Lesson 31

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Rocks hide many creatures. They don't have to be afraid if they find shelter under rocks. Jesus is the ROCK for us in every storm.

Cray fish find shelter under rocks in fresh water streams.
These creatures come in different colors. We found these near Canada in a stream in Washington. The boys played all day with these amazing crayfish. We looked up information on the internet about these amazing scavangers.
These do not stay alive overnight in a gallon jug of water. It was disappointing for we wanted to video them.
We discovered they use their big pincher claws to grab anything near them, including fingers. If one of their claws comes off during a fight or some accident, they can grow a new one. This one must be growing a new one for one is so much bigger than the other.
Battles to show who gets the best spots under the rocks happen all the time. The claws are used to catch food and to defend and attack.
Crayfish keep their eggs right under the tail. When they hatch, they cling to their mother. The boys found some like this and tried to pull them off but it was too hard to take them off the mother. They really hang on tight.

The young remain with the mother for a short while; after several molts, they reach adult size.

 Each time they outgrow their shell or skin, they take it off shedding it like a snake does.
These crayfish are super snacking machines. They eat anything dead. They clean up the streams. They also eat tiny fish.
In the same creek we found several different colored crayfish.

Crayfish, also crawfish, common name for any crustacean resembling but smaller than their relatives the lobsters, ranging in length from 2 to 40 cm (0.8 to 16 in); the first of their five pairs of walking legs is equipped with strong claws. Crayfish live in freshwater rivers and streams in temperate climates; one family is confined to the northern hemisphere, another to the southern hemisphere, and a third to the Australian region.

Crayfish usually burrow into the banks of streams or ponds and feed upon live or decaying animal or vegetable matter.  The eggs, laid in the spring, are then fertilized and hatch in eight weeks or less. 

The animals can live for three years or longer. 

The European crayfish is particularly prized for food despite its small size. Some cave-dwelling crayfish species are blind, such as those of Kentucky's Mammoth Cave.

 
Cray fish have such strong claws that they can lift small sticks with closed jaws.
Rocks in the streams make a great hiding place for the crayfish.
The rocks of the mountains have often been a shelter from danger even for people. Those who love God are often hunted down by people who hate God. Satan hates God and anyone that loves Him. He always manages to find someone to hurt God's people. Don't feel bad, look how bad they treated Jesus. They spat on Him, called Him names, pulled out His beard, slapped thorns on His head, pounded nails into His hands and feet and cursed Him. When we get to heaven, there will be no more of that. Satan will not be there. Satan's friends will not be there. God promised body guards for you and me. The more you work to share the truth, the more body guards you need.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him and delivers them. Psalms 34:7

Those who respect God and love Him will be guarded by angels.

SONG

 
Don't be afraid. There is a promise for ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels to help you during any emergency.
Jesus promises to be with you. He promises to make you strong and to protect you.
When swords or knives or spears or any gun is pointed at you, it can be broken by your body guard if God commands this. Your angel is very powerful.

In Mexico some boys tried to kill Kyle but God delivered him as promised.
If you are not sure where to go to be safe, your body guard can take you by the hand and help you find a safe place.
If you need food, your body guard can make sure you have bread and water. God promises all His children that He will provide for all their needs. Phil 4:19.

We are not promised wealth. But I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed or children begging for bread. Psalms 37:25

 God promises to feed His people.
God promises to give us a song in the night to keep our  courage up.

It is not always an easy path that leads to heaven, but we are promised help. The following dream illustrates this so well. An acquaintance of mine illustrated this so well in her painting.
Now that we have covered lesson 29, and you have heard about Ellen White. I want to tell you about one of her dreams. She saw a narrow path that they were climbing up a rocky mountain. Soon the path was too narrow for their ox cart wagon so they started walking and some rode the horse. Then it became too narrow for  the horse carrying their belonging. They threw their things over the edge. Later even the horse did not fit on the path so they all walked. Eventually there was a rope they could hold onto when it was too narrow for their feet. It was hard but they kept up their courage as they looked ahead trusting in Jesus.
The path was hard on their feet. They had to leave all their treasures behind and press on to the goal. It is interesting that they even had to take their shoes off.
Eventually their ropes which represented faith became fatter and stronger. They had to just hold the rope to make it. Across the canyon was the Holy City. This is a story of our walk with Jesus. It is hard but worth it. The path is not easy but look at heaven, it will be worth it all. Don't be afraid. Have trust and faith in God and He will help you through.

Let us promise Him today we want to be 100 percent His now and always. We love Him and want to help by returning tithes, offerings and spending our time in free service to help spread the gospel. Mathew 28 says He will never leave us. He will be with us to the end of the world.
Jesus is the ROCK, He is our REFUGE and strength. No matter what we have to go through, we have Jesus to help us. Remember to thank Him and don't worry or be afraid. He will never leave you. It is not by your might, strength or power but by God's help only that we can be saved. We must trust all in His hand. He holds the rope.