(Jesus said) "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:10

It would appear that when my grandchildren start school, they will not be fully equipped.

That is because they are missing some essentials for attending school in the 21st century. Sure, they will have their number two yellow pencils. They will have big erasers, their box of crayons, and their lined paper. They will have new lunch boxes and spanking new clothes.

But they will still be missing what more than a few people say are "the essentials."

And if you're wondering what those essentials might be, I can tell you. They are things which are designed to make them feel safe. What kind of things? Things like whiteboards. Normally whiteboards are used for drawing and erasing, but new whiteboards are bulletproof too.

Then, there are the backpacks. The San Diego firm Mighty Mojo makes backpacks which sell for $149.95. Does that price seem to be a bit high for a backpack? It is but, then again, this is no ordinary backpack. The Mighty Mojo backpack is bulletproof and is guaranteed to stop a .44 Magnum slug, which has been fired from five yards away.

Now I don't want anyone to think I am downplaying the need for children in school to be made as secure as possible. If you have bought such a backpack, more power to you. On the other hand, this bit of protection provides no security from a bomb thrown by a crazed classmate, a car being driven by a person with an unbalanced mind, or the cruel taunts that are leveled at our little ones by the classroom bully.

In truth, every time some mega-smart inventor comes up with a product that will provide protection, an equally brilliant and twisted mind will come up with a way around that protection. (If you doubt me, ask the security folk at Heathrow Airport in England who are trying to figure out how to screen breast implants, which might actually be terrorist bombs. Really!)

This is why I would like to suggest in a world that has been turned topsy-turvy by sin the best protection we can give our children is the Savior.

* He has promised to be a Friend when all others have proven to be faithless.

* He has promised to be with us when all others may desert us.

* He has promised to send His holy angels to watch over us when others have turned their backs and, most importantly,

* He has promised to make sure nothing in all creation can separate us from His love.

The Savior's foolproof security was bought by His life, death and resurrection. It is a security the world cannot understand and will never be able to circumvent.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the devil may still walk about as a lion, but he also prowls this world as a bully, a terrorist, and an antagonist. May our children always walk with and be protected by their loving Savior. In Jesus' Name I pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 21    Obadiah    2 Corinthians 8

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