In this sermon transcript, Brother Denny welcomes listeners to Charity Ministries and emphasizes their desire for the message to bless and change lives. He encourages listeners to freely share and distribute the message to others. Aunt Martha then shares a story tape for children, teaching them about certain practices and beliefs as believers in Jesus. The transcript also includes a scene where Kimberly pretends to be a bride and her mother uses the opportunity to show her pictures of a wedding, leading to a discussion about the importance of confessing sin and having faith in God.

Hello, this is Brother Denny. Welcome to Charity Ministries. Our desire is that your life would be blessed and changed by this message. This message is not copyrighted and is not to be bought or sold. You are welcome to make copies for your friends and neighbors. If you would like additional messages, please go to our website for a complete listing at www.charityministries.org. If you would like a catalog of other sermons, please call 1-800-227-7902 or write to Charity Ministries, 400 West Main Street, Suite 1, EFRA PA 17522. These messages are offered to all without charge by the freewill offerings of God's people. A special thank you to all who support this ministry. Boys and girls, this is Aunt Martha and I have another story tape for you. You will want to hear this one. You will learn why we do certain things as believers in Jesus. I want you to learn these things while you are young. This is a good tape for you. The first story I have is a simple wedding. Mama, help me fix this on my head. Kimberly was holding her dolly blanket. What are you pretending to be this time? Mama questioned. She knew Kimberly loved to play growing up. I'm a bride. This is to be my veil. Molly showed me pictures of her sister's wedding. She had on a beautiful long dress with a piece dragging on the floor behind. That was a train, Molly said. Can you help me get a train fixed onto my bathrobe? I know it won't be beautiful like Sue's dress, but I'll pretend it is. Kimberly was all excited in her plans. Mama thought a little. Kimberly, I want to show you some pictures of a wedding, too. Mama went to the bookcase for a picture album. Oh, Mama, do you have pictures like Molly had? Let me see, let me see. The five-year-old chatted eagerly. Will you sit here with me on the couch? These are pictures of someone you know. Do you know who they are? Why, Mama, that's you and Daddy, isn't it? Where is the picture of your beautiful dress? Well, this is how we were dressed for our wedding, Kimberly. My dress was a soft white. Daddy had on a dark blue suit. No, Mama, you look just like you do all the time. And you had on your covering. Where is the dress you wore, the one with a veil and a train? Molly said every bride wears one. Kimberly, Molly has really made you excited about brides, hasn't she? Her sister Sue's wedding would be very different than what Daddy and I had. No, not all brides are dressed up. No, in this Molly has told you wrong. But, Mama, Kimberly, let me explain. When you played with Molly, what did you wear to her house? I had on my blue dress with a pocket. What was Molly wearing? She had on her blue jeans and shirt. Mama, she doesn't dress like us. You know that. And her Mama doesn't either. Yes, Kimberly, I do know that. Why do you think we do not look like that? Well, our church people dress differently. Is that why? Kimberly, it is more than that. We want to please Jesus and the Bible. We want to show others that we are different. You wear dresses because you are a girl. God asks us to not have fashions like the world. Now, back to weddings. Yes, it was a very special day for me. I wanted to look nice. But we all wanted to please Jesus. We wanted Him to be the most important one. We didn't want fancy dresses and all that. And no one stood up when I came in with Grandma and Grandpa. It was all very simple but nice. But, oh, it was so very special. Did you have rings, Mama? Molly asked. Kimberly, Mama questioned. Have you ever seen rings on my fingers? We want to show our beauty by living sweetly for Jesus. No, we did not have rings. Rings are jewelry. We feel Jesus is not pleased with jewelry. But Molly said that that ring was the circle of love. Yes, I know. Many people use rings to show they will never break that circle of love. But we have the promise in our hearts. And God sees that. We don't need rings. Kimberly, all of this is hard for you. I can see Molly has told you a lot of things. And Kimberly, it is best if you do not go play so often with Molly. Our ways are different. We want to please Jesus. We have good times. We do not need fancy things. We are happy to have simple ways that will please Jesus. Boys and girls, I have another story about weddings. This title is God's Word Stands. Mother, don't you love Cousin Sandra? Questioned Beth. Why, Beth, whatever made you ask that? Of course I love Sandra. I love her very much, Mother responded. Well, I heard you and Father talking in the kitchen last night. You were discussing her wedding invitation that came yesterday. And it sounded as if you didn't even want to go to her wedding, explained Beth. Oh, Beth. We really do want to be included in all of our family times. But you have heard us praying much for Sandra. Because she has not been choosing God's ways. Now she plans to marry Joe. But he was married before and is divorced. It hurts us so much to see her going against God's Word, Mother sighed. But they don't do other things as we do either, Beth reasoned. Maybe it isn't so bad for Sandra to marry Joe if they understand the Bible differently. Beth, God's Word Stands. It is not just for people who choose to obey it. God will judge everyone by it. Always remember that, Beth, Mother exclaimed emphatically. But if their church doesn't teach the same as ours, do they know better? Beth asked uncertainly. It is very sad that some ministers will reason around the Bible's teachings so people can disobey and think they are all right. I'm afraid they will have to answer to God for leading people into false assurance, Mother explained wearily. You know, Beth, I think Father and I should study with you what the Bible says about marriage. It will be good for all of us. I'll talk to Father about it. When they sat down that evening for family worship, Father settled baby laws on his lap and began talking. Mother tells me you were discussing Cousin Sandra's wedding. When Uncle Robert left the church that taught the whole Bible and joined another church, they did not realize what it would do for Sandra. I believe Uncle Robert and Aunt Joyce are sad about the choice Sandra is making. But since their church does not teach all the Bible, Sandra did not develop the same convictions. But that gives her no excuse. The Bible stands. Some of the applications our church makes to Bible teachings are different from some other Christians' applications. We can love others who do differently than we do. But certain principles are very plainly outlined in the scriptures. And this is one of them, Beth. Beth, will you read Matthew 5.32? Beth found the place in her Bible and read. But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adultery. Thank you, Beth, Father said. Now we see marriage is ordained and made sacred by God. God planned for men and women to marry and make godly homes for children. If a married man or woman goes to live with a different man or woman, that is adultery. Jesus said here that even if someone is divorced and then remarried, both of them are committing adultery. Does this mean, though, that there are some times when divorce is all right? asked Beth. In Bible times the engagement promise was very serious, Father explained. If someone was impure before marriage, the wedding could be called off, but they needed a divorce even to do that. Was that like Joseph, what he planned to do with Mary? asked Beth. Yes, that's right, Father agreed. Now, Mother, will you read Mark 10 verse 11 and 12? Little Linda, who was sitting on her lap, helped hold the Bible while Mother read. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. Beth looked up. Mother looked up. Beth, can you follow what I read? How could anyone misunderstand that question? The one who gets divorced and marries again, commits adultery. Let's read some more scriptures, Father suggested. Beth, now will you find Romans 7 verses 2 and 3? Beth read. For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth. But if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then, if while her husband liveth she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress. But if her husband be dead, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress. Though she be married to another man. Do you see any difference here, Father asked? Beth nodded. Um, I think so. It's like Aunt Beulah said, Mother. She lived alone for a long time after Uncle Mena died. But then, Uncle Hiram married her after his first wife died. Since neither one had a husband or wife living, they were free to remarry. 1 Corinthians 7.39 tells us the same thing, said Father. It says, the wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth. But if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will. Only in the Lord. Beth, we want you and the twins to grow up to serve Jesus. We want to help you understand what the Bible teaches. Father added. For those who faithfully follow God's commands, he has rewards. Father was quiet for a little, and then went on thoughtfully. God forbids marriages with divorced persons who have former companions still living. Marriage by or with such persons is actually adultery. Beth, what makes this so serious is the end of adulterers. Let's all turn to Galatians 5 and verses 19-21. Scan down over the sins of the flesh. The first sins mentioned are adultery and fornication. At the end of this list it says, They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. That means they won't go to heaven. Beth wrinkled her brow, but I don't want Sandra to miss heaven. Can't she be forgiven for marrying Joe? She pleaded. Father answered. I'm thankful you are seeing how serious this is. And yes, there is forgiveness for all our sins if we repent and leave the sins. But if we keep on doing wrong, we haven't really repented. Mother added. Father, when you read from 1 Corinthians 7, I saw that verses 10 and 11 have something to say about this too. Let not the wife depart from her husband, but, and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. Aunt Donna has lived alone since Uncle Jim left her years ago. Mother remarked thoughtfully. I remember how she made a confession at church of her part in their problems. She said to all of us that she failed to show love and patience to him as God asks. I don't remember Uncle Jim said that, but I do love Aunt Donna. I just love her so much, but I guess she is lonely too. Yes, agreed Mother. She does have lonely times. She even had a chance to get married again, but she didn't yield to that temptation. God gave her strength to stay true to him and to her marriage vows. But her marriage was years ago. You said Uncle Jim married again. Beth was bewildered. Remember Beth? God's word says if the wife is separated, let her be unmarried if she isn't reconciled to her husband. Father reminded. Another verse in Matthew 19 says, What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Another way to put that is, And no man may divorce what God joins together. But what happens if someone marries a divorced person and later becomes a Christian? Or maybe they knew it was wrong but married anyway. Can't they be forgiven and go on? Beth again pleaded. Father answered, When a man and a wife marry, they form a bond. God seals until one of them dies. He belongs to that first wife and she belongs to that first husband, even if they were not Christians. Then if they divorce and remarry, in God's eyes they really still belong to their first partner. Father paused and then asked, If a thief becomes saved, do you think he would want to continue using the car he had stolen? No. If he truly repented of his sin, he would give back all he stole or pay for it. So if a divorced and remarried person becomes born again, he would realize that his second marriage was never recognized by God and he really belongs to that first partner. Restitution can be made by departing and living separate from that second wife. This would be very, very hard, especially if that marriage was going well and if there were children. But some have done it by the strength of God and are able to live in victory. The Bible says the way of a transgressor is hard, but God will give strength to those who truly want to obey him. Mother began to cry softly. We have failed Sandra by not warning her when we knew she was friends with Joe. Maybe she would not have come to this place ready to enter into an adulterous situation. But we will keep praying. The Lord still does miracles. They sat in silence for a little. Mother wiped her tears and said softly, I believe God is wanting me to write these things as gently as possible to Sandra. We want to assure her we really love her, but explain why we cannot be present at her wedding. I'll really miss being together with the family, but because we want the teachings of Jesus to rule our lives, we feel it would grieve him to be present there. Do you think Uncle Robert's family will understand? Father replied slowly. We surely hope so. But if they get upset at us, we will just continue to love them. If they turn against us, we will continue to pray for them and to show them that we love them in it all. But the most important thing is for us to be faithful to our Lord to the very end. Boys and girls, this is a story on baptism. Daddy, do you know what Jeremy told me at school today? Trent was busy helping in the egg room with his father. What did Jeremy tell you, his father asked? He got baptized last night at his church in a pool right behind the pulpit. Isn't he too little? He's in second grade with me. Daddy lifted another crate to the cooler before he answered. That means Jeremy is around seven or eight, isn't he? Did he tell you why he wanted to be baptized? Well, he told me he got saved two weeks ago and he was baptized when two other boys were. Trent, have you ever seen someone be baptized, Daddy asked. Well, you know I was there when Amy was baptized, but she was fourteen, not seven. And she wasn't in a pool. She was kneeling in the front of the church. And the bishop just poured water on her head. Why wasn't she in a pool? Your sister had talked to Mother and me about how bad she felt she was in her heart. And she knew Jesus could save her. She wanted him to wash away her sins. So we prayed with her. She told Jesus she was so sorry for her sins and asked him to save her and to be her Savior and the boss of her life. Then she was so relieved, so happy. I remember when Amy told us all at breakfast the next morning, Jeremy said, You told us you wouldn't tell Brother Lester about it. Why was that? Well, Amy was like a new baby. She had things to learn. Brother Lester would want to teach her in some classes. We believe when someone is saved, they should be a part of our church, a group of believers. The Bible tells us to repent and to be baptized. And Amy wanted Brother Lester to help her get ready for baptism. But why wasn't she put under water in a pool? Well, not every church baptizes the same way. Jeremy's church uses a pool in the church. Some go to a stream or outdoor pond. Some are put under water. Others kneel in the stream and water is cupped up to be poured over the head. The scripture does not tell us step by step, but does say repent and be baptized. We pour water in baptism because the scripture says the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the believer. But Jeremy says his way is the only way to be baptized. At least he says his daddy told him that. Jesus wants us to live peaceably with all men. We must not argue. Believers are to be baptized. Almost all agree with that. Some groups even feel babies are to be baptized. But they can't be believers in Jesus. They are too little. I even think Jeremy is quite young to be a believer of Jesus as Savior. And to have him be boss in his life. But I believe that daddy. I do believe that now. Trent exclaimed. Yes, Trent, you know and have faith in Jesus because we teach you. But you are safe in Jesus. All little ones and young children are safe in Jesus. Jesus loved little children when he was here on earth. He was very kind to them. Oh daddy, sometimes I could have just wanted to sit on his lap. It would have been so great. Trent responded wistfully. I'm so glad you love Jesus, Trent. Daddy patted him on his head. But mama and I pray the time will come. When in your heart you will know that without Jesus you are dirty in your sins. And need him to forgive them. And that you want to take him as boss in your life. Then you will want baptism. Because your conscience can give a good testimony of what Jesus did for you. Happy day. Happy day. When Jesus washed my sins away. He taught me how to watch and pray. And live rejoicing every day. Happy day. Happy day. When Jesus washed my sins away. I have not heard the solemn vow. That vow renewed shall daily hear. Till in life's latest hour I bow. And bless in death a bond so dear. Happy day. Happy day. When Jesus washed my sins away. He taught me how to watch and pray. And live rejoicing every day. Happy day. Happy day. When Jesus washed my sins away. Boys and girls, this is a story about remembering. We need to remember is the title. Gwen, come here. Lydia Mass called to her fresh air guest. I want to tell you about something special. We will do a church tomorrow. Gwen loved the time she could go to church with the Mass. Because this was her third summer to visit. She knew some of the girls in her Sunday school class beside Lisa Mass. Do you remember what we call the Easter story? Lydia asked. She had the Bible story book open on her lap to the picture of the crucifixion. That is when Jesus died, isn't it? Gwen was always happy for a story. Will you tell me again? As Lydia told the story once and again to the eight-year-old. She also told how people do wrong things called sin. Before Jesus came, God asked his people to kill a lamb to show their sorrow for their sin. And when Jesus came, he was called the Lamb of God. But when Jesus died, he was the only lamb ever needed again. But people must believe that when Jesus died, it was for their sin. Each one must believe that. The father can't do it for his son. The mother can't do it for her daughter. But they can teach all about Jesus and his death on the cross. We teach this here in our home. This is what we hear at our church. Jesus bled from the sores he had on that cross. And his body was broken there. But I'm glad he did that for me. Gwen had been looking at the picture. But it really must have hurt him so badly, she said sympathetically. Yes, it did, Gwen. And he loved us so very much to have suffered like that. In the Bible, it tells us we must not forget how much he suffered for us. So he told us how to always remember this. While he was here on earth at supper one night, he broke bread in pieces and gave each of his disciples a piece. He said, you do this to remember how my body will be broken for you. Then he took grape juice and gave each a drink and said, this is to remember how I gave my blood for you. We call this the Lord's Supper. But Gwen, when he told his disciples that, they didn't really understand because Jesus had not yet died. But now we do understand what he meant. So we have some special times we call communion. Each one is given some bread and each one a drink of grape juice to remember what Jesus did for us. That's what we will do at church tomorrow. Will they give to me too, Gwen asked. No, Gwen, it is only to those who have given their hearts to Jesus and have been baptized into the church with other believers. But when I'm here, I believe in Jesus, Gwen claimed. Yes, and we are so glad you're learning about Jesus. But there will come a time as you get older, you will understand really what sin is and how your heart needs to be given to Jesus to be clean. All younger children are safe with their love for Jesus. And some boys and girls don't even know about Jesus, but they are still safe. But as they learn the difference between good and bad, then they need to make the choice. We hope you will choose always for Jesus, Gwen. Lisa Mass had been out picking beans. Now Gwen and Mrs. Mass needed to clean the beans for supper. Lisa, her mother said, I've been telling Gwen about the meaning of communion we are to have at church tomorrow. Did you tell her that you will wash feet too, Lisa inquired? No. But can you explain why we do that? Gwen interrupted, What? You wash feet right in church? Ugh! Lisa laughed, it's not quite like you think. Everyone comes with clean feet, I think. Because they know what is going to happen. They hear about it every communion time. Well, why do you wash feet anyway at church? Your mother told me about the bread and the grape juice. That's weird enough. Gwen was confused. Mother, you explain, so Gwen can understand, sighed Lisa. Well, that same evening when Jesus told the disciples to use bread and grape juice to always remember what he was doing for them and all people, he also taught them about feet washing. Jesus got water and washed each of his disciples feet. Gwen, I think when Peter's turn came, he was confused too, because he didn't want Jesus to do his feet. Jesus told Peter, if I don't wash your feet, you will have no part in me. Then quickly Peter wanted him to wash him all over because he really loved Jesus. But Jesus only did his feet. Gwen kept such a look of contempt. I think that's awful, to have to wash someone else's feet. Why did Jesus do that? Well, in those days, feet got dusty from wearing sandals, but it was more than that. This is just a sign that Jesus wants us always to remember how he, as the great son of God, came down to the people to serve them and to teach how to live. He always did kind things to others, helping, healing, and teaching. He was God come down, but he served people. We must never be too good to serve and help people. When we wash feet tomorrow, we are not acting to be some great person. We are all alike, believers for Jesus. Gwen looked at the beans in her lap. It's going to be quite a show to see all that going on. Mother Mass chuckled. It will seem strange to you, I'm sure, but it is all done so we can keep fresh in our memory what Jesus wants us to do. The women wash with the women, and the men with men, and all is done very quietly. They were nearly finished with the beans as Father came in from the barn. Father, we are preparing Gwen for the service tomorrow. So far, we've covered the meaning behind the bread and grape juice. Gwen interrupted, and they told me you will wash feet too, and I think that's awful. Well, have they told you about the greeting given after the feet washing? What do you mean, a greeting? Do you give out greeting cards? When I had my leg broken, people sent me get well cards, but Mama called them greeting cards. Oh, Gwen, the kind of greeting we do is not giving a card, but a holy kiss, or a kiss of charity as the Bible teaches in 1 Peter 5.13. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. And 1 Thessalonians 5.26. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. It's holy because it's done for Jesus. And again, women greet women, and men greet men. Some places, people take the special holiness away by giving big hugs, and with anyone. We want to please Jesus in the way the Bible says. Gwen. Oh my, if all this is going to happen tomorrow, I'll have to keep my eyes open. I'm so glad you explained it all. But it's hard to see why you do all this. We want to remember what Jesus taught Gwen. He is special, so very special. This story is okay to be old-fashioned. Ten-year-old Sally was eager for Aunt Nancy to visit. Has it really been two years since we saw Aunt Nancy, she asked Mama. Yes, and her letters have been telling her exciting experiences with her work in her city. Mama recalled, but I wonder how faithful she has been in letting her light shine for Jesus. We'll want to ask her about her church there. She had always been involved in the work of the church here before she left, so I'm sure she would continue her interest up there. It had been a busy day getting ready. Sally was pleased that Aunt Nancy could use her room. She had given it an extra good cleaning, and now it looked neat and clean. Finally, 8 o'clock came, and they all drove out to the airport in the evening dusk. Sally could hardly wait to see Aunt Nancy. As they parked their car and walked into the terminal, Sally thought about what Mama had told her. She said that in their growing-up days, she and Aunt Nancy used to dress alike, and people would ask if they were twins. Is that her plane daddy? Sally asked when a big plane taxied to a stop outside near the big window where they were watching. They all walked to the gate to welcome their visitor. Where is Aunt Nancy? questioned Sally. I don't see anyone dressed like a plane lady. She did see one lady smiling broadly at them. Why, that is Aunt Nancy, she thought to herself, but she looked so different. She held back while Mama went forward. Hello, Norma. I don't look so shocked, laughed Aunt Nancy as she hurried to them. I was tired of looking so old-fashioned. Hi, Sally. My, have you have grown. It's good to see you, too, Charles. I'm glad you picked me up. I'm really tired of the city, so the time in the country will be refreshing. Aunt Nancy had kept talking and didn't give Mama time to greet her, but Mama was shocked, shocked and disappointed. So for a little, she had nothing to say. When Aunt Nancy paused a little, Mama finally was able to say, Nancy, I'm so glad to see you, but yes, I am shocked. We will have much to talk over. Sally felt shy because Aunt Nancy seemed so different from the Aunt Nancy she used to know. Aunt Nancy and Mama were soon over that first awkward beginning and talked busily about other things as they drove home. During the next week, Aunt Nancy wanted to be outdoors as much as possible because she missed the country so much. Sally enjoyed their walks into the backwoods to look for signs of spring because Aunt Nancy was so excited over everything they saw. Sally knew Mama and Aunt Nancy had talked about the changes in her aunt's appearance, but it was not while Sally was around. Mama was not happy for Sally to hear the excuses Aunt Nancy gave. The six days passed quickly. Soon it was time to say goodbye to Aunt Nancy at the airport. On the way home, Sally asked, Mama, why did Aunt Nancy not wear her covering while she was here? We had good times together, but she wasn't quite like the Aunt Nancy I used to know. Why was that, Mama? Mama sighed. You and Father and I need a long talk once we get home. Later at home, Father told her to get her Bible, and they all sat around a kitchen table. Sally, this is a good time to study 1 Corinthians 11, which is a scripture teaching the woman's veiling. Aunt Nancy thinks we are old-fashioned to dress differently from those who do not use the biblical way to live. She especially says it is old-fashioned for women to wear head veilings or coverings. She says she now believes her hair is her covering. We want you to understand how Nancy is confused about this. Father read the first 16 verses of 1 Corinthians 11 while Sally and Mama followed along. When Sally finished reading, he asked, Sally, can you explain verse 3? It says that the head of every man is Christ. Does that mean to be above? That Christ is above you? asked Sally. Yes, Sally, and what else does it say? The head of every woman is man. Is that why Mama wants to do what you want her to do? Father nodded. But what about Aunt Nancy? asked Sally. She isn't married and Grandpa is no longer living. Well, she always looked up to the ministers at her church, but she no longer attends the church. It fully stands on the Bible. There is more to that verse, Sally. Father quizzed. It says that God is the head over Christ. My, God has everything in order, doesn't he, Father? Sally observed. Yes, God has his plan to help everyone know how to live for him, Father remarked. Now, Sally, what do you think verse 4 means? When man prays or prophesies, he is not to have his head covered. I guess if he has a hat on, he is to take it off. Oh, is this why you men took off your hats at Grandpa's funeral at the grave? But we don't have prophets today, do we? she asked. I like your question, Sally, Father commented. I think this verse especially talks about a specific prayer covering, not just a hat worn in cold weather. But yes, we men took off our hats during prayer, out of respect for God and this principle. Teaching the scriptures could be called prophesying. Chapter 14 says that speaking to teach or encouraging or comforting someone is prophesying. Now let's go on to verse 5. Here it sounds just the opposite, Father. It says a woman who prays or prophesies without her head covered does wrong. It even says if she doesn't wear something on her head, it is as though her hair is shaved off. But Aunt Nancy says her hair is recovering or veiling. I don't understand, said Sally in a confused voice. What is a man to do when he prays or teaches the Bible, questions Father? Sally quickly answered, he is to uncover his head. So the Bible must mean something on the head more than the hair. The man can't take off his hair, can he? Oh, Father, of course he can't do that, giggled Sally. Well, so you think that when it says the woman should have her head covered, it means just her hair, Father asked? Sally thought a bit. No, the man must not pray with his hat on, but he still has his hair. The woman still has her hair, but she is to cover her hair with something more. That's easy to understand. Mother was enjoying this lesson from the Bible. That is so plain that even our ten-year-old can understand these verses. A woman wanting to live for Jesus and to follow his teachings will want to cover her head. I want my head to have a covering to show that I want to come under God's plan of order. Poor Aunt Nancy, someone doesn't want to see the Bible truth, and they have convinced her that hair is the veiling. If my hair were my covering, then Father would have to take his hair off when he prays. Sally giggled again about Father taking off his hair. She was glad he didn't have to do that. Father, read verse 10 again, requested Mother. It tells about this being assigned to the angels, too. Father read, For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. One person says it this way, The woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under man's authority, a fact for all the angels to notice and rejoice in. I'm glad Mother makes angels take notice and rejoice. Oh, Mama, I'm so glad you want to obey the Bible. When may I wear a covering? asked Sally. Sally, there will come a time when you know you need to open your heart to Jesus to save you from your sins. When that time comes, you will want to obey this teaching, too. Oh, Mama, I want to obey the Bible, and I'm so glad you and Father help me to understand it. But when we visited Uncle John's and went to their church, even the little girls wore coverings. Why? questioned Sally. Well, some churches believe that having little girls wear coverings will help them always want to wear them when they are old enough to choose to live for Jesus, Mother explained. Father added, Since a covering symbolizes a woman's willingness to obey God's order, it is especially important for those who are old enough to choose and to become Christians. They need to understand its meaning and live in harmony with what it stands for. Sally was enjoying this time with Father and Mother. Her heart felt such happiness. Mother still was not finished, and Nancy still wears dresses, but they are just like what other women may wear. We feel it is best to wear dresses made very simply and plainly to be a safeguard from following fashions and to help us to know what is really modest. Oh, Sally, when someone looks so much like the world, it is easier to fall away from God's teachings. I want to be all God wants a godly woman to be, Mother added thoughtfully. Mama, that's the kind of girl I want to be, too. I want to obey the Bible, and I want to have the angels rejoice about me, Sally whispered softly. And now, boys and girls, here is a story about my very own Papa. Anointing with Oil Diane, come in quietly, Mother cautioned, as the fourth grader came thumping her lunch pail on the counter. Papa is very sick again, and he is resting. Did he go to the doctor, questioned Diane? No, I've given him some of the medicine the doctor gave him before. We do hope it will relieve his pain. Diane went soberly to her room to change clothes for choreing. Why was her Papa sick so often? It always made Mama so sad, and things were so different without Papa's chuckle and his merry whistling tunes of hymns. She knew how to go about the feeding of the chickens and the pigs and the horses because she often helped Papa. Bessie and Brownie would be fed later while Mama milked them after supper while she stayed in with the little ones. Mmm, potato soup. That smells so good. Diane was hungry after working outside. Yes, Mother said, I've taken some out before I seasoned it. If I mash it, Papa thinks it will make his stomach feel better. Oh, I do wish his stomach pain would ease. Papa looked pale as he sat in his usual place at the table. His smile at his little family was forced through his pain. As he ate slowly, he said, this hot soup should help ease my stomach pain. Papa, what did Dr. Brown tell you the last time you had this trouble? Diane wondered. Well, we haven't said much to you children, but he told me my problem is stomach ulcers, and if I had any more problem, he would have to send me for an operation. Mama looked sad. Papa doesn't want an operation. He has been so careful what he has been eating like the doctor said, but maybe he's been working too hard and just needs more rest. Papa rested much in that next week. Neighbors helped out with the work as they could, but Papa seemed to feel worse instead of better. On Saturday evening, Papa called, Mama, Diane, and all of you, come. The Lord has been speaking to me through the Bible, and I want to read you something. Diane helped Mama get the little ones quiet. Papa had his big Bible opened to James 5. He read, Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. This seems to be what the Lord wants me to do, he told them. Mama was thoughtful. Isaiah, I thought of that too, but I knew it had to be your desire. When Brother John stops for us tomorrow for church, shall I ask him to come in to talk to you? Yes, Hedy. Then he can make plans with the other ministry to see when they can come. Sunday afternoon, Diane felt something very special was going to happen as three of the men came from their church to their door. Brother John and Brother Charles will soon be here, they told them. Soon all five men were together in the living room. Papa looked more pale than before, and his pain seemed unbearable at times. Mama had put the little ones down for a nap, but she felt Diane was old enough to observe this sacred time. Brother Charles began by saying that Isaiah had asked to be anointed, as the Bible said in James 5. He read those verses to the group. In a sober voice he questioned, does anyone have unconfessed sin, or lack of faith that might hinder the work of the Holy Spirit? Everyone was quiet. Diane felt a little bit scared. Then Brother John said, I was very impatient with one of my sons this morning, and I'm now confessing that, and I will ask him to forgive me when we get home. Papa confessed, I've been fretting about my illness and my inability to work, and I need to ask forgiveness and to be more willing for what God wants for me. Then they prayed. When all the men had prayed and cleansed their hearts before God, Brother Charles took a very small bottle of oil, and putting some oil on his fingers, he rubbed it onto Papa's forehead, saying, I anoint you in the name of Jesus. Together they softly sang, Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. After the men left, Papa rested, and Diane went out to do chores. Oh, how I do wish for Papa to be well, she thought. Then she stopped. Papa asked God to heal him when he was sick before, and after a while he did get some better. Now with this anointing, will he be healed all the way? Right there in the feed room, she knelt down. Oh, God, please hear my Papa's prayer, and I want to say thank you for the churchmen who came to put oil on Papa. In Jesus' name, Amen. That evening, Diane kept watching Papa, but he acted just the same. She was disappointed. She asked Papa, Do you feel better yet, Papa? Papa smiled at his oldest child's eagerness. Diane, we have asked God's will in my healing. I believe God is able to heal me. I want only what he has that is best for me. The next day, early chores, then breakfast and school, occupied Diane until afternoon. She was so eager to talk to Mama. As she came home from school and opened the door, she heard a whistling tune. Papa, it was Papa whistling. She rushed to the living room. There were the little ones helping Papa build with blocks. Papa, you are better, aren't you? Diane questioned eagerly. Yes, Diane, though I am weak yet, my pain is gone. I had the best night's sleep I had had in a long time. I awoke knowing God's healing is taking place. Mama and I had a great time praising the Lord today. Papa, I am so happy. I am glad God wants you to be healed. Now, boys and girls, what had Diane's Papa told her after he was anointed? He had said he wanted only what God felt best for him. Some very faithful people of God have been anointed, and God did not choose to heal them the way they wanted. Some have died and gone to be with Jesus, which is far better because heaven is the best place of all where Jesus is. Some are left crippled or sick, but God is helping them. So when one is sick, one can always pray, Have your way, Lord, in my life. Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still. Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Search me and try me, Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now. As in thy presence, humbly I bow. Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Wounded and weary, help me, I pray. Power, oh power, surely is thine. Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way. Hold o'er my being, absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit, till all shall see Christ only, always living in me.