School is out and summer vacation stretches out before the kids. Graduates marched to receive their diplomas or degrees and now new vistas open before them to continue marching to their goals. Congratulations to all who finished the school year and who completed their course of study.

Opportunities to learn about the word of God abound as well. Vacation Bible Schools offer fun and excitement. Songs, activities, crafts, snacks, and stories add to the experiences for each child. Scriptural lessons learned will help with decisions now and in the future.

A small investment of time in an annual VBS as well as Bible classes on Sunday will pay great dividends for each child. The eternal word of God fits in each heart and mind.

Hopefully, they will remember the stories correctly, not like these examples written by kids.

“Adam & Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was called Joan of Ark.”

“Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Amendments (some adults think it was ten suggestions).”

“The 5th Commandment is humor thy father & mother.”

“Moses died before he ever reached Canada.”

“Then, Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still & he obeyed him.”

“Sampson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.”

“It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead & managed to get the tomb stone off the entrance.”

These examples show they learned a portion of the Bible stories, but not with completely accuracy. A little more work in learning and memorizing the Bible accounts will help.

God’s word was a powerful influence for people down through the centuries and still is today. It has stood the test of time as to its veracity and authenticity. It adds richly to lives of people with hope and peace, it gives light and direction, and it opens the way to salvation and change.

God intended for his word to impact his people in such a way that they will remember it and direct their lives by its tenets. In Deuteronomy 6:6, God said, “These words…shall be in thine heart.” His word is comprehended in the head, and it is to reside in the heart.

Moreover, God intended for his word to be passed on to each generation. Moses continued his instructions in Deuteronomy, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” He named instances this was to take place that basically included all waking hours. A constant presence of God’s word was to be in each home. Both teaching and example serve to implant God’s word in young hearts.

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Many things pass away in our lifetime. It’s good to know we can focus on what will not pass away and will lead us to a heavenly eternity.

Mitch Glover is pastor of the Sterling Pentecostal Church located on Swanson River Road and Entrada. Services on Sunday include Bible classes for all ages at 10:00 a.m. and worship at 11:00 a.m. Thursday Bible study is at 7:00 p.m. (sterlingpentecostalchurch.com)