People surrounded the toy machine at a Godfather's Pizza in Austin, Minn., where this 3-year-old boy crawled inside. (photo courtesy KAAL-TV)

BOY GETS CAUGHT IN TOY-FILLED 'CLAW' MACHINE

AUSTIN, Minn. — A machine filled with toys must've been awfully tempting to a three-year-old boy.

The tot crawled through the toy discharge chute in the Toy Chest claw machine at a Godfather's Pizza in Austin and got stuck amid all the toys.

Fire Chief Dan Wilson said it was one of the funniest things he's ever seen. Wilson was one of three people to respond to the non-emergency call. He says the boy was inside the transparent container playing, smiling and laughing and people were taking his picture with digital cameras.

Firefighters pried the door open to get the boy out.

The child wasn't hurt.

story courtesy AP, 03/28/06

²⁵"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? ²⁶Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. ²⁷Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. ²⁸"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, ²⁹yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ³⁰And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! ³¹"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. ³²Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, ³³and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

IN TODAY'S SCRIPTURE, WHAT DOES JESUS TEACH US ABOUT EARTHLY POSSESSIONS?

First of all, Jesus makes it clear that our focus must be on Heavenly values rather than earthly values.  If we are obsessed to possess, we will find ourselves empty-handed and needy.

How are you doing with our culture's perspective of "the one with the most toys - wins!"?  What are your priorities on a daily basis?  Pleasure or serving?  Possessions or giving? The earthly or the heavenly?

Secondly, Jesus said that the Father knows our needs and will supply them in His way. Can we be patient and trust Him to be our loving Father?

The irony of the news story about the little boy getting caught in the toy-filled machine is that he ignored his father's presence.  Selfishness is captivating.

Do you ever get a little impatient with the Heavenly Father when you think you want or need something?  Trust God.  He is not a vending machine, but He promises to take care of us.

• Pray every day for your Heavenly Father's perspective on what is truly important in life.
• For one month, keep a written record of what you purchase.  Everytime you think of something you want to buy, ask yourself if you really need it or do you just want it? Could the money you spend be used in a better way?  After several days or weeks, honestly evaluate your attitude and actions - you might be surprised how this affects you and others!
• The next time you are around little children who are playing with toys, ask yourself if you have a childish or mature attitude toward material possessions? 

Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG.  Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college.  He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.