen snow that came on a Saturday morning, Davey, Sally & Goliath go sledding. At the bottom of the hill after their first run, another sledder hits Davey without trying to avoid the collision. At home, while his mom is bandaging his knee, we hear the following conversation: Mom: Couldnt the other boy turn? Davey: He didnt even try! He didnt care! Sally: He said he was sorry. Davey: Yeah, but I told him that didnt help my cut knee any! Mom: If he said that he was sorry Davey, why didnt you forgive him? Davey: But it was his fault. He crashed into me. Mom: It doesnt make any difference Davey. God wants us to love each oth er enough to forgive. While he was out sledding, the new skates that he ordered arrived in the mail. His mom tells him very clearly that he is not to go skating because the pond ice was probably not thick enough yet. He takes his skates over to show h is friend Jimmy. He never makes it to Jimmys as they meet Jimmy on his way to the pond. In the spirit of Larry Mondello (Beaver Cleavers frien d that was so good at getting in trouble), Jimmy convinces Davey to at least to go look at the ice. Upon arriving at the pond,

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Jimmy believes the ice is thick enough and Davey follows his friend rather than obeying his mom. As they are skating, the ice breaks and Davey falls in. Jimmy and Goliath are able to get him out, but as he is being rescued, he loses one of his new skates. At this point, Mrs. Hansen arrives to get Davey home. Davey wonders why she is not mad at him. She indicates that she is disappointed, but she is relieved that he is safe. She loves him so much that she forgives him and Davey now understands what she said earlier about forgiving the other sledder. When he was hurt by someone else, Daveys feeling was that the other person did not deserve his forgiveness. However, when Davey hurt his mom, he was thankful that she loved and forgave him. I am reminded of Jesus parable that resulted from Peters question about how many times we are to forgive someone: "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a 100 denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the thro at, saying, Pay me what you owe! So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. Then his maste r said to him, You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? (Matthew 18:22-35) A denarius was a days wage, so 100 denarii was not an insignificant debt one third of years salary. However, to get an idea of the magnitude of 10,000 talents, consider that in 1 Kings 10:14, we are told that Solomon received annual tributes of 666 talents of gold. So 10,000 talents represents 15 years of tributes that came into Solomon from throughout his kingdom it is an incomprehensible amount and it represents our sin debt to God, which in Jesus has been forgiven. Therefore, Paul commands us, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Messiah has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Are you withholding forgiveness from someone? Remember the immense debt God has forgiven you.

EPISODE 6 COUSIN BARNEY

Davey and Sallys younger cousin Barney comes to stay with the Hansens while they are on a vacation. Barney is a handful. When Sally asks him how long he can stay, Barney replies, only a week, but my father said that he wishes it was for a month. In his first day, Barney: (1) crashes Daveys bicycle into a newly planted rose bush; (2) hides behind a newly painted chair; (3) causes Goliath to fall into the lake; (4) doesnt take his proper turn in playing baseball; and, (5) gets lost. W hen their dad hears them calling Barneys name, the following conversation unfo lds between father and son: Dad: Davey, Sally, I heard you calling. Is something wrong? Davey: Barneys wandered off, we cant find him.

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Dad: Maybe he went down to the lake. Davey: Lets check. You know, dad, he certainly causes a lot of trouble. Dad: Barney? Not really, Davey, hes just a little boy yet. Hell grow up. Davey: Yeah, but he broke your rose bush, got himself painted, knocked Goliath in the lake, grabbed the bat and now he gets lost. Dad: Havent you broken things, Davey? Havent you got ten lost? Davey: (Shakes head) Dad: That doesnt mean I dont love you. Davey: You love Barney? Dad: Sure! Davey: But how can you? Dad: I suppose its because there is Someone Who loves me when I do things I shouldnt, no matter how clumsy or careless I am. Davey: You mean mom? Dad: She loves me, but I wasnt talking about her. God loves you and me, Davey, no matter how much trouble we cause Him. God wants us to love Barney that way. Yesterday, we were reminded that we are to forgive others because God has forgiven us. Today we are reminded to love another, particularly in the matter of exercising patience. As with forgiveness, love begins with God. The apostle John tells us, if God so loved us (i.e., by sending His Son as the propitiation for our sins), we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:11). In the opening of Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul writes, I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love (vv. 1, 2). The Greek word translated longsuffering (makrothumia) means long temper. A related word is used in the Septuagint translation of Exodus 34:6 Yahweh, Yahweh God, merciful and gr acious, longsuffering (Hebrew: erek apayim, Greek: makrothumos) and abounding in goodness and truth. The Hebrew means long nose. A mans nostrils flare out when he breathes heavy in anger. Longsuffering means that it takes a lot to cause Gods nostr ils to flare. The same should be true of us. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, it is stated very simply, love suffers long ( makrothumeo). Davey had become fed up with Barney, but Mr. Hansen remembered that he was only a little boy. In Psalm 103, David writes, Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger (Hebrew: erek apayim, Greek: makrothumos) and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. As a father pities his children, so Yahweh p ities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (vv. 8, 9, 13 & 14). If God bears long with our failings without being angry or lessening His love for us, we also ought to do the same for one another. No one could ever fail us as badly as we have failed our Father.

EPISODE 7 THE KITE

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In the episode The Kite, the subject of forgiveness comes up again. Teddy is a new boy in town. Davey & Jimmy invite him to help them with a kite that they are building. While they are working, Goliath gets some tack paper stuck on him and as he tries to get it off, he backs into the kite, ruining it. Davey forgives him, but Teddy & Jimmy say that they certainly would not. Davey explains that he forgives Goliath because he loves him. They have enough material to make another kite and they get it into the air. Jimmy flies it for awhile and then gives the string to Teddy, who hogs the controls for over an hour. When Jimmy says his time is up, Teddy runs off with the kite. As he is running, he gets the string tangled up in the branches of a tree. As he pulls on it, the string breaks and the kite ends up in the telephone wires. He says, hah, Im glad I lost your old kite. Undaunted, Davey and Jimmy build a third kite. While they are flying it, they see Teddy hanging around watching them. As usual, there is a key conversation: Jimmy: Is he still there? Davey: Yeah Jimmy: Ill bet hes sorry now. Davey: I guess he doesnt know anybody else around here. Jimmy: Go one home, Teddy! Teddy: Im sorry. Im sorry I lost that kite. Will you forgive me? Jimmy: Forgive?? Teddy: Yeah, like you forgave Goliath when he broke the first kite. Jimmy: That was different, he didnt mean to. Teddy: Honest, Im sorry. Davey: I guess God would forgive him. Jimmy: Why? Davey: Because, well, He would still love him. Jimmy: Even after that mean trick? Davey: Even after that mean trick. Jimmy: Does that mean we have to forgive him? Davey: God wants us to. Jimmy: Well. Davey: Lets forgive him. I guess forgiveness is a lesson that we need to hear over and over. How many times do we repeat the Disciples Prayer which includes these words, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12), but forget the following words, if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (vs. 15). A couple of days ago we looked at the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18. I did not quote the last portion of passage, where we read, and his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him (vs. 34). Yesterday, we saw that it takes a lot for God to get angry. Well, here is something that does anger Him - when we do not, from the heart, forgive a brother who sins against us. What is meant by the Father not forgiving us or giving us over to the torturers? I do not believe that it is talking about losing salvation. Although a different Greek word is used for torment in 1 John 4: 18, I think it provides some insight: there is no fear in love; but perfect love castes out fear, because fear involves torment. When we do not forgive others, we will not be able to fellowship with God and enjoy His love. In the words of Hebrews 10:27, we will experience a certain fearful expectation of judgment. Gods discipline will remain in our lives until we obey Him and forgive our brother only then will we again be able to enjoy our relationship with God.

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EPISODE 8 THE MECHANICAL MAN

Davey, Sally & Jimmy are walking home from school on a Friday afternoon when they come across a kitten stuck in a tree. Jimmy climbs the tree to rescue the kitten. When Sally asks what he is going to do with the kitten, Jimmy indicates that his mom is allergic to cats, so he will not be able to keep it. He tells Sally that she can keep it. Mrs. Hansen indicates that it is alright with her, but first they must determine if the kitten belongs to someone who is looking for her. She puts an ad in the newspaper for a week. The next day Davey & Sally receive a present from their Aunt Kathy, a radio-controlled robot called Mekano, which can walk and throw. They try playing baseball with Mekano pitching Davey at the controls, Sally in the field, Jimmy batting and Goliath catching. As Goliath is retu rning the ball to Mekanos hand, kitten jumps up on Davey and he accidently knocks into the controls. Mekano takes Goliath by the tail, swings him around and throws him. Understandably Goliath doesnt want to play baseball anymore. After Mekano throws the ball away and the kids are searching for it, kitten plays with the controls, sending Mekano toward Goliaths doghouse. When Mekano keeps walking after Goliath tells him to stop, Goliath pushes the robot over, causing it to break its arm. Goliath apologizes, but of course Mekano does not reply. The following key conversation takes place as the kids start coming back: Davey: Mekanos not alive. He cant answer you. Hes just a machine. Goliath: He broke his arm. Hadnt you put a bandage on it until it gets better? Davey: Oh, Goliath, Mekano wont get better that way. Goliath: Thats what the doctor did after you broke your arm. After awhile it was as good as new. Davey: Thats because I am alive. God made my body so that when bones break they can g row back together again. Mekano isnt alive. Goliath: Not much good is he! Kitten: (Rubbing up against Sally when she returns) Meow Sally: Look Davey, kitten knows me. I think she loves me. Davey: Mekanos just a machine. He cant love anyone. Jimmy: Hey Davey, I found the ball. Davey: Mekanos broken. Maybe we can fix him, but theres not much he can do except walk & throw. Jimmy: If only he was a real live person. Hey, maybe we could make him alive like Frankenstein. We could put a heart in him and brains in his head. Sally: Hes only a machine, Jimmy. Only God makes things that are alive. The apostle John says it very clearly, all things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:3-5). Apart from God, there is no life. Men get so enamored with man-made things computers, smart phones, cars, etc. and yet many of them believe life happened by chance. The simplest life form created by God (e.g., bacteria) is orders of magnitude more complex than anything man has every designed and made.

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EPISODE 9 THE TIME MACHINE

In the episode The Time Machine, Davey & Sally are out in the woods looking for a brook to refill their water guns, when they come across what appears to be an abandoned house. The door is open, so they go inside. The door accidently closes, locking them inside. Sally begins to cry. Davey tries to assure her tha t they will be alright and prays, God please help me be brave. He then suggests that they pretend they are in a time machine. There is a monitor there with dials. Davey turns the large dial counterclockwise, sending them into the past. We see Davey as David, the shepherd boy watching over his fathers sheep. All of a sudden, two mountain lions come near the flock. Davey (David) bows his head and prays, God, Im responsible for these lambs. Please help me be brave! Then he uses his sling and sto ne to scare off one of the assailants and his staff to beat off the other. As that story comes to an end, Sally expresses her fear again. Davey once again tries the door and then tells Sally that she can work the dials this time. He suggests that she turn it clockwise and send them into the future. They arrive at a time when there is interplanetary travel. They are a brother (Kim) and sister (Betts). Betts wanders off near a launch pad for a rocket that is leaving for Saturn in two minutes. She gets her foot caught. Davey (Kim) again prays, God, help me be brave. He unties her shoe and gets them both away from the rocket just in time. As that story ends, Davey looks for a light switch. He turns a dial that signals the owner that someone is in the house. He comes over and lets Davey and Sally out. Back home as the children recount their adventure to their parents, we hear the following: Davey: No matter how hard or how many times I tried that door simply would not open. Sally: I couldnt open it either. Mom: Well, Daddy & I are proud of you. We think you were both very brave. Sally: Davey helped me to be brave. He wasnt scared at all! Davey: Thats what she thinks! Davey was scared, but he did not allow that fear to paralyze him. Whether it was in 1000 BC at the time of David OR in AD 1960 at the time he and Sally were living OR in the far distant future, Davey knew to look to God for the courage to act. We read the following in the psalms: Yahweh is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (27:1) Yahweh is for me; I will not fear, what can man do to me? Yahweh is for me as my Helper. (118:6, 7a) The Apostle Paul put it this way, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31). You may be thinking, There are plenty of things men can do to us and plenty of things that can be against us. But Paul then writes the following that give s

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us the correct perspective, who shall separate us from the love of Messiah ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Messiah Jesus our Lord (vv. 35-39). Nothing can happen to us that is outside the sovereign will of God or that separates us from His love. When we can see all things (tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword, etc) coming to us from the hand of our loving heavenly Father, then we will not fear any of it.

EPISODE 10 ON THE LINE

In On the Line, a circus has come to town and Davey, Jimmy, Sally & Goliath go see the train unloaded. While they are there, a cougar almost scratches Goliath when he gets too close to the cage. Shortly after they walk away, a truck backs into the cage creating an opening in the bars large enough for the cougar to escape. When they get home, Davey & Jimmy set up a network of string telephones between a tree lookout, a backyard tent and the house. In the meantime, the cougar has escaped. The whole crew is about to eat dinner in the tent. Davey, Sally & Goliath close their eyes and bow their heads and Davey thanks God for the food and the fun that they are having. When the prayer is done, the following conversation occurs: Jimmy: What was that? Sally: Grace. Davey: We always have a prayer at meal time when we thank God for our food. Jimmy: But how can you talk with someone you cant see? Davey: Prayer is like this phone, we can talk with Mom even though we cant see her. At this point, the cougar has made its way from the circus to the Hansens neighborhood. After dinner, Sally & Goliath head into the house. Davey goes up in the lookout before he and Jimmy sleep in the tent. He sees the cougar, but thinks it is only a dog in the neighbors trash can. After Davey is in the tent, the cougar makes its way into the Hansens backyard and upsets their trash cans. Jimmy goes to scare away the dog and sees that it is really the cougar. Inside Goliath alerts Mr. Hans en to the danger and he calls the police. Davey and Jimmy are nervous and trapped, as the cougar is between them and the house. All of a sudden, Daveys moms voice comes over the telephone telling them to remain quietly in the tent and assuring them that dad is on the way. Jimmy even prays for Gods protection. Mr. Hansen comes out with a rifle and scares the cougar up the tree, allowing the boys to get into the house. The authorities arrive, capture the cougar and return it to the circus. Back at the circus and looking again at the caged cougar, Davey indicates that the phone saved his life because he was thinking of trying to run to the house. Jimmy admits that he was so scared that he prayed. Davey replies, You know, Jimmy, our phone line was a lot like prayer. Someone was at the other end who wanted to help.

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The idea of someone at the other end who wanted to help reminds me of something in the book of Hebrews: seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (4:14-16). The Greek word translated help (boetheia) is a combination of two verbs: boao (to cry) and theo (to run). The idea is one running to the aid of one crying. A similar Greek word is used in Hebrews 13:6, where the author is quoting Psalm 118 (a verse we looked at yesterday), Yahweh is my helper ( boethos). There are multiple passages in the Psalms in which David says something like, this poor man cried out, and Yahweh heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles (34:6). Jesus can hear our cries and is sympathetic to them. And although it may not seem to be according to our clock and calendar, His help will be well-timed (i.e., the meaning of the Greek word eukairos, translated time of need in Hebrews 4:16). So in the words of the Casting Crowns song, there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing. He'll meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus.

EPISODE 11 THE POLKA DOT TIE

In The Polka Dot Tie, Davey, Sam (Daveys friend) & Sally start a Friendship Club and build a clubhouse. Mr. Hansen, noticing that there club is sort of small, starts this conversation: Mr. Hansen: What about that new boy? Davey: I dont know him. Sam: I do. His name is Nathaniel. Sally: Fine, lets ask him to join. Sam: No, I dont like him. Sally: Why? Sam: Cause I dont, thats why! Davey: You must have a reason. Sam: You bet I do, he always wears a polka dot tie. Sally: Thats no reason. Sam: My dad said he once knew a man he couldnt trust that wore a polka dot tie. Mr. Hansen: You have the wrong sign there (referring to the Friendship Club sign on the clubhouse). Sam: Whats wrong with the sign? Sally: He means this is not a Friendship Club at all. You arent being friendly to Nathaniel. Sam: But he wears a polka dot tie. Sally: I bet God loves him, polka dot tie or no polka dot tie.

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At this point, Nathaniel with his dog Spot comes by and asks if he can join the club. The boys say no. A conversation occurs, which results in the boys arguing who the better baseball player is. So they head to the nearby ball field to settle the argument. Nat strikes out Sam. Nat hits a home run that lands on the roof of the clubhouse. Goliath, in an attempt to show up Spot, climbs the ladder to get the ball and the clubhouse collapses. When the boys arrive on the scene, they think it was Nat that destroyed their clubhouse. They tell Polka Dots (as they refer to Nat) to get lost. Sally indicates that she is ashamed of them and quits the friendship club. The scene shifts to where Nat is alone and crying. Spot asks, Doesnt anybody love us. Nat replies, God does. Then Spot asks a great question, Then why dont people? Nat and Spot run away. Later that afternoon, Mrs. Miller (Nats mom) calls asking about her son, as he had not come home when he should have. Davey realizes that he probably ran away and it was his and Sams fault. They find Nat and apologiz e. He apologizes also and asks if he can help rebuild their clubhouse. The episode ends with a knock at the door of the Hansens home. Mr. Hansen answers the door and tells Sally it is for her. She opens the door and sees Davey, Sam & Nat, all wearing polka dot ties, to ask her if she would like to rejoin the Friendship Club. She heartily says yes. Its just plain silly not to like someone because they wear a polka dot tie. But this episode is pointing out that all forms of bigotry are wrong. Not liking someone because of the color of their skin is just as baseless as not liking someone for wearing a polka dot tie. When Davey and Sam called Nathaniel Polka Dots, they were reducing everything about him down to one piece of clothing that he liked to wear. Its the same with those who cannot look past the color of someones skin. The whole bigotry issue takes us back to the heart of Spots question, namely, if God loves someone, then we should have no issue loving them either. The Apostle John puts it this way, If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God, whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God must love his brother also (1 John 4:20, 21). When we refuse to love another person, we are refusing to love a person that was made and loved by God.

EPISODE 12 ALL ALONE

In All Alone, the Hansens take a ride on an inclined railway car. As they get a pan oramic view of their town, they are impressed by all the church steeples. Davey and Sally try counting them. Sally loses track and begins the following discussion: Sally: Daddy, is God in all those churches? Dad: Yes Sally: At the same time? Dad: Yes, God is everywhere. Sally: Thats impossible. Davey: Nothings impossible for God. Sally: You mean God is there (pointing to one church) and there (pointing to another church) and here (placing her hand over her heart) Dad: Everywhere.

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After they reach the top, Davey, Sally & Goliath take a walk over by the freight yard. Davey takes a walk down to take a look at one of the refrigeration cars. Sally tells him that if he does not come back, she is leaving. He smells bananas and noting that no engine is hooked up to this particular row of cars, he climbs up to see if he can get a banana. Just as he gets into the car, an engine hooks up with the cars. Sally returns to see the door shut on the car that she saw Davey looking in, so she runs to tell their parents. While she is gone, the train pulls out of the freight yard. As it does, Davey says to himself, Im all alone; no one knows Im in here. When Sally returns with her dad, she notes that the train is no longer there. As Davey sits in t he moving train, he tries to figure out what to do. He hears the constant words All Alone, All Alone, All Alone, reminding him of his condition. He opens up the hatch of the car and looks around. He sees a church and is reminded of what his dad had said earlier, God is everywhere. And soon that truth God is everywhere drowns out the All Alone thoughts. In the meantime, Mr. Hansen has spoken with the trainmaster, who calls down to the next station to have the train stopped. As three railroad employees search the 30 or so refrigerator cars that the train was pulling, they come across Davey. Their conversation includes the following words: Railroad Employee #1: Were you scared? Davey: At first. Railroad Employee #1: All Alone? Davey: I wasnt alone exactly. Railroad Employee #2: Wasnt alone? (scratching his head) Railroad Employee #3: Exactly! (smiling as he understood what Davey was talking about) David knew what it was like to be alone (Psalm 25:16 I am lonely and afflicted), but he also knew the gre at truth that he shared with us in Psalm 139: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You (vv. 7 -12). No matter where we are, God is there also to lead us and to hold us. We are never alone, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

EPISODE 13 PILGRIM BOY

The Pilgrim Boy episode begins with Davey & Sally disagreeing about what to get their mother for her birthday. Davey wants to get her a sweater, while Sally wants to get her a doll. Davey points out that she does not need a doll; however, due to the cool evenings, she does need a sweater. When their mom returns from grocery shopping, they stop discussing the subject. Davey begins to work on his homework before supper, three paragraphs about Thanksgiving. Shortly after going to his bedroom, he returns to the living room to ask his dad a question: Davey: Dad, what does the word provide mean?

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Dad: Provide? Well, just a minute ago, you said you wanted to get mother a sweater because she needed one for the cool evenings. Getting her one would be providing, looking ahead and taking care of her needs. How is the word used? Davey (reading from his history book): The pilgrims started thanksgiving as a way of thanking God for providing for them. Did God look ahead and take care of what the pilgrims needed? Dad: Im sure of it. The scene shifts to 1621. Davey & Sally are Henry & Humility, pilgrim children living with their aunt and uncle. While playing in the storehouse, they hear their Uncle Edward talking with Governor Carver, who indicates that their supplies are low and that 44 of them had died since the Mayflower landed. Uncle Edward says that it feels as though God had deserted them. Governor Carver assures him that just as God brought them to this new land, He would also provide for them. Henry & Humility leave the storehouse and go to throw stones in a nearby river. While they are there, they meet Samoset, who promises to help the Pilgrims. When Henry & Humility share their encounter with their aunt and uncle, Aunt Anne is worried that it may be a trick. However, Uncle Edward assures her that God is watching out for them. At that moment, Samoset returns, bringing food and two friends: Squanto (who would teach the pilgrims how to fish) and Hobomok (who would teach the pilgrims to grow maize). With this help from the Indians, the situation greatly improved for the Pilgrims and they held a feast of Thanksgiving to thank God for His provisions. The scene shifts back to the Hansens living room and Davey and his dad discuss the story: Dad: Now do you see what the word provide means? Davey: Well, God knew when they came to their new land that they would need to grow maize and catch fish, so He provided planned to use the Indians to help them in their new home. Mr. Hansens definition of provide is very interesting, look ahead and take of care of needs. In 1 Timothy 5, in discuss ing widows with living children or grandchildren, the Apostle Paul writes, but if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. The Greek word translated provide (proneo) literally means to think before or to for esee. When we think about God and providing, the verse that comes to mind is found in Philippians 4: My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Messiah Jesus (vs. 19). In this case, the word translated supply ( pleroo) means to fill up. God does not give stingily, but fills us up from His riches. The thing that we do not understand often though is what our need really is. Laura Storys beautiful song Blessings includes the following lyrics, we pray for healing, for prosperity, we pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering. All the while, You hear each spoken need, yet love is way too much to give us lesser things. In our prayers, we tell God what we think our needs are. However, when He answers, He meets our actually needs. As He did for the pilgrims, we need to trust that God foresees our need and will fill us up where we are lacking Yahweh provides for His own.

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EPISODE 14 THE SILVER MINE

In The Silver Mine, Davey, Sally & Goliath go on a rock hunting expedition in the desert. After finding moss agate, gypsum with swallowtail crystals, pyrite (fools gold), obsidian (arrowhead material), and a desert tortoise (which they mistake for a large pretty rock), they come across The Last Chance Silver Mine. It has the following sign: DANGER, this mine is now out of operation. Parts of the shaft caved-in. Unsafe. Despite the sign and Sally & Goliaths warnings, Davey is determined to find a treasure. They walk in as far as the elevator shaft. Davey gets set to go down it. Sally & Goliath protest: Sally: But the sign said DANGER! Davey: I dont care what the sign says. I can do what I want. Im going down! Sally & Goliath: Davey!! Davey: I bet you theres silver and diamonds and rubies and Sally: Danger! Davey: and sapphires and emeralds and Sally: And danger, Davey!! Davey: and a kings ransom. Goliath: And fools gold. As Davey works his way down to a tunnel off the main shaft, the portion of the shaft he is standing on gives way and he falls until he reaches an unstable ledge covered with material and with a broken arm. He cannot get out. Sally sends Goliath to get their father. In the spirit of Lassie, who was so good at getting Mr. Martin when Timmy was in trouble, Goliath is able to communicate with Mr. Hansen that Davey is in trouble. Mr. Hansen rescues Davey just before the ledge gives way. Davey asks his dad why God allowed this terrible thing to happen to him. His dad points out that Davey, not God, chose to come into the mine despite the warnings. Davey comes to realize that he got smashed because the bad decisions he made. Any time we ignore Gods warnings, we are setting ourselves up for a fall. When Davey was ignoring all warnings from Sally, caught up in thinking of the treasure he was going to find, Goliath lovingly called him a fool. A fool ignoring warning signs th points us to the book of Proverbs. In 7 chapter, Solomon tells his son that Gods word can keep him from the immoral woman. Solomon writes: For at the window of my house, I looked through my lattice and saw among the s imple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious; her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner. So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, colored coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day. With her enticing speec h she caused him to yield, with her

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flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life. Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths; for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to Sheol descending to the chambers of death. (vv. 6 -27) The mine was to Davey what this seductress was to this foolish young man both were like oxen being taken to the slaughter. It will be the same with us every time we ignore the warnings in Gods word. By ignoring the warnings provided him by God (the danger sign and advice to those who loved him), Davey very nearly ended up descending to the chamber of death. Its foolish and dangerous to ignore God.

EPISODE 15 TEN PIN ALLEY

In Ten Pin Alley, Davey is determined to make the Eastside track and field team. While practicing, he has a real difficult time with the high jump he simply cannot get the footwork right. While he is discussing the problem with his dad, Mrs. Hansen asks Davey to run an errand. As he goes downtown, he sees that there is a new bowling alley. The owner encourages Davey to get his dad to come to the grand opening there is an authentic Indian costume prize for anyone who bowls six straight strikes. Davey returns home and asks his dad to win the costume for him. Mr. Hansen agrees to try. Meantime, it is time to go to the playground for try-outs. Davey does well on all the events until the high jump. He is still unable to fix the problem with his footwork and he does not make the team. Davey thinks his dad will be disappointed in him and will not love him anymore. After breaking the news to his dad, we hear the following: Mr. Hansen: Now what kind of talk is that? Do you think I only love you when you succeed? Davey: Doesnt it make a difference? Mr. Hansen: I love you no matter what you can or cannot do? Davey: You do? Mr. Hansen: Just the way God keeps on loving all of us when we fail. Youre my Davey! Davey: I still am? Mr. Hansen: And always will be. The Hansens make their way down to the bowling alley. Davey is sure that his dad can win him the costume. After five strikes, Davey says, Ive got a great dad! But on the sixth frame, Mr. Hansens footwork is off and he on ly knocks down six pins. Davey is disappointed in his dad. After he goes to bed, his dad comes into talk to him: Mr. Hansen: Davey, not asleep? Davey: Uh-uh (his mind seems to be somewhere else) Mr. Hansen: I guess I let you down, Davey. Davey: Mm mm (his mind continues to be somewhere else) Mr. Hansen: I failed and spoiled things between us. So you dont feel the same way about me.

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Davey: I do too. Youre my dad. I love you just like God loves you and me and everybody else when we cant do things. Mr. Hansen: Then why did you look so unhappy when I came in? Davey: I was trying to figure out how to jump that old jump. Daveys initial disappointment with his dad was corrected by the truth that his dad had shared with him earlier love is not results based. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, Love never fails (v s. 8). Greek word translated fail (ekpipto) means to fall out. It is used by James and Peter to describe the transitory nature of flowers (the grass withers, and its flower falls away). Burning heat and lack of moisture may cause grass to wither and flowers to drop off, but there should be nothing that can affect love in that manner. Once it has chosen an object, love never changes toward that object. In Deuteronomy 7:7, Yahweh indicates that He chose Israel and set His love upon her. In Jeremiah 31:3, He describes that love as everlasting. Israel failed God repeatedly, but it did not change His love for her. Likewise, in human relationships, the beloved may fail, but biblical love will not. My wife Nancy had the phrase amor vincit omnia (love conquers all) engraved on my wedding ring. In the 23 years we have been married, I have failed Nancy many times, but she continues to love me. In all covenant relationships (husband and wife, parent and child), there must be grace, the ability to forgive when failings occur, because biblical love never fails.

EPISODE 16 BOY LOST

In Boy Lost, it is Daveys birthday. His dad takes Davey & Goliath to the carnival, while Mom & S ally prepare a surprise birthday party. They do all the normal carnival things go to the freak show, shoot ducks at the arcade, and go on the rides. While they are high above the carnival on the Ferris wheel, Davey notes: Davey: Look at all the people! Dad: We mustnt get separated, Davey. I might not find you. Davey: God could. While his dad is getting them ice cream Davey wanders off and they do get separated. Goliath suggests that they have fun, that his dad will find them. Davey and his father keep crossing paths, but keep missing each other. At one point, they are on the Ferris wheel at the same time, each trying to get a better view of the carnival grounds. Davey gets on the shoulders of Tom Gargantua, the 8-foot giant. However, every time they might be able to see each other someone or something blocks the view. With the help of the freak show mans megaphone, they are finally reunited. While driving home, we hear the following: Davey: Gee, dad, I thought youd never find me. It sure feels good to be back together. Dad: God takes good care of us. Davey: Dad, do people ever get separated from God? Dad: Yes and God looks for us. Davey: The way you looked for me.

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Dad: Exactly the same way. Back home, Jimmy, Teddy, Nat & Sam are all there to celebrate Daveys birthday, and in a sense, to also celebrate that his dad had found him. In Isaiah 53:6a, we read, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way. Each of us has been like Davey wandering away from his dad. The Apostle Peter refers to Isaiah 53:6 in his first epistle, for you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (2:25). The Greek word translated returned is in the passive voice straying sheep do not come back on their own, the Shepherd has to find them and bring them back. In Matthew 18, Jesus said: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which is lost. What do you think? If a man has a 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the 99 and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the 99 that did not go astray. Even so it not the will of the Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (vv. 10-14) From Luke 15, we come to understand that the 99 are sinners who do not think they are sinners (i.e., just persons who need no repentance). In reality, all 100 sheep have gone astray, but only 1 realizes that it needs its shepherd to save it. To save His sheep, the Shepherd went to valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). Isaiah continues, And Yahweh has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (53:6b). Messiah Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that, we having died to sins, m ight live to righteousness by whose stripes you were healed [reference to Isaiah 53:5] (1 Peter 2:24). If you are a straying sheep that has been found, there is no room place for pride as though you were smarter than the straying sheep who are still lost for it is God who grants repentance (Acts 11:18, 2 Timothy 2:25). Rather enjoy your relationship with the Shepherd and continue to pray that He would grant repentance to friends and loved ones who have yet come to realize they are lost.

EPISODE 17 SUDDEN STORM

In A Sudden Storm, Davey and his family are driving to their vacation house by the lake. They are driving along an unpaved road that has become muddy during a recent storm. Their jeep gets stuck in the mud and the trailer it is pulling nearly falls into a ditch. While they are attempting to get it back on the road and the vehicle unstuck, Davey asks his dad a question: Davey: Dad arent you ever scared? Dad: I was during the war. Davey: What did you do? Dad: I kept remembering that God loved me. Davey: Did that help? Dad: It pushed the fear away.

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Davey: It did? Dad: Now lets push this (referring to the trailer and jeep) In the process of getting unstuck, Goliath gets covered in mud. So when they arrive at their destination, Goliath takes a swim in the lake (this time by choice, unlike the time with Cousin Barney). While Davey & Sally are on the dock watching Goliath, Teddy comes by in a sailboat. Daveys dad indicates that it is alright for Davey to go sailing with him, but warns them to k eep an eye on the clouds. After awhile the winds pick up. The boys are enjoying the increased speed the boat is traveling and do not realize that they are heading right into a storm, until it overtakes them. From the shore, Mr. Hansen using binoculars can see that their boat is struggling and heads out in his motor boat to rescue them. Meanwhile, the sailboat is being tossed about and is taking on water from the heavy rain. To make matters worse, they are headed right toward an exposed rock, which they have no ability to steer away from. Goliath states what they are all feeling, Im afraid to drown. When all seems lost, they hear the motor boat and see Mr. Hansen. Once they are being safely pulled to shore, Davey and Teddy say together, rain and thunder, let it pour, were not afraid of you anymore. Back in the house, the family is sitting around the fireplace, singing songs and toasting marshmallows. After Sally is scared by a particular loud clap of thunder, Davey asks his dad why he stopped being scared once the motor boat arrived: Dad: Because you knew I loved you and would take care of you. That drove the scare away. Davey: Like you in the war. You werent scared because you remembered God loved you. The Apostle John writes, love has been perfected in us in this: that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; because perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). What the apostle is saying here cannot contradict what Solomon wrote, in the fear of Yahweh there is strong confidence, and His children have a plac e of refuge (Proverbs 14:26). Perfect love brings confidence; the fear of Yahweh brings confidence. Perfect loves castes out fear; the fear of Yahweh castes out all other fears as the person finds refuge in Him. David writes, who is the man that fears Yahweh? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. The secret counsel of Yahweh is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant (Psalm 25:12, 14). The psalmist writes, Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope for His mercy (His covenant love) (Psalm 147:11). The fear of Yahweh, growing in our covenant relationship with Hi m, will push away the fear of what man or circumstances can do to us because we will have confidence in Him and His plan for our lives.

EPISODE 18 THE BELL RINGER

In The Bell Ringer, the Hansen family hears the church bell ringing, signaling that it is time to get to the Sunday morning worship service. Davey & Goliath run to church to help Mr. Opp ring the second bell, seeing that they had been too late to ring the first bell. Davey apologizes and notes that Mr. Opp is never later. The bell ringer replies, God uses me to tell everyone that it is time for church. This statement makes Davey wonder if God ever uses him for anything. Mr. Opp invites Davey to come to his house that afternoon after church to meet his big family. When Davey mention s it at dinner, his parents are surprised as they though Mr. Opp lived alone.

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Davey arrives at Mr. Opps house and sees that the bell ringer does not have a big family of people, but rather a big family of clocks. Davey notices a clock near the front window, which has a glass case over it. Mr. Opp indicates it is a dancing bear clock, the oldest and most favorite part of his collection. The glass cover keeps out moisture and prevents the 200 year old clock from rusting. At this point a young man knocks at the door and hands Mr. Opp a telegram, informing him that an old friend is very sick and wants him to visit. Mr. Opp must leave immediately and asks Davey to wind his clocks while he is gone. Davey faithfully winds the clocks each day. Mr. Hansen rings the church bell on Sunday. He mentions to Davey that he has been spending too much time with the clocks, leaving his house chores undone. After catching up on his chores, Davey & Goliath head over to Mr. Opps in a rainstorm. Just as they arrive, a branch breaks through the front window. The falling pieces of window glass break the dancing bears glass case. Uncovered and with rain coming in, Davey has to act to protect Mr. Opps favorite clock. Using band-aids, Davey pieces back the glass case and covers up the broken window. The next day Davey receives a telegram informing him that Mr. Opp will be returning that afternoon. When the bell ringer enters his house, he sees the damaged window and clock case. At this point, Davey enters the room and the following conversation takes place: Davey: Welcome home, Mr. Opp. Mr. Opp: My good friend. One day you asked if God ever used you to help Him. Davey: Does He? Mr. Opp: He used you when you fixed my clock. Davey: I thought I was helping you. Mr. Opp: When you help others, you help God. God used you to help me. Davey: (Surprised) God used - me! Does God need help? Of course not! Paul told the Athenians, God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with mens hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:24, 25). The Greek word translated worshiped (therapeuo) is generally translated heal or cure. The idea being that one would wait upon another or care for another to help heal them. God does not need anybody waiting upon Him He needs no servants. But He gives us the privilege of being used in His great work. In 2 Corinthians, Paul states the following: Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christs behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) God uses us like incense to help others become aware of Him and like ambassadors to help others be reconciled to Him. I cant think of any greater privilege than to be used by Almighty God to draw others to Himself.

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EPISODE 19 NOT FOR SALE

In Not for Sale, the Hansens are on a winter vacation. While Davey and his father are waxing their sled and skis, Davey begins the following conversation: Davey: Dad, I wish I had some skis like yours. Dad: I thought you had saved up enough money to buy a pair. Davey: I almost did, but I put all last weeks allowance in Sunday School because that week I did a lot of things I shouldnt have. Dad: You cant buy Gods forgiveness, Davey! Davey: If I do things I shouldnt, how do I get Him to forgive me? Dad: Nothing makes Him, Davey. He forgives you because He loves you. Davey & Goliath go coasting the next day, taking along his dads skis, which are too big for him. After a run on the sled, Davey tries out the skis. As he goes down the mountain, he loses control, falls down and one of the skis comes lose and heads for a crevice. Before Goliath can catch it, the ski falls down to China. Davey decides that before he tells his dad about he lost ski, he will do a lot of nice things for him. He shovels the snow in the driveway, cleans mud off the jeep, brings in wood for the fireplace and promises to take Sally sledding. After Davey fills his dads pipe with tobacco, they have the following conversation: Davey: Any work you want me to do? Dad: Help mother in the kitchen. Davey: I want to do something for you. Dad: I see. Alright, Davey, what have you done that you shouldnt have done? Davey: I did lots of things I should have done. You said I was a model boy. Dad: Were you? Davey: I lost a ski. Im sorry, Dad. Dad: All the good things you did were so I wouldnt be mad at you. Carrying, shoveling & washing cant buy forgiveness. But I forgive you. Davey: Huh? Dad: Do you know why? Davey: (Thinking hard) Is it like you said, God forgives us because He loves us? I get it now you cant buy forgiveness. We cannot buy forgiveness, because it has already been purchased. In Ephesians 1:7, Paul states, in Him (Jesus the Messiah) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. The Greek word translated redemption (apolutrosis) means to release on payment of ransom. The payment was Jesus blood shed on the cross. Jesus declared, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom (Greek: lutron) for many (Mark 10:45). And the Apostle Paul wrote in his first epistle to Timothy, God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the

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knowledge of the truth, that there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Messiah Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom (Greek: antilutron) for all, to be testified in due time (2:5, 6). Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the debt in full we have been set free. Two days ago we spoke about the fear of Yahweh. The psalmist says something interesting, If You, Yahweh, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared (130:3, 4). When you realiz e the awful price that was paid to make the forgiveness of your sin possible, it causes you to want to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Paul wrote to Timothy: for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem (Greek: lutroo) us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous of good works (2:11-14). Gods forgiveness is not for sale (grace) it not only sets you free (redeem), but it changes you (purify).

EPISODE 20 THE SHOEMAKER

In The Shoemaker, Davey & Goliath are rolling a huge snowball. His mother comes out to remind him about his paper route. While delivering papers, they notice that someone has moved into an empty store. They knock on the door to see if the owner would be interested in the paper. The shoemaker, Pierre, answers the door, speaking much more fluently in French than English. When Davey asks about a paper subscription, Pierre looks back into the shop, says je me comprends pas (I do not understand) and closes the door. Not understanding French or the difficulty that Pierre is going through, Davey & Goliath come to the wrong conclusion, namely, that Pierre does not like them and actually swore at them. When Teddy walks by, Davey tells him that the meanest man in the world is in the store. They wipe the frost from the windows and wonder what the shoemaker is hiding in the back room. Although the boys cannot see, we are taken to the back room, where Pierre is taking care of his very sick wife, Marie. As he tells her a bout the garcion et le chien (boy and dog), she encourages him to speak English. By this time Jimmy has joined Teddy & Davey. They come to the conclusion that Pierre is not a shoemaker at all, but rather a criminal who hates everybody and is hiding stolen goods in the back room. Davey & Sally bring a pair of shoes in need of repair to determine if Pierre is really a shoemaker. As Davey looks at a machine, Pierre pats Sally on the head and says doux. Pierre warns Davey not to get to close to the mac hine, but as it is in French, Davey takes it as threat and tells Sally to run for it. As Pierre tells Marie about the incident and not wanting the boy to get hurt, she says you are so good. Meanwhile Davey is at home telling his mom that he is bad! D avey & Goliath return to the store the next day to retrieve the shoes. They hear someone crying in the back room and Goliath tries to sneak in it, but Pierre tells him to stay away, again in French. Thinking they were in danger, they flee. When they arrive home, Mrs. Hansen asks Davey if he has seen Sally, since she should have been home by that time. Davey concludes that Sally has been kidnapped by the shoemaker (i.e., the crying he heard earlier was that of his sister). His mom does not believe him . When his dad comes home, he checks out Daveys story. When he arrives home, Dav ey comes out to talk with his Dad: Davey: Who was in that secret room? Dad: Davey, did you make that snowball?

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Davey: Yeah, sure. Who was dad? Dad: Look at it! Davey: Why? Dad: Look at it! How did it get that big? Davey: Rolled & rolled a little snowball. Dad: Words are a lot like that. They roll & roll and grow & grow. Keep that in mind when I take you where you are going. Davey meets Marie. She explains that Pierre has not been in America very long and forgets to use English when he gets excited. She also informs him that the bad name Pierre called Sally (doux) means sweet. When they are outside, his th dad explains to Davey that he had been breaking the 9 commandment, You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. This is a very serious sin. Among the seven things that Yahweh hates in Proverbs 6:16-19 is a false witness who speaks lies. The Hebrew word translated hate (sane) has at its root the meaning thorn seed. The idea being that a thorn causes one to turn in another direction to avoid it. God is revolted by false witnesses. Solomon also tells us how dangerous this sin is: A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a c lub, a sword and a sharp arrow (Proverbs 25:18). Lies like Daveys could maul the other persons reputation. Solomon also tells us that, A false witness will perish, but th e word of a man who hears will endure (Proverbs 21:28). Davey did not take the time to hear to find out that Pierre spoke French or had a sick wife. We should keep our mouths shut concerning a matter until we have the full picture..

EPISODE 21 THE RUNAWAY

In The Runaway, the Hansens go to the circus. Davey wishes he coul d be a trapeze artist. At home, while he is supposed to be cutting grass, he is showing Goliath how he can hang upside down. His dad tells him to get back to his chores to which Davey replies to himself, All I do around here is work! Home sure isnt any circus. When dinner is ready, Davey comes inside and says: Davey: I dont want supper. I dont want anything around here. Dad: Come here, Davey. I dont like the way youre acting, Davey. Sally: And God wont love him, will He, Daddy? Dad: No, thats not quite right Sally. God may not like what Davey does, but He always loves him. Early the next morning, Davey & Goliath run away to the circus. When he arrives, a worker asks him if he wants to join the circus possibly as a clown, lion trainer or big shot on the flying trapeze. These all sound great to Davey; however, his first job is watering the elephant. At the watering hole, he meets the clown without make-up & costume and says to himself, I thought clowns were happy?? After 16 buckets of wa ter, Davey informs the elephant that he will not be getting any more water. The thirsty pachyderm hoses down Davey. At this point it is breakfast time and breakfast is beans. We return to the Hansen home, where Mrs. Hansen is making waffles especially f or her son. When Sally returns from Daveys room with his note, Mr. Hansen reads that he has runaway to the circus. Sally wants to know if he is going after her brother. When he says,

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No, Sally wonders if her dad no longer loves Davey. Mr. Hansen ind icates that Davey must learn for himself where he really belongs. Back at the circus, Davey is cleaning animal cages. Davey meets the son of the lion tamer, Jody, who has a lion cub as a pet. Davey asks him if he takes the cub home, to which Jody replie s that the circus is his home. Jody then asks Davey, Whats it like to have a real home and a room of your own? Davey thinks and replies, Why its well its its swell! When Davey is told to clean the monkey cages, he indicates that the circus is not for him and that he is returning home. When they arrive home, Goliath asks Davey: Goliath: Arent you glad to be home? Davey: Im scared. What if Dad says, Scram, hit the road! Dad: Davey! Davey: Dad! Dad: Youre home! (Runs to hug his son) Im glad, Davey! Davey: Didnt you mind that I ran away? Dad: I didnt like it, but I still loved you. Davey: The way you said God always loves us. Dad: Just that way! This episode obviously finds its source in the Parable of the Compassionate Father & His Two Lost Sons (Luke 15:13-32). Each of the sons represents a class of lost individuals. Davey, like the younger son, thought having fun in a distant country would better than working in his loving fathers home. This son represents those who want to live their lives without God. Even though the older son never left home, he is estranged from his father also. He represents those who despite deeply rooted religious convictions do not enjoy a love relationship with God. In Proverbs 28:7, we read: who ever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons (LXX asotia, the noun form of the adjective translated prodigal in Luke 15 [asotos]) shames his father. The older son kept the law on the outside, but his heart was far from his fath er. The psalmist writes, blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart the proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore, my soul keeps them I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Yahweh! I will keep your statutes (119:2, 34, 69, 129, 145). That is the description of the discerning s on from Proverbs 28:7, one who keeps the law out of love for God. Are you living your life in a flood of dissipation [ asotia] (1 Peter 4:4) doing the will of the nations walking in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries (vs. 3) like the younger son? Or maybe you draw near to God with your mouth and honor Him with your lips, but your heart if far from Him (Matthew 15:8) like the older son? Either way, you have a compassionate Father in heaven Who wants you to experience the joy of a relationship with Him.

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EPISODE 22 OFFICER BOB

In Officer Bob, we meet Daveys best grown-up friend, a policeman who directs traffic at the corner of Spruce and Main. This particular morning Officer Bob is allowing Davey to help him. He tells his young friend about a surprise he has for Davey and the other boys in the after school bicycle safety class. He will not tell them what the surprise is until they can repeat the safety rules, which include never ride anyone on handle bars, and promise to keep them. The surprise turns out to be a ride on a new fire truck later that afternoon. On the way home from the class, Davey meets Sally, who is late for her music lesson. Although he knows that he will be breaking one of B obs rules, he agrees to ride his sister on his handlebars just this once. Of course, they have an accident, which badly damages his bicycle. Davey tells Goliath that he can never talk to Officer Bob again. When it time to go to the firehouse, Teddy comes by the Hansens house to walk over with Davey. Davey tell s his friend that he cannot go, since he broke his promise to Officer Bob. However, Davey & Goliath sneak over through a vacant lot and watch from behind a large oak tree across the street from the fire station. As the boys play on the fire engine, Officer Bob asks them if anyone knows where Davey is, since he does not want to leave without him. Teddy tells Bob the reason Davey felt that he could not come. The policeman indicates that all Davey needed to do was talk to him about it. About that moment, Davey & Goliath see the engine pull out of the station, but not with the boys aboard it is heading to a real fire. Goliath encourages Davey that they should go to the fire - assuring him that Officer Bob will be too busy to notice Davey. As Officer Bob helps hold a safety net, some bricks hit him on the head, knocking him unconscious, and he is taken to the hospital. Heartbroken, Davey returns home. At the dinner table, Mr. Hansen asks Davey to say grace. As he tries, Davey says: Davey: I cant! I did something that I shouldnt have today. Dad: I see. Davey: I broke one of Officer Bobs rules. Ever since then I cant talk to him and now I cant talk to God. Dad: Are you sorry for what you did? Davey: Yes Dad: Davey, when we disobey someone we love, things arent right until we tell them we are sorry and that well try not to do it again. Davey asks for Gods forgiveness and then goes to make things right with Officer Bob. At the fire s tation, Davey learns that Bob is already out of the hospital and back on the job. Davey walks over to Spruce and Main and when Bob sees his young friend, he stops traffic in all directions. Davey confesses his sin to Bob and their relationship is resto red. When David committed adultery and murder, his sin remained unconfessed for nearly a year. He writes about that time in Psalm 32, When I kept silent, my bones grew old, through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgression to Yahweh, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin (vv. 3 -5). Things were not

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right between David and Yahweh until David acknowledged his sin. The Apostle John says, if we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus the Messiah His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse u s from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:6 -9). The only way to maintain fellowship with God is to obey Him (walk in the light) and to confess our sin when we disobey (walk in darkness). The Greek word translated confess (homologeo) means to say the same thing as another. God calls a certain action sin and we, having committed that act, agree with Gods assessment. Confession was the only way that Davey could make things right with Officer Bob and its the only way we can make things right with God.

EPISODE 23 THE PARADE

In The Parade, Davey wants to play lead drummer, while Jimmy wants to win a prize in the float contest. The friends head over to the fire house for Daveys try -outs. The band leader feels that Davey kept the best time and he will be playing the bass drum at the head of the parade. Teddy comes by and informs them that the prize for Best Boys Float is a pony. Jimmy & Davey head back to Jimmys house to work on his float. On their way, they pass a home construction site, whe re the construction supervisor chases them off when they attempt to climb the structure. Jimmy had already made a small animal cage float, but he does not think that it is good enough for the prize. They decide to enlarge the float and make Goliath a lion. Jimmy is all out of wood, so they head over to the junkyard to see if they can find any building material. They are able to find everything they need, except the bars. Davey indicates that he will check in his garage and that Jimmy should go and check with Teddy. While at home, Davey enlists his mom to make Goliath a mane. Just about this time, the noon whistle sounds, which means the construction workers are taking their lunch break. As Davey passes the site again, he sees dowels that would make perfect bars and takes them. When completed later that afternoon, the float is a certain winner, especially as Jimmys father has rented his son a lion tamers costume. The next morning Davey brings Goliath and a lion tamers whip over to Jimmy. The cons truction supervisor is passing by the house just at this time, notices the dowels on the cage, and accuses Davey of stealing them for his float. Davey weasels out stating that the float is not his, but Jimmys; he runs off to go practice with the band. W hen the man confronts Jimmy and his father about the dowels, Jimmy honestly states that he did not steal the dowels. Until he can figure out which of the boys is lying, Jimmys dad does not allow the float into the parade. Meanwhile, Davey is leading the parade with his drum. After he finishes, he works his way back to the judges booth to watch the float contest, but to his surprise, there is no Jimmy. As he goes to see what happened to his friend, he passes the construction site and has the following discussion: Supervisor: Your chum got himself into trouble. Davey: Did the float break down? Supervisor: Never got out of the yard. Your pal told a whopping lie, said he didnt take my wood. His pa wouldnt let him be in the parade.

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Davey: But Supervisor: Served him right. Davey: I told the lie! Look what I did to my best friend. Supervisor: Fine friend you are. See what lies do to other people. If youd told the truth, I would have let you borrow that wood. Just so I got it back later. Three days ago, we saw that one of the seven things Yahweh hates is a false witness who speaks lies. Another thing that is an abomination to Yahweh is a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). In that previous episode, Davey was spreading lies about someone else (i.e., Pierre the shoemaker). In this episode, he tells a lie to keep himself out of trouble. The Hebrew word translated abomination (toebah) means disgusting. Lying is disgusting to God. He takes it very serious remember the husband and wife team of Ananias & Sapphira. In an attempt to appear spiritual, they sold some land (fine, it was theirs to sell), gave a portion to the apostles (good thing to do), kept a portion for themselves (nothing wrong with that), but claimed they were giving all the proceeds from the sale to the apostles (whopping lie). When they were confronted with it, they held to their story and died on the spot. Peter said to Ananias before he died, you have not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:4). Solomon writes, a lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it (Proverbs 26:28). The Hebrew word translated crushed (dak) has at its root the meaning the moving back and forth in a cup". Seeds are placed in a stone mortar (cup) and the stone pestle is moved around the cup to cru sh the seeds into a powder. Thats what Daveys lie did to Jimmys chances of winning the pony he crushed them, in an effort to save his own skin. Davey obviously did not hate Jimmy in the sense that we think of it, but he was not acting in love toward his best friend while he was lying.

EPISODE 24 THE DOG SHOW

In The Dog Show, Davey and Nat are making preparations for a neighborhood dog show that will take place that afternoon. While the sign Davey painted is drying, he & Goliath head off to practice Goliaths secret trick roller skating. While they are away, a man from the local TV station talks to Nat and Teddy about broadcasting the show on television. Meanwhile, Goliath is having a hard time skating when he is not leaning on Davey. When they return, Teddy tells Davey about the local TV station. As he will be announcing the acts, Davey is excited about being on television. The last preparation for the show is to put up the sign that he had painted earlier. As he gets up on a wobbly ladder to put up the sign, he falls and breaks his leg. At home, the doctor tells him he cannot go to the dog show. Dr. Joe informs Mrs. Hansen that Im afraid he has a broken heart, as well as a broken leg. Davey tells Goliath that he will need to ska te without him. When Sally comes in to dust under his bed, Davey asks her to leave the dust mop with him. He convinces everyone to go to the show, leaving him home alone. Using the mop as a crutch, he works his way to the dog show. When he arrives at the park, he collapses. His mother gets him back home and attempts to find the doctor. While she is looking for Dr. Joe, it is finally Goliaths turn to skate by himself, but without Daveys help he falls and cries out for his master. When the doctor comes, he puts Daveys leg in traction. He begins the following conversation with his patient: Dr. Joe: Now then, Davey, Im afraid there is something that you dont understand. Davey: Yes, sir.

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Dr. Joe: Healing that leg isnt something we can do alone. Davey: You mean you cant heal it!! Dr. Joe: I cant. You cant. Only God can. Davey: Oh Dr. Joe: I set the bones. Only God can make them grow together. God made your body so that it has to rest while He heals it. Davey: No one else can heal it. Dr. Joe: No, Davey, we have to depend on God. Davey: You mean kind of lean on Him. Dr. Joe: Exactly what I mean. Davey: I need God, just like Goliath needed me. The biological process of aging is cyclical. We begin life as babies totally dependent on parents to meet our needs. As teenagers and adults we break away from this dependency and establish our independence. Then later as we enter our mature years and our bodies break down, we once again become dependent on others for care. I dont think anybody enjoys that part of the aging process. But it is pride to want to live our lives totally independent of the help of others and God. I dont mind being asked to help, but I hate having to ask for help. Nancy has pointed out to me many times that when I dont want to inconvenience someone by asking for their help, what I am really doing depriving them of the blessing of serving. In the introduction of Pauls letter to the Romans, he says, I long to see you, that may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both you and me (1:11, 12). God has designed it so that we need to depend on each other. A mother caring for her helpless baby and that same child caring for his elderly mother are both part of Gods plan. In the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time to help and a time to be helped. We need to accept both of them as from Gods hand. Goliath needed to lean on Davey. Davey needed to lean on God. We all need to set aside our pride and lean on God and each other.

EPISODE 25 DOWN AT THE FARM

In Down at the Farm, Davey & Sally are spending the summer at their grandparents farm. Davey has a vegetable garden, hoping to win awards at the fair with his onions, corn, beets, carrots and peas. He meets a boy his age, Tom, from a neighboring farm. The first thing Tom does is take Davey away from farming to go swimming. They plan to go fishing the next day. Daveys grandfather notices that Daveys garden is starting to suffer and asks Sally, who is taking care of a piglet, if she knows where her brother is. She indicates that he is probably down at the creek with his new friend. When Davey returns from fishing, his grandfather tells him that although Davey might forget about spraying the vegetables, the bugs will not forget to attack his vegetables. At lunch while saying grace, Davey prays, God help my vegetables to grow real big. This prayer sparks the following conversation:

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Grandpa: Dont you think God is doing His part, Davey? He sent the rain to make the plants grow. Hes given the seed, the soil, the air Sally: And the sunshine Grandpa: Thats right. Farming is a partnership, you know. Davey: Between me & God. Grandpa: Well then, if you are Gods partner, youve got to do your share, dont you? Davey: Uh, sure. Tom comes by after lunch and asks Davey if he wants to go fishing. Davey indicates the he would, but first he has to finish applying the pesticide and fertilizer. Tom tells Davey that he will wait for him down by the creek. Davey convinces Tom that if they work together they can be done in 20 minutes. When they go to the barn to get the fertilizer, Tom (who does not like work) notices that the rafters would make for a great hay jump . Davey doesnt need much coaxing to have fun rather than work. While the boys are hay jumping, Sallys piglet runs into Daveys garden and she observes, look at all the pretty bugs on all of Daveys vegetables. She shows her grandmother, who concludes that Daveys garden is sick and needs special care immediately. They tell grandpa, but he indicates that he has already warned Davey many times. Fair day arrives. Davey gets ready to pack his award winning vegetables. But to his surprise, all his v egetables are sick. His grandpa comes by to see how he is doing: Grandpa: Are you ready, Davey? Davey: I wasnt a good partner. Grandpa: No, you werent. Davey: God sent the rain and the sunshine. He did His part, but I didnt do mine. Grandpa: Thats right, Davey. Come now, its time to go to the fair. He encourages his grandson that next summer he will have chance to be a better partner. What kind of partner are we? In Ephesians 2, we read: for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (vv. 8 -10). Salvation is not a partnership it is 100% a gift of God (i.e., faith, repentance & a new heart are all granted by God) . Though we are not saved by good works, we are saved unto good works. From the time of our new birth until we die, God has good works that we are to do. Not in our own strength, for heres where the partnership comes in. Paul writes to the Philippians, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. The apostle is not talki ng to unsaved people and telling them to work on getting saved, but rather saved individuals, whom he is encouraging to work out what God has already worked in. What is God working into His partners? He energizing in us both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. What pleases Him? The good works He prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. The measure of our partnership lies in the answer to this question are we walking contrary to or according to the desires and abilities God is working in us? We should all evaluate our walk and remember Pauls command, Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15, 16). Lifes too short to waste it not being Gods faithful partner.

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EPISODE 26 THE WATERFALL

In The Waterfall, the Hansens are on a camping trip. As the previous day had involved hiking near the waterfall, they decide to do some exploring in the opposite direction after lunch, possibly to find an Indian totem pole. Davey and Goliath decide that they will search for bears that morning. As they are about to head out, Mr. Hansen calls Davey back to help with cleaning up the site; however, Goliath goes on ahead without his master. As he sniffs around the forest, he comes across a squirrel, an owl, a deer and a bear. As he heads toward the waterfall, he falls into a trap. Although he is able to free himself, he gets dirty and decides to take a bath in the river. However, he did not take into account the strong currents and finds himself flowing downstream. He is able to get up on a rock in the middle of the river, just upstream of the waterfall. Meanwhile, it is time for the Hansens to begin their hike; however, Davey is worried about Goliath. Although dogs rarely get lost, they also rarely miss meals. As Goliath did not return for lunch, Davey senses that he is in trouble and goes searching for his best friend. When Davey gets near the waterfall, he hopes Goliath has not gone in the river. However, when he gets to the riverbank, he sees paw prints going in, but none coming out. There is a canoe nearby and Davey gets into it and heads downstream. Before he gets to the waterfall, Davey is able to get the canoe back to shore, but it is then that he spies Goliath hanging onto the rock. Caring more about Goliath than himself, Davey takes the canoe back into the river, trying to jam it between the rocks near his dog. As he attempts to get Goliath into the canoe, he falls into the river, and he, Goliath and the canoe go over the waterfall. Davey pulls his unconscious dog out of the river, makes a stretcher and gets him back to camp. He sits next to Goliath, hoping for him to wake up. When he does, Sally observes: Sally: Davey, the way you love Goliath is like the way God loves us. Davey: Uh-huh. If I was lost and hurt and in trouble, God would look for me and help me like I did for you (Goliath). At the end of the account of Zacchaeus, Jesus states, The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Goliath was lost. Davey sought for him and risked his life to save him. Mankind was lost. Jesus, not only risked, but gave up His life to save us. I like to look at the Peshitta, an ancient Aramaic translation of the New Testament, as it probably gives us a good indication of the actual words Jesus spoke. In Aramaic, He says, came to seek and vivify that whic h was perishing. The Aramaic word translated perishing (abad) comes from a root meaning the door of the tent. The tent door separated the inside from the outside. We are on the outside. The prophet Isaiah declares, Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you (59:2). We were all separated from Yahweh; we were without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). As we were separated from Yahweh, Who is the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2:13), we were separated from life. The Aramaic word translated vivify (chayah) has at its root the wor d for stomach. When the stomach is empty one is weak and when it is filled one is revived. An empty stomach is like death and a full stomach is life. If we needed to be vivified, it means we were dead. We were separated and as a result of that separation, we were dead.

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Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians, God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus the Messiah, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is that God was in Messiah Jesus reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we as ambassadors for Messiah, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Messiahs behalf, be reconciled to God (5:18 -20). Full reconciliation (total removal of separation) is two-sided. Through the cross, God has been reconciled to man the sin that separated man from God has been imputed to Jesus (He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us [vs. 21]). The tent door that was separating us from God has been replaced with Jesus (John 10:9). Now man simply needs enter through Him, to lay down his weapons, end his warfare with God and be reconciled to Him, as God has already been reconciled to man.

EPISODE 27 HAPPY LANDING

In Happy Landing, Daveys father is flying back home from a business trip. Hank Swanson, a friend of the family who works at the airport control tower, offers to take Davey up in the tower until his dads flight lands. Mr. Swanson shows him how t he radar works. As he has been on the job for many years, he knows plane schedules and signs of changing weather very well. Davey notes that his friend must know about fifty things at the same time. Based on the weather conditions, Hank senses that Flight 20 is experiencing difficulties, so he calls to the plane. The pilot indicates that he was just about to call the tower and report that the deicing equipment was not working on the wings. Mr. Swanson directs him to land the plane in Perryville, where the weather is warmer in order to get the deicer fixed. Davey is amazed by his friends ability and observes, Goliath is the smartest dog that ever lived and youre the smartest control officer! To which, Hank replies, Its just that I care so much what happens to all those people in the planes, Davey. At this point, Flight 40 is coming in with zero visibility. Hank guides the pilot in for a safe landing. The pilot exclaims to the co-pilot, That Hank can work miracles. Impressed again by his friends abilit y, Davey begins the following conversation: Davey: You did it! I was magic! Hank: Not magic, just knowing. Davey: You know so much and help so many people, youre just like God. Hank: No, Davey, I know some things about some planes and people sometimes, but God knows about all people, all things, all the time! Davey: Just think, all people, all things, all the time! Thats how much God knows. The theological term for what Davey and Mr. Swanson are talking about is omniscience (one four omni words used to describe God: omnipotent [all powerful], omnipresent [everywhere at the same time], omniscient [all knowing] & omnibenevolent [infinite goodness]). The psalmist writes, Yahweh determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure (147:4, 5). Davey was amazed that Hank could know 50 (5 x 10^1) things at the same time. Interestingly, to give us a sense of how beyond measure Gods understanding is, the psalmist tells us that God named all the stars. It is estimated that there are ten septillion stars in the universe (1 x 10^25). If you had a telescope with a 25-inch aperture, you could only see 300 million (3 x

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10^8) stars. For every star you could se e, there are 30 quadrillion (3 x 10^16) that you couldnt see!! If NASAs Columbia Supercomputer, had been counting 50 trillion (5 x 10^13) stars per second since the end of Genesis 1, it would just be finishing up! But more important than knowing about every star, Yahweh knows all about us. David wrote, O Yahweh, You have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Yahweh, You know it altogether (Psalm 139:1-4). The Hebrew word translated altogether (kol) comes from a root meaning tame for the yoke". An animal that is tamed has been worked and is complete and ready for use. God doesnt just know everything as separate facts, but He has a complete knowledge about everything and all the relationships and interconnections. There is just no way to comprehend Gods knowledge. Is it any wonder then that Solomon commands us, trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Its foolish to trust our own extremely limited understanding and ignore Gods beyond measure understanding .

EPISODE 28 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In Editor-in-Chief, Davey is a delivery boy for The Morning Star, the local newspaper run by Editor Ed Brown. As Davey leaves with the papers, Ed asks him to stop by the office when he is done with his route. The whole time Davey is working, he is worried that Editor Brown is going to fire him. However, when Davey returns, Ed has a surprise for him all that he needs to start his own newspaper printing press, type set, ink and paper. Davey is extremely excited and very thankful. Back in his garage, he creates the title page for his newspaper, calling it The Comet and taking the title Editor -in-Chief. He is also trying to think of way to sufficiently thank Editor Brown for his kindness. He goes by The Morning Star to show Editor Ed the title pa ge of his newspaper and indicates that he will be heading out as a reporter that morning. He tells Goliath that he wishes he could get a scoop (very exciting, special news that your paper gets first as he explains to a quizzical Goliath). Just then, th ey see a runaway truck with no driver heading down the street. It hits a parked car, causes another car to have an accident, plows through a fire hydrant and ends up smashing into a house. Davey hurries back to the Garage to produce his first newspaper. He shows it to Editor Ed, who is impressed. As he answers the phone, the editor knocks his nameplate and it breaks. All of a sudden, Davey has an idea on how to thank his friend and runs home. As he is making Editor Brown a new nameplate, Teddy comes by and begins a conversation: Teddy: Watcha doin? Davey: Making a sign to thank Editor Ed? Teddy: Aw, what for? Davey: The printing press! Teddy: Youre always thanking people. Want to go fishing tomorrow morning? Davey: Im going to church to thank God. Teddy: Youre going to church to thank God, making a sign to thank the editor.

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Davey: Why not? When somebody loves you and does something for you, you want to say thanks. Teddy: Watcha gonna thank God for? Davey: For friends like Editor Ed. Teddy: Oh, be seein ya. Thanking people and thanking God, Teddy thought Davey did too much of both. The Apostle Paul writes in the opening of Philippians: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship (Greek, koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now (1:3-5). Pauls thanksgiving was always Godward first, since all good things ultimately come from His hand (the living God gives us richly all things to enjoy [1 Timothy 6:17], every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights [James 1:17]). Davey recognized that his friend, who was so kind in giving him the printing press, was given to him by God. As everything comes to us from the hand of God, Paul can command us in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Messiah Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He does not say for everything (although as we grow in our understanding of Gods sovereignty, we will be able to do that), but in everything (in the midst of prosperity or adversity, knowing that God is working all things together for good, we can always raise our hands in thanksgiving to Him). While Pauls thanks was always Godward first, he also gave thanks to those whom God used. As he closes Philippians, Paul writes, You have done well that you shared (Greek, sugkoinonia) in my distress. Now to you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared (Greek, koinoneo) with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. I have all and aboun d, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God (4:14-18). Although he does not use the phrase thank you, Paul is clearly thankful for their sacrifice on his behalf. We should all follow the example of Davey and the Apostle Paul in being ever thankful to God and the people God uses in our lives.

EPISODE 29 MAN OF THE HOUSE

In Man of the House, Mr. & Mrs. Hansen have to go to Perryville for the day. Initially, they are going to call a sitter, b ut Davey convinces them that he can handle things. This begins a conversation: Dad: Be man of the house, aye. Davey: Oh boy, I can do everything I want to! Dad: Not, oh boy yet. The man of the house cant do everything he wants to Davey. Davey: Huh? Dad: Somebody has to be responsible. Sally: Whats responsible mean? Dad: What does it mean, Davey? Davey: Well, when you trust me to do something, I dont let you down. Dad: Very good. Alright Davey, I pronounce you man of the house for the day.

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Sally: You can say, Oh, boy now. Davey: No, Ill say what the man of the house says, very good. Before leaving, Mr. Hansen notices that a valve on the oil tank is leaking. As an oil delivery is scheduled in the afternoon, he calls a plumber and makes sure Davey is aware of the situation; otherwise, the delivered oil will leak out of the tank. As his parents pull away, Davey says to Sally, Now Im man of the house, I can do anything I want! Goliath, having a feeling Dave y did not hear what his dad said, says, I dont know Davey. Davey calls Jimmy, Nat & Teddy to come to lunch and then heads over to the grocery to get all thats needed for Dagwood sandwiches. On his way home, he sees a construction site where he and his friends can hang out after lunch. When the gang arrives, they move the furniture around in the living room and play cops & robbers. They are making so much noise that they do not hear the plumber at the door, which means the valve does not get fixed. After lunch, they head over to watch the excavator. While they are gone, the oil delivery is made and, as Mr. Hansen had warned, the oil leaks out of the tank into the room. Davey, Goliath & Sally arrive home just before their parents. When his dad walks in the house and looks around, he begins to say, very good, Davey, very , but then notices something leaking into the kitchen its the heating oil. He calls for Davey: Davey: Its not my fault! Its not my fault. The plumber didnt come! Dad: Then why didnt you watch for the oil man! Davey: I I I let you down. Dad: Davey, what went wrong? Davey: I had so much fun doing what I wanted to, I forgot! Dad: Forgot what? Davey: That I was responsible. Dad: Cant have one without the other. Davey: Not ever! Dad: No, freedom is something God gives. He lets us decide what we do. But we have to be responsible for what happens. Sally (seeing Davey wiping up oil): Watcha doing? Davey: Being responsible. Goliath: Very good, Davey, very good. Davey thought freedom without responsibility was fun. To be able to do whatever you wanted with no consequences sounds great but it is not reality. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 11, rejoice, O young man in your youth, and let your heart chee r you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment (vs. 9). He adds in the following chapter, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is mans all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (12:14). The Apostle Paul put it this way, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7). If you sow wheat, you will reap wheat. If you sow tares, you will reap tares. But it must be remembered that reaping rarely comes in the same season as sowing. However, as Robert Louis Stevenson supposedly said, everybody, sooner or later, sits down to a banquet of consequences. Freedom without responsibility will ultimately result in judgme nt.

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EPISODE 30 BULLY UP A TREE

In Bully Up a Tree, Davey is at his grandfathers farm again. While in town, Davey leaves Goliath with several bags of groceries while he goes to search for grandpa. As Davey walks away, another dog comes and steals one of the bags. Goliath attacks the dog to stop the theft. Just then, the other dogs master uses a sling shot to hit Goliath with a stone. Davey c omes out and fights with the boy in the street until his grandfather breaks up the fight and says: Grandpa: Whats this all about, Davey? Davey: That guy was shooting rocks at Goliath. Boy, Id sure like to get even with him. Grandpa: Getting even isnt the right way, Davey. Its easy to hate, but hard loving those who are mean to us. What would God want you to do? Davey: You mean God wants me to love that bully? Grandpa: Yes, Davey. Those who hurt us most need our love the most. God cares about that boy as much as he cares about you and me. When they return to the farm, Daveys friend Tom goes by and t he boys go down to the creek. As they near their normal fishing spot, the bully shoots Toms hat off with his slingshot. Davey & Tom head to another place to fish. While they are fishing, the bully starts shooting rocks at a peccary and chases after it. Eventually he corners the poor animal, while continues to hit it with rocks. The peccary does the only thing that it can, run right at the bully. Eventually the peccary chases his attacker up a tree (remember Travis Coates and Old Yeller). The bully starts to yell for help. Davey and Tom hear the yelling. Tom indicates that it sounds like the bully and he is glad he is in trouble. Davey, however, goes to check out the situation, just in case it is someone other than the bully who needs help. When he sees that it is the bully, he turns away. Goliath begins this conversation: Goliath: Why would anyone want to help him? Davey: (Stops dead in his tracks and thinks) Like, Grandpa said, this isnt the right way. Go chase the peccary! With the peccary out of the picture, Davey helps the bully out of the tree and then turns to walk away. The bully is surprised, after what he had done to Davey & Goliath, that Davey had helped him. He indicated that no kid had ever been kind to him that way before. Davey, Goliath & Tom become friends with Jerry. At the end of the episode, Davy is shooting cans with a slingshot. His grandfather notes: Grandpa: Nice shot, Davey. Where did you get the slingshot? Davey: You remember that boy in town this morning? He gav e it to me. And you know something, Grandpa, hes not really a bully, he just never had any friends. Grandpa: Until now? Davey: Yep. You were right, Grandpa. God wanted me to love him. I tried and it worked. Grandpa: Davey, youre not only shooting straight, youre thinking straight.

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It probably was one of the more shocking things Jesus said, You have heard it said, Love shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (Matthew 5:43 -46) Love, bless, do good & pray for your enemies thats Gods way and thats way Daveys grandpa taught him. In Romans 12, Paul in commanding us not to avenge ourselves, quotes Solomon: if your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you (Proverbs 25:21, 22). Concerning this passage, Barbara Bowen writes in Strange Scriptures that Perplex the Western Mind : In the Bible lands almost everything is carried on the head water jars, baskets of fruit, vegetables, fish or any other article. Those carrying the burden rarely touch it with the hands, and they walk through crowded streets and lanes with perfect ease. In many homes the only fire they have is kept in a brazier, which they use for simple cooking as well as for warmth. They plan to always keep it burning. If it should go out, some member of the family will take the brazier to a neighbors house to borrow fire. Then she will lift the brazier to her head and start for home. If her neighbor is a generous woman, she will heap the brazier full of coals. To feed an enemy and give him drink was like heaping the empty brazier with live coals which meant food, warmth and almost life itself to the person or home needing it, and was the symbol of finest generosity. We were shown infinite generosity when we were Gods enemies (Romans 5:10), as His children w e need to do the same for our enemies, that they too may know Gods love.

EPISODE 31 BIG APPLE

In the Big Apple, Davey is upset that he and his dad have not done anything together recently just the two of them. Mr. Hansen indicates that though he had been busy lately, he and his son can go on a camping and fishing trip starting that afternoon. Sally reminds her brother that he promised to take her to look for apples that morning. The come across an orchard and figure that they can take the apples are hanging over the fence. They meet Bill Jones, whose family owns the orchard. He invites them in, letting them know that they can have all the apples they want as long as they help with the harvest. While picking apples, Sally finds a huge, bright red apple with no scars or bruises. When she shows it to Tom, he figures it is the sweetest apple in the orchard; however, she is reluctant to share it. When she does agree to share it, she cuts off just a tiny sliver and hands it to Davey. Her brother reminds her, You didnt make that apple, God did. He didnt grow it just for you. She then cuts the apple into 4 even pieces. As they are all enjoying the apple, Sally remarks, Sharings fun! After they pack all the baskets of apples they picked onto a truck and head back to barn to process the apples, Bill asks Davey if they can stay all afternoon. Davey explains that he is going on a camping trip with his dad, to which Bill remarks, I wi sh I had a dad. It must be swell to do things with him. It seems that Bills dad has died. While they are emptying baskets of apples into a sorter, Sally pulls her brother aside:

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Sally: You told me to share, now you share. Davey: Share what? Sally: Daddy. Bill doesnt have one, so share ours. Davey: Not Dad! Sally: Davey Hansen, God didnt make Daddy just for you. Davey: Huh? (Not to happy about having his own words thrown back at him) Sally: Remember how much fun we had when we shared the apple. I felt good. Davey: Oh, alright (then in a voice that almost dares Bill to say yes) Hey Bill, you want to go camping and fishing with me and my dad. Through the entire afternoon, Davey doesnt have a good time. In his mind the whole trip is a bust, because his dads attention is not totally on him. Mr. Hansen teaches them about fishing, making fires, cooking and stars. As they are singing around the campfire, Davey says, All of a sudden I feel happy and I know why. Ive been sharing someone God gave me. As they are going to sleep, the boys have the following conversation: Bill: Youre a swell apple, Davey! Davey: Not me, Dads the swell apple! Bill: Then thanks for sharing the apple The Apostle Paul asked the Corinthians in his first epistle to them, What do you have that you did not receive? Now, if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (4:7). The answer to the first question is Nothing! God gave us everything that we have. The answer to the second question, We are boasting because we forgot that everything comes from the hand of God. Does God give us time, talents, family, opportunities and money simply to use on ourselves? No. Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy, Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17, 18). God does not intend us to be storehouses of His riches, but channels to our world. Solomon writes, There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it (Proverbs 11:24 -26). The Hebrew word translated generous (berakah) comes from a root that means to fill the palm. Somebody in our world has empty palms and we allow God to fill those palms with riches He has given us. Bill needed a dad and Davey, although reluctantly at first, was willing to share the father God had given him. What empty palms are around us that God wants to use us to fill?

EPISODE 32 THE BRIDGE

In The Bridge, the Hansens are going for a picnic in the mountains. As they are driving up the mountain, they stop to stretch at Half-Way Lookout. As they look down into the valley, Davey says: Davey: Id hate to get lost in all those trees. I wouldnt know how to get out.

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Dad: Yes, you would. Youd know moss grows heaviest on the north side of trees. Or at night youd be guided by the North Star. Davey: Id be too scared to remember. Dad: Dont forget there is always Someone around to help. Remember who? Davey: God is always around to help. Hes everywhere! Davey and Sally ask if they can hike the rest of the way up the mountain. Their dad warns them to stay on the path and their mom reminds Davey to take care of his sister. Goliath challenges Davey to a race up the mountain. They are able to keep up with him for awhile, but soon Sally and Davey need to rest, while Goliath goes on ahead. While they are catching their breath, Sally notices a vine that would make a great swing. After they start hiking again, they reach a rope bridge over a river and decide to jump up and down on it. As they do, one of the anchors come out of the ground Sally landing next to the river on one side and Davey hanging onto the rope on the other side. He climbs back up to the surface. Sally feels as though the river is going to carry her away as it laps up on the narrow area on which she stands. Davey thinks to himself, Whatll I do? Whatll I do? Then his fathers words came to mind, Dont forget there is Someone around to help. So he prays, Please God help me figure out how to get across. He uses his pen knife to cut as much rope as he can from the bridge. But its not long enough. Then God brings to mind the vine that Sally had been swinging on. Once he ad ds the vine, the line is long enough but he has difficulty getting it to Sally so she can catch it. He prays again and God shows him a rock he can use to give the line more weight. His sister is able to catch the line and Davey climbs across the river. Once on the same side as Sally, Davey is able to lift his sister to the surface. Meantime, Goliath and Mr. Hansen are coming down the mountain looking for Davey & Sally. Davey is just climbing up to the surface when they reach the bridge. His dad, looking at the situation, asks, How did you get across? Davey replies, I had some special help. There are plenty of times when we dont know what to do. James writes, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. But let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Let not such a man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (1:2-8). God allows trials to come into our lives to bring us to end of ourselves, not that we might despair, but that we might grow in our dependence on Him. A trial had come into Daveys life he had a responsibility to take care of his sister. But he did not know what to do, until he asked for Gods help and God gave him the wisdom that he needed to rescue Sally. I dont think the wisdom that James is talking about is an understanding of why a trial has come into our lives (we need to come to the point where we trust Gods sovereign hand), but rather an understanding what does God want us to do in the midst of the trial. God may never answer the why question, but He promises to give us abundant wisdom so that we can go through the trial in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

EPISODE 33 THE JICKETS

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In The Jickets, Sally finds a lost doll and asks all around to find her momma. Unsuccessful in her search, she goes home and explains the situation to her dad and Davey. Davey indicates the doll is now Sallys based on Finders Keepers rule. Their dad disagrees and points out that God intends Sally to keep looking. Davey mentions that there is a new family with a boy and girl that have moved into the house across from the church. So Davey, Sally & Goliath head over to the house. Sally isnt crazy about returning the doll, having become somewhat attached to her, but Davey says to her, Stop fussing, dont you want to do whats right. When they get to the house, Davey sees a brand new mot orized scooter and he sounds the horn a few times, which brings out the girl. She indicates that the scooter is her brothers and that the doll that Sally is holdin g is hers. She invites Sally in to play. Then Davey meets her brother, Joe, who just got the scooter for his birthday. He asks Davey to stay, but Davey is on his way to his secret club meeting. The clubhouse has a sign The Js, which stands for the Jickets. At the meeting, they are discussing their hike the followi ng week. Meantime, Joes father has come home from work and is teaching him to ride the scooter. As the Jickets meeting is breaking up, the boys see Joe on his scooter. Since Davey already has met him, the chief tells him to wave to Joe the next time he comes around and to ask him to give them rides. As Joe passes by his house, his father says, Thats the last time and hurry back. When Joe comes by the clubhouse and Davey asks him to stop and give them rides, Joe indicates that he cant. The Jickets think he is being stingy and stuck-up, when in reality he is simply obeying his dad. The boys decide to invite Joe to join the club under false pretenses only to beat him up. Davey steps away and tells the others that their plan is not right. Teddy doesnt think so either; however, when the chief states that anyone who does not throw in with the plan will be thrown out of the club, Teddy acquiesces. However, Davey sticks to his convictions and leaves. When Davey gets home, he tells Sally that he did what was right. In the meantime, Jimmy goes over to invite Bill to join the Js. Back at the Hansens, Sally is pointing out something to her older brother: Sally: You didnt do enough. Davey: Huh? Sally: You oughta help that boy when they try to beat him up. Davey: Its none of my business now. Goliath: I dont know Davey. Sally: Sometimes its easy and sometimes its hard, but Daddy said God wants us to do everything we can. Davey: I did do everything. Goliath: I dont know Davey. Davey: You keep out of this. (Thinking) I guess God would want me to help Joe, even if the guys never speak to me again. Davey comes by the clubhouse and tells the guys that they will need to beat him up before they can get to Bill. A fight breaks out. When Davey arrives home and his mom is ab out to reprimand him for fighting, Davey says, Maybe you wont believe it, but I stood up for what I thought was right and thats what God wanted me to do! The first Scripture that came to mind related to this episode is found in Proverbs 1, where Solom on wrote, My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innoc ent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path (vv. 10 -15). The Jickets were lurking secretly for the innocent without cause. Joe did not snub them; he was simply obeying his father. Davey did what was right in not casting his lot in with the other Jickets. But he had not done all he could to help Joe, who was about to be ambushed by 5 boys. In Psalm 82, we are commanded to defend the weak & the fatherless, maintain the right of the afflicted & the destitute; rescue the weak & the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked (vv. 3, 4). With Sallys encouragement, Davey helped to deliver Bill from the Jickets hands.

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EPISODE 34 THE LEMONADE STAND

In the Lemonade Stand, Daveys twin friends, Timmy and Tommy, come by with a business proposition, they will bring the lemons, glasses and ice, if Davey will provide the sugar an d the stand. Daveys father indicates that he will be glad to help Davey build the lemonade stand. After his friends leave noting that they will return around 1 PM, Davey has a question for his dad, seeing Timmy & Tommy look and act so similarly: Davey: So how can God tell which one He loves the best? Dad: God doesnt love anyone best, Davey. He loves us all the same. Davey: Oh! Come on lets build that lemonade stand. Dad: As soon as I finish this cup of coffee. In the meantime, Sally is preparing for a doll parade. However, as she is trying to reach something on her shelf, she falls and breaks her doll carriage. Her dad comes in to see how she is and assures her that he can fix the carriage, as soon as he is finished building the lemonade stand for Davey. She insists that the carriage has to be fixed immediately. Before he can reprimand her for being selfish, she informs him that her parade is at 11 AM. Out in the garage, Davey is impatiently waiting for his dad. He calls into the house to find out what is taking so long and when he hears that she is fixing Sallys doll carriage, he concludes, You love Sally more than me! Before their dad can explain, Davey slams the door and decides to run away. His first step is to inform his business partners that things have gone sour and the lemonade stand is a bust. Shortly after Davey leaves, Mr. Hansen comes out to the garage to work on the stand. As Davey is walking around town, he sees a bunch of girls with doll carriages and one of them asks about Sally, because she is late for the parade. All of a sudden, Davey has a clearer picture of his fathers actions. He meets Sally and tells her that he hopes that she wins first prize. When she tel ls him that there are no prizes, he tells her the winner can have a free glass of lemonade. Then he stops by to see Timmy & Tommy again, to tell them that they are back in business. He then returns home to talk with his father: Dad: Now about Sally, Davey. Davey: I know about Sally. Ive got it straight now. She had to be in a parade. Dad: You dont seem to have it straight about me. Davey: Yes, I do too. You dont love Sally better than me. You love us both best. She needed you right then. Dad: You have got it straight. Davey: Dad, it is like that with God? He loves us all best. Dad: Right! Unfortunately for profits, all four girls come in first place. Davey laughs and says, Ice cold lemonade, no cents a glass. Two thoughts. The first is from Solomon, He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him (Proverbs 18:13). Davey did not take the time for his father to explain why he needed to help Sally first. He felt hurt and he got angry. He did not follow the command of James who wrote, let every man be swift to hear, sl ow to speak and slow to wrath (2:9). Davey had been slow to hear and quick to wrath. We should not make judgments without hearing all the facts.

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The second thought is concerning Gods love. Who does God love? The Apostle John writes, in this is love , not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). You could ask who is us? Earlier in this epistle, the apostle writes, My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus the Messiah, the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (2:1, 2). Jesus is the propitiation (the satisfying s acrifice) for the sins of the whole world, which means God loves the whole world. We might make a hasty judgment that God loves the rich more than the poor OR the healthy more than the sick. But Gods love is not proved by temporal blessings, but in His provision for sin. We err if we compare our circumstances to others and conclude that God loves us more or less than them. Yahweh is working differently in all of our lives, but He loves us all the same.

EPISODE 35 HOCUS POCUS

In Hocus Pocus, Davey and Teddy go to see a magician, the Great Lorenzo, at the local theater. He makes flowers appear out of nowhere, pulls a rabbit out of an empty hat, and cuts his assistant in half. When he asks for two helpers for his next trick, Davey and Teddy volunteer. He asks them to check a chest to confirm that it is empty. Then he has Davey tie his hands together. His assistant then pulls a body long bag over the magician. Teddy ties his feet together and then Davey ties the bag. The assistant then helps Lorenzo into the chest. By the time she counts to three, Lorenzo rises out of the chest wearing a cape and hat that he had not been wearing. After the show, the boys go to the magicians dressing room and the following conversation develops: Lorenzo: Oh, my small friends, welcome. Come in. Davey: Are you Lorenzo? (unsure because he has removed his fake beard and mustache) Lorenzo: This is my real face. Davey: Well, we just wanted to tell you that Lorenzo: You like my performance. Davey: We sure did! Teddy: Youre just like God! Lorenzo: Here now, wait a minute. No, no, no, I am not like God. Teddy: But you can do anything. Lorenzo: All I can do is tricks. God does great & marvelous things that no one else can do. Davey: You made flowers. Lorenzo: Did I? Look at them, nothing but paper. And I didnt even make paper flowers; they were in my hands all the time. I bought them at the store. Gods flowers are real. Assistant: (Entering the room) Lorenzo, lend me some cold cream. Teddy: You cut her in half and put her together again! Lorenzo: All I did was fool you. Assistant: He didnt even touch me; I was cured up at one end of the box. Lorenzo: And if I had hurt her, could I have healed her? No!

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Davey: Only God could. Teddy: You are too like God, what about the trunk. Lorenzo: I think you boys better come with me backstage (they walk from the dressing room to backstage) Now we are behind stage (opens the curtains and exposes the trunk). Now watch (opens trap door on back of trunk). Get it now? Davey: Some back here cut you ropes and gave you the hat and cape. Lorenzo: See now young fellow. All hocus pocus, all tricks, all a fake. Just to fool you. Is that like God? Teddy: No sir. Davey: God would never trick us or fool us. Lorenzo: Right! Im only an entertainer, boys, my hands are very fast. I can hide what I dont want you to see and make you see what you dont see. But who gave me my hands? Davey: God did! The key phrase is said by Lorenzo, God does great & marvelous things that no one else can do. In Job 5:9, Eliphaz echoes the magicians words, God does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. The Hebrew word translated great things (gadol) has at its root the idea of a cord being made by twisting fibers together, the larger and more numerous the fibers, the stronger the cord will be. We are told how large and strong the things God does in the next phrase, unsearchable (ayin cheqer) they are so deep you can dig enough to reach their depths. The Hebrew word translated marvelous things (pala) in this passage probably has the idea of difficult to understand (i.e., they blow our mind). These mind blowing things that God does are said to be without number ( micpar), which means if the world does not contain enough paper and ink to record all the mind-blowing things that God does. In Revelation 15:3, 4, we read the song of the Lamb, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the ages! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for your judgments have been manifested. Lorenzo was gifted by God, but he made sure that gift helped people see how great God was, not him. Jesus said, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Our lives should point others to our great & marvelous God.

EPISODE 36 GOOD NEIGHBOR

In Good Neighbor, the town is celebrating, you guessed it, Good Neighbor Week. After watching the kick-off parade, Davey, Teddy & Jimmy head back to Daveys house to play football. They pass Mr. Lotts house, an elderly gentleman with a broken arm, who asks them for help raking the leaves. While they are working, Sally comes by to tell the boys that at 2 PM at the bandstand in the park, they are handing out great big good neighbor balloons. At lunch, the Hansens have the following conversation: Davey: It was fun helping Mr. Lott. Besides he gave me a quarter. It pays to be a good neighbor. Dad: Wow there Davey! Arent you getting fun and money mixed up with being a good neighbor?

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Davey: I am? Dad: Who is our neighbor? Who does God say our neighbors are? Davey: OUR Neighbors. Dad: Just people next store and down the block? Just people we know? Davey: You mean people we dont know are our neighbors? Mom: Anyone who needs our help. Davey: Yeah, but that could be anybody! Dad: God says anybody who needs our help is our neighbor. Sally heads over to the park early to listen to the band. Soon after she enters the park, a girl about her age comes into the park on her wagon. She hits a branch on the path, her wagon turns over and she is hurt. Jimmy runs right past her, not even giving her a second thought. Teddy sees her, stops briefly, but tells her that he cant help because he has to get his ballo on. Finally, Davey & Goliath come by. Remembering his fathers words, he helps the girl get her dress free from the wagons axl e, sets the wagon back upright, and cleans her face. He then tells her that she can go home to her mother, whom she had been crying for, but she indicates that she is lost. She only knows her first name (Mary) and the general area in which she lives. Davey tells her to get into the wagon and he pulls her around town, trying to find someone who knows Mary. Meanwhile, Jimmy & Teddy are lying to the mayor about being good neighbors and getting their balloons. Finally, after talking to many people, Davey finds someone who recognizes Mary and knows the address of her house. Mary and her mother are very happy to be reunited. When Davey gets back to the park, the mayor has handed out the last balloon. When he goes over to his friends, Teddy begins this conversation: Teddy: Where youve been? Davey: Had to take a little girl home. Jimmy: Who? Davey: She was hurt in the park. Jimmy: That one? Davey: Had to be a good neighbor. Teddy: She isnt your neighbor. Davey: She is too. She needed help. Jimmy: Did her mother pay you? Davey: I didnt do it for pay. Jimmy: Didnt even get a balloon, but I did, cause Im a good neighbor (at which point his balloon pops!) This episode clearly finds its origins in Jesus Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. We are told that a lawyer tried to test Jesus with a difficult question, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus throws the question back at him, saying, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? The lawyer responds, You shal l love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus commends him, saying, You have answered rightly, do this and you will live. But because this is very di fficult, the lawyer asks the same question that Daveys father did, Who is my neighbor? In answering that question, Jesus tells of a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, who fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. A priest comes upon the man, but like Jimmy, he does not help. A Levite comes upon the man, but like Teddy, he he does not help either. Then a Samaritan comes by. In 2 Kings 17:24-41, you can read about the origin of the Samaritans they were hated by the Jews, so Jesus parable would have been shocking. Not only does this hated Samaritan actually stop, he bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him, similar to what Davey did for Mary. If that wasnt enough, on the next day, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you. Upon finishing the parable, Jesus indicates that the lawyer had been asking the wrong question. The question is not Who is my neighbor?, but rather Who am I being a neighbor to? As Daveys parents pointed out to him, a neighbor is anyone who needs our help. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated neighbor ( rea) in Leviticus 19:18 (the passage used by the lawyer) comes from the Hebrew word for shepherd ( raah), the one who watches over and provides for the flock. In a sense, every person that we come in contact with is part of our flock to watch over and help when in need.

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EPISODE 37 A DILLAR, A DOLLAR

In A Dillar, A Dollar, Davey and Teddy are late for school and in danger of being sent to the principals office. While th ey should be running to beat the second bell, Teddy is dragging his feet, which sets off the following conversation between the friends: Davey: For Petes sake, you sick? Teddy: No, my ma is! Davey: Gee, why didnt you say so? Teddy: Shes awful sick, Davey. My dads away & I dont know what to do. Davey: Have you had the doctor? Teddy: Last night and hes coming this morning too. I want to do more. Davey: Yeah, I know. I felt that way last summer when my mom was sick. But I felt better after I asked God to help. Teddy: I couldnt talk to God. Davey: Sure you can. Anybody can. Teddy: But I dont know Him. Davey: He knows you. Teddy: I wouldnt know what to say. Davey: Just ask Him to help make her well. Teddy: No, Im scared to talk to God. Davey: But thats (interrupted by the second bell) Meantime, their teacher Miss Phillips is taking attendance. As Davey & Teddy enter the classroom, she sends them to Principal Dennys office. Davey encourages his friend to tell the principal that they are late because of his mothe r being sick, but Teddy indicates that he is scared to talk to him because he will not understand. They enter Mr. Dennys office and are surprised that he knows them by name. When he asks why they were late, they are silent. He say, If you wont talk t o me, how can I help straighten this out? Finally, Davey explains about Teddys mom and we hear the following: Mr. Denny: Why didnt you tell me? Teddy: I couldnt, I was scared. Mr. Denny: Scared I wouldnt understand? Teddy: I guess so. Davey: Shes real sick, Mr. Denny. Mr. Denny: Lets see if we cant help her. I expect she would like to have her boy at home. Teddy: I can go home. Mr. Denny: Excused for the day. And Davey, you go along and see if you can help. Davey: Yes, sir. Teddy: Thank you, Mr. Denny. Mr. Denny: Any time you boys have troubles, come talk them over with me.

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Davey: Anytime? Mr. Denny: Im never too busy to try to help. Even though he is at home with his mom and the doctor has been by and Davey is about to go to the pharmacy to get her medication, Teddy still feels as though there is something he needs to do. Davey reminds him what to do, but Teddy again expresses being scared to talk with God, that He will not understand. Then Davey points out how wrong they had been about Mr. Denny and that Teddy is wrong in the same way about God. While his friend is at the drug store and his mom is sleeping, Teddy finally goes to his room and asks God for His help. His mom was still sick, but his worries were gone for he had placed his mom into Gods hands. I never understood the title of this episode until a couple of days ago, when I saw that it is based on a nursery rhyme A di ller, a dollar, a ten o'clock scholar, what makes you come so soon? You used to come at ten o'clock, and now you come at noon. The episode reminds me of Pauls words in Philippians 4, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Messiah Jesus (vv. 6, 7). The Greek word translated be anxious (merimnao) has at its root the idea of being drawn away in different directions. When we are anxious, we are distracted from assurance that God is in total control. However, in spending time with God in prayer, we can give the situation that is causing us to be divided back into the hands of God. Teddys mom did not get instantly well after he prayed, but he had peace. Peace not answers is what we need and what God gives.

EPISODE 38 RAGS & BUTTONS

In Rags & Buttons, Sally and Mrs. Hansen are both sewing daughter is putting a button eye on her rag doll and mother is finishing her daughters May Queen veil. Davey makes fun of both the fact going to be Queen of the May and that her doll has buttons for eyes. He has Goliath grab the doll for him and then keeps it away from Sally while yelling, One eye dolly. When Mrs. Hansen tells them to stop quarreling, he hands the doll back saying: Davey: Oh, take your dumb old doll! Sally: I love my dolly! But I dont love you anymore! I dont see how anyone could love you. I dont even see how God could love you. Davey: God does love me though. Come on, Goliath, were not popular in here. Goliath: (Outside and noticing Davey thinking to himself) Whats the matter? Davey: Why does God love me when Im mean like that? Goliath: I dont know, Davey. Davey: God doesnt like the bad things I do, but He still loves me. I sure dont see why. Davey decides to head over to the school and watch Maypole dance practice. Before she starts practice, Sally places her doll on the teeter-totter. After the girls practice the dance, they head inside to practice the crowning of the queen. Davey goes

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in, but Goliath must stay outside. Left alone, Goliath tries to do the Maypole dance. While he is running around the pole with one of the streamers in his mouth, he steps on the other end of the teeter-totter sending Sallys doll up into the air to land atop the Maypole. As Davey comes out to get Goliath and Sally her doll, they all reach the teeter totter at the same moment to see the doll is missing. Sally begins to cry, but Davey assures her that he will help her find the doll. As he looks around, he notices the doll in the shadow of the Maypole. Davey shimmies up the pole to retrieve the doll. As it hands her to Sally, he says: Davey: All that trouble for a dumb, old, funny-looking doll. Sally: I love her. Davey: Shes nothing but a bunch of rags & buttons. How can you love her? Sally: Because she belongs to me. I made her, Davey. Shes mine. Davey: Hey! Sally: What? Davey: Thats how it is with God & us. Sally: Huh?? Davey: God made us. We belong to Him. So He loves us. See? Sally: Well sure. Davey: God even loves me when I act like rags & buttons. Sally: Come on, rags & buttons. Its time for lunch. Sally loved her dumb, old, funny -looking doll because she had made her and belonged to her. David writes, Yahweh is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Yahweh is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made. Yahweh is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works. Yahweh upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing (Psalm 145:8 9, 13b -16). Likewise, Yahweh loves what He made, which includes you and me. None of us deserves His love: For when we were still without strength, in due time Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us (Romans 5:6, 8). God not only made rag dolls like you and me, He gave His only Son to seek and to save that which was lost (i.e., atop of the maypole).

EPISODE 39 JEEP IN THE DEEP

In Jeep in the Deep, Davey, Goliath & Mr. Hansen are taking a ferry, when their jeep falls into the ocean. The captain tel ls them that they can rent a barge with a crane and hire a deep sea diver to recover the jeep. Both Davey and his dad are allowed to go down with the diver. As Davey is about to go down, he says to Goliath, nothing but mud and dark down there. Davey is hooked up to a telephone so that he can talk with his dad, the diver and Goliath, who remains in the barge. After they hookup the jeep an bring it to the surface, the diver says: Diver: Mr. Hansen, follow me over there and well show the boy some fine coral formations. Dad: Thanks!

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Diver: Look over there, Davey, thats a coral garden. Stand very still, Davey, and the fish wont be scared to come near us. Davey: Hello fish (after fish is scared away) Ha, ha, ha! Goliath: Daveys talking to fish. Davey: Its a whole new world down here. Dad: God made this world too, Davey. Diver: Look, kissing fish, their real name is grunts. Theres some antler coral, Davey, the antlers are from 8 -16 feet long. Goliath: Antlers??? Davey: Why did it get dark? Diver: Look above you, big school of fish is going over. Goliath: Fish go to school??? Davey: Sea horses! Goliath: Horses down there???? Dad: Look at your feet, starfishes. If it loses a point of its star, it just grows another one. Davey: Stars in the sky and down here too! Goliath: Davey, no! Davey: Look at that coral? Diver: Sea fans, all colors. Come this way and I will show you some beautiful sea anemones. Davey: Hey what are those? Diver: Queen Angelfish. Davey: Wait til I tell Goliath about the angels. Goliath: Angels???? Diver: The sea anemones. Look to the left & you will see a porcupine fish. Dad: See its quills? Davey: Hey, I bet they stick. Diver: They do! Dad: Heres something else that sticks. Diver: Sea urchins. Davey: I never saw so many wonderful things. And God put them clear down here. I wish Goliath could see. Diver: Hows that for a big fish, Davey. Thats a grouper. Davey: He looks mean. Diver: No, very friendly fellow & he changes into 7 different colors. Dad: Look just above and see all kinds of fish. Diver: Sorry theres not a pirate ship down here so you could look for treasure. Davey: I found treasure! Davey realized that he was wrong about the ocean it wasnt dark and lifeless. The psalmist writes, O Yahweh, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions. This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great. There the ships sail about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there (Psalm 104:24-26). Davey learned that the psalmist knew what he was writing about the sea is filled with innumerable creatures, both great (e.g., blue whale [100 ft long & 200 tons]) and small (e.g., krill [2.5 inches long & 2 grams][primary food source fo r the blue whale]). Gods wisdom is seen in each and every one of these creatures.

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EPISODE 40 THE STOPPED CLOCK

In The Stopped Clock, Davey is feeling rejected: (1) Goliath does not need his help burying a bone; (2) the high school baseball team does not need his help as bat boy as they are only practicing fielding; (3) Jimmy has no time to play checkers as he must practice piano; (4) his mom has no time to bake something as she must get to a PTA meeting; and, (5) Sally cannot go bike riding as she promised a friend to play dolls. Davey concludes, Who needs people anyhow, I dont even need my dog! He decides to eat his dinner in his room, not even allowing Goliath in. His dad comes to see what is bothering him, although Goliath gets there ahead of him: Goliath: Davey? Davey: Go away, Im busy. Goliath: You are not busy. Davey: Am too! Get lost, scram, dont bother me! Dad: Anyone back here need company? Davey: I dont need anybody in the whole wide world! Dad: Davey, try to imagine a world with no one in it but you. Davey: It would be fun. Dad: Think so? This house empty. The town no one anywhere. School, church, other houses all empty. Just Davey Hansen, all by himself. Good night son, think about it. Davey: I will. Davey falls asleep. As he dreams, his clock comes to a stop and his subconscious arises out of bed. While in his house, he thinks it will be great with no little sister tagging along or parents telling him what to do. He goes to the ball field and stands on the pitching mound, instead of being bat boy. However with no batter or catcher, it is no fun. He goes to church for choir practice, but it is too quiet. He goes to Jimmys and realizes playing checkers by himself is boring. He goes home hoping that everyone has returned, but he is still alone. He decides there is nothing to do but go to bed. He kneels down and prays, God, have you gone away too? No, never. Im sorry I said I didnt need anyone. I do. I love people. I need people. Im sorry. The clock starts back up. He wakes with a new appreciation of Goliath and people. Yahweh God said it back in Genesis 2, it is not good that man should be alone, I will make him a helper comparable to him (vs. 18). The Hebrew word translated alone (bad) has at its root the door of the tent. The tent door separated the outside from the inside, thus when a person is alone, they are separated from other people a condition that God says is not good. God designed both the family and the church on the basis of interdependency. Paul writes in his first epistle to the Corinthians, Now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but the presentable parts have no need. But God has composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the

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members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (12:20 -26). We may hurt each other and let each other down from time to time (as Davey learned), but the truth still stands: husband and wives need each other, parents and children need each other, friends need each other, coworkers need each other, and believers need each other. There is very little that we can accomplish on our own. Interestingly, the Greek word translated care (merimnao) is that same one that we looked at in A Dillar, A Dollar and Philippians 4:6 (be anxious [merimnao] for nothing). In Philippians, we were not to allow circumstance to divide our heart with regards to its faith in the sovereignt y of God. However, here we see that our thoughts are not merely to be about ourselves but divided in concern for the people God has placed in our lives. We need each other.

EPISODE 41 WHO ME?

In Who Me?, Davey has been lackadaisical about doing his chores. When told to take out the garbage, he complains that he will do it later when his television show is over. On his way out, he trips on a hammer that he left lying around and spills the garbage. Instead of picking it all up, he makes a game of it trying to kick or throw the garbage into the cans. He doesnt get very far, when he is called in to move his soap box derby out of the living room and into the garage. He only completes this job partly also, leaving his derby racer and tools in the driveway. When his dad comes to say goodnight, they have this conversation: Dad: Davey, I want you to try to do better with your chores. Davey: Who me? Why do I have to do chores? Dad: You know the answer to that. Davey: Cause everyone has to work, I guess. Dad: Thats only part of the answer. Davey: What else? Dad: Id rather you figured it out for yourself. The next morning, Davey & Goliath get up early, finish the work on the racer and practice at Slades hill. Davey gives no thought to cleaning up the garbage or the driveway. When Sally goes outside, she slips in some oatmeal that Davey did not clean up. When his dad backs the van out of the garage, he gets a flat tire from a nail Davey left in the driveway. Mr. Hansen decides that it is time for Davey to learn the second part of the answer to his question regarding chores. Mrs. Hansen makes sure the refrigerator and cupboards are empty and the dishes are all dirty. Sally dumps all her dolls and other toys in the living room. Mr. Hansen is simply lounging on the couch reading the newspaper. When Davey returns, he expects to get a lecture about the garbage, but his dad says, Oh dont bother, whats a little garbage. Davey points out to his sister that her stuff belongs in her room rather than the living room and subsequently slips on a roller skate. When he goes into his parents room to ask about breakfast, his mother tells him to get something himself, since she feels like being lazy. Meanwhile, Sally is telling Goliath to bring his bones into the house. When he comes back to the living room, his dad informs him that they will not being going swimming at their grandparents because the van has a flat tire. Davey asks if the flat can be fixed and his dad

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replies, Who me? Too much trouble too many other things Id rather do. When Davey goes to the kitchen, he sees that there is no food and no clean dishes. Sally indicates that she didnt feel like doing the dishes and Mr. Hansen indicates that mom felt it was too much trouble to go to the store. Davey cannot figure out what is going on: Davey: Everythings different around here. Whats the matter with everyone? Sally: Were just doing what we want to, thats all. Goliath: Its fun to be selfish. Davey: Doesnt anybody in this house love anybody anymore? Dad: Congratulations, Davey, you found it! Davey: Found what? Dad: Last night you asked why we have to do chores. You just found the answer. Davey: I didnt find anything. I just said Mom: It was something about love, Davey. Davey: Oh, if we love each other, we will help each other. Yesterday we saw that God designed us to be interdependent on other people in the family and in the body of Messiah. For interdependency to work, there can be no freeloaders, love demands that each person do his part. The Apostle Peter makes this clear: And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus the Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the dominion unto the ages of ages. Amen. (1 Peter 4:8-11) The Greek word translated fervent (ektenes) means to stretch out. Do we strain in exercising the gift that God has made us a steward of? Davey sure wasnt straining in doing his chores, for that matter, neither do I (i.e., I dont thin k the way that I clean bathrooms could ever be described as straining to do my uttermost). But it should describe all that we do, Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Our time is short here, we need to make the most of every opportunity.

EPISODE 42 TO THE RESCUE

In To the Rescue, it is time for summer vacation. Miss Lindsay, Daveys teacher, hopes her students will learn a lot over the summer. Her students have other plans vacation is for fun, not learning. Davey, a few of his classmates & Miss Lindsay go to Roaring River Church Camp. Pastor Jack & Miss Lindsay try hard to overcome the young peoples unwillingness to do chores: set the table, help the cook, saw firewood. They are planning on a camping trip to an area that was partially destroyed by a forest fire. Pastor Jack has promised the park ranger that his group will plant 50 seedling trees in that area.

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There is a lot of preparation and the kids are not too happy about it: practicing carrying the canoes and packing the first aid kit, blankets, cooking gear, canteens, shovels, etc. At chapel, Pastor Jack asks Davey & Betsy to share Bible verses. Davey shares from Psalm 8, When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet (vv. 3-6). Betsy shares from Psalm 24, The earth is Yahwehs, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Based on those two passages, Pastor Jack says, So the whole world belongs to our Lord, but He has given it to us to take care of. They make it to their campsite and plant the seedlings. As they are beginning to go to sleep, they hear an airplane that is in trouble and then see it crash. We are taken to the plane where we see there is a father and daughter, one with a broken arm and the other a broken leg. The father prays for Gods help. Back at the campsite, Davey sends Goli ath to find the airplane. While he is gone, the humans pull together all the things they will need for the rescue first aid kit, blankets, saw, water, and food. When Goliath returns, he reports to Davey: Davey: The plane must be about one quarter mile off. Theres no trail. Hell lead us. Theres a girl on the ground, shes hurt. Man in the plane, cant seem to get out, but he talks, so hes not hurt bad. Pastor Jack: Alright, lets go in single file. Everyone keep in close contact. Remember wer e depending on each other and two people we dont know are depending on us as well. After working so well together in rescuing the Mr. Stewart and his daughter, the campers are much more willing to do their share of the chores. Mrs. Lindsay remarks: Miss Lindsay: Can it possibly be that we learned something at camp? Betsy: We learned that big word, Miss Lindsay. Miss Lindsay: What big word? All: Interdependent. Miss Lindsay: What does it mean? Pastor Jack: Lets go around the table. Priscilla: It means everyone needs everyone. Rosa: People have to be a team with each other. Nick: Means more. The earth and people depend on each other, too. Like what we read in chapel, The earth is the Lords and were His too Betsy: Cause God made everyone and everything. Davey: God gave us His world to take care of. Were kind of His partners. George Soaring Eagle: My great great great grandfather said the land was blessed for everyone. Now I know what he meant. Interdependency, we just talked about it a couple of days ago. God not only designed interdependency in the family and Messiahs body, but it describes the entire universe. I like what Pastor Jack said in pulling Psalm 8 & 24 together, The wh ole world belongs to our Lord, but He has given it to us to take care of. Psalm 8:6 (You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet) obviously refers back to Genesis 1:28, when Yahweh said to Adam & Eve, Be fruitful and multiply; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. The Hebrew word translated dominion in Genesis ( radah) has at its root the meaning man through the door. A ruler is not one that simply sits on his throne, b ut goes out (through the door) and walks among his people. We are responsible, to the extent God has enabled us (i.e., we cannot stop ice at the poles from melting), to take care of Yahwehs world.

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EPISODE 43 IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED

In If It First You Dont Succeed, Sally is having a hard time learning to play piano. She listens to a recording of a concert pianist and is discouraged by the disparity between her playing and whats on the album. Her mom encourages her that practice is the only way to get better. About this time, Jimmy comes by to tell Davey that his Uncle Tad, the champion bowler, is in town and at the alley practicing. After seeing Tad get a strike, Davey asks if he can teach him to be a champion bowler. Tad stresses that it takes a lot of practice, but he will give him a lesson. On his first throw, Davey does not let go of the ball and falls over the foul line. Tad chuckles and says, Alright, Davey, thats Lesson #1 no matter what goes wrong, try again. After practicing the rest of the day, Davey is still throwing gutter balls. When he enters the house around dinner, he announces that instead of wanting to be an astronaut, he now wants to be a champion bowler. Davey & Goliath head to the bowling alley every morning to practice. He still cannot get a strike. Jimmy comes by and suggests that they play a game. Davey indicates that he cannot have fun, he has to work. That night Davey asks God to make me a champion bowler right away, please. At the same time, Sally is praying, please let me skip all those dumb little pieces and play just beautiful. The next day Sally accompanies Davey to the alley. When he only knocks down two pins on his first throw, Sally says, Do another. Davey replies, Whats the use. Sally feels the same about the piano. Davey decides to quit. Mr. & Mrs. Hansen were planning on going down to the alley to watch, but by the time they are ready to leave, their children are returning to the house. When his dad tells Davey they were just coming down to watch him bowl, the following conversation ensues: Davey: Too late! Im never going to bowl again! Mom: Whats wrong dear? Davey: Ill never be a champion, thats whats wrong. Dad: Maybe not, but champions are not made in a week, Davey. Davey: I dont see why not. I prayed about it every single night. Sally: Me, too. Didnt help my piano playing a bit. I cant play pretty at all. Dad: It wouldnt mean anything if suddenly like magic you were both the best. Mom: Something God did, not something you did at all. Dad: He expects you to do your part. Davey: I did. Sally: I did too. Dad: For awhile, but then you gave up. He reminds them that they are both champion-style skateboarders, but they both struggled the previous summer and wanted to give up. After recalling their perseverance and the results, he asks them: Dad: Well did anyone around here learn from the past? Davey: Sal, you got to work on that piano. Sally: You got to work on bowling.

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Dad: Right. Now is there any use to pray about these things? Davey: Is there? Dad: If you dont ask God to do all the work. Davey: I know, ask God to help us stick with it. Although an episode which gets its title from the saying, if at first you dont succeed, try, try again is about persever ance, I would like to focus on the prayer component. Davey & Sally both saw prayer as a way of getting God to do what they wanted, when they wanted. Davey wanted to be a champion bowler instantly and He asked God to make it so. There are three possibilities: God wanted him to be a preteen bowling sensation and would grant his request instantly (extremely unlikely), God wanted him to be a champion bowler later in life and would help him develop his God-given skills through many years of practice and determination (possible, but highly unlikely), or God never intended him to be a champion bowler (most likely). Prayer is not telling God what to do. Although it does involve sharing our requests, prayer ultimately needs to be listening to what God wants us to do and with His help resolving to follow His plan. God is not our servant, we are His. If you read my posts, you know my son Wesley is at Navy boot camp. Just before he left, he developed a problem with his foot. The instant thought was to pray that God would heal it and that all would go as planned. But what if that is not Gods plan what if part of bringing Wesley to Himself involves not making it through boot camp and having to return home and develop all new plans. It may very well be that God wants Wesley in the Navy. But ultimately, I want what is best for Wesley and what is best is Gods plan not his and not mine. And so although I pray each day that God will give him the strength, wisdom, perseverance, self-control to do well in the Navy, ultimately I want God to have His way in Wesleys life. Father if it is your will, let Wesley do well at boot camp, nevertheless not my will, but Yours be done.

EPISODE 44 FINDERS KEEPERS

In Finders Keepers, it is Goliaths birthday and Davey wants to get him a great gift. The thing Goliath wants more than anything is a great, big, fat, juicy steak all [his] own. Unfortunately, Davey has only 98 in his bank. His mother gives him 25 to run her errands. On his way to town, he stops by Mrs. Martin and she says that she will pay Davey $1 to cut her lawn and weed her flower garden. While Davey is in town doing his mothers chores, he & Goliath admire the steaks at the butchers. It is then that they see the new Canine Style Shoppe. In the display window is a beautiful collar that Goliath mistakes for a crown. All of a sudden, Goliath wants the collar rather than the steak; however, it turns out that it costs $11.95 and Goliath will have to settle for the steak. While he is cutting Mrs. Martins lawn, she stops him to pay him since she is going out. She almost hands him a $10, but then realizes her mistake, sets the $10 on the window sill and hands him a $1. However, she forgets to put the $10 back in her pocketbook and it falls to the ground. Later, when Goliath is chasing down paper that has been blown onto the lawn, he finds an old piece of paper that has turned green, which Davey recognizes as money. They have the following conversation: Goliath: It belongs to somebody else. Davey: It blew here off the street. We cant ask everybody in town. Finders, keepers, anyhow.

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Goliath: I dont know, Davey. Davey: Dont think about it. Just think about that big, beautiful collar. He enters his house excitedly and asks his mother, Guess what? She responds that Mrs. Martin just asked her the same question on the telephone and she was supposed to guess that she had lost $10. When she asks Davey what he was excited about, he shrugs it off as not important. When Goliath barks (knowing full we ll that the money is Mrs. Martins), he lies indicating that Goliath is excited about his birthday. Back in his bedroom, he convinces Goliath that if the money is Mrs. Martins, she wont miss it, but it probably is not hers, just blew onto the lawn. Wh en they start walking into town to buy the collar, Daveys conscience begins to bother him: Davey: What if someone asks how much that collar costs? Goliath: Oh. Davey: Um, Ill say it cost every cent I had. Goliath: Thats true. Davey: What if Dad or someone asks how much money I had? Goliath: I dont know, Davey. Davey: Ill think of something. Goliath: Did you ever notice when you tell one lie you have to tell another and another and Davey: You stop saying that. I didnt tell one single lie. When they look at the collar in the window, it does look as beautiful as before. Fortunately, Davey does not have seared conscience: he buys the $2 steak instead, returns the $10 to Mrs. Martin, and, using old jewelry, his mother makes Goliath a beautiful collar. Finders keepers, losers weepers is not Scriptural. In Leviticus 6, Yahweh said, if [a person] has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely he shall restore the lost thing which he found, or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs. Based on the Mosaic Law, Davey should have paid Mrs. Martin $12, not $10 - he had found that which was lost and lied about it, thus requiring him to pay one-fifth ($2) more. And Mrs. Martin was not just a neighbor, she was a family friend. But the Scripture goes a step further, if you meet your enemys ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again (Exodus 23:4). Yahweh required the return of lost items even to your enemies. Davey knew very well the $10 belonged to Mrs. Martin, he just tried to convince himself and Goliath that the money was rightfully theirs. Davey had not mugged Mrs. Martin and taken her purse, but all the same he had stolen from her. And then to cover up his stealing, he had to come with lies. My friend Charlie often says, Sin will take you farther than you want t o go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. Sin was taking Davey farther and farther down, but God opened his eyes before he went too far down the road.

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EPISODE 45 KOOKABURRA

In Kookaburra, Daveys class is having a test on Australia the following day and Davey needs to do very well if he is to avoid summer school. However, Davey is not too keen on studying; the only things that mildly peek his interest are the strange animals of Australia duckbill platypus, dingoes, and, Goliaths favorite, the Australian laughing bird, the kookaburra. Af ter dinner, instead of studying, he watches television. The next morning during breakfast he is frantically studying, knowing that he doesnt know enough about Australia to pass the test. During the test, he copies 9 out of 10 answers from Jimmys paper, not knowing things like the capital or primary mineral of Australia. The tenth question is what animal is called a joey, which Davey knows is a kangaroo. After class, Miss Wilson tells him that the 100 he got on the test ensured that he would pass. Mom, Dad & Sally are all proud of him. Since Davey seems to know so much about Australia, his dad asks him to come down to the office the next day to talk with a co-worker who is homesick for Australia. As Davey goes to bed, Goliath notices that he did no t pray. Davey says, Good night and Goliath says his new favorite word, Kookaburra. Davey tells him that word doesnt sound funny anymore and wants him to stop saying it. As he closes his eyes, Davey hears, Cheater! Cheater! Cheater! He cannot sleep, so he goes out to talk to his dad about a theoretical friend: Dad: Whats on your mind, Davey? Davey: Ive got this friend, see, he, well, he cheated on that test today. Dad: Oh. Davey: He feels funny about it now. Dad: Finding it hard to live with himself? Davey: Howd you know? Dad: Ive made mistakes, too Davey, who hasnt? And its going to get even harder for your friend. He thought when he cheated that he solved everything. Davey: Yeah Dad: Got a good grade and thats the end of it, but it isn t. Now he has to live up to that grade. Keep cheating. Keep lying. Davey: He does? Dad: Until he puts it right. Davey: How does he do that? Dad: You know the answer, Davey. Davey: He has to tell what he did. Dad: Yes, Davey. Davey: Ill see if I can get him to do it. He returns to his room and confesses his sin to God, but he realizes that it is not enough. He goes out and tells his father that he cant meet with his friend on account he cannot live up to his test grade (i.e., he cheated). But he know s that he has one

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more step to go to make things right and so the next morning he goes into school early. He tells Miss Wilson that he cheated. Relieved with making things right, Goliath asks if he can say his word again. With his masters permission, Goliath says, Kookaburra, Davey and Davey replies, Kookaburra, dingo. Daveys conscience told him he could not get away with cheating. It also told him it was not enough to confess his sin to Go d and his father. It is true that we need to confess our sin to God, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). James tells us that we need to confess your trespasses to one another (5:16). Jesus said, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23, 24). When we sin, we must c onfess it to the two individuals we hurt: God and the offended person. When we cover up our sin (i.e., remain silent), then God cannot cover it (Psalm 32:1-5) and fervent love cannot cover it (1 Peter 4:8 [Proverbs 10:12]).

EPISODE 46 THE CARETAKERS

In The Caretakers, we are shown an old -fashion well, where travelers can stop to get a refreshing drink, and if they fill up the trough, animals can also. Davey and Goliath are taking a hike that brings them near this well. Before they reach the well, they come across a can of red paint that was left by painters of a forest fire prevention sign. Davey figures that it is enough to paint both his bike and Goliaths dog house, so they take it along with them. After they finish lunch, they come by the well. First, they drop rocks down it to see how deep it is. Then when Goliath indicates that he is hot, Davey proposes sending him down the well atop the bucket. As he is pulling Goliath back up, he breaks the water trough. Finally, Davey decides to pour the red paint down the well, so that it looks like strawberry pop. After ruining the well, Davey and Goliath continue hiking until they meet his dad and Sally at the agreed upon rendezvous point. The car starts to overheat and his father needs to stop at the well to get some water. As they stand around the well with some other travelers, the following conversation occurs: Traveler #1: What a shame! Dad: I cant believe it! Traveler #2: What kind of idiot would do a thing like this? Davey: He sure was an idiot? Dad: We dont own this world. Its Gods world. He lets us use it. Were Gods caretakers. Do you understand that? Sally: I do! Davey: Yes, sir! Goliath: Yes, sir! What Davey did was unfathomable. Just to get an idea of how little it takes to ruin a water supply, consider this there is enough benzene in one gallon of gasoline to make 1,000,000 gallons of water undrinkable (exceed the maximum

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contaminant level [MCL] of 5 micrograms per liter). In Genesis 2, we are told that Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it (vs. 15). The Hebrew word translated tend means to serve. A servant is to help the one he serves, act in his best interest. The Hebrew word translated keep (shamar) has at its root the idea of a shepherd building a corral for his sheep out of briers to protect against predators. As Mr. Hansen indicated, we are Gods caretakers. A caretaker maintains and protects his charge so that he can return it to its owner in as good or better condition than when he received it. The word shamar is used in the famous benediction in Numbers 6: Yahweh bless you and keep ( shamar) you; Yahweh make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (vv. 24 -26). Man is to take care of the earth, even as God takes care of man. Yahweh told Israel, the land is Mine, you are strangers and sojourners with Me (Leviticus 25:23). Even the things we think that we own are really only on loan from God. The Mosaic L aw had the following provision, if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely, make it good (Exodus 22:14 ). John Gill writes regarding this provision: though it may seem hard, was necessary, in order to make men careful of things they borrowed, and that lenders may not be losers for their kindness. We need to take care of the things God has loaned to us, including the world. I am not talking about being a tree hugger or losing sleep over polar icecaps that are melting, but we should use Gods natural resources in a responsible manner. Whatever domain we have, we need to ask ourselves how well we are doing in caring for what God has provided. Are we good stewards of our possessions? If God asked for them back, would He be pleased with their condition?

EPISODE 47 THE HARD WAY

In The Hard Way, Davey is having a selective reading problem: he ignores a red light at a crosswalk and almost gets run over by a car, he ignores a Do Not Touch sign and knocks over a fruit display and ignores indications that his front door has been painted, he gets a blue hand. As his father makes him repaint the door, they have the following talk: Dad: Thats pretty good, Davey. Now dont forget to clean off the brush. Davey: Why do parents pick on kids all the time? Dad: Were trying to help you grow up. Teach you to accept responsibility. Davey: Yeah, sure. Dad: I am a little older than you, Davey. Isnt it at least possible that I know some things you dont know, things worth listening to? Davey: Problem is grown-ups dont remember what its like to be a kid. Dad: Oh, I remember. I felt just like you. I thought I knew everything. I learned the hard way. But I was wrong. (He leaves) Davey: Boy, they sure can criticize! Goliath: And make long speeches. Davey: I sure do get tired of, This is for your own good. They just dont want kids to have any fun.

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Davey & Goliath head over the Museum of Natural History for a school project. The guard tells Davey to be careful of the museums treasures, to remember that they are not toys. Of course, this goes in one ear and out the other. They head over to the prehistoric room. He and Goliath talk loudly so that the adults in the room leave. They work their way over to the most impressive display, the Apatosaurus. Davey dares Goliath to climb up the dinosaur. He does it fairly easy and dares Davey. When Davey, who is quite a bit heavier than Goliath, gets to the top of dinosaurs head, he hangs from its mouth. It begins to break at the neck and Goliath hurries to get the guard. After getting Davey down with a ladder, the guard has a talk with him: Guard: Did I or didnt I tell you these things were not toys? Davey: I didnt hear. Guard: Couldnt you figure it out for yourself? Davey: Yes sir, if I had used my head. Guard: Instead you broke the dinosaurs head. Davey: Ill work Saturdays to pay for the damage I did. Guard: Thatll take quite a bit of Saturdays, lad. Still maybe you learned a thing or two here today. Davey: Yes, sir. Guard: Did you learn that we dont tell you youngsters what to do just to hear ourselves talk? Davey: Yes, sir. Grown-ups really do tell us for our own good. At dinner, Davey prays the following when asked to say grace, God, we thank you for this food. And please help me to listen to you and to everyone else who knows more than I do. To which both his parents add a hearty Amen. Despite the fact that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, we are only told of one son, Rehoboam. Twenty three times in the Book of Proverbs, the wisest man who ever lived (besides Jesus) uses the phrase my son, which in all likelihoo d refers to Rehoboam. He says things like: My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother (1:8) Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge (19:27) My son, do not despise the chastening of Yahweh, nor detest His correction; for whom Yahweh loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights (3:11) We are fools if we will not listen to godly wisdom from others and correction from God. Davey was a fool, so was Rehoboam. After Solomons death, Rehoboam was made king. Jeroboam and all of Israel came saying, Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you (1 Kings 12:4). Rehoboam had two sets of counselors: (1) elders who served u nder Solomon; and (2) the young men he grew up with. The elders said lighten the yoke. The young men told him to make the yoke heavier. Foolishly, he listened to the fools he grew up with and as a result, 10 tribes (house of Israel) separated from Rehoboam to follow Jeroboam, leaving Rehoboam with only 2 tribes (house of Judah). Davey thought adults just liked to hear themselves talk and boss kids around, so he despised and detested their input. But once he realized that adults instruct out love and concern, he was open to their input in his life.

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EPISODE 48 HALLOWEEN WHO DUN IT

In Halloween Who Dun It, it is time for the annual Halloween costume party. Mr. Kloss, the donut maker, who loves the children of the town, will be the judge of the costume contest. Before the party, Davey, Sally & Goliath go over to Mr. Greens house, who is teaching Davey about beekeeping. After dons the protective hat & veil, Sally laughs: Sally: You look all dressed up for Halloween. Davey: Yeah, nobody knows who I am under here. Mr. Green: Davey, God knows who you are under there. Mr. Green retrieves some honey for Mrs. Hansen. He hopes that nobody will hurt his beehive that evening, mischief night. He also reminds Davey of the trip they have planned the next day to the zoo. The afternoon passes away and it is time for the costume party. Sally is a witch, Goliath a dancing tiger and Davey a space man from Mars. Davey wins a prize for the most original boys costume. The prize is a pistol that shoots missiles. When Davey, Sally & Goliath are deciding what mischief they want to get into, Davey shoots at a stop sign and knocks it over. He remarks that he did not mean to do that. Sally puts a foolish idea in his head when she says, You didnt do it, Mars did it. They start taking that nonsense to an extreme. Sally asks Goliath to do his dance and while he is dancing, she trips him with her broom and says that she didnt d o it, witch did it. Goliath bites Davey and says that he didnt do it, tiger did it. They soon do not trust each other and Davey heads off with two other boys. They come to Mr. Greens house and one of the boys dares Davey to hit the beehive with his missile gun. He does and the other boys run off, but Davey just stands there where Mr. Green can see him when he comes out on the porch. The next day, many people come in to see or call Mr. Kloss about the damage done to their property on mischief night. It is his costume to cover the damages. Jimmy comes by the Hansens: Jimmy: Davey, hey Davey, come out. Davey: Hi, Jimmy. Jimmy: Hey, Mr. Kloss shelled out for all the damage last night. Davey: He did? Jimmy: And nobody knows who did what. Cool, huh? Davey: How come Mr. Kloss did that? Jimmy: Well, he always says were his kids. Davey: Yeah. Jimmy: So were all off the hook. Davey: Yeah, are we? Jimmy: Lets play some football. Davey: Uh-uh. I got a date to go to the zoo with my my friend, Mr. Green.

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After Jimmy leaves, Mr. Green comes by to pick up Davey, who indicates that he canno t go. When Mr. Green asks why, Davey brings out the spaceman helmet. Mr. Green: Oh Davey, I am sorry it was you. Davey: Thats why I cant go to the zoo. I was behind the helmet. Mr. Green: Mr. Kloss made it right, Davey. Davey: I want to do something too. I want to build you a new beehive. Mr. Green: Alright. Davey: Lets do it right now! Mr. Kloss shelled out for all the damage and made it right, similar to Jesus Himself bearing ours sins in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). Under the law as we saw in Leviticus 6 (Finders Keepers), because he as sinned and is guilty, he shall restore what he has stolen. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering. And he shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering, to the priest. So the priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh, and he shall be forgiven (vv. 3-7). Jesus taking our sins on the cross and Mr. Kloss taking the kids damages to his own account are the trespass offering portion of this passage. But the trespass offering itself was not enough for full forgiveness, the person had to make restitution. Davey sensed he had to do something to restore the beehives. Does this mean that Jesus death is not sufficient for our forgiveness? NO!! But once you have experienced Gods forgiveness in Messiah, you will want to make restitution for your sins. Consider Zacchaeus, Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor, and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold (Luke 19:6). To which Jesus replied, Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is the son of Abraham (vv. 7). Zacchaeus actions were proof of Gods work in his heart. We will not be content will simply saying, Oh, that sin is covered by Jesus blood, but will want to make re stitution for our sins where it is necessary.

EPISODE 49 RICKETY-RACKETY

In Rickety-Rackety, Davey and two classmates (Larry and his best friend, Jonathan) are working on an act for the upcoming county gym meet Davey & Jonathan are going stand on Larrys shoulders. Jonathan is late for their pre -class practice, so they use Goliath in his stead. Another classmate, Taka, a new girl from Japan, enters the gym with greetings that include, Herro, Rarry and Herro, Goriath. She is obviously struggling with her Ls. Larry encourages her that she will catch o n. Once Larry is carrying Davey & Goliath, Taka is impressed by his strength. Shortly after he stands with both of them on his shoulders, they all fall down. Just then, Jonathan enters apologizing that he had to make some deliveries (he works for his dad, a pharmacist) and his bike tire got a blow out. He asks what happened to them and Davey replies, we got a blow out. The start of school bell rings, so they have no more time to practice that morning. They agree to practice after school, although Johnny can only stay 0.5 hour before he has to start making deliveries. In class, Larry, who is an A student in all other subjects, is struggling badly with French. He is hates it, thinks its a waste of time; however, unless he passes the test the next day, he cannot remain on the gym team. After working with Larry on his

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foreign language, Miss Lindsay turns to helping Taka with hers. It seems that she will never get the L sound, until, while looking at Larry, she says Larry instead of Rarry. Larry stands to b ow to Taka to congratulate her on this accomplishment. Taka encourages him that if she can say L then he can speak French. School comes to an end and Davey, Jonathan and Goliath are waiting for Larry in the gym. Larry is talking to Miss Lindsay about French and she is encouraging him that he can get it. After she leaves, Janitor Ben comes by to ask Larry if he could take his tool box to the gym as he is late for a dentist appointment. Larry indicates that he can. However, he does not go toward the gym. In his mind, he is already off the team and he is angry about it. He starts to get some tools out of Bens toolbox to use in destroying the classroom. Meanwhile Davey sends Goliath to get Larry. When Goliath tries to pull him out of the classroom, Larry throws his French book at him. When Goliath tells his master what happened, Davey heads to the classroom only to find Larry using a hammer to damage Miss Lindsays chair. Davey reminds his friend what a good teacher she is and he stops, but then heads toward Takas desk. Goliath tackles him, Davey comes to help hold him down and the following conversation ensues: Larry: Let me up! Davey: You just shut up and listen. You were going to bust Takas desk, werent you? Larry: What if I was? Davey: Who said your name this morning? She learned how in this school, in this class and you want to ruin it, with Bens hammer. Is Ben your friend or isnt he? Goliath: Davey, Rickety-Rackety (reminding Davey of the school cheer) Davey: Larry, Rickety-Racket, Zip-Boom-Bah! What comes next? Larry: This is my school. Yeah, it is, isnt it? Davey: And schools where people help people. So if youre ready, Ill get some glue to help you fix that chair. And while they are fixing the chair, Davey helps Larry to study French. Discouragement can lead to anger, which in turn can result in our lashing out against people that we love. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fools wrath is heavier than both of them (Proverbs 27:3). When we act in anger, we are ac ting in foolishness. Larry, even though he was an A student, was being a fool in thinking of destroying the classroom. High grades and wisdom do not necessarily go hand in hand. He was going to hurt his teacher and his friends. Thankfully one of those friends was willing to talk sense to him. Its a reminder for us to keep an eye on each other so that we can sense when someone may be slipping into a state of discouragement. The author of Hebrews wrote, And let us consider one another in order to stir up to love and good works (10:24). We are to consider one another, which means perceive clearly, understand fully, consider closely. We are to take the time to get know each other and to understand what is going on in each others lives. Why? The author of Hebrews indicates in order to stir up to love and good works. The Greek translated stir up is paroxusmos, a Greek word used two times in the LXX (Deut. 29:28; Jer. 32:37) to translate the Hebrew qetseph or indignation. The word also means splinter. In a sense, we are to become splinters to each other, irritants that push one another onto greater levels of love and good works. We should be observing one another and allowing God to use us to incite one another out of discouragement and onto growth.

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EPISODE 50 HELP

In Help, Davey & Goliath are heading to the city to spend the afternoon with his best friend Jonathan. Before Davey arrive s around lunchtime, we meet several of Jonathans neighbors: (1) Mr. Lee, the barber; (2) Pops, the hot dog vendor; (3) Pastor Horton; and, (4) Officer Dan. Jonathan is about to make a prescription delivery for his father, pharmacist, when his mother asks him what he and Davey want for lunch. He indicates that they were planning on getting hot dogs and eating on the roof of the six story building across the street. Davey & Goliath arrive shortly before Jonathan returns. After buying their hot dogs and climbing the stairs to roof, the boys look down on the street below. They see Officer Dan buying a hot dog from Pops. It takes both of them shouting loudly in unison to get his attention. He finally sees them and yells, Davey, Jonathan, you kids be careful up there, but they cannot hear him. It is then that they notice that the flag on the flagpole is all twisted up. As a favor to the janitor who allowed them up on the roof in the first place, they decide to fix it. Jonathan steps out on the flagpole, but cannot reach the end with his arm or a long stick that Goliath found. So he decides to crawl out on it; however, it doesnt turn out to be anchored as strongly as he thought. All of sudden one of the guy wires snaps and the pole drops along the side of the building. Jonathan tries to climb back up the pole (backwards) to where Davey can lend a hand, but the second anchor begins to give. Jonathan cant move anymore for fear that he ends up falling six stories. Davey tries to call Officer Dan, but he cannot hear him, so he sends Goliath to get the policeman. Davey & Jonathan pray. While Goliath is hurrying down the stairs, a driver hits Pops hot dog stand, destroys it and does not stop. As Officer Dan is about to get the license plate number, Goliath comes barking and gets Dan to look up and see Jonathan. He takes off, Pops not realizing the reason. Officer Dan prays that he reaches Jonathan in time. Meantime, Pops is complaining to Pastor Horton and Mr. Lee about Officer Dan not doing his job; no one seems to be aware yet of the danger Johnny is in. Jonathans parents, from inside the pharmacy, hear a lot of cars beeping horns, an indication that Officer Dan is not directing traffic. Unknown to everyone but those on the roof, Officer Dan saves Johnnys life. He comes down to try to explain things to Dan: Officer Dan: Now calm down, Pops. Pops: Calm down, my foot! Its your responsibility to take care of peoples property. Officer Dan: First, its my responsibility to take care of people. Pops: You could have stopped that idiot driver and made him pay for my cart. Officer Dan: I had to save a life. Pops: Youre in charge of traffic around here and save a life? Officer Dan: Arent people more important than things, Pops? Pops: Well, uh Officer Dan: They are to a policeman. A young mans life in the balance or a hot dog stands destroyer in the wind which one has priority? I am sure that we would all agree that Officer Dan made the correct choice. There is a saying, People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is be cause things are being loved and people are being used. A

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more complete picture would be given by saying, People were created to love God and to be loved by Him and others. Things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and God and people are being used. Paul describes the unsaved world as follows, lovers of themselves, lovers of money, unloving [toward others], lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2 -4). Instead of loving people and God, the opposite is the norm loving themselves, money & pleasure. As an example, we read in Matthew 23, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows houses (vs. 14). Widows had very little support and these religious leaders wormed them out of all their substance. Isaiah describes them as they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, ever one for his own gain, from his own territory (56:11). These religious leaders were to be shepherds, but instead of caring for the weakest of the sheep, they only cared about what they could rob from those sheep. Things were more important than God or people. Ultimately, what guides our decisions: what gets us the most money or what enables us to help the most people?

EPISODE 51 BOY IN TROUBLE

In Boy in Trouble, Davey & Jonathan want to go see the movie Boy in Space, but they dont have any money. Goliath gives them the idea to collect empty soda bottles and return them for the refund. So they start raiding every trash can in the neighborhood. They go to sleep deciding to get an early start the next morning in their continued quest. At around 6 AM, a young man is on their street looking through the trash cans for bottles. From Jonathans second floor bedroom window, Goliath growls at him, but Davey calls him away from the window before he wakes up the Reeds (Johnnys parents). Goliath tells Davey about the boy taking their bottles. When Johnny comes over to the window, he recognizes him as a new boy in the area, Tommy Martin. Then he sees what Goliath saw: Jonathan: Hey, hes after bottles. Davey: On our street. Jonathan: Let him stay on his own street. Davey: Lets go down & chase him off. Jonathan: Hes a funny kind of kid at school. Just stands around, wont play games, wont eat lunch with anyone. Goliath: Shall I bite him when we get there. Davey: Nah, well just chase him off our street. Jonathan: First, well act like its ok and find out why he wants the bottles Hey, Tommy. Tommy: Hi. Jonathan: Hi, this is Davey. Davey: Hi, whats you collecting bottles for. Tommy: For for my breakfast. Davey: Doesnt your mother cook you breakfast? Tommy: Shes sick. Jonathan: Why didnt your dad just give you the money for it? Tommy: I I dont have a dad.

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Jonathan: You mean if you didnt turn in some bottles you wouldnt have any breakfast? Tommy: Ive got little brothers and little sisters and well Davey: Not enough food to go around. Jonathan: Listen, weve got bottles, lots of bottles. Davey: Yeah, what do we want with a bunch of bottles. Goliath: Davey! Boy in Space? Davey: Forget it, this is boy in trouble. Davey & Jonathan get the whole neighborhood to work together to help the Martins. Between medicine from the pharmacy, food from the grocery, hot dogs from Pops, haircuts from Mr. Lee, clothing and bedding from Pastor Horton and the church, and the promise of Officer Dan to look in on them from time to time, the Martins were better off, but for how long? Mr. Reed points out that handouts are not enough, the Martins need to feel that they are important. Johnny promises to share his job with Tommy. Davey & Johnny decide to include Tommy in going to see Boy in Space. Unfortunately, when it comes time to see the movie, they only have enough money for three tickets. Finally, Goliath has a chance to help and he gives Tommy his ticket. Johnny thought that Tommy was stuck up, not wanting to eat lunch with or play with the other kids at school. He did not realize that Tommy could not afford to bring or buy lunch and when you dont have enough to eat, you are not going to have the energy to play. How often do we judge people without even getting to know them or their circumstances? Goliath wanted to bite him and Davey & Johnny wanted to run him off their street for taking their bottles. All they were thinking about was themselves and their plans. But God had another plan, which thankfully they did not miss because they, although at first did so out of deceit, asked Tommy what he was doing. If they had just simply let Goliath chase him away, they never would have known about the Martins and the neighborhood would not have been a channel of Gods love to them. The Apostle Paul writes, receive one another, just as Messiah also received us, to the glory of God (Romans 15:7). The Greek word translated receive (proslambano) denotes to take to oneself, to welcome. It is the word used by Luke to describe the natives of Malta, the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome (proslambano), because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold (Acts 28:2). Davey & Jonathan went from judging Tommy from a distance, to taking him into their lives once they became aware of all the rain and cold in his life. In the same way that Jesus received us, we need to receive others.

EPISODE 52 THE GREATEST

In The Greatest, Davey, Jonathan & Nicky are arguing about who has the best father. They finally decide to draw straws the son getting the longest straw has the best dad. They will make a great big poster for the winning dad. Nicky draws the longest straw. As he leaves with the sign, he indicates that he might not be able to hang out with them after lunch because he and his dad may be going to the movies. Davey & Johnny are impressed that Nickys dad can take time off like that in the middle of the workday. As Nicky heads home, he throws away the sign. As he passes the church, Pastor Horton asks him if he and his dad will be coming to the annual Father & Son Picnic. Nicky indicates that he thinks his dad will be out of town.

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After Nicky leaves, Davey & Jonathan decide to build scooters that evening, with their dads help, and ha ve a race the following day. They go to talk to Pastor Horton about the picnic. Meanwhile, Goliath is back at Pops getting a hot dog. When Pops asks him to pick up a napkin that someone dropped, Goliath notices Nickys sign in the garbage and brings it t o Davey. They are puzzled, so they call their friend: (1) to find out if his dad liked the sign; and, (2) to tell him about the scooters. Nicky lies, indicating that his dad loved the sign and put it in his work shop. That night, as Davey & Mr. Hansen work on his scooter, they have the following discussion: Davey: Dad, I just dont get it. Dad: I dont get it either, Davey. Davey: You know there are a lot of funny things about Nicky that we never thought about. Dad: Like what? Davey: Like he never invites us to his house. And hes real quiet about everything but his dad, and then hes loud. Dad: Its a mystery alright. Mr. Reed also helps Johnny with his scooter. Meanwhile, Nicky is struggling by himself. Youve probably guessed the mystery by now, Nicky doesnt have a father. While Nicky is getting ready for bed, Pastor Horton calls to speak with Nickys father about the picnic. Nickys mother indicates that there hasnt been a Mr. Jones in the household for three years. Pastor calls Davey & Johnny to his office the next day to explain what is going on in Nickys life. He has them think about what life would be like without a father and then help them to see that Nicky was making up stories about the dad he wished that he had, so that he could fit in with the other boys who were always bragging about their dads. Later on, Davey & Jonathan take their scooters over to a vacant lot to try them out. They are met by a bully named Butch, who will not let them pass unless they give him money. However, when Johnny mentions his dad across the street, Butch leaves them alone. He runs into Nicky and tries to get money from him. He warns Nicky that he knows he doesnt have a father. Davey & Johnny run to his aid indicating that they will lend him their dads and Davey will lend him Goliath. Butch again moves along; however, Nicky wonders if the reason Butch acts like he does is that he doesnt have a father. They ask Nicky about his scooter. He admits that he was unable to build one. They tell him that Pastor Horton was willing to help him build a scooter. While he is at the church, Pastor Horton asks Nicky a favor, would he come to Father & Son Picnic as his son. Nicky was all too happy to do so. Yahweh describes Himself as a father of the fatherles s, a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5). He sets the solitary in families (vs. 6). Pastor Horton was willing to be used by God to meet a significant gap in Nickys life. We are not told whether Nickys father left out of neglect or death, but all the same Nicky needed a positive male influence in his life a man who would demonstrate Gods love, and Pastor Horton was willing to be part of that answer. We are surrounded by people with all kinds of needs, needs that ultimately only God can meet. But are we willing to be part of means by which God meets the needs of some of those people? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Messiah Jesus (2:4, 5). Do we have the mind that thinks primarily of ourselves or others?

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EPISODE 53 BLIND MANS BLUFF

In Blind Mans Bluff, Jonathan calls Davey to ask him to come to the city to meet his cousin Scottie. After Dave y agrees and hangs up the phone, he remembers that cousin Scottie hates white kids. When he arrives in the city, Davey meets Jonathan outside so he can explain what is going on: Jonathan: Thanks for coming, Davey! Davey: Whats it all about? Jonathan: Remember I said that Scottie have to be blindfolded before hed be in the same room with a white boy? Davey: Yeah, I remember. Jonathan: Well, he is blindfolded. Davey: Huh? Jonathan: He had an accident with a chemistry set. His eyes have to be bandaged for a whole week. Davey: Gee, thats awful Jonathan: Hell be OK. His folks had to go out of town, so hes staying with us till the bandages come off. Davey: Whens that? Jonathan: Four more days. Catch on why I wanted you to come, Davey. Davey: Yeah, cousin Scottie will be in the same room with what he doesnt like and not even know it. Jonathan: He will like you. Dad says maybe we can prove its the boy that matters, not the color. Davey: Teach him to be colorblind. Jonathan: Yeah, so can you come every day. Davey: Four more days! Jonathan: Well, hes really got to know you or it wont work. Davey: Hes really got to like me or it wont work. Davey and Goliath meet Scottie. Jonathan asks him a question regarding Goliath: Jonathan: Scottie, can you tell what color he is? Scottie: I can tell that he is big, but I sure cant tell his color. Why? Davey: Well, just to play it safe, hes brown. We figured you wouldnt like a white dog. Scottie: Dont you lecture me like Uncle Bill does! Davey: Not me, not a world. Scottie: Good, youre on my side. Davey: Yeah, I am on your side. Jonathan: Want some proof. Davey & Goliath will stay with you each day while I work at the drug store. Kind of be your nurse. Scottie: You dont even know me. Davey: No, but I want too.

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The next day while the boys are sitting at the counter in the drug store having ice cream, Jonathans father begins the conversation: Mr. Reed: Its good of you to come again today! Davey: Its fun. Scottie: Uncle Bill, can you see a white kid taking the trouble? Mr. Reed: I can see one, yes. Scottie: I knew you would say that. Mr. Reed: I hope someday you will. After spending four days together, Davey & Scottie become good friends. Davey accompanies Scottie to the doctors office to have his bandages taken off. When Scottie returns to the waiting room, he sees the dog that he is sure is Goliath, but cannot understand why Davey would leave. When Scottie asks Goliath where Davey went and Goliath licks the white boy sitting there, Scottie says, Youre white. To which Davey replies, No, Im Davey. Scottie runs out of the office. However, the next day, he comes to Daveys house and confesses that he had smoke in his eyes, black smoke that had nothing to do with a chemistry experiment that went wrong. But now he can finally see that its the boy that matters and not the color. Like Scottie, we are all blind some areas of our life. Blindness is darkness. The only cure for darkness is light. David wrote, the commandment of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:8). The concrete idea behind the Hebrew word for light is a box. Boxes are used to store items and keep them in order. Light is necessary to maintain order. The only thi ng that can really open our eyes is the truth o f Gods word. Scottie did not believe that he was blind and was not interested in having his blindness exposed; he preferred living with disorder in his life. But he was missing out on a lot, including a friendship with Davey. Our blind spots keep up us from enjoying all God has for us to. We should ever be coming to the light to have our blindness exposed.

EPISODE 54 CHRISTMAS: LOST & FOUND

In Christmas: Lost & Found, Davey starts off the episode with the startling declaration, I hate Christmas! I cant feel Christmas this year. To try to fix his feelings, he decides to do a bunch of Christmasy things. He buys a Christmas tree from Kenny Kelcey, a boy his age whose dad owns a tree farm in the country. He smells the tree, but smelling Christmas is not the answer. He goes shopping for presents for his dad, mom, sister and friends. When Goliath asks him if hes got the Christmas spirit, he replies, All I got is no money left. Walking home he hears the church bells playing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; however, hearing Christmas does not make him feel Christmas. He puts the decorations on the house. When Goliath asks if he feels anything, Davey replies, Cold! When he comes inside, Sally informs him that their mom made cookies. But as usual, tasting Christmas is not feeling Christmas. Just then it begins to snow, which begins this conversation: Davey: I can see Christmas, and smell it, and taste it, and hear it, but I cant feel Christmas. Things dont seem to be it. Wheres the real Christmas? Sally: You can see the crche now. Isnt it beautiful?

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Davey: I guess so. Sally: Thats the real Christmas right in there, Davey, cause right there is the most wonderful present ever. Davey: I know all that, but I dont understand it. Sally: Thats why we give Christmas presents, so that well remember that God gave us Jesus. Davey: I just dont get it, Sal. Sally: Look close. Now do you get it? Davey: Uh-uh, but I like that king. Goliath: I like that camel. Davey: Listen, maybe if I was a king like that Id really have the spirit of Christmas. Sally: Now I dont get it. Davey: A play, Ill get the gang and well put on a Christmas play. He calls together a meeting of the Jickets and they make plans for play in which he will be one of the wise men, Goliath will be a camel, Sally will be Mary and the other club members will make up the remainder of the cast. It doesnt do much for his feelings about Christmas. As the he and his sister are leaving the house for the Christmas Eve performance, Sally lights a candle by the crche. Davey asks about it. Sally indicates that it is for a stranger that doesnt have anywhere to go or an yone to love him. As Davey approaches the Christmas tree stand, he sees a lonely Kenny Kelcey and realizes that he is the stranger that Sally referred to, working and sleeping in a strange town. Davey lets Kenny have his part in the play the only thing he was enjoying about the holiday - while he minds the stand for him. As he hears the play from afar, Davey is touched by the words born is the King in the First Noel, perfect light in We Three Kings and Christ the Lord from Come Let Us Adore Him. He sells the last trees and hurries home. He looks at the crche and says, I understand now. I foun d the real Christmas. Its here. Heres the King. God loves us, so He gave us what He loved best. Like I loved Kenny and gave him wh at I loved best. I love Christmas! The things that most people associate with Christmas snow, trees, decorations, cookies, carols, and presents have no meaning if Jesus is omitted. Until you come to understand that in this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9, 10), Christmas makes very little sense. Duri ng one of the play practices, one of the Jickets asked Davey why God gave His Son. Davey did not have an answer, so he asked Sally. She replied, Because He loves us. Thats half th e truth. John does not simply say, God loved us and sent His Son. No, the apostle writes, God loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins . Christmas has no meaning apart from the cross. Jesus was born to die for our sins. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us (Romans 5:8). When it comes to celebrating Christmas dont leave out Jesus and dont leave out the cross.

EPISODE 55 WHOS GEORGE?

In Whos George?, Davey is spending the week in the city with Reeds. We are introduced to an elderly gentleman named Fletcher Hunt, who lives alone in Jonathans neighborhood, drives the bookmobile and is on the deacons board at the

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church. He is coming down with a bad chest cold and comes to Mr. Reeds drug store to get some cough medicine; however, the medicine does not help and he is bedridden and unable to call for help. Milk and newspapers begin to accumulate in front of his apartment door. Meanwhile, Davey & Johnny are having a conversation on the church steps: Davey: Where we live, we know everybody. Ill bet you dont even know everybody on your block. Johnny: Of course not. Pastor: Hello boys. Johnny/Davey: Morning, Pastor. Pastor: Well, I better get to work on next Sundays sermon. Johnny: Whats it about, Pastor? Pastor: Loving our neighbor. Davey: We were just talking about our neighbors. Pastor: About loving them? Johnny: Well, no sir. Pastor: Lets all three of us think about that and maybe you can help me with my sermon. Johnny: Help Pastor with his sermon? Davey: Golly, how can you love your neighbor in a big old city when you dont even know him? More signs arise that something is wrong with Mr. Hunt. The milk and newspapers continue to accumulate, something noticed by his neighbor, Mrs. Pickering, the building superintendent, and Officer Dan when he sells Policemans Ball tickets to Mrs. Pickering. Mr. Lee notes that he did not come in for his monthly haircut. The librarian notes that he had not come for three days to drive the bookmobile and that when she called, his phone was out of service (because he dropped the phone while trying to call for help). Pastor note s that they were unable to make a decision at the last deacons meeting because Mr. Hunt had not come. Pastor asks Johnny and Davey if they can cover a paper route for one of the families in the church, as they had to leave unexpectedly. Mr. Hunts apartment is on their route. During their delivery, Goliath accidently knocks over two quarts of milk, which he licks up, noting that they are sour. They try knocking and ringing the door bell to offer to pay for the milk, but there is no answer. It is Goliath that points out that this is the Mr. Hunt that they keep hearing about. Davey & Johnny climb the fire escape and see that Mr. Hunt is very sick. They get help and as the ambulance arrives, the neighbors have the following conversation: Officer Dan: Might be double pneumonia. Mr. Lee: All I cared about was the price of a haircut. Mrs. Pickering: I thought about the milk, not the man. How inconvenient it was. Let George worry about it. Building Superintendent: Should have opened that apartment. Meant to, kept telling myself that I was too busy. Mr. Reed: My next door neighbor buys cough medicine; do I give him another thought? Let George do it. Pastor: And where was I when my neighbor needed me? Davey: Pastor, are we supposed to be good neighbors to everyone? Pastor: We have to try, Davey. Be aware of their needs. Try to help. Mr. Reed: Pastors right. Weve got to stop saying, Let George do it Davey: Everyone keeps saying, Let George do it. Who is George? Mr. Reed: George is anyone but ourselves. Someone else to do it, not us. Im George. Youre George. Weve all got a job to do. Everyone becomes George and helps Mr. Hunt get back on his feet. He states that he never knew that he had so many good neighbors. The Pastor notes that he didnt before, all that he had was neighbors, but now he has good neighbors. Anytime you talk about being a good neighbor, you are drawn to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). After telling the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer, who had asked who is my neighbor, which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? The man had been asking the wrong question, its not who is my neighbor, but rather who am I being a neighbor to. When the man replied, he who showed mercy, Jesus told him go and do likewise. Any person in need of mercy is my neighbor. Are we being merciful or are we waiting for George to do it?

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EPISODE 56 SIX SEVEN SIX THREE

In Six Seven Six Three, Davey is in the city staying with Jonathan. While the boys are still sleeping, Goliath leaves the apartment to do a little early morning exploring. Officer Dan notes that Goliath has no identification and discusses it with Davey, who indicates that Goliath does not like wearing a collar. Officer Dan tells him about identification tattoos that are put on the underside of a dogs ear. As he thinks it will hurt his dog, Davey says, No sir, Officer Dan, N -O. Officer Dan replies, Its a law, Davey, L -A-W. Davey thinks it is a mean and dumb law. Mr. Reed points out that even if Goliath never gets lost, it will protect him from being sold by a dognapper. Davey is still not convinced, so he puts a bandage on Goliath s ear to give the appearance that he got the tattoo. The next morning Goliath goes exploring again. Midmorning, long after he should have returned for his breakfast, Davey & Jonathan are asking around the neighborhood to see if anyone has seen Goliath. Along comes Officer Dan: Officer Dan: Whats this I hear about Goliath? Davey: Hes gone. Hes lost. Officer Dan: Now theres not a thing to worry about. Whoever finds him will read that number on his ear, check the city records and Davey: There isnt any number. Officer Dan: What? Jonathan: We Well, we didnt have him tattooed yet. Officer Dan: I see. Davey: Please help, please. A dognappers got him. Officer Dan: Likely not that bad. You come along with me. The policeman calls the city pound and it turns out that Goliath was picked up by the dog catcher that morning. There is a doctor at the pound that gives Goliath the tattoo 6-7-6-3. The next morning Goliath goes out exploring again. As he leaves the apartment, a man comes along offering him a big juicy steak. As Goliath goes for it, the man bags him and drives him out into the country. When he realizes that Goliath has a tattoo, he sets him free. Back in the city, Davey & Jonathan are looking for Goliath again: Davey: Hi. Have you seen Goliath? He missed breakfast again. Officer Dan: Good thing hes tattooed, huh? Davey: No, its a dumb, mean, old law. (Goliath comes running and barking, telling Davey the story of his dognapping) Davey: You did! (more barking) He did! (more barking) Goliath! Officer Dan: Whats he so excited about? Davey: He He got lost in the country and found his way back! Goliath: Davey, tell them the truth, Davey.

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Davey: Officer Dan, youre the one whos smart and Im dumb. I didnt mean what I said a minute ago. Laws are just great. A lot of people think of Gods laws as constraining. But David had a very different view in Psalm 19: The law of Yahweh is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear or Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of Yahweh are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Your servant warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. (vv. 7-11) Not only are we to obey Scripture, but God expects us to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and who resist will bring judgment on themselves (Romans 13:1, 2). If we disobey the authorities God has placed over us, we are disobeying God. Davey thought the dog identification law was mean and dumb, but if it had not been for that law and his submitting to it, he may have lost Goliath for good. Gods law is not meant to make our lives miserable , but rather enjoyable (more desired than fine gold, sweeter than honey). Gods law may keep us from doing certain things, but those things are things that God knows will destroy us.

EPISODE 57 ZILLION DOLLAR COMBO

In The Zillion Dollar Combo, Davey, Jonathan and Nicky have formed a band, playing the drums, harm onica and trumpet, respectively. They have been practicing their instruments separately at their own homes and have a practice scheduled to play together at Jonathans house. Before the practice, Mrs. Reed tells Johnny that his dad has some deliveries for him to make. She also informs him that she is going over to the hospital to write letters for patients who are unable to write. Jonathan is quizzical noting that she doesnt even know the people. She replies, Dear, were supposed to help people we dont know, not just those we do know. Every time one of the boys talks about the future of their combo, the amount of money they are going to make increases from a million to a billion to a trillion to a zillion. They improve with each practice, even learning a song that they could play in church, They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love. Finally, they think that they are ready to play somewhere. They speak with the owner of the Bijou Theater. Although he is not able to hire them to play on stage, he could use them to play outside on the sidewalk between 3-4 PM the next afternoon to draw a crowd for a special show at the theater. He will pay them $2 a piece for the hour and they agree to play.

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When they get back to Johnnys house, Mr. Reed has a special delivery that needs to go to the Childrens Center at the hospital. Nicky has to go home, so Davey & Goliath accompany Jonathan. With Goliath waiting for them outside, the boys see many injured and sick children. They deliver the medicine to the director, Dr. Meyers. As they are about to leave his office, Johnny remembers his mothers words about helping those we dont know: Johnny: All those sick kids, they havent got anything to do. Davey: Yeah, a lot more than we saw too. Johnny: Listen, our combo, we could play for them. Davey: Hey, great, only we probably wouldnt get paid I betcha. Johnny: No, oh well, just this once for free. Davey: OK, sure. Johnny: Theyll love old Goliath. Davey: He cant come inside, no dogs allowed. Dr. Meyers, who had taken the medicine to the patient who needed it, returns to his office and the boys tell him about wanting to play for the kids at the center: Dr. Meyers: This is very nice of you boys. Lot of people dont give a thought to other people, much less do anything for them. Johnny: Not us. Dr. Meyers: Now we would like you boys to play outside the center. Davey: But the kids are inside. Dr. Meyers: Tomorrow as a special treat, Im allowing some of them to be taken into the garden. Davey: We can have Goliath! Johnny: What time tomorrow? Dr. Meyers: 3 oclock sharp. Davey/Johnny: Three??? We have another job at 3. Dr. Meyers: Oh, thats too bad. Davey: Cant we come later? Dr. Meyers: Afraid not. The children were promised 3 to 4. Its their only free time, after that, treatments. We dont like to break promises here. Perhaps your job can be later in the afternoon. Johnny: Well ask Mr. Harper. Dr. Meyers: Fine, just call me and let me know. They talk with Dr. Meyers, but as his special show is at a set time, he would need them to play between three and four oclock. Despite not getting paid, Davey and Jonathan remember the kids and decide to play at the Childrens Center instead of the theater. The show is a big hit with the kids, especially Goliat hs dancing. After the show, they speak with the director: Dr. Meyers: Thank you boys. Thanks Goliath. Its the best medicine those kids ever had. Davey: And thank you for the pay, Dr. Meyers. Dr. Meyers: Pay? Davey: Not money, but its like we got paid another way. Nicky: Yeah!! Johnny: We sure did! The boys lived out the song that they had practiced for church, They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love. That song is based on Jesus words in John 13, A new commandment I give to you, that you lo ve one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (vv. 34, 35). The boys would have blown through the $2 they made at the theater in no time, but instead they used their God-given talents to make an impact on kids who were going through a difficult time in their lives. There is no greater feeling than knowing that you have been used by God to help someone else. I know that it makes my day when someone comes up to me and tells me that God used a sermon to help them or writes to tell me that my Facebook posts are a blessing to them.

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EPISODE 58 UPSIDE DOWN & BACKWARDS

In Upside Down & Backwards, Nicky, Jonathan and Davey are at the Jicket clubhouse a nd discussing what they would like to become when they grow up. Nicky dreams of being champion prizefighter of the world. Davey would like to be an astronaut, who walks on the moon. When Nicky indicates that he would be scared to do that, Davey states that he would not be. Back at his house, Daveys family is heading over to his grandparents farm for the evening; however, he has a test to study for and cannot go. A huge thunderstorm is coming. Sally begins a conversation: Sally: Arent you scared to stay alone with all that thunder? Davey: Ive got Goliath. And anyway, Jonathans coming to study with me. Dad: If anything goes wrong, think before you act. Use your head. Davey: I will. I will. Dad: Sometimes you get mixed up whats real and what you make up. Davey: Yeah. Dad: God gave us minds to use, so use yours. Davey: Sure. After his family leaves, Jonathan calls to say he cannot come due to the storm the weather report is calling for tornado force winds. Davey tells his friend that he is chicken. The phone service goes out while they are speaking. As Davey listens to the radio, he hears that the bridge his family usually uses to get to his grandparents is washed out. All of a sudden the electricity goes out. Then he and Goliath hear a huge thud. Goliath thinks that its a giant trying to get into the house. Not using his mind, Davey goes along with his assessment. They hide in the closet. While hiding, they hear glass breaking (which is caused by a branch being repeatedly blown into a window) and they think the house is falling down. Then they hear knocking at the door and think it is a giant. Goliath says, The house will fall on us, well drown in the rain, and the gia nt will get us. The storm passes. The electricity returns. The phone rings its Jonathan: Johnny: Where were you? Dad brought me out there. Whered you go? Davey: That was you? Johnny: You mean you were there! Davey: I was too scared to open the door. I thought it was ... never mind what I thought. Johnny: Is this the Davey not scared to walk on the moon? Davey: Yeah, thats me, couldnt even walk to the door. Johnny: Hey, did you know that big tree by your house blew over onto the roof? Davey: Was that it? Dad always says to test things out.

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Davey realizes that he did not use his mind he did everything upside down and backwards. We can do the same thing with regards to faith. It is easy to say that we trust God when everything is going great the lights are on, the phones working, a friend is coming over. But what happens when all of a sudden we dont understand what is going on (lights are off), when it doesnt seem like God is listening to our prayers (the phone service is off), and we feel all alone (friend cant make it ove r). It is then that we see how much we really trust God. David wrote in Psalm 23: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (vs. 4). Listen to how Job describes the valley of the shadow of death: Are not my days few? Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort, before I go to the place from which I shall not return, to the land of darkness and the shadow of death, a land as dark as darkness itself, as the shadow of death, without any order, where even the light is like darkness. Job describes it as a place of no hope, no light, no order, and no comfort. Yet in the midst of such a place, David did find comfort in knowing that Yahweh was with him. Davids trust went beyond what he could see or feel. He writes in Psalm 27, I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living. Wait on Yahweh, be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart; Wait I say on Yahweh (vv. 13, 14). Even though everything that was going on in his life told him that God had abandoned him, David did not believe it. He held onto Gods promise never leave nor forsake him and did not lose heart.

EPISODE 59 LOUDER PLEASE

In Louder Please, Davey is nervous about his first day as the afterschool crossing guard, so Goliath is testing him on the various scenarios. He doesnt feel too bad since Officer Dan will be with him on the first day, but he is concerned about students that may ignore him. They decide that Goliath will wait by the curb and pull back anyone who does not listen to his masters commands. Davey arrives at Johnnys house on his way to school. When Johnny comes down, they have the following conversation: Johnny: Wed better get going. What time is it? Davey: I broke my watch. Johnny: (Noticing a boy up the street facing away from them) Whos that up ahead? Davey: I dont know. Hey you up there got the time. (The boy ignores them) Johnny: Wont answer. Wont even turn around. Davey: Acting like he didnt hear. Goliath runs up to the boy, barking loudly, but he does not turn around. Davey & Johnny walk up to the boy and begin talking to him: Davey: Think youre too good to speak to anybody. Johnny: All we wanted was the time. Davey: Come on, Johnny. Johnny: What a kook?

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Davey: Not one word. Johnny: Who does he think he is? Davey: Never seen him at school. Johnny: Probably goes to a private school. Davey: Fine, hope he stays there. All of a sudden there is an accident that occurs right behind the kid and he doesnt flinch. The boys just cannot understand it. After school, Davey takes up his post as crossing guard. As he arrives, there is an accident and Officer Dan has to leave him alone. The kooky boy from the morning comes along to cross the street. Davey sees an ambulance coming and tells him to go back, but he ignores him, so Goliath has to pull him back in the nick of time. When the boys discuss the episodes with Johnnys dad, Davey asks a question: Davey: Mr. Reed, did you ever hear of such a dumb kid. Mr. Reed: I think you just said two key words, Davey, hear and dumb. Davey: What? Mr. Reed: From what you tell me, I think the boy is deaf. And because he cant hear, hes dumb. Not the k ind of dumb you mean, dumb meaning he cant talk. Davey: He didnt hear us ask what time it was. Goliath: He didnt hear me bark at him. Mr. Reed: And didnt hear the ambulance siren. Davey: He tried to tell us he couldnt hear and we made fun of him on th e way to school. Mr. Reed: You didnt know, Davey. Davey: I dont care. Dad says never make fun of anyone and I did. I wonder what its like not to hear anything. Mr. Reed gives him a pair of ear plugs. He goes outside and is unable to hear Johnny, Officer Dan and Pops talking, he cannot hear Goliath barking and he cannot hear the church bell ringing. He begins to cry, realizing what a blessing hearing is. He decides to visit the school for the deaf. Davey describes the boy to the director, who identifies him as Peter Gray. When Peter comes to meet Davey, Davey says Im sorry using the sign language the director taught him. Peter signs thank you and the boys shake hands. I cannot imagine being deaf. For one thing, I never would have been able to enjoy Davey & Goliath, since it does not have subtitles. I listen to music all day long and I love to sing. I just cannot fathom those things missing from my life. I have two friends that are deaf, Paul and Bob, which I dont take enough time to see . This morning I realized that I had forgotten some of the letters in the sign language alphabet. Thankfully my friends can read lips, so when I do see them we can communicate. In addition to not being able to hear, my friend Paul is in a wheelchair. He does have a power wheelchair and when the weather is warmer we take walks around Manchester, particularly over to Bobs house. He goes about 5 mph, which is beyond my walking speed, so I have to run walk to keep up with him. Despite these things that God has withheld from them (hearing and in Pauls case, walking), they still love Him and dont complain. The apostle Paul wrote, Do all things withou t complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the world of life (Philippians 2:14-16a). Since God works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11), all complaining is ul timately against Him. Nobody is going to want to hear about our Lord and Savior, if we are constantly complaining.

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EPISODE 60 NEW YEAR PROMISE

In New Year Promise, Mr. Opp offers to allow Davey to ring the church bell at midnight on New Years Eve because he shoveled the church sidewalk. Sally comes by to see if Davey will take her sledding. Mr. Opp asks them: Mr. Opp: Have you made your New Years resolutions yet? Davey: No, sir. Sally: Whats a resolution? Davey: Its the bad things we wont do anymore. Mr. Opp: Better, you should promise the good things you will do. Davey: Yeah. (Just then Sally goes to pull on the rope and Davey yells at her) Dont pull that! Sally: I was just going to give it a little tiny ping? Davey: No, it will jerk you right off the ground! Sally: Im sorry. Davey, Sally & Goliath go sledding and arrive home as it is getting dark. Their parents are heading to a party. Davey tells them about ringing in the New Year. They all plan to meet at the church before midnight. Davey is thinking hard about his resolution. Goliath indicates that he is not going to steal other dogs bones. Davey replies, You make it, you got to keep it! Sally beats on Daveys drum with a baseball bat. He yells at her, Will you please make a resolution not to do dumb things! She agrees, but not long afterwards, she is pulling a candy cane off the tree: Davey: Sally, you could have knocked yourself cold! (he stopped the tree from falling on her) Now you leave that tree alone! Sally: You yell at me all the time. You scare me. Maybe thats why I do dumb things. Davey: Hey, thats my resolution (still in a loud voice) I wont yell at you (lowering his voice) I wont yell at you anymore. Sally: Beginning right now. Davey: OK right (softly) I mean right now. However, Davey finds it very difficult not to yell at Sally. He decides the only way to keep the resolution is not to talk to her at all. When she asks him if he is ever going to talk to her again, he simply shakes his head. As she leaves the room, Davey says, Goliath, theres something wrong with this resolution. Convinced that Davey doesnt love her, Sally runs away , leaving a note. Davey reads the note and he and Goliath have the following conversation: Davey: Whats the matter with her, I do to love her! Goliath: Maybe she couldnt tell. Davey: I quit yelling at her, didnt I? Goliath: Thats what you promised. Davey: Wait a minute, what was that Mr. Opp said, Better you promise the good things youll do.

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Goliath: I dont get it. Davey: I should have said Id talk nice to Sally. Davey & Goliath search for Sally, following clues scent, footprints, dropped doll, lost mitten and scarf. They finally catch up with her. She is trying to make it up a hill and Davey can see that she is in danger: Davey: Snow slide and I cant yell at her. Goliath: You gotta yell! Davey: Sally, dont move! Sally: Davey! (the snow slide occurs, Davey rushes to uncover Sally) Davey: Sally! Sally: Oh, Davey, it was so nice to hear you yell. Meanwhile the Hansens and Mr. Opp are waiting at church. Davey, Goliath and Sally show up just before midnight. His da d asks them if they have made their resolutions. Davey replies, You know Dad, it isnt what you dont do that make things right, it is what you do do. Davey & Sally ring the bell together. Churches are often known more for what they are against rather than what they are for. We are against drinking, smoking, dancing, card-playing, movie-going, reading non-Christian books, viewing non-Christian television and listening to nonChristian music. We are against abortion, euthanasia, pre-marital sex, divorce, gay marriage, and the Democratic Party. We are against this and we are against that and so the church comes across to the world as self-righteous, negative and angry. It is true that God is against some of things on those lists because they destroy those whom He made in His image. But He does not hate, for example, young women who get an abortion as a way out of a difficult situation. The Ap ostle Paul writes, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Abortion is not overcome by protesting and bombing clinics, but through work at crisis pregnancy centers. Evil is not overcome by hate, but by love. Sinners were drawn to the Lord Jesus, are they drawn to our churches? Casting Crowns has a song that includes these lyrics, If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way. Are we known for the sins we are against or for the love that we have for sinners?

EPISODE 61 READY OR NOT

In Ready or Not, Davey & Goliath are over at Jonathans house an d playing hide and seek. They are both hiding in the upper bunk and Jonathan is unable to find them. Mrs. Reed comes into the room: Mrs. Reed: Lunch is ready, Johnny. Johnny: Were playing hide and seek. Mrs. Reed: This room!! Johnny: No, he hid in another room.

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Mrs. Reed: Im talking about this mess. Clean it up or no lunch. Johnny: Oh, why do I have to? Mrs. Reed: You know very well why. Its your room and your responsibility. And never mind hunting for Davey, Ill call him and tell him to help. Now get to work. And dont forget to make the bed. Johnny gets the whole room done, with the exception of the beds, without Daveys help. Its then that Davey and Goliath come out from their hiding spot. As the boys are eating their lunch, Mrs. Reed says: Mrs. Reed: You two wash your own dishes when youre through. Johnny: Oh, mom! Davey: Its summer vacation. Mrs. Reed: Now let me ask you boys a question. What would the world be like if nobody did anything about cleaning it up? Johnny: It would be great. Mrs. Reed: Would it?? Stop and think. For instance, how would you like eating off dirty dishes? Johnny: Yuck. Mrs. Reed: And have that table stacked to the ceiling with garbagey dishes? Davey: I guess after awhile the whole world would be a big old garbage dump. Mrs. Reed: Some places already are, because people wont do their jobs. You two keep in mind that taking care of the world is everybodys business. Later on the boys are sitting around bored on the church steps. Jonathan remembers that there is a great little park on the other side of the city. As they walk there, Johnny describes it, Its a whole square block like a little chunk of country in the middle of the city. Big old trees and one of them has the best tree house you ever saw. Pretty little flower garden with little benches. Little shady paths and all kinds of flowers. Nobody picks them, so theyll always be there. Swings and jungle gym and see-saws and all that stuff. Nice old people come and sit on the benches and smell the flowers. As he finishes, they arrive at the park. It is nothing like he described tree house is wrecked, no flowers, everything is a mess and nobody there except rats. They have the following conversation: Johnny: What happened to it? Davey: One big garbage dump. Goliath: Davey, I know what happened. Everybody through down and nobody picked up. Davey: Its the citys job to keep this park nice. Johnny: It sure Remember what mom said, Taking care of the world is everybodys business. They decide to fix the park up. The boys talk to Mr. Reed about the supplies they need. Pastor Miller is at the drug store and states: Pastor Miller: You do need one more important thing kids, but youve already got it. Davey: What Pastor Miller? Pastor Miller: The will to help people and take care of your world. Davey: Is that what weve got? Johnny: The world?? Pastor Miller: The chunk you live in and thats all God asks. As they are working on fixing the park, some local kids are not happy with them taking over their park. Four boys come to fight Davey & Johnny, who are up in the tree house. When the boys get up in the tree house, Davey says, Welcome to your tree house, fellows. The boys are taken aback and instead of fighting, help to clean up the park getting more supplies and getting more helpers. People, regardless of what part of the city they live in, work together painting, weeding, picking up garbage, chasing rats and making new friends. We have already had a lesson on taking care of Gods world (The Caretakers). I take something Davey said, Its the citys job to keep this park nice, in a different direction. When it comes to ministry, how often do people say, Its the pastor s job? But is that what Scripture indicates? Paul writes, God Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastor-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11, 12). The

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pastor is to equip those God has entrusted to him to minister. The particular group of believers has as many ministers as it has members. The pastor cannot be everywhere. But God has people everywhere, who when equipped, can be used to help unbelievers encounter Jesus. Are you being used by God to touch your chunk of His world for Jesus?

EPISODE 62 KUM BA YAH

In Kum Ba Yah, Davey & Johnny are bored again and ask Pastor Miller if there is anything they can do for him around the church. He asks them to think up something new to do. As they are sitting around in J ohnnys room finding it very difficult to come up with an idea, Goliath goes to the kitchen to check on lunch. Mrs. Reed sends him to the boys ringing an old farm dinner bell, which gives Davey an idea a bell choir. They go talk with Pastor Miller. He likes the idea a lot and it turns out that his brothers church has a set of bells they can borrow. They decide to do the African -American spiritual, Kum Ba Yah. The song requires three ringers, each with two bells. They decide to ask a new boy, Francisco, to join the choir. When Davey goes to Franciscos apartment (Johnny has deliveries to make for his fathers drug store), he hears someone calling Francisco, Francisco and assumes it is the new boys mother. It turns out to be his myna bird, name d Jo-Jo. They have a conversation that sets the foundation for problems down the road: Davey: Hey, Goliath, how about that? Goliath: I can talk better than any old bird. Davey: He says he can talk better than a bird. Cisco: Oh, come on, Dave, dogs cant talk. Davey: He can, he talks to me. Goliath: (Barks [what Cisco hears]) Davey: See, he says you hurt his feelings. Cisco: Quit it, you make up things he supposed to say. Davey: I dont. I do not. Cisco: How come all I hear is woof-woof. Goliath: Tell him because he doesnt listen right. Davey: Cause you dont listen right. Cisco: Yeah, sure, anybody hears my bird right. That evening Mrs. Reed helps them with their first practice. The next day they have a practice at the church. Pastor Miller thinks it is beautiful. Davey replies, Thats what Goliath said. Cisco rolls his eyes. That Saturday, they have their final practice at Franciscos, who has been teaching Jo -Jo to say Kum Ba Yah. After their practice, Cisco brings out Jo -Jo to show off his ability to say Kum Ba Yah and calls Goliath a big dumb dog because he cannot talk like his myna bird. Davey replies, Dont call Goliath dumb. Youre dumb because you cant understand him. Youre so dumb I wont ring with you tomorrow. Come on Goliath. He goes to talk with Pastor Miller about his decision:

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Pastor Miller: I understand why you feel that way. I have a question, Davey, whats the name of the song youre not going to let us tomorrow? Davey: Kum Ba Yah Pastor Miller: Come by here, my Lord. Davey: Yes, sir. Pastor Miller: Its really a prayer, isnt it? I have another question. Youre asking the Lord to come by here, to this city, to this block, to this church, but are you listening when He tells us were all brothers. What does that mean, Davey? Davey: Shouldnt hate our brother. Pastor Miller: What should we do? Davey: Love them. The bell choir plays as scheduled. Ill be honest - I get mad when I watch this episode Cisco was way out of line calling Goliath dumb. All Jo-Jo is doing is mimicking sounds he hears, Goliath actually has conversations with Davey, which could have been proved in a manner similar to the trial in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle. There is no indication that Cisco ever apologized to Davey. But we are not responsible for the actions of others, but we are responsible for our reactions. The Apostle Paul writes, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Davey reacted in hatred to something wrong that Cisco did. But we are called to react in love. The Greek word translated peaceably (eireneuo) is used in these passages For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace (eireneuo) with one another. (Mark 9:49, 50) Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace ( eireneuo); and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Jesus is referencing Leviticus 2:13, where it is stated the Israelites were not allow the salt of the covenant to be lackin g from any of their offerings. Salt does not burn; therefore, it symbolizes the permanence. What Cisco did was hurtful and wrong, but Davey was to have salt in himself that would endure the fire (trial) that he was going through. The same goes for us. If we want the God of love and peace to be with us, then we need to react in love to those who hurt us. Whats better, being right or being right with God?

EPISODE 63 WHATS HIS NAME

In Whats His Name, a new boy and his dog come by the Jicket clubhouse. Davey introduces himself; however, before the boy can say his name, Goliath and the other dog (Buzzy) start arguing about who is smarter. Of course, each boy believes that his dog is smarter and they try to prove it. They both do a good job of playing dead and sitting, shaking hands and speaking, but Goliath does a much better job of dancing. The boy leaves saying to himself, Ill fix you, Davey, just you wait

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and see. As he is walking home, he passes a workman who is finishing up a new cement driveway. After he is warned to stay away from it, the boy writes Davey and Goliath and puts footprints and pawprints in the cement. The workmans supervisor comes to Daveys house to confront Mr. Hansen about what his son did. In turn, when Daveys dad confronts him, he understandably denies doing it; however, his father does not believe him and indicates that he will be doing extra jobs around the house and not receiving his allowance until the driveway is paid for. Davey goes to his room: Davey: My own dad wouldnt believe me. Goliath: Dont worry, well find that kid. Lets get going. Davey: Not till I can think of the meanest thing I can do to pay him back. You think, too. Goliath: Ill bite m both, chew m up and spit m out. Davey: Its got to be meaner than that! Listen, how about this. On Monday, there will be a new driveway, all wet. I get whats his name there and sit on him. I push his face right down into that wet cement (laughs evilly). Thatll teach him. Hows that? Goliath: Then you really will need to pay for the messed up cement. Just find him and make him say he did it. Davey is intent on revenge. Jonathan encourages him to just forget it. Davey gets mad at his best friend. He doesnt go to Sunday School the next day. He is angry with everybody. All he can think about is revenge. Jonathan explains the situation to Pastor Miller and tells him that Davey likes to hang out at the Jicket clubhouse. Davey is there when Pastor Miller comes by. After Davey explains the situation, they have the following conversation: Davey: So see I cant find him till I decide what to do to him and I cant decide. Pastor Miller: Theres one thing you havent thought of yet. Just forget it. Davey: Johnny said that, Goliath said that, now, you say it. How can I forget a mean trick like that? Pastor Miller: Its hard. Youre right. But theres one sure way you can manage it. Davey: You mean forgive him. How often do I have to keep on forgiving people? Pastor Miller: Long ago, one of Jesus followers asked Him the same question, Lord, how often am I to forgive a man, as many as seven times? What did Jesus answer, Davey? Davey: I think He said, Seventy times seven Pastor Miller: Did He mean forgive 490 times and then stop. Davey: I guess He meant to keep on and on and on. Golly! Davey searches for the boy. When he finally finds the house, he knocks on the door. When the boy answers the door expecting a fight, Davey says: Davey: You sure were hard to find. Boy: So you found me, so what? Davey: So would you like to come to the clubhouse and meet some Jickets? Boy: Wh what? Davey: Hey, Pastor was right. I feel good again. They go to Daveys house and the boy tells Mr. Hansen the truth, hoping it sets things right. Mr. Hansen replies: Mr. Hansen: Not everything, Im afraid. Now Ive got some apologizing to do. Davey, I Davey: Forget it, Dad. Mr. Hansen: Can you forget I wouldnt believe you? Davey: I couldnt until I learned some arithmetic. Mr. Hansen: Arithmetic?? Davey: 70 x 7 Mr. Hansen: 70 x Oh, forgive, forget and start over. Surrounding the verse we looked at yesterday, we have these wo rds of Paul, Repay no one evil for evil. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says Yahweh. Theref ore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do

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not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17a, 19 -21). Paul quotes Proverbs 25:21, 22. Ill repeat a quote I used in the episode, Bully Up a Tree by Barbara Bo wen in Strange Scriptures that Perplex the Western Mind : In the Bible lands almost everything is carried on the head water jars, baskets of fruit, vegetables, fish or any other article. Those carrying the burden rarely touch it with the hands, and they walk through crowded streets and lanes with perfect ease. In many homes the only fire they have is kept in a brazier, which they use for simple cooking as well as for warmth. They plan to always keep it burning. If it should go out, some member of the family will take the brazier to a neighbors house to borrow fire. Then she will lift the brazier to her head and start for home. If her neighbor is a generous woman, she will heap the brazier full of coals. To feed an enemy and give him drink was like heaping the empty brazier with live coals which meant food, warmth and almost life itself to the person or home needing it, and was the symbol of finest generosity. Davey was overcome by evil when he was trying to handle the situation the fleshly way revenge. However, when he handled the situation the spiritual way forgiveness he overcame evil with good. Children of God will love not hate, forgive not avenge. Are we children of our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:43-48)?

EPISODE 64 PIECES OF EIGHT

In Pieces of Eight, we find out that Davey loves the book Treasure Island and is reading it for the sixth time. Johnny comes by so that they can go to the Jicket meeting. They elect Davey as the new treasurer and entrust him with a box that contains $4.10. If everyone pays their dues at the next meeting, theyll be able to buy a new baseball bat. Johnny warns Davey, You take good care of that money, to which Goliath replies, Hes more a man than any pair of rats of you in this here house (quoting from Treasure Island). At bedtime, Davey and Goliath have a conversation: Davey: Heres what the treasure map says, Goliath. Tall tree, bearing a point north of north northeast, 10 feet. Goliath: Who could make any sense of that? Who needs a map anyhow? I can find a bone anywhere I bury it. Davey: Pirates always had maps; thats the only way they could find the treasure. Wish I knew where to hide this treasure (i.e., the Jicket money box). What if a robber comes in the night and steals it? Goliath: Captain, sir, youll give me bad dreams. Davey: Me, too, if I read anymore Treasure Island. In the middle of the night, Davey gets up to bury the treasure, deciding he cant even tell Goliath where he is hiding it. Goliath wakes up and finds Davey and the treasure missing, assuming someone kidnapped Davey. He comes and finds Davey, who is making a treasure map: Goliath: You got away! You got away! Davey: Goliath, Im sure glad youre not mad. Goliath: Mad! Whats a matter with you, Davey? Which way did he go? Ill track down that robber. Ill get the treasure back.

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Davey: What robber? Goliath: No, robber?? Then wheres the treasure? Davey: I buried it. Please dont be mad. I had to do it this way. Goliath: Without me? Davey: It had to be a secret. Goliath: Secret from me? Davey: Goliath, dont cry. Come on, Ill show you where it is. Goliath: I dont want to see where, you dont trust me. A thunderstorm passes through just as Davey & Goliath make their way back to the house. The next morning Goliath is ignoring Davey, his feelings have been hurt. Mr. Hansen reminds Goliath that in their house they practice forgiveness and reminds Davey it is his responsibility to make things right. The best friends make up and search for the money box together. However, the map brings them to the wrong spot and the rain has washed away the scent for Goliath. They dig and dig, but to no avail. They have the following talk: Davey: There was a robber. He followed me. He dug up the treasure. Goliath: Uh-uh. Hed leave a hole. Davey: He wouldnt either, hed cover his tracks. Goliath: Lost or stolen, there goes new baseball bat. Davey: Oh, the Jickets! Goliath: Whatll you do? Whatll you tell them? Davey: Just tell them its not my fault? Goliath: Whos fault is it? Davey: Not mine, not by a long sea mile. Goliath: Did I lose it? Did the Jickets lose it? Uh-uh. Davey: Stop saying, Uh-uh. Goliath: Whats that your dad said this morning? Davey: Yeah, the Jickets have to forgive me. Goliath: Something else, he said, remember? Mr. Hansen: Youre responsible for what happened; you have to make it up Goliath: Whose fault was it, Davey? Davey: Mine. Davey gets jobs around town washing cars, cutting grass, getting groceries, weeding flower beds and cleaning windows. While hes working, Goliath continues to dig. With an hour to go to the meeting, all Davey has is $3.70. Seeing his changed attitude, Sally decides to loan him the 44 in her piggy bank and the Jickets are able to get their baseball bat. None of us likes to take responsibilities for our unintentional mistakes and intentional sins. After Adam and Eve sinned, Yahweh asked Adam, Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? (Genesis 3:11). A simple yes would have sufficed, but that was not Adams answer. He said, The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I ate (vs. 12). He blamed Eve and ultimately he blamed God who had given Eve to him. If you read the account, specifically the wording in vs. 6, Adam was right there through the entire episode (she gave to her husband with her). Instead of protecting his wife, it seems Adam let Eve be the guinea pig; when she didnt drop dead, he ate the fruit. Then he blames her. When God asks Eve, What is this that you have done? (vs. 13), she blames the serpent. Right from the beginning, humans did not want to take responsibility for their actions. We read in Proverbs: He who cover his sin s will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy (28:13). The Hebrew word translated confesses (yadah) comes from an ancient root meaning hand moves. Its the picture of someone raising their hand to acknowledge that they were the person who sinned. How much better the world would be if we did more hand raising than buck passing.

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EPISODE 65 CHICKEN

In Chicken, Goliath fell into a pond because a collie called him a scaredy-cat for not jumping to an island, Sally picked flowers she knew she should not have because she didnt want her friends making fun of her, and Mr. Hansen got stuck in the mud following other cars taking a shortcut around traffic while ignoring a Travel at Your Own Risk sign. At the lunch tabl e, they have the following conversation: Mr. Hansen: Davey, did you learn anything from my stupidity? Davey: Sure, were supposed to use our heads? Mr. Hansen: Right, Sally? Sally: Dont be a copy-cat. Davey: Did you learn anything (talking to Goliath) Goliath: Dont be a copy-dog either, youll get all wet. Mr. Hansen: Alright, Davey. Lets pray. Father, thank you for this food and all our blessings. Lord, help us to do what is right no matter what anyone else says or does. Amen. After lunch, Jonathan, Cisco and Nicky come by Daveys house to see if he wants to play Follow the Leader. At first, Johnny is the leader, but Cisco thinks what he is doing is kids stuff and he takes over. He takes the group to a construction si te. They ignore a Keep Out sign and climb over the fence. Cisco indicates that anybody who doesnt do what he does is chicken. They ride a winch up to the second floor. While on a second floor balcony, Cisco plans to swing 50 feet or so over to another balcony: Nicky: Hey, thats crazy! Johnny: It sure is! Cisco: Whats a matter, scared? Nicky: Lets see you do it. Cisco: If I do it, everybody does it. Goliath barks Davey: Goliath says nobody should do it. He says its dangerous. Hes scared. Cisco: Dont put it on Goliath. You say it Youre scared. Davey: I am not! Johnny/Nicky: Im not. Cisco successfully makes the leap and so does Nicky. Davey tries to convince Johnny not to go, but concerned that everyone will call them chickens, so he does it. However, when he lands, he pulls the railing apart partially. Goliath tells Davey that it is foolish to jump and to remember what his dad had prayed (help us do what is right no matter what anyone else says or does). Davey calls over to his friends and says, Its stupid to take chances like that. This results in his friends chanting Davey Hansens chicken, rah, rah, rah. Davey gives into the name calling and jumps; however, when he lands, the railing

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falls apart and he falls to the ground. He is unconscious and has a clearly broken leg. Johnny goes to call an ambulance. Cisco makes the foolish remark, At least he wasnt chicken. At the hospital, Pastor Miller visits Davey: Pastor Miller: Jonathan tells me you were smart enough to fall into a pile of sand; otherwise, you would have had a lot more broken bones. Davey: I wasnt smart, Pastor. I was stupid and a copy -cat and did what was wrong when I knew what was right. So I fell on my head. Pastor Miller: Sounds to me as if you learned God gave us our heads to use not to fall on, aye. Davey: He sure did. The passage that came to mind was in Solomons opening words to his son, My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains around your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path (Proverbs 1:10 -15). Now Cisco, Nicky and Johnny were not robbing or murdering, but they were still doing something wrong trespassing on private property and taking unnecessary risks with the life God them. However, the peer pressure was too much for Davey and he forsook the instruction of his father. He cast his lot with those who were doing wrong rather than keeping his foot from their path. Mr. Hansens prayer should be all of our prayers Lord, help me to do what is right no matter what anyone else says or does.

EPISODE 66 HAPPY EASTER

In Happy Easter, Davey spends the Wednesday before Resurrection Sunday with his grandmother, his dads mother (which means if you have been following this series, his grandparents on the farm must be his mothers parents). They do many things together paint Easter eggs, make an Easter cake, prepare for the big baseball game between the Jickets and the Squeegies, fix an attic window broken by one of Daveys batted balls, make plans to fix up his dads old rocking horse, and sing along with a recording of Camptown Races on an old Victrola. They talk about going to see the Easter play at sunrise. As the day comes to an end, Mr. Hansen calls to say that he will be by in five minutes to pick Davey up. Davey does not want to go, wishing he lived with his grandma. She says to him, Never mind honey, Ill see Saturday at the game and well be together Easter. The next day, Davey comes home from baseball practice. As he enters the house, he senses that something is wrong. His dad tells him that his grandmother died that afternoon. He cannot believe it since he had just been with her the day before. At the funeral, the pastor quotes several Bible passages, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live (John 11:25) and Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will

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come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1 -3). But Davey is not ready to accept these words. He is devastated and feels alone. After the funeral, Jimmy comes by to see if Davey can still play in the baseball game. He goes, but his heart is not in it, leaving in the middle of an inning after making a costly error that allows the Squeegies to score three runs. He goes to his grandmothers house, remembering the things that she said and all the things that they had planned to do. Then he heads to the cemetery. His dad finds him sitting by Grandmas grave, takes him to the park where they are having a dress rehearsal for the Easter play, and they have this talk: Dad: Davey you know the Easter story. Davey: Its about what happened to Jesus. Dad: Those Roman pillars represent where Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. Davey: Theres the cross He had to carry. And Jesus enemies made him wear a crown of sharp thorns. Dad: Yes, then along a road like that and up a hill, He carried His cross. Davey: I dont see why Easter is happy. Dad: You will. The Roman soldiers nailed Him to the cross. Davey: Dad, did Jesus really die? Dad: Yes, Davey. Then they buried Him in a tomb like that one. Davey: There come some actors. Dad: Now watch Davey, this is what happened the first Easter morning. Mary #1: What will we do without Jesus? Mary #2: We will never see Him! Never be with Him again! Mary #1: The stone has been rolled back; they have taken Jesus away. Angel: Why are you crying? Mary #2: Theyve taken Jesus from His tomb. Hes gone. Hes gone. Angel: He has been raised from the dead! Youll see Him again! Be with Him again! Davey: Oh! Marys: Halleluyah! Halleluyah! Davey: Jesus is risen! Dad: Now do you see why Easter is a happy time? Davey: Because He is alive. Dad: God raised Jesus from the dead. And thats the promise He makes to us. Davey: Does that mean Hell raise Grandma too? Dad: Yes, Davey. It will happen to you, too. Davey: Then Ill see her again, be with her again! I like that. Davey felt a lot like the disciples following the crucifixion confused and lonely. They had been with Him for upwards of 3.5 years and now all of a sudden He was gone. Davey had just spent the previous day with his grandma and now all of a sudden she was gone. While the promise of seeing loved ones again is great news, it is not the primary message of Easter. I do not believe the series ever mentions that Jesus died for our sins. Although you would be hard pressed to find a better series for children, this deficiency is a big hole. The Apostle Paul writes, Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification (Romans 4:25). In each part of this phrase, the apostle uses the Greek preposition dia with the accusative case. Dana & Mantey indicate that this construction either means because of or for the sake of. This construction is actually used twice in the previous two verses, now this was not written for his sake alone and but also f or our sake. However, in vs. 25, Jesus did not die for the sake of our offenses (in the sense we find in vv. 23 & 24), but because of them. Therefore, He was raised from the dead because of our justification because the basis for God declaring guilty sinners not guilty had been affected. If Jesus had not accomplished His goal (the pleasure of Yahweh had not prospered in His hand [Isaiah 53:10]), He would have remained dead. But He is alive! Halleluyah! Praise to Yahweh, the just and justifier of the ones who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Thats what makes Easter happy.

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EPISODE 67 DOGHOUSE DREAMHOUSE

In Doghouse Dreamhouse, lightning strikes a tree and destroys Goliaths house. Davey assures him that dad and he will build him a new doghouse. His dad agrees that a new doghouse must be built: Davey: So when can we start, Dad? Mr. Hansen: Not we, Davey, you? Davey: Huh?? Mr. Hansen: This is a job you can do alone. Davey: I cant build a doghouse by myself. Mr. Hansen: Weve built lots of things together scooters, Sallys dollhouse, chicken coops out at Grandpas farm, all sorts of things. Taught you all the basics. Now lets see what you can do on your own. Davey: A whole doghouse?? Mr. Hansen: Ill help with advice whenever you need it. Youll like feeling more independent. Its part of growing up. Davey: I wont like it and I cant do it! Mr. Hansen: Youll be surprised what you can do. Davey: I dont want to be surprised. Mr. Hansen: Then Goliath will be surprised. Davey: Huh?? Mr. Hansen: He wont have that new doghouse he needs, will he? Goliath: Out in the cold, cold world. First, Davey tries to put the old house back together, but it falls apart. Next, he builds a terrible doghouse on purpose to prove his dad wrong and to get him to build it. When Mr. Hansen s ees it, he says, Did you really think you could fool me? I know what kind of work you can do Davey and I know you havent done it. I believe you can do a whole lot better. You dont need my help with building; you just want it. Theres a difference. Dont you care enough about Goliath to build his doghouse? Its your decision, Davey. The next day he is talking to Johnny and Nicky about it on the steps of their church. When Pastor Miller comes by and finds out that Davey is building a doghouse, he says: Pastor Miller: Good for you, Davey. Jesus was a carpenter, too. Youre in good company. Davey: Yeah, I am. Pastor Miller heads into the church. Nicky: Lets get up a ball game. Johnny: Id rather go swimming. How about you, Davey? (no answer) Davey?

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Nicky: Whats a matter with him? Davey? Davey: Did you hear what Pastor Miller said? Johnny: Hear what? Davey: Jesus was a carpenter. Nicky: Well sure, anybody knows that. Davey: But dont you see. He wouldnt do any sloppy old work. Hed Hed come on, Goliath, were going to build a great big doghouse dreamhouse. When he puts his mind to it, Davey does a great job building Goliaths new home. Davey goes into town to buy paint and has another conversation with Pastor Miller: Pastor Miller: You seem a lot happier about that house than you did a couple of days ago. Davey: A couple of days ago I was a kooky kid. Pastor Miller: We all get kooky sometimes. Davey: I bet you would like it if I put a Bible verse over the door. Pastor Miller: (Laughs) Youre putting me on. But if you did use one, I know one that fits, from the book of Psalms, Unless the LORD builds the house, they work in vain who build it. Davey: Whats that mean? Pastor Miller: Means nothing is much good, unless we let the Lord be part of it. Davey: You mean He cares about doghouses? Pastor Miller: Our Lord cares about everything and everybody. Pastor Millers passage is found in the opening verse of Psalm 127, Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. The Hebrew word translated vain ( shav) has at its root the idea of a loud and destructive crashing of thunder and waves. This is reminiscent of Jesus words at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house, and it fell (Matthew 7:26, 27). Without Yahwehs help, youre wasting your time. But listen to these words of Paul in his first epistle to the assembly in Corinth, My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (15:58). But when we are doing what God wants us to do and depending on His strength, we can be certain it is not a waste of time. We can follow Solomons words, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Its another way of saying, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) or whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). Davey realized he needed to build the doghouse the way Jesus would have built a doghouse. It goes for us too; we must always do our best and always do things Gods way.

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EPISODE 68 GOOD BAD LUCK

In Good Bad Luck, Daveys class is going on a field trip to the woods. When Davey asks if Goliath can come, she indicates that he can come along as their good luck mascot. While Davey is telling Goliath about the trip, Miss Lindsay comes by: Miss Lindsay: Davey, make sure to be on time tomorrow; the bus cant wait for anyone whos late. Davey: Dont worry, Miss Lindsay, well be on time. Miss Lindsay leaves. Davey: Teachers sure are bossy! Do this. Do that. They sure do like to give orders. At home, it is evident that Goliath is sick. Davey tells him that if he is sick in the morning, he will not be able to go on the field trip. Goliath remarks: Goliath: Teachers arent the only ones who like to give orders. Davey: I give them because theyre important and Im smarter than you (Note: th is is debatable in many episodes ) Teachers give them just to give them. In the morning, Goliath, determined to be the field trip mascot, does not let on that he is still sick. Meanwhile at the Reed house, Johnny is also convinced that parents just love giving orders and leaves behind the sweater his mother suggested he take along on the field trip, as it can get cold in the woods. In the woods, Miss Lindsay gives directions to her class: (1) they are never to go so far from their camp that they cant see it through the trees; (2) they are to go exploring in pairs; and, (3) if they do get lost, they are to stay where they are and let the others find them. She describes how easy it is to get lost in the woods. Davey and Jonathan are a team. When they feel that they have found as many specimens as they can within sight of the camp, Davey suggests venturing further away against Miss Lindsays warnings. When Johnny hesitates, Davey says, She doesnt know everything. Teachers just like to boss. Are we so stupid that wed get lost? And he adds that they have a special scout, Goliath. When it gets to be time to head back to camp, Davey & Johnny smell a skunk, but Goliath does not so much for their scout, because of his cold, he cannot smell anything. This concerns Johnny since they did not even try to mark their trail. Davey replies, Like easy, follow me chums and just call me Daniel Boone. Davey does a poor imitation of Daniel Boone they wander around in circles just as Miss Lindsay had warned. They have the following conversation: Goliath: I dont feel good, Davey. Davey: I said you shouldnt come if you had a cold. Goliath: I thought you just liked to give orders. Johnny: Im cold. Davey: Why didnt you bring a sweater? Johnny: Good question.

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Jonathan walks away and trips on a rock. He gets up and leans against a tree. Johnny: Cant walk on it. Davey: Sprained? Johnny: I wish wed done what Miss Lindsay said. But did we listen? Davey: Stay where we are and theyd find us. (Bows his head) O Lord, help them find us. Im sorry I wont listen to anyone but me. Im sorry, honest. Meanwhile, Miss Lindsay sends the rest of the class as a search party. Nicky and Cisco find them and they return to camp. After they tell the group about the leaves, rocks and bugs they found, Miss Lindsay asks them: Miss Lindsay: Is that all you learned? Davey: I think so. Miss Lindsay: Im sure you learned something else. Davey: We learned that when teachers give orders, they Johnny: they got good reasons. Davey: We learned that older people dont give orders just to show off how important than are. Johnny: As least most of them dont. Miss Lindsay: If you learned that and remember it, then all our bad luck was good luck. The passage that comes to mind is Honor your father and your mother, as Ya hweh your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you (Deuteronomy 5:16). The Hebrew word translated honor (kabad) means to consider something as heavy. Davey and Johnny considered the recommendations and directions of parents and teachers as not worth listening too they thought lightly of those God had placed over them. As a result, it did not go well with them. It is foolish to ignore the advice of those older and more experienced than ourselves. The author of Hebrews writes, Remember those who lead you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct (13:7). If God has placed godly examples in our life, we need to imitate (follow, Greek: mimeomai [mimeograph]) their faith and listen to their words.

EPISODE 69 THE WATCHDOGS

In The Watchdogs, crime is on the increase in Daveys town according to the morning newspaper that Mr. Hansen is reading at the breakfast table. Jonathan calls to say that he can come over for three nights. After getting off the phone with his friend, Davey says, Maybe Johnny & I will see a robber. When they go to pick up Johnny, the boys stop by to see Pastor Miller: Pastor Miller: Jonathan just asked me a big question, Davey; he wants to know how God does His work in this world. Davey: How does He, Pastor Miller? Johnny: Pastor says He uses people to help other people.

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Pastor Miller: Thats right, were His hands, His eyes, His voice. Whenever love is at work by a nyone for anyone, thats God at work. Davey & Johnny decide to sleep outside in a tent. Shortly after they go to sleep, Goliath hears something it is an armed robber. He sees them looking out the tent and comes over and says, You brats tell anyone you saw me and Ill get you. (Goliath growls) Shut up, mutt, youll be the first one Ill get! The boys decide they have to remain silent about what the y saw. The next morning, Mr. Hansen tells Davey that Mr. OSullivan was help up, right across the stre et. He finds it strange that Goliath, at least, did not hear anything. Officer Dan comes by to talk to Davey & Johnny. They are quick, too quick, to say they know nothing. Officer Dan, sensing they do know something says, Often in cases like this, peo ple who know something important wont admit it. They dont want to be involved. They forget their duty to other people. Thats one reason theres more and more crime and why crooks go free. Now I have a feeling you kids know more than youre telling. Someday you many need the police to help you and witnesses will say what youre saying. Just you think about that. Johnny and Goliath are convinced, based on what Officer Dan and Pastor Miller said, that the right thing to do is tell what they know, but Davey is afraid the robber or his gang will hurt him and his family. Johnny does tell Officer Dan what he knows and they are able to catch the robber. Meantime, he, Goliath, Mr. Hansen, their next door neighbor Mr. Cohen and Officer Dan have a lesson to teach Davey. Johnny indicates that he wants to go home and the whole Hansen family takes him under the pretense of going out to dinner, leaving Goliath behind to guard the house. While they are gone, Mr. Cohen ransacks the living room, like a robber was there and Goliath put up a struggle. When Davey enters the house, he sees the mess and calls for Goliath, but he does not come. Officer Dan comes by. After being assured that the robber from the previous night has been arrested, Davey is certain that one of his gang has Goliath and he wants Officer Dan to do something: Officer Dan: Do what? First, we need someone who saw who came here, someone willing to be involved. (At that moment, the doorbell rings, it is the neighbor Mr. Cohen, Mr. Hansen answers the door) Mr. Cohen: Im glad youre back. While you were gone, I heard a lot of barking over here. I saw a man come out with Goliath a tough looking character. He was dragging Goliath by a rope and (Officer Dan opens the door more completely, so that Mr. Cohen can see him and he pretends to clam up) Mr. Cohen: Oh, police Officer Dan: Thank you for coming forward, Mr. Cohen. What did the man look like? Mr. Cohen: I I I dont know. I didnt get a good look. Too dark. Officer Dan: You saw he was tough, you must have seen more. Tall, short, old, young, what? Mr. Cohen: I dont know. I I dont know anything. I couldnt see. Please excuse me, I have to go home. Officer Dan: What you mean is you dont want to get involved. Davey: Mr. Cohen, come back!! Officer Dan: Forget it, Davey. Hes like you. He doesnt want to help. Mr. Hansen: Well, Davey, maybe now you understand why we have to help people. Davey: (Crying) Goliath, Goliath! At this point, Goliath enters the room he had been asleep in Daveys bedroom all along. Mr. Hansen admits it was a trick to teach Davey an important lesson. Davey says, I didnt learn a new lesson, Dad, Its that old one I forgot. Were supposed to do for other people like we want them to do for us. The old lesson that Davey forgot was the so-called Golden Rule from Matthew 7, Whatever you want men to do for you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. That is how Jesus summarized our duty to one another. Paul restated his Masters words as follows, Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not be ar false witness, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law (Roma ns 13:8-10). The Greek word translated summed up (anakephalaioo) was used in mathematics to refer to the process of adding up a column of numbers and then putting the sum at the top. When you add up all the requirements of the Law toward our neighbor, the sum is love. Love demanded that Davey become involved and it demands the same thing from us to allow God to use us as His hands, His feet, His ears, His voice and His heart.

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EPISODE 70 COME, COME TO THE FAIR

In Come, Come to the Fair, Pastor Miller is having his Sunday School class (including Davey, Jonathan, Nicky, Taka [from Rickety-Rackety] and Rosa and George Soaring Eagle [from To the Rescue]) outside in the church garden, which means that Goliath can attend. As his lesson winds down, he says: Pastor Miller: So you see God made all the peoples of the earth - many kinds of people in many different countries. And our country is made up of people from those other countries. Your parents or grandparents or great grandparents came here from other parts of the world. George Soaring Eagle: Not mine, Pastor Miller. Pastor Miller: Thats right, George, your people were right here to meet the others when they came. But what about the rest of you, do you know where your people come from? Lets go around the circle. R osa, you start. Rosa: My grandpa and grandma came from Mexico. Davey: Mine came from Denmark. Johnny: Clear from Africa. Taka: From Japan. From a city called Kumamoto. Nicky: From Holland, I think. Yeah, from Holland. George Soaring Eagle: North Dakota Pastor Miller: Thats six different countries and I make seven, my grandfather came from Germany. Goliath is sad that he doesnt know where his ancestors are from. The following Sunday they are going to have a folk fair each of them bringing something that tells about the culture and dress of their ancestors. Davey is not too excited about the fair, because he doesnt have anything to bring. But his dad points out that although they have nothing from Denmark, his grandfather does. So they take a trip out to the farm to borrow some things. His grandfather gives him staves, which are used for exercising. He also gives him a Viking helmet. When it is time to go to the fair, Goliath feels left out and does not want to go. Mr. Hansen points out to Davey that Goliath is a mixed breed, with all sorts of dogs in his background. This gives Davey an idea that he only shares with Goliath. At the fair, Pastor Miller leads off with prayer: And so we thank you, Father, for making us your people in so many diff erent ways. We can learn from each other, we can share with each other and we can grow together to be your family in the one brotherhood of man. Amen. Besides Daveys staves and Viking helmet, the group presents the following: (1) George does a buffalo dance wearing a Sioux Indian headdress; (2) Johnny plays drums from the Congo; (3) Taka flies a Japanese kite; (4) Nicky shows wooden shoes; (5) Rosa brings a piata; and, (6) Pastor wears a Geneva gown and shows paintings of Jesus and Mary from around the world (Germany, Africa, Russian and Japan). He states, These paintings show us how Christ belongs to all people, to all countries , to all cultures - Gods gift of Jesus to everyone.

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Finally, Goliath shares with Davey interpreting. He indicates that his descendents come from every country, from all over the world. He concludes, And nobody, but nobody else, can say that! The passage that came to mind was Pauls sermon in Athens, which included: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with mens hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:24 -28a). Every person on the face of the earth came from Adam. God has determined the times and boundaries of every person and every group of people (i.e., nations). There are no accidents every person on this planet exists because God determined for them to exist. And the purpose for each of our lives is the same that we might seek after Him and find Him. The Greek word translated grope ( pselaphao) gives the image of a person in the dark, using their h ands to see where they are going. Were all born blind and God has designed the circumstances of our lives to cause us to see our need for Him, our need for a Savior Jesus, Gods gift to everyone. Men and women and children seek after so many things, but ultimately it is all a feeling our way toward the One Who gave us life and breath and all things.

EPISODE 71 SCHOOL WHO NEEDS IT?

In School Who Needs It, it is the last day of summer vacation and the Jickets are discussing how much they hate school. Davey shares a plan on how they can express that hatred. The next day the Jickets stand outside the school with signs saying things like, No More Homework and Down with School while chanting, We hate school! Miss Lindsay looks out the second floor window and says, And my job is to make you like it! Miss Lindsay explains that their focus during the upcoming semester will be safety. Their first homework assignment will be to inspect their homes for unsafe conditions and practices and report their findings to the class the following day. Davey finds oily rags next to the furnace. Nicky finds unlabeled and expired medications. Cisco finds rats in the basement of his apartment. In each case, their father or mother or grandmother ask what made them be concerned with safety issues and they are all careful not to attribute it to school. The next day, while Davey is waiting for Jonathan on the church steps, he points out to Pastor Miller that the sextons ladder is weak and wobbly. Pastor Miller: It certainly is. Thank you, Davey. How did you happen to test it? Davey: Well uhh school. Pastor Miller: What does school have to do with ladders? Davey: We got a safety project thing, supposed to look for things that are dangerous. Pastor Miller: Been finding many? Davey: Golly, I didnt know there were so many dangerous things around. Pastor Miller: Thats school for you, Davey opens up your mind like a door. Davey: I dont like school. It doesnt have anything to do with anything.

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Pastor Miller: Hasnt it? You just said yourself it has something to do with a ladder leaning against a church. Davey: Oh Pastor Miller: Davey, remember when we talked about the gifts God gave us. What did we decide about our minds? Davey: He gave us our minds to think with. Pastor Miller: Yes and as we think, we grow. Thats what school is for to help us grow. But God lets you decide whether your studies will be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. After the class shares its findings, Miss Lindsay asks how they are going to change all the dangerous things they found. They decide to have a community safety campaign putting up posters, starting a newspaper, having a parade. Miss Lindsay is able to get an old farm wagon that can be converted into a float for the parade. For one of their homework assignments, they are to come up with a slogan that can be put on posters and the signs that they will carry in the parade. By the next morning, Davey still has not come up with a slogan and lying on the ground thinking hard. Sally thinks he is sick and goes and gets their mother. Mrs. Hansen: Davey, are you alright? Davey: Please, Mom, Ill be late for school. Mrs. Hansen: Dear, you cant go to school like this. Davey: Cant go? I have to go. I want to go! Mrs. Hansen: Youre sick, dear. Davey: Im not sick; Im still trying to think up a slogan. Mrs. Hansen chuckles and leaves Davey: My gosh (talking to Goliath), did you hear what I said? I said I wanted to go to school. The class puts their slogans on signs. They decorate the farm wagon. They distribute the posters to businesses around town. Davey stops by the church to talk to Pastor Miller: Davey: I thought up a special one for the church bulletin board, Pastor Miller. Pastor Miller: Fine, lets see it, For Heavens Sake Keep the Air Clean Davey: Were going to teach people plenty about safety. Pastor Miller: Seems to me I heard someone say school didnt have anything to do with anything outside of school. Davey: Who said a kooky thing like that? To get ready for safety week, we had to use science and math and art and music and reading and writing. The Friday before the Saturday parade, the class is making final arrangements. The janitor oils the wheels on the float, wiping the excess oil with a rag. When he is called by the principal, he leaves the rags behind. He also lights his pipe and drops the match on the rags. The float catches on fire. Goliath rushes into the classroom to tell Davey. They get the fire out, but not before the float is badly damaged. However, Davey has an idea, Its a safety parade. Lets use a burnt float show people what can happen when you dont play it safe. Davey and his Jicket friends hate school, but with a good teacher, they not only brought to the point of enjoying learning, but passing on what they have learned to others. Solomon writes, To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel (Proverbs 1:3 -5). A wise man is receiving wisdom and passing it onto others. We are all students, we are all teachers. Paul commands Timothy in his first epistle, The things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2:2). Timothy had received, now Timothy had to give. Those faithful men would receive from Timothy and then they would give to others. Thats Gods plan. I love Pauls directions to older women and older men in Titus. Older women are to teach younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their husbands (2:4, 5). Older men are to teach younger men to be sober-minded (vs. 6). Are we learning? Are we sharing what we are learning?

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EPISODE 72 - THE FAMILY OF GOD

This episode was not included in the complete Davey & Goliath DVD collection I had to watch this one on YouTube. Davey and Johnny have reached the age when both their parents and their pastor feel that they are ready to take communion. However, their friend Cisco doesnt want to have anything to do with communion, as he has no parents and lives with his grandmother who cannot come to church. Davey and Johnny are determined to convince their friend how important communion is. While they are trying to come up with a plan, they play baseball with Cisco and the three friends and their two pets (Goliath and Jo-Jo [Episode 62]) share three hot dogs. Afterwards, while Cisco calls to check on his grandmother, Davey, Johnny and Goliath have the following conversation: Davey: Were a mess! What did we do? Played ball, ate a hot dog, didnt do one thing about communion. Johnny: We didnt know what to do. Goliath: Davey, is communion just sharing? Davey: Uh-uh. Its a lot of other things, too. Goliath: Like what? Davey: Its well people together liking it its Johnny what else? Johnny: Uh being thankful for what God does for us. Davey: That means things like Jesus dying on the cross. Johnny: And God raising Him back to life again on Easter. Davey: And Pastor says eating together makes you think of Jesus at the last supper with His family of disciples. Johnny: Dont bring up families. Cisco will be back. Goliath: Youll just have to help Cisco get some more family. Davey: How do we do that genius? Goliath: I know how! Johnny: Whats Goliath talking about? Davey: Just making things up. Goliath: You talk all that big talk about sharing, so share, share your family. Davey: Just because I share a hot dog doesnt mean I share my family? Johnny: That what hes saying hey, wait a minute, maybe thats it! Davey: It is it. However, Cisco is not interested in all in sharing Daveys family and leaves. Davey is discouraged as he heads home. He finds his parents outside their home washing the car. They have this conversation: Davey: Why do we have to go to communion with our families? Mom: No one has to Davey. Its just when something means so much to us, we want to share it with people we love. Dad: You see each family is part of Gods larger family. Davey: Yeah, but suppose I didnt have a family?

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Mom: But you do. Dad: Alright, lets suppose. Wed hope that some family in the church would adopt you. Davey: You mean change my name. Mom: No, your father means that theyd be a special family that cared about you. Davey: That sounds great but it doesnt work. I just tried to give you both to Cisco as a special family. He didnt want you or any older people. Dad: Well, Im not surprised. Davey: Youre not? Dad: I think you put your finger on the reason. Cisco doesnt think grown -ups want him. I dont blame him. Im afraid that no tone of us has done a thing to show we care about him. Mom: We certainly havent. Your finger points straight at us, Davey. Dad: You and Johnny bring him along to church and thats where it stops. Mr. & Mrs. Hansen take steps to include Cisco and his g randmother in their family. That love changes Ciscos heart about communion and he joins the Hansen family that Sunday in celebrating the Lords Table. Although the episode is primarily about communion, I think it stresses what John writes, by this we k now love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this worlds goods and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:16-18). God loves us and we share that love with others. God didnt just say, I love you . Paul writes in a verse I have quoted many times in this series, God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us (Romans 5: 8). The Apostle John indicates that laying down our lives for others should be how we demonstrate love also. Daveys finger didnt just points at parents, it point s at me, too. My life is not marked by laying my life down for others. We talk a lot about John 3:16, but how about 1 John 3:16. Gods plan was not only that His only begotten Son lay down His life, but all His sons and daughters do the same not for the sins of the world but that the world may know His love.

CONCLUSION

Thats a wrap! The Davey & Goliath series 72 episodes in all is complete. I hope it has been a blessing to someone. In the opening of the newer episodes, Davey launches a rocket that first writes Davey & Goliath in the sky and the n returns to earth to form what is known as the Luther Rose. It is a coat of arms that Martin Luther developed in 1519. Here is how he describes it: "My seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. 'For one who believes from the heart will be justified' (Romans 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. 'The just shall live by faith' (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the Crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to

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show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a skyblue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my summary of theology." Luthers Rose is sort of his version of the modern day Wordless Book, which has five colored pages: black (to represent sin), red (to represent the blood of Jesus shed for our sin), white (to represent the heart cleansed by the blood of Jesus), gold (to represent a new relationship with God) and green (to represent continuing growth in that relationship). Both can be used to help children to understand the gospel. Martin Luther was very concerned with teaching children. In 1524, he wrote To th e Councilmen of all Cities in Germany that They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools, which includes these words: God, who through Moses urges and enjoins parents so often to instruct their children that Psalm 78 says: How earnestly He commanded our fathers to teach their children and to instruct their childrens children [Ps. 78:5 -6]. This is also evident in Gods fourth commandment, in which the injunction that children shall obey their parents is so stern that he would even have rebellious children sentenced to death [Deut. 21:18-21]. Indeed, for what purpose do we older folks exist, other than to care for, instruct, and bring up the young? It is utterly impossible for these foolish young people to instruct and protect themselves. This is why God has entrusted them to us who are older and know from experience what is best for them. And God will hold us strictly accountable for them. One of Yahwehs injunctions regarding teaching children is found in Deuteronomy 4:10, Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children. The Hebrew word translated learn and teach is the same is both cases ( lamad) and it has the idea directing the path of an ox by goading it. God goads us and we in turn goad our children. Thats what life is really about learning to fear God and teaching others to do so. David prayed, Teach me Your way, O Yahweh; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name (Psalm 86:11). Our hearts are badly fragmented sometimes seeking Gods glory and will, sometimes seeking our own; sometimes fearing God, sometimes fearing men. We need God to give us a united heart (Jeremiah 32:39). But David was not only concerned with the condition of his own heart, but also with the hearts of those whom he shepherded, as he writes in Psalm 34: Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach ( lamad) you the fear of Yahweh (vs. 11). Whether we are parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, Christian School teachers, Sunday School teachers, Youth Group leaders, pastors or anyone else who has input into young peoples lives, is that our concern that theyd grow to have hearts united to fear Yahweh? In that treatise previously quoted from, Luther would go onto describe three reasons why older folks fail to fulfill the purpose: In the first place, there are some who lack the goodness and decency to do it, even if they had the ability. . . . In the second place, the great majority of parents unfortunately are wholly unfitted for this task. . . . In the third place, even if parents had the ability and desire to do it themselves, they have neither the time nor the opportunity for it, what with their duties and the care of the household. Luther could not address items 1 or 3; however, he wrote his Small Catechism to equip parents with a tool to teach their children. I also believe that the Davey & Goliath series can also be helpful in teaching young peo ple the truth of Gods word a tool for us older folk to fulfill our purpose.

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