Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Call For Help

Yip! Yip!  The small terrier yelped and fled across the yard to the back door.

    "Trixie!" screamed Ann.  "Something's happened to Trixie."  She and her brother, Carl, ran to their pet.  The little dog snuggled in her arms, trembling and whining.  "Oh, Carl, she's hurt!"

    "Where?" asked Carl.

    "I don't know, but she's scared," answered Ann.  "You can tell by the way she sounds."

    "Let's check her over," suggested Mother who had come to see what was going on.  Gently Trixie was lowered to the floor where all three intently examined her.  "Her legs are all right," observed Mother.

    "And she's not bleeding," said Carl.  "There's not a spot on her."

    Both children stroked the sleek head.  "Whatever it was, it sure scared her," said Ann.

    "Yeah," said Carl, "I've never seen her run so fast."

    "She's not the only one who moved fast," said Mother.  "I hope she appreciated her two protectors!"

    Carl chuckled.  "Our Sunday school lesson last week was about how God is our Protector.  Does He come running like this when we call for help?"

    "Interesting question," said Mother.  "Do you think God needs to run?"

    "I don't think so," said Ann.  "God is everywhere."

    "Right," agreed Carl, "and it would be pretty difficult to run somewhere when you're already there."

    Ann hugged her pet.  "I'm glad God's everywhere and I don't have to wait for Him to come when I'm in trouble."  She laughed as Trixie tried to lick her face.

    The others laughed with her.  "We need to appreciate our Protector, too," observed Mother.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you confident that God is willing to help you whenever you need  Him?  Have you been aware of His presence when you were hurt or lonely?  Have you thanked Him for what He's done for you.  Be sure to do that, and tell someone else about it, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 46:1  G)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

 To Grandma with Love

Grandma will like this, thought John as he busily worked on a picture he was making for his grandmother. She'll probably take it home and put it up somewhere. He finished drawing a house, then worked on trees and other objects. John enjoyed art, and his teacher had told him he had a talent for it. "There!" he said, checking the finished picture to make sure he had done it as well as he could.

Nearby, John's five-year-old sister Chloe worked on a picture of her own. "Mine's done, too," she said, holding it up.

"What's Grandma going to do with that?" scoffed John. "Looks like nothing but scribbling to me!" Chloe scowled at him and left the room.

When Grandma arrived, John gave her his drawing. "My, but this is good work, John!" Grandma exclaimed. Then she turned to Chloe, who was shyly holding out her picture. Grandma took it and exclaimed over it, too. "These are both going on my refrigerator," she said. As she spoke, she noticed John's scowl.

When John and Grandma were alone a little later, she asked him about it. "Don't you want me to put your picture up?" she asked.

"Sure, but you sounded like Chloe's was as good as mine," replied John. "It's not half as good! Hers is just scribbling. Why would you like it?"

"I could see the love that went into it," Grandma explained. "I saw that Chloe had worked just as hard to please me as you had. Maybe it wasn't done with a practiced hand, as yours was, but the love was there. She did what she could."

John still looked a little doubtful, but he nodded slowly. "I guess that means you'd love me just as much if I weren't good at drawing," he said. Then he added with a smile, "And that's good."

"Right," agreed Grandma. "Shall I tell you something else that's good? God sees the things we do for Him out of love. We see some actions, or deeds, as being little or unimportant, but they're important to God because He notices the love that's put into them. Giving a helping hand, a friendly smile, or an encouraging word is just as important to God as performing an operation, preaching a sermon, or doing any other job."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does what you do for God seem less important than what others do for Him? It's not. On the other hand, perhaps you think what you do for Him is more important than what others do. That's not true, either. God sees the love that goes into each deed, no matter how big or small it seems to you. All acts done in love are precious in God's sight.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
She has done what she could. Mark 14:8

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Wrong Friends

Alan's little sister reached up.  "Hold my hand, Alan," she said, but her brother ignored her.  "Mommy always holds my hand when. . .oh!  I 'most falled!" exclaimed Amy as she tripped over a crack in the walk.

    "If you'd look where you're going, you wouldn't trip!"  Alan grabbed her hand.  "Now hurry up!"  Amy chattered happily, but her big brother wasn't listening.  He was annoyed because Mom had insisted that he take Amy to play in the park when he wanted to go to the mall with his friends.  But Mom didn't like the boys he hung around with lately.  Why does she have to be so bossy? he thought.  I'm old enough to choose my own friends!  Steve and Klynt aren't so bad.  Just because they always get into trouble at school doesn't mean they should be treated like they have chicken pox!

    When Alan and Amy returned home, Mom was in the yard.  Amy dashed ahead.  As she ran through the gate, she tripped on the water hose and fell.  "She never looks where she's going," Alan said in disgust.  He looked hopefully at Mom.  "Can I go to the mall now?"

    Mom shook her head.  "I'm afraid Amy isn't the only one who needs to watch where she's going," she said.  "You need to open your eyes, too, and look where you're headed, Son.  I just learned that Steve and Klynt were caught shoplifting today.  I'm glad you weren't with them.  But if you keep hanging around those two, you are headed for a big fall."

    Amy reached up toward Alan.  "I'll hold your hand, Alan, so you won't fall."

    Mother smiled at her.  "I'm afraid you can't keep him from falling, honey, but there's Someone Who can," she said.  "Alan better let God hold his hand."  Alan nodded soberly.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you looked down the road you're traveling to see what is ahead of you?  If you're following the wrong crowd, you're headed for a fall.  God says you cannot have real fellowship with unbelievers.  In other words, they should not be your closest friends.  Find someone who loves Jesus as you do to be your best friend--someone who will help you walk close to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Numbers 16:26  D)
Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

[Soldier4Christ]

 It's Greek To Me

Jim sat at the kitchen table turning the pages of his Bible.  "What are you doing?" asked his older sister, Beth.

    "Our Sunday school teacher gave us some homework," explained Jim.  "He's going to give a reward to the one who finds the most names or titles for God, but I can't find very many."  Suddenly he brightened.  "Hey, maybe you can help me.  Don't you learn that kind of stuff in Bible college?"  He looked hopefully at his sister as he added, "Mr. Benson doesn't care where we get our information, just so we learn." 

    Beth smiled.  "How about 'Good Shepherd?'" she asked.  "Do you have that one?  Remember the message Pastor Rader gave on Psalm 23 just a few weeks ago?"

    "Oh, I forgot about that!" Jim eagerly wrote it down.  "Can you think of any more?"

    "Well," said Beth, "the book of John talks about Jesus being the True Vine and the Door."

    "Oh, yeah!  Thanks, Beth!" exclaimed Jim.  "I've already got some others from the book of John where Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

    "Don't forget Isaiah 9:6," said Beth.  "In that verse God is called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace."

    Jim was writing the names down as fast as he could.  "You're a big help," he said  with a grin.

    "Thanks."  Beth nodded.  "How about Alpha and Omega?"

    "Alpha and Omega?" Jim asked doubtfully.  "That sounds like Greek to me!"

    Beth laughed.  "It is Greek, Jim!  Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet.  It means that God is the beginning and the end of everything."

    Jim wrote "Alpha and Omega" on his paper.  "That's kind of neat, isn't, it, Beth?" he said thoughtfully.

    Beth nodded.  "That is neat!" she agreed.  "Since God is the beginning and the end, it means He always was and always will be.  He's everything that each name suggests." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that God has many, many names and titles?  Why not start a family project and see how many you can find?  After you've made your list, write down what each title represents.  For instance. . .Counselor--someone who can help you when you're faced with a difficult situation.  Studying the names of God and what they mean is important, and it helps you realize how great He is.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Jeremiah 10:6  F)
Forasmuch as there is none like unto Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Roller Coster

Brad was delighted when his friend Trent agreed to go with the church youth group to the amusement park.  If he has fun, maybe he'll come along to church sometime, thought Brad.

    Trent did have fun, and all too soon the group was back on the bus and headed home.  They discussed their favorite rides.

    "You'll never catch me on that roller coaster," Jenny said firmly.

    "Why not?" asked Trent.  "You don't know what you're missing."

    "I sure do," said Jenny.  "I'm missing an upset stomach and a scary ride.  What if something would break, and the whole thing fell down?"

    "Aw, have more faith, Jenny," Trent teased.  "The roller coaster is safe.  Isn't that right, Mr. Benson?"  He turned to the youth leader.

    "It's been tested for safety," Mr. Benson said, "but it isn't foolproof, of course.  However, it doesn't matter how much faith a person has--what counts is where his faith is placed."

    "What do you mean?" Trent asked.

    "Well, all these rides are tested for safety, and people put their faith in them every day," Mr. Benson replied, "but news reports occasionally tell of one or another breaking down and people getting hurt.  No matter how much faith they had in the ride, it didn't help.  They just put their faith in the wrong thing that time."

    "Yeah, I guess so," agreed Trent.  "So there's nothing and nobody you can really trust, is there?  I mean, everything and everybody fails some time or other."  He laughed.  "Well, so much for faith!"

    "Ah, but there's one exception--the Lord Jesus," said Mr. Benson.  "He alone will never fail you if you put your trust in Him."

    Brad leaned back in his seat and prayed.  Although Trent looked a bit doubtful, he was listening.  Maybe my prayers for Trent will be answered on the way home! thought Brad. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where have you put your faith?  In good works?  In baptism?  In church attendance?  All those things will fail you.   You will receive salvation only by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.  Do that today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 2:16  K)
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. . . for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Sick Friend Part 1

Scott sat on the porch steps, his chin propped up in his hand. All he
could think about was Bobby Jonas! Just the week before, the boys had taken a
hike around the park. Now Bobby was in the hospital, seriously sick. When
Scott's mom had talked to Bobby's mom that morning, Mrs. Jonas said the doctors
had told them Bobby might not get well. That was scary! Scott sat and thought
about his friend. . .he didn't feel like doing anything else.
 

    The screen door opened behind him, and Scott's mother brought out a glass of lemonade.  "I thought you might be thirsty," she said.

    Scott drank the lemonade without even noticing how good it tasted.  "Mom, why did Bobby get sick?" he asked.

    "Well," replied Mom, "all the bad things that happen to us are a result of sin entering the world.  It's because of sin that the world is out of balance.  Death will come to all of us sooner or later--sometimes through sickness, sometimes through car accidents, and sometimes other ways.  The important thing is that God cares about us, and He cares about Bobby.  He is there to give comfort to the Jonas family.  He is there to help Bobby face the situation.  We should pray that Bobby understands the comfort that the Lord can provide, and that God's will is done in regard to his health."  She put a hand on Scott's shoulder.  "Would you like us to pray about it right now?" she asked.  Scott nodded, and Mother sat on the step next to him.  Together they talked to God about Bobby.   






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has there been a time when one of your friends or relatives was very sick?  When someone you loved died?  Did you wonder why it happened?  Sickness and death are a result of sin entering the world.  But God gives comfort to Christians!  He promises them an eternal home in heaven--a place where there is no sickness or death.  Through Him you can have peace, even in the most difficult times.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:18)
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Sick Friend Part 2

One day, Scott's mom again talked to Mrs. Jonas on the phone. After
hanging up, she said, "Bobby is feeling a little better and would like some
company. How would you like to go to the hospital to see him?"
 

    Scott hesitated.  "But, Mom, what would I say?"

    "Talk about the things you usually talk about, such as baseball, school, or hiking," suggested Mother.

    Scott still looked worried.  "But what if Bobby wants to talk about being sick?"

    "Let him," Mother advised.  "Sometimes the kindest thing to do for those in the hospital is to listen--to let them talk about how they are feeling."

    Scott was thoughtful.  "I'm glad Bobby's a Christian," he said finally.

    "Yes, Son, that is comforting."  Scott's mother paused and then added, "Remember, you can't pretend to understand what Bobby is going through.  You've never been faced with a serious illness.  You can, however, remind Bobby that the Lord understands, and that the Lord loves him and cares for him very much."

    Scott got his jacket.  He was still scared to go, but he knew he should do it.  He was certainly glad he knew the Lord as His personal Savior.  Only the Lord could help him know what to say when he visited his friend.  And only the Lord could give Bobby comfort and peace.






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to visit a sick person because you don't know what to say?  Even adults are often nervous about visiting someone who is ill.  But don't stay away!  The best thing you can do is to let that person know you care.  If you've been in the same circumstances, you can share that with him.  If not, don't pretend to know what he is feeling.  If he wants to talk about it, let him.  If he doesn't, don't ask "nosy" questions.  Share what's been happening in school and Sunday school.  Share a memory verse with him.  Encourage him to trust the Lord for strength to face tough situations.  Share with him that God cares.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Who (God) comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Penguins And People

Diane was excited!  Her family was going on an all-day excursion to the city zoo.  She loved watching all the animals, but the penguins were her favorites.  She had to laugh at the way they strutted on land, and it was even more fun to watch them swim.  Whenever she went swimming herself, Diane would try to imitate the smooth, flowing motions of the funny birds; they looked like they were flying underwater!

    That day, the tour guide told how the zoo keepers kept the penguin room cold so the birds would be comfortable.  "Otherwise," explained the guide, "the birds would get sick and possibly die from the change of climate."  Diane listened eagerly as the guide described other special things that were done for the penguins.

    During family devotions that evening, Diane's father said, "You know, I keep thinking about those penguins.  Remember how careful the zoo keepers are in taking care of them?"

    Diane nodded.  "They need certain foods and the right temperature and even special lights!"

    "Right," said Dad.  "Those who care for them know how to keep the conditions just right so the penguins won't get sick.  God does the same thing for us.  Just think what would happen if it hailed all the time, or if it suddenly got as hot as an oven.  God controls our environment because He knows what conditions we need to live in."

    "I never thought of that," said Diane.  "I guess God must care an awful lot about us to take such good care of us."

    "You're right," replied Dad.  "God does love us very much.  He not only controls our physical environment, but also all the things that come into our lives.  He is our Keeper, and He does a perfect job, allowing only what is good for us, whether it seems good to us or not."

    "Yeah," agreed Diane thoughtfully.  A twinkle came to her eye.  "Hey, Dad, I think we should go to the zoo real often, so I'll be reminded of that!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that it is God Who keeps you day by day?  He's the One Who provides the air you breathe, the food and water you need, the type of environment in which you can survive.  He also provides for your spiritual needs.  All the things He allows in your life work together to make you the person you should be.  Thank Him for being your Keeper.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 121:5  T)
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.</i>  <i>The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Matthew's Problem

Matt dropped his books on the kitchen table and then slumped down in a chair.  "You must have had a bad day," said Mother.  "You look like you have all the problems of the world on your mind."

    "I do have a problem," Matt agreed.  "A serious problem.  So many of the kids at school swear, and once in a while one of those swear words slips out of my mouth by accident!"

    "Why not stay away from those who use bad words?" suggested Mother.

    Matt shook his head.  "Can't.  I hear them in gym class, at recess, in the lunchroom--everywhere, really."

    Mother nodded.  "I know how you feel," she said.  "On the afternoons that I work at the store, customers often throw a couple of swear words into an otherwise normal conversation.  I know that sometimes those words tend to stick in your mind."  She sighed.  "When I have the same problem at work, I do two things.  First of all, I pray that the Lord will help me put the word out of my mind.  Secondly, I quote some Scripture or start humming a chorus, so that I'm concentrating on something other than the word I just heard.  If someone continually uses bad language in my presence, I politely ask him not to do that."

    Matt nodded.  "Good idea!" he said.  "Thanks, Mom.  Next time I hear someone swear, I'll do those things!"    




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you often hear people using bad language?  Have you found yourself saying one of those words without thinking?  Try the suggestions mentioned in the story.  Concentrate on good things.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:14  L)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ice, Water, And Steam

This is the life, said Bryan as he sat with his back propped against an old log.  He and his cousin, Steve, were on a camping trip with their grandfather.

    "I feel close to God out here," remarked Grandpa.

    Steve nodded.  "I've been thinking about something our youth leader said about God."

    "What's that?" asked Bryan.

    "He said God is one God, but yet three persons.  There's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit," said Steve.  "That's so hard to understand."

    Bryan shrugged.  "I don't understand it, either. . .but I'm getting hungry!  Let's start dinner, Grandpa.  Shall we get some water from the spring?"

    Grandpa walked over to the ice chest.  "Just this once let's use some ice for cooking water," he said, dropping several ice cubes into a pan which he set on a rack over the campfire.  "I think it might help us understand something."  The boys watched as the ice began melting into water.  Soon the water was steaming hot.

    "Did you notice," asked Grandpa, "that first there was ice, then it melted into water, and then some of that water turned into steam?  It's the same substance, but in three different forms.  Does that remind you of anything?"

    "Well. . .ah. . .oh!  I get it!" exclaimed Steve.  "That's a little like God, right?  He's one God, but He has three different forms."

    "Grandpa nodded.  "It's not a perfect example," he said, "because God is all three of His forms at once.  He's much greater than water.  He made it, and He made the freezing and boiling point laws.  But seeing water in these three different forms can help us understand God in three persons."

    "It's good to think about God and His greatness--it helps me trust Him more," said Bryan.  He grinned.  "And now I'd like to change some food to a different form.  I'm still hungry!"   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find the Trinity hard to understand?  God does not ask you to understand it perfectly.  Just remember that you serve one God, not three--but He does have three forms.  Give thanks for a great God--a God Whose knowledge and understanding is far greater than your own. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 13:14  T)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Both Glad And Sad

As the Martin family gathered for devotions, Dad smiled at Michelle.  "I believe it's your turn to say today's Bible verse first."

    "Okay," agreed Michelle.  "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:  sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb," she quoted.  "It's found in Psalm 19:10."

    "Very good."  Dad nodded.  "Now it's your turn, Aaron."

    "More to be. . .uhh. . .more to be. . .uhhh," Aaron stammered.  "A-a-ah!  I don't know it.  I haven't had time to think about it.  I don't know why we have to memorize a verse every day anyway!"

    "Aaron, it's the Word of God," said Dad.  "It's important."  He smiled.  "I must admit, though, that I used to feel the same way when my mother insisted that I memorize Bible verses."

    "Then why make me do it?" Aaron demanded.

    "Because I'm older and wiser now," Dad replied.  "Let me tell you a little story my mother used to tell me."  He cleared his throat and began the story.  "A young man was walking down a country road when he met a strange-looking old man.  After they exchanged greetings, the old man said, 'Pick up some of these stones beside the road and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both glad and sad.'  Curious as to how that could be, the young man picked up some stones and put them in his pocket.  He didn't take many, because stones are heavy and he didn't want to carry along the extra weight.  Then he bid the old man good-bye.  When the young man reached into his pocket the next day, he discovered that the stones had turned into precious jewels.  There were diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.  And so the young man was both glad and sad--glad for the jewels, and sad he had not picked up more stones."

    "That's a clever story, Dad," said Aaron, "but what does it have to do with me?"

    "Learning Bible verses may seem like unnecessary weight to you now, Aaron," explained Dad, "but every verse you learn will one day become a precious jewel to you.  You will only be sorry you did not learn more." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Perhaps you have not realized the importance of memorizing God's Word.  As you learn each verse, you're gaining something very valuable.  Do you memorize a Bible verse a day?  How about at least one a week?  If not, start today to collect "jewels" from God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:10  M)
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Two Roads

Are we almost there? asked Scott from the back seat of the car.  It was fun to be going on vacation, but he was tired of riding.

    "According to the map, I figure we'll be there in about an hour," Mom said from behind the newspaper she had brought from home.

    Scott's mind wandered back to the previous day--the last day of school.  After school, he and a classmate had decided to get some candy from the corner store.  Jim had dared him to take a candy bar without paying for it, but Scott had refused.  After he paid for his bar, Jim had called him a goody-goody, laughed at him, and jingled the money still in his pocket.  Scott had almost wished he had taken the candy.

    Mom's voice interrupted his thoughts.  "Here's an article about your old friend Gordon White," she said to Dad.  "He's been sentenced for fraud."

    "No!" exclaimed Dad.  "He was a nice kid."

    "Didn't he do bad stuff when you knew him?" asked Scott.

    "Well," said Dad, "I remember that he got caught cheating on his final exams one year."  Just then they came to a crossroad.  "Do we turn here?" Dad asked Mom.

    "Mmm," she answered, not looking up from the paper.

    After Dad turned, it seemed to Scott that they drove on and on and on.  He checked his watch.  "We passed Glenmore," he said.  "Are we almost there?"

    "Glenmore?" asked Mom, putting down her paper.  She found the road map and studied it.  "Oh, no!" she exclaimed.  "We turned onto the wrong road.  I'm sorry!  I should have been paying attention!'"

    Dad turned the car around and they began retracing the miles.  "Reminds me of Gordon," said Dad.  "Way back somewhere, he must have made a bad choice and started traveling down the wrong road.  Now look where he's ended up."

    "Jim dared me to steal a candy bar after school yesterday," said Scott thoughtfully.

    "Did you?" Dad asked.

    "No," said Scott.  Suddenly he was glad he'd made the choice he had.

    "Good!" said Dad.  "You don't want to start down that road."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes tempted to do things that seem a little bit wrong. . .like copying your friend's homework, lying to get out of trouble, sneaking one small thing from a store?  These "little" sins are the first steps down a road that can take you where you don't want to be.  If you haven't trusted Jesus as Savior, you need to get on the right road by doing that first of all.  (See last page.)  Then ask God to help you make choices that will keep you walking close to Him instead of heading off in the wrong direction.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:14  S)
Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Gary's Guilty

Gary felt a little guilty as he jumped into bed.  At his friend's house, he had watched a TV program that he was forbidden to see at home.  Now he had decided not to take time to read his Bible or pray.  He knew he should, but he really didn't want to.  Somehow, Bible reading and praying didn't appeal to him, so he went to sleep instead.

    After school the next day, Gary idly bounced his ball against the wall of the family room.  He knew it was against the rules to play with his ball in the house, but he didn't see why.  He tossed the ball again, and was horrified at the loud crash which followed.  His father's glass-bottled model ship lay shattered on the floor!  "Oh, no!" cried Gary.  He quickly swept up the pieces and threw them out.

    That evening, Gary tried to avoid his father's eyes.  "How about a game of chess tonight?" Dad asked.  Gary shook his head.   

    After Dad  suggested a couple of other activities, Gary couldn't keep quiet any longer.  "You won't want to play with me when you know what I did," he said, his voice trembling.  Then he confessed what he had done and what had happened to the ship.

    "I'm disappointed and hurt that you disobeyed me," Dad said, "but I'm glad you told me.  Always feel free to come to me--no matter what you've done.  I may have to punish you, but I'll never turn you away."

    "Thanks.  I thought you'd be really mad," Gary said through tears.

    "Well, I'm not happy about it, but our heavenly Father has set an example for us," Dad replied.  "When we confess our sin, He won't turn us away, either.  He wants our fellowship, and He forgives us."

    Gary thought about that.  He knew there were some things he needed to confess to God.  His guilt had caused him to avoid Dad's company, and it had caused him to avoid God's fellowship, too.  He wanted to make things right.  He had a great dad, and an even greater God!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes avoid a person you've wronged?  Do you avoid God's Word and prayer?  Has your sin caused you to lose interest in things of the Lord?  Does it cause uneasy, guilty feelings?  It should.  Don't ignore those feelings.  Confess and turn from your sin.  God will forgive you and restore your fellowship with Him.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Mexico Or South Street

The Hansen family was at the airport, saying good-bye to seventeen- year-old Becky.  Along with some other young people from her church, she was going to spend the summer in Mexico, helping missionaries teach vacation Bible school.  Becky's brother, Steve, wished he could go, too.  He was only in fifth grade, but already he felt quite sure the Lord wanted him to serve as a missionary some day.  He stood thoughtfully watching the airplane taxi down the runway.

    "What's wrong, Son?" Dad asked.  "Do you miss Becky already?"

    "No, but I just feel sad that I can't be a missionary now, too." answered Steve.  "I want to be one some day."

    "Why, Steve!  I think you are a missionary already!" exclaimed Dad.  "You bring your friend, Dan, to church, and this summer he's even going to Bible camp with you."

    "That's true, but. . . ."

    "And you often go down to Mrs. Field's house and help her mow the lawn or walk her dogs," added Dad.

    "Well, yes, but. . . ."

    "And how about the kids that just moved in next door?" continued Dad.  "I heard you telling them about the Lord just yesterday."

    Steve sighed. "But I want to be a real missionary," he said.

    "Son," Dad said gently, "someday you'll probably have the opportunity to go to another country, just like Becky is doing this summer.  But being a missionary has nothing to do with going far away.  Being a missionary is sharing the gospel of Christ with those around you.  You are a real missionary already, Steve."

    Steve smiled.  "Really?" he asked.   

    Dad nodded.  "Becky is going to be a missionary in Mexico for a couple of weeks, and you're a missionary on South Street!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wish you could go to another country and be a missionary?  Do you listen to the stories missionaries tell when they visit your church and wish that such adventures happened to you?  Being a missionary is simply sharing the gospel with those around you.  You can be a missionary on your own street.  And, if you do become a missionary in another country someday, think of all the good training you will have had!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 4:2  P)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.

[Soldier4Christ]

 At Least A Tenth

Andrew stirred his soup thoughtfully.  Finally he looked across the table.  "Does everybody have to tithe?" he asked.  "I mean, do we have to give God ten cents out of every dollar?" .

    "Well, the Bible says we should give 'as we are able,' and often that would mean giving more than a tithe," replied Dad.  "Many people believe the Bible suggests that giving a tenth is the least we should do.  It seems to me it is, too."

    "But if I do that, I'll have hardly anything left!" Andrew complained.  "Besides, if everybody else gives a tenth, that's an awful lot of money.  The little bit I might keep wouldn't really be missed, would it?"

    "Well, let's think about that," said Dad.  "Do you know what our tithes and offerings are used for?"

    "Well, they support our missionaries," said Andrew.  "They pay the pastor's salary.  And I guess sometimes they buy food for needy people.   and, uh. . .what else?  Sunday school papers, maybe?"

    "Right.  And how about the upkeep of the church?"  suggested Dad.  "Things like electricity and insurance and janitor's supplies and the church bus and gas and. . . ."

    "And your scholarship to camp," interrupted Mother, "and. . . ."

    "Okay!  Okay!"  Andrew grinned.  "But I'm still not sure that my small offering would be missed."

    "Every penny is needed," Dad assured him.  "We've listed only a part of what the Lord's money is used for.  And remember, if you don't give to the Lord as you should, you are the one who loses.  The Lord promises to bless those who cheerfully give to Him."

    "That ten percent is very little compared to what God has done for us," added Mother.  "He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins."

    Andrew nodded soberly.  "Okay," he agreed.  "Ten percent it is!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel that tithing cuts too deeply into your allowance?  Have you thought about how that money is spent in God's service?  Discover the joy of giving.  The blessings God gives back to you when you give freely to Him are worth far more than any money you might be tempted to keep for yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 9:6  H)
He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.