Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Iguana

Andy looked up with a grin as Dad read a bedtime story to Andy's little sister, Joy.  The story was about an iguana -- a kind of lizard -- who was not happy with how she looked.  She wanted to look like everyone else she met.  Whatever anyone else had, she wanted, too.  She managed to glue on a hairy mane, and a cardboard trunk.  She painted on stripes, and fastened feathers to her back. 

    Andy chuckled as he glanced over at his little sister's book.  "That iguana looks absolutely crazy," he said.

    "You know, Andy, you're right," agreed Dad.  "Now tell me something. . .you kids don't act like that, do you?"

    "What do you mean?" asked Andy.

    "Well, a lot of people don't want to be themselves.  They're always trying to be like everybody else.  They want to have the latest styles and fads in clothing, use the current expressions when they talk, have the latest toys, and so on," explained Dad.  "And then, like Iguana, they often end up looking quite ridiculous."

    "Let's finish the story, Daddy!" Joy said eagerly.

    "Okay, let's finish it and see what Iguana learns," agreed Dad.

    So Dad read on.  "Iguana's friends had a costume party, and to her surprise all of them came dressed up like iguanas!  Iguana, who always wanted to be like everyone else, rushed to her room, intending to copy them. . .but instead, she just had to be herself.  She won a prize for being the best iguana, and she learned that that was the way her friends liked her the best anyway.  And so Iguana learned to be herself," finished Dad.  "She learned that she shouldn't try to be like the rest of the world."  He closed the book.  "That's a good lesson for us, as Christians, too," he said.  "We should not try to talk or look like the world.   Jesus is the example that we should copy."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to be like Jesus?  Or do you want to be like the world -- always up-to-date in such things as clothes, language, and popular activities?  Allowing those things to take over your life -- being constantly guided by them -- is not good.  Be your own person.  Better yet, be God's person.  Dress, talk, and act the way you believe Jesus would want you to.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:29  F)
For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Almost

David turned off his alarm clock and stretched.  He thought again of Pastor Burns' sermon the past Sunday.  It had been about the need to trust the Lord Jesus as Savior.  David had almost decided to talk to Pastor Burns or his dad about it.  He wondered if he should have done so.  But right now he had other things on his mind -- baseball, for instance.  Oh, well. . .I'm almost sure I'm saved anyway.  I can't worry about it now! he told himself.  David shook the thoughts from his mind as he got out of bed.  Today was the day his baseball team would be playing the Bears, a team from across town, for the city championship.  David was the shortstop for the Lions, and he was eager to play.

    As the game progressed, it became obvious that the teams were well matched.  First the Lions were ahead, and then the Bears, and then the Lions again.  Unhappily for David and his teammates, the Bears scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and won the championship.

    "That was a good game!" Dad said later.

    "But, Dad, we lost!" protested David.

    "You still can feel good about it," Mother comforted.  "You did end up as the second place team in the city.  That's considered an honor, too!"

    "Yeah, David," his sister agreed.  "You almost won!"

    "Almost isn't enough!"  David was determined to be discouraged.

    Dad gave him a thoughtful look.  "That's true, David.  Almost isn't enough -- not in winning baseball games, nor in getting to heaven."

    David was startled.  He was almost sure he was saved -- but what if he wasn't?  He had been almost ready to make sure about it the past Sunday.  Now, he realized that he should not put it off any longer.  He needed to make sure he understood what it was all about.  Being almost a Christian was not enough.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you "almost" a Christian?  Perhaps you listen to your parents, your pastor, and your Sunday school teacher talk about Christ, and you're almost ready to admit you are a sinner and to trust Jesus to save you.  Don't wait!  The only way to have your sins forgiven is to trust in Jesus.  Don't hesitate any longer.  Receive Jesus today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 26:28  T)
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Only Bubbles

Stop crying, Jill.  I'll blow more bubbles for you.  Here!  Watch!  Deborah dipped the red plastic tube into the soap solution, then blew gently.  Jill clapped her hands and giggled when the colorful bubbles appeared, but as they drifted away or broke, she began crying again.

    Deborah sighed.  "Can't you understand, Jill?  Bubbles are pretty, but they don't last."  Just then Mother came out on the porch.  "Jill cries because the bubbles break," Deborah complained.  "She thinks you can play with a bubble just like you play with a beach ball.  I'm tired of hearing her cry!"

    Mother gave Jill a hug and looked at Deborah thoughtfully.  "I wonder if God feels that way sometimes."

    "What do you mean?" asked Deborah.  "You're thinking of something other than bubbles, aren't you?"

    Mother nodded.  "Yes, I was remembering how bad I felt when I broke that antique bowl last week," she said.  "You know, some of the things we treasure most on earth are just like bubbles.  In God's sight, they're just as worthless and as easily replaced, but we care about them so much!  Do you think God gets tired of hearing us complain and cry when they're gone?"

    "Like. . .like I did that the time I was sick and couldn't keep my long hair because it was so hard to take care of?" asked Deborah.  "I remember that I cried and cried when it was cut.  That was silly, wasn't it?  It grew back, and it's nearly as long now as it was before I got sick."

    "And I remember how upset Dad and I became when we loaned our new car to Aunt Dori, and she got a scratch on it," added Mother.  "My, how easy it is to think of 'bubbles' that we cry over -- but it's only the loving deeds we do for Christ that will be of value in eternity."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you value most in life?  Your bicycle?  Some jewelry?  Your clothes?  A favorite toy?  Can you recognize it as a "bubble"?  God has given you many things to use and enjoy, but don't become too attached to them.  Don't spend all your time and energy on "bubbles" that are going to burst and disappear.  It's natural to feel bad when that happens, but don't get all upset about it.  Remember the old saying, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past.  Only what's done for Christ will last. "


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:7  F)
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Choice

England! Amanda was stunned.  "We're moving to England?"

    "That's right, honey," said Dad.  "The company wants to start a branch overseas, and they've chosen me to get it started.  We'll be living in England for at least five years."

    Amanda looked out the window at the familiar street.  She had lived in this same house ever since she was a baby.  What would it be like to not only live in a different house, but in a different country?  Amanda couldn't imagine.  She'd have to leave her friends, her school, and her church.  "I don't think I want to move," Amanda whispered in a trembling voice.  "I want to stay here."  Tears trickled down her cheeks.

    Amanda's dad put his arm around her.  "You have a choice as to how you accept this," he said.  "You can be upset and bitter about moving, or you can look at it as a special experience that few of your friends will ever have.  It's up to you.  Remember, too, that no matter where we move, God will be with us, and He promises to take care of us."

    As Amanda sat in her room later, she thought about the choice she had to make.  She knew they were going to England whether she liked it or not, so she might as well choose to like it.  She certainly didn't want to be bitter and unhappy for five years!

    Amanda called her best friend, Julie, that very night.  "Guess what!  We're moving to England!" she told Julie.

    "How neat!" squealed Julie after Amanda explained.  "You can send me lots of letters, and I can put the stamps in my stamp collection!"

    Amanda smiled.  Moving to England would be a good adventure.  She was glad she had changed her attitude.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your family move a lot?  Have you had to change schools?  Did you find it hard to make friends at your new school or church?  It isn't easy to move away from everything familiar.  Remember, though, the Lord promises to be with you anytime and anywhere.  You can always talk with Him.  So try to see the advantages of living in several different places.  Learn to enjoy the unique experiences and the wide array of friends.  Be content wherever God places you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:11  N)
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Aches And Pains Part 1

I feel terrible, Tim complained.  "I can hardly breathe and my throat is so sore."

    "I know," sympathized Mom.  "Here's some juice for you.  Just stay on the couch.  In a few days you'll feel better."   

    A short time later Tim called his mother.  "I still feel terrible," he said in a whining voice.

    Mom brought a wet cloth for Tim's forehead, fixed his pillow, and tucked his cover around him.  "Now you just rest," she said.

    But Tim didn't feel like resting.  He kept on moaning, sighing, and whining until finally Mom said, "Tim, I'm tired of listening to you whine.  I've done all I can for you.  I know you're uncomfortable and that it's not fun to be sick.  But you must learn not to complain.  The Bible tells us to be patient in tribulation."

    "What's tribulation?" asked Tim.

    "It's a circumstance that makes you miserable or unhappy," said Mom.  "That could mean not feeling well, or it could be other things that aren't pleasant.  For you right now, your tribulation is your cold."

    "But how can I be patient about that?" argued Tim.  "I hate being sick."

    "Complaining won't help you or anyone else.  In fact, it will make both you and those around you feel worse.  If you learn to be cheerful and uncomplaining even when you're not feeling well, you bring glory to God," explained Mom.  "Follow Jesus' example -- He didn't complain when He suffered.  He thought about others, too."

    "Well, I never knew the Bible said anything about how to act when I have a cold," said Tim.  "Okay -- from now on I'll try to be more patient, but it's going to be hard."

    "Asking Jesus for help will make it easier," Mom said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're sick do you complain about your aches and pains all the time?  It is necessary to let your parents know if you're not feeling well, but once you're getting treatment, there's no need to keep on complaining.  Instead think happy thoughts, and thank God for all the blessings you do have.  You could spend time praying for others, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:12  R)
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Aches And Pains Part 2

Mom brought Tim some hot broth.  "This will make you feel a little better," she said as she sat beside him.

    As he began to eat, Tim looked at a little card Mom had placed on his tray.  It read, "Jesus understands."  "Mom, do you think Jesus was ever sick when He lived on earth?" asked Tim.

    Mom smiled.  "Well, He experienced a lot of the same things we do," she said.  Picking up the Bible, she opened it to the book of Matthew.  "Here, in chapter four, it says Jesus was hungry.  That's something we experience often."

    "I'm sure not hungry today," said Tim with a wry smile.

    "Not today, maybe," said Mom, "but you will be when you're better.  Do you think Jesus ever got tired?"

    "One time He fell asleep in a boat during a big storm," remembered Tim.  "He must have been really tired!  It would be hard to sleep while the boat was jiggling around on big waves."

    Mom nodded.  "And I believe the Bible specifically mentions that He was tired when he sat on the edge of the well and talked with the Samaritan woman.  Now, do you think he was ever sad?"

    "Yeah, I think so," said Tim.  "He was sad when Lazarus died.  The Bible says, 'Jesus wept.'  That's the shortest verse in the Bible."

    "Right again," said Mom.  "So we know there were times when Jesus was hungry, tired, and sad.  Although the Bible doesn't exactly say Jesus also experienced sickness, it does say that He became like us in all things -- except for one."

    "What was that?" Tim asked.

    "Sin," said Mom.  "Jesus never sinned.  He was tempted to sin, but He never gave in to temptation.  Because He never sinned, He could be our Savior."

    Tim nodded thoughtfully.  "It makes me feel closer to Jesus to know He was a lot like me when He was growing up," he said.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever wonder if Jesus really understands you and your problems.  Think about Him as a young boy.  Jesus was God, but when He came to earth as a baby, He looked and acted like all babies do.  While He was a boy, He did many of the same things you do -- and yes, He does understand you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 2:17  I)
In all things it behoved Him (Jesus) to be made like unto His brethren.

[Soldier4Christ]

 True Power

Amy searched through her room one last time.  She even pulled her pillows out of their covers to see if her half of the "best friend" broken heart necklace could be hiding down inside one of them.  But it was no use.  She had lost the necklace she had bought together with Sandra.  Now Sandra and I can't be best friends any more, she thought sadly.

    At breakfast, Amy's mother noticed she had been crying and asked what was wrong.  Amy hesitated, but the story spilled out.  Amy was surprised to see her older brother, Rick, nodding sympathetically.  "Amy, do you remember when we had that big district track meet last year, and I discovered that you had eaten my last athletic nutrition bar?" he asked.  "I just about panicked!  I thought I couldn't win my events -- maybe not even finish the longer runs -- unless I had one of those bars."

    "Well, I sure won't ever take any of them again," said Amy.  "It tasted like. . .like linoleum."

    Rick grinned.  "I know what you mean," he said, "but our whole team eats them.  It's kind of a sign that we're all in this together, so I thought I had to have one.  But Coach Roberts convinced me that it's our hard work that helps us win, not those nutrition bars.  He told me I could run, jump, and throw just as well on other wholesome foods."

    "And you did -- you won the long jump," said Amy.  "So what does that have to do with me?"

    "The nutrition bars weren't magic -- they didn't make me win," said Rick.  "And your necklace isn't magic, either.  You don't need it to be best friends with Sandra."

    Mother nodded.  "Maybe it's just as well that you lost it," she said, "because it's dangerous to regard anything as magic.  If you want Sandra to be your best friend, ask God to help you be a real friend to her.  That's the way true friendships are developed."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember that power comes from God, not from things? Don't cling too closely to something that reminds you of a person or perhaps a place.  Resist any superstitious practices and thoughts.  There's nothing wrong with keeping a visible reminder of a friend or a sport, but sin slips in if you start believing there is magic in such a sign or in any other material thing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 18:32  I)
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Right Program

Hannah's screams brought Mother running.  As she picked up the shaking little girl, Mother looked at her two sons.  "What have you done to scare Hannah now, boys?" she demanded.

    "Oh, she's such a baby," Josh said scornfully.  "She's scared to death of a little old worm."

    The sound of a car in the drive drew everyone's attention.  "It's Dad," yelled Jeremy, "with our new computer!"  The boys raced for the garage.

    Dad brought the computer into the house, and together he and the boys unpacked it and set it up.  Then Dad plugged it in and turned it on.  While he continued to read the instructions, the boys pushed several keys, intending to play a game.  "Dad, this doesn't work like Uncle Dan's," complained Josh after a moment.  He pushed more keys.  "It won't do anything."

    Dad looked up.  "Yes, it will."  He slipped a little plastic disk into the computer and pushed a key.  There was a whir and a click, and a game appeared on the screen.  "A computer can do only what it's programmed to do," said Dad.  "The program is on the disk."

    "Look at the monster, Hannah.  It's going to get you!" Jeremy teased, pointing at the screen.

    "Turn that off right now," ordered Mother.  The boys howled in protest, but Mother insisted.  "Before you play a game, listen to me," she said firmly.  "You've been scaring Hannah over and over lately and it has to stop."

    Dad nodded.  "When we're born, our minds are a little bit like this computer, boys," he said.  "Of course, unlike a computer, we do have the power of choice.  But in a way, some things seem to 'program' our minds. That's why we have family devotions and provide good, wholesome reading materials and tapes.  That's why we don't have a television.  That's why we talk about good things.  But you, Jeremy and Josh, are 'programming' fear into Hannah."   He frowned.  "Either you stop, or I'm going to put some fear in you!" he added.

    The boys knew what he meant -- a spanking!  "We're sorry," they both said in unison.

    "If you're truly sorry, you'll stop," Dad declared.  "Now, with Mother's permission, we'll reprogram this computer."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you 'progamming' the wrong things into a little brother or sister?  How about into yourself?  The things you read, watch, and hear affect your mind.  If God checked on you today, would He be pleased with what He finds flashing on the screen of your mind?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 9:10  I)
I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Shared Birthday

For the next two weeks we'll be gathering Christmas gifts for the Children's Home in Mexico, announced Miss Lillian, the fifth grade Sunday school teacher.  "We need to send them soon so they will arrive by Christmas.  The items you bring must be new or in like-new condition, and they should be lightweight.  The cost of postage is very high, and we can't afford to send a lot of heavy things."

    Robin told her parents about their class project.  "I have five dollars," she said.  "Maybe I could send a game."

    "Talking about buying gifts reminds me that someone in this family is having a birthday in a couple of weeks."  Dad winked at Robin.  "What do you want for your birthday?"

    "And what kind of a party do you want?" Mother asked.   

    Robin thought for a moment.  When she spoke, her eyes were shining.  "I want to have a Mexican party, and I want all the gifts to go to the Children's Home."

    "Why, Robin, what a beautiful idea!"  Mother smiled.  "We'll get some books from the library to find out how to have a Mexican party."

    "And on all the invitations put a note saying that the gifts are for the Children's Home," Robin said.

    Twelve of Robin's friends came to her party.  After they played Mexican games, Robin opened the gifts.  Then her friends helped her rewrap them in Christmas paper.   "This was the best birthday party I have ever had!" Robin told Mother after the party.  "We had so much fun, and I feel so good inside."

    On Sunday, Robin beamed as she took, not one gift, but thirteen to Sunday school.  "Your birthday party was like Jesus' birthday celebration," Miss Lillian said.  "On His birthday, most of the presents are for others, too.  Sharing pleases Him, and it makes you feel good, too, doesn't it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever thought about sharing your birthday with others who have less than you?  Think about it.  Jesus does it every year.  Wouldn't you like to do it once and experience the blessing of giving?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 20:35  I)
It is more blessed to give than to receive.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ken's Lesson

Sometimes the Bible uses such funny language, Mom, said Ken one evening.

    "Funny language?" repeated Mother.  "In what way?"

    "Well, our Sunday school lessons have been about the Bible, and this week we had to read some verses from Jeremiah," explained Ken.  "There's a verse that talks about 'eating' God's Word."

    Mother chuckled.  "Once, when you were a baby, you literally tried to eat the Bible.  I wasn't paying any attention to you as you sat on my lap in church.  When I looked down, there you were -- chewing on my Bible!"

    They laughed together.  "Well, I know I'm not supposed to really eat my Bible," said Ken, "so what does it mean when it says that?"

    Mother thought for a minute, then smiled.  "Can you remember when you were smaller and all you ever wanted to do was to play baseball?" she asked.  "You watched baseball on TV, and you always wanted me to buy the cereals with pictures of baseball players.  You collected all the baseball cards you could afford.  Grandma used to say, 'That boy lives, eats, and sleeps baseball twenty-four hours a day!'"

    "Oh, I think I get it," Ken said thoughtfully.  "So to 'eat' the Bible means to get very involved in reading it, thinking it, and living it.  It sure is more important than food or baseball, I guess."

    Just then Kenny's older sister, Ellen, walked into the room.  She had her nose buried in a book, and didn't look up.  "Ellen, I've just made oatmeal cookies.  Do you want one?" Mother asked.  But Ellen was so interested in her book that she didn't even hear.

    "I'll take hers," offered Ken.  "She's 'eating' her book right now."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How important is the Bible to you?  Do you ever "eat" it -- that is, become thoroughly engrossed in it?  Make time in your schedule to read the Bible.  Find a quiet place, and shut other things out of your mind.  Ask God to help you understand it.  Ask Him to help you live according to what it says.  Doing this daily will help you develop more love for God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:97  O)
O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Keith's Choice

Special bulletin! the radio blared.  "There will be no school at Brookside today.  The school was vandalized last night.  Windows were broken, desks smashed, and rooms sprayed with paint.  Damage is estimated to be. . . ."

    "Vandalized!" Lorna exclaimed.  "Who would want to destroy our beautiful school?"

    "Whoever did it was really dumb," declared Eric.  "What do they expect to gain by it?"

    "I bet someone who hated school did it," Lorna guessed.  She sighed.  "I really wanted to go to school today!"

    "It's sad when someone has no respect for property or the rights of others," said Dad.  "Unless that person changes his ways, I fear he is headed for real trouble.  Well, I'd better be going.  You have the day off from school, but I still have to go to work."

    Several days later, the vandal was arrested.  He was a fifteen-year-old named Keith, who had been in trouble with the law many times before.  When his case was tried, he was found guilty.

    "The judge sent Keith to reform school," Lorna said that evening.  "It must be awful to go to a place like that."

    "Yes, but sin always has a penalty," Mom reminded her.  "It's true that the judge sent Keith to reform school, but in a sense, we might also say that Keith sent himself there.  He knew the rules, and he chose to disobey.  Now he has to face the consequences."

    "That's right," agreed Dad.  "It reminds me of people who say, 'How could a loving God send anyone to hell?'  They forget that God is not only loving -- He is holy, too, and the penalty for sin must be paid.  Jesus paid for our redemption, but it's our choice to accept or reject what He did for us.  God doesn't force His will on us, so if a person goes to hell, it's because he chose not to accept Christ."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What choice have you made?  You have sinned, but God doesn't want you to die in your sin.  Jesus died so that you can have eternal life.  Confess your sins, ask forgiveness, and trust Christ as your Savior.  Have you done that?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Joshua 24:25  C)
Choose you this day whom ye will serve.

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Waves Too Rough

Calvin stumbled into the water.  The rolling waves cooled his warm body and relaxed his troubled mind.  Because it felt so good and soothing to him, he swam out to deeper water.  "I wish I could stay here forever," he murmured, "and not think about anything."

    But Calvin had a lot to think about.  He had a tumor on his left leg, and in two more days he would be admitted to a hospital where a specialist would perform surgery.  It wasn't known yet whether the doctor could remove just the tumor or if Calvin's leg would have to be taken off.  Calvin's mind was filled with questions.  How would the operation go?  What if he lost his leg?  Would he ever be able to play ball and run on the track team again?

    Little Cindy's shrieks interrupted his thoughts.  "Daddy, I can't go swimming here!" she squealed.  "The waves are too big!  I don't like this ocean.  It's scary!"

    "Look, honey," said Dad, "the waves aren't too rough for me -- they aren't moving me.  Here!  Take my hand, and we'll swim together.  You'll be safe."   

    Cindy was hesitant.  She wanted to swim, but the waves were so big.  Then she looked at her dad.  He was strong!  He would protect her!  Cindy put her little hand into her daddy's big hand.  Soon she was enjoying the water as it splashed about her.

    Calvin swam back to Cindy.  "See me, Cal?" she shouted.  "I'm not afraid now.  Daddy's holding my hand.  He won't let me go."

    Calvin smiled at Cindy -- and at himself.  Little Cindy had just taught him a lesson.  If she could trust their father in the rolling waves, he could trust his heavenly Father.  The days ahead might be rough, but God would hold him up and give him strength.  That was all he needed to know to give him peace.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you facing a difficult time in your life?  Are you ready to give up?  Don't!  Think about Jesus and how much He loves you.  Tell Him about your struggles.  Ask Him for wisdom, and strength, and courage.  Ask Him to hold you safely through it all and to give you peace.  He will.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Enough Time

Matt! called Mom from the kitchen window, "have you finished your Bible club lesson?  If I remember correctly, you need to read several chapters this week."

    "I haven't had time yet," said Matt as he shot baskets.  That had been his answer each time Mom had reminded him of the lesson.  Now it was Monday, and that meant there were only three days left to get it done.   

    That evening Matt noticed Mom making some kind of chart.  He noticed her writing on it several times.  But when he asked what it was, she told him he'd have to wait till later to find out.

    On Thursday morning Mom again asked Matt about his lesson.  "Oh, I started it, but I finished only one of the chapters we're supposed to read.  It's too long," he complained.  "Mr. Powell will just have to understand how busy I am.  I don't have time to read all of it."

    Mother pulled out the chart.  "I've noticed how busy you are, Matt," she said.  "In fact, I've been keeping track.  Since Monday, you have spent six hours watching TV, five hours playing ball, four hours listening to tapes or the radio, about three hours reading books and magazines, and a couple of hours just lounging around saying, 'I don't have anything to do.'   Here. . .look."  With a smile, she handed him the chart.

    Matt blushed as he looked at it.  "Wow!" he exclaimed.   "I didn't realize how much time I spent doing those things."

    "Do you think you can find time for your lesson now?" Mom asked with a smile.  Matt nodded and put his sports magazine down.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes claim that you don't have the time to read God's Word?  You have the time to do whatever is important to you.  Is the Bible important enough to make you willing to give up some of your leisure time in order to read it?  It would certainly be worth it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 4:13  T)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just A Nice Kid

Allison's next door neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, was an elderly lady who didn't get out very often, so each day after school, Allison would stop to say "hello" and tell her what had happened that day.  Usually, Allison's friend, Christy, stopped with her, but sometimes Christy had music lessons right after school.

    One rainy Tuesday, Allison ran up Mrs. Henderson's front steps and knocked on the door.  "Mrs. Henderson, I'm here!" she called as she opened the door.

    "Good afternoon, Allison," the old lady greeted her.  She was in her favorite chair with an old quilt wrapped around her.

    "You look warm and comfortable," said Allison with a smile.  "Would you like me to fix you a cup of tea?  I have a couple of cookies, too.  I helped make them last night."

    Mrs. Henderson laughed.  "Sounds like we're equipped for a real party," she said.

    As she sipped her tea, Mrs. Henderson asked Allison where Christy was.  "Oh, she has flute lessons," replied Allison with a sigh.  "She's so talented!  She can sing and play the flute, and she draws well, too.  I can't do anything!"

    "Why, Allison, that's not true!" Mrs. Henderson exclaimed.  "You have a special gift, the ability to make others feel good.  It was such a dreary day today -- until you came.  You're like a bit of sunshine!"  She smiled at Allison.  "You remind me of Philemon in the Bible," she declared.  "The Apostle Paul wrote that Philemon refreshed all those who knew him.  And that's the way you are, too, Allison.  You make others happy by your kindness and thoughtfulness.  You show God's love in the way you live.  That, Allison, is one of the very best gifts you could possibly have."

    Allison gave Mrs. Henderson a hug.  "Thank you for telling me that," she said.  "I like making others happy, but I never thought about it being a special gift from God before."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make others happy?  Do you smile at people often?  Is it refreshing for others to have you as a friend?  Look around you.  Find someone that you can encourage just by being a friend.  Being a friendly, contented person is a good way to share God's love with others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philemon 1:7  F)
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Answered Prayer

Cindy was trying on her new school clothes when Mother came in.  "This shirt is my favorite of all my new clothes," Cindy said.  "And these shoes are exactly what all the girls are wearing."

    Mother smiled.  "I'm glad you like them.  Now come on.  It's Joey's bedtime, and we haven't had our family prayer time yet."

    When Dad asked for prayer requests, Cindy thought of something.  "Let's pray that Sheryl will get some new shoes," she said.  "She's worn the same old shoes all summer.  They're worn out, but I know they're the only ones she has."

    As Cindy prayed for Sheryl, she had a funny feeling that she was forgetting something.  She still had that feeling as she put her new clothes and shoes in the closet.  Even when she crawled into bed, the feeling stayed with her.  Cindy wrinkled her forehead and stared into the dark, trying to remember what she was forgetting.  She reviewed the day, starting with breakfast and their daily Bible reading.  Dad had read, "If a brother or sister be naked. . .and you say to them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed. . .notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful. . .what doth it profit?"

    Cindy sat right up in bed and laughed.  She jumped out of bed and ran into the living room.  "Mother, God wants me to answer my own prayer and buy Sheryl's shoes with my baby-sitting money."

    Mother looked surprised, then smiled as she said, "Why, Cindy, what a generous idea!  We'll go shopping tomorrow."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you asking God to do something that you can do yourself?  God often uses people to answer prayers, and He may even use you to answer your own prayers.  Be ready to obey if God prompts you to do something.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:10  A)
As we have therefore oppor- tunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.