Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Memorial Rock

The Johnson family stood looking at the big, oak tree lying across their yard.  During the night, a fierce storm had blown the tree down.  Dad was the first to speak.  "God surely did take good care of us, didn't He?" he said, placing his hand on Mark's shoulder.  "That really makes me stop and praise Him."

    Mark looked at their house standing just a short distance from the fallen tree, yet not harmed at all.  "Yeah," he said in awe.

    "I hope I never forget all the things God has done for us," commented Mother.

    Mark nodded.  "Whenever I'm scared of something," he said,  "it helps to remember how God took care of me in the past."

    "We had a story in Bible Club about how Samuel once set up a stone as a memorial of how God had won a battle for Israel," commented Susan.  "It had kind of a funny name, but it meant something like 'God has helped us.'"

    "You're thinking of the name 'Ebenezer.'  I believe it's found in First Samuel, chapter seven" said Mother.  She smiled.  "Were you thinking of setting up a memorial rock of your own?"

    Susan laughed.  "Well, not exactly, but I thought maybe we could make a notebook of times God helps us," she suggested.  "We could add to it whenever something special happens -- like this tree missing the house."

    "That's a good idea," agreed Mark.  "Hey!  I know!  Let's put in a picture of all of us standing in front of this big tree.  Whenever we see the picture we'll be reminded of how God took care of us."

    Mother and Dad both smiled approvingly.  "We can call it our 'Ebenezer Book,'" suggested Dad.  "What a good way to remember all that God has done for us!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a way of remembering the things the Lord has done for you?  Have you received some special answers to prayer, or has God protected you in a dangerous situation?  Maybe He's helped you through a hard class at school.  Why don't you try to keep a record of what God has done for you?  Don't do it to dwell on the past, but do it to be reminded of God's great help when you're faced with a difficult situation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 59:16  But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Taxes

With her mother's permission, Ginger decided to buy some stickers with the money she had left from her allowance.  She chose several and handed them to a smiling sales clerk.  But when she heard how much money she owed for the stickers, Ginger was surprised.  "I didn't think they added up to that much," she said.

    "Did you remember to add the sales tax?" asked the clerk.

    "Oh, no!"  Ginger groaned.  "I forgot all about it!  I'll have to put some stickers back."

    When she got home, Ginger showed her mother the stickers while they enjoyed some milk and cookies together.  "Mom, why do we have to pay taxes?" Ginger asked.

    "Taxes are used to pay for a lot of different things," answered Mom.  "They're used to keep our roads repaired and to pay salaries for public workers such as teachers, policemen, firemen, congressmen, and even the President of the United States.  People have paid taxes for a long time.  In fact, they paid taxes way back in Bible times."

    "They did?"  Ginger was surprised.

    "That's right."  Mother nodded.  "There were taxes on the sale of animals, land, slaves, and produce.  Taxes were collected to support the temple and even to build roads.  During the time Jesus lived, the Jews didn't like the tax collectors, because they took more money than they should.  Some of it went to the Roman rulers, and the tax collectors kept some for themselves.  But Jesus can change anyone, and He called one of those tax collectors to be one of His disciples."

    "Really?  Which one?" asked Ginger.

    "Matthew," answered Mother.

    "The same Matthew who wrote the book of Matthew?" asked Ginger.

    Mother nodded.  "He had probably been a careful record keeper as a tax collector," she said.  "That may have helped him to record many things Jesus taught.  And did you know that we have a record of Jesus paying taxes once?"

    Ginger thought for a moment.  "Oh, I remember!" she exclaimed.  "He sent Peter to find money in the mouth of a fish.  It was used to pay taxes for both of them."  She paused and grinned.  "Well, if Jesus paid taxes, I can, too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
You hear a lot about taxes these days, don't you?  Sometimes they seem unfair -- or maybe a bit too high.  Try to remember that they are needed for many useful things.  And remember that God says we are to pay them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 13:6  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Quality Counts

It's just not fair, stormed Curt as he and Pete came into the kitchen after school.  "I'm your own brother!"

    Mom looked up from her work.  "What are you two quarreling about?" she asked.

    "Pete asked another kid to do his paper route for him while he's at school camp," Curt told her.  "He could have asked me.  He knows I need the money.  He's just being. . . ."

    "Hey!  I asked you to help me not long ago," broke in Pete.  "I told you that you had to put the paper on the porches, out of the rain.  But you were in such a hurry to finish, you just tossed them toward the houses, not bothering to see where they landed.  My customers had complained about that."

    "I guess it's no wonder he doesn't want to give you the responsibility of his paper route for three whole days!" said Mother.  Curt stalked off with a scowl on his face.

    After dinner that evening, Dad folded his napkin and picked up the Bible for family devotions.  He read about some servants who were faithful in a responsibility they had been given.  As a result they were given even greater responsibility.  But one of the servants had not been faithful, and all responsibility was taken from him.  "It's good for us to check up on ourselves and see how we're handling our responsibilities," said Dad when he finished reading.

    As Dad went on to explain more fully what he meant, Curt's thoughts went back to what had happened regarding the paper route, and he felt guilty.  Dad's voice cut into his thoughts.  ". . .and so Jesus wants us to always do our very best in whatever job we're given, whether it's some kind of employment, school work, a job in the church, or whatever tasks come our way as we live the Christian life each day."

    No more sloppy work for me, Curt decided.  I'm going to do my best to be a faithful worker -- in everything.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to get finished with your jobs as quickly or as easily as possible?  If you can be trusted with doing a small job to the very best of your ability, people will also trust you with bigger and better jobs.  And God will, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 16:10  He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Handle With Care

CRASH!  The sound of shattering glass echoed through the house.  Both Randy and his mother ran into the kitchen.  "Oh, Jennifer, you didn't!" Mother exclaimed when they saw the little girt looking in dismay at pieces of a crystal vase scattered all over the floor.  "I told you not to touch that!  You've broken my new vase!"

    "I didn't mean to," Jennifer sobbed.  "I just wanted to hold it in my hands, and it slipped away from me."

    Mother nodded.  "I see that," she said.  "Right now I want you to go wait in your room before you get cut on this glass.  I'll be there to talk to you in a minute, but first I need to get this picked up.  Randy, would you get out the vacuum for me, please?"

    As they worked, Randy shook his head.  "Jennifer should have known better than to pick up the vase," he said.  "But since she did pick it up, she should have hung on tight!"

    "That's true," agreed Mother.  She looked thoughtful.  "I can't help but think of something else that we all are holding in our hands -- something people often let slip away," she added.  Randy looked at his empty hands in bewilderment.  "Our souls are in our hands," continued Mother.  "The soul is the most valuable thing we possess, yet people play with it so carelessly.  Many are like the rich fool Jesus talked about -- interested only in having enough to eat, having a good time, and being popular.  Remember, Son, you need to handle your soul with care."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you being careless with your soul?  It's that special something inside your body that will live forever.  It's worth more than the whole world!  The Psalmist says, "My soul is continually in my hand. . . ." (Psalm 119:109)  Your soul is in your hands, too, which means it is in your care.  You are responsible for it.  It's up to you to decide where it will spend eternity -- in heaven or in hell.  Trust Jesus right now, before it's too late, and make sure that heaven is your destination!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mar 8:36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grow, Grow, Grow

Will you measure me, Mary Jo? Jeff asked his older sister.

    "Again?   I measured you every day this week," protested Mary Jo.  At his pleading look, she gave in.  "Well, all right.  Stand straight."

    "Have I grown any?" Jeff asked anxiously.

    "Nope, you're still the same height," said Mary Jo.  Jeff looked puzzled and unhappy.

    In Sunday school the next day, Jeff sang with the other kids, but there was one song he didn't really want to sing.  "Read your Bible, pray every day. . .and you'll grow, grow, grow" were the words of the song.  It's just not true, thought Jeff.  I've read my Bible every day, but I haven't grown even a little bit.  He was tempted to quit reading. . .but what if the other verse of the song is true? he thought.  It went, "Neglect your Bible, forget to pray. . .and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink."  He sure didn't want that to happen!

    That afternoon Jeff went with his parents to visit his great grandmother at the nursing home where she lived.  "Jeff, you're growing more like your father every day," Grandma Owens said, patting his arm.  "You stand like him, and you talk like him."

    Jeff thought about that on the way home.  Maybe there are more ways to grow than just getting taller, he thought.  Grandma Owens said I was "growing" more like Dad.  Maybe the words in that song mean growing in some other way, too.  He asked his parents about it.

    Mom smiled, and Dad answered.  "Reading the Bible and praying should make a person grow more like Jesus," Dad told him.  "We often check to see how much we've grown physically, and we ought to check and see how much we've grown to be like Jesus, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How much have you grown this year?  It's fun to get measured and see how much you've grown physically, but have you checked to see if you've grown in your Christian life?  By reading your Bible, thinking carefully about what you've read, and then obeying it, you'll grow to be more like Jesus every day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grass Huts and Baseballs

Greg tossed his pen down on the table and crumpled up another piece of paper.  "What should I write about, Dad?  I've never written a letter to a missionary before, but I have to do this for Sunday school."

    Dad looked up from the letter he was writing.  "What would you like to hear if you were spending four years in another country?"

    "I'd want to know how the teams were doing in baseball or soccer or whatever," said Greg with a grin.  "And I'd like to know what new model planes are out.  But I'm just a normal kid, not a missionary kid!"

    Dad raised his eyebrows.  "And you think a 'missionary kid' wouldn't be interested in those things?"

    Greg shrugged his shoulders.  "Well, when I think of missionaries, I picture grass huts, wild animals, and people who don't wear very many clothes.  I don't even know if missionaries know how to play baseball."

    "Mmmm. . .maybe you better put that letter aside until later," Dad suggested.  "We're scheduled to hear from a missionary family in church tomorrow.  They have a son about your age, and they'll be here for Sunday dinner."

    The next week, Greg couldn't stop talking about his new friend.  Pete had grown up in South America where his folks were missionaries. "He goes to a big school with other missionary kids," Greg said.  "They have a baseball team, and Pete likes to play shortstop, just like me.  And they have a really good soccer team.  He has a model ship collection, too.  Missionary kids are a lot like me!"

    Dad grinned and nodded.  "When he goes back to the mission field, maybe you can keep him posted on how your favorite teams are doing!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever written to, or gotten to know, a missionary family?  Why not write to one and maybe exchange pictures and share hobbies?  Paul, who was the first missionary sent out by the Christian church, was encouraged when he heard good reports about his Christian friends.  (See today's Scripture.)  A letter from you could really brighten someone's day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Pro 25:25  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sin Bugs

As Janie turned over a rock in the back yard, she drew back.  "Yuck!  Look at all the icky bugs hiding under this rock, Mom!" she exclaimed.  "They look like they're wearing armor."

    Mother watched the bugs scurry around.  "Those are sowbugs -- or pillbugs," she said.

    "They don't seem to like the sun.  I think they're looking for a dark place to hide," observed Janie.

    "They're a little like us then, aren't they," Mother said thoughtfully.

    Janie glanced at her mother in surprise.  "What do you mean?"

    "Well, just as these bugs are scrambling for hiding places, we sometimes scramble to find hiding places for the sin in our hearts," explained Mother.  "We try to keep it in the dark, but God sees it."

    "My Sunday school teacher was talking about sin last week.  She says there are two kinds -- there are sins of 'c-com-commission' and sins of 'omission.'"  Janie was rather pleased with herself as she used the big words.

    "And do you know what that means?" asked Mother with a smile.

    "The sins of 'commission' are the sins we commit -- the bad things we think or do," answered Janie.  "Like. . .it's sin to fight, or lie, or say something to hurt somebody."

    "That's exactly right!"  Mother nodded.  "And what are the sins of 'omission'?"

    "That's when we don't do things we should do," answered Janie, "like not calling a friend when we know she's sad, or not telling a friend about Jesus when we get the chance."

    "Good for you!"  Mother smiled.  "You remembered that lesson very well."

    Janie nodded as she watched the last of the insects disappear.  "I'll think of these guys as 'sin bugs' from now on," she said.  She shuddered.  "They'll be a reminder that I don't want sin in my heart."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are "sins of commission" and "sins of omission" new terms to you?  It's sometimes easy to recognize the things we do wrong, but it's harder to realize that "not doing" something may be a sin, too.  Check your life.  Are there some commands given in the Bible that you have not put into practice?  Is there something you know you should do for a friend?  Are there things you should do around your home, even though no one has told you to do them?  Is there someone at school that you should invite to church?  Do you think nobody will notice if you fail to do those things?  God will know.  Confess your failures to Him.  Then get busy and do the things He wants you to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Fortress

Early American settlers built fortresses to protect them in case of an attack, read Tina from the brochure she held.  She and her parents were on vacation and were visiting an old fort.  The brochure explained that forts were often built on a hill so it would be difficult for the enemy to sneak up on them.  Tina looked around.  "Look at the towers at each corner," she said, pointing toward the top of the fortress.  "Let's climb up and look out."

    "You surely can see a long way in every direction," commented Mother after they had climbed the steep steps to one of the towers.

    "That was the purpose of the towers," Dad replied.  "Lookouts were posted in them.  When an enemy was sighted, the lookout could warn the people in time for them to close the gate and prepare for battle."

    Tina and her parents went down the ladder and walked all around the fortress with its thick, sturdy walls.  Her father pointed to bullet holes in the outside walls.  The bullets had gone in only a short distance.  "The people must have felt safe when they were inside," Tina said.

    "Perhaps they did," Dad agreed, "but sometimes the enemy was very strong and was able to get inside the fortress.  When that happened, many people were killed."

    "The Bible says God is our rock and our fortress," said Mother, "but He offers much better protection than any man-made fortress.  He not only provided salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, but He watches over us throughout our lives."

    "Yes, and the Bible also says God is our high tower," Dad replied.  "He sees what's in the future for us.  We can be sure He'll take care of us no matter what comes into our lives."

    For devotions that evening, Dad asked Tina to read from Psalm Eighteen.  Somehow she felt especially secure as she climbed into bed that night.  Thank You, Lord, she prayed silently, that I know I'm safe in Your care.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid of something or someone?  Do you worry about what may happen next week, next month, or even next year?  God doesn't promise that you won't have any problems in your life, but He does promise that He will guide you through them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 31:3  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Taken For Granted

It was Tim's turn to stack the breakfast dishes.  Usually Mother thanked him for his help, but this time she didn't say anything even though he did a good job.

    On the way to school, Tim saw a younger child fall and drop several books.  Tim hurried to help him.  The child grabbed the books and ran off without even looking at Tim.  What an ungrateful kid! thought Tim.

    At recess, Tim offered to pass out papers.  Up and down the rows he went, putting the papers on the desks.  When he was finished, his teacher glanced up.  "You can go now," she said absently.  Tim looked at her curiously.  Didn't she even appreciate his help?

    On Tim's paper route, there was an old man who was crippled with arthritis.  Since it was hard for him to bend over, Tim always rang his doorbell and handed the paper to him.  Today the man stared at Tim and grumbled, "I've been looking for you.  You're late!"

    "I don't mind the extra trouble of waiting for him to answer his door, Tim thought, but it sure would be nice to know he liked what I do for him.  As he walked home, Tim felt a little discouraged.

    "Why the sad face, Tim?" asked Mrs. Brown, a lady who lived on his street and was a special friend.

    "Oh, nothing big -- but it just seems as though everyone takes me for granted," complained Tim.

    "I've felt that way myself."  Mrs. Brown nodded sympathetically.  "And I'm sure God must feel that way often."

    Tim's head jerked up.  "Why would He feel that way?"

    "Well, I appreciate all He does for me," said Mrs. Brown, "but so often I neglect to tell Him.  And I want to tell you, Tim, I appreciate having you for a friend and neighbor."

    Tim smiled and felt better, but he was thoughtful as he walked home.  That evening, he took extra time to thank God for all His blessings.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of thanking God for your food at every meal?  Today's Scripture indicates that Jesus took time to give thanks before eating.  How about all your other blessings?  Maybe you do appreciate them, but do you thank God in your own words for all He gives you?  If not, begin doing so today.  God enjoys hearing your "thank you. "


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Ch 29:13  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Blank Piece of Paper

I want a volunteer to sign this paper.  Miss Sheryl showed her Sunday school class a blank sheet.  "When you sign it, you will be agreeing to obey whatever I write on the paper."  Eyebrows raised and eyes widened.  "I could ask you to mow my lawn or to give me your allowance next week or to invite five people to Sunday school.  I can write anything I want on this paper.  Now. . .who will sign it?"  There were several giggles, but no volunteers.  "Don't you trust me?" asked Miss Sheryl.  The Juniors grinned.

    Finally Gina raised her hand.  "I'll sign it, Miss Sheryl," she said.

    After Gina signed her name, Miss Sheryl took the paper again and began writing.  Everyone waited breathlessly.  When she finished, she handed the paper to Gina.  "Read it out loud," she instructed.

    "Go to the table in the corner," Gina read.  "Pick up the Bible, and keep whatever you find under it.  It's yours."  Quickly, Gina obeyed.  "Ooohhh," she squealed as she lifted the Bible.  On the table was a dollar bill.  She picked it up and smiled at her teacher.  "Thank you, Miss Sheryl."

    "Thank you, Gina, for trusting me," Miss Sheryl replied.

    When Gina had taken her seat, Miss Sheryl spoke.  "When we give our lives to the Lord Jesus, it's a little like signing a blank sheet of paper.  We say, 'Lord, I am surrendering my life to You.  You write in the orders.'  Before Gina could receive her reward, what did she have to do?"

    "She had to sign the paper," said Tiffany.

    "And she had to do what it said," Brent added.

    "Right."  Miss Sheryl nodded.  "She had to trust me, and she had to obey me.  It's like that with our relationship with God, too.  We must trust Him and obey Him.  We don't have to be afraid to hand our lives over to Him.  He has many rewards for those who surrender to Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to yield your life to God?  Are you worried that He'll ask you to do something hard?  Don't fret.  Give your life to Him in unconditional surrender.  Do whatever it is that you know He wants you to do.  You'll be surprised at all the good things He has in store for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 31:19  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

[Soldier4Christ]

 Batter Up

Jason squatted behind the batter and watched the ball sail toward his glove.  He raised his mitt to catch it.  Suddenly the batter swung wildly and lost his grip on the bat.  He missed the ball and his bat hit the bottom of Jason's mask.  Jason fell backward.  He felt dizzy.

    Everyone rushed forward to see if Jason was okay.  Someone lifted the mask, and he heard his mother's voice.  "Jason, are you all right?"

    Jason rubbed his chin.  "I think so," he said.  "It's just a little sore."  He got up and put his mask back on.  "I'm fine," he assured everyone.  The game went on and Jason's team won.   

    After supper the next Wednesday night, Jason hesitantly approached his mother.  "Can I. . .ah. . .can I skip our youth group Bible study tonight?" he asked.  "There are lots of other things I could be doing instead of studying Bible lessons and memorizing verses every week.  I'm a Christian now and that's what counts anyway, right?"

    Mother looked at Jason.  "It is most important that you've accepted Jesus," she agreed, "but Bible study is important, too.  It will help you grow in your faith."  She paused, then asked, "Remember when that batter accidentally hit you with the bat?"

    Jason rubbed his chin.  "I sure do."

    "You don't want to quit wearing your catcher's mask now, do you?"

    "Of course not," said Jason.  "But what does that have to do with Bible study?"

    "The catcher's mask offers protection when you play ball, and studying the Bible offers protection in your everyday life," said Mother.

    Jason frowned.  "I don't get it," he said.

    "As you grow up, people may question your faith, and if you don't have a solid belief in the Bible, you may begin to doubt," explained Mother.  "Understanding God's Word is protection for your faith."

    Slowly, Jason nodded.  "So I keep wearing my catcher's mask to protect my head, and I keep going to Wednesday night Bible study to protect my faith, right?" he asked.  He grinned.  "Okay," he agreed.  "I'm on my way."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you learn all you can about God and His Word?  What you learn from the Bible can protect you when troubles or temptations come along.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Knock Knock

Kenny had forgotten his key.  All the way home from school he worried about how he would get into the house.  Maybe Mom will be home early today, he thought, and then she'll let me in.  But when he reached home, Mom's car wasn't in the driveway.  So Kenny went to the side of the house and checked the basement windows.  They were all locked.  As he went back to the front of the house, his sister arrived home from her piano lesson.  "Sarah, do you have your house key with you?" Kenny asked eagerly.  "I forgot mine." 

    Sarah shook her head.  "I lost mine last week, remember?  I don't have a new one yet.  Isn't Mom home?"

    "Do you see her car?" asked Kenny with a sigh.  "Come on.  Let's check the first floor windows.  I'll boost you up so you can reach them."  He locked his hands together.  "Here," he said.  "This will make a step for you.  Try it."  So Sarah put her foot in Kenny's hands, but when she tried to step up, his hands gave way and they both fell.  Sarah plunged head first into a bush and Kenny fell flat on his stomach in the mud.

    Just then, Mom's car pulled into the driveway, but Mom didn't get out.  It was Raul, the mechanic from Bob's Car Repair Center.  Kenny and Sarah watched as Raul knocked on the front door.  To their surprise, Mom opened it.  She had been in the house the whole time!  "Thanks, Raul," she said.  "You seem to have a way with that car."

    As Raul left, Mom spied the children.  "Dear me!  What happened to you two?" she asked.

    Kenny and Sarah looked at one another and began to laugh when they realized how ridiculous they looked.  "This reminds me of my Bible verse, 'knock and it shall be opened unto you,'" said Kenny.  "Why didn't we just think to knock?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you "thought to knock"?  Perhaps there's something you need help with, someone you're concerned about, some problem at school or with a friend.  Have you prayed about it?  Jesus invites you to talk with Him about it.  He's waiting to answer.  But be sure you want something for the right reasons.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Jas 4:2  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Close Enough

Let's go on the Blue Streak next, called Matt.  "That's a really big roller coaster, and it looks like lots of fun."

    The boys scurried over to the line for the Blue Streak, getting there just ahead of a large group.  But a lady stopped them as they were making their way through the turnstile.  "Hold on, young man.  Let's see how tall you are," she said, smiling at Matt as she held up the measuring stick.  Matt looked nervously at his older brothers and stood as tall as he could while the lady held the stick behind him.  "I'm sorry," she said, "but you're about an inch too short to go on this ride."

    "But, ma'am, it's so close!  Can't you just let him on?" pleaded Bryan.  "He's not scared.  I know he'll be fine."

    Matt smiled weakly as the lady looked down at him once more.  "I'm sorry," she said, shaking her head, "but for safety reasons, every rider must be at least forty-eight inches tall."

    Three disappointed boys turned around and walked slowly away.  "I'm sorry, guys," Matt said apologetically.  "I can't believe that lady wouldn't let me ride when it was so close."

    "It's not your fault, Matt," said Bryan.  "But never mind -- you'll be tall enough next year.  C'mon.  Let's go try the Mine Ride.  I'll beat you there."  Laughing, they dashed off toward the smaller roller coaster.

    That evening, the boys told their parents about it.  "Don't you think they should have let me ride on the Blue Streak today?" asked  Matt.  "I mean. . .only one inch!  That should be close enough, shouldn't it?"

    Mom shook her head.  "Close doesn't count in a lot of things."

    "That's right," agreed Dad, looking up from his newspaper.  "For example -- a lot of people think they come close enough to meeting God's requirements for getting into heaven.  They live a pretty good life according to man's standards, but God says it's not good enough.  They're still sinners and must be born again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do lots of good things?  Perhaps you obey your parents, help around the house, respect your teachers and others in authority, treat other people well, and in general, live a "good" life.  That's nice -- you may even be close to being perfect, but God says you're still a sinner and that unless you are "born again" by trusting Jesus as Savior, you cannot enter heaven.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Living Stones

The Wilson's were eager for their new house to be finished.  They had watched the progress from the very beginning.  When the day came for the brick layers to begin their work, Dad and Tom decided to go and watch a little while.  "Wow!  They've got a lot done already!" exclaimed Tom when they got there.

    Dad nodded.  "Look how perfectly straight the men are laying those bricks," he said.  "It always amazes me."  He pointed to a string that was stretched from one corner to another corner.  "I see these men are still using the old string method to make sure the line of bricks is straight."  The bricks were in line with the string.

    "I wonder how they make sure the string is really straight," said Tom.  "I bet they use a level."  He grinned at Dad.  "We learned about a level in school.  It's a tool you lay on or along side of something, and if it isn't level, there's a bubble that doesn't stay in the middle."

    Dad smiled and nodded.  "Tom, did you know this brick building can be compared to our lives as Christians?" he asked after a while.  "The Bible calls us 'living stones' built into a spiritual house.  It says that Christ is the Chief Corner Stone."

    "You mean. . .like that first stone where the string begins?" asked Tom, pointing to the corner of the house.

    "Yes, that stone is the guide, just as Christ is the Guide in our lives," replied Dad.  "He is perfect because He is God.  Now. . .what would happen if some bricks were left out of the wall?"

    Tom thought for a minute.  "It would be weaker and could fall."

    "Right." Dad nodded.  "Every brick is important.  And in the spiritual realm, each Christian is very special and important, too."  He grinned at Tom.  "Think of that now and then when you look at the bricks on our new house," he added.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel that you are not important?  Do you feel unloved or just in the way?  You are very special to God.  Always remember that Jesus is the cornerstone -- He is the guide for your life -- and as a Christian, you are a "living stone."  You are an important part of the Christian community.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Pe 2:5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Search And Destroy

Come along, Mike.  We have to clean the basement now, called Dad.  Mike hardly looked up from the book he was reading, but a moment later, he slowly put it down and went to the basement.  Dad handed him a broom, and Mike began dusting cobwebs out of corners, while Dad cleaned a shelf.  "That must be a good book," Dad said.

    "It sure is, Dad," agreed Mike as he reached into a musty corner with the broom.  "It's about some spies on a 'search and destroy' mission.  They want to blow up a bridge, cutting their enemies off from the escape route."

    "Sounds exciting," said Dad.

    "It is," said Mike.  He stopped working while his mind went back to the story.

    Dad smiled.  "Well, you'd better get on with your own 'search and destroy' mission," he said.  "The sooner you finish this job, the sooner you can get back to your book."

    "You're right, Dad," said Mike, waving the broom.  "Watch out, spiders!  I'm coming after you!"

    Dad dumped some trash in a container.  "Every Christian has an enemy on a 'search and destroy' mission against him," he said.  "Satan's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy.  He tries to steal your love for God, kill your desire to serve Him, and destroy your witness for Him."

    Mike was thoughtful.  "Yeah," he said finally, "like the time I wanted to stay home and watch a TV program instead of going to Bible Club.  I guess he stole my love for God.  And one time I didn't want to go with my Sunday school class to pass out tracts.  I didn't feel like serving God or witnessing."

    "Hey, good thinking!" Dad praised him.  "You know, there's only one way to fight Satan, and that's to stay close to Jesus.  Then Satan can't harm you."  Dad gave the basement an approving glance.  "Thanks for helping.  You've done a good job.  Now you can go back to your book and see how it turns out," he added with a smile.

    Mike grinned "Okay!"  He headed for the stairs.  "But I decided to do my Sunday school lesson first," he told Dad.  "I don't want to give Satan a chance to use that book to keep me from staying close to God!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware of Satan's secret mission against you?  Are you on guard for it?  He knows just how to turn you away from loving God fully.  But you can fight him.  When you want to disobey Mom, skip church, tell a lie, or do any wrong thing, it's Satan attacking you.  Realize that, and ask Jesus to help you follow Him.  Jesus is stronger than Satan, and He will help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.