30 Apr, 2007

8th-graders hand out laxative-laced doughnuts

Some eighth graders tried to get some laughs when they handed out doughnuts laced with laxatives to classmates, but it was no laughing matter when five were ticketed by police.

There were no apparent injuries but ambulances were dispatched to Sequoya Middle School on Long Island as a precaution, a spokeswoman for the Sachem School District said.

Suffolk County Police said 19 students and a teacher ingested some of the doped doughnuts. They were screened by the school nurse, Holtsville Rescue personnel and field physicians from the county health department.

Two 13-year-old and three 14-year-old were charged with second-degree tampering with a consumer product. The teens, who were not identified because of their age, were issued appearance tickets for Family Court and released to their parents’ custody.

Classes proceeded as usual, but parents were given the option to pick up their children. The district also said it would take “appropriate disciplinary action.”

photo courtesy images.google.com & story msnbc.news.com, 4/1/07

These doughnuts will get you going!

Did these kids really think they could get away with this?

Numbers 32:23

23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about "getting away with it"?

Let's go back to today's story for a second. Some of you may laughing as you picture kids racing to the bathroom following some free doughnuts. For me the funniest part is that these 8th graders thought they could get away with it? Duh! (It didn't take CSI to find the evidence!)

Be honest. What were you thinking the last time when you thought you could get away with a little sin? What happened? Do you think you still might get caught some day?

Moses, the author of Numbers, gets right to the point doesn't he? We can be sure that our sins will find us out. Often our sin is discovered because we're arrogant and think that we're invincible. Even if we're not caught, or if others don't find out, we must remember that the Lord knows our sin. Sin will always affect us in some way. There are always consequences. We are responsible.

Thankfully, we have a loving God who has graciously taken on the responsibility for our forgiveness. When His Son, Jesus, died on the cross, He made it possible for us to always have our accounts cleaned up.

We can't get away with it, but Jesus died for it. That's God's grace.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Thank God that His Holy Spirit makes you aware of your sin. Claim 1st John 1:9 right now for any sin that is "finding you out". Thank Jesus for His complete forgiveness and ask Him to help you make choices every day that will honor and please Him.
  • Whenever you eat a doughnut (or just see one, because now you'll be nervous about eating them - what's inside?) remember that you can't "run" from sin. (sorry, that was lame!)

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?

  • If you have tried to "get away with it" with someone, go talk to him or her and apologize and ask for forgiveness.
  • Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion with your small group or youth group. Be sure to serve doughnuts.
  • You probably know someone in your circle of influence (storysphere) who is trying to get away with sin. Don't use this DAILYBIDE to judge them or preach at them. Instead, be an example of God's grace as you figure out ways to care and show them unconditional love. They just might open up and talk to you, because Jesus will help them see that He cares and forgives through your example.
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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