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'd Sam had worked hard all of his life on the big cotton _--: plantation. His mother and father had been slaves on this same plantation, but since the Civil War no one was called a slave anymore. Yet the poor still had to keep on workina for the rich. When Sam was younger he had worked out an the cotton fields. Now he was getting Old. His wife had gone to be with Jesus, and all he had to do was look after his master. He was happy, though sometimes life was hard. Sam's life had never been easy. He knew from experience what sadnessand sorrow were, but his love for Jesus never changed. He loved Jesus. Jesus loved him. He did his best to help others and tell them about the Lord.
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Master Jackson was younger than Sam. His life had been easy. He liked old Sam, but he could never understand Sam's faith. Secretly he wanted to believe in God like Sam did, but it seemed to him that Sam had more problems than he did! _..../'... -,,-f One day he asked Sam, "How come, Sam, you're a Christian, and yet you have all of •..these troubles and trials and tribulations? Here I don't even believe in God, and yet I don't have nearly as many troubles as you do! " Sam was silent for a moment. "Well. boss," he finally said," I guess I have -to think for awhile before I can answer that one."
"Quack! Quack! Quack!"! A few days later the sound of migrating ducks reminded Master Jackson that it was duck hunting season again. "Let's go, Sam! Get the shotgun ready. We'll have roast duck tonight! Soon Sam and his master were hiding down by a big pond. A flock of ducks circled to land and suddenly, "Bang! Bang! Down fell a few of the birds, dead or wounded. "Bag the Iive ones! Bag the Iive ones! Leave the dead ones lay! shouted Master Jackson to Sam. He knew that wounded ~-,.. ' ducks ~ould still get. up and fly .- away If someone didn't grab them quickly. 11
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When Sam returned with the'ducks in the bag he looked at his rich master with a big smile '•.-' on his face. "l think I've got the answer to your question, "4 boss! You see, I'm a live one!, The Devil is afraid that I am h going to get away, so he tries In to bag me first. You're a dead one! He's already got you. He's not a bit worried about you! The Devil wants me to stop serving God, so he gives me more trouble." So children, Christians have many battles, but their rewards are very great. Count your blessingsand resist the Enemy! He will flee from you. When we get saved, we join God's army and become His soldiers. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. If you keep fighting, you'll keep winning, and you'll be a "Iive one" like old Sam.
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