Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Hey, Dad, I went to the eye doctor today, and he said my vision was 20/20, announced David at dinner.  "That's perfect, you know!"

    "That's right," agreed Mother as she passed the salad.  Loud voices, slamming doors, and squealing tires next door interrupted her.  When it was quiet again, she murmured, "Poor Mrs. Marler."

    Dad nodded.  "Yes, I'm afraid Chad is worrying her to death," he said.

    "I don't know why everybody's on Chad's case," David protested.  "I like him.  He gave me a ride on his cycle."

    "Well, you are not to get on his cycle again," Dad ordered sternly.

    "Aw, Dad, he's okay," argued David.  "He's really nice to me."

    "In some ways he is a nice boy," agreed Mother, "but I don't approve of the way he's been acting lately.  For one thing, the way he talks to his parents is disgraceful!"

    "He called his mother 'stupid old woman' the other day," little Cheri reported.  "That's not nice."

    "It certainly isn't," replied Dad.  "It's too bad Chad doesn't have 20/20 vision.  He appears to be blind."

    "Blind!"  David was horrified.  "Chad's not blind!"

    "Not physically blind," Dad told him, "but the Bible teaches us in Second Corinthians that the god of this world--that's Satan--blinds the eyes of those who don't believe on Jesus.  That refers to spiritual blindness--a lack of love for God, and it seems to me that it often shows up in the way a person treats his parents.  A spiritually blind person can get into lots of trouble."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How's your spiritual eyesight?  Unless you know Jesus, it's not very good.  In that case, ask Him today to come into your life and give you spiritual sight (see last page).  If you do know Him, are you obeying His commands?  Take a look at your attitude toward your parents.  Do you obey and honor them?  God says you should.  To speak disrespectfully of them or to them is a warning of serious problems.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 1:3  H)
Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise); that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

. . .please help the people at Westside Mission to find enough workers for the Thanksgiving dinner, prayed Sherry.  "Amen."

    "Amen," said Dad.  Family devotions were over, and Sherry started clearing the supper dishes from the table.

    "I was thinking," said Mom, "that maybe our family could volunteer to help at Westside mission this Thanksgiving."

    "What!" exclaimed Sherry.  She looked up from loading the dishwasher.  "I don't want to spend my Thanksgiving there!  What about our own turkey dinner?"

    "Well, I think we could work that in, too," said Mom.  "Let's think about it."

    "I think it's a rotten idea," muttered Sherry.  She cranked the dishwasher knob to "Start," then did her last chore--putting ingredients into the bread machine to make a loaf of bread for breakfast the next day.

    The next morning, Sherry woke to the delicious smell of fresh-baked bread.  Her mouth watered as she thought of warm bread with butter melting into it.  But when she saw the loaf on the cooling rack, she frowned.  The loaf was tiny, and when Sherry picked it up, she found that it was heavy and hard, like a brick.  "What happened?" she asked Mom, who was getting breakfast.

    "I think you forgot the yeast," said Mom.

    "Oh, no," groaned Sherry.  "We can't eat this."

    "No," agreed Mom, "but I kept it because it reminded me of you."

    "Me!" exclaimed Sherry.  "Why?"

    "Well, yeast is what brings about 'action' in the dough--it causes it to rise," said Mom.  "So bread without yeast reminded me of your attitude toward helping out at the mission.  You prayed for helpers, but you're not willing to mix actions with your words.  An ingredient is missing.  The Bible tells us that faith without action to back it up is as useless as this loaf of bread without yeast."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have good intentions, but find it hard to put actions to them?  Helping others may be inconvenient, but God wants to use your hands and feet to show His love.  Don't just talk about God's love to others; show it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:17  T)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

[Soldier4Christ]

Carl stared as Uncle Frank answered a question.  His uncle was moving his eyebrows up and down as he answered.  It looked very strange.  Carl hesitated, then ventured another question.  "Are you glad to be back from the mission field?"

    Uncle Frank looked right at Carl and raised his eyebrows a few times.  Then he smiled.  "It is good to get back to America," he said, "but we do miss the people we've been working with.  The small church we started means a lot to the new Christians in that area."

    It was after supper when Carl finally got up enough nerve to ask the question to which he really wanted an answer.  "Why do you raise your eyebrows so often when we ask you a question?"

    Uncle Frank laughed out loud.  "Have I been doing that?" he asked. "You see, in the village where we work, that's how we say yes, and now I do it without thinking.  When a missionary goes to another country, he not only has to learn a new language, but new gestures as well."

    "That must have been hard," Carl said thoughtfully.

    "It wasn't easy.  Many of the ways of the people seemed strange and difficult at first," said Uncle Frank.  "But we knew we were where God wanted us, and I doubt that we'd be very happy anywhere else.  Being in God's will is the most important thing to us.  Besides, now we love the people there, and we love the work God gave us to do.  We think we have the best job in the whole world!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know any missionaries?  They sometimes face many difficulties in a foreign country with different languages, gestures, food, and customs.  They may also face loneliness, sickness, and fearful situations.  Learn as much as you can about your missionaries, and don't forget to pray for them.  With the support of your prayers and encouragement, the Lord will greatly bless them and use them as they do the work He sent them to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:3-4  I)
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Alicia, please go to the grocery store for me, said Mother.  "We need bread and milk."  Mother handed Alicia a book of food stamps.  "And don't forget to. . . ."  She stopped.  A look of disgust mingled with anger had covered Alicia's face.  "What's the matter?"

    "I'm not going to buy anything with those old food stamps!" declared Alicia.  "I hate them!"

    Mother sighed.  "But, honey, you should be thankful we have food stamps.  We won't have to use them long. . .just until I can get a job."

    "But it's so humiliating," wailed Alicia.  "Oh, why did Daddy have to have that accident?"

    Mother put her arm around Alicia.  "This hasn't been easy for any of us, but we can learn from this experience."

    "Learn what?" Alicia asked.

    "Well. . .I've learned to be more compassionate," said Mother.  "I remember that when things were going well and we had plenty, I often judged those who had less.  I even thought they were lazy."   

    "People probably say that about us now," said Alicia.

    Mother sighed.  "Perhaps a few people do, but most of them understand and care," she said.  "I've also been humbled by this experience.  I didn't realize I was so proud.  Now I just thank the Lord for these food stamps."

    Alicia wiped her eyes and took the stamps.  "Okay," she said with a sigh.  "I don't like shopping with them, but I will."  She headed for the door.

    "Thanks, honey," said Mother.  "You know, the Bible says God will supply all our needs.  We need to be grateful for every means He uses to do that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever ashamed that your family has less than others?  Instead of complaining about what you don't have, be thankful for what you do have.  No matter how much or how little you have, you can always find things to thank God for, and in doing that, you honor Him.  Try giving thanks today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:20  G)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, tell Kevin to stop, said Susan as she came in the back door with her little brother following her.

    "Kevin are you teasing your sister again?" Mother asked, closing the oven door.

    "No," said Kevin with his thumb in his mouth.

    "He is, too," insisted Susan.  "Every time I move, he moves the same way I do.  He repeats almost everything I say, too.  I can't do anything without having him copy me.   It's so irritating!"

    "I'm sorry it bothers you, honey," said Mother.  "I don't think he does that to tease you, though.  I think he loves you so much that he wants to be like you."

    Susan looked at little Kevin.  "He does?" she asked.

    Mother nodded.  "Actually, it should please you," she said.

    "Well. . . ."  Susan hesitated.  "I suppose so."

    Mother smiled.  "Did you know that there is Someone who wants you to imitate Him, too?" she asked.

    "Who?" asked Susan.  She couldn't imagine who that could be.

    "Jesus does," Mother told her.  "He set an example for you and asked that you follow Him and do as He did.  It's in following His example in serving and loving others that we show Him we love Him."  Mom smiled at Susan.  "Read the four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John," she suggested.  "As you read, write down various characteristics of Jesus so that you can practice them."

    "Sounds like a lot of work," said Susan.

    "Yes, but you may find you enjoy it," replied Mom.  "You probably already know many of Jesus' characteristics already.  Can you think of some?"

    "Well. . .He loves everyone," began Susan.  "He helped people a lot.  He forgave them, too."

    "Good start," approved Mom, "and I'm sure you'll find lots more.  Maybe you'd like to pick one of them and especially practice that one for a week or two.  It should soon become a habit for you.  Then you could pick another to work on."

    "Well, okay. . .I'll try it," agreed Susan.  She thought for a moment.  Then she grinned.  "I know which characteristic I'm going to work on first," she said as she grabbed hold of her little brother's hand.  "Jesus loves little children.  So come on, Kevin.  Let's go play outside some more."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you follow Jesus' example?  That's the way to be truly happy.  It's a way to show that you really love Him.  Which characteristic of Jesus will you especially work on first?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 13:15 I)
I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Ramone, called Mom from the den, "keep away from the cookie jar. Supper
will be ready soon."
 

    "Uh-h-h. . .how'd you know I was checking out the cookies?  You weren't even here," said Ramone as Mother came into the kitchen.

    "Oh, I have eyes in the back of my head," joked Mother.  "Every mother does."

    Dad laughed as he came in the back door.  "I heard that!" he said.  He grinned at Ramone.  "Mom may not really be able to see in two directions at once, but your chameleon can," he added.  "Have you noticed his eyes?"

    "Yeah!" said Ramone, going over to the terrarium to check out his new pet.  "His eyes are really weird.  His left eye is looking at me but his right eye is looking at that fly out on the window screen!"

    "Each bulging eye can move independently and can rotate in every direction," said Dad.

    "Wow!  It would be cool to have eyes like that!" exclaimed Ramone.

    Dad smiled.  "Well, I'm sure God gave us just the kind of eyes we need," he said.  He paused, then he added, "But some Christians seem to think they have chameleon eyes.  They seem to try to look at two things at once, too."

    "They do?" asked Ramone in surprise.

    Dad nodded.  "Christians kids sometimes 'look' at all the things unsaved kids are doing, and they wish they could be involved in it all.  Yet they want all the benefits of being a Christian, too."

    Mother nodded.  "I'm afraid it isn't only Christian kids who do that," she said.  "Christian men and women are also guilty of the same thing."

    "That's right," agreed Dad.  "As Christians we should keep our minds focused on godly things.  We shouldn't be watching wicked or evil things.  We certainly shouldn't wish we could participate in them!  " 






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read the Bible and try to focus on doing good?  But do you also sneak a look at dirty magazines in the store?  Do you wish you could watch movies you know your parents and God would not approve of?  Ask God to help you look only at those things that are pleasing to Him.  He didn't make your eyes like a chameleon's.  You cannot look at two things at once.  Keep your eyes focused on things that please God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 4:25, Le)
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Riddles

Lori and her brother Ron liked riddles!  "How's your math?" Lori asked Ron one day.   

    "Got an 'A' on my report card," Ron answered proudly.

    "Well, let's see if you can figure out this riddle," suggested Lori.  "Listen carefully now, okay?  A bus with ten people on it stopped and picked up five more.  It went two blocks where it let off three people and picked up four.  Then it went another block and let off four passengers.  Finally, it made one more stop and picked up two."  Lori grinned, "Now if you've been listening carefully, you should be able to tell me how many times the bus stopped."

    "Fourteen!" Ron promptly shouted.  Then his triumphant grin faded as he realized he had been fooled.  "Hey!  I thought you were going to ask how many people were left on the bus.  I was keeping track of that in my head, but I don't remember how many times the bus stopped."

    Lori laughed.  "Gotcha!" she exclaimed.

    Mother overheard the conversation, and she grinned.  "I have a riddle for both of you," she said.  "Remember the people who came to the door the other day selling religious literature?"  Lori and Ron nodded.  "Okay. . .in what way are Ron and those people alike?" asked Mother.  She smiled at their puzzled expressions.  "Guess I'll have to tell you," she said.  "Ron and those folks were all guilty of hearing only what they wanted to hear."

    The children still looked puzzled.  "I know what you mean about Ron," said Lori.  "He heard only the numbers he was listening for, and he didn't pay any attention to the rest of the story."

    "Right."  Mother nodded.  "And that's not so serious--it was just a riddle.  But the people who were canvassing the neighborhood the other day claim to base their beliefs on what the Bible says, only they don't hear the whole story.  They pick out isolated verses or passages and don't use them 'in context.'  That is, they don't study the meaning in light of the whole Bible."

    Ron nodded slowly.  "So we shouldn't believe someone just because he tells us the Bible says it," he observed.  "We should look it up and make sure it agrees with what the rest of the Bible says."

    "That's right," agreed Mother.  "Listen to everything God has to say on the subject."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you "hear" what you want to hear from God's Word instead of hearing what the Bible is really saying?  It's amazing what people think they find in the Bible--excuses for staying home from church or for not giving to God's work, so-called proof that good works will get them to heaven, and many other things.  Pay careful attention to what the Bible really says.  Don't be fooled by those who claim to believe the Bible but refuse to believe all of it.  And remember, anyone who denies that Jesus is God is a false teacher.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dare to Be Like Daisy

A hairy body landed with a thump on the bed beside Ellyce, barking furiously. "Be quiet, Daisy," murmured Ellyce sleepily. Daisy barked again. Annoyed, Ellyce pushed the dog away. "Be still!" she commanded. Daisy bounded off the bed and ran out of the room.

Suddenly . . . THUMP! Daisy returned and pounced on Ellyce, dashed away, and then came back and pounced again and again, all the while barking loudly. Ellyce sat up, very much annoyed. "You dumb dog," she grumbled. "Let me sleep! Be still!" Daisy ran to the door and barked, looking back at Ellyce.

Ellyce sniffed. Smoke! she thought. I smell smoke! She scrambled out of bed and ran into the hall just as her parents came out of their room. Using the cell phone, Dad gave their address to the 911 operator as they hurried out to the yard to wait for the fire trucks to arrive.

The next morning, Ellyce's friend, Amy, ran up to her before school. "I'm surprised to see you!" exclaimed Amy. "The TV news had a report about the fire. I thought you'd stay home today to clean up."

"There wasn't much damage, and Mom says the insurance people will send a cleaning crew," Ellyce explained. "We have a lot to be thankful for!"

 "The news said your dog woke the family up," Amy continued.

"She did," agreed Ellyce. "Dad says the smoke alarm was defective, so it was a good thing we had Daisy. We could've all died of smoke inhalation!" As she looked at her friend, a thought struck her. I'll go to heaven if I die, but what if Amy should die? She doesn't know Jesus. Ellyce thought of something else. I got mad at Daisy, for pestering me, but she loved me enough to keep it up anyway. I should be more like that! I've invited Amy to Sunday school and tried to witness to her, but I quit because it seemed to annoy her. It's . . . it's even more important that Amy be saved from her sins by accepting Jesus than it was for me to be saved from the fire. Because it's so important, I need to take a chance on annoying her a little!

"Amy, if I had died, I would have gone to heaven," Ellyce said boldly. "You're my friend, and I want you to go to heaven, too. Wouldn't you like to know for sure that you'll go there some day?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you care about your friends enough to keep telling them about Jesus . . . even if they seem to be annoyed by hearing it? If they are a little annoyed, how serious will that be? Not nearly as serious as if they never realize their need of Jesus. Don't give up witnessing to them. Love them enough to make sure they know that Jesus is the only way to heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:18-19)
Praying . . . that I may open my mouth boldly to make known . . . the Gospel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Robert and his friend Mitch, who had come for a weekend visit, hurried to the dinner table.

    "Yummy!  Spaghetti and meatballs!" exclaimed Robert.

    "All right!" added Mitch, and after Dad asked the blessing, both boys ate heartily.  After dinner, they went outside to play.

    Soon Mitch began to feel sick.  He sat on the porch while Robert went to get his mother.  "My skin itches, and it's hard for me to breathe," said Mitch.  "I'm allergic to eggs--I was supposed to tell you that.  I feel like I do when I've eaten them, but I didn't eat any eggs."

    "Yes, you did!" gasped Mother.  "You ate quite a few meatballs, and  I always put eggs in them."

    "Mom does, too, and I wondered if I should eat them," admitted Mitch.  "But they looked so good, I decided to take a chance."  He stood up.  "I've got medicine with me--I'll go take some."  He did, and soon he felt much better.  The next day, he felt fine, but still a little itchy.   

    "Let's  go skating at that roller rink near here," Mitch suggested the next morning.  Robert agreed to ask his parents, but he was quite sure they'd say no.

    Dad shook his head when the boys asked about it.  "It would be fine if they'd play decent music," he said, "but they play only hard rock, so we prefer you don't go."

    "Aw, Dad," protested Robert.  "We don't listen to the words anyway.  We just want to skate."

    But Dad remained firm.  "Remember the problem Mitch had when he ate eggs in meatballs?" he asked.  "It reminds me of this situation.  Sometimes we want to do something so bad that we're tempted to overlook the parts of that activity that could hurt us.  If we must 'swallow poison' in order to participate, then it's just not worth it."

    "That's for sure," agreed Mitch as he rubbed his itchy skin.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things you'd like to do, but can't because they contain an element of sin?  Today's memory verse says a little "leaven "--or yeast--affects the whole batch of dough.  In the Bible, leaven is a symbol of sin.  Just a little sin affects your whole life.  God made Christians to be 'allergic' to sin.  Always check out an activity carefully before you get involved.  Even a 'little bit' of sin is like poison!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 5:6)
Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?

[Soldier4Christ]

Becky set her books on the table when she arrived home after school.  "Can I stay home tomorrow?" she asked her mother.

    Mom looked surprised.  "Stay home?" she asked.  "Are you sick?"

    Becky shook her head.  "No, but I. . .I have a problem," she replied.  "If I don't go to school, I won't have to worry about it.  See.  . .Mary Ann wants me to give her the answers on our test.  Of course, I won't do it, but I don't want her to be mad at me."

    Mom nodded.  "So if you stay home tomorrow you won't have to face the unpleasantness of telling her that you believe cheating is wrong?"  Becky nodded, looking hopeful.

    Just then, little Lynda awoke from her nap and began to cry.  "Would you go get her, please?" said Mom.

    Becky hurried to her baby sister and lifted her from the crib.  Lynda grinned and gave Becky a hug.  Back in the kitchen, Becky bent to set Lynda down on the floor.  She had been helping Lynda learn to walk and decided to let her practice taking a step.

    "Don't put her down," said Mom quickly.  "She might fall and get hurt.  From now on, let's hold her all the time."

    Becky gave Mom a puzzled look.  "She needs to practice walking, or she won't learn how!" exclaimed Becky.

    "But walking is hard for her," protested Mom.

    "Well, the more she practices, the easier it will get," said Becky.  She frowned.  "What are you really getting at?" she asked.

    Mom smiled.  "I'm just hoping you'll see that facing a problem-- whether it's learning to walk or telling someone no--is the way to overcome that problem.  You don't get stronger by hiding."   

    Becky was thoughtful,  "You mean I should go to school tomorrow and tell Mary Ann that cheating is wrong,"  she said.

    Mom nodded.  "Ask for God's help as you face her.  You'll become stronger by standing up for what you believe."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to escape your problems, or do you ask God to help you meet them?  Facing challenges takes faith and courage.  Overcoming them builds strength and character.  Ask God to help you deal with the difficulties in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 1:7  F)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad took one hand off the steering wheel and clicked off the car radio.  "The old saying 'no news is good news' is so often true," he commented.

    "Who 'napped that little girl?" Krystal asked fearfully.

    "Are those escaped convicts still in this area?"  Allan peered anxiously out the window.

    Mother sighed, "I don't know, but don't be afraid," she said.  "We're God's children, and He won't let anything happen to us that isn't for our good."

    "But I'm scared. . . ." began Krystal.

    "Look!  Look!  There's a fire over there!" Allan pointed at the horizon.  "What a lot of excitement we're having--escaped convicts, and now a prairie fire!"

    As they neared the fire, Dad said, "That's a controlled fire.  It looks like the farmer has set it to make a firebreak."

    "What's a firebreak?" Allan asked.

    "It's a wide strip of plowed or burned-off ground around the buildings," explained Mother.  "When a fire that's raging across the prairie reaches the firebreak, it dies because there is nothing to feed it.  I don't know why this farmer is making one now.  Perhaps he just wants to be prepared because it's a dry season.  If a fire should come, his property would be protected."

    "Just as he fights fire with fire, we can overcome fear with fear," suggested Dad.  "Fear of the Lord drives other fear out of our hearts.  It builds a 'fearbreak' around us."

    "But I'm not scared of God," said Allan.  "He loves me."

    "The kind of fear Dad's talking about is respect and honor," explained Mother.  "It's more a matter of trusting God than being afraid of Him."

    Krystal wrinkled her brow, then smiled.  "Well, I 'spect God's gonna take care of us, so I'm not scared now." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid of the dark?  Of being kidnapped?  Of losing someone you love?  Try fighting fear with fear.  Fear (or respect) God.  Trust and obey Him as your heavenly Father.  Build a "fearbreak" around your heart now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 14:26  I)
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.

[Soldier4Christ]

It had been a busy day for Jeremy, who was on a week-long camping trip with his Uncle Bob and cousin Eric.  As the sun went down, two tired boys stretched out beside the campfire.  "That was the best fish I ever ate," declared Jeremy.  "I hope we catch lots more tomorrow."

    Uncle Bob nodded in agreement.  "Now let's have some spiritual food before we turn in," he said.  "I hope you boys remembered your Bibles."

    Eric nodded, but Jeremy shook his head.  "My dad says the Bible is something for weak people who can't think for themselves," he said.  "He says we don't need it."

    Uncle Bob frowned.  "The Word of God is a very important part of my life, Jeremy," he said.  "Listen to what God says about it--He calls it a light."  Taking His Bible, Uncle Bob turned to Psalm 119.  The boys listened quietly as he read several verses and then led in prayer.

    As the boys were unrolling their sleeping bags, Jeremy slapped at a mosquito.  "Where's the insect repellent?" he asked.

    "It's in the glove compartment of the car," said Uncle Bob.

    "We'll get it," said Jeremy quickly.  "Come on, Eric.  Maybe we'll see a bear!"  As the boys headed into the darkness, Jeremy stumbled over a log, and down he went.  He stood up and saw Eric bump into an overhanging branch.  "We need the flashlight, Uncle Bob," said Jeremy, as the boys turned back.  "We can't see where we're going."

    "Flashlights are okay for weak people who can't see in the dark," Uncle Bob replied carelessly, "but do you think you need it?" Eric chuckled, quite sure he knew what his dad was getting at.

    "What do you mean?" asked Jeremy.  "Nobody can see in the dark."

    "True," agreed Uncle Bob, "but I wonder. . .what makes you think you need light in the woods but not in your life?"

    "Light in my life?" asked Jeremy.  "What do you. . . ."  He stopped.  "Okay, Uncle Bob, I get the point--we need the Bible to give us light in our lives.  Now, may we please have that flashlight?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
It's foolish to stumble along and not use the light that's available, isn't it?  Only the light of God's Word will keep you from stumbling into the darkness of sin.  Are you using it?  Turn on the light by reading your Bible.  But don't just read it--obey it, too.  Drive away the darkness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 6:23  F)
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light.

[Soldier4Christ]

The camping trip for Nathan's Sunday school class was lots of fun.  He loved the outdoors, and in no time at all, his tent was up.  When Mr. Charles, his teacher, suggested that the class hike up a mountain trail, Nathan was eager to go .

    The boys were delighted when they came across a spring of fresh water.  Nathan took a long, satisfying drink, but Mr. Charles stopped the other thirsty boys.  "Perhaps we shouldn't drink this water," he said.  "It might be salty."

    Nathan gave Mr. Charles a peculiar look.  "No way!" he exclaimed.  "This is a fresh-water spring.  I just had some of the water."

    "I know," said Mr. Charles, "but how can we be sure the next person to try it will get fresh water?"   

    Nathan frowned.  "A spring doesn't give two kinds of water," he said.  "Besides, whoever heard of a spring that had salty water?"

    Mr. Charles smiled and nodded.  "Good point," he said.  "Do you know that the Bible makes that point, too, when it speaks about controlling our tongues?  Just as salty water can't come from a pure spring, unkind words can't come from a heart filled with love for Jesus."

    Nathan was startled.  His parents frequently reminded him that he needed to be more careful about what he said--sometimes when he was just teasing somebody, and sometimes when he was angry.

    "Always remember that words can sound very cruel," continued Mr. Charles.  "When I was your age I sometimes just meant to tease someone.  I didn't intend to be mean, but the things I said hurt the person I was talking to.  I had to ask God to help me show love, even when I was teasing.  When He did that, my words came from a pure source, not a sarcastic, 'salty' one."  He smiled as he glanced around the group of boys.  "If you have a problem like that, ask God to change you.  He will."  He grinned.  "Now, who would like a drink from this spring?  Believe me, it's not salty!  Right, Nathan?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your "joking around" often sound biting and cruel?  Ask the Lord to give you real love for others.  Then when you're tempted to make a taunting remark, examine it.  Will it hurt the person you're teasing?  If so, think of something nice to say instead--and say it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 21:23  W)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

[Soldier4Christ]

Silas eagerly jumped out of bed one Saturday morning.  This was the day he had been waiting for.  His Cub Scout group was going to the zoo.  Quickly, he made his bed and got dressed.  After breakfast, he cleaned his room.  Then he cleaned the fish bowl without waiting to be told.  He was going to make sure there would be no possibility that he'd have to miss the outing because his work wasn't done.  He even willingly took a shower before dressing for the club excursion.  He proudly put on his club shirt with the new award patch his mother had sewn on for him.  He was ready early!

    "Can I  go out and play while I wait?" Silas asked his mother.

    "Sure," agreed Mother, "but stay close by so you'll be ready when it's time to leave."

    The minutes seemed long, and Silas wandered off to watch some boys play baseball at a nearby park.  After a while, he returned home.  "When are we leaving, Mom?" he asked.

    "We're not," said Mother emphatically.  "I went out and called and called for you.  I even honked the horn, but you were not ready."

    "I was ready," wailed Silas.  "I had my work all done, and my uniform on.  I didn't think you'd call so soon."

    "Sorry," said Mother, "but it's too late now."  Silas was heartbroken!

    For family devotions that evening, Dad read aloud from Matthew, chapter twenty-four (see today's Scripture).  Mother turned to Silas.  "It made me very sad that you weren't ready for your club outing today," she said.  "You were all dressed up and had your work done, but you missed my call, so you missed the trip to the zoo.  It reminds me that many people are 'all dressed up' in good works, but they still won't be ready when Jesus returns.  If they miss His call, just think what they'll miss--eternity with Him!"  Silas nodded soberly.  "Missing heaven would be a lot worse than missing the zoo!" added Mother. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you all "dressed up" in good works?  You can go to church and Sunday school and do all sorts of good things, but none of them make you ready for Jesus' return.  The only way to be ready for heaven is to put faith in Jesus Christ.  (See last page.)  Don't wait.  Get ready now!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 24:44  T)
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Mother  put warm, buttery popcorn into bowls, Peter scowled at his sister.  "Hey, Mandy!  Get out of my chair!" he ordered.

    "You always get to sit by the window," complained Mandy.  "I want to sit here for a change."

    "It's my place," said Peter angrily, but Mandy just stuck out her tongue.  "Dad!  Make Mandy get out of my chair!" whined Peter, as he tugged at his sister's arm.

    Dad and Mother looked at each other and sighed.  "Don't you kids ever stop fighting?" asked Dad.  "Just sit down over there, Peter, so we can enjoy our snack."

    Soon they were crunching their popcorn and sipping glasses of Mother's freshly squeezed lemonade.  "It seems to me you were fighting over chairs last night, too," said Dad, "only then wasn't it Peter who wanted to sit in the chair Mandy usually has?"  Mandy just shrugged, and Peter nodded sheepishly.

    Mother smiled.  "I think it's time you children learn to take a sour lemon and make lemonade," she declared.

    "What do you mean," Mom?" asked Mandy curiously.

    Dad laughed.  "That's an old saying," he explained.  "You see, this good lemonade we're enjoying started out as sour lemons.  Mother didn't sit around moaning about how sour they were.  She took them and made something good out of them.  And instead of complaining about what happens in our lives, we should learn to make the best of every situation.  Like the Apostle Paul said, we should be content in 'whatsoever state,' or situation, we're in."

    "Maybe Mandy and I should say, in whatsoever chair we're in," suggested Peter with a grin.  "I guess I really don't mind sitting over here by the register sometimes.  It's nice and warm."

    "I like it, too," agreed Mandy, "but it's nice to sit here by the window, too.  It really doesn't matter that much, does it, Peter?"

    "Good."  Mother smiled.  "Now, how about some more lemonade?"    




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you complain when you don't get what you want?  The next time things don't go the way you want them to, please God by looking for something good in the situation or do what you can to improve it.  Get rid of your "sour" attitude and enjoy the lemonade!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:11  I)
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.