Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Two Member Trio

Cindy was excited.  It was Sunday morning--the day she and her two friends, Shannon and Jill, were to sing in church.  They had practiced their song several times the past two weeks, and the church pianist had told them it sounded great.  Now Cindy stood at the church door waiting for her friends.  She hoped this would be the first of many times the three girls would sing.

    When Jill came, the two girls decided to go inside and wait for Shannon.  "Are you nervous?" Jill asked as she ran up the church steps.

    "Yeah. . .I could hardly sleep last night because I was so excited," admitted Cindy.

    Just then Shannon's brother, Dave, walked by.  "Where's Shannon?" both girls asked at once. 

    "Oh, didn't you know?" Dave seemed surprised.  "Our neighbors called yesterday morning and invited her to go camping at Trout Lake with them.  She decided to go, and she won't be back until tomorrow.  I thought she called you."

    Cindy and Jill looked at each other!  "How could Shannon do this to us?" moaned Cindy as they hurried to find the pianist, who assured them that they should sing anyhow.  So, although they had not practiced as a duet, the girls did sing.

    "You sounded very good," several people told them after the service.  "I hope you'll sing again sometime."  But both Cindy and Jill knew that it would have sounded better if Shannon had been there.  They were still somewhat upset by what had happened.

    On the way home, Cindy continued to complain about the way Shannon had let them down.  Mother nodded sympathetically.  "It's too bad that happened," she said, "but don't keep dwelling on it.  This won't be the last time someone lets you down."

    Dad nodded.  "I'm afraid there are times when we all let other people down.  Remember this experience whenever you're tempted to back out of something at the last minute," he advised.  "Remember that God expects faithfulness from His servants.  We owe it to Him and we owe it to others as well.  If one person doesn't do his or her job, it hinders other people, too."

    "Maybe it's actually a good thing this happened," admitted Cindy.  "I know it will make me think twice before I break a promise to do something." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take your responsibilities seriously?  Or do you just not show up at the last minute if something better comes along?  Remember, faithfulness is important to God.  It's important in everyday living.  It's important in being a witness for Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 4:2  M)
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Over And Over

Lindsey! called Mother.   "Come in and do your Sunday school lesson.  You've been working with King for almost an hour!"

    Lindsey frowned.  "If I don't train King every chance I get, he won't be ready for the show next week," she told her mother.  "Besides, I already looked at my lesson.  It's just the story about Daniel and the lions.  I don't need to study that--I've heard it a million times!"

    Mother laughed.  "I don't think it's been quite that many," she said.  "Just get at it. It won't take you very long, and you may be surprised--you might learn something new."

    "Fat chance!" Lindsey grumbled to herself as she plunked down at the table with her Sunday school book and her Bible.  Fifteen minutes later, she was out the door yelling, "I'm done, Mom!  You can check my book--it's on the table.  I'll be working King!"

    That evening at the supper table, Lindsey couldn't stop talking about King and how well he was learning.  "I guess it's because I've been teaching him obedience ever since he was just a little puppy," she said thoughtfully.  "I've made him do things over and over until he got them right."

    "I think you're right," agreed Mother.  She smiled and added, "You know, like King, you've been taught things since you were very young.  You've been taught that God made the world and that He loves you.  All the things you've been learning since you were little are going to make you a fine, mature Christian someday.  But, just like King, you have to be taught things over and over.  Everything you are learning now in Sunday school and church will be helpful to you in later years."

    "So. . .it doesn't really matter if they give us the same lesson lots of times?" asked Lindsey.

    Mother shook her head.  "You give King the same lessons day after day!" she pointed out.

    "Yeah, you're right," said Lindsey thoughtfully.

    Mother smiled at her.  "You did your Sunday school lesson pretty fast this afternoon," she said.  "Do you think maybe you should go over it once again this evening?"

    "I had a feeling you were getting to that," said Lindsey with a grin.  "Okay.  I admit I might have missed something.  I'll look it over again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of hearing the same Bible stories over and over?  Remember, you seldom learn all there is to know by hearing them only once.  Thank God for parents and teachers, who patiently teach you God's Word.  The knowledge you're gaining now will stay with you for the rest of your life.  If you learn your lessons well, you'll be rewarded by being able to use them in later years.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 23:12  A)
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Over And Over

Lindsey! called Mother.   "Come in and do your Sunday school lesson.  You've been working with King for almost an hour!"

    Lindsey frowned.  "If I don't train King every chance I get, he won't be ready for the show next week," she told her mother.  "Besides, I already looked at my lesson.  It's just the story about Daniel and the lions.  I don't need to study that--I've heard it a million times!"

    Mother laughed.  "I don't think it's been quite that many," she said.  "Just get at it. It won't take you very long, and you may be surprised--you might learn something new."

    "Fat chance!" Lindsey grumbled to herself as she plunked down at the table with her Sunday school book and her Bible.  Fifteen minutes later, she was out the door yelling, "I'm done, Mom!  You can check my book--it's on the table.  I'll be working King!"

    That evening at the supper table, Lindsey couldn't stop talking about King and how well he was learning.  "I guess it's because I've been teaching him obedience ever since he was just a little puppy," she said thoughtfully.  "I've made him do things over and over until he got them right."

    "I think you're right," agreed Mother.  She smiled and added, "You know, like King, you've been taught things since you were very young.  You've been taught that God made the world and that He loves you.  All the things you've been learning since you were little are going to make you a fine, mature Christian someday.  But, just like King, you have to be taught things over and over.  Everything you are learning now in Sunday school and church will be helpful to you in later years."

    "So. . .it doesn't really matter if they give us the same lesson lots of times?" asked Lindsey.

    Mother shook her head.  "You give King the same lessons day after day!" she pointed out.

    "Yeah, you're right," said Lindsey thoughtfully.

    Mother smiled at her.  "You did your Sunday school lesson pretty fast this afternoon," she said.  "Do you think maybe you should go over it once again this evening?"

    "I had a feeling you were getting to that," said Lindsey with a grin.  "Okay.  I admit I might have missed something.  I'll look it over again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of hearing the same Bible stories over and over?  Remember, you seldom learn all there is to know by hearing them only once.  Thank God for parents and teachers, who patiently teach you God's Word.  The knowledge you're gaining now will stay with you for the rest of your life.  If you learn your lessons well, you'll be rewarded by being able to use them in later years.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 23:12  A)
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Better than the Coast Guard

"That was cool!" announced Jason when he returned home after his class had toured a Coast Guard ship at the sea festival held in their coastal city.

"Did you learn what the Coast Guard does?" Dad asked.

"This pamphlet says they fight smuggling, protect ships and ports, and rescue victims of sea disasters," replied Jason. "They pick up survivors when a plane crashes in the ocean, too. Our guide said they saved at least 6,000 lives last year! Storms sometimes come up fast, and people can't make it back to shore. Other times boaters just don't pay attention to the warnings. But the reason people are in trouble doesn't matter to the Coast Guard. They just do their job. I bet they save more lives every year than anybody!"

"They're well-trained and they do save a lot of lives," agreed Dad. "In time of war, the Coast Guard becomes a part of the United States Navy. Do you know what their motto is?"

Jason nodded. "Yep. Our guide told us. 'Semper Paratus'-'Always Ready.'" He grinned at Dad, proud of his new knowledge. "The Coast Guard faces so many dangers that they have a saying, 'You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.'"

"The Coast Guard does a good job," said Mom, "but I can think of somebody who saves even more lives than the guys in the Coast Guard do."

Jason looked surprised. "You can? Who?" he asked.

"I think I know," said Dad. "I think Mom means Jesus. He's willing to save anyone who will trust in Him."

Mom nodded. "Can you imagine that anyone struggling in the water would refuse help from the Coast Guard?" she asked. "I know I can't! But people who are struggling in sin often refuse to accept the salvation Jesus offers. They just keep trying to save themselves, and they never can."

"They try to save themselves by doing good things, right?" asked Jason. "Like by going to church and giving money and being good. Stuff like that?"

"Right," said Dad. "Those are all good things, but people simply need to trust in Jesus to forgive their sins. That's the only way they can be saved."

Jason smiled. "I'm glad I did that," he said. "I know I could never save myself."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you let Jesus rescue you from your sins? You can never save yourself. Perhaps you go to Sunday school and church, do your chores at home, obey your parents, study hard at school, and give money to the poor. None of these things-good as they are-will save your soul from hell. But Jesus died to rescue you. Don't refuse His help. Ask Him to forgive your sins and save you. You'll be glad you did! (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Son of Man (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Resisting Temptation

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2a (NIV)

There was a bowl of candy like this one sitting on the coffee table in the living room of Mary's house.  Mary's mother noticed that she was looking at  the candy and said, "Now, don't you eat any candy until after dinner or you will spoil your appetite."  The candy looked so good and the temptation was so great.  "Surely just one little piece won't hurt -- and mother will never know the difference," Mary thought to herself.

Have any of you ever had an experience like that?  Here is another story which might sound familiar.

"Put away your books and take out one sheet of paper and a pencil," the teacher said. "We are going to take our weekly spelling test." Johnny had an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach.  He knew that they were going to have a spelling test today, but he watched TV last night instead of studying for the spelling test and he wasn't ready for the test.  As the test began, Johnny looked around the room and realized that he had a clear view of Sally's paper.  "It won't hurt if I look at Sally's paper just this once," Johnny thought to himself.  "I promise -- I'll never do it again and nobody will ever know."

All of us have faced temptations such as these, haven't we?  Did you know that Jesus was tempted just as we are?  The Bible tells us that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Do you know what Jesus did when the devil tempted him? He answered him with Scripture!

Jesus had not had anything to eat for forty days. He was hungry, and Satan knew he was hungry, so he said to him, "If you are really the Son of God, turn these stones into bread."

Jesus could have easily done what Satan suggested, but he didn't. Instead, he answered, "It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone.'"

Then the devil took Jesus up to a high place and showed him the worldly kingdoms below. "All of this belongs to me," he said. "If you will bow down and worship me, I will give it to you."

Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

Next, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and led him up to the highest point on the temple. He said to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. God will send his angels to rescue you."

Again, Jesus quoted the Scripture, "'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Do you know what the devil did? He gave up! He said, "I'll come back and try another day."

I want each of you to have a piece of candy from this bowl.  I am not going to tell you not to eat it until after dinner, but as you eat it, I want you to think about what we have learned in our Bible lesson today. Satan tempted Jesus just as he tempts you and me.  Jesus resisted Satan's temptation, and we can too, by answering him with Scripture.

Dear Father, help us to learn what the Bible teaches us to do so that when the devil tempts us, we can do what Jesus did...answer him with Scripture. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Low Score

"Please don't tell Dad," Kip begged his sister. He looked at his science report before putting it in his pocket. "I didn't expect to get a high grade, but I sure didn't think it would be this bad. I did my best. Promise you won't tell."

"I won't," Sally agreed, "but Mom and Dad will find out anyway."

When they got home, Kip retreated to his room and stayed there until his mother called him to dinner. "Your science teacher called a few minutes ago," said Mom when Kip came to the table. "He discovered that he put the wrong grade on your report, and he complimented your improvements."

Kip jumped out of his chair and pulled his report from his pocket. "I knew it!" he said. "I knew I did better than what he marked on this paper!"

Dad reached for the paper and looked it over. "Well, I'm glad this isn't the correct grade," he said, "but why didn't you show this to us earlier?"

"I was trying to do better, but this report said I did worse, so I thought you'd be angry at me for getting such a low grade," confessed Kip.

"Angry at you?" said Mom. "Oh, Kip, we would have been concerned, but not angry. We know how hard you've been working, and we're pleased by your efforts."

"Grades are a measure of the progress you're making," said Dad, "but they are not a measure of our love. You're our son, and we'll always love you."

Sally grinned at her brother. "My Sunday school teacher says God is like that, too. He loves us even when we fail."

Mom nodded. "That's a good thought," she said. "If God sent out report cards, how high do you think most of us would score?"

"Well . . . I don't know. Probably not very high," suggested Kip.

"Possibly not," agreed Dad. "Everyone would fall short. Our love for you isn't based on how well you do in school, and God's love for us isn't based on how high a score we'd receive, either. Never doubt His love for you-it never, ever stops."

"No," agreed Mom. "Actually, the times you fail are often the times that help you recognize your need of God-the times you feel His love the most."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid God loves you less if you don't "score high" in Christian living? Remember, He loved you and died for you while you were still in your sin, and He loves you now, too. If you've trusted Jesus as Savior, you should want to please Him-to live as He wants you to live. If you need forgiveness, ask Him for it, remembering that you're His child and He loves you very much!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Activity Box

"We have a lot to do today," said Mom as she put bread in the toaster.

"We always have lots of work on Saturday," complained Jessica.

"Yeah," murmured Justin. "I hate Saturdays!"

Dad poured a cup of coffee. "I don't like them, either-not because of the work, but because they're days of whining and grumbling," he said. "I'm sure the Lord is not pleased with that. Let's do something about it. Maybe we can find a way to make our work more interesting."

Justin scowled. "I don't see how," he said.

"Please find me a shoe box, Justin," said Dad a few minutes later, "and Jessica, you can bring me some paper and a pencil." The surprised children hurried to get what he asked for. When they returned, Dad said, "Let's write everything we have to do today on slips of paper and put them in this box."

"Change sheets; vacuum; clean bathrooms." Mom quickly named several tasks.

"Trim the hedge; sweep the patio and garage," added Dad.

"Wash the car," suggested Justin, but he frowned. "Will there be any end to the list?"

"Wash dishes; water the plants," said Jessica. They each thought of a couple more jobs.

"Now," Dad said, "we'll take turns drawing out a slip and doing whatever is written on it."

"We could pack a lunch and go to the park when the box is empty," suggested Mom.

"All right!" Jessica and Jason cheered. This was sounding better.

"I'll draw first." Jessica reached for the box.

Dad held up his hand. "We forgot something," he said. "We need to give the Lord some time, too."

"Read a chapter in your Bible." Jessica wrote it on a slip of paper.

"Stop and give thanks for our family," wrote Justin.

"Memorize tomorrow's Bible verse," added Mom.

"Call Uncle John and invite him to church," said Dad as he wrote it down.

Then Dad held the box out to Jessica. "This is going to be the best Saturday we've had in a long time," she said as she drew out a slip and looked at it. Then she groaned. "Even if I do have to clean the bathrooms!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have your tasks become boring? Maybe you'd like to make an activity box. If it won't work for your family, perhaps it will work for you. List everything you have to do today, and don't forget to include spending some time with the Lord and serving Him. Then do your tasks cheerfully! You may be surprised how enjoyable a work day can be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Every man should . . . enjoy the good of all his labor- it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Fair

I didn't make the basketball team, Mom.   Joe slumped down in a chair after school one day.  "I'm not bragging or anything, but I am a good basketball player."

    "Yes, you are, Son," agreed Mother, "but there were only two openings on the team, and the coach had to choose, didn't he?  Who did make it?"

    "Kevin did.  We all expected that--he's good!  Then they chose Randy for the other opening.  In the tryouts, I made lots more baskets than Randy, and I dribbled the ball longer.  But his dad is a teacher at school, and I think that's why he made it.  It's not fair!" Joe concluded bitterly.

    Mother was quiet for a few minutes.  She knew there had been other times when it seemed that Randy was chosen for something because his dad was a teacher.  She sighed.  "I suppose that may be possible.  If you really believe that, perhaps you should ask the coach about it," she suggested, "but do be careful not to make accusations you can't prove.  It may simply be that Randy has qualities that are needed on the team.  And, Joe, you must learn that life isn't always fair.  You need to maintain a Christ-like attitude no matter what happens."

    "Aw, Mom. . . ." whined Joe.

    "Think of Paul and Silas.  It wasn't fair that they were thrown in jail for helping someone," continued Mother, "and yet they sang!  They didn't let the unfair actions of others get them down.  I know this experience is hard for you, but you can learn something from it.  Be challenged.  Ask God to help you handle the situation.  Trust Him, and you'll become a stronger and more mature Christian.  It's up to you!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes treated unfairly?  It happens to everyone.  Be honest, however.  Don't say things are unfair when they really aren't.  The next time you're faced with what you believe to be an unfair situation that you can't change, remember Paul and Silas.  Instead of complaining, they sang!  God used them through that experience, and He can also use you.  Maintain a good attitude.  Grow through the things that have happened.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:2-3  C)
Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (trials).

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sister Appreciation

This is ridiculous! exclaimed Andy.  He tapped his pencil impatiently on the paper in front of him.  "Whoever thought up this assignment for Sunday school sure doesn't know Jenny!  I have to write down ten reasons why I like my sister, and I can't even think of one!"

    "Thanks a lot!" Jenny called from the living room.  "See if I ever bake cookies for you again!"

    "Oops!  I forgot about them."  Andy wrote it down.

    "How about the time last year when you were sick, and Jenny helped you with your homework?" suggested Mom.

    "And how about the times I've played catch with you before a game?" Jenny asked.  "Or last week when I let you ride my bike because yours was broken?"

    "Wow!  I forgot all those things, too," said Andy.  "Sorry."  He could see that Jenny really was a nice sister.  He felt rather guilty for all the times he had called her names or had purposely been a nuisance to her.  It was hard to admit that he really liked her, but he knew he should.  "I guess I'm really kind of glad we had this assignment.  It's made me appreciate my sister!" he added.

    Jenny laughed.  "I can't believe I heard you say that!" she exclaimed.  "In fact, I think it calls for a celebration.  How about if I, being the wonderful sister that I am, make some popcorn?"

    "Sounds great to me!" Andy said.  He wrote one more thing on his paper:  She makes delicious popcorn!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you appreciate the brothers or sisters the Lord has given you?  Do you get along with them, or do you often create arguments just for the sake of arguing?  Brother and sister conflicts are not new.  They've been around since Cain and Abel!  Brothers and sisters often overlook the good qualities in each other because they're so busy fighting.  The Bible says that brothers (and sisters) are to help each other in times of trouble.  Think about that, and then write down some reasons why you appreciate your brothers and sisters!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 17:17  A)
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for (or, to help in time of ) adversity.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Faith Account

Here are some old checks you may play with, Mindy," said Mother. "But I want you to keep them indoors, and destroy them as soon as you're done with them." Mindy squealed with delight and pulled up a chair beside Mother, who was cleaing the desk drawers.

 They looked up as Steve came into the room. "I was just next door, talking to Mr. Wilson," he said. "He sure has a lot of problems!"

 Mother nodded. "Yes, he does. I told him the Lord would help him, but he says he doesn't believe God is concerned about his problems. He says God gave him sense enough to take care of himself, and it's up to him to do it. Unbelief robs a lot of people of God's blessings."

 Mindy tore a page from the checkbook. "Here's a check for you, Steve. You can buy a new bike," she announced. "It's for a thousand dollars. Is that enough?"

 Steve grinned as he looked at the check covered with scribbling. He quickly dropped it and shook his fingers. "Ouch! That burns!" he teased.

 Mindy looked puzzled. "It's not hot, Steve," she said.

Steve laughed, and Mother explained. "You see, before you can get money from a bank checking account, you must put money into it," she said. "When someone writes a check without having money in the bank, it's called a 'hot check.'" Mother looked at Steve and added, "Faith is a little like that."

 "You mean we have a faith account like we have a bank account?" asked Steve.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have faith that God will take care of your problems? You need to start your "faith account" by believing in Jesus Christ and trusting Him as our Savior. Have you done that? If not, do it today. Then you can build on your faith and be ready to face problems as they come.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 3:28 A)
A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Count On Me

The sixth grade Sunday school class was having a  pizza party in the church basement.  "We need some help cleaning up," Mr. Trenton, the teacher, reminded them toward the end of the evening.  "When we planned this party, you all agreed to help with the dishes and with setting the chairs back in order.  We're counting on you."

    The kids, who were having a great time talking and "goofing around," nodded.  They fully intended to help, but one by one they disappeared as their parents came for them.

    Cindy went into the kitchen and helped Mrs. Trenton for a few minutes, but then someone called her back out, and she was laughing and talking again when her dad came to pick her up.

    "I feel like a bus driver," said Dad good-naturedly about forty-five minutes later.  He had agreed to deliver several of Cindy's friends to their homes, and they had driven to all the corners of town.  As they passed the church on the way to their own street, Dad slowed down.  "The lights are still on in the church basement," he said in surprise.  "I guess the Trentons haven't left yet.  I wonder if something's wrong."  He turned into the parking lot.

    Cindy knew what was wrong as soon as she and her dad walked into the youth room.  Mr. and Mrs. Trenton were still cleaning up the mess the young people had made.  How guilty Cindy felt as she and Dad both pitched in to help.

    "I'm so sorry" she apologized.  "I should have helped you in the first place.  You can count on me to help clean up next time.  I promise!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you enjoy parties?  Have you ever thought about all the work involved in planning a party?  What do you do to help?  Today's Scripture says that those who won't work shouldn't eat, either.  That's true about parties as well as about daily life.  Next time adults plan a special event for you, tell them thank you, and show them you mean it by doing what you can to help.  That's what the Lord would want you to do!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Thessalonians 3:13  B)
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Report Cards

Joel walked slowly as he headed home.  A warm breeze stirred the leaves, and it would be a great night to play ball.  But Steve knew he wouldn't be playing tonight--or tomorrow either.  Maybe never, he thought sadly as he shuffled along.  Spunky, a neighbor's dog, noticed him and dashed over for some attention.  Spunky raced around Joel and danced in front of him until Joel almost tripped over him.  "Go away, you dumb dog!" yelled Joel.  He kicked at Spunky, and the dog yelped and ran up the driveway.

    Mr. Edwards, who owned the dog, was raking leaves and he saw what happened.  "Joel," he called, "what has gotten into you?  It isn't at all like you to kick Spunky."  Joel was embarrassed that Mr. Edwards had seen his actions.  "What put you in such a bad mood today?" asked Mr. Edwards, walking over to Joel.

    "Teachers," growled Joel.

    "Teachers?" asked Mr. Edwards.  "Or report cards?"

    Joel was surprised.  "How'd you know that?" he asked.

    "I knew it was about time for report cards to come out," replied Mr. Edwards.  "Not so good, huh?"   

    "No," muttered Joel, "and they're being mailed to our parents this year, so I can't even just throw it away.  'Course I'd never get away with that anyway.  But my parents are gonna ground me for sure.  They'll say I'm not doing my best."

    "Are you?" Mr. Edwards asked.

    Joel blushed.  "No, I guess not."  He paused, then added, "But I wish adults got report cards, too.  Then I bet they'd be more understanding."

    Mr. Edwards smiled.  "Well, we all were kids once, so we do know a little about how it feels to receive grades," he said.  "And in a sense, we're still earning grades.  We just seem to forget about it most of the time."

    "You are?" asked Joel in surprise.  "Who gives you grades?"

    "I was thinking of God," replied Mr. Edwards.  "Although Christians aren't saved by their works, they will be judged for the works they do after they're saved.  They should be concerned about getting 'good grades' in such things as obedience, faith, and love."

    "Hey, maybe I could remind my folks of that," said Joel with a grin.  "On the other hand, I guess I'd better not.  They'd probably point out that it applies to me, too."  He reached toward Spunky, who had come to sit beside his master.  "Sorry about the kick, Spunky," he said.  "Well. . .guess I'd better get home and face the music."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of grades are you getting in your Christian life?  Some day you will have to stand before the Lord and give an account.  Will you have a good "report card"?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 14:12  S)
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 In The Ditch

When Ryan's mother picked him up at school, he didn't look at her.  She had come for him because the principal had called and asked her to do so.  Ryan and another boy had gotten into a fight, and now they were being sent home.  Ryan could see that his mother was very upset, and he was too ashamed to say anything.  As they rode in silence, rain pelted down.  When they turned off the highway and started up the hill toward their house, the car slipped and skidded.  Road repairs had been started some time ago, and the street was a terrible mess!  "Be careful, Mom," exclaimed Ryan, "or we'll wind up in the di. . . ."  Before he finished speaking, the car skidded again and slid into a ditch.   

    Mother shifted gears and rocked the car, but it was useless.  She looked at the pouring rain and muddy street.  "Nothing to do but walk home and call a wrecker," she said with a sigh.

    That evening, Ryan did his best to keep Dad's attention on the matter of the car in the ditch.  "Walking on that steep, slippery ground was awful!" he said.  But all too soon, the dreaded moment arrived when Dad asked what had happened at school.  Ryan was sullen.  "I had to fight," he said defensively.  "The other guys would have thought I was a baby if I didn't.  Especially Nick and Buzz.  They're tough."

    Dad frowned.  "I thought you just told me you didn't like walking on steep, muddy ground," he said.

    Ryan looked at him, puzzled.  "I don't," he answered.  "What's that got to do with it?"

    "Well," said Dad, "when you spend a lot of time with the wrong crowd--like those 'tough' boys--it's kind of like being on steep, muddy ground and in danger of sliding.  In fact, I'd say you slid quite badly at school today, wouldn't you?  You're a Christian, yet you've chosen friends who pressure you into doing things that are not pleasing to Christ.  With the right kind of friends, life would be a lot smoother."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you associating with the wrong crowd?  If so, you could be headed for a lot of trouble.  Choose close friends who will be a help, not a hindrance, in living for Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 26:5  I)
I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Pretty Package

Lindsey bounced into the kitchen with a list of the children she wanted to invite to her birthday party.  Mom glanced at the names on the list.  "Aren't you inviting Melanie?" she asked.

    Lindsey bit her lip.  "Do I have to?"

    "Melanie lives next door, so I'm sure she'll be hurt if she sees that you have a party and didn't invite her," said Mom.  "Why wouldn't you want to invite her anyway?"

    "Well. . .nobody invites her to their parties," replied Lindsey.  "She talks with such a lisp."

    Mom frowned.   "That's not a good reason," she said.

    Lindsey sighed.  "Okay. . .I'll invite her, but everybody will think I'm dumb for asking her," she grumbled.

    On the day of her party, Lindsey took everyone to the dining room to see her chocolate cake with pink roses.  "It's beautiful! exclaimed Melanie.

    Trish tossed her blond hair.  "My mother made a three-layer cake for my last birthday," she said.

    When Lindsay opened her presents, Melanie exclaimed in delight over each one.  But Trish informed everyone that she'd had more friends and better gifts at her party.  When they played games, Melanie eagerly took part while Trish acted bored.  "I wish we could play the games we had at my party," said Trish.

    After all the kids had left, Mom brought in two last gifts.  One was wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with a bow.  The other was wrapped in a wrinkled brown paper bag that had been cut open.  "These are from me and Dad," said Mom.

    Lindsey eagerly tore open the beautifully wrapped gift, but she was disappointed to find only a cheap yo-yo inside.  She opened the other package and found a lovely porcelain doll.  "She's beautiful!  I love her!" declared Lindsey.  She grinned.  "She sure looks better than her wrapping paper!  Did you run out?"

    "No, I just wanted to show you how misleading appearances can be," explained Mom.  "One of these presents was pretty, yet it contained little inside.  The other was plain, but when you opened it, you found a beautiful gift."  Mom paused.  "People can be like that, too." she added.

    Like Melanie and Trish, thought Lindsey.   

    "God doesn't judge by outer appearance," continued Mom, "and we shouldn't either."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you more impressed by kind hearts or by pretty faces?  Remember, God judges by what's in the heart.  Use the same standard to choose your friends..


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:8  B)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Callouses

Katie crossed her arms defiantly and scowled angrily at her mother.  "How could you?" she demanded.  "I have never been more humiliated in my life!  Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your mother come and drag you home?"

    "Katie, that's enough!" said Mother quietly, but firmly.  "What has come over you?  You've deliberately broken guidelines we have set for you--not just one of them, but two!  You not only were out past your curfew, but you did not have permission to be at the mall!"  Mom sighed deeply and sat on the edge of Katie's bed.  "What has been going on the last couple of months?  I don't think you just suddenly decided to rebel."

    Katie began to cry.  "I. . .I don't know.  A lot of the girls don't have such strict rules as I do, and they always want me to join them.  After a while, the things that seemed so wrong before, didn't seem so bad anymore," she admitted.  "I don't know how it happened."

    "Katie," said Mom, "do you remember when you first started playing the cello?" Katie nodded.  "Do you remember how, if you played very long, it hurt your fingers terribly?" asked Mom.  "Why was that?"

    Katie looked at her hand.  "My fingers hurt because they weren't used to it," she said.  "But now I have callouses, so they don't hurt anymore."  She gave an impatient sigh.  "Mom, you know this already."

    "That's true," said Mom.  "But tell me. . .did your callouses just appear magically one day, or did they build up over a period of time?"

    "They built up gradually," said Katie.  "Why?" 

    "Your fingers gradually got used to the pressure of the strings, and the pain grew less and less until it disappeared completely," said Mom.  "That's a picture of what happens when you practice doing something wrong.  At first, doing things that are wrong pricks your conscience and you feel guilty, but after a while, you get used to it and your conscience doesn't bother you anymore.  That's not a good situation to be in!"  Mom stood up and walked to the door.  "First Thessalonians 5:19 says, 'Do not quench the Holy Spirit of God.'  Think about that.  We'll discuss it more in the morning."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you getting "calloused" toward sin?  Are wrong things starting to seem "not so wrong" anymore?  Ask the Lord to help you recognize when that is happening.  When the Holy Spirit gives you an uncomfortable feeling about some activity, don't take part in it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:30  A)
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.