The story “Joke” was written in March 2008 and was based on true story which I heard about thirty years ago. But as far as my memory allows me to produce the events of this story, the girl who believed the joke did not go as smoothly as in my story - she remained an invalid. It is sad. So…

The theme of the story “Serve with one's property” is relevant at all times. The story is written in a slightly ironic form and is designed for a more adult audience. The story itself was born after a casual conversation with a Christian who complained that he did not have a summer cottage and could not serve his neighbor with his estate. Let's look into our hearts, are we ready to serve or lend a helping hand to someone who needs it?

The topic for the story “Deuces for sisters” was recently suggested to me by children. One evening at dinner, they began to remember how our youngest boy gave his older sisters a deuce in his diary. I never remembered this story as an event in our family, I listened to the children and wondered how this incident slipped out of my memory. And so, let's listen to this story from beginning to end ...

Religious reading: Christian stories children's prayer to help our readers.

children's christian stories

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Once a boy of twelve or thirteen was attacked on his way home from school by fifteen evil and mischievous boys and girls. The unfortunate child was completely helpless. How could he defend himself? He remembered how his mother often told him: “If you find yourself in a difficult situation or in danger, pray to God.” He prayed to God for a second or two, but there was no help, and he was severely beaten.

He came home in tears. Mom consoled him, and he said:

You told me that if I pray to God, then God will protect me, but God did not protect me. Look, I'm covered in bruises and abrasions.

My son, - mother answered, - I told you to pray to God every day, but you didn't do it. You didn't pray every day, morning and evening. You prayed to God maybe once a week, and even less often. Sometimes you meditate for one day and then for ten or fifteen days you don't meditate at all. You need to pray to God every day for at least ten minutes early in the morning. Meditation and prayer are the same muscles. If you train for one day and then don't train for ten days, you won't be able to get strong. You can become strong only if you exercise every day. In the same way, if you pray to God every day, your inner muscles will become stronger and God will protect you. God will surely protect you if you pray to Him every day early in the morning and in the evening.

From that day on, the boy began to pray to God. He obeyed his mother. Early in the morning he prayed for ten minutes, and in the evening he prayed for five minutes. Six months passed, and he said to his mother:

Yes, prayer helps. Now nobody bothers me. I go home every day and no one touches me.

Even if someone sticks to you, - Mom answered, - you will be protected, because you pray regularly every day and God is pleased with you. God will protect you.

On the same day, an incident happened. When the boy was returning home from school, a very tall, big and strong guy roughly grabbed him and wanted to hit him.

Oh God, the boy immediately thought, my mother said that if I pray to You every day, You will protect me.

And he began to repeat the Name of the Lord very loudly: “God, God, God, God, save me, save me!”

The guy who grabbed him was big and strong, he began to laugh at the boy:

Do you think something will happen if you repeat: "God, God, God"? Do you think you can get rid of me this way? Nothing like this!

The boy blurted out what his inner voice told him, and the guy immediately released him and ran away.

This guy had a ghost dream last night and he got really scared. Everyone is afraid of ghosts, even adults. The word "ghost" reminded him of the creature he had dreamed about last night. When the boy said, "Even the ghosts disappear when we chant the Name of the Lord," God made the bully see the ghost from his dream in the boy. God showed him a ghost in the form of this boy, so he ran away.

When the bully let him go, the boy rushed home and told this story to his mother.

This is exactly what I told you about, - answered my mother. - If you pray to God every day, God will surely save you. He will definitely protect you.

As you can see, if you pray daily, God will protect you. This boy never thought about ghosts, but God told him what to say. If you pray, God will help you in some divine way in case of danger. God will give you inner guidance, or He will instruct another person. If someone attacks you, you will immediately say something that you yourself do not understand. When you say this, the attacker will suddenly be scared to death and let you go. Pray to God every day, and then in a difficult situation, God will tell you what to do.

One Sunday morning a little boy Misha was sitting on the bed and reading a big thick book “Jesus is your best friend.” Suddenly, at the moment when the hand on the clock pointed to 12, the book fell from Misha's hands. He picked up the Bible, but alas, there was no hope of reading from that place.

With a book! I read it, but it fell down and really interesting place closed! - Mikhail explained.

Children's Christian stories

Children's christian bible story

And always give thanks for everything to God our Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20(SPB)

Mom and 4-year-old daughter were walking around the market. When they passed the stand with oranges, the seller took and gave the girl an orange.

What should be said? mother asked her daughter. The girl looked at the orange and then slipped it back to the seller and said; What about cleaning?

Gratitude needs to be taught. What is excusable for a four-year-old child for a fourteen- or forty-year-old will definitely be rude or bad manners.

But how easy it is for us to be ungrateful to God! We accept His gifts and think: Not bad, but not enough.

And without gratitude to God there is no spiritual maturity. Children, we are bitter if we forget to say thank you to God. And Paul, addressing, for example, Christians in Ephesus, calls them to fidelity to Christ, drawing their attention to the fact that they would give thanks. I wrote this verse at the beginning of the article. This is the Modern Bible. I love the Modern Bible... I love reading this translation! I always thank God for everything he does and gives me in life! If you can, but have never thanked God, I ask you, friends, let's thank the Creator! Make this decision!

Let’s not complain that we don’t have something there, don’t be offended by our evil fate, don’t beg for more and more blessings, but I just repeat once again to thank God for everything.

No need to speak; What about cleaning? You have to say: Thank you.

I like this verse

We give glory to God for everything

In all things, let us submit to the will of the Lord

He saves us and He will save us.

And there is such a great quote!

Gratitude does not depend on what we have in our pocket, but on what we have in our heart!

Christian stories for children

Truthfulness is the best

Have you lost your place? How did it happen son?

“I think, mother, that this happened solely due to my negligence. I dusted in the store and dusted very hastily. At the same time, he hit several glasses, they fell and broke. The owner became very angry and said that he could no longer endure my wildness. I packed my things and left.

The mother was very concerned about this.

“Don't worry, Mom, I'll find another job. But what should I say when they ask why I left the old one?

“Always tell the truth, Jacob. You don't think to say anything else, do you?

- No, I don't think so, but I thought to hide it. I'm afraid I'll hurt myself by telling the truth.

- If a person does the right thing, then nothing can harm him, even if it seems so.

But it was harder for Jacob to find a job than he thought. He searched for a long time and finally seemed to find it. One young man in a beautiful new store was looking for a delivery boy. But in this store everything was so neat and clean that Jacob thought that he would not be accepted with such a recommendation. And Satan began to tempt him to hide the truth.

After all, this store was in a different area, far from the store where he worked, and no one here knew him. Why tell the truth? But he overcame this temptation and directly told the store owner why he left the previous owner.

“I prefer to have decent young people around me,” the shop owner said good-naturedly, “but I have heard that he who is aware of his mistakes leaves them. Maybe this misfortune will teach you to be more careful.

“Yes, of course, master, I will try my best to be more careful,” Jacob said seriously.

“Well, I like a boy who tells the truth, especially when she can hurt him. Good afternoon, uncle, come in! - he spoke the last words to the man who entered, and when Jacob turned around, he saw his former master.

“Oh,” he said, seeing the boy, “do you want to take this boy as a messenger?”

- I haven't received it yet.

Take it completely calmly. Just make sure he doesn't spill liquid goods, and dry goods so that he doesn't pile them all up in one heap,” he added, laughing. In all other respects you will find him quite reliable. But if you do not want, then I am ready to take him again with a trial period.

"No, I'll take it," said the young man.

- Oh, mom! Jacob said when he got home. – You are always right. I got this place there because I told the whole truth. What would happen if my former owner came in and I told a lie?

“Truthfulness is always best,” said the mother.

“The mouth of the truth abides forever” (Prov. 12:19)

Prayer of a boy disciple

A few years ago, in a large factory, there were many young workers, many of whom said they were converted. One fourteen-year-old boy, the son of a believing widow, belonged to the latter.

This teenager soon attracted the attention of the boss with his obedience and willingness to work. He always did his work to the satisfaction of his boss. He had to bring and deliver mail, sweep the workroom and do many other small assignments. Cleaning the offices was his first duty every morning.

Since the boy was accustomed to precision, he could always be found at exactly six o'clock in the morning already working.

But he had another wonderful habit: he always began his working day with prayer. When one morning, at six o'clock, the owner entered his study, he found the boy on his knees praying.

He quietly went out and waited outside the door until the boy came out. He apologized and said that he woke up late today, and there was no time for prayer, so here in the office, before the start of the working day, he knelt down and surrendered to the Lord for the whole day.

His mother taught him to always start the day with a prayer, so as not to spend this day without the blessing of God. He took advantage of the moment when no one else was there to be a little alone with his Lord and ask for His blessings for the day ahead.

Just as important is reading the Word of God. Don't miss it! Today you will be offered so many books, both good and bad!

Perhaps there are those among you who have a strong desire to read and know? But are all books good and useful? My dear friends! Be careful when choosing books!

Luther always praised those who read Christian books. Give preference to these books. But above all, read God's precious Word. Read with prayer, for it is more precious than gold and pure gold. It will strengthen you, keep you, and encourage you at all times. It's the Word of God that endures forever.

The philosopher Kant said about the Bible: “The Bible is a book whose content speaks of the divine principle. It tells the history of the world, the history of Divine Providence from the very beginning and even to eternity. The Bible was written for our salvation. It shows us in what relationship we are with a righteous, merciful God, reveals to us the full extent of our guilt and the depth of our fall, and the height of divine salvation. The Bible is my most precious treasure, without it I would perish. Live according to the Bible, then you will become citizens of the heavenly Fatherland!

Brotherhood and Compliance

Cold winds blew. Winter was coming.

Two little sisters were going to go to the store for bread. The eldest, Zoya, had an old shabby fur coat, the youngest, Galya, the parents bought a new, larger one, for growth.

The girls really liked the coat. They began to dress. Zoya put on her old fur coat, and the sleeves are short, the fur coat is tight for her. Then Galya says to her sister: “Zoya, put on my new fur coat, it’s big for me. You wear it for a year, and then I wear it, because you also want to wear a new fur coat.

The girls exchanged coats and went to the store.

Little Galya fulfilled the commandment of Christ: “Yes, love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

She really wanted to put on a new fur coat, but she gave it to her sister. What tender love and pliability!

Is that how you kids treat each other? Are you ready to give up something pleasant for you, dear to your brothers and sisters? Or maybe vice versa? It is often heard among you: “This is mine, I won’t give it back!”

Believe me, how many troubles arise when there is no compliance. How many disputes, quarrels, what a bad character then develops in you. Is this the nature of Jesus Christ? It is written about Him that He grew up in love with God and man.

Is it possible to say about you that you are always compliant, gentle with your relatives, brothers and sisters, with friends and acquaintances?

Take an example from Jesus Christ and these two sisters - Zoe and Gali, who love each other with tenderness, for it is written:

“Be kind to one another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10)

All of you children have probably seen in the summer in the grass a small blue flower called forget-me-not. Many interesting stories are told about this little flower; they say that angels, flying over the earth, drop blue flowers on it so that people do not forget about the sky. That is why these flowers are called forget-me-nots.

There is another legend about the forget-me-not: it was a long time ago, in the first days of creation. Paradise had just been created, and beautiful, fragrant flowers bloomed for the first time. The Lord Himself, passing through paradise, asked the flowers for their name, but one small blue flower, directing its golden heart to God in admiration and not thinking about anything but Him, forgot its name and became embarrassed. From shame, the tips of its petals blushed, and the Lord looked at him with a tender look and said: “Because you forgot yourself for Me, I will not forget you. Call yourself forget-me-not and let people, looking at you, also learn to forget about themselves for My sake.

Of course, this story is a human fiction, but the truth in it is that forgetting about yourself for the sake of love for God and neighbor is a great happiness. This is what Christ taught us, and in this He was our example. Many people forget this and seek happiness away from God, but there are people who serve their neighbors with love all their lives.

All their talents, all abilities, all their means - everything they have, they use in the service of God and people, and, forgetting themselves, live in the world of God for others. They bring into life not quarrels, anger, destruction, but peace, joy, order. As the sun warms the earth with its rays, so they warm the hearts of people with their caress and love.

Christ showed us on the cross how to love while forgetting ourselves. Happy is he who gives his heart to Christ and follows His example.

Do you, children, not only want to remember the Risen Christ, His love for us, but, forgetting about yourself, show love to Him in the person of our neighbors, try to help with deed, word, prayer to everyone and everyone who needs help; try to think not about yourself, but about others, about how to be useful in your family. Let's try to support each other good deeds prayer. May God help us in this.

“Do not forget also doing good and sharing, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Heb. 13:16)

Little artists

Once the children were given a task: imagining themselves as great artists, draw a picture from the life of Jesus Christ.

The task was completed: each of them mentally drew this or that landscape from Holy Scripture. One of them painted a picture of a boy enthusiastically giving Jesus everything he had - five loaves and two fish (John 6:9). Others talked about many other things.

But one boy said:

I can't paint one picture, but only two. Let me do it. He was allowed, and he began: “The raging sea. The boat containing Jesus and his twelve disciples is flooded with water. The students are in despair. They face imminent death. A huge shaft is approaching from the side, ready to turn over and flood the boat without fail. I would draw some disciples who turned their faces to the advancing terrible wave of water. Others covered their faces in horror with their hands. But Peter's face is clearly visible. It is despair, horror, confusion. The hand is extended to Jesus.

Where is Jesus? At the stern of the boat, where the steering wheel is. Jesus is sleeping peacefully. The face was serene.

There would be nothing calm in the picture: everything would rage, foam in the spray. The boat would then rise to the crest of the wave, then sink into the abyss of waves.

Only Jesus would be calm. The excitement of the students was inexpressible. Peter in despair shouts through the noise of the waves: “Teacher, we are perishing, but You have no need!”

This is one picture. The second picture: “Dungeon. The Apostle Peter is chained with two chains, sleeping between the soldiers. Sixteen guards guard Peter. Peter's face is clearly visible. He sleeps peacefully, although the already sharpened sword is prepared to cut off his head. He knew about it. His face looks like someone."

Let's hang the first picture next to it. Look at the face of Jesus. Peter's face is the same as his. They bear the seal of peace. Dungeon, guards, sentence to death - the same raging sea. A sharpened sword is the same formidable shaft, ready to end Peter's life. But on the face of the Apostle Peter there is no former horror and despair. He learned from Jesus. It is necessary to put these pictures together, - continued the boy, - and make one inscription above them: "For you must have the same feelings, which were in Christ Jesus" (Phil.2:5).

One of the girls also spoke about two pictures. The first picture “Christ is being crucified: the disciples are standing in the distance. On their faces they have grief, fear and horror. Why? - Christ is crucified. He will die on the cross. They will never see Him again, never hear His tender voice, never again look at them with the kind eyes of Jesus. never again will He be with them.”

That's what the students thought. But everyone who reads the Gospel will say: “Didn’t Jesus say to them: “Just a little while and the world will not see Me, but you will see Me, for I live, and you will live” (John 14:19).

Did they remember at that moment what Jesus said about his resurrection after death? Yes, the disciples forgot this, and therefore, on their faces, in their hearts were fear, grief and horror.

And here is the second picture.

Jesus with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, after His Resurrection. Jesus ascends to His Father. Let's look at the faces of the students. What do we see on their faces? Peace, joy, hope. What happened to the students? Jesus is leaving them, they will never see Him on earth! And the students are happy! All this because the disciples remembered the words of Jesus: “I go to prepare a place for you. And when I have prepared a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself” (John 14:2-3).

Let's hang two pictures side by side and compare the faces of the students. In both pictures, Jesus is walking away from the disciples. So why are the students' faces different? Only because in the second picture the disciples remember the words of Jesus. The girl ended her story with a call: “Let us always remember the words of Jesus.”

Tanya's answer

Once at school, in a lesson, the teacher was having a conversation with second-grade students. She told the children a lot and for a long time about the Earth and about distant stars; she also talked about flying spaceships with a person on board. At the same time, she said in conclusion: “Children! Our cosmonauts rose high above the earth, to a height of 300 km and flew in space for a long, long time, but they did not see God, because He does not exist!”

Then she turned to her student, a little girl who believed in God, and asked:

- Tell me, Tanya, do you now believe that there is no God? The girl stood up and calmly replied:

– I don’t know if 300 km is a lot, but I know for sure that only “the pure in heart will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Waiting for an answer

The young mother was dying. Having finished the procedure, the doctor and his assistant retired to the next room. Folding up his medical instrument, he, as if talking to himself, uttered in an undertone:

“Well, that’s it, we’ve done everything we could.”

The eldest daughter, one might say, still a child, stood not far away and heard this statement. Weeping, she turned to him:

“Mr. Doctor, you said you did everything you could. But my mother didn't get better, and now she's dying! But we haven't tried everything yet,” she continued. We can turn to Almighty God. Let's pray and ask God to heal mom.

The unbelieving doctor, of course, did not follow this suggestion. The child fell on his knees in despair and cried out in prayer in his spiritual simplicity, as best he could:

- Lord, I ask You to heal my mother; the doctor did everything he could, but You, Lord, the great and kind Physician, You can heal her. We need her so much, we can't do without her, dear Lord, heal her in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Some time has passed. The girl, as if in oblivion, remained on her knees, not moving and not getting up. Noticing the immobility of the child, the doctor turned to the assistant:

- Remove the child, the girl is fainting.

- I'm not in a swoon, Mr. Doctor, - objected the girl, - I'm waiting for an answer!

She lifted up her childish prayer in full faith and trust in God, and now she remained on her knees, waiting for an answer from the One who said: “Will not God protect his chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night, although He delays to protect them? I tell you that he will soon give them protection” (Luke 18:7-8). And whoever trusts in God, God will not leave him ashamed, but will certainly send help from above at the right hour and at the right time. And in this difficult hour, God did not hesitate to answer - the mother's face changed, the patient calmed down, looked around her with a look full of peace and hope, and fell asleep.

After a few hours of restorative sleep, she awoke. The loving daughter immediately clung to her and asked:

"Aren't you feeling better now, mommy?"

“Yes, my dear,” she answered, “I am better now.

“I knew that you would feel better, mother, because I was waiting for an answer to my prayer. And the Lord answered me that He would heal you.

The mother's health has been restored again, and today she is a living witness of God's power overcoming sickness and death, a witness of His love and faithfulness in hearing the prayers of believers.

Prayer is the breath of the soul,

Prayer is a light in the darkness of night,

Prayer is the hope of the heart,

Brings peace to the sick soul.

God listens to such a prayer:

cordial, sincere, simple;

He hears it, accepts it

And the holy world pours into the soul.

baby's gift

“When you give alms, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3).

“I want to give you something for pagan children!” I opened the package and found ten coins inside.

Who gave you so much money? Dad?

“No,” answered the kid, “neither dad knows, nor my left hand.

- Yes, you yourself preached this morning that it is necessary to give in such a way that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. So I always kept my left hand in my pocket.

- Where did you get the money from? I asked, unable to contain my laughter any longer.

– I sold Minko, my dog, whom I loved very much. - and at the memory of a friend, tears clouded the eyes of the baby.

When I spoke about this in the meeting, the Lord gave us a rich blessing.”

Modesty

In one harsh and hungry time, there lived a kind rich man. He sympathized with the starving children.

One day he announced that every child who came to him at noon would receive a small loaf of bread.

Approximately 100 children of all ages attended. They all arrived at the appointed time. The servants brought out a large basket filled with loaves of bread. The children greedily pounced on the basket, pushing each other away and trying to grab the biggest roll.

Some thanked, others forgot to thank.

Standing aside, this a kind person watched what was happening. His attention was drawn to a little girl standing to the side. As the last one, she got the smallest bun.

The next day he tried to put things in order, but this girl was again the last. He also noticed that many children immediately took a bite from their roll, while the little one carried it home.

The rich man decided to find out what kind of girl she was and who her parents were. It turned out that she was the daughter of poor people. She also had a little brother with whom she shared her bun.

The rich man ordered his baker to put a taler in the smallest bun.

The next day, the girl's mother came and brought the coin back. But the rich man said to her:

“Your daughter behaved so well that I decided to reward her modesty. And henceforth, with every small roll you will receive a coin. May she be your support during this difficult time.

The woman thanked him from the bottom of her heart.

The children somehow found out about the rich man's generosity towards the baby, and now some of the boys tried to get the smallest roll without fail. One succeeded, and he immediately found a coin. But the rich man said to him:

- With this I rewarded the little one for always being the most modest, and for the fact that she always shared a bun with her little brother. You are the most ill-mannered, and I have not yet heard words of gratitude from you. Now you won't get bread for a whole week.

This lesson went to the future not only for this boy, but for everyone else. Now no one forgot to say thank you.

The little girl stopped getting thaler in a bun, but the kind man continued to support her parents during the whole time of hunger.

Sincerity

Sincere God gives good luck. The famous George Washington, the first president of the North American free states, surprised everyone from childhood with his fairness and sincerity. When he was six years old, his father gave him a small hatchet for his birthday, which George was very happy about. But, as is often the case with many boys, now every wooden object in his path had to experience his hatchet. One fine day, he showed his art on a young cherry in his father's garden. One blow was enough to forever make all hopes of her recovery in vain.

The next morning, the father noticed what had happened and determined from the tree that it was maliciously destroyed. He planted it himself, and therefore decided to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the attacker. He promised five gold coins to anyone who would help identify the destroyer of the tree. But everything was in vain: he could not even find a trace, so he was forced to go home dissatisfied.

On the way, he met little George with his hatchet in his hands. In an instant, the father came up with the idea that his son could also be a criminal.

George, do you know who cut down our beautiful cherry tree in the garden yesterday? - Full of discontent, he turned to him.

The boy thought for a moment - it seemed that there was a struggle going on in him - then frankly admitted:

“Yes, dad, you know I can’t lie, no, I can’t. I did this with my hatchet.

“Come into my arms,” my father exclaimed, “come to me.” Your frankness is dearer to me than a cut down tree. You have already repaid me for it. It is commendable, frankly, even if you have done something shameful or wrong. Truth is dearer to me than a thousand cherries with silver leaves and golden fruits.

stole, deceived

Mom had to go away for a while. Leaving, she punished her children - Mashenka and Vanyusha:

- Be obedient, don't go out, play well and don't do anything. I'll be back soon.

Masha, who was already ten years old, began to play with her doll, while Vanyusha, an active six-year-old kid, took up his blocks. He soon got tired of it, and he began to think about what to do now. His sister did not let him go outside, because his mother did not allow it. Then he decided to quietly take an apple from the pantry, to which his sister said:

- Vanyusha, a neighbor through the window will see that you are carrying an apple from the pantry, and will tell your mother that you stole.

Then Vanyusha went to the kitchen, where there was a jar of honey. Here the neighbor could not see him. With great pleasure he ate a few spoonfuls of honey. Then he closed the jar again so that no one would notice that someone was feasting on it. Soon the mother returned home, gave the children a sandwich, then all three went to the forest to collect firewood. They did this almost every day to have a supply for the winter. The children loved these walks in the woods with their mother. On the way she used to tell them interesting stories. And this time she told them an instructive story, but Vanyusha was surprisingly silent and did not, as usual, ask many questions, so that his mother even inquired with concern about his health. Vanyusha lied, saying that his stomach hurt. However, his conscience condemned him, because now he not only stole, but also deceived.

When they came to the forest, mother showed them a place where they could collect brushwood, and a tree to which they were to take it down. She herself went deep into the forest, where one could find larger dry branches. Suddenly a thunderstorm started. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, but my mother was not around. The children hid from the rain under a wide spreading tree. Vanyusha was very tormented by his conscience. At every clap of thunder, it seemed to him that God was threatening him from heaven:

It was so terrible that he confessed to Mashenka what he had done, as well as his fear of God's punishment. His sister advised him to ask God for forgiveness and confess everything to his mother. Here Vanyusha knelt down in the grass wet from the rain, folded his hands and, looking at the sky, prayed:

— Dear Savior. I stole and cheated. You know about it, for You know everything. I'm very regret about it. I beg you, forgive me. I won't steal or cheat anymore. Amen.

He got up from his knees. He felt so light in his heart - he was sure that God had forgiven his sins. When the worried mother returned, Vanyusha joyfully ran out to meet her and shouted:

- Beloved Savior forgave me that I stole and deceived. Please forgive me and you.

Mom couldn't understand anything that was said. Then Mashenka told her everything that had happened. Of course, my mother also forgave him everything. For the first time, without her help, Vanyusha confessed everything to God and asked for His forgiveness. Meanwhile the storm subsided and the sun shone again. All three went home with bundles of brushwood. Mom again told them a story similar to Vanyushina, and memorized a short rhyme with the children: No matter what I do, God sees me from heaven.

Much later, when Vanyusha already had his own family, he told his children about this incident from his childhood, which made such an impression on him that he never stole or lied again.

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my dangers.” (Ps. 33:5)
There once lived a fisherman. Like all people of this dangerous, difficult, but somewhat romantic profession, every year he repaired his nets and other fishing gear, prepared his boat for going to sea - a small single-masted boat with a simple sail “Nadezhda”,
sewn from pieces of canvas, took his two oars - “Deeds” and “Faith” - and went out into the wide bay to catch something to feed the family, strengthen the flesh and saturate the soul. Every time before going out to sea, he knelt with his family in his hut and asked God for mercy, so that He would keep him, keep his wife and children, bless and send a catch so necessary for life. The fisherman called out to God when he got into the boat, when he threw fishing tackle into the sea, when he pulled it out with a different catch, thanks to the Almighty for everything: both for small and for big. He thanked the Lord when he stepped ashore again and saw the joyful faces of his wife and children.
That day was unusually sunny and warm. Wave after wave rolled onto the shore. There was a living breeze, ready to fill the sail. The fisherman, as usual, prayed, said goodbye to his family and got into the boat. It is joyful when the fresh sea air fills the lungs, and the wind plays with your hair.
The fisherman always fished in this place. Each person has favorite places that are preferred, so he had a favorite place to fish. From here the desired coastline was visible. Here he could meditate and see God's greatness in every sparkling wave. The sail was folded. Dropping anchor, straightening and throwing nets and other gear, the fisherman sat down on the stern and indulged in reflection. Time rushed inexorably towards noon. Salty waves lapped softly against the side. The wind subsided imperceptibly, and the warm rays of the sun warmed the air. The calm has begun. Carelessly folding both oars and not fixing them well on the sides, the fisherman, exhausted by the heat, imperceptibly fell asleep, which was, in fact, unnatural in his long practice. It is not known for what reason, but the oars slipped into the water and began to move away from the boat. The sleeping worker of the sea did not notice this, just as he did not notice the approaching shark fins. He slept. He saw a lot in his dreams. Enticing and flesh-pleasing pictures of this world floated before his eyes. They were fun and carelessness, doubt and despondency, fear and evil. The dream was long, and the sharks were getting closer and closer, until finally they swam up to the boat. They could clearly see the careless victim from the water.
Carefully circling around the boat, one of the sharks pushed hard on the side. From a powerful blow, the fisherman woke up and almost fell into the jaws of predators. One after another, shark strikes began to pour in. For some reason, the shark with the damaged fin, as the fisherman noticed, tried harder than the others. The shuttle rocked strongly. The anchor broke, and the ship was given over to the power of the elements and hungry predators. Looking around, the fisherman saw that there were no oars, and the sail was folded. Yes, and deployed, could he help in calm? .. Death is about to come! Where to look for help when alone at sea? Nevertheless, with difficulty unfolding the sail, which immediately drooped in the calm, the man prayed to God. And he was heard! The sky began to change its color. At first a weak wind blew, and then an ever-increasing wind. The calm began to turn into a storm. The boat swayed both from the blows of sharks and from the wind. Wet from the raging waves, the fisherman gripped the mast tighter and did not stop crying out to the Lord. And everything carried the boat and carried it along the crests of the waves, until it was thrown with violent force onto the gently sloping, familiar and saving shore. There, among the crevices, hiding behind a strong stone, the fisherman found shelter and peace and began again to pray and thank God for salvation, for the fact that his sail “Hope” was filled with wind and the raging hurricane served for good. Mighty waves still roared, rushing over the shore and rocks, but the fisherman was safe under the shadow of the almighty Creator. Fatigue took its toll. The man again fell into a dream, but it was no longer that carefree dream on the sea, but a dream in which he saw Heaven.
It is not known how much time has passed. The storm subsided, and again the waves splashed peacefully, running ashore, rolling and rustling the coastal pebbles. The rescued one woke up and came out of the shelter, rejoicing in the bright sun. His boat was damaged and needed to be repaired. Here and there on the shore one could see the wreckage of the ships of careless fishermen. Their fate was unknown to him. Did they survive the storm? Among the objects lying on the shore, he saw something large. Coming closer, the fisherman saw a shark that was drowning him so diligently; now she greedily swallowed air with her mouth, lying far from her element, doomed to death. She had the same damaged fin. Why she washed ashore was a mystery. Nobody could help this big fish.
The fisherman walked along the shore. He knew the way home. There, his loving wife and children waited hopefully. He knew that he would again have a boat with a new sail “Hope”, and new oars “Deeds” and “Faith”, and new fishing gear, in exchange for the lost ones, and a new exit to the sea under the protection and shadow of the almighty God, Who he committed his life.

Vyacheslav Pereverzev

THE HOPE OF THE Wicked WILL DIE

"The expectation of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish." (Prov. 10:28)
Mikhail was already in his fourth year of engineering college. He differed from his classmates in that he did not run around smoking during breaks, he did not swear. He managed to study successfully, despite occasional absences due to studies correspondence department some "divine" college, located in the regional center. The boys had some respect for him. Often they turned to him for help, for advice on studies and more.
At the beginning of the third year, at the insistent request of the class teacher, Mikhail agreed to become the head of the group. He had a new set of responsibilities - control of duty, attendance, etc.
At some point in the group, cases of violence of some guys over others began to be observed. At first, Mikhail managed to restrain the bullying guys. Then they began to take advantage of his absence and continued to mock the three guys who could not stand up for themselves even more subtly. During regular conversations with them, one of them threw the phrase:
- Got into wolf pack- howl like a wolf!
To this, Misha replied that he lives according to Christian principles and is not going to give up on them.
When the calls for humanity ceased to work, Mikhail began to explain that, by producing violence in the group, the guys “set up” him as a headman. The action of these words did not last long.
After a week's absence due to parallel studies, Mikhail learned that the weak guys were severely beaten by the same five cruel classmates. Moreover, the head of the department, who taught the group one of the main disciplines, added at the end of the lesson to the words about poor discipline in the team that there was a rumor about serious violence in their group. And that if the rumor is confirmed, then some students will be unhappy - they will simply be expelled. Mikhail tried again to talk to the offenders of the weak, but this time his words were not perceived at all. Mikhail decided to declare to the leadership of the college that he was ready to act as a witness in the course of proceedings with violent guys.
A meeting with parents and a commission of teachers followed. Mikhail had to listen to many sharp reproaches from parents who failed to raise their children.
The trial is over. Guys are expelled. And then threats rained down from their side, and some of them looked serious. One guy, named Bogdan, promised that they would simply kill Misha. Classmates who lived in the same area with Bogdan, as one, confirmed the seriousness of his intentions, since he was a member of one gangster group in the city (it was the middle of the troubled 90s in the yard). Mikhail felt absolutely right in this situation. Moreover, he felt that a stone had fallen from his soul, because for a long time he was tormented by a sense of responsibility for the suffering children.
Spring has arrived, and with it, graduation time. Diploma defense, then employment. So nothing bad happened to Misha.
Summer has come. Misha went to the forest with a group of Christian youth. At the end of the day spent in nature, young people hurried to the train. The forest path ran along a large river, which attracted a large number of vacationers. There were tents on the shore, bonfires were smoking, and a light breeze carried the pleasant smell of pine firewood and the barbecue being cooked. Suddenly, one guy separated from the group sitting by the fire and ran in the direction of Mikhail...
No, it was not Bogdan. The guy's name was Sasha. He was also from Misha's group. They spoke for a short time. First, about the first job in my life, then about business, plans for the future. Already parting, Sasha asked:
– Do you know that Bogdan is no more?
Misha is numb; goosebumps ran down my back, and hair on my head stirred ...
Bogdan, shortly after being expelled, ended up in prison, having committed some kind of crime. But he did not stay there for long - he was found in a cell hanged on a linen elastic band ...

Alexey Balakhon
(Kramatorsk, Ukraine)

MINIATURES WITH EDUCATION

The story of Caliph al-Mansur
(754 - 775)

The governor of the city of Kufa (Iraq) could not count city ​​dwellers to determine the size of the total poll tax: residents, under various pretexts, evaded the census.
Then the Caliph acted as follows. First, he ordered that five dirhams (silver coins) be distributed to each inhabitant of the city as a gift. No one, of course, refused to receive this gift. It is clear that the number of inhabitants was easily established. After that, al-Mansur imposed a tax on each inhabitant in the amount of forty dirhams each, knowing with complete certainty the amount of the amount that Kufa had to pay.
When one day, seriously ill, I was lying in the city of Menton, a brother in Christ visited me and said:
“My dear friend, you are now in Merra.
“Yes,” I answered, “and the water is bitter.
“But Merah is better than Elim,” he protested, “for in Elim Israel drank only water and ate fruit from the palm trees, and all this passed away very soon. Of Merra we read that there God gave his people laws and ordinances. Law and right are and will be kept as long as Israel is a people. Thus, Merah has more advantages than Elim.
I thanked my friend for this good teaching. If we truly are the people of God, then we will fully experience the truthfulness of these words that Marah, although with bitter water, is still incomparably better than Elim. And if its bitterness is now incomprehensible to us, then later we will find that there is nothing bitter in it, but, on the contrary, an indescribable sweetness, inseparable from us forever and ever.
Be faithful to death, for God is faithful!
One day an idolater visited Nommensen. He pretended to light a cigarette from the fire on which the missionary cooked his own food. Invisibly, he poured a strong dose of poison into the food.
A few months later the pagan came again and asked Nommensen, “What is your strong opposition to poison?”
The missionary told him about Christ, and the sorcerer turned to God, finding salvation in Him.
Today, two of his sons are ordained ministers.

Have you lost your place? How did it happen son?

I think, mother, that this happened solely due to my negligence. I dusted in the store and dusted very hastily. At the same time, he hit several glasses, they fell and broke. The owner became very angry and said that he could no longer endure my wildness. I packed my things and left.

The mother was very concerned about this.

Don't worry mom, I'll find another job. But what should I say when they ask why I left the old one?

Always tell the truth, Jacob. You don't think to say anything else, do you?

No, I don't think so, but I thought to hide it. I'm afraid I'll hurt myself by telling the truth.

If a person does the right thing, then nothing can harm him, even if it seems so.

But it was harder for Jacob to find a job than he thought. He searched for a long time and finally seemed to find it. One young man in a beautiful new store was looking for a delivery boy. But in this store everything was so neat and clean that Jacob thought that he would not be accepted with such a recommendation. And Satan began to tempt him to hide the truth.

After all, this store was in a different area, far from the store where he worked, and no one here knew him. Why tell the truth? But he overcame this temptation and directly told the store owner why he left the previous owner.

I prefer to have decent young people around me - said the owner of the store good-naturedly - but I have heard that he who is aware of his mistakes, he leaves them. Maybe this misfortune will teach you to be more careful.

Yes, of course, master, I will try my best to be more careful,” Jacob said seriously.

Well, I like a boy who tells the truth, especially when she can hurt him ... Good afternoon, uncle, come in! - he spoke the last words to the man who entered, and when Jacob turned around, he saw his former master.

Oh, - he said, seeing the boy, - do you want to take this boy as a messenger?

I haven't accepted it yet.

Take it completely calmly. Just be careful that he doesn't spill the liquid goods, and that the dry goods don't pile up all in one heap," he added, laughing. In all other respects you will find him quite reliable. But if you do not want, then I am ready to take him again with a trial period.

No, I'll take it, - said the young man.

Oh mom! - said Jacob, coming home. - You're always right. I got this place there because I told the whole truth. What would happen if my former owner came in and I told a lie?

Truthfulness is always best, - answered the mother.

"The mouth of the truth abides forever" (Prov. 12:19)

Prayer of a boy disciple

A few years ago, in a large factory, there were many young workers, many of whom said they were converted. One fourteen-year-old boy, the son of a believing widow, belonged to the latter.

This teenager soon attracted the attention of the boss with his obedience and willingness to work. He always did his work to the satisfaction of his boss. He had to bring and deliver mail, sweep the workroom and do many other small assignments. Cleaning the offices was his first duty every morning.

Since the boy was accustomed to precision, he could always be found at exactly six o'clock in the morning already working.

But he had another wonderful habit: he always began his working day with prayer. When one morning, at six o'clock, the owner entered his study, he found the boy on his knees praying.

He quietly went out and waited outside the door until the boy came out. He apologized and said that he woke up late today, and there was no time for prayer, so here in the office, before the start of the working day, he knelt down and surrendered to the Lord for the whole day.

His mother taught him to always start the day with a prayer, so as not to spend this day without the blessing of God. He took advantage of the moment when no one else was there to be a little alone with his Lord and ask for His blessings for the day ahead.

Just as important is reading the Word of God. Don't miss it! Today you will be offered so many books, both good and bad!

Perhaps there are those among you who have a strong desire to read and know? But are all books good and useful? My dear friends! Be careful when choosing books!

Luther always praised those who read Christian books. Give preference to these books. But above all, read God's precious Word. Read with prayer, for it is more precious than gold and pure gold. It will strengthen you, keep you, and encourage you at all times. It's the Word of God that endures forever.

The philosopher Kant said about the Bible: "The Bible is a book whose content speaks of the divine principle. It tells the history of the world, the history of God's providence from the very beginning and even to eternity. The Bible was written for our salvation. It shows us in what relation we are with righteous, merciful God, reveals to us the full extent of our guilt and the depth of our fall, and the height of divine salvation. The Bible is my dearest treasure, without it I would perish. Live according to the Bible, then you will become citizens of the heavenly Fatherland!

Brotherhood and Compliance

Cold winds blew. Winter was coming.

Two little sisters were going to go to the store for bread. The eldest, Zoya, had an old shabby fur coat, the youngest, Galya, the parents bought a new, larger one, for growth.

The girls really liked the coat. They began to dress. Zoya put on her old fur coat, and the sleeves are short, the fur coat is tight for her. Then Galya says to her sister: "Zoya, put on my new coat, it's too big for me. You wear it for a year, and then I wear it, you also want to wear a new coat."

The girls exchanged coats and went to the store.

Little Galya fulfilled the commandment of Christ: "Yes, love one another, as I have loved you" (John 13:34).

She really wanted to put on a new fur coat, but she gave it to her sister. What tender love and pliability!

Is that how you kids treat each other? Are you ready to give up something pleasant for you, dear to your brothers and sisters? Or maybe vice versa? It is often heard among you: "This is mine, I will not give it back!"

Believe me, how many troubles arise when there is no compliance. How many disputes, quarrels, what a bad character then develops in you. Is this the nature of Jesus Christ? It is written about Him that He grew up in love with God and man.

Is it possible to say about you that you are always compliant, gentle with your relatives, brothers and sisters, with friends and acquaintances?

Take an example from Jesus Christ and these two sisters - Zoya and Gali, who love each other with tenderness, for it is written:

"Be kind to one another with brotherly love" (Rom. 12:10)

forget-me-not

All of you children have probably seen in the summer in the grass a small blue flower called forget-me-not. Many interesting stories are told about this little flower; they say that angels, flying over the earth, drop blue flowers on it so that people do not forget about the sky. That is why these flowers are called forget-me-nots.

There is another legend about the forget-me-not: it was a long time ago, in the first days of creation. Paradise had just been created, and beautiful, fragrant flowers bloomed for the first time. The Lord Himself, passing through paradise, asked the flowers for their name, but one small blue flower, directing its golden heart to God in admiration and not thinking about anything but Him, forgot its name and became embarrassed. From shame, the tips of its petals blushed, and the Lord looked at him with a tender look and said: “Because you forgot yourself for Me, I will not forget you. Call yourself forget-me-not and let people, looking at you, also learn to forget about themselves for me".

Of course, this story is a human fiction, but the truth in it is that forgetting about yourself for the sake of love for God and neighbor is a great happiness. This is what Christ taught us, and in this He was our example. Many people forget this and seek happiness away from God, but there are people who serve their neighbors with love all their lives.

All their talents, all abilities, all their means - everything they have, they use in the service of God and people, and, forgetting themselves, live in the world of God for others. They bring into life not quarrels, anger, destruction, but peace, joy, order. As the sun warms the earth with its rays, so they warm the hearts of people with their caress and love.

Christ showed us on the cross how to love while forgetting ourselves. Happy is he who gives his heart to Christ and follows His example.

Do you, children, not only want to remember the Risen Christ, His love for us, but, forgetting about yourself, show love to Him in the person of our neighbors, try to help with deed, word, prayer to everyone and everyone who needs help; try to think not about yourself, but about others, about how to be useful in your family. Let's try to support each other in good deeds with prayer. May God help us in this.

"Do not forget also doing good and sharing, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (Heb. 13:16)

Little artists

Once the children were given a task: imagining themselves as great artists, draw a picture from the life of Jesus Christ.

The task was completed: each of them mentally drew one or another landscape from the Holy Scriptures. One of them painted a picture of a boy enthusiastically giving Jesus everything he had - five loaves and two fish (John 6:9). Others talked about many other things.

But one boy said:

I can't paint one picture, but only two. Let me do it. He was allowed, and he began: "The raging sea. The boat in which Jesus is with the twelve disciples is flooded. The disciples are in despair. They are in danger of imminent death. A huge shaft is approaching from the side, ready to turn over and flood the boat without fail. I would draw some disciples others turned their faces to the advancing terrible wave of water. Others covered their faces in horror with their hands. But the face of Peter is clearly visible. He is in despair, horror, confusion. His hand is stretched out to Jesus.

Where is Jesus? At the stern of the boat, where the steering wheel is. Jesus is sleeping peacefully. The face was serene.

There would be nothing calm in the picture: everything would rage, foam in the spray. The boat would then rise to the crest of the wave, then sink into the abyss of waves.

Only Jesus would be calm. The excitement of the students was inexpressible. Peter in despair shouts through the noise of the waves: "Teacher, we are perishing, but You have no need!"

This is one picture. The second picture: "Dungeon. The Apostle Peter is chained with two chains, sleeping between the soldiers. Sixteen guards guard Peter. Peter's face is clearly visible. He sleeps calmly, although the already sharpened sword is prepared to cut off his head. He knew about it. His face reminds Whom -That".

Hang next to the first picture. Look at the face of Jesus. Peter's face is the same as his. They bear the seal of peace. Dungeon, guards, sentence to death - the same raging sea. A sharpened sword is the same formidable shaft, ready to end Peter's life. But on the face of the Apostle Peter there is no former horror and despair. He learned from Jesus. It is imperative to put these pictures together, - continued the boy, - and make one inscription above them: "For you must have the same feelings that were in Christ Jesus" (Phil.2:5).

One of the girls also spoke about two pictures. The first picture "Christ is crucified: the disciples are standing in the distance. Grief, fear and horror are on their faces. Why? - Christ is crucified. He will die on the cross. They will never see Him again, they will never hear His gentle voice, they will never look again the good eyes of Jesus upon them... never again will He be with them."

That's what the students thought. But everyone who reads the Gospel will say: "Didn't Jesus say to them: "Just a little while and the world will not see Me, but you will see Me, for I live, and you will live" (John 14:19).

Did they remember at that moment what Jesus said about his resurrection after death? Yes, the disciples forgot this, and therefore, on their faces, in their hearts were fear, grief and horror.

And here is the second picture.

Jesus with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, after His Resurrection. Jesus ascends to His Father. Let's look at the faces of the students. What do we see on their faces? Peace, joy, hope. What happened to the students? Jesus is leaving them, they will never see Him on earth! And the students are happy! All this because the disciples remembered the words of Jesus: "I am going to prepare a place for you. And when I have prepared a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself" (John 14:2-3).

Let's hang two pictures side by side and compare the faces of the students. In both pictures, Jesus is walking away from the disciples. So why are the students' faces different? Only because in the second picture the disciples remember the words of Jesus. The girl ended her story with the call: "Let us always remember the words of Jesus."

Tanya's answer

Once at school, in a lesson, the teacher was having a conversation with second-grade students. She told the children a lot and for a long time about the Earth and about distant stars; she also talked about the flights of spaceships with a man on board. At the same time, she said in conclusion: "Children! Our astronauts rose high above the earth, to a height of 300 km and flew in space for a long, long time, but they did not see God, because He does not exist!"

Then she turned to her student, a little girl who believed in God, and asked:

Tell me, Tanya, do you now believe that there is no God? The girl stood up and calmly replied:

I don't know if 300 km is a lot, but I know for sure that only "the pure in heart will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

Waiting for an answer

The young mother was dying. Having finished the procedure, the doctor and his assistant retired to the next room. Folding up his medical instrument, he, as if talking to himself, uttered in an undertone:

Well, that's it, we did everything we could.

The eldest daughter, one might say, still a child, stood not far away and heard this statement. Weeping, she turned to him:

Doctor, you said you did everything you could. But my mother didn't get better, and now she's dying! But we haven't tried everything yet," she continued. “We can turn to Almighty God. Let's pray and ask God to heal mom.

The unbelieving doctor, of course, did not follow this suggestion. The child fell on his knees in despair and cried out in prayer in his spiritual simplicity, as best he could:

Lord, I ask You to heal my mother; the doctor did everything he could, but You, Lord, the great and kind Physician, You can heal her. We need her so much, we can't do without her, dear Lord, heal her in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Some time has passed. The girl, as if in oblivion, remained on her knees, not moving and not getting up. Noticing the immobility of the child, the doctor turned to the assistant:

Remove the child, the girl is fainting.

I'm not in a swoon, Mr. Doctor, - the girl objected, - I'm waiting for an answer!

She lifted up her childish prayer in full faith and hope in God, and now remained on her knees, waiting for an answer from Him Who said: “Will not God protect His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night, although He hesitates to defend them? I tell you that He will give their protection soon" (Luke 18:7-8). And whoever trusts in God, God will not leave him ashamed, but will certainly send help from above at the right hour and at the right time. And in this difficult hour, God did not hesitate to answer - the mother's face changed, the patient calmed down, looked around her with a look full of peace and hope, and fell asleep.

After a few hours of restorative sleep, she awoke. The loving daughter immediately clung to her and asked:

Aren't you feeling better now, mommy?

Yes, my dear, - she answered - I'm better now.

I knew you'd get better, mom, because I was waiting for an answer to my prayer. And the Lord answered me that He would heal you.

The mother's health has been restored again, and today she is a living witness of God's power overcoming sickness and death, a witness of His love and faithfulness in hearing the prayers of believers.

Prayer is the breath of the soul,

Prayer is a light in the darkness of the night,

Prayer is the hope of the heart,

Brings peace to the sick soul.

God listens to such a prayer:

cordial, sincere, simple;

He hears it, accepts it

And the holy world pours into the soul.

baby's gift

"When you do alms, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:3).

I want to give you something for pagan children! I opened the package and found ten coins inside.

Who gave you so much money? Dad?

No, - the kid answered, - neither dad knows, nor my left hand ...

How so?

Yes, you yourself preached this morning that it is necessary to give in such a way that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing ... Therefore, I kept my left hand in my pocket all the time.

Where do you get money from? I asked, unable to contain my laughter any longer.

I sold Minko, my dog, whom I loved very much ... - and at the memory of a friend, tears clouded the eyes of the baby.

When I spoke about this in the meeting, the Lord gave us a rich blessing."

Modesty

In one harsh and hungry time, there lived a kind rich man. He sympathized with the starving children.

One day he announced that every child who came to him at noon would receive a small loaf of bread.

Approximately 100 children of all ages attended. They all arrived at the appointed time. The servants brought out a large basket filled with loaves of bread. The children greedily pounced on the basket, pushing each other away and trying to grab the biggest roll.

Some thanked, others forgot to thank.

Standing aside, this kind man watched what was happening. His attention was drawn to a little girl standing to the side. As the last one, she got the smallest bun.

The next day he tried to put things in order, but this girl was again the last. He also noticed that many children immediately took a bite from their roll, while the little one carried it home.

The rich man decided to find out what kind of girl she was and who her parents were. It turned out that she was the daughter of poor people. She also had a little brother with whom she shared her bun.

The rich man ordered his baker to put a taler in the smallest bun.

The next day, the girl's mother came and brought the coin back. But the rich man said to her:

Your daughter behaved so well that I decided to reward her modesty. And henceforth, with every small roll you will receive a coin. May she be your support during this difficult time.

The woman thanked him from the bottom of her heart.

The children somehow found out about the rich man's generosity towards the baby, and now some of the boys tried to get the smallest roll without fail. One succeeded, and he immediately found a coin. But the rich man said to him:

With this I rewarded the little girl for always being the humblest and for always sharing the bun with her little brother. You are the most ill-mannered, and I have not yet heard words of gratitude from you. Now you won't get bread for a whole week.

This lesson went to the future not only for this boy, but for everyone else. Now no one forgot to say thank you.

The little girl stopped getting thaler in a bun, but the kind man continued to support her parents during the whole time of hunger.

Sincerity

Sincere God gives good luck. The famous George Washington, the first president of the North American free states, surprised everyone from childhood with his fairness and sincerity. When he was six years old, his father gave him a small hatchet for his birthday, which George was very happy about. But, as is often the case with many boys, now every wooden object in his path had to experience his hatchet. One fine day, he showed his art on a young cherry in his father's garden. One blow was enough to forever make all hopes of her recovery in vain.

The next morning, the father noticed what had happened and determined from the tree that it was maliciously destroyed. He planted it himself, and therefore decided to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the attacker. He promised five gold coins to anyone who would help identify the destroyer of the tree. But everything was in vain: he could not even find a trace, so he was forced to go home dissatisfied.

On the way, he met little George with his hatchet in his hands. In an instant, the father came up with the idea that his son could also be a criminal.

George, do you know who cut down our beautiful cherry tree in the garden yesterday? - full of discontent, he turned to him.

The boy thought for a moment - there seemed to be a struggle going on in him - then frankly confessed:

Yes, daddy, you know I can't lie, no, I can't. I did this with my hatchet.

Come into my arms, - exclaimed the father, - come to me. Your frankness is dearer to me than a cut down tree. You have already repaid me for it. It is commendable, frankly, even if you have done something shameful or wrong. Truth is dearer to me than a thousand cherries with silver leaves and golden fruits.

stole, deceived

Mom had to go away for a while. Leaving, she punished her children - Mashenka and Vanyusha:

Be obedient, don't go out, play well, and don't mess things up. I'll be back soon.

Masha, who was already ten years old, began to play with her doll, while Vanyusha, an active six-year-old kid, took up his blocks. He soon got tired of it, and he began to think about what to do now. His sister did not let him go outside, because his mother did not allow it. Then he decided to quietly take an apple from the pantry, to which his sister said:

Vanyusha, a neighbor through the window will see that you are carrying an apple from the pantry, and will tell your mother that you stole.

Then Vanyusha went to the kitchen, where there was a jar of honey. Here the neighbor could not see him. With great pleasure he ate a few spoonfuls of honey. Then he closed the jar again so that no one would notice that someone was feasting on it. Soon the mother returned home, gave the children a sandwich, then all three went to the forest to collect firewood. They did this almost every day to have a supply for the winter. The children loved these walks in the woods with their mother. She used to tell them interesting stories along the way. And this time she told them an instructive story, but Vanyusha was surprisingly silent and did not, as usual, ask many questions, so that his mother even inquired with concern about his health. Vanyusha lied, saying that his stomach hurt. However, his conscience condemned him, because now he not only stole, but also deceived.

When they came to the forest, mother showed them a place where they could collect brushwood, and a tree to which they were to take it down. She herself went deep into the forest, where one could find larger dry branches. Suddenly a thunderstorm started. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, but my mother was not around. The children hid from the rain under a wide spreading tree. Vanyusha was very tormented by his conscience. At every clap of thunder, it seemed to him that God was threatening him from heaven:

He stole, he cheated!

It was so terrible that he confessed to Mashenka what he had done, as well as his fear of God's punishment. His sister advised him to ask God for forgiveness and confess everything to his mother. Here Vanyusha knelt down in the grass wet from the rain, folded his hands and, looking at the sky, prayed:

Dear Savior. I stole and cheated. You know about it, for You know everything. I'm very regret about it. I beg you, forgive me. I won't steal or cheat anymore. Amen.

He got up from his knees. He felt so light in his heart - he was sure that God had forgiven his sins. When the worried mother returned, Vanyusha joyfully ran out to meet her and shouted:

Beloved Savior forgave me that I stole and deceived. Please forgive me and you.

Mom couldn't understand anything that was said. Then Mashenka told her everything that had happened. Of course, my mother also forgave him everything. For the first time, without her help, Vanyusha confessed everything to God and asked for His forgiveness. Meanwhile the storm subsided and the sun shone again. All three went home with bundles of brushwood. Mom again told them a story similar to Vanyushina, and memorized a short rhyme with the children: No matter what I do, God sees me from heaven.

Much later, when Vanyusha already had his own family, he told his children about this incident from his childhood, which made such an impression on him that he never stole or lied again.

Christian education begins at birth. Initiation into church life is important for the development of a little Christian, but it is even more important to read books that are correct in the Orthodox sense. In the literature of this kind, children's Christian stories play an important role.

It is much easier to develop good qualities in children using the example of stories, stories and poems of the Orthodox persuasion. Such literature awakens the best feelings, teaches kindness, forgiveness, love, strengthens faith and hope, helps not to become discouraged, sort out one's feelings, behave correctly with peers, and more. Books in which children's Christian stories are printed should be in every family where there are children. Such works are written by both domestic and foreign authors, among whom are simple people, priests and even monks.

Tales of goodness that conquers all

One of the most striking in order to encourage a child to do good deeds are stories of this kind. Here, for example, is a story called "The Little Lamp" by John Paton. It tells about a little girl who does not go to school yet, but, without knowing it herself, does a very necessary and good deed, visiting her old grandmother. Lena (that was the name of the baby) even asked her mother what she was doing, why the elderly woman rejoices, calling the baby a ray of sunshine and her consolation.

Mom explained to her daughter how important the presence of a girl is for an old grandmother, because she feels so lonely, and Lena consoles her with just her appearance. The little girl learned that her little good deed was like a candle, from which a huge torch was lit on a lighthouse that showed the way to ships in the darkness. And without this spark, there simply would not be a big flame. So the good deeds of every person, child, no matter how inconspicuous they may be, are simply necessary in this world and are pleasing to the Lord.

Short stories for the little ones

O. Yasinskaya wrote short Christian instructive stories for kids. They have everything that the Orthodox need. One of the stories called "The Secret" from the collection "The Little Christian Woman" teaches to be compliant, selfless, to do something pleasant and kind to another, to always be ready to help. A story about two sisters hides a secret happy life according to Christian law. And nothing else is needed in the relationship between people for a peaceful and embraced by love and understanding of life.

And the story “What the bees teach us” shows by their example how children should love their parents and take care of them, especially if illness or old age limits their strength. After all, this is the commandment of the Lord "Honor your father and your mother." She must always be remembered.

Christian poems, stories

In addition to instructive stories for children, there are many poems and riddles written for a small Orthodox Christian. For example, Marina Tikhonova writes not only Christian stories, but also poems and riddles. Her collection "Orthodox Poems for Children" is permeated with happiness family life, goodness and light. The collection includes several poems, riddles about God and everything connected with Him, and the story "At the Christmas Tree." It tells about a family who decorates the Christmas tree with a garland, toys, rain and a star before the holiday. Parents explain to children what Christmas means and New Year, holiday tree, decorations on it. The whole family thanks the Lord for the wonderful gifts each has received. The story evokes such strong emotions and feelings that you want to take decorations yourself, hang them on the Christmas tree and thank God for everything, like the heroes of history.

Where did I come from?

Perhaps this is the most embarrassing question for parents from a grown son or daughter. But the kids keep asking about everything. Christian stories will help the little listener find an answer to this question, and his mom and dad will be told what to say in such cases. The story about the boy Mitya, which is called "The Very First Dad", was written by Andrey Ermolenko. This story contains a hint to parents and an explanation to the child about who the Heavenly Father is, where children come from. very touching and instructive story. Everyone with children should read it.

Athos for a child's heart

This is the name of the book written by the monk Simeon Athos. In fact, all Christian stories are a kind of sacred Mount Athos, which destroys pagan temples in every heart, building a fortress of the truth of God, strengthening faith, spirit, nourishing all the best that is in a child or adult.

With his stories, the monk unobtrusively introduces the children to the common truths of the Lord. At the end of each story is the conclusion that follows from it. The stories are all small, even the smallest Christian can easily listen to them to the end. The book teaches children (and parents too) humility, faith in God, goodness, love for the Lord, see miracles in the usual, draw conclusions from everything that happened, think first of all about others, judge yourself for your mistakes, do not try to blame others for something, not to be proud, to be brave in deeds, not in words. In addition, the book teaches that sometimes misfortune also brings good, and a simple life is already happiness. To find the Kingdom of Heaven, you need to work hard. For the sake of true Love, you need to give everything, and then Heaven will become closer. This is what a monk teaches.

And in this light, the strength and depth of Children's Love is revealed - here it is, the wisdom of God, because a child loves not for something. It is not easy to save a child's heart, but it is precisely such people who are saved. The monk teaches not only kids, his Christian stories, stories - and science to adults.

It would be useful to read the work "On the Frog and Wealth." the main idea The story is as follows: if you want to take, you will live an earthly life, and if spiritual life is to your heart, learn to give. The monk of Athos wrote many more wisdoms in the form of instructive and interesting stories. This book is useful to everyone who has set foot on the righteous path.

Christian stories are needed at every age as a help on the path to God. When reading to a child, parents themselves draw light and kindness, which helps them to go the right way and lead their children. May God be in every heart!