Category Archives: Inspiration

Short stories Ken has written, often with music and animation that move your heart, stir your thoughts, and inspire you to greater things. They’re great for youth ministry or also for children and adults!

Dividing Souls

Two boy scouts went on a nature hike in the hills picking up hickory nuts along the way. They quickly filled their small pails and started to fill their pockets and shirts.

When they couldn’t carry any more nuts they walked down the country road until they came across a cemetery. One of the boys decided the cemetery would be a good place to stop, rest, and divide out the nuts.

The two boys sat in the shade of a large oak tree. They unloaded their pockets and pails dumping all the nuts in a large pile. While dividing their bounty, two of the nuts rolled away and came to rest near the road. The boys continued to divide the nuts among them. “One for you. One for me. One for you. One for me”

As they were doing this, a young boy happened to pass by and hear their voices. He looked into the cemetery but could not see the boys as they were hidden by the tree. He hesitated a moment and then ran back to town.

“Father, Father,” he yelled as he entered his house. “The cemetery. Come quick!!!” “What’s the matter?” the father asked. “No time to explain.” the boy frantically panted. “Follow me!!!”

The boy and the father ran up the country road and stopped when they reached the cemetery. They stopped at the side of the road, and fell silent for a few moments. Then the father asked his son what was wrong. Do you hear that? He whispered.

Both listened intently and heard the Scouts. “One for me. One for you. One for me One for you.” The boy then blurted out, “The devil and the Lord are dividing the souls!!”

The father was skeptical but silent. A few moments later the Scouts completed dividing out the nuts. One Scout said to the other: “Now as soon as we get those two nuts down by the road we’ll have them all.”

1 Peter 5:8: Peter warns the believers who are under persecution to be on the alert because our “adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

There is a struggle between God and the Devil, but the Devil Will Not Win

  • 1 John 3:8: “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.”
  • Hebrews 2:14: “Christ took on human nature that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil.”
  • Colossians 2:15: “God disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.”
  • Mark 3:27: “No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.”
  • Revelation 20:10 says one day the warfare will be over: “The devil . . . [will be] thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone . . . and will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (See Matthew 8:29; 25:41)
  • James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!”

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Robert May worked in the advertising department of Montgomery Ward, the 2nd largest department store chain in America at the time.

In 1939, he was asked to create a children’s book for Christmas about an animal to give as a gift to their customers. But the year proved difficult, as May’s wife died from cancer. The future was bleak as he was forced to raise his young daughter alone. On September 1st, 1939 World War II broke out, bringing an uncertain future, and dark times for the whole world.

As Robert sat down to write, he was inspired by his daughter’s love for a deer at the local zoo. He created Rudolph, a shiny-nosed reindeer as a symbol for himself and his young daughter that happier times were coming.

When the story was released for Christmas, It was an instant hit. 2.4 million copies of the children’s book were given as gifts. They would have given away even more if there hadn’t been wartime restrictions on the use of paper.

The story of Rudolph the red-nosed reeindeer was made into a song, and then into a movie as well. The movie has been broadcast every year since 1964, making it the longest-running Christmas TV special in the history of television.

It is perhaps a fitting story for 2020, as the world struggles with Covid-19.

A terrible storm threatened to cancel Christmas. Rudolph, a young reindeer with a bright red nose, felt left out, alone, isolated. But in the midst of the gloom, Rudolph found his purpose and shined brightly in the darkness. And in doing so, he made a joyful Christmas possible for everyone.

If you are feeling alone, isolated.
If the future seems bleak.
Remember the story of Rudolph.

God created you with a purpose.
Embrace your special God-given talents.
You too can shine the light of His love this Christmas
And bring a little joy to the whole World.

As you remind everyone that they are not alone.
A bright future lies ahead
The “Light of the World” came
That all might have hope and future
In the accepting embrace of God’s Love.

Story of the Diamond Dealer – What’s your Passion?

A story illustrating the difference between knowing something and having passion about something.

Winston was a famous New York diamond dealer. He arranged a meeting with a merchant who wanted to add a unique diamond to his collection.

“I have the perfect diamond for you. Please come see me. I am sure this diamond is exactly what you are looking for.”

The collector flew to New York and Winston assigned a salesman to meet him and show him the diamond. When the salesman presented the diamond to the merchant he described the expensive stone by pointing out all its fine technical features. The merchant listened and praised the stone but turned away and said, “It’s a wonderful stone but not exactly what I wanted.”

Winston, who had been watching the presentation from a distance, stopped the merchant and asked, “Do you mind if I show you the diamond once again?” The merchant agreed and Winston presented the same stone. But, instead of talking about the technical features of the stone, Winston spoke spontaneously about his own genuine admiration of the diamond and what a rare thing of beauty it was. Abruptly, the customer changed his mind and bought the diamond.

While he was waiting for the diamond to be packaged and brought to him, the merchant turned to Winston and asked, “Why did I buy it from you when I had no difficulty saying no to your salesman?”

Winston replied, “The salesman is one of the best in the business and he knows more about diamonds than I do. I pay him a good salary for what he knows. But I would gladly pay him twice as much, if I could put into him something I have and he lacks. You see, he knows diamonds, but I love them.”

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
— Howard Thurman, Author and Philosopher

Do we simply know God, or do we love God? Is God our Passion?

Scriptures on Passion for God

  • Matthew 22:37 – And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
  • 1 Corinthians 8:3 – But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
  • Revelation 2:4 – I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
  • Luke 10:38-42 – Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
  • Mark 12:29-34 – Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Puppies for Sale


A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.”

Signs like that have a way of attracting young children. Soon a young boy appeared under the store owner’s sign.

“How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked.

The shop owner replied, “Some are thirty dollars, some are more.”

The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. After counting it, he said, “I have two dollars and thirty-seven cents” he said. “Can I please look at them?”

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t sell you one of these puppies for a two dollars and thirty-seven cents. You’ll have to save your money and come back next time we have more puppies for sale.”

About that time, the store owner’s wife brought out another puppy that had been hidden in the back of the store. It was smaller than the other puppies, and had a bad leg. It couldn’t stand up very well, and when it tried to walk, it limped.

Immediately the young boy pointed to the limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?”

The shop owner explained. The veterinarian had examined the little puppy and discovered it didn’t have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.

“Oh I wish I had the money to buy that puppy!” exclaimed the boy with excitement. “That’s the puppy I would choose!”

The shop owner said, “Well that puppy is not for sale, son. But if you really want him I”ll give him to you. No charge.”

The young boy got upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said; “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

The store owner was perplexed. “You don’t want to spend your money on this little dog, son. He is never going to be able to run and play with you like other puppies.”

To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg. The leg was supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the shop owner and softly replied, “I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”

The man was now biting his bottom lip. Tears welled up in his eyes. He smiled and said, “Son, I hope and pray that every one of these puppies will have an owner such as you.”

We ALL need someone who understands!

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

 

MAKE IT SPIRITUAL

  • Do you enjoy shopping? Why or why not?
  • How much money did you spend yesterday?
  • Where did you spend it?
  • What did you spend it on?
  • What is something that you have bought recently that cost a lot of money?
  • What is the most valuable thing that you own?
  • What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
  • Have you ever bought something second hand (i.e. used)? Would you pay full price for it?
  • When we are told that God bought us at a price and that price was his most valuable possession, his Son, how does that make you feel?
  • If someone trades their most valuable possession for something else, what does that tell you about the thing that they traded for? How valuable is it?

Scripture says that we were “bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23) Jesus paid a very high price for you when he went to the cross. He did it because he loves you and wants you to be with him. And he understands what you are going through. As it says in the book of Isaiah, he was the “Suffering Servant” who “bore our iniquities.” He took all of the pain we deserve upon himself. (See also 1 Peter 2:24)

You may feel like an outcast, a nobody. You may think nobody likes you, that nobody wants you. You may be suffering, going through difficult times. Through all of that, you can be sure that Jesus understands. He knows exactly how you feel.

MAKE IT PRACTICAL

  • Do you belong to Christ?
  • What should our response be, knowing that we were bought at a high price?
  • How can we glorify God with our bodies, our actions, everything we are and do?

MAKE IT PERSONAL

  • Knowing that you are God’s most valuable possession, how does that make you feel?
  • What can you do this week to show your gratitude to God for what he has done for you?

SCRIPTURES

  • Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 “you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (NIV)
  • 1 Corinthians 7:23 “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” (NASB)
  • 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (NIV)

Born to Fly

Once, there was a blizzard high in the mountains. A nest, near the summit, broke apart in the fierce winds. A single eagle’s egg fell out and slid down the side of the mountain on the snow. Miraculously, it was not broken as it careened down rocky slopes all the way into the valley below.

It came to rest, unscathed, in the tall grass near a nest of prairie chickens. The prairie chicken mother noticed the egg. Thinking it was one of her own that had fallen out, she picked it up and put it in her nest.

In time it hatched with the prairie chicks and grew up among them. The young eaglet grew very large and very powerful. Though he certainly didn’t look like a Prairie Chicken he acted like one.

He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. He clucked and cackled. And he flew in a brief thrashing of wings and flurry of feathers no more than a few feet off the ground. After all, that’s how prairie chickens were supposed to fly.

One day, the little eagle and his prairie chicken siblings were out chasing bugs in the grass. A huge shadow fell over the land. They all looked up and saw the majestic sight of an eagle soaring high in the cloudless sky. Hanging with graceful majesty on powerful winds, it soared with scarcely a beat of its strong golden wings.

One of his “brothers” said, “I see that look in your eyes. You could never fly like that. The eagle is the greatest of all the birds. YOU ARE A PRAIRIE CHICKEN.”

For a moment, the little eagle thought he would bolt up out of the prairie chicken world and do great aerial exploits with the eagles. Then the thought passed. “You’re right,” he said. “I’m just a prairie chicken.”

He returned to looking for seeds and grubs, pecking out a mere existence. The eagle spent his whole life looking up at eagles, longing to join them among the clouds. It never once occurred to him to lift his wings and fly. The eagle died thinking it was a prairie chicken.

You can fly like an eagle or dig around in the dirt like a prairie chicken. Don’t listen to those around you. You were created to fly. Your full potential is waiting. Life with all its excitement is ready to be seized. It is time to give up your small ambitions. It’s time to take a leap like an eagle, to stretch your wings, to rise above the mountains and soar through the clouds.

Choose to fly!

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Make it Practical

  • What are some of the things we hear from others around us?
  • What are some of the labels people place on us?
  • What are some of the positive and negative messages we hear today?

Make it Spiritual

You were born to fly. But some of you think and act like prairie chickens because the world keeps telling you that’s what you are. God created you “a little lower than the angels.” Do you ever feel like there’s something more to life than what you are experiencing? Look up! Lift your wings and fly! God wants you to be all that you were created to be. The apostle Peter writes in I Peter 1:14, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” In other words, “Stop living like eagles who think they are prairie chickens.” You are no longer ignorant. You know who and what you are. You are born again through the living and enduring Word of God. Now live that way. Spread your wings and fly.

  • What are some of the things the Bible says about us?
  • What are some things God says about us?
  • How should these things influence the life that we live?

Make it Personal

  • What messages do you hear that have the greatest impact on you?
  • How can we respond to the messages of the world around us?
  • How do we respond the messages from God?
  • Name one piece of advice you think God would give you today.

Scripture Verses

 

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 – “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him.” (NIV)
  • Isaiah 40:31 – “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)
  • Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (NIV)
  • Mark 10:29-30 – “‘Truly I tell you,’ said Jesus, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age — houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions — and to receive eternal life in the age to come.'” (NIV)
  • Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (NIV)
  • Matthew 7:24-27 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)
  • Psalm 8:3-8 – “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild,
    the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.” (NIV)
  • Hebrews 2:7 – “You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor.” (NIV)
  • 1 Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” (NIV)

The Poor Family

One day the father of a wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country to show him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of a very poor family.

After returning home, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yes”, said the son.

“So, What did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered:

“I learned that we have one dog and they had four.”

“We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden and they have a creek that has no end.”

“We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.”

“Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.”

“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.”

“We buy our food, but they grow theirs.”

“We have paid servants to serve us, but they happily serve each other.”

“We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

Then his son added:
“Thanks, Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Two Frogs

Two Frogs: a story on dealing with discouraging words

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A story on how we can deal with discouraging words

A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, chasing after flies. Suddenly, two of them slipped into a deep hole, hidden by loose grass and weeds.

The other frogs gathered around the deep hole. They sadly knew their amphibious friends were doomed.

The two frogs in the hole leaped with all their strength, but were unable to escape.

“Give up,” the other frogs consoled them. “You are as good as dead. You can’t succeed. Why waste your time trying? It’s impossible. The hole is too deep. You will never make it out!”

But still the two frogs kept trying.

The crowd yelled louder, “You wouldn’t be in this situation if you had been more careful. Save your energy. There is no hope.” In time, one of the frogs gave in to what the others were saying. Exhausted, he resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit and “croaked” and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could even though his body ached with pain.

Once again, his companions began yelling, “Just give up. Stop the pain. There’s no need to struggle. Accept your fate. You’re wasting your time and effort.”

But the weary frog jumped harder and harder. Finally, with one mighty lunge, the frog leaped to the very top of the hole barely grasping its edge. He pulled himself to safety.

Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his freedom. They gathering around him and asked, “Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?”

The escaped frog looked at them and said: “Thank you! Thank you very much!”

The other frogs were puzzled and asked. “Why are you thanking us?”

The escaped frog then answered: “Pardon? What did you say? Sorry, I have a bit of a hearing problem”.

“I’m really thankful to you. While I was trapped down in the hole, I was about to give up. I couldn’t hear what you were shouting but it meant so much to me that you were cheering me on! You never gave up on me. Because of your encouragement, I was inspired to try harder and I was able to escape”.

You can accomplish amazing feats when you turn a deaf ear to the discouraging words of negative naysayers.

And think about what you say before it comes out of your mouth. It might just be the difference between life and death.

The Butterfly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gardener held a delicate cocoon in the palm of his hand.

“What’s that?” The young boy asked.

“Why it’s a cocoon,” replied the gardener. “Inside is a caterpillar. He’s in the dark. But when he’s ready, he’ll break out and turn into a wondrous and beautiful butterfly.”

“Can I have it?” asked the young boy.”

“Of course,” answered the gardener. “But first, you must promise that you won’t open the cocoon for the butterfly when he begins to break out.”

The young boy agreed and took the cocoon home with him.

The very next day, the cocoon began to tremble and the butterfly fought hard to escape. The entire cocoon shook and trembled with the butterfly’s efforts to emerge. The struggle went on for what seemed like an eternity to the concerned young boy. He became so distressed over the butterfly’s struggle that he decided to help and broke open the cocoon.

He continued to watch, eager to see the butterfly soar with its beautiful wings. Unfortunately, the butterfly just crawled around with withered wings and a huge body. It died, never able to fly.

The boy returned to the gardener crying and cradling the dead butterfly in his hand.

“You helped the butterfly escape from the cocoon, didn’t you?” the gardener asked.

“With tears in his eyes; the boy admitted that he had opened the cocoon.”

“What you didn’t understand,” the gardener said, “was that the butterfly had to go through the struggle. Only then could he transform from a lowly caterpillar to a magnificent butterfly. Only then would he expand his wings and be able to fly. By trying to make it easier for him, you actually made it harder for him; in this case, impossible to fly. You killed him with good intentions.”

Sometimes, a little extra effort is precisely what prepares us for the next obstacle in life. If we never experience the struggle, we will never be able to fly!

The Old Tree

Once upon a time there was a leafy tree in a field. Leaves grew densely on the tall branches. The roots were deeply into the ground. The tree was the most remarkable among the rest.

The tree then became the home for some birds. They built their nests and they lived on his branches. The birds made holes on him, and they hatched their eggs within the greatness of the tree. The tree felt so delighted because he was accompanied as he walked through his long lasting days.

People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came over and sheltered under him. Under his branches, they sat down and opened their picnic baskets. “This tree is very useful,” that’s what the people said every time they went home from shelter. The tree was very proud hearing those compliments.

However, time went on. The tree was beginning to be sick. His leaves and twigs were falling, then his body became thin and pale. The greatness he used to have was fading away. Birds felt reluctant to build their nests there. No one would come to sit under the tree to shelter anymore.

The tree wept, “Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I need friends. Now no one would come close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to have?” The tree cried loudly, so it echoed throughout the forest. “Why wouldn’t you cut me down, so I don’t have to bear this suffering?” The tree kept on crying, and his tears were running down his dry body.

Seasons came and went, but his condition had not changed. The tree was still feeling lonely. His branches became drier and drier. Every night the tree wept and cried, until the morning broke.

“Cheep…chirp….cheep” Ah, what was that noise? Oh, it’s a little baby bird who has just pipped from the egg. The old tree woke up from his daydream.

“Cheep…chirp…cheep”, the noise became louder and louder. There was another baby bird. Not long after that, the tree became noisy because of the birth of new baby birds. One…two…three…and four baby birds have been born to this world. “Ah, He has answered my prayers,” exclaimed the old tree.

The day after, there were many birds flying to the old tree. They were going to build new nests. The dry branches have turned out to attract their attention to nest there. The birds felt warmer to stay inside the dry branches instead of their place before. The number of birds was increasing and there were more kinds of them. “Wow, now my days are brighter with their presence here”, murmured the old tree gladly.

The old tree was back to cheer again. And when he looked down, his heart was flowing with joy. There was a new little tree growing near his roots. The new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree has grown a little tree who would continue his devotion to nature.

Only God knows the plans he has for us. Do not despair!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Author Unknown, Source Unknown


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

The Train Of Life

Some folks ride the train of life,
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And think the best is what once was,
And hang their heads and cry.

But I don’t concern my self with that,
I take a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.

I want to see what’s coming up,
Not look back at the past,
Life’s too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.

I want to feel the wind of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place .

Life’s best moments are yet to be,
And wait around the bend.
New relations and adventures,
That the future’s sure to send.

So if the ride gets bumpy,
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find,
Your life has jumped the track.

Years may blur your memories,
So you can’t tell the details apart.
But nothing blurs the moments..
They are etched upon your heart.

The enjoyment of living,
Is not where we have been,
It’s looking ever forward,
To another year and ten.

It’s searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You’ve gotta drive the train!

Author Unknown


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…