Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Erin slammed the door behind her. "Oh, that Trena is so. . .so nasty
lately!" A tear slipped down her cheek. "She's so touchy!"
 

    "That's too bad," sympathized Mother, "but try to remember that God wants us to be patient with one another."

    "I know, but I'm getting sick of it," said Erin.  "If she doesn't stop snapping at me, I'm going to . . . ."  The squeal of tires and the loud yipping of a dog sent Erin and her mother running out to the yard.  "Oh, Mom!" exclaimed Erin.  "It's Buffy.  Someone left the gate open, and he got into the street!"  They ran to the curb where a young man was bending over the puppy.

    "I'm very sorry," he told them.  "The dog just ran right out in front of me.  I swerved, but I couldn't miss him."

    Mother knelt beside the whimpering puppy.  As she started to touch him, Buffy snapped at her hand.  "It's okay, Buffy," she said softly.  Once more she reached for him, and again Buffy snapped.  Erin and her mother had a difficult time, but they finally managed to get the cross little dog to the vet, who treated his cuts and bruises.

    By the time they returned with a stiff and sore puppy, Dad was home from work.  "I'm so thankful Buffy wasn't killed," Erin told her father.  "He sure is snappy, though."

    "That's because he's hurting," Dad told her.  "By the way, honey, I heard some sad news today.  Trena's mother works in our office, you know, and she told me she's filing for a divorce.  I thought you should know, so that you can pray for Trena and her family.  She may need some extra love and care, too."

    "Oh, no!" Erin took a deep breath.   "Oh, poor Trena!"

>    "Like Buffy, she's hurting," said Mother.  "No wonder she's been so snappy lately."

    Erin nodded.  "I'm so glad I didn't snap back at her," she said.

    "I am, too," agreed Mother.  "God knows what He's doing when He asks us to be patient and kind, even to those who upset us."






HOW ABOUT YOU?
When someone snaps at you, do you stop to consider why he (or she) might be acting that way?  Before you snap back, ask yourself, "Is he hurting?"  If so, he needs your love and kindness to ease the pain.  He needs your patience and your prayers. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:9)
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Paul walked beside his dad as they entered the big circus tent.  His little sister, Cindy, clutched Dad's hand.  They saw their neighbor, Mr. Roberts, and waved to him.  "Dad, since Mr. Roberts is a policeman, why isn't he wearing his uniform?"  asked Paul.

    Dad smiled down at Paul.  "He's off duty," said Dad.  "He doesn't have to work as a policeman today."

    The action in the rings started.  Paul and Cindy watched the trapeze artists swing on the bars.  They held their breath as one of them swung through space to be caught by another.  Cindy clapped her hands and laughed.  "That man on the trapeze wasn't off duty, was he?" she said.

    Paul laughed.  "No, and it's a good thing, too!" he said.  "If he had been, the one he was supposed to catch would have been in trouble big time!"  Dad nodded and laughed, too.

    At intermission time, Paul and Cindy went with Dad to buy hot dogs.  As Paul followed Dad to get in line, a small boy stepped in front of him.  Paul pushed rudely past him, nearly knocking him over.

    When they got back to their seats, Cindy took a bite of her hot dog.  "A boy stepped in front of Paul, but Paul just knocked him out of the way," she reported.

    "Yeah," said Paul.  "Can you believe it?  I bet I taught him a good lesson!"

    Dad frowned.  "Maybe so, but I'm afraid you missed a chance to let your actions be a witness for Jesus," he said.

    Paul scowled.  "He should have watched where he was going," he protested.  "Besides, this isn't church.  Nobody acts so nice here."

    Dad looked thoughtful.  "So you think that as Christians we should go off duty when we leave church?" he asked.  Paul didn't know what to say.  "Personally, I think an off-duty Christian who misses a chance to let his kind actions be a witness may cause someone to get hurt a lot worse than that trapeze artist would have been hurt if his partner had been off duty," continued Dad.  "An off-duty Christian may cause someone to become bitter and angry and less interested in hearing about Jesus.  Instead of helping, an off-duty Christian may cause someone to turn from God."

    Paul felt guilty.  "I never thought of that," he mumbled.  "I'll try to remember -- no more being an off-duty Christian for me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you leave your Christian behavior at church?  If so, you may miss a chance to witness for the Lord.  Be alert for opportunities to respond as a Christian at all times and everywhere--even if others are rude to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 141:3  S)
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

[Soldier4Christ]

Our class is going to put on a play, Tony told his parents one evening.  "There's a scene with the devil in it, and Miss Clark gave me that part, but I really don't want to do it."

    "Did you tell her?" asked Mother as she put some food on Carrie's plate.

    "No, I was going to, but. . . ."

    Tony's explanation was interrupted by Carrie.  "I don't want that!  I'm not going to eat it!" she declared.

    "Then, young lady, you will not get any dessert," said Mother sternly as she put some on Beth's plate, too.

    "I was going to tell Miss Clark," Tony continued, "but Christi was talking to her.  Christi was supposed to be a witch in the play, and she was telling Miss Clark she wouldn't do it.  Miss Clark got mad, so I was afraid. . . ."

    This time Tony was interrupted by Beth.  "Mommy, may I eat extra vegetables instead of this casserole, please?"

    Mother hesitated.  "I suppose so," she agreed.

    "But what can I do about the play?" asked Tony.

    He sighed as Carrie took over the conversation.  "Why do I have to eat casserole if Beth doesn't?" she pouted.

    "Because your attitude is bad," Dad said sternly.  "Beth asked politely if she could have a substitute.  You declared rebelliously that you were not going to eat yours."

    Mother turned to Tony.  "Maybe that's your answer," she said.  "Did Christi politely explain why she didn't want the part and ask to be excused, or did she just declare that she wasn't going to do it?"

    "She just said she wouldn't do it," replied Tony.  "In fact, she was pretty nasty about it.  I guess that might be why Miss Clark got mad."

    "Sometimes it doesn't seem to make any difference, but often whether or not our requests are granted depends more on our attitude and how we ask than on what we ask," Dad said, as much to Carrie as to Tony.

    The next day Tony came in from school wearing a big grin.  "Guess what?  I asked Miss Clark if I could be excused from the play, and she said, 'Certainly.'  A right attitude does make a difference, doesn't it?" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you are asked to do something you feel is wrong, do you say no?  You should, but say it in the right way.  Daniel "purposed in his heart" (made up his mind ahead of time) that he would not do wrong.  You need to do that, too, but don't be rebellious or super-holy about it.  Be respectful but firm, as Daniel was.  The result may depend more on your attitude than on your request.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Daniel 1:8  B)
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.

[Soldier4Christ]

Ouch! exclaimed  Seth.  He held up his pinky finger and touched a sore spot.  "Mom, it hurts right here," he cried.

    "I can't see anything," Mom replied.  "Maybe you've just bruised it."

    Later that morning, Seth went into the kitchen and saw a cup full of M&M candies.  He picked out several red pieces.  "Mmmm," he murmured.  Then he picked out some yellow ones.  I wonder why Mom has these out? he wondered.   

    "Seth," called Mom just then, "don't eat any of the candies on the cupboard.  I need them to bake cookies, and I have just enough."

    "Uh-h-h. . .okay," Seth mumbled.  He quickly wiped his mouth and slipped out the back door to play with his dog, Patches.

    When Mom noticed that the cup of candies was no longer full.  She called to Seth.  "Did you eat any candy?" she asked.

    "No," Seth said, quickly turning back to play with Patches.

    At supper, Seth was unusually quiet.  He didn't even ask why Mom had not baked cookies.  After he went to bed, he tossed and turned but couldn't sleep.  Mom heard him rolling around and went to check on him.  "What's the matter?" she asked.

    "My finger hurts, complained Seth, holding up a puffy, red finger.

    "Ah-h-h.  It's festered up.  I can see a splinter now," Mom said as she went to get some tweezers.  She carefully removed the splinter from Seth's finger and held it up.  "I have a feeling that something else has festered up, too," she said, looking at Seth.  "Would you care to tell me about it?"

    Tears escaped down Seth's cheeks.  "I ate some of the candy you were going to use for cookies," he confessed.  "I'm sorry I lied."

    Mom nodded.  "I see," she said.  "Just like a little splinter can trouble your whole finger, one little splinter of sin can trouble your heart.  Since you've trusted Jesus as your Savior, His Holy Spirit makes you feel bad when you do something you know is wrong.  He wants you to ask forgiveness and turn away from doing wrong things."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is the Holy Spirit troubling you about something you've done wrong?  Maybe you're trying to hide a lie.  Maybe you've spoken angry words or cheated on a test.  If so, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and ask forgiveness.  Ask God to keep you from repeating that sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 16:8  A)
And when He (the Holy Spirit) is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bethany, said Mother, "please entertain Josh for a little while so I can get something done.  He's been so cranky today."

    Bethany frowned as she glanced at her baby brother.  "But, Mom, I'm reading!" she whined, turning her attention back to her book.

    "Reading will have to wait," said Mother.  "Isn't Sandy coming over today?  I thought maybe the two of you could take Josh for a walk."

    "Sandy had to baby-sit," Bethany said.  "I feel sorry for her.  She has to take care of her little sister all the time."

    "She doesn't seem to mind," Mother replied.  "She seems happy, and I'm sure it makes Jesus happy when she helps her mother."

    Bethany squirmed.  She tried to change the subject.  "Sandy's mother calls her 'Little Miriam,' Mom.  Why does she do that?"

    Mother smiled, "Do you remember the Bible story about the birth of Moses?" she asked.  "The King of Egypt was afraid the Israelite slaves would outnumber his people and take over his kingdom.  He commanded all the boy babies to be thrown into the river.  But Miriam's mother trusted God to save Baby Moses."

    Bethany nodded.  "She put him in a little basket in the river, didn't she?  And his sister Miriam watched to see what would happen."

    "Right," said Mother.  "And when the king's daughter found Moses, Miriam got his own mother to take care of him."

    "So that's why Sandy's mother calls her 'Little Miriam,'" said Bethany.  "It's because Sandy helps her mom take care of her baby sister just like Miriam helped her mother take care of Moses."

    "That's right," agreed Mother, "and when Moses grew up to lead God's people out of slavery in Egypt, I'm sure Miriam was really glad she had a part in taking care of him."

    Bethany looked over at Josh, who was sleeping soundly now.  "Mom, I'm sorry about grumbling when you ask me to help," she said.  She smiled.   "Who knows--maybe Josh will grow up to be somebody famous, too.  But it won't matter.  I'll help you take care of him anyway.  I promise!"

    Mother smiled.  "Thank you, Miriam," she said.

    Bethany looked up at her mother in surprise.  "Oh," she said with a grin, "so now I'm your 'Little Miriam.'  Well, I hope Josh just stays Josh.  I don't want you to put him on the river in a basket."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you appreciate how much your parents do for you?  Do you grumble when they ask for your help?  Jesus intends for children to help their parents.  When you help them, you're obeying Jesus, and He'll reward you for it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:20  C)
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Here comes the ice cream wagon.  C'mon, Sheila! yelled Jason as he ran out of the room.  When he returned, licking an ice cream bar, he asked, "Why didn't you come?"

    "I don't have any money," Sheila replied.  "I paid Dana's way to the play at school today."

    Jason snorted.  "Those Brown kids never have a cent.  Jacob didn't have any money either, but I sure didn't pay his way.  Let him get a paper route like I did."

    "You know he can't do a paper route with his crippled leg," said Sheila.

    "Well, his dad doesn't have a crippled leg," retorted Jason.  "Those Browns are just plain lazy."

    "Jason!" exclaimed Mother.  "You are not to talk like that.  God has blessed your father with good health and a good job, and we should be thankful for what we have, but not proud.  I'd suggest that you be careful about judging those who have less than you do."

    Some time later, Jason came into the kitchen.  "Sheila, come help me with my math," he said.

    "Do it yourself," Sheila retorted.  "If you'd pay attention in class, you wouldn't need my help."

    "But I did pay attention, and I still can't understand it.  Please help me," pleaded Jason.

    "I still say you can do it.  You're just too stubborn to try," snapped Sheila.

    "That will do!" Mother interrupted the bickering and reached for her Bible.  "Listen to this.  'Whoso stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.'  Jason, you refused to help Jacob, and now Sheila is refusing to help you.  Sounds like the verse I just read, doesn't it?"  Turning to Sheila, she added, "I think you'd better be careful, too, honey."

    Without a word, Jason left the room.  Sheila looked sober as she got up from the table.  "I'd better go help him," she decided.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look down on those who have less than you do or who are not as smart as you are?  Do you refuse to help them?  God's way is to help those in need, and He blesses those who obey Him.  You, too, may have special needs some day.   


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 21:13  W)
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bruce and his dad decided to go cross country skiing one morning, accompanied by their two dogs, Ebony and Blackie.  "See how Blackie's playing!" Bruce called as the dog bounded through the three-foot snow drifts.  "Ebony just stays on the trail and hardly ever breaks through the packed crust on the snow.  I don't think she's having much fun."

    "I'm not so sure," said Dad.  "I think she's just enjoying her walk."

    When they returned home, they let the dogs come into the house with them.  "Look at Blackie," said Dad as they sat down with some popcorn in the family room.  "He's exhausted."  Blackie was stretched out in front of the fireplace.

    "Yeah.  But Ebony isn't.  She's ready to have some popcorn with us."  Bruce tossed her a few kernels.  "She looks like she's ready to play."

    Dad nodded.  "I guess that's because Ebony stayed on the path most of the time," he said.  "Sometimes she broke through the crust and had to struggle to get going again, but all that time Blackie was romping through the deep snow, exploring all the exciting things." 

    "Yeah," agreed Bruce.  "It looked like Blackie was having all the fun, but following the path must have been easier!  Now Ebony is having more fun."

    "Those dogs remind me of God's path for us," said Dad.  "Sometimes we see others doing whatever they want, and even though they're doing things that don't please God, they're having a great time!  At least it looks that way.  But in the end, we find that God's path is the best path for us."  Dad grinned at Bruce.  "Can you think of some of the advantages of following God's path?  For example. . .knowing He has a plan for you instead of wondering if there's any reason to be here."

    "Yeah, and. . .ah. . .and having a clear conscience," Bruce said thoughtfully.  "And by following God's path, I don't have to worry about messing up my brain with drugs or alcohol."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it seem like life would be more fun if you could do things your own way instead of God's way?  You can be sure it isn't worth the consequences and worries that would follow.  Following God's path will bring you many blessings.  Choose today to obey Him.  You'll be glad you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 16:11  T)
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Julie and her friend Cathy walked to school together.  "Guess who's coming to our house," said Cathy.  Her eyes were bright with excitement.

    "I don't know.  Who?" asked Julie.  "It must be somebody important.  You're so excited."

    "Oh, Julie," squealed Cathy, "do you remember that book Miss Clark read to our class a few  weeks ago--the one about the orange elephant?"

    Julie nodded.  "Sure, I remember.  That was a fun book!  Now tell me who's coming to your house. . .the orange elephant?"

    "Almost!"  Cathy laughed.  "No, it's Martha Briggs--the lady who wrote the book!  See. . .my mom knew Mrs. Briggs in college, except her name was Martha Albert then, since she wasn't married yet.  My mom didn't realize it was the same Martha!  But now she. . . ."

    "Wait a minute," Julie interrupted.  "You mean the author of The Orange Elephant is coming to your house?"

    "Yep," bubbled Cathy, "and Mom says you can come over and meet her while she's here!  She said you can come for supper if you like."

    "Really?" asked Julie.  "Wow!  I'll ask my mother, and I'll call you."

    After school, Julie hurried home to ask if she could have supper with Cathy.  "I wish I knew an author personally," she said as she told her mother about the invitation.

    Mother smiled.  "You do, Julie. . .you know an author who is even more important that Mrs. Briggs."

    "I do?"  Julie couldn't believe it!  "Who?"

    "You're a Christian and, therefore, a child of God," Mother told her, "and God is the author of the Bible."

    "That's right, Mom!" agreed Julie.  She giggled.  "I can tell Cathy that I know an author, too!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know any authors?  You do if the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior!  Through the Holy Spirit, God told men (such as Moses, Paul, and John) what to write in the Bible, so it is God rather than man who is the author of the Bible.  And He wrote it especially for you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Peter 1:21  F)
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Paul helped his grandfather in the garden one day, he brought up a subject that was puzzling him.  "I sure find it hard to understand how God can be three different persons and still be only one," he said.  "My Sunday school teacher says God is a Trinity--that there's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, but they're all one."

    "That is hard to understand," agreed Grandpa, "but it is certainly taught in the Bible."  He handed Paul a package of radish seeds.  "Want to put these in the ground?"

    "Sure," agreed Paul, looking up at the cloudy sky.  "I sure wish the sun would come out."  He opened the package.  As he began to sow the tiny seeds, he returned to the subject that was bothering him.  "Can you explain the Trinity?"

    Grandpa looked up with a smile.  "You just mentioned the sun, and it's a good illustration of the Trinity," he said.

    "You mean the sun up in the sky?" Paul looked puzzled.

    "Right," agreed Grandpa.  "First of all, it illustrates God the Father.  Tell me. . .has anyone ever seen the sun?"

    "Sure," replied Paul, "we see it almost every day."

    "Wrong!" objected Grandpa.  "No one has really seen that great ball we call the sun--not even astronomers.  In fact, it's impossible to look at the sun.  What we see is light from the sun, right?"

    "I guess that's true," agreed Paul.  "And that's like God the Father?"

    Grandpa nodded.  "The Bible says no one has seen God the Father.  He is so great and glorious that human beings cannot look upon Him.  Although we can't see Him, we know Him through the Bible and through nature."

    As Paul continued to sprinkle radish seeds in the shallow ditch, he thought about Grandpa's explanation.  After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly.  "Okay.  I can see that the sun is an illustration of God, the Father.  But what about the other two parts of the Trinity?"

    "I'll get to those in a minute," replied Grandpa.  "First, let's water the area we've planted."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have trouble believing in God because you can't see Him?  You can't see the sun either, but you certainly don't doubt that it exists.  Even though you can't understand everything about God, you can believe what the Bible teaches about Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:18  N)
No man hath seen God at any time.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Paul turned on the faucet and pulled the hose over to the garden, the clouds parted to let the sun shine through.  "Look, Grandpa!" he exclaimed.  "Here comes the sun!"'

    Keeping a very serious look on his face, Grandpa glanced around the garden.  "Do you mean that big ball in the sky is coming down here?" he asked.  "Where is it?"

    Paul laughed.  "Oh, Grandpa," he said, "don't be silly!  You know what I mean.  It's the sunshine that we see--the sunlight."

    Grandpa chuckled.  "Right," he agreed, "and your own words can help you understand how the sun illustrates the second part of the Trinity."

    "What do you mean?" Paul asked.

    Grandpa dropped to the grass under a nearby tree and motioned for Paul to join him.  "Remember what we said a while ago about not being able to see God?" he asked.

    "Sure," said Paul thoughtfully.  "Just as we don't actually see the sun, we don't see God the Father."

    "Right, but light comes down from the sun, and we see that," responded Grandpa.  "And Jesus--God the Son--came down to earth from the Father.  Men did see Him, and we learn about the Godhead, or the Trinity, by getting to know Jesus, who is the 'light' of the world."

    "I think I'm beginning to see what you mean," said Paul slowly.

    "We say 'the sun' for both the heavenly body and the light that comes from it.  In a sense, they're the same thing," continued Grandpa.  "God the Father and God the Son are also one.  We call both 'God,' for both are God."

    "Okay," said Paul.  "That takes care of one being two and two being one, but if God is a Trinity, there's still a third part to explain."

    Grandpa nodded as he pulled himself to his feet with a grunt.  "Well, sitting here doesn't get the garden watered," he said.  "Let's get at it, and we'll talk about it while we work." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think of Jesus as a baby in a manger?  As a good man?  As a good friend?  He's all of that--but also much, much more.  He is God!  All the great and wonderful things you know about God are also true of Jesus.  As you learn about Jesus in the Bible, you will be learning about God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 10:30  I)
I (Jesus) and My Father are one.

[Soldier4Christ]

Take the hose over to the end of the garden, suggested Grandpa.  "Start watering there."

    "Okay," agreed Paul.  He went to the far end of the garden where he began to give the ground a gentle spray of water.  "This will help the seeds sprout," he said confidently.

    "You bet," agreed Grandpa.  As he reached over and smoothed some dirt with a rake, he asked, " Do you remember the garden we planted last year?"

    "Sure do!" exclaimed Paul.  "We had the best radishes and carrots and beans in the whole neighborhood.  It was fun to watch everything grow."

    "Besides water, what else in nature was needed to make the garden grow?" asked Grandpa.   

    "Ah-h-h. . .oh, I know.  It needed the sun," replied Paul.  "That's what people say, anyway."

    "And they're right," agreed Grandpa.  "Actually, it's the power of the sun that helps plants grow.  That power is very distinct from the actual sun and from the sunlight--yet it is one with them.  And when we speak of it, we say 'the sun,' for it is the sun."

    "Wow, that's kind of hard to understand," said Paul, "but I bet you're going to say that the Holy Spirit is like the power of the sun, right?"

    Grandpa chuckled.  "You're catching on," he said, "and yes, you're right about what I'm going to say.  The Holy Spirit is one with God the Father and God the Son.  He is God the Holy Spirit.  He quietly works in our hearts, unseen and often unnoticed.  But He has a very important part in every life.  For those of us who are Christians, He's our teacher, He's our guide, and He gives us the power we need to live for God.  For the unsaved person, it's the Holy Spirit who makes him realize he's a sinner and needs to accept Jesus."

    Turning off the hose, Paul looked at his grandfather with a grin.  "You should have been a preacher, Grandpa," he said.  "You're always so good at helping me understand the Bible." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know much about the third person of the Trinity--the Holy Spirit?  If you're a Christian, He lives in your life and helps you understand spiritual truths.  If you're not a Christian, the Holy Spirit is prompting you to trust Jesus as Savior.  It's the most important decision you can make.  Won't you receive Christ today?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 5:3-4  B)
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?. . .Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

[Soldier4Christ]

A smiling young lady carrying a tray of water glasses approached the Adams family.  "My name is Joanna and I'll be your waitress tonight," she said.  "Are you ready to order, or will you need a few minutes?"

    "I think we know what we want," replied Dad.  The waitress jotted down each order and then walked back to the kitchen.  Before long, they were enjoying a delicious meal.

    "Why do they call those girls waitresses?" Penny asked as they finished dessert.

    "Because you wait while they bring you the food," Peter answered.

    Mom smiled.  "That's not exactly the reason," she said.  "One meaning for 'wait' is to 'serve meals.'  That's what waitresses--or waiters--do.  They serve the customers who come in to eat."

    "Hey," said Penny, "I learned a Bible verse once that says, 'Wait on the Lord.'  That's kind of. . . ." 

    "Wait on God?" interrupted Peter.  "We can't feed Him meals."

    Dad smiled.  "No," he said, "and when the Bible tells us to 'wait on the Lord,' it generally means we are to be patient and trust Him.  But although we can't serve the Lord meals, we can serve Him in other ways.  We can be good servants."  Dad picked up the check.  "Do you think Joanna has been a good waitress?" he asked as he took out his wallet.  Both children nodded.  "I agree," said Dad.  "What makes a person a good waitress or waiter?" 

    "They need to bring you exactly what you ask for," Peter answered promptly.  "Those people at the next table weren't very happy when their waitress brought them the wrong salads."

    "They need to be quick, too," Penny added.  "When we asked for ketchup, Joanna brought it right away."

    "And would those things help you be a good servant of God?" asked Dad.  "If we obey His commands promptly, what will happen?"

    "Maybe He'll give us a big tip--like Daddy is leaving for Joanna!" Peter exclaimed.

    "God does bless us for obeying Him and serving Him," Dad said, "but the real rewards will come when we get to heaven.  Imagine being greeted with the words, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'  I can't imagine any tip better than that!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you serving the Lord?  Do you promptly obey your parents and teachers?  Are you kind to all the kids you meet--even those who don't treat you nicely?  Do you "love your neighbor as yourself"?  These are only a few of the things God tells you to do.  Serve Him by following His commandments.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 25:21  W)
Well done, thou good and faithful servant. . .enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Daryl  dropped his bat on the back porch and flung his mitt against the wall.  He went to find his mother.  "That Ryan!" he complained.  "I wish he'd keep his dirty mouth shut."

    Mother shoved the last articles from the hamper into the washer.  "Has he been swearing again?" she asked.

    Daryl nodded, and his frown deepened.  "You know, Mom, nobody likes him!  Seems like he'd get the message soon and talk decently."

    "That would be nice," said Mother.  Then she pointed at Daryl's grass-stained, dirt-streaked jeans.  "Just look at those pants!  They were clean an hour or so ago.  Good thing they're your old ones."

    Daryl nodded.  "We played ball on Nick's lot, and I slid in home," he explained. He grinned at her slyly.  "Besides, what are mothers for anyway?"

    Mother laughed and rumpled his hair.  "You better be thankful for mothers," she said.  "It will take a lot of soap and elbow grease to get that dirt out."  After a moment, she added, "Soap and water is the remedy for your dirty jeans, but did you know that there's a remedy for Ryan's 'dirty' mouth, too?"

    Daryl looked surprised.  "What do you mean?" he asked.

    "Ryan needs Jesus to help him stop swearing," said Mother.  "Have you ever invited him to Sunday school?"

    "No," admitted Daryl.  He was a little embarrassed.

    Just then the door bell rang.  Looking out the window, they could see a boy standing on the front steps.  "Well, there's your chance," suggested Mother.

    Daryl hesitated.  Then he grinned.  "All right!" he agreed as he ran to let Ryan in. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who has a "dirty mouth "--someone who swears or uses bad language?  He needs Jesus to help him stop doing that.  Perhaps you can be an influence in bringing him to Jesus.  What about your own language?  If you know the Lord, have you allowed Him to control your tongue?  If not, talk to God about it.  Ask Him to help you use your mouth to praise Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:8  B)
But now ye also put off . . .filthy communication out of your mouth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mother looked at her watch.  "Let's meet here at the Christmas tree in the mall in two hours," she said.

    "Okay," said Kara.  "We'll be here.  Come on, Anjee.  We've got lots of gifts to buy."  She studied the Christmas list.   

    "Okay!" agreed Anjee, and soon they were busily looking for just the right presents.

    The girls were shopping for their father's gift, when they met Kara's Sunday school teacher, who was shopping with her daughter Staci.  Mrs. Kimball smiled and pointed to the packages the girls were carrying.  "From the evidence, I can see that you girls are doing your Christmas shopping," she said.   "You must have worked hard to earn enough money to buy all those presents!"

    "We didn't actually earn all the money," said Anjee.  "Dad gives us extra money to buy Christmas gifts."

    Staci grinned.  "So you're actually buying your dad a gift with his own money," she said.  "That's what I do, too."

    "Yep."  Kara giggled.  "We want to find a really nice present for him.  After all, he deserves it, right?"

    Mrs. Kimball smiled.  "You're absolutely right," she agreed.  "You'll be giving him what's rightfully his in the first place.  That's what happens when we give to God, too.  He gives us life, strength, time, and talents, yet we often complain about giving those things back to Him.  We forget that He deserves our best. . .and that they all really belong to Him, anyway.  We're only giving Him what is rightfully His."

    "That's true."  Kara nodded as she glanced at her watch.  "Oh, it's getting late.  We have to meet Mom in twenty minutes.  We better go or we won't get our shopping done."

    "Okay, we'll see you in church then," said Mrs. Kimball.  "Happy shopping!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever complain about the time it takes to do your Sunday school lesson or go to church?  Do you wish you didn't have to sing in the junior choir?  Do you hate to put a whole tenth of your allowance in the offering?  Think about it.  All the blessings you have today were given to you by God, your Heavenly Father.  How can you do less than give Him back the best you have to offer?   


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Chronicles 29:14  F)
For all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

It's so cold!  I can't stand it a minute longer!  Jessie pulled her coat tightly around her.

    "Oh, Jessie," said Mom, "you were just as excited about coming downtown to see the Christmas lights as the rest of us!  We've been here only ten minutes, and you're complaining already!"

    "But I'll freeze to death!" chattered Jessie.

    "You will not freeze to death," replied Mother.  "I can guarantee that!"  She laughed.  "I remember a day last summer when you complained for an entire afternoon about the heat.  You wished for winter, remember?  You played a Christmas tape and sat in front of the fan reading The Long Winter.  Now it's cold for real, and you're wishing for hot weather!  Aren't you ever satisfied?"

    "But, Mom. . . ."  Jessie protested.

    "It's not that cold, honey," said Mother firmly.  "I think you should listen to yourself sometimes.  If it's hot, you want it cold.  If it's cold, you want it hot.  People who are always wanting what they don't have develop a serious problem.  The Bible says we're to be content with our circumstances, no matter what they are."

    Jessie thought about that day she had complained about the heat!  In fact, there had been more than one summer day when she had wished for winter.  Suddenly she smiled.  "Come on!  Let's go see the rest of the Christmas lights.  If it were hot, all the beautiful snow would melt." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you often wish for something you don't have?  Or wish you could be doing something that you can't do?  In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote that Christians should be content no matter what their circumstances.  So instead of wishing for what you don't have, be thankful for what you do have.  Listen to yourself talk.  Are you a complainer, or are you content?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:6  B)
But godliness with contentment is great gain.