Noah’s Ship of Grace

Intro: Parents, this is one of my "Read to me" stories. Until your young people can read it for themselves, an adult, or an older child with understanding, should read it to them. There are lessons to be learned and a verse I shared at the end for memorizing and to help them understand what God is teaching us in the words below. I hope you and your children will enjoy this "Read to me" story.

~*~

Long ago, near the dawn of all time, lived a man named Noah and his family. Among the people of the community Noah was a man of upright character and thought by all to be most righteous, especially by God. It was said of him; “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” And after he was 500 years old Noah had three sons: Ham, Shem, and Japheth.

The whole earth was filled with wickedness and violence. God saw the corruption of the earth and its inhabitants. So God came to Noah and said; “I am going to destroy the earth and all of its people, for they have become filled with wickedness and violence. I want you to build a huge boat, an ark if you will, to save a people for myself. Build it out of gopher wood. It should have many rooms and be coated with pitch inside and out. I want you to build it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make an opening for light and put a ledge around it 18 inches high. Put a door in its side and build lower, middle and upper decks within its walls. Because I am going to bring a great flood over the whole earth and destroy everything that breathes in order to live. Every person and animal on earth will die. But My promise is with you and your family – you will enter this ark, you and your wife, your sons and their wives. And will bring two of every kind of living creature, male and female, to put into the ark with you and keep them alive with your family. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of living creature that crawls along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You will take every kind of food for you and for them.”

Noah did everything that God had told him to do. Noah and his sons built the ark following the plans that God had given him. I believe that others of Noah’s family may have helped in the building, also, people like Methuselah and his son Lamech, Noah’s father and grandfather. People lived much longer during this time in history, Methuselah lived to be 969 and Lamech lived to be 777. So it is quite possible that Noah had their help for a part of this building project because it took Noah and his family about 100 years to complete this enormous project.

When the ark was completed the Lord called Noah, his sons and all of their wives to enter the ark. Then he gave Noah more complete instructions on what animals he was to take into the ark. God said; “Of the all the clean animals you are to take them in by sevens, the male and his female, and of the unclean animals by twos, the male and his female. Of all the birds that fly you are to take them in by sevens, the male and his female; to keep them alive so that they can refill the earth after the flood destroys it and all the people and animals that live on it. In one week I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and nights. Again Noah did everything the Lord God told him to do. God called all of the animals to Noah, and he put them in the areas he had built for them in the ark.

On the seventh day, all that were to be housed in the ark were aboard and God closed the door. All were “snug as a bug in a rug,” so to speak. And the rain started to fall just as God had said it would. Noah was 600 years old when the rain began. Not only did it rain great bucketsful from heaven, but it says in the Bible that the “fountains of the great deep” were broken up, too.

Deep within the center of the earth, there is a hot core of melted rock and minerals, or metals, called lava, which can spew forth from volcanoes during earthquakes and eruptions. I believe this is what the Bible means by the “fountains of the great deep” breaking up.

Also below the earth's surface is the water table that supplies much of our drinking water and is the source for many of our lakes and rivers all over the globe. When the earth quaked and volcanoes erupted, this unseen water also escaped its underground rivers and lakes and mixed with the rain and the lava that was traveling over the surface of the earth and destroying everything.

The Bible says that all the high mountains were more 22 feet underwater and that every living thing on the face of the earth was killed; all the people, animals, birds and insects. Literally, everything that had once breathed was now dead. All except for Noah and those who were with him in the ark.

All of this water covered the whole earth for 150 days, but it didn’t stay there. The Bible says that God remembered Noah and all the people and animals with him in the ark and He sent a great wind pass over the earth to dry up the floodwaters; and that He also stopped up the fountains of the deep. I imagine that when the earthquakes stopped and the waters flowed over the lava it was cooled which made it into solid rock and then the water table re-stabilized.

After five months of traveling on top of the floodwaters and experiencing the world’s very first rainstorm, the ark finally came to rest on top of the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to dry up from the earth’s surface and three months later the ark’s passengers were able to see the tops of the mountains around them. Forty days later Noah opened up the Window of the ark and let a raven out. This raven flew around and around until the waters were lower and it was able to land. He also set a dove free, but the dove could find no place to land, so she returned to Noah in the ark. A week later Noah sent the dove out again, as it was getting night she returned to Noah with an olive leaf in her beak. Noah knew the waters were low enough that she found the top of the olive tree to rest in.

Noah waited another week and sent the dove out once more, this time she didn’t return to Noah; so he knew that the water was dried up enough that the dove could live on its own outside of the ark. But still, the people stayed inside.

After they had been in the ark 11½ months, Noah took the top off and let the sunshine in upon the people and animals. After such a long time in one place these passengers, people and animals alike, began longing to be outdoors. I know that after a long, snowy and wet winter, like we tend to get here from time to time, I look forward to the warm spring days when I can get outside once again. I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like to be trapped inside their ship for this long a time. But God kept all of the people and animals safe and well, mentally and physically, while they were in their necessary confinement.

When the top was removed from the ark, Noah and his family saw that the water had all disappeared and that the ground was dry again. But God didn’t let them out of the ark for another seven weeks. At that time God unlocked the door and told Noah to leave the ark with all of his family and the animals they had cared for during their voyage. Do you know not one life was lost inside the ark during the flood and the months afterward as they floated over the earth? All that was taken into the ark left it on the day that God opened the door. And I imagine a few more besides, as they were in this floating zoo for over a year.

When the ark was unloaded, Noah built an altar and made a sacrifice to God; worshiping Him there with his family. It was a large offering; one of every clean animal and bird that had shared this ship of grace during its first and only voyage. God enjoyed this act of worship. In fact, the Bible says it was a pleasing smell, like that of a beautiful perfume, as the smoke rose to heaven. And He made a promise to all people within His heart. His promise was this; “I will not curse the ground again for man’s sake. Neither will I destroy again all living things, as I have done. While the earth remains seedtime and harvest, hot and cold, summer and winter, day and night will also continue.” God confirmed this promise to Noah and his family, and to all people everywhere and in every age, even to us. His confirmation of this promise is seen in the rainbow when it appears in the sky.

Now after each rainstorm you can see God’s promise in the sky, if you are paying attention. God shows us this promise by putting rainbows in the sky. Never again will the Lord God destroy the whole earth by a worldwide flood. In the book of Numbers, the Bible says, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. Has He said and shall He not do it, or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?”

Because God doesn't lie, we know that He can be trusted to keep this promise and all of the promises He has written in the Bible.

Learning Grace:

Memory Verse:

“But Noah Found Grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8 KJV

Questions to think about and answer:

What is Grace?

How did Noah “find” grace in the eyes of the Lord?

Did Noah and his family deserve to be saved from the flood? Why/Why not?

Why do you think I called the ark Noah’s ship of Grace?

Do we have Grace today?

Is there an ark of Grace now?

Who gives us Grace?

Do (or can) we earn Grace?

What is our reward for having Grace?

What is the “reward” for NOT having this Grace?

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Grammy Leigh and Hippity Hop's Summer Adventure - Part Three

Leaving Nebraska this morning about 7:00 am it is clear and warm-ish. Grammy, Hop and Brother Dave took a short side trip into Colorado for a bit of shopping. Though our shopping trip didn't turn out as we had hoped, lunch at the local sub sandwich shop almost made up for the lack of shopping victories. Now back on the highway and headed for Shelbyville, TN. Our trio should arrive at Grammy's relatives just before sundown tonight. This leg of the trip is relatively uneventful, so we break for a couple of hours in St. Joseph MO. for a nap, then go on to St Louis, MO.

Buchannan County Courthouse, St. Joseph, MO.

Sorry for the long delay in recounting this tail, but Grammy's journal got lost under the sofa somehow. Now on with the story.

Rested and excited to get to our first family destination, we re-enter the highway and head toward St. Louis, MO. As we get close to the heart of the town, the St. Louis Arch comes into view.

St. Louis Gateway Arch frames the Old Courthouse

From St. Louis we get on Interstate 64 and follow it to Evansville Indiana. There isn't much to look at along the road, so Grammy reads a book while Bro. Dave drives and Hop naps in his carrier.

From Evansville, Dave turns south and follows Interstate 69 through farmlands and road construction zones until it brings us to US-41 South in Scott Township. At Scott Township we take Interstate 24 into Clarksville, TN.  From Clarksville, he continues on I-24 to Murfreesboro, TN. In Murfreesboro, we take US-231 into Shelbyville, TN where they navigate the 'city streets' to Oak Street and Dave and Grammy's mother and brother's house.

Grammy Leigh's Mom and Bro. Kenn's House

After unloading the Haul-Me-Home truck, Grammy's Sister, Jerri, arrived to take Grammy and Hop Hop to her home at 203 A Buffalo Valley Drive in Shelbyville. On the way, the ladies pull through an Arby's to pick up sandwiches for their dinner. 

Sis. Jerri's apt. is just behind the car. 

Sis. Jerri lives in a nice little tri-plex across town from Grammy Leigh's Mom and Bro. Kenn. Brother Dave will stay with Mom and Bro. Kenn long enough to repair his little truck that they have towed behind the Haul-Me-Home truck. Then he will be off to stay with some friends in Maryland. Hope to see you real soon, Bro Dave.

Jerri lives in a quiet community set up for seniors and disabled persons with small incomes. The area is so lush and growing, with all kinds of wildlife teaming in the nearby trees. Did you see that deer walk by? 

No?

I am so sorry you missed him!

After eating their fast-food dinner, these sisters relax in front of the TV watching classic movies on TV. So we will bid them and Hop Hop good night. See you all again real soon

Grammy Leigh and Hippity Hop's Summer Adventure - Part Two

Sunrise over Southwestern Wyoming, 8/4/17, through the smoke of all fires in the Western States
...we lose the smoke as we cross the continental divide later today.

As the day dawns anew, Grammy Leigh, Bro. Dave and Hippity Hop roll up their sleeping bags, deflate the air mattresses and crawl into the “Haul Me Home” truck to begin another day of their journey toward Shelbyville, Tennessee.


A little later Grammy is traveling on to her Daughter's in Richmond, Kentucky … with a planned day trip down to Bowling Green, KY for an Eclipse Watching Party on August 21, 2017. But today’s leg of the journey should end up in or near Cheyenne, Wyoming. But for now, she is looking forward to spending some time with her family in Tennessee. So on to Shelbyville.



"Leigh, why don't we stop for a bite to eat in Evanston, WY before we head east once more?"

 "That sounds like a good plan, Brother. I really could use a cup of coffee and a bite of breakfast would be good, too. Maybe we can get a few carrot sticks as a treat for Hippity Hop, too."

So the first stop of today's journey is the "Little America" truck stop in Evanston and breakfast for our friends.

Once back on the road again our little band of travelers head east once more. As they journey east, Grammy Leigh noticed that their route actually crosses the Continental Divide of the Americas twice between Rock Springs and Laramie Wyoming.

As today's 500-mile goal is to be Cheyenne, Wyoming - though it is a little short, Bro. Dave decides to take a lunch and nap break at a truck stop near Rawlings, WY. When the truck is parked, Bro. Dave pulls down the picnic basket, ice chest and a couple blankets while Grammy Leigh gets Hop out of his kennel and places him on a leash with his harness. He needed a break from his confinement, too.

Lunch and a two-hour rest break over, our gang reloads the "Haul Me Home" truck and rejoins the never-ending, eastward bound caravan.

About 4:00 pm Bro. Dave says he is in need of another short rest break.

 "Hey Dave, it looks like we are just a few minutes from a geological point of interest, the 'Gangplank.' It is said to be the easiest route from the Great Plains into the mountains and onto the West Coast. We can take our afternoon road break there and maybe learn something new."

 "That is a great idea, Leigh."

So the pair, and our bunny friend, pull off the highway into the truck parking lot beside the "Gangplank." Ass our group stretches their legs and takes in the views all around them, Bro. Dave stops in front of the commemoration sign.

 "Hey Leigh, the sign says that this formation is about a Billion years old and leaves the plains behind, rising into the mountains. Even the Union Pacific Railroad uses a part of it to leave the Great Plains behind for the mountains."



 "Dave, you know I don't believe the earth is that old. I believe that the Bible bears record that it is between 10,000 and 12,000 years old. I have read many articles in Biblical Archaeology that state scientists are proving the Bible is truth more and more every day."

Satelite view of Gangplank, WY

 "OK, sis. I know your point of view, so let's just enjoy the view."

 "You're right. Brother. God is good, and He gave us many beautiful views to share on this trip. So, let's enjoy them and each other's company."

I-80 from the Gangplank Point of Interest Area

About that time lightning flashed, thunder rolled and Hippity Hop tugged on his leash in great anxiety. Then the sky broke loose with warm, summer deluge and our little trio ran to the truck and quickly crawled inside. Their rest break ended, and just a little wet for their troubles, our group re-enters the Interstate and their day's journey.

The cloud burst that started at the "Gangplank" hadn't let up when Bro. Dave and Grammy Leigh stopped in Cheyenne for dinner. Having planned to sleep under the stars throughout this road trip, the tent Bro. Dave had packed into the truck was not easily located when they stopped for dinner. So Grammy Leigh decided to get a motel room for the night. This would give them a full night's rest, some time to relax in front of the TV and a shower before they returned to their road trip. 

The first exit into Cheyenne yielded a good choice of motels, a couple fast food joints, and a small diner at the local, roadside truck stop. Grammy Leigh said that a real meal would be preferable to fast food, so they ate at the diner. 

Finding a motel room was not as easy as finding a place to eat. All of the motels that were close to the interstate had no rooms available. So Bro.Dave and Grammy Leigh decided to pull into a nearby Mc Donalds to get a soda while Grammy checked online for motel rooms. When she found one that looked good, Grammy called them:

 "Hello. Is this the Sidney Best Western? Thank you. I was just on trivago.com checking for a handicapped room in Sidney with two beds and your ad showed one available. Is it still open?"

"Thank the Lord! Can you hold it for me for a little while?"

 "Hallelujah! Are you pet-friendly? Good, I'll take it. We are in Cheyenne, WY so it will be about two hours until we get there. How much will it be?"

"Yes, my brother has an AARP card. A 10% discount sounds awesome, thanks! We'll see you soon."

Bro. Dave made his usual walk around the trucks while Grammy Leigh walked Hippity Hop on his leash to stretch his little, bunny legs. Once their walks were complete and every body was loaded in the "Haul Me Home" truck and headed down the Interstate toward the Sidney, Nebraska Best Western Hotel, and a full night's rest.

Driving the last 85 miles to the hotel took a little more than two hours. When they arrived, they quickly checked in at the front desk then walked down to their room with their suitcases and Hop in his kennel for a long, hot shower and a couple hours of  TV before drifting off to sleep.

As it continues to pour down rain, and our happy trio prepares for bed, I will leave you here in Sidney, Nebraska until we meet again.

Grammy Leigh and Hippity Hop's Summer Adventure - Part One

“Hey Everybody, Grammy Leigh is about to start on a new adventure. Gather around quickly ... here she comes. Let’s listen as she gets ready,” BoBus the hound encouraged.

“Oh good. I’m glad that you’re all here already. I have some news I want to share with you. So let’s quiet down, I don’t want to have to repeat my instructions. I have an announcement to make. I have to take a trip back east with my big brother, Dave. We are delivering some furniture to my mother in Tennessee and then I will go on to Kentucky to my daughter’s. Her oldest son, my grandson, is getting married soon and this trip is the only way for me to get there for the celebration. I will be gone from the farm for about two months, so let me tell you all what needs to be done and what I expect while I am gone.”

Grammy sat there with all of her farm hands and critters to tell them of her plans for the trip and what she needs each of them to do while she was away. When Grammy Leigh finished her talk with everybody, she went into the farmhouse to pack her suitcases.

While Grammy was sorting her clothes for the trip she saw Hippity Hop (also called Hop) hopping across the yard and into the rose garden for a nap in the shade. Grammy got to thinking about leaving Hop Hop behind while she traveled.

Grammy knew that Hop needed more personal interaction than most of her critters. So she decided that she would take him with her. So, after filling her suitcases, Grammy found the small traveling kennel for Hop to ride in the truck with her and Bro. Dave.

As Brother Dave loaded the “Haul-Me-Home” truck, Grammy made sure all of the farm chores were done in the big barn. When all was ready, Grammy put Hop in the kennel and got into her seat in the truck while Bro. Dave placed their suitcases into the truck and the picnic basket between the seats in the cab of the truck. Then crawled into his seat behind the steering wheel, ready to start the truck engine. Before Bro Dave brought the engine to life, Grammy prayed:

“Dear Lord, protect this truck and all of its contents, including the living ones. Set your angels upon each wheel, before and behind, above and beneath us as we journey across the country to visit our family. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

After her prayer, Bro. Dave started the truck engine and proceeded to drive out of the driveway of Grammy’s farm; it was about noon on August 3, 2017.

That first evening as the sun began to set Brother Dave pulled off the Interstate in Coalville, Utah to find a nice place to camp for the evening. After talking to a friendly cashier in a mini market across the street from where he parked, Dave pulled the truck around the corner and down the street about a quarter of a mile. There on the right-hand side of the road was a mown field, with a sign posted in front that read, “Summit County Fair Parking >>.” Seeing the open gate Brother Dave turned into the field and parked the “Haul-Me-Home” truck just off the driveway under the trees on the left side of the field.

As Bro. Dave looked for the best parking place, Grammy Leigh took in the scenery ‘round about the field where they were to park. Down the right side of the field ran a fence that enclosed the neighbor’s farm animals. The front pasture section held a couple of cows and their calves. But in the back pasture, there was a merry menagerie of goats, horses and their colts and a few stray sheep.

This group of four-legged friends was quite playful in the gathering darkness. Their playful ness enticed our Hippity Hop.

“Brother, I think if we place the mattresses between the trucks we will be better able to keep an eye on everything.”

“That sounds good, Leigh. Let’s do that,” Bro Dave replied.

Once the beds were down for the night, Grammy pulled out the picnic basket and they shared a dinner of sandwiches, pudding cups, and fresh peaches. Even Hop had dinner, but he had some bunny kibble and water, with a serving of Sweet Timothy Hay for dessert.

Just as Grammy Leigh and Brother Dave were falling into a restful snooze, our bunny friend escaped from his kennel to stretch his little, legs. Hippity Hop quickly made his way through the parking field to the Western end of the pasture next door. It only took him a moment to find a hole in the fencing which allowed him to hop on into the pasture. Once on the other side of the fence, Hop began to frolic with the animals living there. He ran with the colts and dodged the gopher holes with the baby goats, and other lots of other games that the residents of the pasture taught him. After about two hours of frolicking with his new friends, Hippity Hop returned to his kennel to rest before their journey across the country continued.

As our merry, little band of travelers sleep through the remainder of the night, I will let you rest also. Until next time ... be blessed of the Lord and give Him the Glory in all things! Good Bye!