Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Vacation Lessons Part 4

Karen had enjoyed her vacation with Aunt Dee, but now it was time to go back home.  The day before she left, her aunt gave her a special present -- a little gold pendant with a real diamond chip!  Karen squealed in delight.  "Oh-h-h-h!  It's so pretty!" she exclaimed.  "Look at it sparkle."

    "There's no gem with quite so much sparkle as the diamond," said Aunt Dee as Karen gave her a hug.

    "My mom has a diamond ring," said Karen, "and that's what I want when I get engaged!"

    Aunt Dee laughed.  "Well, I hope that won't happen for a long time to come," she said.  "But it's true that a young man often does show his love for a young lady by giving her a diamond."  She paused in thought.  "In a way, God has also given us a diamond," she added, but then she quickly corrected herself.  "No, that's not right.  He gave us more -- much more -- than a diamond.  He gave us His only begotten Son.  That's how much He loves us."

    Karen had learned a special verse a long time before, and right now it seemed to fit with what her aunt was saying.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life."  She quoted it to her aunt.  "That's John 3:16," she finished.

    Aunt Dee nodded.  "Yes, and that shows how much God loves us," she said.  Smiling, she added, "A man gives a beautiful diamond to the woman he loves, but God gave His very own Son, the Lord Jesus, for everyone."

    Karen looked once again at the necklace her aunt had given her.  Yes, diamonds were beautiful and precious, but they couldn't compare with God's gift.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever think seriously about what God gave to this world -- to you?  It wasn't something man-made; it wasn't something you have to buy; it wasn't something that only had a sparkle.  It was His own Son, Jesus.  How much does that mean to you?  Have you accepted His gift of love?  (See last page.)  Have you ever really thanked Him for that wonderful priceless gift?  You can do so now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 4:10  H)
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Tumbling Cans

Dennis, if you'll watch Bonnie for me, I can get my groceries in a jiffy, suggested Mother.  "Then I'll drop you off at the game."

    "Oh, all right," Dennis agreed reluctantly.  "Come on, Bonnie.  Let's take a walk,"

    "Thanks, dear.  I'll meet you at the checkout counter in about fifteen minutes," Mother said.  "Keep a good eye on Bonnie."

    "Look!" squealed Bonnie a few minutes later.  "Candy!"

    "Don't touch anything, Bonnie," Dennis warned as they strolled down the aisle.  "Let's go this way."

    As they reached the end of the aisle, they met Brad, one of Dennis' friends.  The two boys started chatting, then. . .CRASH!  Dennis whirled around to see Bonnie sitting in the middle of the tomato sauce display.  Cans were rolling everywhere!  "Bonnie!" Dennis wailed.  "I told you not to touch!"  Bonnie began to cry, and Dennis tried to restack the cans.  A stock boy relieved him of the task, so Dennis grabbed Bonnie and rushed to find Mother.

    That night, Dennis told the story to Dad.  "I was so embarrassed.  I just wanted to hide," he said.  "I didn't want anyone to know Bonnie was my sister!"

    Dad laughed and hugged Bonnie.  "Did you really do that?"

    "Yes, Daddy," Bonnie admitted.  "But Dennis yelled real loud.  I was 'shamed of him, too.  He made me cry."

    "So you were each ashamed of the other," mused Dad.  "That reminds me of some verses in the Bible."

    "It does?" asked Dennis.  "What ones?"

    "Those that talk about Jesus being ashamed of us," replied Dad.  "We Christians sometimes act ashamed and embarrassed about our relationship to Jesus Christ -- afraid of what people will think of us.  But someday Jesus may be ashamed of us!  He's coming back to earth in blazing glory, and then we'll want to be claimed by Him.  Meanwhile, we should be glad to identify ourselves as His followers, no matter what it costs."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions or words indicate that you're ashamed of Jesus?  Are you embarrassed to be known as a Christian?  Do you do things that would make Jesus ashamed of you?  Remember, some day Jesus will come as King.  Then who will be ashamed of whom?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 8:38 Wh)
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Disobedient Christian

Kathy ran upstairs and into the room she shared with her sisters -- actually, one sister, now that Marj was in college.  Kathy wished there were still the three of them -- it had been so much fun!  "The Preston Girls," people called them.  "Three of the sweetest Christians in church," they said.  Marj had been away on her own for a year, but Kathy missed her now just as much as she had when Marj first left.

    "Beth," Kathy said, "what's going on around here?  Grandma always looks like she's been crying.  Mom does, too, and even Daddy goes around with a long face.  What is it that you're hiding from me?"

    "We're not hiding anything, Kathy -- it's just that you're so young," Beth told her.

    "I'm old enough!" protested Kathy.  "Is it something to do with Marj?"  Kathy's voice trembled.  "It is, isn't it!  Those gossipy girls at school -- they said Marj was living with some man, and they're not married.  I didn't believe them, but it's true, isn't it?"  Kathy burst into tears.   

    Beth sat beside her on the bed and put her arms around her little sister.  "Why, Beth?" Kathy asked when she could speak again.  "Why would Marj do that?  It's so wrong.  It's sin.  And she's a -- she's a Christian."

    "Marj is a Christian who is living in disobedience to the Lord," explained Beth.  "She says she's an adult and can do what she wants.  She says she's responsible for herself.  She just doesn't know how all of us who love her feel responsible, too -- and so sad and hurt.  She doesn't seem to realize that it hurts us because we know God will deal with her about this sin.  She will be hurt by what she's doing, too.  Someday she will stop and listen to God."

    "What can we do?" asked Kathy tearfully.  "Can't we stop her?"

    "Mom and Dad and Grandma and the church family are doing all they can," Beth replied, "but Marj just wants her own way.  We need to love her and pray for her.  And I guess we can learn from Marj, too -- we can learn how much it hurts others when someone is a disobedient Christian."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone in your family, or perhaps in your church family, who is a disobedient Christian, living in sin?  If so, you know how much it hurts.  It hurts God much more!  He will not turn away from His disobedient children but will continue to work in their lives.  You must not turn away, either.  You must continue to love that person and to pray for him or her.  You can learn from a situation like this -- to always be obedient to God.  Remember that when you sin, it hurts other people and God as well as you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 6:13  Y)
Yield yourselves unto God. . .and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Feeling Itchy-Scratchy

I need that red marker! hissed Ellie, snatching it from her big brother Tad.  She dropped it on top of the card she was coloring and bent to scratch the big mosquito bite on her leg.  "Oooh, this will never go away!" she moaned.  The big, swollen bump stung and throbbed and itched again.  Ellie straightened up, intending to color, but Tad had grabbed the marker back.  "Give it here!" ordered Ellie, her voice rising.  "Making a card for Mom was my idea.  You're always copying me!"

    "Well, I draw better than you," retorted Tad.  "And I want the red."

    "Give me that marker right now!"  Ellie was almost shouting, and all the time her sharp fingernails scratched, scratched, scratched the bite.

    Hannah, their older sister, staggered into the room with a big laundry basket.  "Quiet down you two!" she said.  "Remember, Mom needs lots of rest!"  She sat down with a sigh, and gave them a smile.  "What's the problem this time?"

    Ellie thought of her mother, trying to grow strong again after her operation.  But the mosquito bite was burning and itching -- just like her anger at Tad.  "Tad took my marker," grumbled Ellie.  "And besides. . .I just feel so 'itchy-scratchy' from this mosquito bite!"

    Hannah nodded sympathetically.  "You know, scratching an insect bite just makes it worse, Ellie.  You need to soothe the itch away," she said.  She ran a cloth under the cold water faucet and handed it to Ellie.  "Try this," she suggested.  Ellie smiled in relief as she held the cold, wet cloth against the bite.  "It's soothing, isn't it?" asked Hannah.  "Try to remember that God's love is soothing, too -- it's patient and kind.  If your heart is filled with His love, you won't be so 'itchy-scratchy' with other people.  If someone makes you 'itch,' remember that scratching back only makes the argument worse.  Show God's love instead."

    "Okay," agreed Ellie, grinning over at Tad.  He grinned, too, and together they finished their cards.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What irritates you?  A bossy big sister, or a whining little brother?  When you feel annoyed with someone, ask God to help you show love that is patient.  It will be like a cool cloth, soothing away the "itchy-scratchy" feelings.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 13:4  C)
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Potter And The Clay

Jessie worked the clay carefully with her fingers.  Soon, what had begun as a brown glob was turning into a vase.  When Mom came into the kitchen, Jessie held up the vase for her to see.  "That's very pretty," said Mom.

    "It's a present for Gran's birthday," said Jessie.  "I'm going to keep working on it until I have it just right."

    Jessie patiently worked on the vase until it was just the way she liked it.  Then she put it on a shelf to dry. 

    That afternoon, Jessie was in the middle of an exciting book when Mom asked her to empty the waste baskets.  "Better hurry," urged Mom.  "I think I hear the truck coming."

    Jessie made a face.  "I don't see why I always have to stop what I'm doing to do my stupid chores," she grumbled as she got up to do what Mom asked.   

    Mom caught her eye and frowned.  "If that book is causing you to feel that way, I think we had better put it away for a while," she said sternly.

    Later, Jessie's friend Karen came over to play. . .but after a little while, Jessie lost her temper.  Then she was disappointed when Karen grabbed her coat and went home.

    Jessie thought about what had happened.  She felt bad about having gotten angry.  She also felt bad about her attitude when Mom had asked her to do her chores.  With a sigh, Jessie went to talk with her mother in the kitchen.  "Mom," she began hesitantly, "I. . .I'm sorry I was grouchy about my chores."  She sat down at the table and rubbed a hand across her eyes.  "I. . .I lost my temper again, too," she added.  "I guess I'm hopeless.  I'll never be the kind of person I want to be."

    Mom wiped her hands and pointed to the shelf holding the vase Jessie had made.  "That vase started out as a lump of clay," she said.  "It took a potter -- you -- to mold it into something lovely.  And you worked at it until you had it just right, didn't you?"  Jessie nodded.  "Well, when you accepted Jesus, you agreed to let Him mold your life," continued Mom.  "It takes time and patience, but He can smooth out the lumps that keep you from being who He wants you to be."

    "Lumps like my bad temper?" asked Jessie.

    "Exactly," said Mom.  "Sometimes He uses parents and discipline to help smooth the lumps away.  Sometimes He uses unpleasant results from your own actions.  But Jesus doesn't give up on you.  He keeps working to make you more and more like Him.  Don't you give up either!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you discouraged because you do and say things for which you are sorry?  Do you feel you're hopeless?  God doesn't give up, and neither should you.  Accept whatever correction He sends as He molds you, and thank Him for continuing to work on you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:6  B)
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Better Comparison

Hi, honey.  Mom smiled as Yolanda slid into the car and snapped her seat belt in place.  "How was school?"   

    Yolanda looked out the window.  "Fine," she said softly. 

    Mom backed the car out of the parking place.  "Anything interesting happen in class today?" she asked.

    "I got a seventy-three on my math test."  Yolanda forced a smile.

    "Seventy-three?"  Mom glanced at her.  "What happened?"

    Yolanda shrugged her shoulders.  "I don't know," she said.  Then she added, "But that's not such a bad grade compared to a couple of the other kids who got forty on the test."

    Mom sighed.  "I see," she said. "And what was the highest score?"

    Yolanda didn't speak for a moment.  "A hundred," she said finally.

    They rode in silence for a while until Mom spoke. "Well, if you compare your score with a forty, a seventy-three looks pretty good," she agreed, glancing again at Yolanda.  "But, if you compare it with one hundred per cent. . .well, seventy-three doesn't look so good, does it?"

    Yolanda shook her head and stared out the window.

    "If seventy-three is the best you can do, that's fine," said Mom, "but I don't think it is.  How about letting me help you with some of the problems you got wrong?"

    Yolanda shrugged here shoulders. "Okay," she said, "but I still don't think seventy-three is so bad."

    Mom frowned.  "You know something, sweetheart," she said at last.  "Maybe we can both learn an important lesson about living for Christ from this test you took."

    "What do you mean, Mom?" asked Yolanda.

    "Well, you think seventy-three isn't so bad when compared with forty, and it's easy for us to start thinking some wrong things we've done aren't so bad when we compare ourselves with others who use bad language, or steal, or get into fights. When we compare ourselves with the things others do, we might even be tempted to think we don't need to ask God to forgive us for our 'little' sins.  But if we compare ourselves to Jesus, who obeyed the Father one hundred per cent, we can really see how much we need God's forgiveness -- because none of us obeys God one hundred per cent."

    Yolanda was silent, thinking. Then she turned to look at her mother. "I guess that's true, Mom," she said.  "I never thought how important it is to compare myself with Jesus, instead of with other people."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you compare yourself with others, thinking, "I'm not as bad as they are"?  Remember, all sin makes God sad. . . even those things we call 'little' sins.  Compare yourself with Jesus, and you'll realize that everyone needs to be forgiven.  The wonderful thing is that when you confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you, He will.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:16)
Be ye holy; for I am holy.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sodium Chloride Of The Earth

Steven seated himself at the table, a smile playing on the corners of his mouth.  He waited patiently as the food was put on the table and his father offered a prayer of thanks.  Then he spoke up.  "Please pass the sodium chloride," he said as seriously as he could manage.

    "What?"  Dad laughed.  "I know what you're talking about, but where did you hear that?"

    Steven laughed, too.  "In school today," he said.  "We had a lesson on salt, and I thought I'd ask for it by that name."

    "Well, if you were trying to impress us," Mother said, "you did."

    "Salt's important," Steven informed them.  "It's used for lots of things."

    "It sure is important to my cooking," said Mother.  "Salt is used to flavor food and also to keep it from spoiling."

    "Did you know that sodium chloride is mentioned in the Bible?" asked Dad.

    "Aw, c'mon, Dad," protested Steven.  "In the Bible?"

     Dad chuckled.  "Well, not by that name," he said, "but it does talk about salt.  It tells us that Christians are the salt of the earth.  Christians can help preserve and flavor the earth.  Unless. . . ." he stopped abruptly.

    "Unless what?" Steven asked.

    "Unless the salt has lost its power," said Dad.  "The Bible says that if the salt doesn't have the power to flavor anything, then it's actually good for nothing except to step on."

    "So a Christian has to be careful to live in such a way that he has the power of Christ in his life and can help people," Mother added.  "Christians are to be like salt -- helping, preserving, and being useful. . . being a good influence on those they meet."

    Dad smiled at Steven.  "I wonder if the people we see each day can tell we're part of the sodium chloride of the earth," he said.  "I hope so."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you being a "good flavor" to your schoolmates?  To your family?  Jesus didn't say you could be like salt if you wanted to be.  No, He said you are the salt of the earth.  Live that way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:13 Ye)
Ye are the salt of the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Second Chance

Look what Joshua did to my tape!  Natalie's face was red with anger.  "He's ruined it!"  She turned toward her little brother, who sat at the table eating ice cream.  "Don't you ever touch my tape player or tapes again!"

    "I'm sorry, Natalie," Joshua said sadly.  "It just broked."

    "Tapes don't just break!" Natalie argued.  "You broke it."  She shook her finger at Joshua.  "From now on you leave my tapes alone!" she repeated as she went to her room to study.

    The next afternoon Mother joined Natalie in her room.  "More homework?" she asked.

    "Another math test tomorrow," Natalie replied.  "We had one today, but most of us messed up, so Miss Nelson is giving us another chance."

    Mother smiled.  "It's nice of her to give you a second chance."

    Natalie nodded.  "Miss Nelson is a nice teacher."

    "Joshua sure could use a second chance," said Mother.

    Natalie looked puzzled.  "Joshua doesn't take tests in kindergarten."

    "He needs a second chance with you," said Mother.  "Don't you think you were a little hard on him yesterday?  He gets so much enjoyment from listening to Bible stories on your tape player.  You never seemed to mind before, and yesterday was the first time he ever hurt anything."

    Joshua, who had been in the hall listening, came into the room.  "I'll save my 'llowance and buy you another tape," he offered.

    As Natalie hesitated, her glance fell on her math book.  Remembering her second chance in math, she smiled.  "You don't have to do that, Joshua," she said.  "That was an old tape anyway.  I've heard it a hundred times."  She handed him another tape.  "Here's a new one.  Why don't you listen to it?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God has often given you a second chance?  How many times have you cheated, lied, or disobeyed?  How many times have you failed Him in one way or another?  Yet when you confess your sin to God, He always forgives you.  Are you holding a grudge against somebody?  Don't you think that person deserves a second chance, too?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:13 Fo)
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Disappointing Birthday

When Laurie's birthday arrived, she found an envelope addressed to her in the mailbox.  She clapped her hands.  She knew it would be there.  Every year Aunt Joy sent her money, and Laurie could buy whatever she wanted with it.  Quickly, she tore the envelope open and found a beautiful card from Aunt Joy.  Laurie opened the card, expecting to see the money inside, but there was none.  The card was signed, "Lots of love, Aunt Joy."

    "I can't believe this!" Laurie exclaimed, feeling bitterly disappointed.  "Mom, I got a birthday card from Aunt Joy, but there's no money in it!"

    "I know you're disappointed," Mom said gently.  "Aunt Joy told me she was going to leave it out this year."

    "But why?" asked Laurie.

    "The last few years you never wrote to tell her you received the money and to thank her for it," answered Mom.  Laurie blushed.  She remembered the many times Mom had reminded her, but she had never gotten around to writing.  "You see, Aunt Joy loves you very much, and she cares what kind of person you become.  She doesn't want you to be an ungrateful or unthoughtful person," continued Mom.  "Do you remember the story of the ten lepers Jesus healed?  It seems to me they must all have been delighted to be healed, yet only one came back to tell Jesus how he felt.  Jesus was pleased with that one.  It's not enough just to be grateful for a gift; you must show that gratefulness."

    Laurie was very sober as she thought it over.  "I was wrong not to write Aunt Joy," she said finally.  "From now on, I'm going to be thoughtful enough to thank people for things they do for me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember to thank others when they do something for you?  How about thanking your mother for all the washing, cooking, and cleaning she does for you?  How about thanking your father for providing a home for you?  Think of other people who do things for you and thank them.  It takes practice to become a grateful and thoughtful person, but that's the kind of person God wants you to be.  Be sure to thank God for all He's done for you, too.  Don't be numbered with the nine lepers who failed to express their thanks.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 17:17  A)
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ready To Help

Jean watched in horror as elderly Mrs. Carlson tripped over the curb and fell to the ground.  She ran out of the house to see if her neighbor was hurt.  "Don't move," she said when she saw that Mrs. Carlson was in great pain.  "I'll get a blanket and call 911."  With that she ran  back into the house.

    When Jean returned, Mrs. Carlson looked up and smiled weakly.  "I'm so glad you were here," she said.  "You seem to know exactly what to do.  Thank you."

    Soon the E-unit arrived, and Jean watched as the rescue workers carefully lifted Mrs. Carlson into the vehicle.  As Jean turned to go, she uttered a silent prayer for the injured woman.

    The next Sunday, Jean told her Sunday school teacher about the incident.  "I'm sure glad I took a first aid class," she said.  "I knew enough to put a blanket on her so she wouldn't go into shock."

    "Great!" exclaimed Miss Berry.  "It's good to know what to do in emergencies."  She paused briefly.  "You know," she added, "just as we should be prepared to give physical help, we should also be prepared to help someone find Christ when we see a need."

    Jean was quiet.  She had lots of friends who didn't know Jesus as Savior, but she didn't know what to say or how to talk with them about accepting Christ.  Actually, she was embarrassed to talk with them about it.  She admitted this to her teacher.  "I know how you feel," Miss Berry replied, "but your faithful attendance in church and Sunday school, and any Bible study you've done on your own have been a little like a spiritual first aid course.  Now you need to practice what you've learned.  Trust God to give you the words you need to tell your friends what Jesus did for you and what He wants to do for them, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you embarrassed to tell your friends about Jesus?  Are you afraid you won't know what to say?  It will be easier if you've prepared by regularly reading your Bible and memorizing verses.  Listening carefully in Sunday school and church will help, too.  Learn all you can about the Lord, and then speak up for Him.  Share your testimony with your friends.  They need Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 1:16  F)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Mysterious Witness

The red numbers on the watch flashed eerily in the darkness.  Chad sighed and stuffed it under his pillow.  Oh, why did I ever steal it in the first place? he thought.

    Chad had never owned a watch, and when he saw this one displayed on the store counter, he couldn't resist slipping it into his pocket.  Now he realized what a foolish thing he had done.  He couldn't wear the watch, because his folks would notice it.  Already he had begun to wonder whether anyone at the store had seen him steal it.  Every moment, he expected to learn that the theft had been discovered.  He tossed and turned all night, and the next morning, he was worn out from exhaustion and guilt.

    Maybe things will seem better today, he thought.  But twice on the way to school, he was sure he saw someone following him.  At lunch time, he noticed several teachers talking quietly together, and one of them seemed to glance in Chad's direction.  By the time Chad arrived home, he felt that half the world knew what he had done.

    That night as he lay in his bed, Chad heard footsteps in the hallway.  "Who's there?" he whispered hoarsely.

    The door swung open, and Chad's father stepped in.  "I just got up for a drink of water, Son," he said.  "Is everything all right?"

    Something inside Chad seemed to snap.  "It's in my top drawer, so go ahead and take it," he sobbed.

    Puzzled, Chad's father turned on the light and opened the drawer, giving a low whistle as he held up the watch.  "Judging from what you said just now, I assume you didn't get this honestly, did you?" he asked gently.  Chad poured out the whole story, ending with his impression that everybody seemed to know what he had done.  Dad nodded.  "I think I know what you mean," he said.  "Actually, Someone did see you take that watch, and He has been bothering you about it ever since."

    "But who, Dad?" Chad wondered.

    "The Holy Spirit, Son," explained Dad.  "When the Spirit begins to convict people of sin, they often have the miserable feeling that someone is 'chasing' them, and they have no rest until they stop running from God and do the right thing."

    "I. . .I need to take it back, don't I?" Chad asked through tears.

    Dad nodded.  "And what else do you think you should do?" he asked.

    Chad thought a moment.  "Confess it to God," he said.  So, on his knees, Chad asked for God's forgiveness, promising that he would take the watch back the very next day and accept the consequences of his sin.  Finally, after Dad left, Chad slipped into a deep, peaceful sleep.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there some sin in your heart about which God's Spirit is convicting you?  Does it make you feel like someone is "out to get you" -- that people dislike you or that they don't trust you?  Stop running from God.  Instead, seek the perfect peace of His forgiveness!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 28:1 Th)
The wicked flee when no man pursueth.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Caged By Sin

Spring break had come at last, and Jason could hardly wait for the trip to the zoo that Mom had promised.  They packed a picnic lunch and started out.  Mom glanced at Jason.  "Remember, this zoo has only local animals," she said.  "There won't be any tigers or elephants.  Still, I think you'll enjoy what is there."

    "I know I will," said Jason.  "Eric told me they had wolves and coyotes and even a mountain lion."

    When they reached the zoo, Jason sprang from the car.  He could see the fences and gates.  Mom paid the fee, and they entered the zoo.

    They walked past the wolves, who stood together far beyond the fence.  "Wow!  They have a lot of room to run," Jason said.

    Mom smiled.  "I think they are happiest that way," she said.

    Jason admired the mountain lion.  It stretched above them on rocks that were enclosed behind a tall fence.  Then it lazily closed its eyes.

    At last they came to a cage that housed a large bird.  "Look!  That's a bald eagle.  But what's it doing in this little cage?" Jason asked.

    Mom pointed to a sign.  "It says this bird was injured and has to stay caged until its wing is healed.  Then it will be released to fly away."

    Jason frowned.  "I feel sorry for the eagle," he said.  "I'd hate to live in a little cage."

    Mom looked thoughtful.  "There are a lot of people who live in cages," she murmured.

    Jason laughed.  "I've never heard of a people zoo," he said.  "Where is it?"

    Mom shook her head.  "I was just thinking that when people won't accept Jesus and what He has done for them, they're trapped by their sin, just like these animals are trapped in cages," she said.  "People aren't in literal cages, but in cages of sin."

    Jason nodded.  "I'm glad Jesus has set me free," he said.  "It feels good to be forgiven and fly free like an eagle."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you asked God to set you free from sin?  You may be a "good" person -- a member of a "Christian family" or of a church.  That's nice.  Many of the people Jesus talked with were "good," too. . .good, that is, in the eyes of man.  But Jesus said they needed to be set free by the Son -- by Him.  You do, too.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 142:7  B)
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Lynn's Visit

Julie set the table for dinner while her mother made a tossed green salad. "You know, Mom, I wish I'd been alive two thousand years ago," said Julie. "Jesus was living on earth then, and I'd have been able to see Him and talk to Him. But He left us and went back to heaven."

As she spoke, the phone rang. Julie answered it and carried it into the living room to talk. "That was Melissa," she said when she returned. "Did you know Lynn Peters is going to be in town to give a concert next week! Can I please go? Ple-e-ease? She's my favorite singer, you know."

Mom smiled. "Sounds good," she said.

"All right!" exclaimed Julie. She grinned at her mother. "I can hardly believe you knew her back when you were in college, and now I'll get to see her, too! I can't think of anything better than actually seeing and hearing a Lynn Peters concert."

"I can," said Mom.

"Well, you probably don't like her singing as much as I do," replied Julie.

"I've always liked her singing very much," said Mom with a smile, "and I invited her to stay with us while she's here. Is that okay with you?" Julie's mouth dropped open, and she stared at her mother in disbelief. Mom laughed. "Lynn and I used to be good friends," she said, "so when I heard she'd be in town, I invited her to spend a week with us."

"Here? In our house? And she said yes? She's actually going to stay with us? Wow! I can't wait to tell Melissa!" Julie danced up and down in delight. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Mom grinned. "I wanted to surprise you." Julie reached out to give her mother a hug. "Remember what you said a little while ago, Julie-that you wished you'd been living when Jesus was on earth?" Mom asked thoughtfully. "I think we've been forgetting something important."

 "Like what?" Julie asked.

"Well, seeing Lynn Peters will be great, but she'll come and soon be gone again. Jesus said He'd send the Holy Spirit when He left," said Mom. "The Holy Spirit lives, not just in our town and not just with us, but in us because we've trusted in Jesus. That's even better than having your favorite singer here."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever wished you'd been alive when Jesus was here? It would have been wonderful to see Him heal the sick, make the blind see, and raise the dead. It would have been great to listen to His Sermon on the Mount. His disciples were sad when He said He was going to leave them, but He promised to send the Holy Spirit to comfort them-and He did! When you trust in Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit is not just with you. He lives in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

[Soldier4Christ]

 To Sin Or Not To Sin

Slow down! gasped Nathan as he and Mark ran across the parking lot of the shopping center.  "I'm tired!  What's your hurry anyway?"

    "Did you see anyone follow us?" asked Mark breathlessly.

    Nathan looked around.  "I don't think so.  Why?"  In reply, Mark pulled a magazine from under his jacket.  "Where'd you get that?" Nathan asked.  "I didn't see you buy anything."

    Mark snickered.  "I didn't," he said.  "I took it."

    "Took it!" exclaimed Nathan.  "You mean you stole it?  Why?"

    Mark shrugged.  "Take a look," he said, holding out the magazine to Nathan.  "Would you dare walk right up to the counter and take a chance on someone seeing you buy a magazine like this?"

    Nathan was shocked.  "That's a filthy magazine, Mark!  You'd better take it back!"

    Mark sneered.  "What's the big deal?" he asked.  "Nobody saw me take it, and nobody will see me look at it, so nobody will know the difference -- unless you're gonna go tell your mommy."  He slipped the magazine back under his jacket.  "C'mon," he coaxed.  "Let's go over to my house and sneak up to my room.  It's not going to hurt anything."

    Nathan shook his head.  "I'm going home," he said.

    Mark frowned.  "Well, keep your trap shut about it," he said.  "I know, and you know, and nobody else better find out!"

    As Nathan watched Mark leave, a thought came to his mind.  "Hey, Mark," he called out, "you forgot Somebody!  God knows!"

    Mark scowled and continued walking.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think nobody saw you cheat?  Or turn your back on that lonely person?  Or eat a cookie when Mom said you shouldn't?  Do you think no one knows the angry thoughts you have about your brother or sister?  Or that deep inside you really enjoy dirty jokes?  You're wrong!  God knows all about you.  That's comforting sometimes, but it can be scary, too.  If there are things in your life that do not please Him, confess them and ask His forgiveness.  Ask God to help you be the kind of person He wants you to be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 29:15  W)
Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not A Baby

Belinda was having a problem as she baby-sat her little brother and sister.  Their mother had been gone only a few minutes when three-year-old Judith grabbed a stuffed toy from her brother, causing him to cry.  "Judith, did you take Gordy's stuffed Elmo?" asked Belinda.  Judith clutched the cuddly toy that had been in one-year-old Gordon's arms.  "It's not nice to grab things from others," Belinda explained.   

    "But Judith wants Elmo," said the little girl, trying to hide Elmo behind her back.

    "You'll have to wait until Gordy is through playing with him," replied Belinda.  Judith pouted and clung to the toy, but Belinda gently pried Elmo out of Judith's chubby fingers.  "Here, let's play with the blocks, okay?" Judith nodded, and the two of them stacked blocks up high.  Gordon, however, promptly knocked them down and grabbed some of them.  "Gordon!  Don't grab the blocks!" scolded Belinda.

    When Mom got home, Belinda was exasperated.  "Babies naturally want what someone else has," said Mom when Belinda told her about the little ones' behavior.

    A few days later, Belinda went straight to her room after school.  SLAM!  Her bedroom door rattled windows as she banged it shut.  She kicked her stuffed bear, which was sitting on the floor.  THUD!  It bounced off the wall.

    Mother knocked, then opened the door.  "Belinda!  What's going on?" she asked.

    "It's Connie," Belinda pouted.  "She was voted in as president of our class.  I wanted to win so bad!"

    "I'm sorry about that," Mom said, "but being bitter about it will only make you feel worse."

    "Well, she thinks she's so special," Belinda complained.  "You should see her strutting down the hall at school, wearing her designer label clothes!"

    "Ooooooh!"  A loud wail came from the living room, and a moment later, Gordon toddled into the room, clutching a teddy bear.  "Gordy took Petey!" cried Judith, close behind him.  "Give him to me, Gordy."

    Mom sighed and soon took care of the problem.  She shook her head.  "Like I said before, babies tend to want what someone else has," she said, "and they need to learn to be content with what they have."  She solemnly looked at Belinda.  "Are you a baby, Belinda?" Mom asked.

    Belinda glanced at Mom in surprise.  "Me!" she exclaimed.  "What do you mean?  I. . .oh!"  She paused.  "You're saying that I need to learn to be content without being president of my class," she finally added with a sigh.  "Okay.  I get the point."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you angry because someone else got picked to sing a solo part?  Are you cross because all your friends got new outfits but Mom said you didn't need one?  Maybe you didn't make the basketball team, but your best friend did.  Now you won't speak to him.  Being happy with your circumstances doesn't come easily.  You must learn to be content.  You must learn to be thankful for what God allows.  Then you'll be truly happy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 13:5  L)
Let your conversation (life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.