Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Special Carrots

Hi, Mom.  Steve greeted his mother, who was sitting on a stool in the garage.  "What are you doing?" he asked.

    "I'm cutting tops off the carrots I picked from our garden," replied Mom, tossing the top of a carrot into a bucket.  "How was school today?"

    "Terrible.  I don't fit in!" grumbled Steve.  "I'm not smart or cool or good at sports.  I wish I was like everyone else, but I'm just different!  The kids think I'm weird, and they're right."

    "Steve!  That's not true!" exclaimed Mom.  "You may have different interests than most of them, but that's okay."  She picked up a twisted carrot and looked at it.  She sighed.  "I planted a new kind of carrot," she said.  "According to the catalog, this kind is sweeter than other carrots, but they sure look strange.  I think I should have stuck with all the old kind."  She tossed the whole carrot into the basket with the carrot tops.   

    "Did you taste them?" asked Steve.

    "No, but I can't imagine they're any good."  Mom picked up another one.  "This one's crooked, too. . .they all are."  She threw it in with the tops.

    "But you should try them before you throw them all away," protested Steve.  "If the catalog said they're sweet, maybe they are.  Let's try one."

    "Well, okay," agreed Mom.  "I'll wash it first."

    Mom and Steve moved to the porch to eat their carrot.  "This is really good!"  Steve exclaimed.  "The catalog was right!  These really are sweet. . .and you wanted to throw them away just because they're different!"

    Mom took another bite of carrot.  "You're right," she said.  "These are extra good!"  She grinned at Steve.  "These carrots remind me of you.  You feel inferior--like you're not worth much--because you think you don't fit in at school.  You've forgotten that just like there are different purposes for different carrots--some are grown for size, and others for flavor--God has different plans for everybody.  God has a special plan for you, Steve.  He gave you abilities and talents that are different from everyone else's.  Find ways to serve God with those gifts.  Living out God's purpose for your life will bring you more joy than 'fitting in' can!"

    Steve grinned.  "Want to share another carrot?" he asked.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry because you don't seem to fit in with the kids at your school or Sunday school?  Don't feel that way.  God has a great plan for your life!  He gave you special gifts, abilities, and talents.  Maybe it's music, working with younger children, or cleaning.  Find ways to serve God in whatever area He has gifted you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:6  H)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us

[Soldier4Christ]

 Like Master, Like Dog

Fetch, Trevor, yelled Adam as he threw the ball across the yard.  A rust-colored object streaked past him as Trevor raced after the ball.  He caught it after only one bounce and returned to Adam, dropping the ball at his feet.  "Great job, Trevor," said Adam as he knelt down and rubbed the dog's ears.  "Ready?  Here goes another one!"  Adam threw the ball again and watched as Trevor dashed after it.  This time he caught it in midair and proudly brought it back to Adam.

    "Wow!" exclaimed Dad, who was watching from the patio.  "Maybe Trevor could join a major league baseball team.  How is he at batting?"

    Adam chuckled as the thought of a dog joining his favorite team.  "He'd make a great fielder, Dad, but he's not so good at batting or throwing," said Adam.

    Dad laughed, too.  "You've taught him well, Son," he said.

    Adam grinned.  "It was easy," he replied.  "I love baseball so much that it seemed only natural that I teach Trevor to catch.  After all, I don't want him to be a sissy dog who walks around with ribbons in his hair -- like Mrs. Gibbons' poodle."

    Dad smiled.  "They say dogs begin to look and act like their master after they've been together a while," he said.  "Take Mrs. Gibbons and her dog, for example.  They both go around with their hair perfectly in place, dressed up fancy, and head held high."

    "Yeah!" agreed Adam.  "And how about Matt Brant and his dog?  Matt's a great big bully, and his dog is the meanest thing I've ever seen.  He's always snarling and snapping at anything that comes near him."

    "Like his master," said Dad.  "I hope we resemble our Master, too."

    "Our master?" asked Adam.  "What do you mean?

    "I mean Jesus," replied Dad.  "Christians belong to Him, and we should act like it.  We should follow in His ways."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions show the world that you belong to Jesus?   Do you follow His teaching and example instead of doing the things your sinful nature wants you to do?  If you're a Christian, your friends and neighbors should be able to see Christ in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 5:22-23  B)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Good Enough

Charlie came in from school and plopped his books onto the kitchen counter.  "Mom, our verse last Sunday was 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,' but I can't do it," he said, sounding very discouraged.  "I thought I could be perfect for just one day, but I can't."

    "What happened?" Mom asked.  "What did you do wrong?"

    "Everything," mumbled Charlie.  "Ted said something mean to me at recess, and I lost my temper.  I said something just as mean.  Then everybody was teasing Melissa about her new haircut, so I did, too.  She started to cry, and Mr. Jones made us stay after class."

    "Were you sorry about those things?" asked Mom.

    "Well, sure," replied Charlie.  "I didn't mean to do any of them--they just kind of happened."

    Mom nodded.  "That's no excuse, of course, but it's a good thing that being perfect isn't the way to heaven, isn't it?"

    "I know," said Charlie.  "But I still do so many things wrong."  He held up his hand as Mother started to speak.  "I know. . .I know," he said.  "God forgives when we're sorry and confess what we've done, but I should think He'd get awful impatient with us sometimes."  Before Mom could reply, Charlie went to his room.

      When Mom came to his door a little later, Charlie was getting fresh water for Snowball, his hamster.  "Didn't Snowball bite your finger yesterday?" asked Mom.  "How is it?"

    Charlie held up his finger.  "It's okay," he said.

    Mom frowned.  "He makes such a mess in his cage, and he bites your finger," she said.  "Why don't you get rid of him?"

    Charlie stared at Mom in surprise and stroked Snowball's back.  "He's mine!" he said simply.

    Mom smiled.  "And you love him, right?" she asked.  Charlie nodded.  "Snowball doesn't deserve your care," continued Mom, "but you care for him and forgive him because you love him--even when he bites your finger.  We don't deserve God's care, but He cares for us and forgives us because He loves us. . .much more than you love Snowball."

    "Even when we do something wrong," Charlie said thoughtfully.  "I'm glad God loves me, and I'll keep on trying to please Him, even if I mess up a lot."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?  God already paid the ultimate price for your sins.  Accept the forgiveness He offers (see last page), and then do your best to please Him in everything.  When you fail, don't give up.  God's still loves you.  Confess your sin to Him, accept His forgiveness, and try again.  He'll help you become more like Him each day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 107:1  O)
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Way You Look

As Paul climbed into bed, he thought about the discussion at family devotions that evening.  Dad had suggested that all of them, even the children, would be surprised at what they could learn if they'd try taking notes in church the next day.  I doubt I'd learn anything from that, thought Paul as he drifted off to sleep. . . .

    Paul sighed as he sat in church, dreading the long hour ahead.  He fumbled in his Bible, pulled out his Sunday school paper, opened it, and began to read.  Soon he was deep into the story.  When he finished reading, he sighed again and looked up toward the pulpit.  "Oh!"  He gasped out loud.  Pastor Smith was sitting on the platform, reading the sports page of the local newspaper and chewing gum!  "Can you believe that?" Paul whispered to his sister.  At the same time, the pastor turned and whispered loudly to the organist who was playing softly.

    Pastor Smith noisily turned the pages of the newspaper.  When it was time to preach, he crumpled the paper loudly and stood up with a grin.  "There's a reason for what I was doing," he announced.  "Every Sunday I see boys and girls, and even a few adults, hide their faces behind Sunday school papers as soon as the sermon begins.  I see them chewing gum and talking.  The way I looked to you is the way you look to me."

    Paul quickly stuffed his paper into his Bible.  Pastor Smith was leaving the platform and coming down the aisle.  He stopped beside Paul.  "The way I looked to you is the way you look to me," he repeated loudly.  He shook his finger in Paul's face.  "The way I looked to you is the way you look to me!"  Pastor Smith was shouting now.

    Red-faced, Paul squirmed in his seat.  "I'm sorry," he gasped.  "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"  Paul was shouting, too.

    "Paul!  Paul!  Wake up!"  Someone was shaking him.  Quickly he sat up, surprised to find himself in his own bed.  Surprised, and glad!  "You must have been dreaming," Mother said, "but it's time to wake up and get ready for church.  It's Sunday."

    Paul jumped out of bed.  "Right, Mom!" he agreed.  As he got ready for church, he  knew he was going to listen more carefully than usual!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you  look to your pastor?  Even more importantly, how do you look to God?  Are you bored in church?  Do you complain that the sermon is hard to understand?  Take a pad and pencil along next Sunday.  Write down the Bible text, the title of the sermon, and one or two important sentences from the sermon.  You'll be surprised how much you can learn from the teaching of God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:25  B)
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.  And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Magic Slate

"Look at what I bought, Mom,"  said Megan as she took a magic slate out
of a sack.  She began scribbling on it as they drove home.  "Now
watch," she said as she lifted the top plastic sheet.  "The writing is all
gone."  As talked, her brother Andy  simply stared out the
window.  He wasn't hearing the conversation nor seeing the scenery.


"Andy!" Mother raised her voice after calling his name twice.  "Is
something wrong?"


"No."  Andy lapsed into silence again.  Now you've told another
lie, his conscience said.  That makes two.  He sighed deeply. 
But it was such a little lie, he argued with his conscience.  But he
couldn't win the argument.  "I. . .I told Dad a lie yesterday," he blurted
out.


Mother was silent for a moment.  Then she nodded.  "I'm sorry to
hear that," she said softly.  "What are you going to do about it?"


Megan was busy with her magic slate and paid no attention to the
conversation.  "Look what I did!" she said.  "I put a long tail on a
rabbit!"  She chuckled.  "Oh, well!  I'll erase it and start
over."  Again she lifted the top plastic sheet, and like magic, her picture
disappeared.


Mother smiled and spoke to Andy again.  "When you sin, it's something
like writing the wrong thing on a magic slate," she said.  "If you do
nothing about it, it remains there.  But if you repent and confess your sin
to God, He will erase it.  Tell both your dad and the Lord what you told
me.  Let them know you're sorry.  They'll forgive you, and the slate
will be clean."


Megan smoothed the plastic sheet on her slate.  "This time I'm going to
do it right," she announced.


"Me, too, Megan," echoed Andy.  "Me, too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you told a lie?  Disobeyed?  Been "sassy"?  Cheated?   Right now, confess to God whatever sin you are aware of in your life, and let Him wipe the slate clean.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 1:9)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Wow, Benji!  I can't believe all the books you borrow from the library! exclaimed Luke as his brother came into the house and put a stack of reading material on the table.  "You must like to read a lot better than I do."

    Mother entered the kitchen.  "Reading is a good way to learn about other countries, various animals, or any number of things," she said.     

    "You can learn how to do things, too," said Benji.  "Last year Dad built Rover's dog house from plans he found in a wood project book."

    "And where would I be if I had to cook without my recipe books?" asked Mother.

    "Well, I like reading some books," Luke admitted.  "I like to read adventure stories, and I like books about science experiments."

    "How about the Bible?" Mother suggested.

 `   Benji nodded.  "I like reading about the miracles Jesus did--especially the one where He used a little boy's lunch to feed five thousand people."

    "Did you know that the Bible tells us only a few of the things that happened when Jesus was on earth?" asked Mother.  "In fact, it tells us that the world can't even contain all the books that would have to be written if everything that Jesus did was recorded!"

    "We'd have some library then!" Benji exclaimed.

 `   Luke grinned.  "That would keep you happy for a long, long time!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you like to read books?  Reading can be fun.  Reading the Bible is most important because that is how you learn about God, the Lord Jesus, and the plan of salvation.  Because there's so much to know, even the oldest Christian will tell you he is still learning as he continues to read and study the Bible.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 21:25  A)
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

[Soldier4Christ]

Isn't he pretty, Scott? Jared asked his older brother as he held a yellow and black goldfinch in his cupped hand.  "I'm going to keep him."

     Scott looked doubtful.  "That bird looks sick," he said.

    "He's not either sick!" objected Jared.  "I know Mom will let me keep him in the old bird cage.  I'm going to call him Chirpie."

    As the boys hurried home, Scott was certain something was wrong with the small bird, since it had not tried to fly away, but little Jared insisted that God had given him the bird as a present.    "Oh, Mom, can I please keep him?" pleaded Jared as he showed the bird to Mother.

    "He's a beautiful bird, but he doesn't look very strong. I'm afraid Scott may be right," said Mom softly, trying to help Jared understand.

    "But, I can pray, and God will make Chirpie better," insisted Jared.

    "God can make him better, Jared," agreed Mother, "but He may not.  You have to realize that Chirpie might die."

    Jared looked doubtful.  "Then why did God give him to me, Mom?"

    "Maybe it's because He needed a kind little boy to take care of Chirpie for a few days while he was sick," suggested Mom.  "Maybe God was looking for someone--like you--with a big heart to love this little bird."  She paused as she prayed silently for a moment.  "Okay, Jared, I'll let you keep Chirpie, but you must agree to accept God's timetable and the number of days that He allows you to have him."

    "Okay."  Jared nodded his head.  "But I'm still going to ask God to let Chirpie get well."

    The next morning, Chirpie lay dead in his cage.  Jared had tears in his eyes.  "Mom, it looks like God gave me Chirpie for only one day," he said sadly.  "It hurts that he died, but I'm glad God let me take care of him the last day he was alive."  Jared wiped the tears from his eyes.

    Mom hugged Jared.  "Accepting God's timetable is an important part of the Christian life," she said.  "We should learn to appreciate every moment God gives us--even if it's just one day."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you had a pet that died?  Or has someone in your family died?  Learn to appreciate the time God has given you with that person or with that pet.  Realize that He has a timetable for every life.  Accept with thanksgiving each day and moment God gives to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 31:14-15  B)
But I trusted in Thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.  My times are in Thy hand.

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, no! exclaimed Mother as they pulled into the driveway.  "Look where they stacked the firewood!  I told them to put it on the patio."

    "Looks like you get to move the firewood, Son," added Dad.

    "Why me?" demanded Justin with a scowl.  "Why do I get all the dirty jobs around here?"

    "We all have work," said Dad.  "Mother has to cook dinner, and I have to work on the car.  That leaves you and Jennifer. . .and I don't think she can move all that wood."  He grinned at his small daughter.

    "Can too!" argued four-year-old Jennifer.  And later, as Justin loaded his wagon with wood, she announced, "I'm gonna help you."

    "Great!" answered Justin sarcastically as he started off with a load.  "Wow!  This is heavy!"

    Jennifer got behind the wagon and started pushing, "See, Justin," she said.  "I can help."

    "Yeah," agreed Justin reluctantly.  "That does help."  They worked together, moving several loads.  Then Justin noticed that the loads were heavier.  "Feels like that wood is gaining weight," he complained.

    Dad looked up and grinned.  ""You have a hitchhiker!" he said.

    When Justin turned around, he saw Jennifer sitting on top of the wood.  "You get off right now, Jennifer!" ordered Justin.

    "Now you can understand how much easier things are when everyone does his fair share," said Dad as he helped Jennifer get down safely.  "God's plan for the family is for them to work together.  When someone sits down on the job, it's harder for everyone else.  Jennifer is small, but when she pushed, your job was easier.  When she hitchhiked, it made your job harder, right?"  Grinning at his sister, Jason nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you grumble about the work you're asked to do?  Perhaps you do have more responsibilities than your little brother or sister.  That's because you're able to pull a heavier load.  God's plan is for everyone to do his share.  He even says if a person doesn't work, he shouldn't eat!  Be a good worker, not a hitchhiker.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 4:11  S)
Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, began Caleb hesitantly, "Mike invited me to go to the lake with his family on Sunday."  He hesitated.  "Can I please go?" he asked.  "I'm getting too big for Sunday school anyway.   That's kid stuff."  He was not surprised to see that Mother looked shocked.  "Oh, never mind," he grumbled as he reached for some potato chips and quickly left the room without waiting for an answer.  He took a comic book Mike had loaned him and went to watch TV.  When Mother went out to the yard, he went back to the kitchen to get some cookies.  He was still munching on them when Mother came to call him for dinner.

    At the table, Caleb wrinkled up his nose.  "Pork chops again?" he asked.  "I don't want any." He pointed to the cupboard where a cake and some plates waited.  "But I'll have a piece of that dessert," he added.

    "Not until you eat some meat and vegetables," ruled Dad.

    "But I'm not hungry," protested Caleb.

    "That's because you filled up on junk food," said Mother.  "You had potato chips after school, and I saw that you helped yourself to cookies, too."  As she passed the meat, she added, "And I think that's exactly why you're not enjoying Sunday school anymore."

    Caleb snorted.  "I don't enjoy Sunday school because I eat potato chips after school?  Aw-w-w, Mom!"

    "Lately you've been feeding your mind junk food, too--TV programs, comic books, loud music," said Mother.  "I'm afraid your mind is so full of mental junk food that you turn up your nose at wholesome things that would help you.  We're going to have to make some changes here."  She passed Caleb the vegetables.  "If you aren't careful, you're going to be sick, both spiritually and physically," she added.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you filling your mind with wholesome spiritual food?  If you're filling it with junk food instead, change your mental eating habits before you become spiritually sick.  Read God's Word.  Listen carefully to your Sunday school teacher and your pastor.  Spend time with other Christians.  Take part in wholesome mental activities.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Job 23:12  I)
I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

[Soldier4Christ]

Todd tossed his newspaper bag down to the kitchen floor.  "This paper route is such a hassle if people aren't home when I go to collect," he complained.  "Besides, I've earned enough to buy the tennis shoes I wanted.  I don't really need this job anymore.  I feel like quitting."

    Todd could tell by the look on Dad's face that he probably wasn't going to be allowed to quit.  "You've had the route for only a couple of months, Todd," said Dad.  "When your mother and I gave you permission to take this job, we all agreed you would keep it for a year."

    "But I didn't know it would be so hard," protested Todd as he slumped onto a chair.  "Besides, what good will it really do me?"

    "That's hard to know," said Dad.  "God uses many different experiences in our lives to develop qualities in us that He can use.  I'm sure you remember the story in the Bible about a shepherd boy who became a king."

    "Sure.  It was David," recalled Todd.

    Dad nodded.  "The 78th Psalm says that God took David from being a shepherd of sheep and placed him as a 'shepherd' over his people," he said.  "When he became the king of Israel, he was able to use principles of leadership and trust in God that he had learned as a shepherd."

    "Yeah, but what can I learn from being a paperboy?" asked Todd.

    "Responsibility for one thing," offered Dad.  "God wants us to learn to finish what we start.  And I'm sure you'll learn lots of other things, too.  Just wait and see."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like quitting when things get too hard?  Maybe you can't see any reason to keep your bedroom clean or to learn math or some other subject.  Even jobs that don't seem to matter are part of God's plan for making you what He wants you to be.  Keep at them!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 15:58  B)
Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Tim was excited as he skated out onto the ice for his first hockey practice.  Some kids fell as soon as their skates touched the ice.  Not Tim!  He had been skating since he was three.

    "We're going to practice hitting the puck," said Coach.

    SMACK!  Tim's stick hit the ice hard.  THUMP!  His feet went out from under him.  "Try again, Tim," called Coach as he skated over to help Tim up.  "Put your hands on the stick like this."  Tim followed the coach's directions and managed to hit the puck a short distance.

    By the end of the practice time, he was discouraged.  "I thought playing on a hockey team would be easier," he told his dad.

    "You're a good skater, Tim," said Dad, "and with practice, you can learn to play hockey, too.  You just need to learn to handle that hockey stick."  So Tim practiced each day after school.

    "Dad, can I go for some extra hockey practice with the guys tonight?" asked Tim a few days later.  "I'm getting pretty good with my hockey stick!"

    "Great!" said Dad.  "I knew you could learn how to do that.  By the way, are you getting pretty good with your 'sword', too?"

    "My sword?" asked Tim.  "What sword?"

    Dad smiled and held up a Bible.  "This one," he said.  "God's Word is called the 'sword of the Spirit'--and it's even more important to practice using God's equipment than it is to practice using your hockey equipment."  He handed the Bible to Tim.  "I know you have some verses to learn for Bible Club," he added.  "Learn them now.  Then if there's still time, you can practice your hockey again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you play baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer?  Do you play a musical instrument?  You need to practice using your special equipment, of course!  But don't neglect the special equipment God offers.  Your Bible is your "sword" to use in fighting against the devil.  The more you study the Bible, the better you will be in battle--and the better you will be at using all of the armor of God.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

It looks like these tomatoes will be just perfect for the fair next week, noted Mother as she stooped to examine Kara's vegetables.  "You certainly have worked hard in the garden this summer, honey."

    Kara smiled. "It was fun most of the time," she said as she moved the hose.  "I wonder how Becky is doing on the quilt she's making for the sewing exhibit."

    "I'd like to see it sometime," said Mother, picking up the weeds she had pulled from the garden.  "She's such a sweet girl.  Has she enjoyed coming to Sunday school with us?"

    "I think so," replied Kara.  "I wish she'd get saved, though!  I thought as soon as she heard about Jesus, she'd trust Him as her Savior."

    "The Bible says that every time we tell someone about Jesus, it's like planting a seed," answered Mother.  "Do you remember waiting for these vegetable seeds to grow?"

    Kara nodded.  "Some of them sprouted almost right away.  Others didn't come up for days.  I began to wonder if they ever would."

    "You didn't stop watering the seeds that didn't come up right away, did you?" asked Mother.

    "No, that would have been silly," answered Kara.  "After all the work of planting them, I wasn't going to give up so quick!  But some sure took a long time to come up."

    "Our task is to keep watering the Gospel seeds by continuing to witness to our unsaved friends," said Mother.  "It's God Who will make those seeds grow, too."

    "Like the seeds of the Gospel planted in Becky's life," said Kara thoughtfully.

    Mother nodded.  "We need to keep watering them by continuing to tell her about Jesus.  We'll trust God to cause them to eventually grow."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been discouraged because someone you've been witnessing to hasn't accepted Jesus as Savior yet?  Don't give up!  Keep at it!  It's God Who makes your "seeds" of testimony about Him grow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:6  I)
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

[Soldier4Christ]

At school, Amber kept thinking about the Scripture Dad had read that morning.  It was about being a servant of God.  She knew Dad was a servant of Jesus Christ--he was a preacher.  And Uncle Robert and Aunt Clara were His servants, too--they were missionaries.  But I'm only eight.  How can somebody my age, serve the Lord? she wondered.  Her thoughts were interrupted by the teacher's voice.  "Who will stay in during recess and help me with the bulletin board?" Mrs. Powell asked.  No one volunteered, so Amber raised her hand, though she had planned to play with Sue.

   Oh, bother! thought Amber when Mindy needed help with spelling.  But at lunch time, Amber stayed inside to study with her.  Oh, well.  I can play later, she thought.  She really wanted to help her friend.

    After school, Amber hurried home.  As soon as she opened the door, Mother said, "Oh Amber, I'm so glad you're here.  Amy is running a high fever.  I need you to watch the boys while I take her to the doctor's office."  Amber sighed, but she entertained her little brothers while Mother was gone.

    Amber didn't have much time to play that evening.  After dinner, she washed the dishes.  Then she rocked the baby while her Mother put the boys to bed.

    It was after the toys were picked up and all was quiet that Amber again wondered how she could be a servant of God.  "Mom, how can I serve God?" she asked.  "Daddy's a preacher.  Uncle Robert and Aunt Clara are missionaries.  You're the church organist.  But I'm not anything.  What can I do to serve Jesus?"

    Mother hugged her daughter.  "Oh, Amber honey, you are serving Him!" she exclaimed.  "We serve God by serving others.  Every day, as you help me around the house and take care of your little brothers and sister, and as you help other people, you're serving God."

    Amber was amazed.  "That's really serving God?"

    Mother nodded.  "It certainly is.  You're a very special servant of Jesus Christ."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to serve the Lord?  Then serve others.  When you serve them, you're serving Him.  Make up your mind to do something special today for someone else.

[Soldier4Christ]

Brandon wandered into his room.  He didn't feel like playing.  A little red truck caught his eye, and he picked it up.  It had been Joey's favorite.  Joey.  Brandon closed his eyes.  Pictures of his little brother flashed through his mind.  There was the day Mom and Dad and Joey had gone to see a doctor.  The time Mom had put her arms around him and explained that Joey had a very serious illness.  The days Joey had to spend in the hospital for treatments.  Joey, growing thinner and more pale.  Then came the day Joey went to the hospital and never returned.  And just yesterday. . .his funeral followed by a graveside service.

    "Brandon," called Dad, "want to come help me weed the garden?"

    Dad and Brandon worked among the carrots in silence for a while.  Then, his voice quavering, Brandon said, "Dad, I miss Joey so much.  Sometimes I don't know how I can stand it!"

    "We all miss him, Son.  But maybe I can give you a word picture that helps me," said Dad.  He reached over to put an arm around Brandon's shoulder.  "Remember last year when we grew that big patch of potatoes?  One afternoon, we all worked hard to dig them up and get them sacked before winter, remember?"  Brandon nodded.  "When Mom went in to fix supper, you and Joey and I stayed out to finish.  We were cold, tired, and hungry.  But as we looked at the house, we could see the warm lights shining out into the gathering darkness.  And we thought of the good hot meal Mom would have ready for us when our work was done."  Brandon nodded again.  "That's kind of the way I feel right now," said Dad.  "We miss Joey, and it hurts so much.  But we know he's safe in our heavenly home.  God has a job left for us here.  But when it's done, we'll all be back together."

    A warm feeling stole over Brandon.  "Okay, Dad," he said.  "We'll finish our work for God and then go home for supper!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know for sure that you'll have a home in heaven when your life on earth is over?  You can know!  Jesus died to make that possible.  Trust Him for salvation today!  (See last page.)  Then you can also look forward to some day joining your loved ones who have already gone to be with Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:2 In)
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Ashamed

Hey, Matt! called Bill from the other side of the playground.  "Where were you last night?  I called your house at least six times, but you weren't home.  I wanted to know if you could go to the mall."

    "Oh, well. . .we were out," Matt stammered.  He didn't want to tell Bill he had been at church.  They were having a missionary conference, and Matt enjoyed the speakers--but Bill wouldn't understand!  He'd only laugh. 

    "How about tonight?" Bill asked.  "They've got a new game at the video arcade.  I tried it a couple of times, and it's a blast!"

    "Well. . .um. . .we're. . .ah. . .going to be busy again tonight," Matt said.  The conference lasted all week and Matt's family was going to attend each night.

    "Tomorrow night then?" asked Bill.

    "No, we're. . .ah. . .busy all week."

    "What does your family do every night?" asked Bill.  "No one goes out that much!"

    Again Matt hesitated.  He could imagine Bill's response to the news that he'd be going to church.  Then Matt thought of something.  Here I am. . .going to a missionary conference and praying for the missionaries to reach more people for the Lord, but I don't even have enough nerve to admit to one of my best friends that I'm going to church!  Matt knew something was wrong, and he knew what to do about it!   

    "Bill," he began, "we're having a missionary conference at church, and our entire family goes,  I really like the meetings.  Hey. . .maybe you'd like to come, too. . . ."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you to tell your friends you go to church?  Do you tell them about Jesus?  Or are you afraid to let them know what you believe?  Jesus should be most important in your life.  Don't feel embarrassed talking about Him.  Look for opportunities to tell your friends about your relationship with the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 1:16  F)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.