Login / Signup

Free Access

That's Not What You Told Me!

Children's Story
Nutman the squirrel was sitting quietly at the feet of Wise Owl. He was impressed by Wise Owl's wisdom and knowledge, and thought he might learn something if he sat there long enough. But Wise Owl appeared to be asleep. He was perched on the branch, but his eyes were closed. Nutman wondered whether perhaps Wise Owl was deep in thought, and hesitated to disturb him. But after waiting silently for what seemed like hours (although it was actually no more than ten minutes), Nutman cleared his throat as loudly as he dared.

Wise Owl continued to sleep, but Nutman was encouraged by the faintest flutter of one eyelid and decided to plunge on. "How can I learn to be like you, Wise Owl?" he asked eagerly. There was another long silence, but at last Wise Owl replied. "Live as you've been taught by your parents."

Nutman frowned. "But I've always done that," he complained.

"Go away and do it harder," said Wise Owl. "Keep all those rules you've always been taught, and learn to look after other people."

Nutman pouted and scampered off. Stupid old owl! He wasn't wise at all. He hadn't said anything new or different. He was just like everyone else, forever getting on at Nutman and telling him what to do. Nutman went off to his secret garden and began to collect nuts and hide them away. It was his favourite activity and it saved him having to talk to other squirrels or play their silly games.

But when he returned home, Nutman was irritated to spot Bushman, that squirrel with the gorgeous bushy tail, chatting with Wise Owl. Bushman was a popular squirrel, although Nutman had no idea why this should be. He himself didn't much care for Bushman, who he thought was disgracefully vain, and who was far too light-hearted for his own good. Strangely enough, Bushman was asking Wise Owl almost the same question as Nutman had asked him. Nutman crept closer to overhear.

"What's the most important thing to do in the whole world?" Bushman asked.

Wise Owl replied, "You must love with every fibre of your being, the One who created you and who created the entire universe."

Nutman didn't think much of the answer but to his surprise, Bushman laughed and clapped with delight. "That's just what I thought!" he cried. "And then everything else follows! Then it becomes fun to be with other people and to play with them and get to know them and help them when they need help."

Wise Owl nodded, and there was a twinkle in his eye, with the hint of a smile around his lips. "You're nearly there, Bushman," he said. "You're nearly wise like me!"

With that, Nutman sprang out of hiding. His face was blotchy with anger. "That's not what you told me, Wise Owl," he stormed. "When I asked you how to become wise you told me something quite different. Why didn't you answer me like you answered Bushman? It's not fair!"

Wise Owl blinked sleepily. Then he yawned. "I'm going to sleep now, Nutman," he said, "And I don't want to be disturbed. At all. As I told you before, go away and share your hoards of nuts with other squirrels. You're different to Bushman, so you need something different. And right now, you need to leave me alone."

And with that he went fast asleep and refused to wake up.

Nutman went away feeling angry and sad and irritated and jealous all at the same time. But Bushman went away full of fun and ready to enjoy the company of all his squirrel friends.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For August 3, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

Note: The gesture used both hands. Hold both hands in front of you and make the thumbs-up sign with both hands with both thumbs pointing back at your chest. This is the “ME!” gesture. Then simply rotate your hands back so your thumbs are pointing straight up in the air, like two “OK” signs. This is the “US” gesture.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. (vv. 9-10)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11: 1-13
The prophet compares Yahweh to a father who exercises compassion despite his original plan to punish Israel. John Calvin nicely explains these dynamics:
Mark Ellingsen
Hosea 11:1-11

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
John W. Wurster
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL