Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Cat

Robert was carrying the cat out of his bedroom when he met his mother in
the hall. She frowned. "What are you doing up?" she asked. "You're supposed to
stay in bed. Do you feel better?"
 

    "No," said Robert, "but Lucky wandered into the house and jumped on top of the hamster cage."

    Mom stared at the naughty cat.  "She sure knows where she wants to go when she gets a chance to come in, doesn't she?"

    Robert nodded and pointed behind him.  "And look at my silly hamster.  He's climbing the cage like he wants to get out.  He doesn't even know there's a cat out here waiting to catch him."

    Mom nodded.  "He doesn't always know what's best for him," she said.  "Now put Lucky out and go back to bed.  I'll bring you some juice."

    When Mom came back, Robert was lying in bed staring glumly at the wall.  "I don't see why I had to get so sick today.  We have our class basketball play-offs after school this afternoon, and I prayed all morning that I'd get well enough to go.  Instead, I'm still running a fever.  I don't think God is very fair," he grumbled.

    Mom put the juice on the bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed.  "Your hamster seemed to want to get out of his cage a few minutes ago, but you didn't let him out, did you?" she asked.

    Robert smiled.  "Of course not," he said.  "He might have gotten eaten up!"

>    "Right.  Being inside the cage kept him safe," agreed Mom.  "And sometimes the suffering that God lets us face, keeps us safe -- it keeps us from worse trouble."

>    Robert thought about Mom's words.  He shrugged.  "Yeah, I guess so," he said, "but I can't see what kind of trouble it would be keeping me from today."

>    Mom smiled.  "Your hamster probably didn't see what trouble you were protecting him from, either," she said.  "You know. . .maybe you wouldn't have gotten into trouble today at all.  Letting you be sick today might be God's way of teaching you to be patient or to trust Him.  I don't know. . .but I do know that He knows what's best for you."

>    Robert sighed, but he nodded.  "I'll try to remember that," he said. 






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you blame God when He doesn't answer your prayers the way you want?  Do you think He's not fair when He lets you go through hard things?  Remember that God wants what is best for you, and any suffering He allows you to face truly is for your own good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Wrong Shoes

Lori slammed down the phone.  "Kaitlin makes me so mad!  She's in one of her moods.  She used to be lots of fun, but not lately.  I almost wish I hadn't invited her to come overnight."

    "Maybe you can cheer her up," Mother suggested.  "She hasn't been a Christian long, and her parents aren't Christians either, you know."      When Kaitlin arrived, Lori squealed in delight when she saw her friend's shoes.  "Look, Mom," said Lori, pointing to Kaitlin's feet.  "Kaitlin has new shoes exactly like mine."  Mother smiled and nodded.

    The girls had a grand time, and the next morning, they overslept and had to scurry to catch the bus.  "May I go home with Kaitlin after school, Mom?" Lori called as she ran out the door.

    "Okay," agreed Mother.  "Just be home in time for supper."

    That evening when Lori came home, she plopped down on the couch.  "Boy, I'm glad to be here," she declared.  "It's so depressing at Kaitlin's house.  Her dad was home and in a terrible mood.  Her mom was at work, and her little brother Jason was crying."  Lori took off her shoe and rubbed her heel gently.  "Besides, my feet hurt.  These new shoes rubbed a blister on my heel."

    Mother looked inside Lori's shoe.  "I thought you wore a size six," she said.  "This is size five and a half."

    Lori took the shoe from her mother.  "No wonder my feet were hurting."  She laughed.  "Kaitlin must have worn my shoes all day, and I wore hers."

    "I've heard that an Indian proverb says, 'Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.'  I guess you just walked a day in Kaitlin's."  Mother grinned.

    Lori nodded.  "I guess I did. . .in more ways than one," she agreed.  "After spending a few hours at her house, I understand her a lot better.  I'm going to stop criticizing her and pray for her instead."  Lori stood up.  "But right now I'm going to call her and see how she liked walking in my shoes."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you too quick to criticize others when you do not understand their behavior?  Perhaps you need to "walk in their shoes" for a while.  Try to understand their circumstances better.  And don't judge them; pray for them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 4:11  Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

[Soldier4Christ]

 What's Inside

I don't think I'm going to hang around with Paula anymore, Cathy said as she sat down at the kitchen table.

    "Really?  Why is that?" asked Mother.  "I remember you introduced me to her at the concert last month.  She seemed like a nice girl."

    "Well. . . ."  Cathy hesitated.  "She dresses funny.  Her clothes never match!"

    "Oh?"  Mother stirred the sauce she was making.  "That doesn't sound like a very good reason not to be friends with someone."

    "Oh, Mother, you don't understand!" exclaimed Cathy.  "Today she wore a fairly nice light pink shirt, but she wore it with ugly green and yellow pants!  They looked awful together."

    "Well, honey, maybe you could help Paula," suggested Mother.  "Maybe no one has ever taught her how to match her clothes.  The next time she wears that outfit, maybe you could say to her, 'I like that shirt, Paula.  I think it would really look nice with your white pants' -- or whatever color you think would be good with it.  But be sure to say it kindly. "  Mother put an arm around her daughter.  "Remember, Cathy, you're a Christian, and God wants you to be kind to other people.  And I'm sure you know that God says it's not how a person looks on the outside that's most important, but what they're like inside."       Cathy considered her mother's suggestion.  "I never thought of that, Mom," she said.  "I guess it is kind of silly to judge a person on whether their clothes match or not.  I'll see what I can do to help Paula, but even if she doesn't change, I'll still be her friend."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you decide whether or not people can be your friends by looking at the type of clothes they wear?  Perhaps they've not had all the advantages you've had.  Perhaps no one has taught them what looks nice with what!  Is there somebody you could help?  Maybe you could make suggestions.  Maybe you could do some shopping together -- with Mother's supervision, of course.  But be very careful not to hurt your friend's feelings.  Ask the Lord to show you how to help before you even try.  And always remember that clothes are not really important.  What is important is what is inside.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Go Down Deep

Josh was sprawled on his bed looking at some photographs when Dad looked in.  Josh glanced up.  "Hey, Dad!  Look at these pictures!" he exclaimed.  "Aunt Jenny took them when she was deep sea diving in Florida.  She brought them over this afternoon."

    Dad peered over Josh's shoulder.  "What unusual plants and animals!" he exclaimed.  "They're fascinating.  And what vivid colors!"  Together they examined the pictures.  "God must have a wonderful imagination in order to create such a variety of life forms," added Dad.

    Josh nodded.  "Aunt Jenny says the farther down in the ocean you go, the more beautiful it gets," he said.  He paused and turned to his dad.  "Why do you suppose God made such interesting creatures and then hid them down deep in the ocean where most people don't ever see them?"

    Dad thought a moment.  "I'm not sure," he said, "but when I see these pictures, it reminds me of what a great God we have.  And somehow it also reminds me of the riches to be found in the Bible."  He smiled at Josh.  "I used to think personal devotions weren't important.  I figured I'd already heard all those Bible stories in church and Sunday school."

    "You probably had," said Jason.  "I have, too."

    "Well, I'm sure we haven't actually heard all of them," said Dad, "though we have heard many.  But Aunt Jenny has seen the ocean many times, and yet she decided she wanted to immerse herself in it and go down deep to see what she could discover.  Do you think she was rewarded for her efforts?"

    "She sure was!" said Josh as he looked at the pictures once more.        Dad nodded.  "The point is. . .if you and I immerse ourselves in God's Word and study it, God will reward us, too."  He put a hand on Josh's shoulder.  "God will reveal hidden knowledge, insights, and wisdom to those who are willing to dig deep into His Word."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever think that you know all you need to know about  the Bible?  If you spend more time reading and studying His Word, God will give you more knowledge about Him and a greater understanding about life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Cloudy Skies

Scott stared out the plane window, his thoughts swirling like the thick clouds below.  Why did God let Mom and Dad be in that accident? he wondered.  Going to stay a while with Grandma and Grandpa is nice, but not when it's because Mom and Dad are in the hospital.

    Just then the flight attendant arrived with lunch, so Scott turned from the window.  "Cheer up," encouraged his big brother, Tyler, as Scott poked at his food.  "Eat your chicken.  It will help you feel better."

    "I'm not hungry," said Scott.  "I keep thinking about Mom and Dad."

    Tyler gave him a lop-sided grin.  "I know, Scott.  I feel the same way, really -- but remember, God cares about us and He knows what He's doing in our lives." 

    Scott nodded, but he wasn't sure he agreed.  He nibbled at his food.  When the flight attendant came to pick up his tray, he turned with a sigh to the window again.  Immediately the sigh became a long whistle.  "Look, Tyler!" he exclaimed.  Pressing his nose to the glass, he stared down at the colorful fields and the cars and trucks that looked like tiny toys.  "I didn't know it would look like that," he said.  "See that train.  It looks so tiny!  Oh-h-h!  I like this!"  Scott's solemn face had brightened.

    Tyler leaned over.  "It's great," he agreed.  "You know, all that nice scenery was there below the clouds all the time.  You just couldn't see it."  Scott grinned and nodded.  "We can think of Mom and Dad's accident in the same way," continued Tyler.  "To us, the whole situation is 'cloudy,' and we can't see anything good in it."

    "And you're saying that God can?" asked Scott.

    "Right," replied Tyler.  "We've both accepted Jesus as Savior by faith, and we need to also live by faith -- accepting what He brings into our lives."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a "cloudy" outlook?  Have things happened in your life that make you think nothing is going to turn out right?  Don't let the hard things of life control your attitude.  Remember that God knows what He's doing, and His plan is always good, even though you can't see it.  Trust Him -- and then that trust can help you have the right attitude.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Honor Roll

Amy curled up in her favorite chair with a new book, but before long her forehead wrinkled tighter and tighter.  She slammed the book shut.  It was not a good book -- it contained a lot of vulgar language!  But she had to read it for one of her classes!  Or did she?  She took it to her mother.  "Mrs. Rogers assigned this book."  Amy handed it to Mother.  "It's terrible.  I'm going to ask if I can read a different one."

    Mother scanned a few pages.  "Good idea," she said, smiling at Amy.

    But when Amy talked to her teacher, Mrs. Rogers refused to change the assignment.  "This is a very real book.  It tells it like it is," she said firmly.  "You can't hide from life behind your cloak of religion, Amy."

    "But, Mrs. Rogers, the language they use is gutter talk.  And the things they do are terrible," Amy protested.

    "It's real life," Mrs. Rogers insisted.  "They use words you hear every day."

    "But I don't have to read them," objected Amy.

    "You'll read that book or take a zero!" said Mrs. Rogers with a frown.

    Amy blinked back the tears.  She had worked hard for an "A," and a zero would bring her grade down.  "I guess I'll have to take a zero," Amy said softly as she left the room.

    Three weeks later Amy burst into the house, sobbing.  "It's not fair!  Mrs. Rogers is so hateful!  She gave me a 'C' on my report card and made me miss the honor roll.  I should have gotten at least a 'B,' even with the zero she gave me."

    Mother didn't have to ask what Amy was talking about.  She knew.  Gathering her sobbing daughter into her arms, she said gently, "Never mind, honey.  Don't be bitter toward Mrs. Rogers.  Just pray for her.  You may have missed the honor roll at Clayton Middle School, but I think you've made the one in heaven."  She brushed away Amy's tears.  "I'm very proud of you, and I know your Heavenly Father is, too," she added.  Amy wiped her eyes and smiled shakily as Mother quoted a verse Amy had recently learned:  "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever taken a stand for your convictions?  Have you said "no" to an invitation to smoke?  Have you refused to listen to dirty jokes?  Have you spoken up for the Lord when evolution was taught?  Taking a stand is not easy, and the immediate results are not always pleasant.  But remember, the testing time will soon pass, and your reward for doing right will be eternal.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Co 4:17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Best Part

Katie rubbed her stomach as she eyed the cake Mother had just finished frosting.  "Christy and I sure are hungry!" said Katie.  Her friend Christy had come to spend the night, and the girls were looking for an after-school snack.   

    Mother laughed.  "Help yourself," she invited.

    After cutting and serving the cake, Katie sat down beside her friend.  She watched as Christy picked at her piece.  "Christy, are you just going to eat the frosting?" she asked.  "The cake is full of nuts and goodies.  In fact, it's the best part!"

    "The frosting is all I ever eat," Christy responded.  She glanced at Katie's mother.  "I hope you aren't offended," she added.

    "Well," said Mother, "I'm afraid you won't find the frosting very satisfying, and dinner won't be ready for a while.  And as Katie says, you're really leaving the best part.  Why don't you take one taste and see if you like it?"

    Christy wrinkled her nose, but she took a tiny bite.  She grinned.  "It is good!" she said in surprise.  "I think I'll eat the rest."

    That evening the girls were right in the middle of a game when Dad called them for family devotions.  "Can we just read the story tonight and skip the rest?" Katie asked.

    Dad frowned.  "Skip the Bible reading and prayer?" he asked.

    "Well, just this once," Katie murmured, "so we can finish our game."

    "That would be like eating the frosting and leaving the cake, wouldn't it?" asked Mother.  "We'd be missing the best part.  If we don't have time for both the Scripture and the story, we had better read the Scripture."

    "I see what you mean," Katie admitted.  "Well, let's just 'eat' the whole thing.  It's all good!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you tempted to skip the Bible reading and read only the story in Keys for Kids?  Don't do it.  The Scripture is the most important part of this devotional.  "Eat" the whole thing, and enjoy every bite.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 119:16  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

[Soldier4Christ]

 What Really Counts

The children in Paul's class were stunned.  A classmate had been killed in a car accident.  "Sometimes it makes us feel better to remember good and happy things about a person who has died," Miss Kendall said.  "Would anyone like to mention something special about Jonathon?"  So one by one the students shared things they liked about their friend.   

    Allison was first.  "Jonathan played his horn really good," she said.

    "Jonathan was smart," offered Jason.  "He could figure things out real quick."

    "He was a good-looking boy," said Marcy.

    "He was a good person," said Todd.  "He always went to church."

    Paul fidgeted in his seat.  The things the kids said were true, but nobody had mentioned the most important thing of all.  Do I dare tell them? he wondered.  He hesitated a few minutes longer, then slowly raised his hand.

    "Paul?"  His teacher smiled at him.

    "My dad always says people are like cars," began Paul nervously.  He gained more confidence as he went on.  "He says it's what's under the hood -- what's inside -- that really counts.  When my brother, Steve, wanted to buy a car, he brought it home to show my dad.  He pointed out the nice appearance, the tape player, and the speakers and stuff.  But Dad wasn't impressed.  He kept saying, 'What about the engine?  It's what's under the hood that's important.'  But Steve didn't listen, and now his car won't run half the time."

    Paul paused, surprised at the long speech he was making.  "I'm gonna miss Jonathan," he finished.  "We've heard a lot of good things about him, but I'm glad I can tell you he's not like Steve's car -- he didn't just look good.  A couple of months ago he told me he had accepted Jesus as his Savior.  That's what really counts."

    "Thank you, Paul," said Miss Kendall with a smile.  "We'll remember that when we think of Jonathan.  Now it's time to turn to our lessons."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has anyone in your family been fooled by a good-looking car?  It's bad enough when that happens with a car.  It's much worse when it happens with a life.  Check your own life.  Are you helpful and kind?  Do you attend church and Sunday school?  Do you do your best?  That's fine, but it won't get you to heaven.  You must accept Jesus as your Savior.  Don't wait.  Life is short and can end at any time.  Give your heart and life to Jesus today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Littlest Member

Brandon stretched, yawned, and turned off the alarm.  For several minutes he argued with himself.  One voice said, Get up.  It's time for Sunday school.  Another voice said, Why?  Your folks don't go.  Sleep a little longer.  In the end, the wrong voice won.  "I'll never be missed," Brandon mumbled as he pulled the pillow over his head.  "I'm the least important one in our class.  I never do anything -- I just go.  And today I'll just not go."

    Later that week, Brandon tripped over a tree stump and broke a toe.  How it hurt!

    When the doorbell rang on Saturday, Brandon hobbled to the door.  "Oh, hi, Mr. Newman," he greeted his Sunday school teacher.  "Come in."

    Mr. Newman followed Brandon into the living room.  "I see you're limping, Brandon.  Did you hurt your foot?" he asked.  "Is that why you missed Sunday school?"

    "I broke my little toe last Tuesday," Brandon answered.  "I didn't come Sunday because. . .well. . .I just figured I'm not needed.  I didn't think anyone would miss me."

    Mr. Newman shook his head.  "Oh, Brandon, you are needed.  You're important to the Lord, to our church, and to me.  When you're absent, there's a big gap in our class."  He pointed to Brandon's foot and asked, "When you broke your little toe, did it just bother your toe?  Were you able to do the same things you always had done, or did your sore toe affect your whole body?"

    Brandon grimaced.  "For a couple of days, I wasn't much good for anything," he said.   

    "So it affected your whole body," said Mr. Newman.  "And it's like that with the Church, too.  Every member is important, even those who think of themselves as the 'little toe.'  When one member hurts, we all hurt."  He stood to leave.  "You are important to our class, Brandon.  Don't ever forget that."

    As Brandon hobbled to the door with his teacher, he grinned.  "I won't, Mr. Newman," he said.  "My toe won't let me.  Every time I take a step, I'll remember.  See you tomorrow morning."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel little and unimportant?  Or do you know someone else who feels that way and needs your encouragement?  If you're a Christian, you're a member of the "body of Christ."  You're not only important, you're needed!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Co 12:27  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Two Tents

I wish my dad had time to spend with me like yours does with you, Sonya complained.  "Dad's always so busy!"

    Bethany looked at the beautiful furnishings in Sonya's home.  "Well, you sure have lots of nice things," she said with a sigh.  "At our house we have lots of time, but no money."  The girls went on to compare and complain about their circumstances.

    After listening to them for several minutes, Sonya's mother persuaded the girls to join her in making some visits for the church welcoming committee.  At the first stop, a young mother invited them in.  "You'll have to excuse this house," said Mrs. Marshall.  "The children are about to drive me crazy.  I'll be glad when they're all in school.  Then maybe I'll have some peace and quiet."  Motioning for her guests to sit down, she continued, "It's so lonesome here.  I wish we had never moved to this town.  Everyone is so unfriendly."  For thirty minutes, she continued complaining about everything and everyone.

    When they left, Bethany whistled.  "Wow!  I wonder if she's ever happy about anything," she said.

    A little later, the girls followed Sonya's mother up the steps of another house.  A smiling lady answered the door.  "We're so happy here," Mrs. Perry bubbled to her guests.  "We're thankful we found a loving church family so quickly."  As Mother and the girls visited with her, Mrs. Perry was interrupted twice by friends calling on the phone.  Before they realized it, an hour had gone by.

    On the way home, Mother spoke quietly.  "There are two tents in which we can live.  One is contentment, and the other is discontentment.  Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Perry moved to town about the same time; their husbands work for the same company; they live in the same neighborhood, and they attend the same church.  Mrs. Marshall has chosen to live in discontentment, but Mrs. Perry lives in contentment."  Mother smiled, then continued, "It's not how much time or money you have that determines how happy you are.  It's whether you choose to live in contentment or discontentment."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where do you live?  Do you find yourself complaining about what you don't have instead of counting your blessings?  If so, now is the time to move out of that state of discontentment -- it's not where God wants you to be.  Determine to be content in whatever circumstances He allows you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Missionary Project Part 1

Thank you for your prayers and support.  Becky was reading part of the Carlsons' prayer letter to her Sunday school class.  "The Brazilian children love to hear the Bible stories.  Please join us in prayer for money to buy a copy machine.  Our old one is broken and can't be repaired.  Thank you.  In His service, the Carlsons."

    When Becky finished, Dan spoke up.  "Isn't there some way we could help them buy a copy machine?" he asked.

    "Be practical, Dan," Shelly answered.  "Those things cost a lot of money, and we don't have any.  All we can do is pray."

    "But why couldn't we have a class project to earn some money?" Dan persisted.

    Mr. Adams, their teacher, thought it was a good idea and asked for some suggestions.  Scott raised his hand.  "My neighbor is looking for strawberry pickers," he said.

    The class agreed that picking strawberries would be a good project for earning money for the copy machine.  All ten raised their hands to indicate that they would help.

    Mr. Adams was pleased.  "You may be working in a strawberry patch, but you will be having a part in God's work of reaching the unsaved," he said.  "Since I work every day, I won't be able to help you, but I'll have a reward for those who are faithful.  All who pick berries every day this week are invited to my house on Saturday for a swim party and supper.  Now, we'd better begin today's lesson."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing and available to serve the Lord?  Do you sometimes excuse yourself from working for Jesus by saying, "All I can do is pray"?  Prayer is important and necessary, but perhaps God wants to answer the prayer for workers by using you!  Look around.  What can you do for Jesus?  Can you earn money for Him by baby-sitting, shoveling snow, mowing lawns?  Can you serve Him by cheerfully serving others -- washing dishes, running errands, removing trash?  There is much you can do.  Go to work today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Co 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Missionary Project Part 2

Early Monday morning, ten seventh graders came to Mr. Barton's strawberry patch.  Stacy wore light colored jeans and a silky blouse, and she had a fancy hair-do.  "You came to work, not to stand around and look pretty," teased Curt.

    Stacy tossed her head.  "I'll do more work than you'll ever think of doing," she shot back.  But after working a while, she was in tears.  Her jeans were smeared with dirt and berry stains, two of her nails were broken, and her hair dangled in her eyes.  "Berry picking is hard and too dirty," she complained.  "I've had enough!"  She grabbed her things and walked away from the job.

    On Tuesday, everyone was working hard when Curt and Brett began throwing berries at one another.  Mr. Barton heard the commotion and came over to investigate.  "What's going on here?" he asked gruffly.  "I thought you came to work."

    "We want to have some fun, too," Brett answered sarcastically.  "Since that's over, I'm going home!"

    "Me, too," added Curt, and the boys walked off.

    By Saturday, the number of workers had dwindled to three -- Scott, Dan, and Beth.  The others all had excuses to keep them from working.  Some complained about the weather, the dirt, or the mosquitoes.  Others decided that shopping, swimming, or playing ball was more important to them than earning money for a missionary project.

    Mr. Adams was eagerly waiting to hear about their week when the three arrived for the party.  "How did the picking go?" Mr. Adams asked.  "Did you meet your goal?"

    "No."  Dan shook his head.  "But Mr. Barton said we could pick again next week, so we figure we can earn the rest of the money we need then."

    "I see.  Well, where's everybody else?" Mr. Adams asked.  "Aren't they coming?"

    "They dropped out," said Beth.  "At first everyone pitched in and helped, but then they started quitting.  Dan and Scott and I were the only ones who worked today."

    "I'm sorry to hear that," said Mr. Adams, "but I'm glad the three of you were faithful in finishing the job you had to do.  Now, what would you like first -- some supper or a swim?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faithful in your youth group, your Sunday school class, the junior choir, or some other church activity in which you've become involved? Jesus is counting on you to do your part in His harvest field.  Don't make excuses for not being there faithfully, and don't quit.  Get the work done.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Worth The Wait

Let me drive, Dad -- please!  Craig begged as Dad turned the car onto a country road leading to Grandpa's farm.  "There's not much traffic here."

    Dad shook his head.  "You're not old enough, Son."

    "I'm fourteen.  Next year I can get my permit," Craig pleaded.  "Besides, Steven's dad lets him drive all the time."  Immediately, Craig knew he had said the wrong thing.  His father was never impressed by what other people did.  When Dad did not respond, Craig knew the subject was closed.  He would not be learning to drive until he got a permit, and that was that.  Dad was a stickler for obeying the Bible and "the laws of the land."

    When they arrived at the farm, they found Grandpa in the garden, planting potatoes.  Craig's little brother, Tyson, squatted down on the ground and began digging.  "I wantta make a garden, too," he said.

    Craig headed for the barn.  "I'm going to ride Princess.  At least I don't need a license to ride a horse!" he mumbled. 

    As they prepared to leave later that afternoon, Tyson was nowhere to be found.  They searched all over, calling his name.  Even Dad was beginning to look worried.  Then Grandpa came across the yard carrying a tired little boy.  "Found him in the garden sound asleep," Grandpa explained as he put Tyson in his father's arms.

    Dad smiled.  "What were you doing in the garden?" he asked his son.

    "Waitin' for the 'tatoes to come up."  The little boy yawned.  "But it took 'em so long, I went to sleep."

    Dad and Craig were still chuckling as they drove onto the freeway.  "Patience is a wonderful thing," said Dad.  "It's something God wants all of us to learn.  In time, Craig, you'll have your driver's license, and it will have been worth the wait.  And in time, Tyson, we'll have our potatoes."  He rubbed his stomach.  "I can almost taste Grandma's sweet peas and new potatoes, now.  Mmmmm, it will certainly be worth the wait."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to "leap-frog" over time to get what you want before the "right season"?  God knows the best time for everything.  Waiting is hard, but it is important.  When you are told to wait, don't fret and fuss.  Be patient.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Ecc 3:11  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Whatever the Weather . . .

"Whew!" Dad said as he shoved his chair back from the table and picked up the newspaper. "This cold weather is unbearable! After this winter, I'll never complain about being too warm again. I wish we had a hot sun right now."

With a twinkle in his eye, Brad ran from the room. A few minutes later he returned with a tape recorder in his hand. As he walked past his mom, Brad grinned at her and put his finger across his lips. "Sh-h-h," he mouthed. Sneaking up behind Dad, Brad hit the play button.

 "Whew!" Dad's voice boomed from the speaker. "This heat is unbearable! I'll never complain about the cold again. I'd give a lot for the sight of snow."

"What!" Startled, Dad dropped the newspaper and twisted around in his chair to look at Brad. "When did you record that?" demanded Dad.

Brad laughed. "Last summer," he replied. "We hear the same thing every summer and every winter. I just wanted you to hear it yourself."

Dad laughed, too. "Caught by my own words. How quickly we forget," he said. "I guess we're hard to please, aren't we?"

Mom nodded. "We so often complain about what we don't like instead of giving thanks for what we have," she said.

"Oh, I don't know," said Brad. "I don't complain about the weather. I like summer, and I like winter. I'm an easy guy to get along with." He grinned at his parents.

"I wasn't talking only about weather complaints," said Mom.

"I know," Brad admitted.

"Good!" said Mom. "Then I assume you'll do the lunch dishes without complaining. You'll be remembering with gratitude the good meal you just ate."

"Oh, Mom," protested Brad, but he put the tape recorder on the shelf and began to clear the table.

"I'd better go shovel the driveway and give thanks that I don't have to pull weeds in the garden today," said Dad. He put his arm around Brad's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I appreciate the good lesson!" added Dad. "Did you record this conversation, too? I might need to be reminded of it again when the weeds start to grow."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you content with what you have? Do you grumble about the rain, or do you thank God that the grass and gardens are being watered? Do you murmur about someone who ignored you, or do you thank the Lord for the good times you have with friends? Are you unhappy because you can't get a new shirt, or do you give thanks for your new shoes? Be thankful for what you have. Learn to be content with your circumstances.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Almost a Christian?

". . . I'm so glad you came to save us," Amber sang along with the music coming from the car radio. She thought about the words. I guess I'm glad Jesus came to save us, she thought, but I've never really thought much about it. Maybe I should . . .

"Look!" Amber's sister Meg pointed to the big sale sign in a store window. "I hope we can go shopping there next week. I want a new outfit." Amber spent the rest of the ride to church thinking about new clothes.

Amber's Sunday school lesson was about King Agrippa. "He was almost persuaded to trust in Jesus. He heard the Gospel, but as far as we know, he never did receive Christ," said Mrs. Burns. "I hope none of you put off making that important decision." Amber squirmed. I should talk to Mrs. Burns about that, she thought. But when class was dismissed, Becca wanted to tell Amber about her trip to Disney World, so Amber decided to talk with Mrs. Burns another time.

In church, Pastor Blake's sermon pointed out the fact that everyone is a sinner and needs to trust in Jesus. He finished his sermon with an invitation to accept God's gift of salvation. I should go and talk to Pastor Blake right now, thought Amber, but . . . I wonder what Becca and the other kids would say. Amber hesitated until the service finally ended.

After dinner, Amber's mother said she could give her dog the bone from the roast. Amber opened the back door. "Come, Spunky," she called. "I've got something good for you." Spunky looked up and started her way, but then a bird caught his attention. "Forget the bird! Come here!" Amber yelled. Spunky turned around, but when a dog barked on the other side of the fence, Spunky ran toward the sound. "Spunky, come here!" Amber called again. "Aren't you hungry? What are you waiting for?" Spunky sniffed the grass. "Make up your mind. Do you want this bone or not?"

Suddenly it dawned on Amber that she was just like Spunky. God had a gift for her, but she had allowed all sorts of things-clothes, pleasure, friends, and fear-keep her from making sure she had received it. What am I waiting for? she thought. I need to trust in Jesus now, but I'm not sure I understand exactly what that means. Amber turned and went into the house to talk with her mom about it.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you an almost  a Christian? Do you know that there is no such thing? Either you are a Christian or you are not. Are you trusting in Jesus as Savior or are you not? Don't let things distract you from settling the matter. Admit that you're a sinner and need Jesus. Receive Him into your life today! (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) If you're still unsure, ask someone who is a Christian to help you understand.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Co 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)