River and Wolfy: Best Friends Forever

River the tiger and Wolfy the wolf were the best of friends, even though they were as different as night and day. River loved the warm sun and spent his days lounging under the big oak tree, while Wolfy enjoyed running through the woods, feeling the cool breeze on his fur. But no matter their differences, they always found time for each other.

One bright morning, River was lying in the grass, staring up at the clouds. Wolfy bounded up to him, his tail wagging.

“River!” he exclaimed. “Want to play?”

River’s eyes lit up. “What should we play today?”

“How about hide and seek?” Wolfy suggested, already bouncing around in excitement.

“That sounds great!” River agreed, jumping to his feet.

Wolfy counted loudly, closing his eyes as River ran off to find a good hiding spot. River, being sneaky, slipped behind the big oak tree where he knew Wolfy wouldn’t find him right away. Wolfy opened his eyes and immediately started searching. His ears perked up as he sniffed the air, but he couldn’t quite catch River’s scent.

After a few minutes, Wolfy called out, “I give up! Where are you, River?”

River popped out from behind the tree, laughing. “Here I am!”

The two friends giggled and decided to play tag next. Wolfy darted around, trying to catch River, but the tiger was too quick. River would zoom past, and Wolfy would chase after him with all his might, their laughter echoing through the forest.

After a while, they grew tired and decided to take a break. River had a wonderful idea. “Let’s color!”

Wolfy’s ears perked up. “Coloring? That sounds fun!”

River pulled out a big piece of paper and a box of crayons. They both sat down, each choosing their favorite colors. River carefully colored in bright oranges and yellows, while Wolfy used his favorite shades of brown and gray to create a picture of the forest.

They spent the afternoon drawing, laughing, and chatting about their day. River and Wolfy realized that no matter what they did—whether it was hide and seek, tag, or coloring—the best part was always being together.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, River and Wolfy walked home side by side, their hearts full of happiness. They knew that no matter where life took them, their friendship would always be the greatest adventure.

And so, River and Wolfy’s friendship remained as strong and joyful as ever—a bond that would last forever.

Tiger River’s Special Valentine

Tiger River woke up feeling extra happy—it was Valentine’s Day! He had spent all week making special cards for each of his friends. He decorated them with bright colors, cute drawings, and kind words about why he loved being their friend.

“These aren’t just any Valentine’s cards,” he said, placing them carefully in his bag. “They’re reminders of all the fun times we’ve shared!”

With a big smile, he set off to find his friends.

First, he spotted Monkey swinging high in the trees. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Monkey!” River called, holding out a card.

Monkey grabbed it with his tail and flipped it open. “Whoa! You wrote about our banana picnic and the time we climbed the tallest tree in the jungle! This is amazing, River. Thanks!”

Next, River found Wolfy standing on a rock, howling at the sky. “Wolfy, here’s a special Valentine for you!”

Wolfy’s tail wagged as he read it. “You remembered when we built that fort and stayed up late watching the stars? That was one of my favorite nights ever! Thanks, River—this is awesome!”

River’s next stop was Alisha, the cute and kind tiger. She was practicing her big, powerful roar when he handed her the card.

“You remembered when we raced through the meadow and when I taught you how to roar like a real tiger?” Alisha purred happily. “This is the best card ever! I’m keeping it forever!”

Finally, River found Gail sitting peacefully by the river, reading a book. “Gail, I made this for you!”

Gail gently took the card and smiled as she read. “You wrote about our tea parties and all our deep talks by the river. Those are some of my favorite memories too, River. This is so sweet!”

As all his friends gathered around, River’s heart felt warm. “I just wanted you all to know how much I love our friendship,” he said.

Wolfy howled, Monkey cheered, Alisha purred, and Gail gave River a big hug.

“This is the best Valentine’s Day ever!” they all agreed.

And it truly was. 💖🐯

Are You a Christian in Name Only? Living a Life That Bears Fruit

Are You a Christian in Name Only? Living a Life That Bears Fruit

Many people today claim to be Christians, but their lives tell a different story. They say they love God, yet they flirt with the world—living in ways that contradict His Word. True Christianity isn’t just about saying we follow Christ; it’s about showing it through the way we live. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”

A life surrendered to Christ will produce the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh. If we truly belong to Jesus, our actions, attitudes, and choices should reflect His character. The Bible warns against being a Christian in name only—one who professes faith but does not live it out.

Flirting with the World

Many people claim to follow Christ while still embracing worldly lifestyles. They indulge in sin, justify compromise, and seek the approval of the world rather than God. But James 4:4 makes it clear:

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

This verse is a strong warning. If we love the world’s ways and not God’s ways, we are living in opposition to Him. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

We cannot claim to follow Christ while still holding onto sin. It’s not enough to wear the title “Christian” if our hearts are far from Him. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah:

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” – Matthew 15:8

If our hearts are far from God, our words mean nothing.

Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

A true Christian’s life should be marked by the fruit of the Spirit, not by the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

These are the signs of a life transformed by Christ. If we are walking in the Spirit, these fruits will be evident in us. However, if we claim to be Christians but our lives are filled with sin, compromise, and worldliness, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly following Christ, or are we just claiming His name?

Examine Yourself

Paul challenges us in 2 Corinthians 13:5:

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

This is a call to self-reflection. Do our lives truly reflect Christ? Are we bearing fruit, or are we just carrying the label of Christianity?

Living Set Apart for God

As believers, we are called to be set apart from the world, not conformed to it. Romans 12:2 tells us:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

If we truly love God, we will obey Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Modesty matters

As Christians, the way we present ourselves matters. Our outward appearance should reflect a heart devoted to Christ, not a desire to fit in with worldly trends. Modesty is not just about clothing—it’s about an attitude of the heart that seeks to honor God rather than draw attention to ourselves.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 instructs women specifically on this:

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

This verse highlights that godliness should be our focus, not dressing to impress the world. The world encourages revealing, flashy, and attention-seeking fashion, but God calls us to dress in a way that is respectful, humble, and glorifying to Him.

Romans 12:1-2 reminds us:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

When we dress, speak, and act like the world, we send a message that we are more concerned with fitting in than with pleasing God. But when we live in a way that honors Him—including in our modesty—we shine as lights in a dark world.

Final Thoughts

A Christian in name only is not a Christian at all. True faith in Christ leads to transformation.

Are we moving closer to Christ or further away?

Let’s not be people who say we love God while clinging to the world. Instead, let’s surrender fully to Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in our lives. If we are truly His, it will show—not just in our words, but in the way we live.

Are you just a Christian in name, or are you living a life that reflects Christ?

Faith Focus Bulletin: Intimate Prayer

 

Faith Focus Bulletin: Right Hand of His Righteousness