Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Transplanted Tree

David carefully filled the pitcher with water, took it out to the backyard, and gently watered the tiny black spruce tree.  In spite of the special care he had been giving the little tree, more and more needles were turning brown each day.  "It's not going to live, is it, Mom?" he asked.

    "I don't know, David," Mother answered.  "I don't think so."

    "But I've been taking good care of it!" David said.

    "I know, Son."  Mother nodded.  "But remember when you asked Grandpa if you could transplant it?  He told you that he didn't think a black spruce would grow in our yard."

    "I don't see why not!" David insisted.  "Other trees do."

    "That's true, but black spruce trees usually grow where it's extremely damp," explained Mother.  "We live in a very dry area."  David and his mother stood looking at the scraggly tree.  "You know David, that seedling reminds me of some Christians."

    "Christians?" asked David.

    Mother nodded.  "Right.  It reminds me of people who spend all their time in the wrong kind of environment -- with people who don't love the Lord.  They ignore their Bibles, they don't go to church to learn more about the Lord, and they don't take time to pray.  Then they wonder why they don't grow spiritually.  It's true that we need to be among the unsaved sometimes -- we need to let them see by our actions that we love the Lord and to try to bring them to Jesus, too.  But to grow in the Lord, we also need to pray and read our Bibles and be friends with other Christians.  We need to spend time in the right kind of environment."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you growing spiritually?  Are you getting nourishment from God's Word?  Do your friends love the Lord and live according to what is taught in the Bible?  You cannot grow spiritually in the wrong conditions.  Make sure you spend time in the right environment.  It will help you be a healthy Christian.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 2:7  R)
Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Band Trip

All too soon, the band trip was coming to an end, and the students from Grace Christian School were getting ready to head for home.  "Performing in the band review was really neat.  I'm glad we got a 'first' rating," Ellie said. "And staying in this motel was so much fun!  I'll never forget it.  It's almost like make-believe!"

    "I'm taking some souvenirs home to remind me that I was really here," said Monica as she packed a towel with "Shadybrook Motel" woven into it.  "Why don't you take one, too?" she suggested, tossing a towel to Ellie.

    Ellie looked doubtful for a moment.  Then she shrugged.  "Yeah, okay.  I'm sure everyone does," she decided.

 `   On the trip home, the girls learned that more of the students had taken things, and that the boys had ended their stay with a pillow fight.  It had turned into a "free-for-all," resulting in torn sheets and a broken lamp.  "We almost got caught when the chaperones checked on us," one of the boys told them.

    The following week, Mr. Palmbeck, the band director, stood before them with a very solemn look on his face.  "I got to know Mr. Hill, the manager at our motel," Mr. Palmbeck said.  "I was able to witness to him, and he came to hear us play in the band review.  I've been praying for him."  Mr. Palmbeck paused and took an envelope from his pocket.  "I want to share a letter I just received from him," he added.  It grew very quiet in the band room as Mr. Palmbeck read the letter from the motel manager.  It told of items missing and ruined motel furnishings.

    "Mr. Hill has sent a bill for damages," said Mr. Palmbeck.  "We'll pay that, but we can't pay for the damage done to your name, the school's name, or the Lord's name."  There was a long silence, then Mr. Palmbeck added, "Your instruments played beautiful music, but some of your lives played sour notes.  Which notes will Mr. Hill remember?  Now. . .I want those who are guilty, and who are truly sorry and want to make amends, to remain seated.  Those who are innocent may leave."  Several students remained with bowed heads while the others filed out.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you act away from home?  If you're a Christian, you bear Christ's name.  Do your actions honor that name?  Are you a testimony for Jesus in the way you talk and behave?  You weren't saved through your good works, but now that you are saved, good works should be a part of your daily life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 3:8  T)
That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Perfect Solution

One look at Randy's flushed face told Mother something was wrong.  "How was school?" she asked.

    "So-so."  Randy drew a deep, ragged breath, then blurted out, "If Jeff doesn't leave me alone on the bus, I'm going to have to fight him!"

    "Oh?" asked Mother.   She frowned.  "If you do, you had better be prepared to take the consequences."

    Randy looked up.  "Will you whip me?"

    "No," Mother shook her head, "but Jeff might.  There must be a better solution than a fight.  Does Jeff bother you at school?"

    "No.  He knows Miss Jenkins won't allow it," Randy answered, "but it's different on the bus."

    "Well, let's pray about it, Randy," said Mother.  "The Lord will help you find a solution."

    The next day Randy came home from school, grinning from ear to ear.  Before Mother could ask, he told her, "Jeff left me alone today."

    "What did you do?" asked Mother.

    Randy chuckled.  "I sat on the front seat of the bus," he said.  "With the driver right there, Jeff didn't dare make trouble."  Together Randy and Mother celebrated with cookies and milk.

    Randy was surprised when Mother came over and hugged him a little later.  "You've taught me a lesson today, Randy.  I've been having a little trouble with my temper lately," she confessed.  "I haven't thought about having a fist fight with anybody, but I've been tempted to 'tell off' a couple of people.   I think the devil has been encouraging me to really give them a piece of my mind.  But you have given me the perfect solution.  Now I know how to keep Satan from bothering me."

    Randy looked surprised.  "How?"

    "By getting just as close to Jesus as I can," Mother answered.  "I've been sitting in the 'back of the bus.'  I need to move up."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think fighting is the best way to solve your problems?  Think again.  A fight would probably make matters worse.  Remember Jesus' example.  He didn't retaliate to those who wronged Him.  Get close to Him through reading His Word, praying, and keeping your thoughts on Him.  He can give you the perfect solution for solving your problems peaceably.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:8  D)
Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Special Award

All the students of the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School were sitting in the auditorium for the end-of-the-year awards assembly.  Library awards were given first, then music awards, and then spelling awards. Joe King thought the list would go on forever!  He was anxiously awaiting the attendance awards.  Finally, the principal began reading the names of those who hadn't missed a day all year.  "And now, we have a very special attendance award to give out," said Principal Howard with a smile.  "Joe King has not missed a day of school since he had the chicken pox in kindergarten.  He is now in the sixth grade."  Everyone clapped as Joe went up front to receive his perfect attendance certificate.

    As soon as Joe got home from school that afternoon, he showed the award to his mom.  Mother smiled.  "That's neat, Joe," she said.  "You probably stay so healthy because of all that spinach I make you eat."  Joe laughed.  Everyone in the family liked spinach, except him!  "You know, Son," Mother continued, "it's good to be physically healthy, but it's even more important to be spiritually healthy.  And it's great that you haven't missed school for so long, but it's just as great that you haven't missed Sunday school in all that time, either.  I appreciate your effort and enthusiasm to get up every Sunday and be ready to go on time."

    Joe laughed.  "Do I have a choice?" he asked.  Then he added, "I really like Sunday school.  Not many kids in my class come every week, though.  It's usually because they stay up too late the night before and want to sleep in.  I guess I don't have a problem getting up, because you make me go to bed on time -- just like on a school night."

    "Well, I hope you'll always be faithful in church attendance, Joe," said Mom. "You may not get an award for it, but you'll be a healthier Christian."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How is your spiritual health?  Faithfully meeting together with other Christians is one way to keep in good health spiritually.  Be sure to get a good night's sleep so you won't be too tired to go or too tired to listen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Best Kind Of Gift

Rachel was worried.  It was her mother's birthday, and she was sure everybody else's gift for Mom was nicer than hers.  Dad had bought her a new dress; Doug had gotten a CD; Mandy had bought Mom a bottle of her favorite perfume.  But I haven't got anything. . .well, hardly anything, thought Rachel.  Just the recipe book I made in my class at school last year and the flowers I picked by the side of the road.

    Mom "ohhhed" and "ahhhed" over each gift, including Rachel's.  But Doug looked at the flowers and snorted.  "Those are weeds," he said.

    Mandy looked at the recipe book and pointed out that the front cover looked pretty messy.  "Can't you color any better than that?" she asked.

    Ignoring her mother's protests, Rachel ran from the room, crying.

    Soon Mom came to Rachel's room, looking pretty in her new dress and smelling like her new perfume.  Rachel cried harder as her mother gathered her into her lap.  "My gift for you wasn't nearly as nice as the others," sobbed Rachel.

    Mom kissed Rachel's forehead.  "I love your gift," she said.  "I can see that you spent a lot of time coloring the recipe book, and picking flowers for me was a sweet idea."

    Rachel sniffed.  "I know how much you like flowers," she said, "but I didn't have any money, so I rode my bike to the edge of town.  I found the flowers beside the road.  I thought they were pretty."

    "They are pretty," Mom answered, "and it was thoughtful of you to find them for me.  Your gift came from your heart, and a gift from the heart is the nicest kind of all."

    "Really?" asked Rachel.

    "Really," said Mom.  She hugged Rachel close.  "Your gift is a wonderful example of the kind of gift we should give to God," she added.  "He gave the greatest gift of all when He gave Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  In return, we should give Him ourselves in both love and service.  That's the best gift we can give."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted the gift God offers you?  (See last page.)  Have you given Him yourself in return?  That's what He wants of you.  Don't just give Him whatever little time or offerings you may have leftover.  Live to serve Him whenever and wherever He wants to use you.   


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 8:5  T)
They. . .first gave their own selves to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Sunday School Lesson

I'm glad Mr. Sanders taught a lesson about the sin of judging others, thought Steve as he left his Sunday school classroom.  Some of the kids are really guilty of doing that.  Like Terri Robins.  Terri was always raising her hand to answer questions.  She's just a know-it-all, and she probably thinks she's a better Christian than anybody else just because she can answer so many questions.

    Steve thought of Shelley, who always wore the latest fashions.  I bet she thinks the rest of us are country hicks because we don't wear such expensive clothes, he thought.   Maybe Mr. Sanders meant her.

    Or how about Scott?  He never listens in class or brings a Bible.  He probably doesn't even own one, or if he does, he probably doesn't read it.  But his dad's the chief-of-police, and Scott probably thinks the other kids are just not quite as good as he is.

    Steve's thought ran on.  Of course, some of the kids really aren't very good, he decided.  Like Lisa.  Lisa often giggled in class.  Or. . .or Tom.  Even Tom isn't exactly a saint.  Tom was Steve's  best friend, but he would whisper all through Sunday school if anyone would listen.

    Wow!  That lesson is good for almost everyone in my class, Steve thought as he settled into his seat in church.   He took a picture of the class from his Bible.  It would even be good for. . . .Steve stopped short as he suddenly as noticed his own face smiling back at him from the picture.  . . .me?  He blushed as he thought about it.  Ever since he had left his classroom, he had been judging his classmates, forgetting that he had plenty of faults of his own.  He knew he'd better get his own problem -- a critical attitude -- under control before he worried about the faults of anybody else!  He'd better apply that lesson to himself!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look for your own faults instead of judging others?  Don't point out that your sister failed to empty a wastebasket when you forgot to mow the lawn.  Don't complain about your brother being slow to obey when you're just as bad yourself.  Don't grumble about the toys the baby left lying around when you left your bike out in the rain.  In other words, as long as you have faults, don't be critical of others.  First take care of the sins in your own life.  You may find there's no time left to judge anyone else.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:2  F)
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Pass The Potatoes

Why did it have to rain today? grumbled Brian when he came into the house after school.  "Our ball game had to be called off because of this silly storm!"  He put his books down.  "I just saw Mrs. Smitty, next door.  I tried to duck, but she saw me and she called, 'Hi, there, young man.  How are you this fine day?'"  He imitated the old lady's quivering voice.  "She says the same thing every time I see her.  She is so boring."

    "Brian!" said Mother sternly.  "Shame on you!"  Brian shrugged and escaped to his room.

    As the family was gathered around the table later, Brian's dad asked him to give thanks for the food.  Brian bowed his head.  "Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this food and for the beautiful day and for good friends and neighbors.   Amen.  Pass the potatoes, please."

    "Oh, Brian," said Jill.  "You always say the same things!"

    Brian scowled.  "You're not supposed to criticize prayers!"

    "I'm afraid Jill's right, though," said Mother.  "It's become a routine with you.  You don't even think about what you're saying."

    "I do so," Brian argued.

    "Are you sure?" asked Mother.  "When you got home from school you complained about both the rain and Mrs. Smitty, but when you prayed, you thanked God for the beautiful day and for good neighbors!"

    Brian looked sheepish.  "I guess I didn't think. . . ."

    "Yeah, Brian," said Jill.  "You complain about Mrs. Smitty always saying the same thing, and you do that yourself!"

    "I'm afraid your mother and sister have a point, Son," observed Dad.  "Obviously, thanking the Lord for the nice day didn't have any meaning for you.  You could have thanked Him for sending the rain for the farmers' crops or asked the Lord to help you with your attitude -- but it certainly wasn't honest to say you were thankful for the day.  When we pray, we need to be careful to say only things we really mean."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you rattle off the same things each time you pray?  Wouldn't it become sort of boring if your friends said the same thing every time they talked to you?  The Lord wants you to honest and sincere when you talk to Him.  Think about what you are saying when you pray.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 6:7  B)
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do.

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Plan

Mom, my science teacher said the world made itself after some big explosion, said Tony as he pulled crayons and paper from the drawer.  "I thought God made the world."

    "Yes, Tony, God created the world," said Mom.  She too reached for a piece of paper and several crayons.  She placed them on the table and then sat back and looked at them.

    Tony watched her for a minute.  "Aren't you going to draw a picture?" he asked.  "Draw a horse for me, okay?  Please?"

    "Don't be so impatient," said Mom.  "Why don't we watch these crayons a little while?  If we wait long enough, maybe, by chance, they'll make a sky and grass and flowers and trees and horses -- and even people -- all by themselves."

    "That's silly!" protested Tony.  "A picture can't just draw itself.  A drawing doesn't just happen!"

    Mom smiled.  "You're absolutely right," she said.  "A picture can't make itself, and the world couldn't make itself, either.  It didn't 'just happen.'"  She smiled at Tony.  "When you want a picture, you plan what to draw.  Then you put your plan into action -- you pick up your crayons and draw, right?"  Tony nodded.  "Well," continued Mom, "God had a plan.  He knew every detail of what He wanted His world to be like, from the tiniest germ to the largest dinosaur.  Then He put His plan into action -- He spoke, and it was done.  God's special plan and His word brought the world into existence."

    Tony grinned and picked up a crayon.  "I think I'll draw a picture full of the things God created," he said.

    "Me, too," said Mom, "including that horse you asked for."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been told that the world "just happened" to come into being?  Don't you believe it!  God planned just exactly how everything -- including you -- should look.  He spoke, and the world was created.  Only God could do that!  Aren't you glad you have such a great and wonderful God?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:3  A)
All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Big Little Things

Lanita slammed her bedroom door and started getting ready for bed.  It had been a terrible day!  In the first place, they were out of bread, so Mother had said Lanita should buy her lunch at school.  Since Mother knows I hate to wait in line, why didn't she buy bread yesterday? Lanita thought.  And why couldn't Dad have taken me to school -- it's only a few miles out of his way.  I hate to ride the bus.  Lanita jumped into bed without praying.  She didn't feel like talking to God.  Why couldn't I stay up another thirty minutes? she thought angrily.  I'm old enough to know when to go to bed without being sent there like baby!

    Lanita had just pulled the sheet over her head when there was a gentle knock on her door.  She sighed heavily.  Here comes a scolding! she thought.  She knew she deserved one.

    Dad opened the door.  Handing Lanita her robe, he said, "Put this on, honey.  There's something outside I want you to see."  Lanita moaned but did as she was told.  Outside, Dad pointed to the moon.  It looked so big and close -- almost close enough to touch.  Dad took a dime from his pocket and handed it to Lanita.  "Hold this dime out in front of you and see if you can cover the moon with it," he said.  Puzzled, Lanita held up the dime.  ''Can you do it?" Dad asked.  Lanita nodded.  "You can completely block out something as big and beautiful as a full moon with one little dime," said Dad.  "And you can completely shut yourself off from a lot of beautiful things -- love, friendship, happiness -- when you make a big fuss about little things.  Little things can even get between you and God."

    Lanita thought about all the things that had been bothering her.  She knew they were really "little things," but they had spoiled her relationship with her family -- and with God, too.  She gave her Dad a quick hug before they returned to the house.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make a big fuss about little things?  Do you know the most common cause of anger?  It's selfishness, and it can ruin your day, your week -- even your life.  Make up your mind right now not to let little things get between you and others -- or between you and God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:31  L)
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Citizen Now

Tad looked up as his mother hung up the telephone.  "I heard you tell Mrs. Lewis you'd be a witness.  Did she have an accident?" he asked.

    Mother smiled.  "No, this is good news.  Mrs. Lewis wants to become an American citizen.  I'm going to be a character witness when she takes her examination."

    "But she lives here," Tad said.  "Isn't she an American citizen?"

    "No," Mother replied, "living in America doesn't automatically make her an American.  She was born in another country and came here when she married.  But she has never applied for citizenship until now."

    Mrs. Lewis was a good friend of Tad's family.  When the big day arrived and she was sworn in as a United States citizen, they all went out for ice cream to help her celebrate.  "Why did you decide to become an American citizen?" Tad asked her.

    "There was so much I couldn't do without being a citizen," Mrs. Lewis explained.  "I couldn't vote, hold a public office, or do certain jobs.  Now I can.  I'm glad to give up my citizenship in my old country and become a citizen here."

    "This reminds me of what happens when we become Christians," Dad said.  "We renounce our allegiance to Satan and pledge our loyalty to Christ."

    "That's right."  Mother nodded.  "In a sense, we're all born in a 'foreign country.'  We're born into this old world, and to become a citizen of heaven, we each must accept Jesus as Savior.  No one becomes a Christian automatically. "

    "And being a Christian gives us certain privileges we wouldn't have under Satan's rule," added Dad.  "Not only do we receive forgiveness from sin and a home in heaven, but God cares for our needs, Jesus prays for us, and the Holy Spirit guides us."

    "I'm a citizen of the United States now," Mrs. Lewis said proudly.  "But I'm a citizen of heaven, too.  That's even better."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where is your citizenship?  Have you personally asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior?  You must make that decision to become a citizen of heaven.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 3:20  F)
For our conversation (our citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bearing Fruit

Susan and Kurt had so much fun helping gather apples at their grandmother's home that it didn't seem like work at all.  The apples were juicy and delicious, and they could eat as many as they wanted.  "Grandma Bergen said she had a bumper crop this year," said Susan.  "What does that mean?"

    "It means the trees have lots and lots of apples this year," Dad said.

    "How come Grandma's trees have so many apples?" asked Kurt.  "There weren't nearly this many last year.  Last year there were a lot of wormy ones, too."   

    "Grandma said she used a different kind of spray this year," Mom said.  "And she put in a new irrigation system to water the trees.  I think that's why the apples are bigger and better than ever."

    "Picking all this fruit reminds me of some Bible verses about the fruit of the Spirit," said Dad.  "Didn't you kids learn those for Bible Club a few weeks ago?"

    Susan nodded.  "Yep.  They're Galatians 5:22 and 23," she said, "and I still remember them."  She quoted the verses.

    "Good," said Dad.  "Having the fruit of the Spirit in our lives should be natural, just like it's natural for apple trees to have apples.  It's not something they have to struggle to do."

    I don't think it's all that easy to have the fruit of the Spirit," said Kurt.  "I think it's hard!"

    Dad smiled.  "Well, I'm afraid a lot of us would have to agree with you," he said.  "But when Grandma Bergen's apple trees didn't produce many apples, she knew something was wrong, and when our lives don't show the fruit of the Spirit, perhaps there's something wrong, too.  What do you think it might be?"

    "Well. . .Grandma's apples had worms last year, so the fruit wasn't so good, and maybe our lives have sin in them when the fruit isn't so good," suggested Susan after a moment.

    "Excellent thought!" exclaimed Dad.  "Anything else?"

    Kurt spoke quickly.  "Just like apple trees need water, a Christian needs the Bible," he said.   

    Dad nodded.  "Another good thought.  God wants His children to live fruitful lives for Him.  And that's not just for adults.  He wants boys and girls to bring forth fruit too.  Let's do all we can to make sure our lives show the fruit of the Spirit every day."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know what the "fruit of the Spirit" is? Think about the things listed in the verses below, and think about your own life -- the things you do each day, the way you behave, the attitudes you display.  Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?  It should be if you know Jesus as your Savior.  Read your Bible daily and apply it to your life.  Confess to God any sin in your life.  Let His fruit be seen in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 5:22-23  B)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Funny Kind Of Love

Randy sat on the front porch, sniffling.  "It was just a little fib," he told Buffy, who sat whining at his feet.  "Sure wasn't bad enough for a spanking."  He rubbed his sleeve across his cheek, then mimicking his mother's voice, he added.  "'I'm doing this because I love you.'"  Randy sniffed again.   "Funny kind of love that is!"

    Buffy licked his master's hand in sympathy.  Then he jumped up and ran to the gate as Randy's friend Jon and his dog, Marcus, came into the yard.  "What's the matter with you?"  Jon asked as he plopped down beside Randy.

    "Nothin'," Randy answered shortly.  Then he added, "My mom gave me a spanking because I told a little lie."

    "My mom never spanks me," Jon bragged.

    "Maybe that's why you're always in trouble at school," Randy snapped.

    At that moment the mailman came into the yard, and the two dogs went out the open gate.  Down the street, they raced.  "Come back here, Marcus!" Jon yelled as he started after his dog.

    Randy went to the gate and called, "Buffy, come here!"  Buffy stopped as though he had seen a red light.  He turned and came back to Randy while Jon continued down the street, begging his dog to stop.  They went three blocks before Marcus decided to let Jon catch him. 

    Jon came back gasping for breath and carrying Marcus.  "I thought Marcus was going to get run over," he said, panting.  "He ran right out in front of a car."  He sat down on the porch steps next to Jon.  Looking at Buffy, he added, "You sure got your dog well trained.  How'd you do it?"

    "I spanked him with a rolled-up newspaper when he didn't obey," Randy told him.  "I hated to do it, but Dad said that was part of my responsibility.  He soon learned to mind me."

    "I couldn't do that to Marcus," Jon said.  "I love him too much to spank him."

    "Well, a few spankings could save his life -- after all, he almost got run over because he didn't come when you called," Randy reminded Jon.  "I love Buffy, too, that's why I spa. . . . "  Randy stopped as he remembered what his mother had said.  Maybe her love wasn't such a funny kind, after all.  Maybe it was Jon's kind of love that was strange.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your parents spank you and then tell you they love you?  They are telling you the truth.  God says it's their responsibility to train you -- and even spank you -- when you need it.  They know that a little correction now can save you a lot of trouble later.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 22:15  F)
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Good Start, But

Karl and his friend Jared burst into the living room.  "Look, Dad.  I've got a new model plane."  Karl held up the box so his father could see the picture of the fighter plane.

    "Nice!" approved Dad.  "You're getting quite a collection.  You've brought home several models lately."

    "Right!  I've got a Tiger, and a Hornet and a B-52. . . ."

    "Can I see them?" interrupted Jared.  "They must look neat, all in a row." 

    Karl hesitated.  "Well, I haven't finished them yet.  But I've got 'em all started.  I'll finish them someday."

    Dad looked up, frowning.  "In that case, I think I'd better hold this one for you until the others are done.  Leaving things unfinished is a waste of time and effort."

    "Aw, Dad," protested Karl, "it's just a model."

    "Yes," agreed Dad, "but I'm afraid you're developing life-long habits that will hurt you, Karl.  Remember the garden last spring?  You got the ground all prepared, but you never got it planted.  And then there was the dog house you started to build. . . ."

    "Don't remind me," groaned Karl.  "But don't worry.  I'm going to finish it one of these days.  I'll do it tomorrow."

    Jared laughed.  "My dad always says, 'Tomorrow never comes.'"

    "He's right," agreed Dad. "God tells us we are to be faithful in the things we have to do, big or small.  Good work habits will help you serve the Lord better.  If you can't finish the things you start for your own pleasure, you probably won't finish the things you start for God, either."

    Karl looked at the model he was holding.  Then he handed it to his dad.  "Okay -- but don't put this too far away.  I'll need it soon," he said.  He looked at Jared.  "I've got some models I need to get to work on.  Wanna give me a hand?"  Grinning, the boys headed for Karl's room.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you finish what you start?  Or do you regularly lose interest in projects before they're done?  Maybe you think it doesn't really matter because your tasks aren't very important.  Wrong!  If you've been given a job to do, it's important to do it to the best of your ability.  Ask God to help you keep on working even when the job may seem uninteresting or difficult.  Depend on Him to give you His strength to complete any service you begin.  Make up your mind not to quit before a job is finished.  Then stick to it!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 16:10  H)
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Joking

Tom and Jeff went into the house to get Tom's mitt.  As usual, they stopped in the kitchen for a few cookies.  "That Colin is so stupid!"  Tom remarked as they ate.  "I bet he's failed every math test we've had all year."

    "Yeah," agreed Jeff, "and when we laughed and asked if he could help us with our math, he started crying.  What a baby!  He can't even take a joke."  The boys laughed together, but when they saw Tom's mother looking at them, they quickly changed the subject and soon left for the ball park.

    The next day Tom was working on his bird house.  He was hammering away at a nail, when. . ."OUCH!"  Tom dropped the hammer and began running around, holding his finger, moaning and groaning.  He heard someone laughing, and looked up.  "Oh, you look so funny!" howled his sister, Denise.  "You should see yourself!"

    "It's not funny!  It hurts!" Tom wailed.

    "I'm sure that does hurt," murmured Mom as she put ice on Tom's finger a few minutes later.  "And it didn't help your finger at all when Denise teased you about it, did it?"

    "That was mean," grumbled Tom.  "I think that made it worse.  She owes me an apology."

    "Well, I'm afraid Colin felt worse, too, when you laughed at him yesterday," Mom said.

    Startled, Tom looked up.  "But it was just teasing," he protested.

    "Sometimes teasing is very painful," said Mom, "especially when you're teased about something that hurts you already.  God never laughs at us when we feel bad, and He doesn't want us to laugh others if it makes them feel bad, either."

    Tom looked away, ashamed.  "I'm sorry," he whispered.

    "Good."  Mom nodded.  "I wonder if Colin knows that?"  There was a question in her tone.

    Tom frowned.  "Do I have to tell him?" he asked.

    "Well. . .you thought Denise should apologize to you," Mom reminded him.

    Tom sighed.  "Okay," he murmured.  He looked up at his mother.  "Hey. . .can I invite him over to help me with my birdhouse?" he asked.  "Maybe that would make him feel better."   Mom gladly agreed.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes mock people and laugh at them?  Teasing can be fun, but remember that jokes can hurt, too.  Be sensitive to the feelings of others.  God says to rejoice with those who are happy and to weep with those who are sad.  He says to love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18) and to love one another as He loved you.  If you do that, you won't want to tease them in a "hurting" way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 13:34  A)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Different Way To Talk

Julie walked into the kitchen and took a deep breath.  "Oh, boy!  Homemade bread!" she exclaimed.

    Her mother looked up from her work.  "That's right, honey.  But this loaf isn't for us.  I'm taking it next door to our new neighbors."  She paused briefly.  "Did you know they have a girl just about your age?" she asked.  "You should meet her."

    Julie shook her head.  "I already did, but she's no fun.  She doesn't talk or anything."

    "Maybe she's just a little shy," suggested Mother.  "It takes some people longer to adjust than others."

    "No," said Julie.  "You don't understand.  She doesn't. . .I mean, she can't talk.  She can't say anything, and she can't hear, either.  So there's no point in going over there again."

    "I see," said Mother thoughtfully.  "Well, if she can't talk the way you do, maybe you should learn to talk her way.  I'll learn, too, okay?"

    Julie looked at Mother in surprise.  "Her way?  You mean learn sign language?" she asked.  "Why should I bother to do that?  I'm sure she has friends who already can talk that way."

    "Perhaps," said Mother.  "But who knows. . .maybe the Lord sent her here for us to witness to her."

    "But, Mom," protested Julie, "He wouldn't really expect us to learn sign language, would He?  That's a lot of work."

    "True," agreed Mother, "but think about it.  When your brother went to Bangladesh as a missionary, what was the first thing he had to do?"

    "Go to language school," replied Julie reluctantly.

    Mother nodded.  "Do you think our neighbors might be our mission field?" she asked.  "If learning sign language would help win them to Jesus, that wouldn't be too much to ask, would it?"

    Slowly Julie shook her head.  "Okay," she agreed.  "Let's learn it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that the Apostle Paul said he became 'all things to all men' in order to win some?  Are you willing to go out of your way to win someone to Jesus?  Maybe you need to become a friend to someone, help someone with schoolwork, or do extra chores at home.  What special thing can you do?     


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 9:22  I)
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.