Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

It's Hereditary

Oh, Mom!  Why did I have to get freckles?  Becky complained as she studied her nose in the mirror.   

    "Be glad you don't have warts," consoled her brother, Jon.  "Besides, what's wrong with freckles?  Mom has freckles, and she's pretty."

    "That's different," answered Becky.  "She's a mother, and nobody cares if she has freckles."

    "I'm not really surprised that you're getting freckles," Mother said.  "After all, as Jon pointed out, I've got them, and your grandma and great grandma had freckles, too.  They're one of the hereditary characteristics that we passed on to you."

    "What does that mean, Mom?" Jon asked.

    "It means that there's no hope for me," moaned Becky.

    Mother smiled as she explained.  "Children often have the same characteristics as their parents," she said.  "Becky has freckles because I have freckles.  You both have blue eyes because Daddy and I have blue eyes.  We have blue eyes because our parents had blue eyes.  What you are is a reflection of Daddy and me."

    "I think I understand."  Jon nodded.  "We're a lot like you and Daddy because we were born into your family."

    "Right," agreed Mother.  "Becky may not appreciate all the characteristics she has inherited, but it's obvious that she's part of our family."

    "Freckles and all!"  Becky giggled.

    "You know, kids," mused Mother, "as Christians, we're part of God's family, and that should be obvious, too.  Our actions should show that we belong to Him, and we should all reflect His character.  Each day we should strive to be more and more like Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you belong to God's family?  Then you should reflect His character.  There should be less disobedience in your life, less laziness, fewer angry words.  And there should be more friendliness, more helpfulness, more kind acts.  In other words, you should be growing more like Jesus every day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:1-2a  B)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Those Dirty Socks

Mom, I can't find any clean socks.  Missy stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

    Mother pointed toward the hamper in the utility room.  "Then you didn't put the dirty ones in the hamper like I told you to do," she said.  "I washed everything in it yesterday."

    "Well, what am I going to do?" wailed Missy.

    "You'll just have to wear the same socks you wore yesterday," Mother told her.  "Find all the others and put them in the hamper.  I'll wash again today."

    Missy soon returned with an armload of rumpled clothes.  Her mouth was set in a grim line and there was a big frown on her face as she shoved them into the hamper.  She started to stomp back to her room.

    "Whoa," said Mother.  She took a Bible from the kitchen shelf and leafed through it.  "Wait a minute!  Do you know that you remind me of the Children of Israel?"

    "Huh?" Missy stopped in surprise.

    "Here.  Read this."  Mother pointed to the verses on the page so Missy could pick out the words easily.  "Read it aloud," she said.

    Reluctantly, Missy took the Bible and began to read.  "Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none."  Missy looked up from the page.  "What's it talking about?" she asked.

    "Picking up manna--bread from heaven," replied Mother.

    Missy still looked puzzled.  "Well, what has that got to do with me?"

    "The Israelites were to gather manna every day, and a double amount on the sixth day," explained Mother.  "Then on the Sabbath, they rested."

    "Oh, I remember that!" said Missy.  "They were supposed to take double on the sixth day, but some didn't.  They went out looking on the Sabbath, and there wasn't any."  Missy shrugged.  "I still don't see what that has to do with me."

    "Well," said Mother, "when they didn't follow God's instructions on the sixth day, their plates were empty on the seventh day, so they went hungry.  You didn't follow my instructions, so now your sock drawer is empty.  Whose fault is it, Missy?"

    "Mine," admitted Missy.  "I. . .I shouldn't have been angry at you.  I'm sorry.  I've followed your instructions now."

    "So tomorrow you'll have clean socks!" said Mom, giving her a hug.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes forget to do things, or perhaps do something wrong and then become angry because of the results?  Be careful not to blame others for things that are your own fault.  Be careful not to blame God!  If you've been murmuring and complaining, confess that and receive God's forgiveness.  Ask Him to help you to accept your responsibilities without complaint.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Exodus 16:8  Y)
Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Why Mosquitoes?

I hate mosquitoes!  Nancy slapped her arm.  All evening she and her brother Jason had been bothered by the pesky insects, but they didn't want to stay inside the cabin.  They were spending only one week at the lake, and they didn't want to spend it inside!  They decided to spray themselves with more repellent, so they ran up the hill to the cabin.

    Their parents were sitting on the porch.  "You two tired of playing already?" asked Dad.

    "No, but we're getting eaten alive!  We have to put more insect repellent on our arms and legs," Nancy explained.

    "Why did God have to make mosquitoes anyhow?" wondered Jason.

    "Well," Dad said, "mosquitoes might be a nuisance to you, but they are very important to dragon flies."

    Mom smiled.  "And to purple martins," she added. 

    "And to nighthawks," said Dad.  "Birds eat mosquitoes.  There are even certain kinds of fish who eat mosquito larvae."

    "Wow!" Nancy said.  "I didn't realize all those creatures depended on mosquitoes for food!"

    "Remember what God said after He created the heavens and earth?" Dad asked.

    "Sure," said Jason.  "We learned that in Sunday school.  'And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.'"

    "Right."  Dad nodded his head.  "Everything God made has a purpose, but the fulfillment of that purpose has been affected by sin.  That's why some things in the creation are now harmful and irritating.  Someday in the future, God will restore harmony within creation.  Then mosquitoes will no longer be a nuisance."

    Nancy grinned as she held up the can of insect repellent.  "Well, this stuff has a purpose, too," she said, "and I hope it works!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder why God made mosquitoes or flies?  Do you wonder why He made snakes or spiders?  He made all things to be part of His plan, but sin has affected that plan.  There is still a balance, however, and a purpose for everything.  And remember that someday God will again restore harmony to the creation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Genesis 1:31  A)
And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Balancing Act

Jordan and his friend Tyler were exploring in a park not far from their homes.  "Wow, I'd hate to fall that far," said Jordan as the boys peered over the fence that separated them from a massive waterfall.

    "Yeah," Tyler agreed as he lit a cigarette.  Jordan stared at his friend in dismay.  After urging from classmates, Tyler had recently started smoking.  "Look!" exclaimed Tyler, pointing to some other boys climbing on the fence.  One even walked along the top of the wooden rail while water from the falls plunged down not far from him.

    "Wow!  That's scary," said Jordan.  "My dad says they oughta put a better fence along here.  If that guy fell, it would be the end of him."  They watched as the boys hopped off the fence and ran away laughing.

    Jordan looked thoughtful.  "Hey, Tyler, I dare you to walk the fence like that kid just did," he said after a moment.

    Tyler looked at Jordan in surprise.  "Are you crazy?" asked Tyler.  "I'm not that stupid!  I'm staying on this side of the fence.  I'm not getting that close to the edge!"

    Jordan sighed.  "What's the difference between the edge of that waterfall and the edge you're on right now?

    "Huh?" grunted Tyler.  "What're you talking about?"

    "Well, there are all kinds of hazard warnings about smoking," said Jordan, "but you ignore them.  Seems to me you're doing a balancing act just like that kid on the fence--showing off for the guys!"

    Tyler blinked thoughtfully at his cigarette.  "I guess I did try smoking just because everyone else did," he admitted slowly.  He dropped the cigarette on the ground and squished it under the toe of his shoe.  Then he turned to Jordan.  "But what about you and your 'act' of making fun of Daryl?  You did that just because all the other guys were doing it."

    Jordan was startled.  "You're right," he said, "I guess we both have something to work on."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to please God rather than other kids?  Do you resist the temptation to show off?  Some Christians want the "best of both worlds," and so they "ride a fence," trying to please their friends and God.  God knows you're not perfect, but He expects you to obey His own wise counsel in the Bible and to stay as far away from temptation as possible..


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 1:10  M)
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Special Blood

Leroy was spending a weekend with his grandfather whom he loved dearly, but one thing was wrong--Grandpa didn't know Jesus as Savior.  Grandpa said he'd made his own way all his life, and he sure didn't see any need to change now.  Leroy and his parents were praying that God would help him be a good witness during this visit.

    On Saturday morning, Grandpa and Leroy went for a hike in the woods.  They were having a fine time, when suddenly Grandpa tripped.  He fell on a piece of glass and cut his leg.  Blood gushed out!

    "Grandpa!" Leroy exclaimed.  "You need a doctor."

    "Don't need a doctor," grunted Grandpa.  "Never needed one before, and I don't need one now!"  He attempted to stop the bleeding, but it appeared to be a very deep cut.

    "Grandpa, you need help," insisted Leroy.

    "No one to help us anyway, Grandpa said faintly.  He got up and tried to walk, but he soon had to sit down again.

    "I'm going for help," Leroy declared, and he rushed off.  He murmured a prayer of thanks when he met some campers just entering the woods.  They quickly offered their help, and soon Grandpa was on his way to the hospital.

    Later, Leroy told his grandfather what had happened.  "You lost a lot of blood and needed a transfusion," said Leroy, "but you have a rare type of blood.  They had to send to another hospital to get it.  Without that blood, you would have died!"  Leroy saw Grandpa looking at the tubes carrying blood into his veins.  "You know, Grandpa," said Leroy, "you needed this blood to keep your physical life, and you need Jesus' blood to save you and give you eternal life."

    Grandpa blinked.  "I always thought I could live on my own," he murmured, "but now I realize I can't."  He hesitated before adding, "Okay. . .tell me more about Jesus."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you can manage your life by yourself?  We all need help,  and none of us--including you--can get to heaven without Jesus.  His blood was shed to purchase your salvation.  Have you accepted His offer of eternal life?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 9:22  A)
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Wholesome Diets

Lauren rushed up the steps and opened the door with her key.  Since Mom started working, Lauren liked the freedom of being on her own for an hour before Mom got home.  She poured herself a glass of milk, grabbed a chocolate cookie, and sat down to watch her favorite program on TV.  The first few times Lauren had watched the program, she felt somewhat guilty.  But now she watched and even listened to the off-color jokes without feeling any sense of guilt.  In fact, she was laughing so hard she didn't hear her mother's car pull into the driveway.

    When Mom entered the room, Lauren jumped up in surprise.  "Mom, you're home early!" she exclaimed.

    Mom looked at the TV screen.  "I don't think you've chosen the best entertainment, Lauren," she said.

    "Oh, Mom!  I watch it for the good part and don't pay any attention to the bad part," replied Lauren.

    Mom frowned, in deep thought.  "We'll have tacos tonight.  Please go shred the lettuce and cheese," she said.  "I'll join you as soon as I've changed clothes."  Glad to end the discussion about TV, Lauren quickly turned it off, headed for the kitchen, and got busy.

    Soon Mother came in.  She went to the refrigerator and took out some hamburger.  She also pulled out a plastic container and opened it.  She wrinkled her nose as she looked at the contents.  Then she put the cover back on.  "Oh, look," she said as she handed it to Lauren.  "Here's the leftover turkey casserole we had last week.  Since you like it so much, why don't you heat it up and finish it tonight.  I know you like it even better than tacos, right?"

    "Oh, good!" exclaimed Lauren.  But when she opened the container, she made a face.  "Mom!" she exclaimed.  "This is moldy!  It's gross!"

    "Well, don't eat the bad part," said Mom.  "Just eat the good part.  It's full of cashews, remember?"

    "Ugh!" Lauren stared at her mother in disbelief.  "It's all mixed up.  I can't eat just the good part.  It's all. . .all ruined by the part that's spoiled."

    "As a matter of fact, I agree with you," said Mom, "but since you seem to think you can take in only the good out of the things you feed your mind, I thought maybe you'd like to try that with the things you feed your body, too."

    Lauren slowly shook her head.  "I see what you're saying.  From now on I'll find something better to watch after school.  Or else I'll leave the TV off and read a book or do my homework."

    "Wise decision," Mom said as she took the container of spoiled food and threw it out.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about what goes into your mind?  Or do you think you can remain pure even when you allow offensive language or immoral behavior to fill your mind?  Be careful!  When you no longer notice the bad part, you're in trouble!  Ask God to cleanse your mind and help you to keep it clean.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 5:22  A)
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Unarmed

Oh, no!  Bobby exclaimed out loud--but not too loud.  He didn't want Mom or Dad to hear.  "I forgot my Bible again!"  The Kerner family was on their way to Sunday school, and already they were too far from home to go back for the Bible.  Bobby had forgotten it the week before,  too.  He hoped his teacher wouldn't notice.  Mr. Lawrence always put a lot of emphasis on everyone bringing his Bible.

    In class, Mr. Lawrence told the boys to turn to Ephesians six.  Bobby quickly scooted his chair over to look on with a friend.  Mr. Lawrence didn't seem to notice.  "Before we read these verses, let me tell you a story," he said.  "Frederick was a soldier, and he was very proud of being a soldier.  He loved his country and believed in the laws of his government.  When it was necessary to fight to protect those laws, he immediately went to battle.  One day, Frederick came face to face with the enemy--but lo and behold, he cried out, 'I forgot my sword!  I have nothing with which to fight!'"  The boys laughed.  It seemed funny for a soldier to forget his sword!  Then Mr. Lawrence asked Tom to read Ephesians 6:17.

    "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," read Tom.

    Even before Mr. Lawrence explained it, Bobby knew exactly why he had told the story.  "As Christians, we, too, are in a battle--a battle against Satan," said Mr. Lawrence.  "The Word of God is what we need to fight that battle!  It shows us the difference between right and wrong.  That's why I ask you to bring your Bibles to Sunday school.  Of course, just carrying it along isn't what helps you, but by looking up verses for yourselves, you become more familiar with it and with what God teaches.  It helps you learn more about the men and women who served God, and helps you learn how to serve God better yourselves."  Mr. Lawrence held up his Bible.  "Without this, we're a little like unarmed soldiers."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you often forget your Bible when you go to church?  Maybe you remember, but have to spend a lot of time looking for it because you haven't read it since the last time you were in church.  It's important to study and use God's Word.  It's part of the armor you need to fight Satan.  Don't let him catch you without your sword!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:17  A)
And take. . .the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Worse Than Onions

Yuck! complained Dustin.  "It smells terrible in here!  What are you eating?"

    "Just this hot dog," answered Ben with a shrug.

    Dustin looked at Ben's paper plate on the counter.  "Onions!  You're eating onions.  That's what stinks!"

    "What's a hot dog without onions?" Ben asked smiling.

    "It'll give you bad breath!" warned Dustin.

    "So?"  Ben laughed.  "If you don't like the smell, don't sit so close."

    "Good idea!" said Dustin, taking a hot dog and moving to the other side of the room.  "I'm not spoiling my hot dog with any smelly onions!"

    "Onions may smell bad, but it could be worse," observed Dad, who had been listening.

    "Huh?" Ben mumbled with a full mouth.

    "This conversation about onions reminds me of sin in our lives," Dad explained.  "See. . .when a person feeds regularly on God's Word and obeys His commands, his life becomes as a fragrant, sweet-smelling sacrifice to the Lord.  But when a person refuses to follow God's commands and lives to please himself, his life is wretched and stinks of sin--even worse than onions."

    "Onions may smell bad, but they sure taste good," said Ben.

    "Sometimes sin tastes good, too," Dad said, "at least for a while.  The guy who drinks or uses drugs or smokes probably feels good or important at the time, but often the end results are tragic.  No matter how appealing sin looks, God hates it.  I think we would be correct in saying that, to Him, sin stinks."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Consider your actions.  How do you behave when Mother asks you to do something?  When you meet an unattractive person?  When your younger brother breaks your things?  When being honest is going to result in punishment?  When someone tells a dirty joke?  The list could go on and on.  Is your behavior pleasing to God, or does it "stink" before Him?  Next time you're tempted to behave in a way you know is wrong, think about the smell of onions.  Don't allow your behavior to "smell" even worse than that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:15  S)
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Happy To Serve

Timmy had a bike, a generous allowance, and lots of toys, read Mom.  She was reading a story to the children at bedtime.  "When he came home from school each day, his mother was there.  He went with his family to church, and they always had daily devotions.  He was a member of the Boy Scouts and played on a baseball team.  It seemed as though Timmy had everything a boy could want, but he wasn't happy.  He often moped and complained and asked for more and more things.   

    "When Grandmother came to spend the summer, she didn't say much, but she listened and watched.  She saw Timmy throw a fit because his friends wouldn't do exactly as he ordered.  She heard him demand a new baseball mitt because the old one had a little crack in it.  She saw him become angry if anyone interrupted his video game."

    "He was naughty, wasn't he?" asked little Davie.

    Mom nodded.  "Yes, he was," she agreed.  She began reading again.  "One day Grandmother asked, 'Timmy, would you run this magazine over to Aunt Maude at the nursing home for me, please?' Timmy did, and he came home whistling.

    "The next day Grandmother said, 'Timmy, today is your mother's birthday.  Would you please help me bake a cake and fix a nice birthday dinner for her?'  Timmy did, and later went to bed smiling.

 `   "Grandmother had some other ideas.  At her suggestion, Timmy mowed the lawn for Mr. Nelson who had broken his leg.  He weeded out the flower bed for his mother.  He washed the car for his dad.  He took care of the neighbors' dog while they were on vacation.  And he moped and complained less and less--and smiled, laughed, and whistled more and more.

    "'What happened to Timmy?' asked his parents.  'He's like a different boy.'

    "Grandmother simply smiled and said, 'To be happy we must serve, not be served.  We must give, not get.'"  Mother closed the book.  "That's a lesson the Bible teaches, too," she added.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you unhappy and wondering why?  True happiness comes from serving Jesus and others.  Think of ways you could help someone or things you could do for someone.  Jesus became a servant.  Follow His example and find real joy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 5:13  B)
By love serve one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Long Time

Mom! called Todd as he ran into the house.  He filled a glass with water.  "Mike did it again!"

    Mom looked up from her work.  "Did what?" she asked.

    "He said if I'd play checkers with him, he'd let me use his basketball," Todd replied angrily.  He took a sip of water.

    "Well, that seems fair to me," Mother told him.  "So what's the problem?"

    Todd put his glass down.  "We played a game of checkers, and then he wouldn't give me the basketball," he complained.  "It's not fair!  I'm never going to play with him again!"

    "Never is a long time, Son," said Mother.

    "Yeah?  Well, I don't care!" stormed Todd, and he ran to his room, slamming the door behind him.

    A little later his mother went to talk with him.  "Are you still mad at Mike?" she asked.

    "Oh course I am!" exploded Todd.  "Wouldn't you be?"

    Mother thought about it.  "Perhaps so," she admitted, "but you know, what happened to you reminds me of a Bible story."

    "It does?" asked Todd.  He thought for a moment.  "Which one, Mom?" he wondered.

    "It reminds me of Jesus on the cross," answered Mom.  "Jesus spent His entire life helping people.  He talked with them and taught them many important things.  He healed many of their diseases--and even raised some back to life.  He wanted to be their friend!  But instead of being thankful, many people didn't treat Him fairly at all."

    Todd nodded.  "A lot of people hated Him, and finally they killed Him, didn't they?" he said.

    Mom nodded.  "You know," she continued, "according to our way of thinking, He had every right to hate those people and never talk with them again."

    "Kinda like me and Mike, huh?" Todd asked.

    "Yes," agreed Mom, "but instead of being mad at them, Jesus loved them and asked God to forgive them.  He even died for them so their sins could be taken away."

    "Mom," Todd said slowly, "can I go over to Mike's house?"

    Mom's eyes twinkled.  "I thought you were never going to play with him again," she said.

    "Aw, come on, Mom!" said Todd.  "Never is a long time!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you argued with someone?  Or, have you been treated unfairly?  Has someone not kept a promise?  How did you react?  Follow the example of Jesus and forgive those who have wronged you.  Love them anyway.  Perhaps the Lord will use your example and testimony to bring them to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:32  A)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Needs Help?

Jason tossed his basketball at the hoop.  It sailed through the net.  "Hi, Son," Dad called from the garage.  "Are you ready to go with me to serve the evening meal at the homeless shelter?"  Every third Tuesday Jason's father went to help serve a meal and tell people about Christ.

    "I decided not to go, Dad," Jason said.  He threw the ball again.

    Dad was surprised.  "I thought you were looking forward to it,"  he said.  "What made you change your mind?"

    "Well. . .Brett Thompson says it's a waste of time because those people could help themselves if they really wanted to," replied Jason.  "Then they wouldn't be poor and homeless anymore."

    "I see," said Dad.  "But is it up to us to decide who needs help and who doesn't?  Or is serving others a way to serve God?"  Dad looked at the basketball Jason dribbled on the driveway.  Then he added, "You've sure improved in basketball skills!  It was nice of Coach Perkins to spend so much time helping you."

    "Yeah!" agreed Jason.  "I didn't know what I was doing wrong.  Some of the guys wanted me off the team.  They said I wasn't trying hard enough.  They even told Coach not to waste his time."

    "I'm glad Coach Perkins didn't listen to them," said Dad, "or let them decide who deserved his help and who didn't."

    Jason nodded.  "If he hadn't helped, I would still be struggling. . . ." Jason froze, and the ball rolled down the concrete driveway.  When I needed help, Coach Perkins gave it to me, he thought.  He didn't listen to the guys who thought I'd never learn.  Jason looked at his father.  "I guess you're right, Dad," he admitted.  "It's not up to me to decide who needs my help and who doesn't.  Can you wait until I put my basketball away so I can go to the shelter with you?"

    "Sure, Son."  Dad smiled as Jason ran after his ball.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When was the last time you helped someone in need?  Did you ask yourself first if they were worth helping, or did you serve God by serving someone else?  In what ways can you help others?  Can you baby-sit for a single Mom, or do a "fix-up" job for an elderly person?  Find a need and serve God by caring for it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 14:21  H)
He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Stormy Weather

Josie put down her book and stared out the window at the trees and fence posts whizzing by.  The drive home from Grandma and Grandpa's was a long one and she wished they were home.

    As the road climbed into the mountains, the sky grew dark.  It began to rain, and tree branches and grass waved in the wind.  Then the raindrops changed to snowflakes.  It was toasty warm in the van, and Josie was glad she was not outside.

    Soon the snow was making a dizzying design outside the window.  The windshield wipers swung frantically back and forth to keep the windshield clear.  "It's getting hard to see, " said Dad peering out the window.  He cautiously slowed the car to a crawl.  Soon he stopped behind a string of red car lights.

    "Why are we stopping?" asked Josie's brother Sam.

    "I don't know," said Dad.  "Maybe there's an accident up ahead."

    "I'm scared," whimpered Josie.   

    "Not me," said Sam.  "What's to be scared of?  Just be glad you're in this nice warm van instead of out there in the cold and snow!"

    Mom smiled.  "That reminds me of some verses in the Psalms," she said.  "They point out that we have an even better refuge than this van."  She quoted the verses.  "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. . .He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge."

    Dad nodded.  "That means that God promises to be with us and protect us just like a baby bird is protected under its mother's wings," he added as the line of lights began moving.  Dad eased the car forward.

 `   "I was thinking of those verses as we were leaving Grandpa and Grandma's house," added Mom.  "They've been through a lot of difficult experiences, but the Lord has cared for them in each one.  I wouldn't want to be in this storm outside the van, and neither would I want to be in life's storms out of God's shelter."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is life sometimes "stormy" for you?  Are you ever afraid?  Remember that God has promised to protect His children.  He is with you when you are sick or in danger.  He has promised you His shelter when life seems scary.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 91:15  H)
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Greatest Miracle

Greg's eyes lit up as he listened to Aunt Karen on the phone.  "Thank you for praying for Maria," she said.  "The infection in her eye has completely cleared up."

    "That's really a miracle!" exclaimed Greg as he thought back over the past months.  His little cousin had been taking various medications to clear up an eye infection, but the doctor thought he'd have to send Maria to an eye specialist for possible surgery.  Greg and his family had been praying every day that God would heal Maria's eye.

    "Tonya!" called Greg.  "Guess what?  Aunt Karen says that Maria's eye is better!"

    "Really?  Oh, great!" cheered Tonya.  "Mom, come and hear about our miracle!"

    Mother hurried into the room to see what all the commotion was about.  What happened? she asked.  Tonya and Greg told her about their Aunt Karen's call.  "Isn't that neat!'' exclaimed Tonya.  Then she added thoughtfully, "God answered our prayers, didn't He?  I wish He'd do a miracle in my life, too."

    Mother smiled.  "Actually, He has," she said.  "As a matter of fact, God has performed a wonderful miracle in each of your lives."

    "I can't remember Him healing me," protested Tonya.   

    "What miracle are you talking about, Mom?" Greg wanted to know.

    "I'm talking about the day that each of you received Jesus as Savior," Mother explained.  "He healed you on the inside by changing you from children who wanted to do wrong into children who want to do right.  That is really the greatest miracle of all." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has Jesus done a miracle in your life?  Would you like Him to?  He wants to take your sinful desires and replace them with the desire to serve God.  Many people today are looking for miracles to prove that God's power is real, but they fail to recognize the greatest miracle of all--a changed life.  If you've experienced this miracle, thank God for demonstrating His saving power in your life.  If you haven't yet experienced this, won't you be saved today?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 5:17  T)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[Soldier4Christ]

 An Unjoyful Sound

As Eric and Darrin painted a raft they had built, Darrin started singing.  "Where in the world did you learn that?" Eric asked.

    "Oh, it's on the latest tape by the Mid Knight Witches," answered Darrin.  "I bought it yesterday at the mall."

    Eric looked up.  "But you're a Christian!" he exclaimed.

    "So?  The Bible doesn't say you can't listen to Mid Knight Witches' songs," replied Darrin.  "Besides, I don't pay attention to the words."

    Eric looked surprised.  "You must pay some attention to them.  You got the tape just yesterday, but you already know the words.  Listen to what you're singing.  Those words sound awful brutal."

    "They don't mean anything, Eric," protested Darrin.

    "They must mean something," retorted Eric.  "It wouldn't be a hit song if they didn't!"

    The conversation with Darrin still bothered Eric that night.  As he sat down to supper, he told his parents what Darrin had said.  "That's interesting," said Dad.  "I just read an article in last night's paper about a popular rock group.  The lead singer was quoted as saying he enjoyed the power the group had over young people's minds.  He also admitted that violence was one of their major themes."

    Eric was thoughtful for a few moments, and then he said, "Darrin told me that the Bible doesn't say anything about listening to Mid Knight Witches' music, but it does!  God tells us to make a joyful noise, and the Mid Knight Witches' album sure isn't joyful!"

    "It also says we are to make melody in our heart to the Lord," Mother reminded him.  Eric smiled and nodded.  He had some important verses to show Darrin! 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of music do you listen to on your radio?  What kind of tapes do you buy?  Do you think rock music is okay because you don't pay any attention to the words?  Be careful!  Often the lyrics in rock songs are not pleasing to the Lord.  There are many good songs that are fun to sing.  Listen to the right kind of music!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:19  S)
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Home Run That Wasn't

David sat on the bench and waited for his turn at bat.  His team was losing by just a couple of runs, and it was the last inning--their last opportunity to catch up with the other team.  "I know," David thought.  "I'll pray that I get a home run."  He bowed his head and whispered a prayer.

    Finally it was David's turn.  Confidently, he picked up his bat and walked to home plate.  The pitcher threw the ball, and David took a big swing--but missed.  Again, the pitcher threw the ball.  This time David hit it, and it slowly rolled toward the third baseman.  An easy "out" to end the game!

    David slowly walked over to meet his parents.  How could he have missed?  "I don't understand it," David said as they drove home.  "I prayed that the Lord would give me a home run, but I hit the ball worse than all the other times I was up to bat today!"

    "Hmmm," Dad said thoughtfully.  "The Gray boys were on the other team, and they're Christians, too.  I wonder what they were praying!"  David smiled.  That was true.  There were Christians on the other team.  "Seriously, David," his father went on, "sometimes our prayers are selfish.  We want what we want now.  That's not the purpose of prayer."

    "But doesn't God care about the ball game?" David asked.

    "Yes, God does care.  He cares that you have a good, Christian attitude, whether you win or lose.  After all, baseball is only a game.  Sometimes we make ball games more important than they really are.  The thing to do is to ask for the Lord's will to be done."

    David nodded.  He decided that before the next game, he'd ask the Lord to help him be a good sport whether he hit a home run or not. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes pray selfishly?  Do you pray that you will hit a home run, or that you will receive an "A" on a test (when you haven't even studied), or that you will get a new bike?  Remember, you need to ask that the Lord's will be done concerning all your requests.  You also need to remember to have a Christian attitude, no matter what the outcome.  The Lord knows what is best for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 5:14  A)
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us.