Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Celebration Summer

Mindy sniffed.  "I told all my friends I was going to Niagara Falls and Canada," she said, "and now. . . ."

    "Dad said he was sorry," interrupted twelve-year-old Jeff.  "He can't help it that his job made it necessary to change our plans."

    "I think we have two choices here," said Mother.  "We can mope around all summer feeling sorry for ourselves, or we can be thankful for the things we are able to do.  We can have a 'celebration summer' with mini-vacations."

    Mindy frowned.  "What would we celebrate?" she asked.

    "We can celebrate having good health and being together," suggested Mother.  "We can enjoy the beauty of God's creation around us."

    "Can we do some special things, too?" asked Jeff.  "Some things we always say we want to do 'someday,' -- like touring the bakery?"      "Yeah, and how about the museum and the pottery factory?" asked Mindy, starting to feel a little excited at the idea.

    Mother nodded.  "And this year we'll make time to go to the Indian Pow-wow and the steam engine show," she promised.

    "And let's go camping at Mr. Barnes' farm, down by his pond," Jeff suggested.

    "Let's take Grandpa James with us," Mindy added.  "He'd love it."

    Mother smiled.  "That's a splendid idea.  Why don't we include someone on each one of our mini-vacations?  Let's share with someone else the good times God gives us."

    "Boy, this sounds like lots more fun than riding for days in the car," decided Jeff.      "And this year it won't be just a two-week vacation," said Mindy as she went to find a calendar.  "It will last all summer long!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your family unable to take a big vacation this year?  Then why not ask your parents if you can take mini-vacation trips?  And even if that doesn't work out, you'll be surprised at the good times you can have in your own neighborhood.  Open your eyes.  Enjoy the things around you.  And in your planning, don't forget to include someone who may be lonely.  Most of all, don't forget to thank God for the many good things He has provided for you to enjoy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 68:19  B)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.

[Soldier4Christ]

 It Still Stands

Drums beat, flags waved, and trumpets blew!  Bethany and Brad's eyes darted here and there trying to capture all the excitement.  Suddenly, a shot split the air!  The Fourth of July parade had begun!

    The school band proudly marched down the street in new uniforms.  When they began playing "The Star Spangled Banner," the crowd sang along.  "I know who wrote the words to our national anthem," said Brad later as the family drove home.

    "You do?" asked Mother.  "Tell us about it."

    "They were written by Francis Scott Key," Brad told them.  "While British ships were firing at Fort McHenry all through the night, Mr. Key watched from a ship just off shore.  If Fort McHenry fell, Baltimore and other key cities would probably tumble, too.  At dawn, the guns stopped, and what do you think Mr. Key finally saw?"

    "What?" asked Bethany.

    "The American flag," Brad replied.  "My teacher read a story about him, and it said that he shouted, 'The flag still stands!'  Right after that, he wrote the song."

    Bethany was impressed.  "Will it always stand, Dad?"

    "We pray it will," answered Dad.

    Brad was more confident.  "Sure, it will!  We're the strongest nation in the world.  If anybody dares. . . ."

    "Whoa!" cautioned Mother.  "God's Word teaches that nations do not rise or fall because of their great strength.  The book of Proverbs says that 'safety is of the Lord,' not from preparation for battle."

    Dad nodded.  "God has been very good to our country.  We have many privileges and blessings, and we should be thankful," he said.  "But when I see the attitudes so many take toward such issues as abortion and immorality, I fear for our land.  We should thank God every day for the privilege of living here, but we should also pray for our leaders and our people.  Our nation needs to turn back to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you thank God today for your country?  Did you pray today for its leaders?  Will you pray for them?  Pray, too, for all the people -- your neighbors, your town, your state, yourself.  Pray that you and your nation will put away the things that displease God and will trust Him to keep you free.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 33:12  B)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 No More Troubles

The man on TV waved his arms as he spoke.  "Do you have health problems?  Money problems?  Family problems?  Do you want to get rid of your troubles?  Just follow Jesus," he shouted.  "He'll take your troubles all away." As he paused, Mary heard the tap, tap, tap of a cane outdoors.  It was old Mrs. Koning, who could see only dimly.  Mary jumped up and ran outside.  She skipped up to her neighbor and put her small hand in the wrinkled one of the old lady.  "Guess what I just heard a man on TV say," said Mary.

    Mrs. Koning chuckled.  "I can't guess," she said.

    "A preacher said all your troubles will be gone if you follow Jesus," Mary told her.  She peered in curiosity at Mrs. Koning.  "You follow Jesus, don't you?" she asked.

    Mrs. Koning smiled.  "I certainly do, Mary," she said.

    "Then why doesn't God help you see again?" asked Mary.

    "He could," Mrs. Koning told her.  "He's strong and powerful enough to make the blind see. But He never promised that all my troubles would go away if I follow Jesus.  Instead, He promised He'd be with me in times of trouble, take care of all my needs, and be my friend."

    "But the preacher said you could be well," protested Mary, "and rich, too -- if you trust Jesus."

    Once more, Mrs. Koning chuckled.  "In a way, he may be right," she said.  "My sins are gone, so my soul is healthy.  I'm rich in love for God and others."  She squeezed Mary's hand.  "Never try to use Christianity as a way of having smooth sailing through life," advised Mrs. Koning.  "Christians experience troubles, too.  The difference is that they have God to help them through those troubles.  Sometimes God uses problems to teach many valuable lessons.  So following Jesus does make you healthy and rich -- but not necessarily in the way you might think."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you gotten the idea that God wants all Christians to have lots of money, beautiful clothes, many adoring friends, and perfect physical health?  This may be God's plan for you, or it may be His plan that, through troubles, you will come to know Him in a special way.  God knows what you need to best serve Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 12:9  A)
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Popcorn People

Mmmm. . .this popcorn is so good! exclaimed Marissa as she stuffed more kernels into her mouth.  "I could eat a whole pan of it."

    "Me, too," agreed Sally.  Several other girls nodded as they eagerly crunched the popcorn.  They were having a slumber party at the home of their Sunday school teacher, Miss Eckler.

    "Ow!" exclaimed Kim.  "I bit into a hard, burnt kernel!"

    Miss Eckler gave her a napkin and then asked thoughtfully, "What makes the difference between the hard kernel Kim got and the tasty ones Marissa ate?"

    "Marissa's popped; Kim's didn't," offered Shari quickly.

    Miss Eckler smiled.  "Right.  But do you have any idea why Kim's didn't pop?"

    The girls thought it over.  "I don't know," said Shari.  "Maybe Kim's didn't get hot enough so it just lay in the pan and burned."

    Miss Eckler nodded.  "It takes heat to change the corn -- to make it pop," she agreed, "and it occurs to me that people are sort of like popcorn."  The girls looked at her in surprise.

    "What do you mean?" asked Marissa.

    "They need the heat of God's Word to change their lives," explained Miss Eckler.  "When they believe and yield to God's prompting, they are changed and can become productive Christians.  If they don't yield and allow God to change them, they're like the hard, unpopped corn, set aside and not used."  Miss Eckler looked around at the group.  "It's my prayer that each of you girls will be like a popped kernel -- yielded and useful to God and others."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of a "popcorn person" are you?  You've heard the Gospel.  You know that you're a sinner and that Jesus died for you.  Have you accepted Him as your Savior?  Have you become a productive, useful Christian?  Or do you remain hard and unyielding?  Won't you yield to Jesus in faith today?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 3:15  T)
To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Better Offer

Jana plopped down on the couch. "I don't think SueAnn will ever become a
Christian," she told her mother. "I've witnessed to her lots of times, but it
doesn't do any good. She just keeps on going to X-rated movies and watching all
those television shows you won't let me watch. She reads dirty magazines, too,
and she uses lots of bad words. I've told her what I think about all that, but
she just laughs."
 

    "She'll do those things until she has the Spirit of the Lord to give her power to overcome sin,"  Mother replied.

    "But she doesn't want to overcome sin."  Jana shook her head.  "She enjoys it."

    Mother nodded.  "That's natural.  There are pleasures in sin, but living for God is much better.  Have you told SueAnn how good. . . ."

>    "Buffy!  Come back with that!"  Brian's cry rang down the hall.  "Mommy!  Buffy has my crayon!"

    The dog ran under the dining room table.  "Give it to me, Buffy," ordered Mother.  Buffy growled softly.  "Come on, Buffy.  Give it to me."  Mother reached for the crayon as she spoke.  This time Buffy growled louder.

    Jana laughed.  "You two are doing that all wrong!" she said.  She took a dog biscuit, then knelt beside the table.  "Here, Buffy!  Want something good?"  Immediately, the puppy dropped the crayon and snatched up the food.

    As Mother picked up the crayon, she grinned.  "Now why didn't I think of that?"  As Buffy and Brian went romping down the hall, Mother turned to Jana.  "You know, to get the crayon from Buffy, you offered Buffy something better.  I wonder, have you offered SueAnn something better than sin, Jana?  You've told her all she shouldn't do, but have you told her of the wonderful love of Jesus and what He has done for her -- and wants to do for her?"

    Jana looked surprised.  "No, I guess not," she admitted thoughtfully.  "From now on, I'll try to do that."






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought about what a wonderful thing it is to know Jesus as Savior?  Have you thanked Him for all the blessings that includes -- things such as peace, comfort, and joy in the Lord?   Be ready to share the good news of Jesus with your friends.  Don't just tell them all the things they're doing wrong and what they have to give up.  Tell them, too, about the blessings of being a Christian.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 10:22  T)
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Worthless

As part of a community awareness program in Molly's town, all the newspaper carriers checked up on senior citizens who lived on their routes.  At first, Molly resented the extra time it took -- especially with Mrs. Deaton, an old lady on her route who talked and talked while Molly impatiently waited to go home and play.

    One day, Mrs. Deaton got out some faded photographs.  "Who are these?" Molly asked, pointing to a picture of four little girls.

    "Oh," replied Mrs. Deaton, "those are my children."

    "How come they never visit you or take care of you, now that you're old?" Molly blurted out without thinking.

    "The children all died during a smallpox epidemic many years ago," Mrs. Deaton explained.  "Then it was just George and me until he died about twenty years ago."  Molly fidgeted when she heard that.  "Now don't fret," Mrs. Deaton added.  "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, but He never forsakes!  He's been with me all these years."

    Not long after that, Mrs. Deaton didn't come to the door even though Molly pounded loudly.  Peering through a window, Molly saw that Mrs. Deaton was slumped over the table.  "Oh, no!" Molly cried in alarm, but just then Mrs. Deaton's head jerked up.

    Seeing Molly's frightened face at the window, Mrs. Deaton quickly came to the door.  "Land sakes, child," she said, "I was so busy, I didn't even hear you."  She smiled at Molly.  "You see, I may be old, and I can't do much -- but I can talk," she explained with a wink.  "I was praying for the missionaries from my church."

    Later, Molly told her mother what had happened.  "I thought Mrs. Deaton was a worthless old lady," she said, "but I was wrong.  If I live that long, I hope I'll be as active in my faith -- and in talking about it!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you feel about older people?  Do you respect them?  Do you spend time with them and listen to what they have to say?  You'll find that older Christians can teach valuable lessons from the experiences they've faced.  They can enrich your life if you treat them with dignity.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 71:18  N)
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Different Gifts

When the Martin twins came in from school, Matt went to his room, but Mark bounded into the kitchen.  "I made all A's on my report card," he announced proudly.

    Mother hugged him.  "Good for you!  That makes me very happy."  She looked around.  "Where's Matt?"

    Mark shrugged.  "Gone to his room, I guess."

    Mother went down the hall.  "May I come in, Matt?" she asked.

    "I guess so," came the muffled reply.  "I suppose you want to see my report card."  Without looking at Mother, Matt handed it to her.

    "Hmmmm."  Mother smiled.  "Not too bad."

    "And not too good, either," Matt added angrily.  "Mark got all A's.  I didn't even make the honor roll."

    "Making the honor roll isn't the most important thing in life."  Mother sat down beside Matt.  "I'm proud of both you and Mark.  You're twins, but you're very different, and that's good.  Mark loves to read and study.  You. . . ."

    ". . .are stupid," Matt interrupted.

    "Matt, don't ever say that again!" Mother scolded.  "You're smart, too -- but in a different way from Mark.  For instance, when his bike was broken, who fixed it?"

    "I did, but there wasn't much wrong with it," said Matt with a shrug.

    "You have mechanical abilities that Mark doesn't have.  Last year we gave Mark a chess game, and we gave you a set of tools, remember?  Did it make you mad that we gave you different birthday gifts?" Mother asked.

    "Of course not!" exclaimed Matt.

    "God gives each Christian different gifts, too," explained Mother.  "Remember the verses we read from First Corinthians this morning?"  Matt nodded, and Mother continued.  "Don't think less of your abilities just because they're not like Mark's.  Thank God for the talents you have, and use them."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you compare your abilities with those others have?  You shouldn't do that, because God has not given you the same gifts He gave others.  Don't try to be anyone else.  Be yourself.  Use the talents God has given you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 4:10  A)
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sour Notes

Maria took her cello out of the hall closet and set up her music stand.  "Mom," she called, "I'm going to practice now.  Will you set the timer for thirty minutes, please?"  She began to play, but as she drew her bow across the strings, the notes that came from the cello were shaky and unsure.  In fact, there were several very "sour" notes.  "I'll never get this right," she wailed.  "This sounds awful!"

    "Try it again," said Mother, coming into the room.  With a sigh, Maria did so, and by the end of the thirty-minute practice session, the song had definitely improved.

    As the family discussed the day's activities that evening, Maria told about a neighborhood ball game.  "John lost his temper and went home mad," she said in disgust.  "He's a Christian, but he sure blew it today."

    "That's too bad," replied Dad.  "I guess that's an area in his life that needs improvement"

    "Remember that new song you were trying to play on your cello?" asked Mother.

    "Yeah," replied Maria.  "It still needs a lot of work."

    "That's true," agreed Mother, "but it's improving, so don't give up.  We all need a lot of improvement in our Christian lives, too, and I'm glad God doesn't give up on us.  When we accept Jesus, God begins to change us and make us pleasing to Him.  This takes time, but God has promised that He will continue to work in our lives."

    "Right."  Dad nodded.  "When we sin, we sound like a 'sour note,' The harmony we have with God is gone, and He is not pleased.  But when we confess our sin and ask forgiveness, our friendship with Jesus is like new.  God is patient with us, and we need to learn patience, too." 

    "You're saying I need to be more patient with John," said Maria with a grin.  "Okay -- I'll try."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you or your friends been making "sour notes" lately?  Maybe you've heard the saying, "Be patient -- God isn't finished with me yet."  Ask forgiveness for your own sins.  Try each day to learn more from God's Word and to grow more like Him.  Thank Him for His patient work in your life, and be patient with your friends, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:6  H)
He (God) which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Special Servants

As Sandy and her brother, Jim, raced across the field, something suddenly moved in the long grass ahead of them!  "Oh!" exclaimed Sandy.  "What is it?"

    Jim came up, panting from the run.  "It's only a bird, silly.  But, look!  It's hurt.  I think its wing is broken."  They watched the bird slowly hop away, dragging one wing.  "Let's catch it," suggested Jim.  As he reached down to touch the bird, it ran ahead, crying piteously.

    Again and again the children got almost close enough to catch the bird, but each time it struggled forward, just out of reach.  At the edge of the field, it suddenly flapped both wings and soared into the air.  Sandy's mouth dropped open.  "I thought it was badly hurt," she muttered.

    That evening, Sandy and Jim told their parents about the bird.  "That was probably a killdeer," said Dad.  "More than likely, it had a nest in the grass and was leading you away from its babies."

    Jim laughed.  "Well, I'd say it did a good job of protecting them then," he said.  "It sure had us fooled!"

    "God provided a unique way for those young killdeer to be protected," observed Mother.  "And did you know that both of you are protected in a special way, too?"

    "We are?" asked Sandy.  "How?"

    "Angels are watching over you," Mother told them.  "Can you think of any examples from the Bible where angels protected people?"

    "Daniel in the lion's den!" shouted Sandy just as Jim said, "Peter in prison!"

    "You're both right," approved Dad.  "It's comforting to know we have angels watching over us, but always remember that Jesus is with us at all times, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that God has provided angels to watch over His children?  We don't know a lot about them, but we do know that they are special servants of His.  They minister to and give comfort to God's children, and they are very happy when people come to God through Jesus Christ.  Nothing can happen to you unless God allows it.  Thank Him today for the special protection He has provided.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 34:7  T)
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Golden Ruler

Jolene came down the hall, pulling her little brother with her.  "If Josh doesn't stay out of my room. . . ."

    Mother looked up.  "Now what?"

    "He's been in my stationery again!" Jolene reported.

    Mother sighed.  "There's a verse in the Bible you two should learn.  It would stop all this fussing if you'd obey it.  If. . . ."

    Jolene interrupted.  "I'll stop if he'll. . . ."

    Mother held up her hand.  "If you'd both practice the Golden Rule, there would be no more quarrels between the two of you.  Why don't you give it a try?"

    "What's the Golden Ruler, Mommy?" little Josh asked.

    "Not 'ruler,'" his big sister corrected.  "It's 'rule.'"

    "Yes, and it's a rule that Jesus gave.  It tells us to treat others like we want them to treat us," explained Mother.  "Josh, would you want Jolene to go into your room and help herself to your felt markers?"

    "No!" Josh exploded.  "And she'd better not!  She won't let me have any of her dumb old. . . ."

    "Enough!" Mother said sternly.  "If you don't want Jolene to use your things without asking, you shouldn't use hers without asking, either."

 Mother turned to Jolene.  "I saw you and Carrie in Josh's room yesterday," said Mother.  "You were playing with his new game.  Had you asked permission?"  Jolene felt a little embarrassed.  "If only you'd treat each other like you want to be treated, how much happier we'd all be," Mother added with a sigh.

    "Okay!" Josh nodded his head.  He grabbed his sister's hand.  "We won't fuss anymore.  We promise, don't we, Jolene?"

    Jolene grinned sheepishly.  "Well, we'll try not to," she agreed.   

    "I'm going to 'member what the Golden Ruler says every day of my life!" declared Josh.

    Mother nodded.  "Good," she approved.  "It's a good 'ruler' to use for measuring your actions."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you practice the Golden Rule?  Ask yourself, "Would I want someone to treat me this way?"  If not, don't treat others that way, either.  If you follow this Biblical principle, you'll be much happier, and so will everyone around you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:12  T)
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Punishment

The sound of breaking glass brought Dale running into the dining room.  "Oohhh, Megan!" he gasped.  "Look what you've done!"  Megan stared in horror at the shattered pieces of crystal on the floor.  "You broke Mom's favorite vase!" Dale exclaimed.  "It's the one Uncle Don gave her just before he died.  Boy, will she be mad!"

    "I-I-I couldn't h-help it," said Megan nervously.  "I. . . ."

    "What's the matter?"  Both  children jumped at the sound of Mother's voice.  Sorrow spread over her face as she realized what had happened.

    Megan burst into sobs.  "I d-d-didn't mean to.  I was just looking for a pencil, and it. . .Oh!  I'm s-s-so sorry."

    Mother put an arm around Megan.  "There, there, honey.  Don't cry!"

    "Does she have to buy you another one?" asked Dale.  "It'll probably take all her savings to replace it."

    "No," Mother said sadly.  "Some things can't be replaced."

    "Then are you going to ground her?" Dale wanted to know.  Mother shook her head.  "Spank her?" was Dale's next question.  Again Mother shook her head.  Dale was astounded.  "Aren't you going to punish her at all?"

    "No."  Mother sighed.  "I'm going to show her mercy.  Megan has already learned that she needs to be more careful."

    Dale shrugged in disgust.  "If I had broken it, I wouldn't have been able to sit down for a week!"

    "That's not true!" said Mother.  Then she wisely added, "Don't be jealous when mercy is shown to someone else.  You see, Dale, mercy is something for which we should all be very grateful.  Except for the mercy of God, we would all receive the eternal punishment we deserve.  So, thank God for His mercy to you, and be glad when mercy is given to others, too.  Who knows -- tomorrow you may need it again yourself."

    As Dale was digesting this, Megan began picking up pieces of the vase.  "I'll get the trash can," Dale decided.  "I can help you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you grumble when others are not punished as you think they should be?  God tells you to "love mercy" -- even when it is given to others.  Remember. . .you never know when you will need mercy yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Micah 6:8  W)
What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Perfect Key

Jennie ran over to offer help when she saw her neighbor, Mrs. Brown, unloading groceries from her car.  "Oh, thank you, Jennie," said Mrs. Brown, looking down at the little girl.  She opened her purse and took out a chain full of keys.  "Tell you what -- you can help by unlocking the door for me while I get some bags from the trunk," she said, handing the keys to Jennie.  "Do you think you can do that?"

    "Sure," agreed Jennie.  She quickly ran to the back door of the house, but she didn't know which key would unlock it.  She began trying key after key.  She was beginning to think none of them would fit into the lock, but just as Mrs. Brown walked up with a load of groceries, the last key on the chain finally worked.  "I sure had a hard time finding the right key," said Jennie.  "I tried all of them, and this is the only one that works."

    "Oh, dear me!" exclaimed Mrs. Brown.  "I should have told you which key to use.  I'm glad you found it."  She smiled down at Jennie.  "You're right," she said.  "That's the only key that will open this door."  Then she asked, "Have you also found the only key that will open the door to heaven?"

    Jennie looked at Mrs. Brown in surprise.  "I didn't know you had to have a key to get into heaven," she said.  "Where do you get it, Mrs. Brown?"

    "Jesus is the key to heaven," Mrs. Brown told her.  "The only way you can get through my door is by using just the right key, and the only way to get through heaven's door is by having the perfect key -- the Lord Jesus -- as your Savior."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought the "good person key" or the "good deeds key" would unlock heaven's door for you some day?  They won't work.  Only one key will work in heaven's door, and God offers it to you as a gift.  Jesus is that "key."  Trust Him as Savior today!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:6  J)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Hike

Let's go for a hike, suggested Mandy after enjoying a big meal at the family reunion.  "Let's take one of those nature trails."

    "Yeah!" agreed several of the children, and soon they made their way to the trail, where a large map was posted beside the path.

    They walked merrily along until they came to a place where the trail divided.  "Let's take the path to the left," said Mandy.  "It doesn't look as steep as the other one."

    "Sissy!  We're going to take the trail that goes up the mountain and around the lake," declared George.  "Right, guys?"  The boys nodded and started off, and after hesitating a few minutes, the girls followed.

    It was fun at first, but after nearly an hour, many of the children were getting tired.  "How much farther?" asked Joyce.

    "How should we know?" snapped George.

    "Didn't you read the map?" asked Mandy.

    "Sorta," replied George.  "Didn't you?"

    Mandy shook her head.  "I thought you guys read it."      "We only glanced at it," Len told her, "but this trail is bound to lead back to the road -- sooner or later."

    Mandy stood still.  "Well, I'm exhausted," she said.  "I'm going back the way we came."  Most of the others agreed -- even the boys.  So although there was some grumbling, they all headed back down the trail.  When they finally got back to the map, they stopped to look at it.  Mandy laughed.  "It's a little late to read this now," she said.  "Can't you just imagine what Granny Williams will say when she hears about this?"

    Joyce pushed her glasses to the end of her nose and shook her finger at the group.  "You're just like all those people who try to get through life without reading the Bible," she said in her best "Granny voice."

    "Don't depend on someone else to lead you," Mandy added in quavering tones.  "Read the map for yourself."  Everyone laughed as they hurried back to the picnic area.  Granny was really very wise!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you studying God's "map" -- the Bible -- or are you depending on someone else to tell you what God says?  Good teachers who love the Lord can be a great help, but you need to read the Bible for yourself, too.  You need to learn how to follow directions from God as He speaks to you, personally, through His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 25:4  S)
Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Surprise Party

What's Beth's problem? asked Brian as his sister left the room.  "She was acting awful gloomy."

    "This is the day her friends leave for summer camp," said Mother with a sigh.  "The Lord provided a summer job for Beth, and she can't afford to quit -- but she loves camp so much!"

    "We ought to do something special for her so she won't feel so bad."  Brian wrinkled his brow.  Then he snapped his fingers.  "Let's have a party -- a surprise family party."

    "A 'You're Special to Us' party?" asked Mother.  "All right.  I'll fix her favorite dinner, and you can decorate the dining room."

    "What about a present?" asked Brian.

    Mother thought for a minute.  "Why don't we make 'love coupons'?  I'll make one with a promise to make her bed and clean up her room every day this week.  Then she can sleep later.  You could wash the dishes when it's her turn," suggested Mother.

    Brian groaned.  "Let's not get carried away," he protested.  "We do want to make her feel better, but there's a limit!"

    Mother laughed and gave him a quick hug.  "This is a lovely idea, Son.  God says we should show love to one another, and you're doing that today."  She stood up.  "We'd better get busy.  We have a lot to do."   

    When Beth came in from work, she stood in the doorway and stared.  On the dining room wall, a big banner declared, "We love you, Beth."  The table was set with the best china, and there were streamers and balloons everywhere. 

    After reading her "love coupons," Beth looked around at her family.  "I love all of you," she said.  Looking at the dirty dishes, she winked at Brian.  "Especially you, little brother.  I hope you don't get dishpan hands this week!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone in your family who needs a "pick-me-up"?  As you remember all that God did to show His great love for you, will you, in turn, go out of your way to show love to that down-hearted person?  Maybe you can plan a party, do more than your share of the chores, or help in some special way.  You'll be surprised to find how much it will lift everyone's spirits.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 3:18  M)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Uprooted

Jesse sighed as he looked at the unopened boxes stacked against the living room walls.  "Tired of opening boxes?" his mother asked, stepping back from the picture she'd just hung up.

    "No, it's just that I. . .I wish we hadn't moved," said Jesse glumly.

    Mom put down the hammer.  "It's tough for you, isn't it," she said.

    "I don't know anyone here.  I'm a stranger at school and at church and. . .and everywhere," said Jesse as Mom picked up a plant.  The hairy leaves of the plant rested on the edge of its pot.  It reminded Jesse of the way his dog's ears flopped over the side of his water bowl when he drank.  "That plant doesn't look happy, either," he mumbled.

    "It isn't," said Mom.  "It's an African violet, and I repotted it two days ago.  It needs to send its roots into the new dirt to get nourishment to survive.  Right now, it's in a state of shock.  But. . . ."  Mom smiled, ". . .it has me to take care of it, and it will soon begin to take root in the new dirt.  With time, it will even start to thrive.  Like you."

    "Are you saying that I just need more time?" asked Jesse.

    "I'm trying to say that making a new start is difficult, but that you also have Someone looking after you," said Mom.  "Jesus can give you the courage and strength you need to get used to new places and to get to know new people."

    "I guess I'm still in the 'shocked' stage," said Jesse.  He stood up and stretched.  "Think I'll take Bailey out for a run."

    As they walked, Bailey's long velvety ears flapped with every step.  He seemed as happy to be outdoors as Jesse was.  At a corner, a boy about Jesse's age was waiting for the traffic lights to turn.  "Hi," said Jesse.  "Is there a park somewhere around here?"

    "Just a couple of blocks away -- I'll show you," answered the boy.  A warm feeling grew inside Jesse.  God is taking care of me, he thought.  He's giving me some of that courage and help Mom was talking about.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you feel when you find yourself in a new school, sports club, church or neighborhood?  Do you sometimes feel like not even trying to get to know the new people around you?  You may have to ask the Lord to give you the courage to be friendly.  Ask Him to help you adjust to your new surroundings.  As you do, the time of newness will pass.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ecclesiastes 3:11  H)
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.