Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Appreciation Expression

Mary was just reaching for a snack when the phone rang.  "I've got it, Mom," she called as she picked up the receiver.  After talking a few minutes, she hung up and went to find Mother.  "Guess what, Mom," she said.  "That was Mrs. Chafley, my Sunday school teacher when I was in the Primary Department.  She's in town today and she's calling some of her old students."

    Mother smiled.  "That's nice of her," she said.

    "Mrs. Chafley say she still prays for us each week," Mary said thoughtfully.  "I really did like her for a teacher!"

    Taking an apple and her books, Mary headed for her bedroom.  Math problems were her first priority, but as she flipped through the pages, she kept thinking of Mrs. Chafley.  It was she who had explained so well how Jesus died, rose again, and was now living in heaven.  She had shown Mary that all Jesus desired of her was to believe in Him and receive what He had done for her.

    That night during family devotions, Dad read from Philippians about how Paul was thankful every time he remembered others who loved God and shared that love with him.  "Paul's example is a good one for us to follow," Mother said thoughtfully.  "Your phone call today, Mary, started me thinking about my former Sunday school teachers.  It reminded me that we should be thankful for those who help us learn about God.  We should also pray for them and let them know how much we appreciate them."

    "How can we do that?" asked Mary.

    "For me, one way is to visit Mrs. Palmer," answered Mother.  "She's one of my old teachers, and she lives in a nursing home near here.  I'll see if I can help her in any way.  She helped me so much when I was young."

    "And I'll write Mrs. Chafley a note, thanking her for being my teacher," Mary said.

    "Good idea," approved Dad.  "Give me a minute here -- I'm going to think of a way to thank someone, too.  I don't want to be left out."  He snapped his fingers.  "I've got it!  I'll invite Mr. Lance, our Sunday school superintendent, out for lunch and let him know I appreciate all the work he's doing."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you pray for your Sunday school teacher, youth leader, pastor, and friends who are helping you understand God's Word?  Have you thanked them for the time they spend in preparation, the effort they give in presenting the Bible message, and the concern they have for you and others?  Take time to do that soon.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Flowers And Stones

Lori stood in front of the mirror and straightened her shirt.  She carefully arranged her hair and stepped back to see herself.  It was picture day at school, and Lori wanted the picture to be perfect.

    Lori's little sister Jodi looked up with a smile.  "You look pretty," she said.  "Will you help me pick out something to wear?  I want to look pretty, too."

    "I don't have time to help you," replied Lori crossly.  "I still have to find a necklace to go with this shirt."

    Jodi looked disappointed.  "Can I borrow a necklace?" she asked.

    Lori shook her head.  "You'd just lose it."

    Jodi's eyes filled with tears.  "No, I wouldn't," she said.  "I've never lost a necklace."

    Lori frowned at her.  "I don't have time for this," she snapped.  "I have to get ready.  Quit pestering me!"

    When Lori went to the kitchen, she saw a vase of flowers standing on the table.  "Ohhh!  Roses!" exclaimed Lori.  "Where did they come from, Mom?"

    "Mrs. Green just brought them over," said Mother.  "They're from her rose garden."'

    "They're so pretty!" Lori exclaimed.  But when she reached for a flower, she pricked her finger on a sharp thorn.  "Ouch!" she cried.  Tears came to her eyes and a bright drop of blood appeared on her finger.  "The roses are pretty but the thorns are too sharp," she complained as she held a tissue to her finger.

    Mother looked thoughtful.  "I wonder if that's what God thinks about people now and then," she murmured.

    "People?" asked Lori.  "What are you talking about?"

    "Actually, I was thinking of you," Mother replied.

    Lori was surprised.  "Me?" she asked.  "Why me?"

    "Like the roses, you look very pretty this morning.  But I overheard you talking to your sister -- you were very sharp with her," explained Mother.  "You hurt her feelings much like that thorn hurt your finger.  You know, it's hard to appreciate beauty when thorns get in the way."

    "I. . .I. . . ." stammered Lori.  She sighed.  "You're right," she admitted.  "I didn't act pretty.  I'll go tell Jodi I'm sorry."   

    "Good."  Mother nodded.  "Tell God, too," she added.  "And maybe you could still help Jodi decide what to wear."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry about how you look on the outside?  It is important to keep a good appearance, but it's even more important to be Christ-like in your actions.  Remember to treat others the way you wish to be treated.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 6:31  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Filled Up

Don and Jack asked me to go to Ski Valley with them tomorrow, Uncle Tim, said Mike.  "The snow is just right!"  Uncle Tim didn't say anything as he put down a can of oil, but Mike knew what he was thinking -- tomorrow was Sunday.  "I'd miss Sunday school just this once!" Mike added.  "That wouldn't hurt, would it?"

    "You've already missed more than once."  Uncle Tim spoke kindly to his nephew.  The two were especially close since Mike's parents didn't have much interest in church.

    Mike's face fell.  "Yeah, I guess," he muttered.  "There were a few times when my parents had special plans.  But what can it hurt to miss once more?  There haven't been many good ski days this winter, and I'd sure like to go!"

    "What can it hurt?" repeated Uncle Tim.  "Well, it would hurt God, of course.  And it would hurt your teacher, who has prepared your lesson and prayed for you.  And. . .it would hurt you, Mike."

    "Me?"  Mike shrugged.  "I don't think it would hurt me," he said.

    Turning toward his car, Uncle Tim pulled out the dipstick to measure the oil.  He whistled.  "It's pretty low," he said, picking up the oil can.  Then he put the can down again.   He shrugged and scratched his head.  "Oh, well," he said.  "At least it will still run."  He closed the hood.

    "Uncle Tim!" exclaimed Mike.  "If you run it without oil, you could ruin the motor!"  He was a little proud of his knowledge of cars -- and more than a little glad that his uncle had changed the subject.

    "Hmmmm, that's true.  A car without oil can't go far without running into trouble," Uncle Tim agreed.  Then he returned to the previous subject.  "And a Christian who is low on spiritual food can't go very far without trouble, either.  One of the best places to get that spiritual food is in church and Sunday school."

    "Oh. . .right."  Mike was startled, but he grinned good-naturedly.  "You got me, Uncle Tim.  I'll be in church tomorrow," he promised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you or your parents are sick, you may not be able to get to church or Sunday school.  Occasionally, the weather makes it too dangerous to drive or walk.  Sometimes there are unusual circumstances which make it impossible to go.  But when you want to skip church for some fun thing, you must stop and think about it.  You need church.  You must not let your "spiritual oil" get low.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Eph 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Spring Cleaning

The junior high Sunday school class was getting geared up for it's annual "Spring Cleaning Give-Away."  Each year, members of the class brought books, games, and other articles that they were no longer using to give to the Pine Crest Children's Home.   

    "What can I give this year?" Paul asked his mother as he fumbled through his closet.  "With Dad out of work part of the year, we barely had enough money to get the things we needed, let alone anything extra."

    Mom smiled.  "Oh, I'm sure you can come up with something," she said.  "Maybe there's something in your locker at school."

    The next day,  Paul searched hopelessly through his locker.  Lots of old papers, broken pencils, and even a dirty pair of gym socks were soon piled up on the floor.  Then he spied a baseball that he had borrowed from Randy long before.  Randy's probably forgotten about this -- he's got more baseballs than anyone I know, Paul thought, pulling the ball from the back of his locker.   He tucked the ball in his jacket pocket and headed home.

    That evening Paul showed the ball to his dad.  "I'm gonna help old Randy do a good deed," he told Dad.  "I'm gonna give this to the kids at the home.  Randy will never miss it."

    Dad frowned.  "Whoa!" he said.  "You can't give something that isn't yours."

    "But it's for a good cause," insisted Paul.

    "Doing something wrong can't be justified by saying that you're doing it for God," Dad told him.  "King Saul, in the Bible, tried to do that.  God had told him to destroy all the cattle and sheep in a certain city, but King Saul kept some of the best animals -- he said he wanted to sacrifice them to God.  God was not pleased.  He'd rather have Saul obey Him than offer sacrifices.  And God would rather have you obey His command to not steal than to keep that ball -- even for a good cause!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever tempted to steal or disobey in some way in order to do what seems to be a good thing?  God doesn't want you to decide whether or not to obey His commands, depending on your situation.  When God says "don't steal" and "keep yourself pure," that's exactly what He means.  Always obey Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Ti 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Lemon Juice

Julie felt downright grouchy as she sat on the couch at the home of her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Watson. I don't see why I have to be on this stupid Parents' Night planning committee, she thought. I'm missing my favorite TV program to be here! Marla and Danny, the other committee members, seemed to enjoy the meeting-or at least they did at first. They had made several suggestions, but Julie had just scowled about all of them. Now the others seemed to be losing a lot of their enthusiasm, too.

"Julie," said Mrs. Watson finally, "why don't you help me prepare the snacks? Marla and Danny, you've been doing some good thinking. Keep it up." She stood and led the way to the kitchen.

Glumly, Julie followed. While she arranged cookies on a plate, Mrs. Watson prepared hot chocolate. After a moment, Mrs. Watson glanced at Julie and then got out a bottle of lemon juice. "Maybe I should add a little of this lemon juice to the chocolate," said Mrs. Watson. "What do you think, Julie?"

"Lemon juice?" Julie was surprised. "In hot chocolate? That would make it sour, and hot chocolate's supposed to be sweet."

"Do you think just a little bit of it would make much difference?" asked Mrs. Watson. "I wouldn't put in much."

"I think it would ruin it!" Julie exclaimed.

Mrs. Watson looked at the bottle of juice. "You're right, of course," she agreed. "And you know, Julie, just like a little lemon juice can ruin this hot chocolate, a bad attitude from just one person can spoil the special night we're planning. We want this Parents' Night to be a good one, especially since we know there will be unsaved dads and moms attending. Marla and Danny have come up with some good ideas, but you've cut down everything they've suggested-you've 'soured' them all."

Julie bit her lip and stared at the floor. "I . . . I'm sorry," she said at last, and she really was. She had found out it wasn't very much fun being grouchy anyhow!

"Okay-you're forgiven," said Mrs. Watson, giving her a hug. "Now . . . here are the cookies. Let's see if we can sweeten up this meeting."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a complainer? Do you often "get into moods" if things don't go the way you want? You might be surprised how quickly your moods can spread. Remember, too, that God hears when you murmur and complain. He wants you to be joyful and get along with others. Ask Him to help you have a good attitude. Radiate joy instead of grouchiness!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Php 2:14  Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

[Soldier4Christ]

 Christian Cowards?

"Hurry, Dana," called Mom, "Marcy's mother will be here soon."

Dana rushed down the stairs and looked out the window. "Marcy's always in a bad mood when her mother drives the car pool," said Dana. "Her mom likes to act silly and joke around with us kids. She's funny, actually, but Marcy is embarrassed by her behavior. It's awkward."

"That's too bad," said Mom.

"I know," agreed Dana. "Her mom is fun to be with, but Marcy spends so much time apologizing for her and saying how weird she is. I guess some of the kids are starting to believe her."

"Her mother must feel sad that her own child is ashamed of her," said Mom. Dana nodded. "I'm afraid there are times we act just like Marcy," Mom added thoughtfully. "We're children of God, but we sometimes act ashamed of our relationship to Jesus Christ."

"I'd never say Jesus is weird," Dana disagreed. "I'm not ashamed that He's my Savior. My friends know I go to church."

"Yes, but have you ever kept silent about your belief in God when you should have had the courage to speak up?" Mom challenged. "Like if a teacher promotes evolution, for example? Or how about when Marcy criticizes her mom? Do you encourage her to obey God by honoring her mother instead?"

"Mom!" Dana protested. "I don't want the kids to call me a Jesus freak."

"When we allow the opinion of others to influence our words and behavior instead of being obedient to God's Word and standing up for Him, we are cowards," said Mom firmly. "We hurt the reputation of our Lord Jesus when we disregard His Word, just like Marcy hurts her mother's reputation. Think about that, Dana."

A horn honked outside. Dana hesitated. "I really don't want to be a coward," she said quietly, "but it's hard to speak up."

Mom hugged Dana. "It's hard for all of us, honey," she admitted. "Together we can encourage each other not to be ashamed of our Lord and His Word. Now, get going-and I'll be praying for you. Today may give you another opportunity to demonstrate courage."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry about what other kids will think of you if you speak up for Jesus? If you're a believer in Jesus Christ, God has called you to be a witness for Him. Living a godly life demands courage because others may mock and criticize you. Show that you love Jesus by letting others know you belong to Him. Go out today with courage to obey what He shows you is the right thing to do and say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Family Portrait

Art class was Anna's favorite, and she eagerly waited to hear what the day's assignment would be. "Today," said Miss Hamilton as she passed out paper, "you are going to use chalk to draw a picture of your family."

Some of the children groaned in protest, but Anna smiled. She knew just what to draw. She started sketching, and soon her paper was nearly filled with faces of girls, boys, men and women. She used every color of chalk as she drew blondes, brunettes, redheads, and bald heads. She used peach, tan, brown, beige, and pink on the faces. She was putting glasses on some of them when Miss Hamilton said it was time to stop.

"Who would like to share your picture with us?" Miss Hamilton asked.

Randi raised her hand. "This is me, my parents and brother, and all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins," she said as she showed her paper.

"Aunts and uncles and cousins?" asked Ben. "Were we supposed to draw them, too? I thought we had to just draw our parents and brothers and sisters."

"I said 'family' so that can be whoever you want to include," said Miss Hamilton. She stopped at Anna's chair. "Anna, would you like to tell us who all is in your picture?" she asked.

 Anna held up her picture. "I don't know much about my real family," she said hesitantly, "but here's my foster family. And this lady is my caseworker. This is a picture of the one who teaches my class at church. These are some kids in Honduras that our class collected money for. This one's my pastor. This is a missionary family in Africa, and here are some of the people who come to their clinic. These are . . ."

"Wait," objected Ben. "Those people aren't your family."

"Oh, yes they are," stated Anna firmly. "The Bible says everyone who's a Christian is part of God's family. I'm a Christian, and these people are, too, so they're all my family." She stopped, unsure of what her classmates, and especially her teacher, would think of that.

"I like it," stated Randi as she started sketching a few more figures in her picture.

Miss Hamilton smiled. "I do, too," she said. "I think it's a wonderful thing, Anna, to have such a large family."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think of other Christians and yourself as a "family"? If you're part of God's family, all those who love Him are part of your family. This includes people you don't know, some who speak a different language, and even some you may not like very well. It includes people who are well-known and some you've wished you could meet. It includes everyone who loves Jesus. Family is a wonderful, special blessing. And don't forget-family members should be treated lovingly.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

[Soldier4Christ]

 A New Look

Kelli was near tears when she arrived home after school. "Hi, honey," Mom greeted her. "Are those tears in your eyes? What's wrong?"

Kelli sniffed as she took off her coat and hung it up. "The kids on the bus are mean-they called me 'four-eyes,'" she said, taking off her glasses to wipe away her tears. "I . . . I don't want to wear my glasses anymore."

"Oh, honey, you look very nice with your new glasses," Mom comforted her. "You have a new look, and the kids have noticed it. They just like to tease. Ignore them, and they'll soon get tired of it." She smiled at Kelli. "Wear them to school tomorrow and just smile at the kids who tease you."

Kelli looked at the glasses in her hand. "I will," she said determinedly as she slipped them back on. "Being teased isn't as bad as not seeing good."

"That's right," agreed Mom as she got up to answer the phone. "You might be surprised at what happens when you don't allow the teasing to upset you."

Mom sat down with a sigh when she returned after talking on the phone. "My friend Rachel reminds me of you," said Mom.

"Why is that?" asked Kelli. "She doesn't get teased about wearing glasses, does she?"

"No," said Mom. "Rachel has an even bigger problem. She worries that she'll get teased about being a Christian."

Kelli nodded. "Sometimes that happens at school, too," she said, "but Rachel's not in school anymore, is she?"

"No," said Mom, "but she's a new Christian, and she told me that when she's with her old friends, she often acts and talks just the way they do. Rachel has a new life, but she's afraid her friends will tease her and laugh at her if she doesn't join them in the things they do." Mom shook her head. "Just like you need to put on your new glasses, Rachel needs to 'put on' her new self. She's afraid to do that-we all are sometimes." Mom smiled at her daughter as she added, "We're not as brave as you are, Kelli."

Kelli smiled. "I'll be braver tomorrow!" she declared. "I'll put on my new glasses, and when I think about Rachel, I'll work harder at putting on my new self, too!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid of being teased and laughed at because you're a Christian? Are you afraid of being a little different from your friends? God says to put off the old self and put on the new. The blessings He'll give as you live for Him are worth any teasing you may be asked to endure.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Col 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mountain Top Experiences

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) Luke 9:28-33 (NIV)

One of the happiest days of my life was the day my son was born.  This is a picture of me holding my new-born son.  I think you can tell by the smile on my face that it was a very happy day for me.  It was such a happy day that I found myself wishing that it would never end.

Even though the birth of my son was a very happy day, would it have been a good thing if it had never ended?  No!  That day was not a stopping place, it was a starting place.  It was the start of a wonderful journey with my son.   There would be many happy days to come...his first tooth, watching him take his first steps, his first day of school, his graduation from high school.

Have you ever had a day that was so wonderful that you wanted it to last forever?  I am sure you probably have.  Did you know that Jesus' disciples had days like that too?  Our Bible lesson today is about one of those days.

One day, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him up onto a mountain to pray.  As Jesus was praying, something very strange happened.  The Bible says that the appearance of his face began to change and that his clothing became as bright as a flash of lightning.  Then, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus.  When Peter saw this, he was so excited that he told Jesus that he thought that they should just stay up there on the mountain and build three tabernacles -- one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

Peter didn't understand that this wonderful experience on the mountain was not a stopping place -- it was a starting place.  It was a starting place for God's greatest gift -- the gift of salvation.  Following this moment on the mountain, Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the grave so that you and I could have eternal life in heaven.

God sends a lot of happy days into our life.  The day that we meet Jesus is, without a doubt, the happiest day of our life, but it isn't a stopping place -- it is a starting point for a journey that leads to eternal life in heaven with Him.

Dear Father, we thank you for all of the happy days that you send our way, but most of all, we thank you for the happiest day -- the day we met Jesus and invited him into our heart. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Making Rainbows

A hard rain shower passed, and sunshine glistened on the grass and trees. Then brilliant colors arched the sky. It was still raining lightly as Tiffany gazed out the window. "Dad, come see the beautiful rainbow!" she exclaimed.

When Dad joined her, he smiled and said, "That's God's way of reminding us He'll never send another great flood like He did in Noah's time."

"How does God make rainbows?" asked Tiffany.

"Well, when the sun is behind us and the rain is in front of us, the rays of sun pass through the raindrops," said Dad. "The water acts like a prism."

"A prism," repeated Tiffany. "I don't know what a prism is."

"I'll show you," said Dad. "Come with me." He led the way to his "odds-and-ends" cupboard. "Would you like a rainbow to keep in your room?" asked Dad.

"In my room?" echoed Tiffany. "Sure, but how?" Dad smiled, and she watched as he picked out a ball of heavy string, a scissors, and a small, triangular-shaped glass with a small hook on one end. "What's that glass?" Tiffany asked.

Dad held it up. "This a prism," he replied. He tied one end of the string to the hook on the glass and held it out toward Tiffany. "Cut here," he said. She took the scissors and cut the string. "Okay," said Dad, "let's take this to your room."

Tiffany was puzzled. "What are you going to do with it?" she asked.

Dad smiled and tied the triangular glass to a curtain rod in Tiffany's room. A moment later, a little rainbow danced on her desk and spilled onto the floor. "Cool!" exclaimed Tiffany. "I love it!" She grinned. "Just wait till I tell my friends I have my very own tiny rainbow!"

"You'll have it only when the sun is shining," Dad warned her. "The sun shining through the prism is what makes the rainbow." He turned and looked at her. "Did you know that you can be like a prism?"

Tiffany laughed. "Sorry, Dad, but the sun shining on me just makes shadows."

"I'm not thinking about the sun in the sky," Dad said. "I'm thinking about the Son of God-the Lord Jesus. His love shining through you will produce something even more beautiful than a rainbow. Through your actions and attitude, people around you will see God's love and joy and peace."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What can you do to make "rainbows"-to make something beautiful-in your world today? How about encouraging a friend who's feeling "down"? Doing chores around the house to help your parents? Listening to a neighbor in trouble? Visiting your grandparents or other elderly folk? God can use you to bring a "rainbow" of happiness to others' lives. They'll be blessed by having you there, just like people were once blessed by having the Apostle Paul with them (see today's Scripture).


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Php 1:26  That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Everyday Blessings

"I actually thought it was going to be kind of cool to have this cast on my leg," Ben said as his dad helped him into the car after church. "When Derek had a cast on his foot, the kids were always offering to carry his books to his classes and stuff like that. He said all the attention was great!" Ben sighed. "I can't say it's been that way for me, and I can't believe how much these crutches slow me down."

"I'm sure you'll get used to them before long," Dad assured him.

As they were driving home, Ben's parents discussed the church service. "Pastor Gordon's message was right on!" declared Mom, and Dad nodded.

Ben frowned. "Maybe, but it was hard to pay attention when the microphone kept messing up," he said. "Did we have a new sound man today or something?"

Dad shook his head. "No, Mr. Stanley's been faithfully running the sound board for years," he replied. "I don't know what happened with the mikes today." Dad paused, then added, "It's like your leg, Ben."

"My leg?" echoed Ben. "What's the sound man got to do with me and my broken leg?"

"Tell me, Ben-how often in the last 24 hours have you thought about your leg?" asked Dad.

Ben winced. "About a gazillion times," he said.

"Before your accident, you didn't even think about the way your leg felt, did you?" asked Dad. Ben shook his head. "You never thought about the microphones or the great job the sound man was doing until something went wrong," observed Dad, "just like you didn't think about your leg until something was wrong with it. That reminds me that we need to learn to be thankful and show appreciation for what goes right, and not be so quick to criticize when something goes wrong."

Ben was thoughtful for a moment. "But, Dad, if I walk around saying 'I'm sure glad I didn't break both my legs,' people are going to think I'm a little weird," he said with a grin.

Mom and Dad laughed. "Maybe, but it wouldn't hurt for us to remember once in a while to thank God for an arm or leg that feels good," said Mom. "The absence of pain deserves to get some of our attention, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you notice when things seems to be good and right? Those things might be called "everyday blessings" because they often don't get our attention the way painful times do. The next time your tummy hurts, thank God for the health you usually enjoy. If it rains, thank Him for the sunny days you've had. If there are chores you have to do, thank Him for the times you could play. Don't take God's blessings for granted. Express thanks for all the good things He's given you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 68:19  Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sunshine or Rain

"I don't like weeds," grumbled Jenny as she helped her mother in the garden. She pulled one of the tiny green weeds that had sprung up in the flowerbed. "There are so many, and it takes a lot of work getting them all out even if they're not very big yet." She scowled. "Why do weeds grow anyway?"

"Well, I guess the real answer is that they're a result of sin entering the world," said Mom.

"Weeds and sin . . . I guess that figures," said Jenny. "It makes sense to me that those words belong together, but I wish God would make only the flowers grow-like they probably did in the Garden of Eden."

Mom laughed. "That would be nice," she agreed, "but I'm afraid that won't happen in this life." After a moment she added, "As the Bible says, God sends sunshine and rain to both the just and on the unjust. When we think of the garden, I guess we could compare the 'just' to the flowers and the 'unjust' to the weeds. The sunshine and rain nourish both of them-the weeds as well as the flowers."

Jenny grinned. "We learned a poem about what it says in that Bible verse," she said. "Want to hear it?" Without waiting for an answer, she began to quote the poem. "The rain . . . it falls upon the just and on the unjust fella, but mostly on the just because the unjust stole the just's umbrella!"

Mom laughed. "Clever," she said.

Jenny and Mom were quiet for a few minutes as they busily uprooted weeds and tossed them onto the rubbish heap. "You know what, Mom?" said Jenny seriously as she sat down on the grass and looked up at her mother. "That Bible verse really shows that God loves and cares for all of us, no matter what we look like or what we do, doesn't it? Whether we think we're ugly or pretty, clever or stupid, nice or unpleasant-or whatever-God loves us all."

"That's a very good point, Jenny," said Mom. "We're often attracted to people who look nice, and especially to those who are nice to us. But you're right-God isn't like that. He loves everyone, even those we think of as enemies. He wants us to show love to them, too. It may be that He wants to use us to win them to Himself."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do some kids seem like "flowers" to you because they're friendly and loveable and easy to get along with? Do others seem like "weeds" because they don't act very nice or they ignore you? Perhaps they're the ones almost nobody likes. Do you remember that God loves them all? You can't be close friends with all of them, but do what you can to demonstrate God's love to them through kindness and a friendly attitude.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Mat 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ordinary Days

The Murrays were concluding their family devotions each day by reading a chapter from a missionary book.  "The jungle closed in around Pedro," read Dad.  "He knew his enemies were looking for him.  Since Pedro had become a Christian, other members of his tribe were determined to kill him, and even now they were not far behind on the jungle trail.  There seemed no escape.  Pedro prayed as he ran."

    "This is so scary," Mary whispered.

    Dad continued reading.  "Suddenly a dark-skinned man stepped out of the bushes just ahead.  He motioned for Pedro to follow him and started moving deeper into the jungle.  Should I follow him? Pedro wondered.  Is this man an enemy, too?  I've never seen him before.  Pedro didn't know what to do."  Dad looked up, put a marker in the book and closed it.  "End of chapter," he said.  "Bedtime!"

    "Oh, no!" groaned Kurt.

    "Just one more page?" pleaded Mary.

    Mother shook her head.  "There's school tomorrow." 

    Kurt stretched.  "Boy, some people live such exciting lives, and mine is so. . .ah. . .ordinary.  You know what I mean. . .it's mostly school, practicing trumpet, studying, eating, sleeping, and school again."

    "Well, I suspect Pedro was glad when his life became somewhat ordinary after he escaped from his enemies," said Dad with a grin.

    "Then he does get away!"  Kurt laughed heartily at his unexpected discovery.  "Well, I still think my days are pretty dull."

    "God planned for ordinary days in our lives," said Dad.  "He knows we need them to grow and learn about Him.  Even men of the Bible had ordinary days.  Take Daniel, for example.  He. . . ."

    "Daniel!" exclaimed Kurt.  "His life was exciting.  He even got thrown into a lions' den."

    "True, but he didn't face lions every day," said Dad.  "He also worked in the king's court doing many ordinary jobs.  And Paul was a tentmaker.  He must have spent many days sewing, measuring, and cutting.  We need to see all the ordinary days as gifts from God.  Do your best on those days, too, and good will come of it."

    With a yawn Kurt stood up.  "Yeah.  Okay, I better get to bed then, so I can be rested for another. . .ah. . .ordinary day."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes think all the exciting things are happening to everyone else?  These days of schooling, eating, playing, sleeping, and more schooling are all part of God's plan to prepare you for the future.  If you see each day as a gift from God, it will be easier to perform the ordinary jobs like homework, practicing your instrument, and washing dishes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Ecc 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

[Soldier4Christ]

 Todd Helps Dad

Todd could not believe how cranky Dad had been lately.  Mom told the children that it was because his company had run into major problems with the construction of a building they were putting up.  She said something about the state inspector not approving the plans Dad had drawn for the electrical wiring.  Todd didn't understand any of this.  All he knew was that Dad was like a bear with a sore foot!  The problem was beginning to affect Dad's health, too.  He wasn't eating much, and there were large dark circles under his eyes.  Todd overheard Mom telling Dad he needed to get more sleep.  Dad replied in a gruff tone, "Doesn't do any good to go to bed.  Can't sleep anyway."

    Todd had been reading a Psalm each evening for his devotions.  When he came to Psalm 127, the first two verses seemed to jump right off the page.  (Did you read today's Scripture?)  Before going to sleep, he earnestly prayed that Dad would be able to relax and forget his problems.

    In the middle of the night, Todd woke up.  He went to get a drink and saw a light in Dad's study.  Sure enough, there sat Dad with his head in his hands, staring at his plans for the wiring.  Todd approached him timidly.  "Dad, can I show you a verse I read tonight?" he asked.

    "Sure, Son," said Dad.  He waited while Todd found the verse and read it.  "It is vain for you. . .to sit up late. . .for so He giveth His beloved sleep," repeated Dad when Todd finished reading the verse.  "Hmmm.  Thanks, Todd.  Let's both go to bed."

    The next morning Todd couldn't believe his ears.  Dad was whistling!  "Todd, this morning I found the error in my plans," he said.  "I don't know why I never saw it before.  Guess my brain was too muddled by worry and lack of sleep."   He tousled Todd's hair playfully.  "Oh -- and look here at verse three of Psalm 127.  This verse is certainly true, Son."

    Arm in arm, the two walked to the breakfast table.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has there been a time when your parents seemed concerned over a particular problem -- so concerned that they could not sleep?  Perhaps you could gently remind them that the Bible says it is useless to lie awake and worry.  God can give them sleep.  Remember this in your own life, too.  Study well for that big test; then trust God to help you with it.  Get a good night's sleep.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 127:2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Whiner Or Winner

You have scoliosis, Debi.  That means you have a curved spine, said Dr. Bryant.  He turned toward Mother.  "A specialist will decide how it should be treated.  Exercises may help, or Debi may have to wear a brace, or possibly have surgery."

    In the following days, Debi prayed and prayed.  Oh, how she wanted God to straighten her spine.  "God can heal you, Debi," Mother said one night, "but if He doesn't, it's because He loves you and wants to make you a better person."

    "How can wearing an ugly brace do that?" protested Debi.

    "By teaching you discipline and compassion," Mother answered.

    To her dismay, Debi did need the brace.  "This will restrict your physical activities some, but not much," the doctor told her.  "You'll be able to do almost everything you've always done."

    A few days later, Mother noticed that Debi had allowed her room to become very messy.  "Go clean your room right now!" Mother scolded.

    "I can't," whined Debi.  "My brace is so awkward!"

    Mother frowned.  "I'm sorry, honey, but you will have to adjust.  Go clean your room."

    Later Mother heard Debi on the telephone.  "Oh, I couldn't do that, Pam.  I might hurt my back," she whined.

    "What can't you do?" Mother asked later.

    "I can't go hiking," Debi answered.

    "You certainly can," said Mother.  "Debi, a brace on your back does not make you an invalid."  She shook her head.  "You know, honey," she added, "your physical problem can make you a whiner or a winner."

    Debi sniffed.  "How can I be a winner with this brace?"

    "By having the right attitude," answered Mother.  "Remember Job?  Everything went wrong in his life -- everything but his attitude.  He came out a winner.  With God's help, you can be one, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
The question is not "What's your problem?"  The question is "How's your attitude?"  Everyone has problems.  Your problems can make you or break you.  You can become a "whiner" or a "winner."  It's up to you.  What's your choice?  No matter what happens, will you say with Paul, "When I am weak, then I am strong"?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Co 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.