Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Secret Mission

Mom, may I have an advance on my allowance? asked Katie.

    "What do you need it for?" asked Mom.

    Katie took a deep breath.  "I can't tell you," she said.  "It's a secret."

    "The last time you asked for money and wouldn't tell me why," said Mom, "you had hit a softball through Mr. Grimes' window."

    "I haven't broken anything, Mom.  Honest!  Please trust me," pleaded Katie.  "It's for a good reason, but I want to keep it between me and the Lord.  Will that be okay?"

    Mom looked at Katie thoughtfully.  Then she asked how much Katie needed, got her purse, and gave Katie the money.  "Remember. . .this comes out of your allowance," said Mom.

    Katie nodded and tried not to think about all the things she'd be giving up.  Instead, she thought about her friend Sarah.  Their class had been studying sea life, and their teacher had made arrangements for them to visit an aquarium in a nearby town.  Signed permission slips and money for tickets had been coming in for several days now.  But not from Sarah, who was the oldest of several children.  Her dad had just been laid off at the factory, and there was no extra money in Sarah's house.

    The next morning, Katie arrived at school early.  Her classroom was empty.  Heart racing, she walked quietly to Sarah's desk and slid an envelope containing the money into Sarah's math book.  Sarah will find it soon, she thought.  We almost always have math first thing in the morning.  Earlier that morning Katie had written on the envelope, "Field trip.  Don't guess who.  Just get your parents' permission."

    The bell rang, and Katie went quickly to her desk and pulled out her spelling words.  She kept one eye on the door.  Sarah soon came in.  She went to her desk and pulled out her math book.  Finding Katie's envelope, she opened it.  Her eyes grew big.  Her mouth fell open.  Katie giggled and put her attention to her spelling words.  Please, God, she prayed, please don't let her ever find out it was me.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever done something good for someone else in total secrecy -- without telling anybody?  This week ask God to show you someone who needs your help, and then give it in a way that only you and He will ever know who it was.  It's fun!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mat 6:3  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Cornerstone

Well, boys, said Mr. Jacobs, Tim's Sunday school teacher, "it won't be long now till we're in our new church.  Who's looking forward to that?"  He smiled at the chorus of "me's."  "I am, too," he said.  "It seems like a long time ago that the cornerstone was laid."

    "What is a cornerstone anyway, Mr. Jacobs?" asked Tim.

    "I'd say they're the stones on the corners," piped up Jordan.  "That's what the word says. . .corner stones."

    Mr. Jacobs smiled.  "Well, I guess in a way they are," he said.  "But in times past the cornerstone referred to the first stone that was placed at the corner of the building.  I was told by a builder that many years ago, very accurate measurements were used to place this stone.  It was done right at the beginning of the building process.  Then all the other bricks or stones used in the foundation of the building were lined up with it.  If the cornerstone was laid straight, the rest of the building would be straight, too, because the other bricks or stones were laid one by one, using the cornerstone as a guide."

    "Hey, that's neat!" exclaimed Tim.

    Mr. Jacobs nodded.  "Things are done much differently now," he said, "but the cornerstone is still a symbol for us.  It gives us a good picture of something Jesus does for us.  The Bible tells us that Jesus is our cornerstone."

    The boys looked surprised.  Tim laughed.  "We aren't buildings," he said.

    "No, but the Bible uses the word 'building' when referring to God's Church -- that is, all those who have accepted Jesus as Savior," answered Mr. Jacobs.  "It says that Jesus is the 'cornerstone' of His Church.  That means, among other things, that our actions and attitudes must line up with His."

    "So when we learn to act and think like Jesus, we help to build His Church the way He wants it.  Is that right?" Tim asked.

    "It sure is!" replied Mr. Jacobs.  "Always let Jesus be your example."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look to Jesus as your example when you are deciding how to act or think?  Jesus was kind, friendly, honest, pure, loving, and everything else that is good and right.  He loved God very much and prayed to Him daily.  Line your actions up with Him -- so that you're helping to build God's Church His way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dirty Mouth

Dad reached for his Bible at the end of the meal.  "What song would you like to sing before I read?" he asked, looking up from the passage he was selecting.

    "Ahhh. . .let me think," said Troy.  "Ahhh. . .let's sing 'Praise Him.'  We've been singing that in Sunday school."  He looked at his little brother, Tyler, who was busy with chocolate pudding.  "Put your spoon down, Tyler," he added.  Tyler did so, but when the others began to sing, he did not join in.

    At the end of the song, Dad looked over at his younger son.  "You usually like our to sing, Tyler, but you weren't singing tonight," he said.  "Don't you know that song?"

    "Yes," said Tyler.  He reached for his napkin and began wiping pudding from his face with a solemn expression.  "I can't sing with a dirty mouth."  Everyone laughed, and Mother brought a wet washcloth to remove the last traces of chocolate from the little boy's face.

    "I think maybe you taught us a lesson tonight, Tyler," said Dad with a smile.  "You didn't want to sing with a dirty mouth, and we all need to remember that we can never praise God with dirty mouths, either.  Our mouths must not be 'sin-dirty.'"

    "You mean like saying bad words?" Troy asked.

    "Yes, that for one thing," Dad agreed.  "I was also thinking that we often say things to hurt one another."

    Tyler spoke.  "Sometimes Troy calls me names."

    "Oops!  Sorry," said Troy quickly.  "I guess I have to be more careful about what I say when I'm mad at somebody."

    Mother spoke quietly.  "Everybody is included in the list of those who need to be more careful," she said.  "Sometimes we parents are guilty, too -- guilty of being critical, or angry, or just complaining.  And we all brag now and then.  That's wrong, too."

    "You see, before we offer our prayers or our praises to a God who is holy, we must ask Him to cleanse us from any sin we have committed," explained Dad.  "And it's often our mouths that have gotten us into trouble."

    Everyone sat thinking a moment before Troy spoke and summed up the lesson they had learned.  "I guess," he said, grinning at Tyler, "it would be okay for you to sing with pudding on your mouth as long as your heart was clean!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you always pray and sing with a "clean mouth"?  Don't allow the sins of anger, criticism, gossip, or boasting to stain your lips.  Be sure to "wipe your mouth" each time it becomes smudged by wrong speech.  Do this by confessing your sin to the Lord.  Then you can pray and sing with a clean mouth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 141:3  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A New Heart

Wow!  Brent's eyes were wide with excitement.  His parents had just explained to him and his little brother, Sammy, that the doctors had decided that Grandpa should have a heart transplant as soon as a donor could be found.  "Wow!" repeated Brent.  "That's neat!"

    "It's amazing what doctors have learned to do," agreed Dad.  "We must remember, though, that it's a very dangerous operation and not always successful.  Let's pray for Grandpa and trust the Lord for the outcome."

    "But what if Grandpa has the heart transplant and then dies anyway?" Sammy asked anxiously.  "He wouldn't go to heaven."

    Everyone turned and looked at Sammy curiously.  "Why do you say that?" asked Mother.  "Of course Grandpa would go to heaven.  He loves Jesus -- he's been a Christian for many years."

    "But my Sunday school teacher says we won't go to heaven unless we've asked Jesus to come into our hearts," replied Sammy, "so if the doctors give Grandpa a different heart, he won't be a Christian anymore, will he?"

    "Oh, I see your problem," said Dad thoughtfully.  "I'm afraid you've been mixed up by the terms we use.  How can I explain?"  He paused.  "You see, I can say that you have a big place in my heart, Sammy.  But, of course, I don't mean that you actually are inside my physical heart.  You don't crawl around in the organ beating inside my chest.  So what do you think I mean?"

    Sammy thought for a moment.  "I guess you mean that you love me a whole lot," he said finally.

    Dad nodded.  "Right.  I love you very much and you are a big part of my life.  When we say we ask Jesus to come into our hearts, we don't mean our physical hearts, either.  What we mean is that we love Jesus very much, too -- so much that we ask Him to take over our lives and control us.  No matter what physical heart is inside Grandpa's body, Grandpa loves Jesus and belongs to Him."

    Sammy looked relieved.  "I hope he can have the operation soon," he decided.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you wondered just what it means to ask Jesus to come into your heart?  Often the word "heart" does not refer to the physical organ in your body.  Instead, it refers to your innermost being, your "self" -- the real you.  It's the part of you that goes on living after the body does.  It's the part that sins and needs to be saved.  Have you asked Jesus to wash those sins away and take control of your life?  If not, do so today!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eph 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

[Soldier4Christ]

 Down, But Not Out

David's mom came into his room to check on his homework.  "How's your report coming?" she asked.

    "It's not," grumbled David, "and I don't want to do it anyway."

    "You sound upset, David.  Are you still fretting about yesterday?" asked Mom.

    David's eyes got misty.  "I wanted to be class reporter for the school paper so bad," he said.  "And what did Mrs. French say?  'You have a good imagination, but you don't check facts.  A reporter must be accurate.  Work on it, David.  Maybe you can be a reporter next year.'"

    "I know you're disappointed, David, but don't give up," encouraged Mom.  "Now -- what school report are you working on?"

    "I have to write about some famous person," David muttered.  "It can be anybody."

    "Come with me.  Let's look in the encyclopedia."  David's mother pulled out some books.  "Try writing about Abraham Lincoln," she suggested.  "I think he'll be a real help to you!"  Then she left to fold clothes.

    When his mother returned, David looked up.  "I can't believe it, Mom," he said.  "Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents, but this book says he lost several important political races and even failed in business!"

    "That's right."  Mom nodded.  "But he's remembered for his successes, not for his failures.  Often it's easy to give up when we fail, but that doesn't help us grow.  It's not what God would have us do, either.  He wants us to learn from our experiences and try harder the next time.  We must learn to depend on Him to help us turn failure into success."

    David gave his mom a big hug.  "Thanks, Mom," he said.  "I see what you've been trying to tell me.  I won't give up.  I'll make this report so accurate that even Mrs. French would be proud of it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What happens when you fail at something?  Do you give up and quit trying?  Don't get discouraged.  Learn from your mistakes and realize that it takes time to learn to do things well.  Depend on God to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Co 4:8  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

[Soldier4Christ]

 Valentines

Brittany was looking through the box of valentine cards which were left over from last year.  "I just don't know what to do, Mom," she said with a sigh.  "Mrs. Thompson said we should bring a valentine for everyone in our class -- even the boys!"

    "That's not such a bad idea," answered Mom.  "What do you find so bad about it?"

    "Well, it's not that I don't want to be friendly, but some of these cards are so mushy!" said Brittany.  She wrinkled her nose.  "None of us girls want to give these cards to the boys!"

    "Mmmmm. . . ."  Mother thought about it.  "Why don't you make your own valentine cards?  Then you could write whatever message you'd like.  Come on -- I'll help you get started."

    Mom showed Brittany how to cut paper hearts by folding the paper in half.  The table was soon full of pink, red, and white hearts.  Next, they taped a piece of cinnamon gum to each heart -- the red wrapper added just the right touch.  They also used lace and little straw flowers to decorate the valentines.  "This is so much fun, Mom!"  Brittany was almost up to her elbows in scraps of paper.  "I think I know what I'd like to write on my valentines, too.  I'll put 'God loves you!  Happy Valentine's Day!'  Or will the kids think I'm weird if I do that?"

    "I think it's a great idea," approved Mom.  "You've talked before about wishing you could find ways to witness to your classmates.  This is a perfect opportunity."

    "Yeah," replied Brittany.  She grinned.  "And it isn't mushy!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you think of on Valentine's Day?  Most people think of love -- and God's love is the greatest example of genuine love.  As a Christian, you are to show that love to others.  Maybe you can write something on the valentines you give out.  Appropriate tracts to give with each valentine are also available.  Take advantage of this opportunity to share God's love with your friends.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dig Deep

Nathan yawned and blinked.  Quickly, his eyes scanned a page of his Bible.  Then with a sigh, he closed it.  He put it on the night stand just as Mother came in to say goodnight.  "Does the 'plunk-plunk' of the oil well pump behind the barn ever bother you at night?" she asked as she opened the window a couple of inches.

    Nathan shook his head.  "No.  I guess I never hear it because I'm so used to it.  It's been out there as long as I can remember."

    "Well, I can remember when it wasn't there," Mother said dreamily.  "Before oil was discovered, this farm wasn't worth much.  We lived in the old house, and life wasn't nearly as comfortable as it is now.  That was when you were a baby."  Nathan rearranged the pillow under his head as Mother continued.  "Then the oil company asked permission to drill on our land."

    "And they struck oil!" Nathan declared.  "Not just once but three times!"

    "All those years while your grandparents were hardly able to make a living on this farm, there was great wealth under their feet.  It wasn't discovered, though, until someone dug deep."  Mother emphasized the last two words.  "You know, there's also wealth in the Word of God, but you'll never find it unless you dig deep.  Many people never find the riches of God's Word, because they merely scan the pages."

    She bent over and kissed him lightly on the cheek before leaving the room.  How does Mother know I haven't been reading carefully? Nathan wondered as the door closed behind her.  Outside, the pump droned on, "plunk-plunk-plunk-plunk."  Nathan listened a few moments, then he sat up in bed, turned on the lamp, and reached for his Bible.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you living in spiritual poverty?  Do you scan the Word of God and never really think about what you're reading?  Read it slowly and carefully.  If you're too small to read it by yourself, listen carefully while someone reads to you.  Think about what it says.  You'll be amazed at the treasures you find.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 92:5  O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Math Test

As Becky nibbled at her breakfast, she thought about the big math test she would be taking later that day.  Even though she had studied hard, it felt like there was a big knot in her stomach!  Tests made her nervous!  "Not hungry this morning, honey?" asked Mother as she noticed Becky's nearly full cereal bowl.

    "I keep thinking about that horrible math test," Becky replied with a worried look.

    "But you seemed to know how to work all of the problems when you were studying last night," said Mother.

    "Yes, but it's different when I have to do them on a test," said Becky with sigh.  "I'm comfortable when I'm at home with you and Daddy, but I get scared at school, and everything seems to get jumbled up in my mind."

    Mother sat down next to Becky and gently reached for her hands.  "You know, Daddy and I can't be with you at school, but your heavenly Father will be with you all through your test," she said reassuringly.  "He doesn't want you to worry.  He tells us to give all of our worries and anxieties to Him, because He cares for us so very much."

    "I know."  Becky sighed.  "But I still get so nervous," she said.

    Mother smiled understandingly.  "Why don't you tell God how you feel," she suggested, "and really give Him your worries by believing He will help you.  He wants to give you His peace in place of the worries that are there.  Shall we pray about it together?"

    Slowly Becky nodded and bowed her head.  Mother prayed first, and then Becky prayed, too.  "Dear Heavenly Father," she said, "I'm really nervous about my test today.  Please give me Your peace so I can think clearly on my test.  If I start to worry today, remind me that You are with me.  Thank You so much.  In Jesus' Name, Amen."

    "Amen," said Mother as she gave Becky a hug.  "Now how about eating some of your breakfast?  It's hard to take a test on an empty stomach."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something in particular that makes you nervous?  Do you get "butterflies in your stomach" when you have to take a test or give an oral book report?  God wants you to give your worries to Him.  Let Him give you His peace.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dad's Job

I sure wish Dad could come to my basketball game tonight, complained Bud to his older brother, Troy.  "Last year I sat on the bench all the time, and he never missed a game.  But this year I've started every game, and he's had to work every Friday night.  It's not fair!"

    Troy tried to cheer him.  "Mom and I have been there, Bud, and you've been doing great!"

    "But it's not the same," Bud replied.  "Before you were in college, Dad came to all your games."  Just then Mother called them to supper, and the discussion ended.

    "Mmmmm -- this roast beef is delicious!" exclaimed Troy.  "Remember how often we wished for a roast and gravy when Dad was out of work?"

    "I sure do," replied Mother, "and I'm glad you reminded me.  I've been grumbling lately about Dad working the second shift, and I'm afraid I forgot that no work means no gravy."  She glanced at Bud, but he refused to smile.  All evening he remained gloomy, even after he scored the winning two points at the basketball game.

    The next evening, the family lingered over supper, glad to have Dad with them.  "Since I'm only here on Saturday and Sunday evenings," said Dad, "I really miss our family devotions.  Troy, you were going to choose something for tonight, weren't you?"

    Troy grinned as he replied, "I've got it all planned, Dad, and I think we all need it."  He took the Bible and read from the book of Exodus and the book of Numbers.  (See today's Scripture reading.)  Then he looked up and grinned.  "Today is sort of an anniversary," he announced.  "Anybody know what for?"

    "I do," responded Dad promptly.  "It's just three months ago that I got called back to work."

    "Oh, that's right!" said Mom.  "I remember how thrilled we were."  She paused, then exclaimed, "Oh, I see your point, Troy!  We've been like the Israelites.  At first they were thrilled with manna, just like we were with Dad's job.  But then they began to loathe it.  I'm afraid we did that, too, and I confess that I was probably the first to complain.  I hope you'll all forgive me.  May God forgive us, too!  Thank you for teaching us a valuable lesson, Troy."

    Bud smiled in spite of himself.  He realized that Mom was right.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there some wonderful blessing in your life that you've begun to despise?  Perhaps you prayed for a brother or sister, but now that you have one, you sometimes secretly wish you didn't.  Or maybe you prayed that your Sunday school class would grow, and now that it has, you don't like it because a new member does better than you.  Be careful.  Never despise God's blessings.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Num 21:7  Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Me First

That's mine, said Mike, taking the biggest piece of pie.   

    His sister, Megan, scowled.  "You always take the biggest piece for yourself," she grumbled.

    Their brother, John, joined in.  "Yeah.  Can't you think of anyone but yourself?" he asked.  "You're a Christian, aren't you?  Don't you know that Christians aren't supposed to be selfish?"  Mike just scowled at John and went out to play.

    After dinner, some kids came over and played games in the back yard.  Mike's voice could be heard over all the others.  "Me first!" he shouted whenever a new game began.  Megan and John were embarrassed and ashamed of their brother.  "We gotta do something about him!" declared Megan.  So they thought up a plan.

    The next day, after they had heard Mike say "me first" several times, Megan and John put their plan into action.  When Mike came in from play, they were ready.

    "Oh, yummy!" exclaimed Mike when he saw three, shiny, red apples on a plate.  "I get to choose first."  He grabbed the biggest apple, and Megan and John quickly took the two smaller ones.  Mike started to put the big apple to his mouth, then pulled it away and looked at it suspiciously.  He tested it with his teeth.  "Oh, you meanies!" he sputtered.  "You tricked me!  You served a plateful of wax apples."

    "Maybe you really tricked yourself," said John, biting into his apple.  "Mmmmm. . .this one's sweet and juicy.  How's yours, Megan?"

    "Delicious!" Megan declared.  She looked at Mike.  "If you hadn't been greedy and taken the biggest for yourself, you would have been eating one of these apples."  With a very red face, Mike stalked out of the room.  "Do you think he learned anything?" asked Megan.

    "I hope so," said John.  "I guess time will tell."

    "Yeah."  Megan sighed.  "I guess so."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to take turns being first?  Are you willing to let others sometimes have the biggest or best things?  God warns against exalting yourself -- putting yourself first.  He teaches that the way to be first is to be a servant.  If you want to be first, do it God's way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mar 9:35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sara's Shoes

Sara put one foot on top of the other as she sat at her desk in school, hoping to hide the big hole in the top of her shoe.  Oh, how she wanted a new pair!  Each week she hoped that at last there would be money left for shoes after buying groceries, but there hadn't been yet.

    Sara's dad had a steady job, but every Friday after work he'd stop at a bar, and by the time he got home, long after Sara was in bed, there would be very little money left -- just enough to buy a few groceries for the week.  Sara knew this, because from her room she could hear her parents quarreling about it.  But maybe this time it will be different, Sara thought.  Maybe tonight Dad will bring his check home, and there will be money for shoes for me.

    There was only a meager supper that evening.  Sara ate it hungrily, and then waited to see if her father would come home early.  But when she went sadly to bed at nine o'clock, Dad still wasn't home.  He still could come home any minute, she thought.  Then she drifted off to sleep.

    Sara woke suddenly, hearing loud voices from the kitchen.  She knew from the angry tones that there would be no new shoes for her this week.  A tear slid from her eye and dropped to her pillow.  Her heart hurt with disappointment, and she felt no one cared for her.

    As she lay in the dark, a thought came to her.  She had been going to Sunday school with a friend, and last week the teacher had talked about God caring for people.  The teacher had read it right from the Bible.  How did it go?  Something like: God takes care of the birds, lilies, and even the grass, so He surely will take care of you.

    Even though she didn't have new shoes, Sara felt she must go back to this Sunday school.  She wanted to know more about a God like that.  Surely He cared for her!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel alone with your needs?  God, Who cares about the small things in nature, cares even more about you.  Maybe He wants to use your needs to draw you to Himself or to teach you something.  Get to know Him (see last page), and then take comfort in the knowledge that He'll supply all the things you really need.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Help For Allison

Todd never forgot the day his new baby sister, Allison, came home from the hospital.  Dad and Mother had told him that her spinal cord was damaged before she was born, and she would never be able to walk.  Todd couldn't quite believe it.  Maybe if we all take real good care of Allison, her legs will become well, he thought.

    When Todd mentioned this to Mother, she shook her head sadly.  "No, the doctor said that unless God performs a miracle, her legs will never work," she said gently.  "We don't understand why God has allowed this to happen, but we need to accept the fact that it's part of His plan for Allison and our family.  We need to trust Him because He knows what's best."

    Mother put down the potato peeler, wiped her hands on her apron, and sat down next to Todd at the table.  "Allison is going to need special care because her legs have no feeling," she said.  "She won't know whether they're hot or cold, or whether they have been cut or bruised."

    "No feeling at all?" Todd blurted out.  "She could really hurt herself, and not even know it!"

    Mother nodded.  "That's where you and I fit into God's plan for her," she said.  "It's going to take time and love to protect her from getting hurt, and to help her learn about her handicap as she grows up."

    "Oh," murmured Todd thoughtfully.

    "Will you be part of God's plan for our family by helping us care for Allison?" asked Mother.

    Todd was quiet for a long time before answering.  "I'm still going to pray that Allison will walk someday," he said finally, "but whether she walks or not, I want to help her as much as I can."

    "Great!" said Mother.  "God knew Allison would need a big brother like you.  Remember, God's plan is always the best."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a brother or sister who is handicapped?  God has placed that person in your family as part of His plan for you.  As you show love and encouragement, God is using you to be a blessing.  It will help both of you to grow in Him.  Or perhaps you have a handicap yourself.  You may not realize it, but God wants to use you, too -- to be a blessing to other members of your family.  Cheerfully accept God's plan for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 18:30  As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Like Dad

Bethany laughed as she watched her little brother, Shawn, playing in the living room.  He had climbed up into Dad's favorite chair and was pretending to read the newspaper.  As he crossed his feet and tried to make them reach the footstool, he shouted, "Look at me!  I'm just like Daddy!"

    Bethany just couldn't resist giving Shawn a big hug.  "Wait right there, so we can show Mommy what a big boy you are!"

    By the time Bethany returned to the living room with Mother, Shawn had put the paper down on his lap and was pretending to fall asleep.  He was even leaning back with his hands behind his head -- just like Dad did when he was finished reading the paper.  "Isn't that cute, Mom?" whispered Bethany giggling.  "He's trying to be just like Dad."

    Mother nodded.  "That's how children learn," she said, smiling.  "They imitate  the people they see."

    "Did I ever do that?" asked Bethany.

    "Sure you did," replied Mother.  "You used to pretend you were making dinner.  You would get the pots and pans out of the cupboard and tell me that you were making 'mashed 'tatoes'!"  Bethany went over to pick up Shawn as Mother continued to speak.  "I'm reminded of an important lesson in the Bible, Bethany.  As Christians, we're to be imitators of Jesus so we can learn how to live as mature Christians."

    "But we can't see Jesus, so how can we imitate. . . ."  Bethany began.  "Oh, wait a minute!  We have the Bible.  That tells us how He lived!"

    "Yes," agreed Mother.  "When we faithfully study His life, we learn how to live like Him.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you learning to imitate Jesus?  To learn better how He would act and what He would say, study God's Word.  Then try to think of what Jesus would do if He were in your place in any situation.  Imitate Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eph 5:1  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

[Soldier4Christ]

 Only When It Hurts

I thought I could count on you to do them without having me checking up on you.  I thought you reviewed your verses when you had your personal devotions each day."

    John squirmed under Mom's gaze.  "Sometimes I do," he said, "but I haven't had anything special to pray about lately, and then I sometimes forget to read my Bible and pray."

    "I see.  And how about when things aren't going so well?" asked Mom as they got out of the car.

    "Then I remember.  Like last month when Pixie ran away. . .I put an ad in the paper for a lost dog and prayed every night that she'd come back," said John as he followed Mom into the house.  As he let the screen door shut, it slammed against his fingers.  John let out a howl of pain.  "Owwwww!" he yelled.  "That hurts!"

    "Let's get some ice on it," said Mom.  She hurried to get an ice bag and handed it to John.  "Hold this on your fingers to keep the swelling down," she said.

    John took the bag.  "This really hurts bad," he moaned.  "I'll be glad when it starts to feel better."

    Mom nodded.  "I will, too."  Then she sighed.  "But then you won't need me anymore," she added sadly.

    John looked startled.  "Why won't I need you?" he asked.

    "Because your hand will be all better," replied Mom.

    "But I'll still need you!" exclaimed John.  "You make meals for me and take me places.  And besides that. . . ."  He grinned shyly.  "I love you."

    "I'm so glad you do."  Mom smiled.  "But don't you love God, too?" she asked.

    John looked puzzled.  "Of course I do."

    "But you said when everything is okay you forget to pray and memorize your verses," said Mom.  "Don't you believe God is still taking care of you when everything is going well?"

    John nodded.  "I see what you mean," he said slowly.

    "Good," said Mom.  "We should never ignore people we love.  And we certainly should never ignore God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you talk to God and allow Him to talk to you through His Word when things are pleasant for you as well as when you're hurting or in trouble?  Remember that God has many things to teach you, and He's always ready to hear your prayers and praise.  Spend time with Him in good days as well as in bad.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 105:4  Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Care Needed

Callie was delighted when her grandmother gave her a plant for her birthday.  "If you take good care of this and water it according to the instructions I'm giving you, you'll soon have a lovely plant with beautiful red flowers," Grandma said.

    At first Callie followed the directions carefully.  But as time passed, she found it a little boring to care for her plant, and she didn't water it regularly.  From time to time she checked it for buds, but there were only the stems and leaves -- and they seemed to be turning brown.

    One day, Grandma came to visit.  Immediately she asked how the plant was doing.  "Are there buds on it yet?" she wanted to know.

    Callie shook her head.  "No, in fact my plant looks like it's dying," she confessed.  "Want to see it?"

    Grandma followed Callie into her room to check it out.  "Oh, my," she remarked.  "This poor plant is drowning in water!"

    Callie nodded.  "Well,  I sometimes forget to water it, so whenever I remember, I just give it twice as much," she explained.

    Grandma shook her head.  "Callie, how would you like it if your mother forgot to fix dinner for about three days, and then when she remembered, she made you eat enough for all the meals she had forgotten?" she asked.

    Callie laughed.  "I wouldn't like it," she said.  "I guess I'd get just as sick as this plant is."

    As they turned to leave the room, Grandma noticed the Bible on Callie's dresser.  "I see you have your Bible handy," she approved.

    Callie nodded and picked it up.  "This is one thing I haven't forgotten, Grandma," she said.   "When you gave it to me you told me to read it every day, and that's what I've been doing."

    Grandma smiled.  "Good!" she said.  "I'm glad to see you're getting a regular diet of spiritual food."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read your Bible every day?  Or do you sometimes forget -- or even purposely neglect it -- and then suddenly try to "catch up" by reading faster and reading a lot at a time?  That doesn't work well.  The Bible is your spiritual food, and you need some of it every day.  Set up a regular schedule for Bible reading if you want to see growth in your Christian life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Job 23:12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.