Sanctuary Lake Home

ACT I

Scene 1: Grandparents and grandchildren assemble in the living room the first morning of vacation. This is Wednesday.

Grandpa Taavi: Good morning Tina and Sara. Did you sleep well last night?

Tina: Yes, Grandpa.

Sara: Missy (the Cockapoo dog) kept jumping in the bed during the night.

Tina: And Gordie (the American longhair cat) kept rubbing against my shoulder.

Grandma Susan: You can keep the door closed tonight when you sleep, if you want. The animals will get used to your being here by tomorrow night.

Grandpa: Tina, Sara, and Susan, would you like something to drink before devotions? We have OJ or milk. I have made coffee.

Grandma: I’ll fix a cup of coffee.

Tina: May I pour a glass of juice?

Grandma: Yes, you may, Tina.

Sara: May I have a glass of milk?

Grandma: Sara, you certainly can have a glass of milk.

Scene II: The family settles into the living room for morning devotions.

Susan: Taavi, will you please play a few songs for us? Can you include “Holy are your Ways o Lord”?

Taavi: It will be my pleasure to accompany the family with the piano. Tina, Sara and Susan, here are three copies of song books. I will pick some hymns and choruses. (Grandpa plays through several songs, as the family sings together).

GP: Here is a new song that I wrote. Here are words (three copies) for “Holy are Your Ways o Lord” (from Psalm 77:13):

1. “Holy are you o Lord! How excellent is our God! By your mighty Hand, You redeem your people today, this hour. Christ is the One who performs miracles for us all. You make things happen for us now and forever!”

2. “God is good to people who put their trust in His Word! It is good to spend time in your Beautiful House of Worship. I want to be in His Sanctuary at all times. Our God is generous in gifts and Glory.” [©2012 Malberg]

GP: Tina and Sara, here is another of Grandpa’s newer songs. (He passes out the words [3 copies] For “Our Mighty Hope is Jesus” {Psalm61:3}):

1. “A profound buttress is the Lord our God; His rampart is impenetrable. Our dear Friend is He—remain secure within the world impractical. The kingdom of evil intent wants to kill us. His might is sure and abundant; and equipped with Holy Power, no foe endures.”
2. “We depend on His strength and power to reach our goals, always guiding. If He is not on our side, to help us against those not abiding in His Shelter and Tower of His Holiness, it is failure. Who is this Man of Galilee? It is Jesus Christ our Savior.” [©2012 Malberg]

Grandpa Taavi: Today, we will begin studying the the book of James. Tina, would you like to be the first reader?
Tina: Yes, Grandpa. (She begins reading):

James 1:1 states: “I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, writing to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come: “Hello!” (“The Message”)

Grandma Susan: Sara, would you like to read now?

Sara: Yes, Grandma. I will be happy to read now. (She begins reading):

(Verses 2-4)”Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (“The Message”)

Grandpa: Let’s all discuss these first four verses. Tina, what is the purpose of verse one (1)?

Tina: James is introducing the book. He is saying that he is a servant of Jesus, the Christ.

Grandpa: You have stated the purpose of the book very well. Sara and Susan, please share your thoughts about verses two (2) through four (4). Sara, can you share something concerning verses two (2) and three (3)?

Sara: Okay. We need to be thankful when we have difficult times. If we are close to the Lord, we will be able to handle the trials of life.

Grandma: That is a very good summary, Sara. Verse four (4) tells us to make sure that we plan and take difficult things to the Lord in prayer for wisdom. This will help us to make good strong decisions that will bring Glory to the Lord.

Taavi: Susan, I thank you for that excellent review. Let’s continue to read verses five (5) – eight (8). Susan, will you please read this section?

Susan: Yes, Taavi. (She begins reading): James 1:5-8: “If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to you when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who ‘worry their prayers’ are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.” [“The Message”]

Grandpa Taavi GP): Let us pray. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gift of Salvation and your gift of the Holy Spirit. We want your help today as we boat, swim and fish. We ask for your safety and protection. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”