Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Power To Forgive

Erin grinned as Mom put a plate of spaghetti in front of the baby.  Although little Paul loved to eat with the rest of the family, he always made a mess.  "You'll have to wash his hair when he's done," said Erin.

    Mom smiled.  "I know," she said.  "I'll have to put him in the tub, but it's worth it.  He loves spaghetti."

    Sure enough, when he was finished, Paul was a mess.  He had spaghetti in his hair and sauce smeared across his cheeks.  Mom picked him up and carried him to the bathtub.  After his bath, Mom wrapped him in a fluffy towel.  His hair was combed, and it smelled like baby shampoo.  Erin kissed his cheek.  "You look better now," she said.

    Just then the phone rang, and Erin answered it.  It was her friend Sandy.  Erin frowned.  During the soccer game the week before, Sandy had said something that hurt Erin's feelings.  Sandy had apologized, but Erin had not been able to forgive her.  She tried to be polite as she talked to Sandy on the phone, but she soon made an excuse to hang up.

    "Problems?" asked Mom, who couldn't help hearing.  "You didn't sound very friendly."

    Erin sighed.  "I really do wish I could forgive Sandy, but I just can't," she murmured.  "I keep telling myself she didn't mean what she said, but I can't seem to get over being mad.  Still, holding a grudge makes me feel as grubby inside as. . .as Paul looks after he eats spaghetti."

    Mom thought a minute.  "If nobody gave Paul a bath, he'd really get to be a mess, wouldn't he?" she said.  "He'd always have food on his face and hair, because cleaning up is something he can't do for himself.  He needs help.  And we need help, too, when we try to clean up our spiritual lives.  We can't do it on our own."

    "You mean. . .God's help?" asked Erin.

    Mom nodded.  "Ask Him to help you in your relationship with Sandy," she suggested.  "Ask Him to help you truly forgive her.  Don't let the ugly, unforgiving spirit remain in you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wish you could break bad habits, forgive others, or overcome some sin in your life?  You can't do it on your own.  Ask God to help.  With His strength and wisdom, you can find the grace and power you need.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 4:16  L)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may find grace to help in time of need.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Smile, God Loves You

Bruce didn't feel like getting up, but he finally dragged himself out of bed -- feeling more and more crabby as he dressed.  He had a big frown on his face by the time he came to the breakfast table where his sister, Carin, and his parents were smiling and talking cheerfully.  Sliding onto his chair, Bruce scowled.  "Not oatmeal again!" he grumbled.

    "How about eggs, then?" suggested Mom with a smile.

    The frown on Bruce's face deepened.  "I hate eggs, I hate oatmeal, I hate school, and I hate everything," he growled. 

    The cheerful look left Carin's face, and the corners of her mouth drooped.  "I hate a few things myself," she announced, "like this shirt.  Do I have to wear it?"

    Mom looked dismayed.  "But it's practically new!" she exclaimed.  "I thought you liked it."      "I like it," said Dad.  He turned to Bruce.  "I like yours, too.  By the way, how about going to a ball game tonight?"   

    "Bruce always gets to do things," complained Carin.  "Mom, why can't we do something for once -- like go shopping?"

    "And get another shirt you don't like," sneered Bruce.

    Mom sighed, and Carin glared.  "Oh, you big. . . . "

    "Whoa!" called Dad.  "Hold on here!"  He turned to Bruce.  "It occurs to me that we were all sitting happily at the table until you came with that big frown on your face.  Your gloom has spread over the whole family."  Bruce sat sullenly with his head down as Dad continued.  "The expression on your face really belongs to others."

    "What does that mean?" asked Bruce.  "I don't get it."

    "It's true," agreed Mom.  "People have to look at your face, and in that sense it belongs to them.  The expression you wear influences them a great deal."      As Mom set bowls of hot cereal before them, Dad added, "Since our faces affect others so much, we should keep them as bright and cheerful as possible.  You know the expression, 'Smile, God loves you.'  That's really good advice.  Before we eat this morning, let's ask the Lord to give us happy hearts so we are better able to smile."

    Joining hands, the family bowed their heads to pray.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spread happiness and good will with a cheerful face?  What you feel in your heart usually shows on your face, so it's important to keep your heart right with the Lord.  Examine your heart -- are you thankful for the many blessings God has given you?  Are you thankful for His love to you?  Does your face reflect that?  Ask God to make you a testimony for Him by the expression you wear on your face.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 15:13  A)
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

[Soldier4Christ]

 It's Boring

I wish I didn't have to go to Sunday school today.  Jody sighed as she slowly ate her cereal.

    Mother looked at her, surprised.  "Why, Jody!  What a thing to say!  I thought you liked church!"

    "I do like church.  It's Mrs. Darnell's class I don't like!" Jody explained.  "She's so boring!  I wish I was back in third grade so I could still be in Mr. Richards' class."

    "Mr. Richards was a good teacher," agreed Mother, "and I'm glad you learned so much from him.  But, Jody, Mrs. Darnell is a good teacher, too.  Many children have come to know Christ through her teaching."

    "Her class is no fun, though," protested Jody.  "I practically fall asleep listening to her!"

    "Mrs. Darnell may not be as entertaining as Mr. Richards, but she does know God's Word," insisted Mother.  "In the tenth chapter of Second Corinthians, we're told to bring our thoughts into captivity -- we're to turn them toward the things of Christ."

    Jodi thought about it.  "If my thoughts start to wander, just. . .grab hold of them and turn them toward the Lord and not let go!  Right?"

    "Right!"  Mother smiled.  "That may sound strange, but we can do that -- we can control our thoughts.  How about concentrating, Jodi, and trying each week to learn one new thing that you can come home and share with me while we have a special time together.  You can teach me, just like Mrs. Darnell teaches you."  Mom frowned.  "But try not to be boring!" she added jokingly.

    Jodi smiled.  "I like that idea," she said.  "If I pay attention, I'm sure I can learn one new thing."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes bored in church or Sunday school?  Sometimes it will take concentration on your part to understand the lesson God is teaching, but it will be worth it.  Bible study often is hard, but it is important.  If you're bored, it could be because you are not capturing your thoughts and turning them toward the Lord.  Think about it.  Learn so you can share with others, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 10:5  C)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Lost In The Woods

I'm afraid we're lost -- or at least we will be if we choose the wrong path, Karl said slowly.  He and Jim had just realized that they didn't know which fork in the trail led back to camp.   

    "Oh, no!" groaned Jim.  "And nobody knows where we are since we came hiking without permission."

    "Well they shouldn't make such strict rules," grumbled Karl.  He thought for a few minutes.  "Let's pray for help," he suggested, and Jim nodded.  Together the boys asked God to help them find the way back to camp.  Then Karl got up and studied each of the two paths again.  "Hey, look," he called.  "This is the one we came on!"

    "How can you tell?" Jim asked excitedly.

    "See!"  Karl pointed.  "There's the candy wrapper you dropped."  Jim grinned sheepishly.

    When the boys arrived at camp, everyone was relieved to see them safely back.  They had been missed, and a search party was being organized to look for them.

    Mr. Heston, the camp director, called the boys into his office to talk with them about the incident.  They were a little nervous, because they knew they had broken the rules, but they decided to tell how they had prayed and God had answered.  "Maybe that will make Mr. Heston forget we disobeyed," they told each other.

    Mr. Heston listened soberly.  Then he said, "I'm not sure God answered your prayers."  Karl and Jim could hardly believe what they heard.  "I didn't hear any indication that you boys were sorry you broke the rules," Mr. Heston continued.  "You didn't ask me to forgive you, and as far as I know, you didn't ask God to forgive you, either.  God says that if we 'regard iniquity' in our hearts -- that is, if we aren't sorry for our sin, or if we refuse to give it up -- He will not hear us."

    "But after we prayed, we found the right path," argued Karl.

    Mr. Heston nodded.  "While you prayed out there in the woods, the counselors and I prayed here at camp," he said.  "I wonder if God answered your prayers, or ours."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you get into a tight spot, do you quickly pray for help?  That's good, but as you pray, be sure to examine your heart.  If there's unconfessed sin there, ask God's forgiveness and turn from it.  Then you will be ready to pray.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 66:18  I)
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Missing Sweater

Mom, I can't find my lavender sweater, wailed Cathy.

    "When was the last time you wore it?" asked Mother.

    Cathy wrinkled her brow.  "Last Sunday, I think."

    "Maybe you left it at church," suggested Mother.  "Call the office and ask if anyone turned it in."  Cathy called, but the sweater wasn't there.

    "That was my favorite sweater," moaned Cathy.

    "We'll keep looking for it," Mother said.  "It will probably show up.  But you need to go now -- there's the school bus."

    Several times that week, Cathy searched in vain for her sweater.  She wanted to wear it to a Sunday school party at Melissa's house on Friday evening, but with a sigh, she chose something else.  Arriving at the party, Cathy stared in amazement at Marci, one of the girls in her class.  Drawing Melissa close, she whispered, "Marci's wearing my sweater!  She must have picked it up at Sunday school." 

 `   "Are you sure?" Melissa whispered back.

    "Of course!  She couldn't afford a sweater like that!" hissed Cathy.

    As the girls were talking with Marci later, Melissa said, "That's a pretty sweater, Marci.  Where did you get it?"

    Marci blushed and lowered her head.  "My mother bought it at a garage sale," she told them.

    "I'll bet," muttered Cathy.  She was angry and told several girls that Marci had stolen her sweater.  Somehow, the party wasn't much fun for her after that.

    When Cathy reached home, her grandmother met her at the door.  Cathy gave her a big hug as Mother said, "You'll be glad to see what Grandma brought you."  Mother handed Cathy her lavender sweater.

    "B-b-but where did you find this?" Cathy stammered.

    "You left it at my house last Sunday," Grandma told her.

    Tears welled up in Cathy's eyes.  "I've made a terrible mistake," she said with a sigh.  "I'll tell you about it, but first I have to make some phone calls."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever falsely accused someone?  Hasty conclusions are often wrong, so next time you're tempted to accuse someone, wait!  God says Christians should be slow to speak.  Hurting others with false accusations is a poor testimony.  If you have done that, be sure to apologize, both to the one you've accused and to anyone else you may have told about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:19  L)
Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Jesus Loves Me

Dedra watched as the car pulled away from the curb.  Tears ran down her cheeks as her father drove away.   Feeling her mother's hand gently touch her hair, Dedra pulled away and ran down the street.  She heard her mother call her name, but she ran on furiously.

    Today was the worst day of her life!  Earlier that morning, her father and mother had sat on the couch, each on opposite ends, and calmly spoke the words that tore her world apart.  "We still love you, kitten.  We just can't live together anymore," said Dad.   

    "You'll spend weekends with Daddy and weekdays with me," said Mother.

    Dad nodded.  "We'll go to special places every weekend, honey.  We'll have fun. . .you'll see," he added.  Dedra had held her stomach as the words pierced her heart.

    Dedra finally stopped running and sat on the swing in the neighbor- hood playground.  She could no longer cry; she was empty.

    As the weeks went by, Dedra's life fell into a new pattern.  After school on weekdays, she and her mother cooked dinner and spent the evenings together.  On Fridays, her father picked her up after school, and she went to his apartment for the weekend.

    One Friday her father did not show up.  Instead, her mother was parked outside.  After that, Dad sometimes came, but often he did not.  One day he showed up, but the car was full -- filled with his new family!  Dedra was confused.  Her family had changed.  The love she once had known had been split into two, and now into five.  She didn't know where she fit in.

    One week, Dedra's next-door-neighbor invited her along to Sunday school, and Dedra decided to go.  The Sunday school lesson was about the love of God.  Dedra scoffed as the teacher talked.  Love comes and goes, thought Dedra.  One day you're a family, and the next day you can be lost somewhere in the middle.  Tears began to well up, and she continued to sit in her seat, even after the other children left.

    "Can I help?" asked Mrs. Mason as she knelt beside Dedra.

    "I don't believe what you said.  Love's not like that," said Dedra abruptly.

    "Dedra, God's love is not like human love," Mrs. Mason told her.  "Nothing can separate us from the love of God."  Dedra listened intently as the teacher shared the good news of God's unchanging love.  It felt wonderful to know of a love like that!  Before leaving the classroom, Dedra knelt down and asked Jesus to come into her life.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been disappointed in friends or family or circumstances?  Have they failed you?  God cannot and will not fail you.  He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you.  Do you love Him in return?  Have you trusted Him as Savior?  (See last page.)  If you have, remember that nothing can ever separate you from the love of God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:38-39  F)
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A New Life

After Grandma's funeral, Amy sat on her bed with a photo album on her lap.  Tears blurred her vision as she looked at pictures of a teenage Grandma standing by a 1940's automobile and more recent pictures of Grandma in her flower garden and dressed in her Sunday best.

    Amy heard talking and laughter downstairs.  Everyone was having a good time.  Everyone but her.  How can they talk and eat and laugh like nothing's happened? she wondered.  Amy had noticed that even at the funeral most people -- her parents included -- did not behave as though they were sorry Grandma had died.  I won't celebrate, she thought.  I loved Grandma too much. 

    After a while, Amy's mother came looking for her.  "Are you all right, honey?" asked Mom.  "You've been so quiet today."

    Anger bubbled up in Amy.  "I won't be happy about Grandma's death like everyone else," she said.  "It sounds like one big party downstairs -- I hear you all laughing."

    Her mother sat on the bed beside her.  "We've been remembering the good times we had with Grandma," she said.  "We will miss Grandma very much."  She took Amy's hands.  "Grandma suffered because of her illness these last few years, but that's over now.  Remember that we talked about how she has a new life in heaven with no more pain?"

    Amy sighed.  "Well. . .yes, but. . . ."  She wiped her eyes.   

    "Do you remember the time we gave your dog, Max, to the Johnsons?" asked Mom.  "You missed him a lot, but he was too big for our apartment and he was miserable cooped up like that.  Max lives a better life on their farm than we could give him here.  You wouldn't want to bring him back now, would you?"

    "No.  He's happier there with all the room he has to run and play," admitted Amy.  She thought a moment then smiled a little.  "I know Grandma must be happier in heaven with Jesus than she was in the nursing home.  Even though I miss her, I am glad she's living in a better place."  She stood up.  "I'll come downstairs now."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you loved died?  It's natural to miss that person.  But if your loved one knew Jesus as Savior, he or she has begun a better life with Jesus in heaven.  Don't be sad.  Rejoice!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:21  F)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Expensive Candy

Give me the rest of your allowance, Jim told his little sister, "and then you can have one of these candy bars."

    Cindy looked longingly at the candy Jim spread before her.  "They didn't cost you nearly that much," she argued.

    "Doesn't matter."  Jim shrugged.  "You know Mom won't let you go to the store by yourself, so if you want a candy bar, that's the price."  Cindy did want some candy very much, so she reluctantly gave Jim the rest of her allowance.

    When the ice cream truck came by a few days later, Cindy ran to ask Mom if she could buy some.  "If you want to spend your own money, you can," Mom said.  "You get an allowance for things like that."

    Cindy burst into tears.  "But my allowance is all gone.  Jim took it."  Cindy told her about the candy bar.

    Mother called Jim into the room.  "I don't like the way you treated your sister," she said.  "You charged her far too much for the candy, and that's taking unfair advantage of someone.  God's Word has many warnings about greed.  It says that the love of money is the root of all evil.  That's what causes people to charge unfair prices."

    "But she didn't have to buy anything," protested Jim.  "I didn't make her give me that money."

    "It was a greedy act just the same," insisted Mother.  "God never wants us to misuse those who are younger, poorer, weaker, or those who don't have the advantages we do.  He wants us to help them and watch out for them.  Taking a fair profit is fine, but we must not love money more than people.  Now, what could you do to make things right again?"

    "I guess I should return Cindy's money, minus what I paid for the candy bar," admitted Jim.  He grinned.  "I'll even skip the 'fair profit' for my trouble in getting it."  Mother smiled her approval.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you fair in your dealings with younger brothers or sisters or with small neighborhood children?  It's sometimes a great temptation to charge too much from those who don't know the value of money.  God tells Christians to "flee" from the temptation to seek the riches of this world.  He says to "follow after" things pleasing to the Lord instead.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:10  F)
For the love of money is the root of all evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Like A Baby

What a beautiful baby, Mom said as she looked through the nursery window.  "He's just perfect."   

    "Hold me up so I can see," begged Sally.  Robby had been born the day before, and his cousins, Sammy and Sally, were eager to see him.

    Sammy looked at the new baby.  "How soon will Robby be able to play ball with me?" he asked doubtfully.

    Dad laughed.  "I think it may take him a while to get the hang of baseball," he said.  "Robby will have to grow quite a bit before he can play catch with you.  We have to be patient with babies and give them time to grow, like God planned it."

    "Did you know that it takes human babies longer to grow up than almost any of the animals God made?" Mom asked.  "Colts can run just a few hours after they're born.  And remember the puppies Ginger had last year?  They were old enough to leave their mother in a few weeks."

    "God made babies to need their parents in a special way," Dad added.  "They're pretty helpless.  And did you know that a baby Christian also needs time to grow?"

    "What's a baby Christian?" asked Sally.

    "It's someone who hasn't been saved very long and doesn't know very much about God and the Bible," answered Dad.  "When you asked Jesus to save you last year, you were a newborn Christian, Sally, just like Robby is a newborn baby."

    "Am I a growed up Christian now?" questioned Sally.

    "Not quite yet," Dad replied.  "It takes quite a while for baby Christians to grow.  They need someone to teach them.  That's where Mom and I come in."

    "Yes, and your Sunday school teachers, too, and Pastor James," added Mom.  "God has given us the privilege and responsibility to teach you as you grow in Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you growing up as a Christian?  Do you know more about God and do you love and obey Him more now than you did when you were first saved?  Spend time in God's Word and in prayer.  Learn from your teachers, pastor, and Christian parents, and your spirit will grow right along with your body.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Peter 3:18  B)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Worth It

Dale coughed violently, then rubbed the cigarette out.  Ken, one of the other boys, noticed.  "Anybody that wants to be in this club has to smoke," he stated firmly.

    "Well, I have to go now," said Dale.  Leaving the clubhouse, he set off for his uncle's home.  Uncle Vern was a doctor, and Dale had some questions for him.  "Is it really true that smoking causes cancer?" Dale asked.  "I mean -- I know some old people who have smoked for years, and they've never gotten cancer."

    Uncle Vern looked serious.  "Yes, that's true," he agreed.  "Not everyone's body works and reacts exactly the same.  One person may not smoke much, but may get lung cancer at an early age.  Another person won't develop cancer for a longer time even though he may smoke more.  And yet another may not get cancer at all."

    "So it's a big chance?" Dale asked.

    "It's a chance not worth taking," said Uncle Vern.  "There's a much stronger possibility of getting lung cancer if you smoke than if you don't.  And besides causing cancer, smoking also causes heart damage and other lung problems."

    "But not for certain?" Dale asked.

    The doctor frowned.  "The problem is that no one knows how his body will react.  You could be the person who gets cancer at an early age with light smoking.  Now just because you don't smoke doesn't mean you'll automatically live to be a hundred, but God did make our bodies to work most efficiently when we don't over-tax or abuse them.  Remember, too, that smoking is habit-forming, and God is not pleased when we allow anything to control our actions in that way."

    "Well, I guess smoking is out then," Dale concluded reluctantly.

    Uncle Vern slapped him on the back.  "I knew you were a smart guy," he said with a grin.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does smoking seem "smart" to you?  It isn't.  It's harmful, so decide right now not to smoke.  That decision will glorify God, and it may even result in a longer life for you.  God created you to be of service to Him, not to be a slave to habits.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 6:12  A)
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Missionary Project

Trisha's Sunday school class was collecting money for a missionary in Africa, and the pupils in the department had decided that all the money for the project had to be from their own allowances or earnings.  "Next week will be the last opportunity to bring money for the special offering," the teacher reminded them one Sunday.

    Trisha slid down in her seat.  She didn't have one penny for the missionary offering.  What am I going to do? she wondered.  I don't even get a regular allowance.  And how can I earn money?  I'm just a little kid.

    That evening Trisha told her parents about the missionary project and asked them if they had anything she could do to earn some money.  "You can help me weed the flower beds," Mother suggested.  "I was going to hire one of the neighbor boys, but if you want the job, it's yours."

    "And I was planning to run the car through the car wash tomorrow," added Dad.  "If you'll wash it -- and do a really good job -- I'll pay you instead."

    Besides the jobs her parents gave her to do, Trisha found another job -- mowing a neighbor's lawn.  In addition, she found a few pop cans lying around at the park nearby, and she took them to the store for a refund.  And when Mom gave her and her brother each some money for an ice cream cone, she decided not to get one.  She added the money to her missionary fund.

    Trisha was surprised when she counted her money on Saturday night.  I didn't think I could give this much, she thought.  I just wish I had started on the project sooner so I'd have even more money to give to our missionary.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you helping the missionaries your church supports?  Maybe you feel you don't have anything to give or that the little you can give won't help much.  God says that if you are willing to do what you can, He will accept and bless your gift.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 8:12  F)
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Like Andrew And Peter

Tony slipped into a seat and waited eagerly for the weekly Bible club to begin.  He enjoyed the songs they were learning, and he looked forward to hearing the story his teacher would tell.

    Song time was as good as usual, and then Mrs. Jackson told a story about some fishermen.  Tony leaned forward.  He loved to fish!  "Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen," Mrs. Jackson said.  "Jesus told them that if they would follow Him, He would make them fishers of men."

    Tony raised his hand.  "What does that mean?" he asked.

    "It means to tell other people about Jesus Christ and bring them to Him, just like Andrew did," explained Mrs. Jackson.  "When Andrew became a follower of Jesus, he brought his brother, Simon Peter."

    Tony looked at the floor.  His younger brother, Johnny, had wanted to come to Bible club with him, but Tony wouldn't let him.  "I don't want you tagging along with me," he had said in a harsh tone of voice.  Johnny had been crying when Tony had left for club.

    The next week, Johnny was amazed when Tony grabbed his hand and said, "It's time for Bible Club.  Come with me."  Together they ran down the street to the Bible Club.  This week Mrs. Jackson explained how everyone had sinned and how only the blood of Jesus can wash sin away.  (See last page.)  Johnny fidgeted in his seat and whispered something to Tony, who nodded.

    After club was dismissed, Tony took his brother to meet the teacher.  "Mrs. Jackson, my brother isn't a Christian.  He wants to become one.  Would you tell him again how to do that," said Tony.  Mrs. Jackson was delighted to help.

    "Can I go to Bible club with you next week, too?" Johnny asked as he and Tony walked back to their home.

    "You sure can," Tony replied.  "From now on we're going to follow Jesus together, just like Andrew and Peter did."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have brothers, sisters, or friends who don't know Jesus Christ as Savior?  Have you invited them to Sunday school or Bible club?  Have you told them that Jesus loves them and wants to save them from their sins?  If you know Jesus, you should be a "fisher of men," working to bring others to Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 4:19  ()
(Jesus said) Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Chocolate Without Sugar

Do you know what Lori did to me? Marcie asked her friend Kim.  "She totally ignored me at the basketball game.  She didn't say one word to me, and I was sitting right in front of her.  When I said 'hi,' she didn't even answer.  What a snob!"

    "Yeah," agreed Kim.  "Lots of times she won't say 'hi' to me, either -- especially when she's with some of her popular friends.  She's so two-faced!  But who needs Miss Stuck-Up anyway?"  Kim glanced at her watch.  "Oh, it's getting late. . .I'd better go.  See you tomorrow." 

    After Kim left, Marcie went into the kitchen where her mother was working.  "Ooooh!  Are you making brownies?" asked Marcie.

    "Yes, I am," Mom answered as she stirred melted chocolate.  Then she began measuring sugar.

    "Yum." Marcie wiped a drop of chocolate off the counter with her finger.  Then she licked her finger.

    "I wouldn't do that if. . . ." began Mom, but she was too late.  Marcie's finger was already in her mouth.

    "Oh, yuck!" Marcie groaned and made a face.  "This is awful!"  She ran to get a drink.  "Mom, why did that taste so horrible?" she asked when she finally got the taste out of her mouth.  "It looked like regular chocolate, but it sure didn't taste like it."

    "That's unsweetened chocolate.  It doesn't have sugar in it yet.  That's why it tastes so bitter," explained Mom.  Thoughtfully, she added, "That chocolate reminds me of your conversation with Kim.  I couldn't help overhearing it."

    "And the chocolate reminds you of that?" asked Marcie.  "Why would it remind you of our conversation?"

    "Well, just like the chocolate was without sugar, sometimes we do things without love," said Mom.  "Like talking about someone without love."

    "Oh!  But all we said is that Lori is stuck-up, and she is," protested Marcie.  "We didn't say anything so bad."

    "The things we say might not seem too bad to us, but they might be bitter to someone else," replied Mom.  "This chocolate needs to be sweetened with sugar, and God wants us to 'sweeten' our lives and our conversation with love.  Paul tells us in the Bible that anything done without love -- even a good thing -- is worthless."

    Marcie sighed.  "Okay, Mom.  I'll try to do better," she agreed.  Then she grinned.  "I'll work on eating chocolate with sugar and on doing and saying things with love."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember to do things with love?  Today's memory verse is very short, but if you do as it says, it will make a big difference in your life.  When you're giving, serving, talking about others -- whatever you're doing -- make sure you are doing it with love.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 14:1  F)
Follow after charity

[Soldier4Christ]

 Space Travelers

After spending a day visiting the launch sites at the Kennedy Space Center and marveling at the space capsule and other exhibits, Cory talked of nothing but the space program for days.  "Cory," said Dad, "did you know that space travel has been around since Jesus' time?"

    "Awww, Dad, you heard the guide," objected Cory.  "The first manned space flight was made in 1961."

    "Read this."  Dad handed Cory a Bible opened to the book of Acts.  "Read verses ten and eleven of the first chapter," said Dad.

    Cory silently read the verses.  "So?" he asked, when he was finished.

    "Jesus went up into heaven -- space travel!" said Dad with a grin.  "And some day all those who have accepted Jesus as Savior will be taken up to heaven to be with Him.  We'll be space travelers, too."

    "Hey, cool!" exclaimed Cory.  "The guide at the space center said the government spends thousands of dollars getting astronauts ready for their space missions, but our space travel will be free, won't it?"

    "Free to us," agreed Dad, "but it cost Jesus a great deal.  He gave His life and took the punishment we deserve.  He paid the price for our salvation so that those who accept Him as Savior can go free."

    "The astronauts need special clothes, too," observed Cory, "but we won't need space suits and helmets, either, will we?"

    "Not exactly," said Dad, "although God does call our salvation a garment and a robe of righteousness.  So in a sense, only those who have on their special 'space suit of salvation' will be taken to heaven."

    "I have mine on!" Cory said happily.

    Dad grinned and nodded.  "I'm glad," he said, "and I have mine on, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ready for your "space trip"?  Are you wearing the "salvation space suit"?  You can put it on by believing that Jesus died to take the punishment for your sin.  Ask Him to forgive you and to be your Savior.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 4:17  T)
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Storm

The darkness of Mikey's bedroom was broken by brilliant flashes of lightening, accompanied by loud crashes of thunder.  Mikey was trying to sleep, but the storm just would not let him.  First, he covered his ears with his hands and squeezed his eyes shut.  Then he buried his head under his pillow and scrunched way down under his blankets, but the noise of the storm just crept around his huddled form.  Finally, he could take it no longer.  "Mother!" he called.  "Mother!"

    Soft footsteps hurried down the hall.  Mother came into the room and gently pulled back the covers.  "Come on out, honey.  It's okay -- I'm here," she said.

    "I'm afraid!  The storm is so loud."  Mikey's voice quivered.

    "Yes it is," agreed Mother.  "I couldn't sleep, either."

    "You mean you were afraid like I was?" Mikey asked.   

    Mother smiled.  "Well, not quite.  I was awakened, and I must admit I didn't care for all the noise and flashing light.  What helps me a lot is to realize that God knows all about the storm.  In fact, He controls it.  I began to pray and thank Jesus for the rain -- we really need it to help our garden grow.  In fact, lightning helps the garden, too.  As I prayed, I remembered how Jesus loves and cares for me, and a lot of my fear went away."

    "Really?" asked Mikey.

    "Really," said Mother.  "Would you like to thank Jesus for taking care of you and ask Him to help you to not be afraid?" she asked.  Slowly, Mikey nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid when you're awakened at night by a thunderstorm?  Remember Jesus is with you, and He's in control of the storm.  Ask Him to help you not to be afraid, and then trust Him to do it.  He wants to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 107:29  H)
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.