Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Sandstorm

Wind and sand roared around the car as the Reynolds family traveled home.  It seemed to Marti as though sand was being flung at them from some gigantic unseen hand.  It was very hard to see anything.   

    "That car was on the wrong side of the road!" gasped Mom when a car they were meeting narrowly missed them.  "Maybe we should wait till this sandstorm is over."  Then she pointed.  "Oh, look!  There's a car up ahead.  Let's follow it."

    The drivers of two other cars had the same idea.  But Dad didn't want to go that fast, so he continued to move along at a slower pace.  "Look at that!" he exclaimed a little later.  "That first car drove right off the road!  And the other two followed!"

    Sure enough, three cars had slipped down the steep incline at the side of the road.

    "Let's stop, Dad," Marti said, her voice trembling slightly.

    "That might be a good idea," agreed Dad, "but I need a place to pull off or we could be hit from behind."  He edged closer to the middle of the highway until he could see the median.  "Until then, I'll go slowly and keep my eyes on the median.  That way I'll be sure to stay on the road.  Sandstorms generally last only a few minutes.  We'll soon be able to get on home."

    Dad was right.  A few minutes later the sandstorm had passed.  Mother breathed a sigh of relief.  "I'm glad you didn't follow those cars like I suggested," she said.

    "I'm reminded of what Jesus told His disciples once," replied Dad.  "If the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the ditch.  It's a good reminder that we need to be careful about who we follow -- not just on the road, but also in life."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Who are you following?  Where are those you follow leading you?  Do their words and actions cause you to feel close to Jesus?  If not, you may be heading toward a "ditch "!  Satan would love to get you to follow someone who will lead you away from God.  Don't let him!  Instead, make sure those you follow love Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Box Of Puppies

Mom!  Come see what I found!  Andy tugged on his mother's hand.  Taking her to the front porch, he pointed to a large box.

    Mom peeked inside.  "Five puppies!" she exclaimed.

    "Yeah.  I found them in the ditch on the way home from school."  Andy frowned.  "Do you think they've been without their mother very long?" he asked anxiously.

    "Not too long.  But they will need milk soon," Mom said, petting a fuzzy black puppy.

    "I'll get some from the refrigerator," volunteered Andy.

    "That milk might not be the best for puppies," said Mom.  "I'll call the veterinarian to see what we should give them."  She went to the phone to get the information.

    After the puppies had been fed, Andy carefully placed the box in the garage.  "Sleep tight," he whispered.  Then he went back into the kitchen.

    "I love dogs," he told his mother.  "I like all animals."

    "I know," said Mom.  "Your actions show it."  She smiled. "It reminds me of what Pastor said yesterday -- about our actions showing others our faith.  He said. . .and the Bible says. . .that when we truly believe in God, we will show our faith by the things we do."

    "The things we do prove we love God?" Andy asked.

    "That's right," agreed Mother.  "You say you love animals, and you prove it by your deeds -- by the way you treat them.  You say you have faith in God, and you prove that with your deeds, too.  You prove it by the way you obey Him and by the way you treat others."

    Just then Mom and Andy heard Dad's car door slam shut.  "The strangest thing. . . ." said Dad entering the room.  "I thought I heard squeaking out in the garage."

    "You did, Dad," said Andy.  "Follow me.  I'll explain everything."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can people tell you believe in God by watching your actions?  Do your friends know by what you say and do, that you love God?  Everything you do tells others about what you are thinking and what is important to you.  What do your actions say?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Dropout

You  can take this trumpet back to the rental company, Connor told his dad as he climbed into the car after school.  "Mr. Barnes just gave me a long lecture about practicing and all that jazz, and I'm dropping out of band Monday."

    "If the going gets rough, drop out," mused Dad.  "Is that your motto?"

    Connor just shrugged his shoulders.  Then he quickly changed the subject.

    After dinner, Dad turned on the news.  ". . .and the fire totally destroyed the rescue mission at Main and Archer," the announcer droned.  "Firemen are still on the scene, but they believe the fire is now under control.  Several transients who had been staying at the mission were taken to the hospital.  Some were severely burned. . . ."

    "That's too bad," Mother murmured.  "Isn't your Sunday school class collecting money for that mission, Connor?"

    "I think so," Connor said half-heartedly.  He hesitated.  "Wish I could drop out of Sunday school.  I'm tired of it."

    Dad raised his eyebrows.  "Dropping out of band and dropping out of Sunday school?  Looks like we've raised a dropout, Mother."

    Just then the phone rang, and Dad answered it.  "That was the hospital," he said when he returned.  "An old school friend of mine was injured in the fire and is asking for me.  I haven't seen Ted Storm in twenty years, but he called a few days ago and told me he was in town.  We made plans to have lunch together before he leaves, but it seems our plans are being changed."  Dad put on his coat.  "Pray while I'm gone," he added.  "Ted needs to know the Lord."

    Just before Connor was ready to go to bed, Dad returned and told about his visit.  Mr. Storm had told Dad how he had wasted his life and neglected God.  Weakly, he had asked Dad to pray with him.  "Ted was a sharp kid, with lots of things going for him," Dad said sadly, "but he never learned how to finish anything.  He dropped out of school, and he stopped going to church -- said it bored him.  He never stayed with any job.  When the going got rough, he quit."

    Connor was very quiet.  "I think I'll change my motto," he said finally.  "No more dropping out for me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you "drop out" when the going gets a bit rough?  Make it a practice to finish what you start, no matter how small the job may be.  Don't brand yourself a quitter.  God is faithful.  You be faithful, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

[Soldier4Christ]

 New Skin And New Habits

Grandma!  Grandpa!  Casey and Tyler ran outside to greet their grandparents.

    "My!  How you've grown!" Grandma exclaimed.  "Did you have a good time on your trip?"

    "We sure did -- and come see what we brought home," said Tyler.  He led his grandparents into the house.  After greeting the rest of the family, Grandma and Grandpa followed the children into the family room.  "Look," said Casey as he pointed to a covered glass bowl filled with living green plants.

    "Nice plants," Grandpa said.  "Very nice."

    "Look again, Grandpa," suggested Casey.  "Look right there."  He pointed to a small branch resting on the bottom of the bowl.

    Grandpa looked where Casey pointed.  He grinned.  "I see it," he said.  "It's a chameleon.  God colored chameleons so they could blend in with their surroundings.  He gave them camouflage uniforms!"

    "It looks almost like a little leaf," Grandma said in amazement.

    "Chameleons are interesting creatures.  Their skin doesn't grow," Grandpa said.  "When they get too big for their skin, they begin shedding it."

    "Yeah -- we learned about that in school," said Tyler.  "They get rid of their old skin and soon they have all new skin."

    "Kind of like what we should do, isn't it?" observed Grandma.

    Casey and Tyler looked at her.  "We should get rid of our skin?" they wanted to know.

    "No."  Grandma laughed.  "I guess I was thinking out loud," she said.  "The chameleon sheds his skin, and we are to shed sinful things.  The Bible gives a whole list of things we need to get rid of.  The chameleon puts on new skin, and we are to put on new, godly characteristics."

    Casey nodded.  "The Bible says we're to put off 'the old man' and 'put on the new.'  We learned about that in school, too," he said.  "In Sunday school."

    "Good for you!" approved Grandpa.  "But. . .this old man's hungry.  What's for lunch?"  Laughing, they headed for the kitchen.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you shedding sinful habits that you know do not please God?  Are you putting on the characteristics that do please Him?  Knowing Jesus should make a difference in the way you behave.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[Soldier4Christ]

 View From The Top

Bridget panted as she forced her tired legs up the last part of the steep, rocky hill.  Her cousin Amy pointed toward the valley below.  "Look down there at Brett!" she said breathlessly.  "He's almost got the cows into the corral."

    Bridget watched her brother, Brett, dart around behind the cattle, herding them toward the gate.  Everything looked so small from up on the hilltop.  She could see almost the whole farm -- the green fields, the winding river, even part of the neighbor's field.  Then she gasped.  Coco, their dog, had somehow gotten out of the fenced yard and was headed straight for the cows.

    Bridget and Amy waved and shouted, trying to catch Brett's attention.  But he couldn't see or hear them, nor could he see Coco yet.  But sure enough, when Coco reached the cattle, he barked wildly and scattered the cows away from the gate.  Brett had to round them up all over again.

    That evening, Brett complained to Dad.  "If only I had seen Coco in time, it would have saved me a lot of work," he said.

    "Amy and I saw her coming.," said Bridget.  "We were on top of the hill, and we could see almost the whole farm.  We were shouting and waving, but you didn't see us and couldn't hear us."

    Dad smiled.  "I'm sorry about your extra work, Son," he said.  "But I think you just gave me the illustration I need to go along with the Sunday school lesson I'm teaching next week.  What happened is a great example of how God sees much more than we do.  He sees our whole lives, just like Bridget could see the whole farm.  That's a pretty good reason to let Him lead us."

    "When we do that, I guess it saves us from getting into a lot of trouble," Brett said thoughtfully.

    "Yeah. . .and keeps us from missing anything good!" Bridget added.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you trust God to lead you?  He surrounds you with older and wiser Christians, and He gives you His Word -- the Bible.  All these are provided to help you follow Him.  Trust Him as He leads.  He knows your life from beginning to end, and He knows what's best for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Big Event

Clay was excited when his Sunday school teacher suggested that the class go together to watch a space shuttle launch.  He had been wishing he could somehow have a really good view of the event.  The week seemed to pass slowly, but finally Saturday arrived.  Clay and six other boys met Mr. Marshall at church.  It was an excited group that boarded the church van.

    "Hope we're early enough to get a good view!" exclaimed Clay -- and they were.  About an hour after they reached their viewing point the big space shuttle was launched.  The bright red light and the trail that followed the lift-off was something Clay was sure he would never forget as long as he lived.

    Back in the van, Mr. Marshall turned on the radio so they could listen to an announcer review what had taken place.  They also heard the space control center talk with the astronauts. 

    "Well," said Mr. Marshall, "whenever you think of what you saw this morning, I want you to remember that all Christians will also participate in a lift-off some day."

    "Hey -- that's right," said Clay.  "You mean when Jesus comes, don't you?"

    "Exactly," answered Mr. Marshall.  "When He returns, He'll be taking all Christians to live in heaven with Him."

    "And we won't even need a space ship, will we?" asked one of the boys.

    "No, we sure won't," agreed Mr. Marshall.  "It will all happen quick as a flash, or as the Bible puts it, 'in the twinkling of an eye.'"  He looked at the boys.  "I'm glad you all made it to the lift off today.  My prayer is that each of you will also be ready for that wonderful event when Jesus comes again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When Jesus returns in the clouds, those who have confessed their sins and asked for God's forgiveness will rise to be with Him.  Are you one who has done that?  If not, you will not be taken up in that wonderful event that Christians look forward to.  Prepare now by accepting Christ as Savior today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

[Soldier4Christ]

 True Or False

The answer is 'No,' Jesse. That's final! Mother was firm. As Jesse flung
himself out of the room, a swear word exploded from his lips. "Jesse! Come back
here this minute!" Mother ordered. "Did you say what I think you said?" Jesse
gritted his teeth and stared at the floor. Mother sighed deeply. "Son, what is
the matter with you?" Jesse did not answer, and tears filled Mother's eyes. "You
will have to be punished for swearing. I'll talk to your father about it this
evening."
 

    "But, Mom, I didn't mean to," Jesse pleaded.  "It just slipped out.  I'm sorry.  Really I am.  All the guys at school say those words and they stick in my mind.  I promise I'll never do it again.  I'm sorry -- honest!"

    Mother sighed and looked at him closely.  "I believe you are," she decided.  "Very well.  We'll forget it this time."

    Later that evening loud, angry words burst from Jesse's room.  "How many times have I told you to stay out of my stuff?" he roared.

    As Mother started down the hall, she heard Tina cry, "But, Jesse, I just wanted to borrow a pencil.  I didn't mean to break your model.  I'm sorry."

    "That's what you said when you broke my watch.  You're not really sorry!  You're just sorry you got caught because you don't want to get in trouble," scolded Jesse.  "You cry and think I'll forget about it."  He did not see his mother come into the room, and he swore softly as he bent over to pick up the broken model.

    "Jesse!"  At the sound of Mother's voice, Jesse jumped and dropped the model.  "Jesse, look at me," Mother said.  "I'm afraid Tina isn't the only one whose repentance is false.  Didn't you tell me this afternoon you were sorry you swore?"  Jesse nodded slowly, and Mother continued.  "True repentance is more than saying, 'I'm sorry.'  It's being sorry enough for what you have done to stop doing it.  Now let's go talk to your father."






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you mean it when you say, "I'm sorry"? Or do you sometimes say it simply to keep out of trouble?  False repentance might fool others for a while, but it never fools God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eze 18:30  Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Worth The Wait

"Unusual Seeds."  First on the list was ginseng, which the catalog claimed was so valuable that its dried roots would sell for a lot of money in health food stores.  It also said that ginseng seeds took a year or more to sprout!

    "Can I get some ginseng seeds, Dad?" asked John.  He showed the catalog to his father.

    "I don't know," said Dad.  "Those seeds cost a lot, and they take a long time to grow, too.  Are you sure you want to wait that long before you see them come up?" he asked.

    John shrugged.  "Well. . .I'd rather they'd grow faster, but you always say that anything worth having is worth waiting for," he said.  "If even a part of them grow good, they could be worth a lot of money."

    Dad was thoughtful.  "Son, you've just reminded me of something important," he said.  "I've been pastor at our church here for eight years now, and lately I've become a little discouraged.  You've reminded me that every time I preach, I plant valuable seeds.  Sometimes they may take a long time to grow or may never sprout at all.  But if they do grow, it's well worth the effort, because the fruit they produce will last forever.  The same is true for you whenever you witness for the Lord."

    "So I may grow some ginseng?" asked John.

    Dad nodded, as he looked over the order form.  "But now, about the rest of this rather long order. . . ."

    "There's more on the back," said John helpfully.

    "After you cut this down just a wee bit, we can send it in," said Dad.  "And after you plant the seeds, you and I can remind each other to have faith, follow the directions, and resist the temptation to keep digging it up to see how it's doing!  Okay?"  Happily, John nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you planted the seed of the Gospel by witnessing, but you haven't seen any results?  Be patient, continue to share God's Word and to pray, and leave the timing up to God.  It will be worth it!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 8:15  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

[Soldier4Christ]

God Desires a Clean Heart

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not the Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a free Spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12)

Sometimes, when we go through trials, we're not sure how to pray. It's even harder when we've added our own sin to the trial, and we don't feel as though God wants to hear us. But God does want to hear us. If we're not sure what to say, we can get help from prayers like David's in Psalm 51, or from prayers of other people, like the one below.

O Father,

I so desire to have a clean heart before You! I don't want sinful desires, wickedness, bitterness, or anger to keep me from You. Forgive me for sinning against you with my spirit, my actions, and my words. Please help me to retain the joy, happiness, and peace that You have given to me throughout this trial. Because of the pain, it is hard, Lord, to smile. It is hard to keep myself from bitterness and anger.

O Father, I cannot do any of this in my own power. My flesh is weak and I easily become bitter. I can only have a clean heart in your strength and power. Give me the strength, wisdom, and power to turn this situation over to You completely. Allow my spirit, actions, and attitudes to reflect you.

For Your Glory and Honor Forever! In Jesus' name,
Amen!

God will clean our hearts and give us grace in response to our prayers.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Chuck's Lie

Chuck paced his room.  For several days he had meant to confess something to Mom.  It grew harder to do each day he put it off.  I sure hate to tell her now, he thought.  But I might as well do it and get it over with.  With a big sigh, he went to look for her.

    When Chuck reached the kitchen, he saw that the refrigerator was out in the center of the floor.  Mom was kneeling behind it with a bucket of water and a scrub brush.  "What are you doing?" Chuck asked.

    Mom sighed.  "I'm trying to scrub away the dirt that's collected on the floor back here," she said.  "It's been hidden behind the refrigerator, so long that it's really hard to scrub off.  I should have gotten at it sooner."  She got up and stretched.  "Do you need something?"

    Chuck took a deep breath.  He felt tears fill his eyes.  "I. . .I have to tell you something."  He hesitated.  "Remember when my Sunday school teacher called last week?  Well. . .he reminded me about a Sunday school picnic on Friday night.  But I had a baseball game I wanted to go to instead, so I told him you were sick and Dad and I had to take care of things around the house."  Mom frowned and Chuck hurried on.  "Todd came by this morning and brought a get-well card for you.  He said they collected money to get a gift, too.  I didn't know what to do, so I took the card.  I. . .I already asked God to forgive me, but I didn't know how to tell them to not buy you a gift.  I'm afraid it might already be too late.  They might already have one."

    "Well, you'd better call Todd right away and tell him what you did!" exclaimed Mom.  She pointed to the floor.  "The longer I let this scum hide behind the refrigerator, the worse it gets, right?"  Chuck looked thoughtful.  "It's the same with sin -- such as your lie," continued Mom.  "You lied, and then the problem grew bigger when you took that card.  Now it's going to be harder to 'scrub it away.'  You'll have to work things out with your class.  And you will have to repay the money for the card and for the gift, too, if they've already bought one."  With a sigh, Chuck nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever told a lie and then had to keep lying to hide the truth?  The longer you hide a lie or any other sin the harder it becomes to make it right.  You need to confess your sin to God, and you may need to confess to others, too.  Take care of it right away before it has a chance to grow. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

[Soldier4Christ]

 How Many Bibles?

I've got the Gideon New Testament they gave us in school, and the Rainbow Bible Mom and Dad gave each of us when we turned five, and the ones they gave us at Sunday school when we got promoted from primaries to juniors, Tim called from his room to Tara's.

    "Did you count the one you got for memorizing all those verses in Vacation Bible School?" Tara yelled back.

    "Twins!  Twins!" called their father from the foot of the stairs.  "What is all the shouting about up there?"

    Tara ran to the top of the steps.  "Oh, Daddy, the man who spoke to our Bible club today told us to go home and count the number of Bibles we have," she explained.  "He said there are people in some countries who would give a whole six months wages just to get a part of the Scriptures in their own language.  Tim had four Bibles of his own, and I've found three so far."

    "Well, let's do it with a little less noise," suggested Dad.

    Later, the twins came downstairs with a list of the Bibles they had found.  "Daddy," Tim asked, "may we please go into your study to count your Bibles?"

    "Yes."  Dad nodded.  "And don't forget that huge antique family Bible of Mother's."

    That evening, Tara and Tim told the rest of their family that they had discovered twenty-two Bibles in their home.  "Tara thinks we have more than most people 'cuz Dad's a preacher," said Tim.

    Mother nodded.  "That's probably true, but I'm sure most Christians in this country have several."

    "It's hard to realize that some Christians don't have the freedom to read God's Word whenever they wish," said Dad.  "And then, of course, there are some countries where people can't have Bibles because it's never been translated into their language."

    The children hadn't thought of that.  How blessed they were!  That night, the family thanked God for all their freedoms and for the availability of God's Word.  They prayed for Christians living in countries where God's Word is not honored.  They also prayed that the Bible would be available soon to everyone in his own language.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take your Bible for granted?  God's Word was given so we may know Him and know how to live according to His will.  Think of how many Christians are without a Bible.  Are you reading yours?  It's words are more precious than gold.  Never forget to be thankful for it.  Treat it with respect and love.  Pray for those who are not blessed as you are.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fame And Fortune

Some day you're going to walk through that place and see my helmet and number all over the place, said Ryan as he and his Sunday school class left the Football Hall of Fame.

    Jamie laughed aloud.  "Fat chance," was his response.

    Ryan was not ready to dismiss the subject.  "You just wait -- you'll see!  I'm going to be just as well known as the guys whose stuff is in there now.  Everybody will recognize me when I walk down the street, and I'm going to make a whole bunch of money."

    "Sounds impressive," said Mr. Bradley, their teacher.  "But don't forget that for a Christian, the important thing is to be willing to do whatever God wants you to do," he said.  "God will take care of the details -- such as whether you're famous or unknown, and whether you make lots of money or only a little.  Those things cannot make you happy unless they're what God wants for you."

    "Yeah," agreed Jamie.  "I think I'm going to be a missionary."  He looked at Ryan.  "You better just forget those silly ideas you have," he added smugly.      "Whoa!  Wait a minute!" exclaimed Mr. Bradley.  "If the Lord wants you on the mission field, Jamie, that will be wonderful.  But if the Lord wants Ryan to be a rich and famous football player with a testimony for Him, that will be great, too.  What I'm saying is that whether you become a football player, an engineer, a missionary, a school teacher, or whatever, be sure to keep the goal of serving the Lord and bringing glory to Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What ambitions do you have for the future?  Are you asking God to lead you to do His will?  If He wants you to be a football player, be a good one -- with a witness for Christ rather than a desire for popularity and self esteem.  If God calls you to be a missionary, be the very best missionary you can possibly be.  Ask God to help you set your goals and honor Him in whatever you do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Co 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Password

Hi, Mom,  Miguel tossed his book bag onto a chair and sat down at the kitchen table.  Mom was pulling a pan of brownies from the oven.     "Hi, Miguel."  Mom turned and smiled.  "So how was school today?"

    "Great!" he answered.  "Can I have one of them?"

    "One of those," Mom corrected.  "Sure, but just one.  We'll be having dinner shortly."  She handed him a brownie and then asked, "So, what was so great at school?"

    Miguel took a big bite.  "We learned about passwords in our computer class," he mumbled.

    "Good," said Mom.  "Would you like some milk with your brownie?"

    Miguel nodded.  "Do you know what a password is, Mom?"

    "Why don't you tell me what it is?" Mom said as she poured milk into a glass and handed it to Miguel.

    "It's a special word you have to type into some of the computers at school.  If you don't know the right word, the computers won't let you into the programs," explained Miguel.

    "Hmmmm."  Mother stopped cleaning the countertop and smiled.  "That sounds a lot like what I told our neighbor, Mrs. Goldman."

    "You were telling Mrs. Goldman about computers?" asked Miguel.

    Mom laughed.  "No.  But I was telling her about Jesus."  Miguel's forehead creased in confusion.  Mom sat down next to him.  "Mrs. Goldman believes that every person who leads what she calls a 'good life' will be in heaven, no matter what his religion is or what he believes," she said.  "We talked about that for a while, and I showed her John chapter 14 where Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.'  I explained to her that when each of us stands before God some day, only those who have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior will be able to enter His kingdom."

    "Kinda like a password?"  said Miguel with a smile.

    "In a way, yes."  Mom nodded.  "Kinda like a password."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?  Have you asked Him to forgive you for the bad things you have done?  If not, will you ask Him right now?  (See last page.)  You need Him to gain entrance to heaven some day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Gone Fishin' Part 1

Todd grabbed his pole and bait and hurried out the door and down to the river.  As he reached his favorite spot, he saw a boy already sitting there.  "Phooey!" Todd grumbled to himself.  He hesitated, then decided to stay at that spot, too.  "Catchin' anything?" he asked, trying not to show his irritation.

    The boy looked up.  "Naw, this isn't a very good spot," he said with a shrug.  Todd couldn't believe his ears!  This was the best spot on the whole river!  "I've been sitting here all morning without any bites," the boy complained, giving his pole such a jerk that his line popped completely out of the water.

    "Well, you have to be patient," said Todd.  "How often do you keep popping your line out of the water like that?" 

    "Oh, every few minutes.  Just to see if a fish has eaten the worm yet," the boy replied.

    "You fish much?" asked Todd, sure that he already knew the answer.

    "My first time," the boy answered without looking up.

    "What's your name?" Todd asked.

    "Pete Fisher," came the reply.

    Todd sat down.  "Pete," he said, "we've gotta talk."

    At dinner that night, Todd told his family about Pete.  "We sure had fun!"  Todd giggled.  "He's learnin' to fish so he can live up to his name."

    Dad grinned.  "I'm reminded of the Peter in the Bible.  He was a fisherman too, you know.  And one day Jesus came to Peter and said, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'  Todd, you have a perfect opportunity to 'fish' for Pete.  Your friendship can be the bait, God's Word can be the hook and line -- and if you let God work through you, He may use you to 'catch' Pete.  Be a fisher of men, Todd, not just an ordinary fisherman."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you go fishing?  You should if you're following Jesus.  This kind of fishing doesn't even require handling wiggley worms or slippery fish!  It requires a smile, some time, and perhaps an invitation to play with you.  It requires prayer, a knowledge of God's Word, and sharing it.  And it's more satisfying than fishing for ordinary fish.  Be a "fisher of men" -- a "fisher" of other boys and girls.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Gone Fishin' Part 2

Todd thought about his dad's suggestion that he be a fisher of men -- and especially, a fisher of his new friend, Pete.  I'm going to do it, he decided.  I want Pete go know Jesus, too.  So each day Todd asked Pete to go to church or to Bible Club or perhaps to a youth party, but Pete always refused.  Pete never seemed interested when Todd tried to share Scripture verses, either -- in fact, he acted a bit annoyed when Todd quoted them to him.  Todd was frustrated.  "I give up, Dad," he said one evening.  "Pete never wants to come to church, and he's getting sick of me asking all the time.  I'm gonna quit!"

    "Todd," Dad reminded him, "you have to be patient when you're fishing, remember?  You can't keep popping your line out of the water to see if a fish has taken the bait."

    "Huh?" grunted Todd.  "What are you getting at?"

    "You don't have to ask Pete every day to go to church with you," said Dad.  "Why don't you first strengthen your friendship with him.  Share what you enjoy at church and the fun you have at the parties.  Maybe he'll become interested enough to come sometime.  But be sure you don't lie to make it sound like it's just all fun.  You must be honest."

    During the next few weeks, Todd practiced what his dad had suggested.  Finally, he felt the nibble he'd been waiting for.  "Dad!" he shouted as he burst into the house.  "Guess what happened today!"

    "Well, I know you planned to go fishing after school, so I'd say you caught a fish," said Dad with a smile.

    "Well. . .at least I got a nibble!"  Todd beamed.  "And his name is Pete!  He's coming to church with us this week.  You were right, Dad -- a good fisherman has to be patient and prepared if he really wants to catch a fish."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you an impatient "fisher of men"?  Does it seem as though you're never going to get a bite?  Don't give up.  Check the bait -- are you being a genuine friend?  Do you have good times together?  Do you pray for your friend?  Are you prepared to share God's Word?  If you don't get a nibble right away, be patient.  Sometimes it takes a long, long time, but don't quit.  The salvation of a friend is worth waiting for.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.