Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Amber hurried  to answer the phone.  It was the music director from her church, and he wanted her to sing a solo at the Christmas program.  "I couldn't," Amber stammered.  "The church will be so crowded that night.  I'd be too scared!"

    "I've heard you sing in the junior department," said Mr. Bell, "and you did a good job.  You have a pretty voice, and we could use you."  Still Amber refused to sing.

    Mother overheard the conversation.  "You do have a lovely voice, honey," she encouraged Amber.  "Try it."

    "But what if I made a mistake or my voice cracked?  I'd rather not sing than do it and make a fool of myself," sputtered Amber.  "I'll sing when I'm older."

    "Well, I do hate to see you just put your voice on a shelf," Mother said as she left to start supper.  Amber was puzzled by her mother's remark, but she didn't ask for an explanation.  She was just relieved that the subject was dropped!

    That evening, Amber put the finishing touches on the scarf she was making her grandmother for Christmas.  She had recently learned to knit, and the scarf had turned out very well.  She just knew Grandma was going to like it.  Mother admired it, too.  "It's lovely," said Mother.  A few minutes later she asked, "Do you think Grandma will keep it up on a closet shelf so it will stay nice?"

    Amber was shocked.  "Of course she won't!" she protested.  "I made it for her to use, not to put away out of sight!"

    "I see."  Mother nodded.  "And actually, you'd be hurt if she didn't use it, wouldn't you?"

    "Yeah, I guess I would," admitted Amber.  "But why wouldn't she use it?"

    "Good question," said Mother.  "You're right--she'll use it.  But, Amber, this conversation reminds me of your voice.  God gave you a special talent to use, not to save."

    "I. . .I never thought of that," Amber said slowly.  "So that's what you meant when you said I shouldn't put my voice on a shelf.  You meant I should use it, and I guess you're right."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you refuse to use your talents for fear of failure?  Or because you're "too busy"?  Or because you just "don't feel like it"?  God wants to use you.  Don't disappoint Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 3:14  A)
And let ours also learn to maintain good works. . .that they be not unfruitful.

[Soldier4Christ]

Last week we talked about the Christmas story recorded in the book of Luke, Mrs. Peters told her Sunday school class.  "Today we'll review the visit of the wise men.  Please turn to the first chapter of Matthew."

    Tammy opened her Bible, but as the Scripture was being read, she tuned out her teacher's voice.  It wasn't that she didn't like the Christmas story.  It was just that she knew it so well.  I bet I could teach the class myself, thought Tammy.  During the past few weeks, she had heard the Christmas story in Bible Club, she had read it in a Sunday school paper, and she had seen it acted out on a television program.  Now she was hearing it again, and no doubt the pastor would read it during the church service.  So while Mrs. Peters talked, Tammy thought about the new bike she expected to receive as a Christmas present.  I can hardly wait, she thought.  Of course, I won't be able to ride it right away, since there's snow on the ground, but still. . . .

    After class, Tammy walked to the main auditorium with Gina, who had been coming to church for only a few months.  "Wow!  That was a good story!" exclaimed Gina.

    Tammy looked at her in surprise.  "Haven't you heard it before?" she asked.  "I've heard it hundreds of times!"

    "Well, I've heard it, too," said Gina, "but this is the first Christmas I've been a Christian, so this is the first year I've really understood what it meant.  Just think, Tammy!  Jesus came to earth for you and me!"  Gina's face was alive with interest.  "God must love us a lot to send His only Son to earth to die!"

    As Tammy sat down in church, she thought about Gina's words.  Yes, she understood what God had done.  She "knew" the story almost by heart, but she realized now that she hadn't thought seriously about it for a long time.  As a result, she had stopped getting excited about it.  But Jesus birth isn't something I should take for granted, she thought.  Because Jesus came, I have salvation.  She opened her Bible to the Christmas story once again.  I'll read it for myself while I wait for the church service to begin.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get an "I've heard it all before" attitude when you hear lessons on the real meaning of Christmas?  Do you take Christ's birth for granted because you've heard about it so many times?  The Bethlehem story should be familiar to you, but it should also make you thankful each time you hear it.  If Christ had not come, you would not have a Savior.  Read the Scripture again.  Really think about the wonderful thing that happened so long ago.  Thank God for it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 1:49  F)
For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.

[Soldier4Christ]

After supper on Christmas Eve, little Anna climbed into Mother's lap as Grandpa reached for his Bible and began to read the familiar story of the birth of Jesus.  Her sister, Jenni, smiled and let her mind wander as Grandpa read about the angels and shepherds. This would be little Anna's first Christmas, and Jenni could hardly wait to see her excitement as she opened her presents.  She just knew Anna would love the little baby doll she and Tyler had bought for her!

    When Grandpa finished reading, Dad prayed, thanking God for the Savior who came to give them eternal life.  Then Jenni and Tyler passed out the presents.  Mother put Anna on the floor in front of her pile of gifts.  "Open them, Anna," encouraged Tyler.

    Anna grinned, but she didn't seem to know what to do.  She just looked at the bright wrappings.  "Here, open them like this," said Jenni as she pulled off a bow.  Anna grabbed the ribbon and put it in her mouth.

    "At this rate it will take her all night," muttered Tyler, "and I want to see what she thinks of her doll."

    "Help her a bit," suggested Grandma, and both Tyler and Jenni began removing the gift wrappings.

    Jenni put the baby doll in Anna's lap.  "Baby," said Jenni.  "Pretty baby."  She eagerly watched to see what Anna would do.

    Anna looked at the doll.  Then she flung it aside and reached for the wrapping paper.  She laughed as she crinkled the paper in her fingers and draped the ribbons over her head.  Then she climbed into an empty box.

    "Well, that's disappointing!" Tyler exclaimed.  "We give her a really neat gift, and she ignores it!  She'd rather play with the wrappings than the doll!"

    "Right now, I think the bright trimmings have distracted her," said Mother.

    "I wonder if God doesn't feel just as disappointed in us at Christmas time," commented Grandpa.

    Tyler looked at him in surprise.  "Why?" he asked.

    "God sent Jesus to save us from our sins," Grandpa explained.  "He's the real gift of Christmas, but too many people ignore Him altogether.  They get distracted by the trimming of Christmas--the presents, lights, gifts, trees, and carols.  They ignore the Savior completely." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What does Christmas mean to you?  Do you worship Christ at Christmas time, or do you get caught up in the "trimmings"?  Christ is the perfect gift.  He gives meaning to life.  He came to this earth to save you from your sins.  If you've never accepted this wonderful gift, do so today!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 9:15  T)
Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

[Soldier4Christ]

But we had everything planned!  We were ready to go, wailed LoriAnn.  "Why did this have to happen now?"  She shoved her suitcase into her closet as she fought back the tears which stung her eyes.

    "I'm sorry, honey," said Mom comfortingly, "but it can't be helped."

    "It's just not fair!" protested LoriAnn.  "We've been planning for months to visit Granny." She held up the calendar with the date circled in red.  "See, I marked it on my calendar.  I already told all my friends that I was going.  Besides, we don't even know this lady."

    Mom put her arm around LoriAnn and spoke gently.  "You may not know Mrs. Taylor, but you know Rick and Jan Miller.  She is their grandmother.  In fact, she's the one who raised them when their parents died.  Now she's very sick, and they asked your dad to come.  He's disappointed that we had to postpone our trip, too, but the Miller family needs their pastor with them at the hospital during this time."

    "I know, Mom, but Granny and I had a lot of things planned to do together," whined LoriAnn.  "Now it will be another month before we can visit her."

    Mom walked to the desk in the corner of the room.  She picked up a note pad and pencil.  "Let's make a list.  Name three things you and Granny are going to do when you visit her."

    "That's easy," LoriAnn answered.  "We're going to bake cookies, go shopping at the mall, and see the new baby giraffe at the zoo."

    "Now name three things Rick and Jan are going to get to do when they visit their grandmother," said Mom.

    LoriAnn looked surprised, and then ashamed.  "Oh, Mom, I was only thinking about how disappointed I was," she admitted, "but I should be thanking God that Granny is healthy."  Then LoriAnn looked up.  "I'll quit fussing," she promised.  "I'll let Rick and Jan know that I'll be praying for their grandmother, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you face disappointments, how do you react?  Try looking at the problem from other people's point of view. You may find blessings hidden in your disappointments.  Thank the Lord for these blessings.  Can you look past your disappointments and find ways to reach out to others?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Habakkuk 3:18 Ye)
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Molly! hollered Jeff.  "Don't!"  He had received a new set of dominoes for Christmas, and he had carefully stood them all up with just a little space between each one.  "Molly, no!"  It was too late.  Molly pushed the first domino and the rest of them tumbled against one another, row after row.  What had taken Jeff a long time to set up tumbled over in just a few seconds.  Molly giggled, clapping her little hands.  "You are such a pest, Molly," Jeff said angrily.  "That was mean and stupid.  I wish you'd go away!"  Molly's happy face crumpled with disappointment and then tears.  She ran off sobbing.

    Out of the corner of his eye, Jeff saw their dog, Rags, wander over to Molly, her tail wagging.  She licked Molly's face.  Molly kicked the dog.  "Pest!  Go away!" Molly said.

    Then Jeff heard his mother's voice.  "Time out, Molly!" said Mom, and Molly's protests died away behind her closed bedroom door.

    Jeff pushed the dominoes into a pile and started to set them up again.  As he worked, his anger died away.  He began to feel really bad about what he had said to Molly.

    When Jeff was finished, he had an idea.  "Molly," Jeff called.  "Come here!"

    Molly slowly came into the room.  She still looked unhappy.  "Did you build another one, Jeff?" she asked.      Jeff nodded.  "Yep," he said.  "It's for you.  Go ahead, Molly--you can start it."

    "Really?" asked Molly as Mom came to watch.  Jeff nodded.  Delighted, Molly pushed over the first domino.  The rapid click of dominoes filled the room as they toppled against each other.

    "You know, people are like those dominoes," Mom said thoughtfully.

    Jeff stared at the rows of fallen dominoes, puzzled.  "What do you mean?" he asked.

    "Molly told me what happened before she kicked Rags," said Mother.  "When we get angry, words come quickly, and sometimes our reactions affect more than one person."  Mom patted the dog.  "Or creature," she added.   

    "Oh, I get it!" said Jeff.  "Like. . . ."  He looked embarrassed.  "When I got mad and said mean things to Molly, I made her angry, too, so she took it out on Rags.  It was like the dominoes--me to Molly to the dog."

    "Yes," said Mom with a smile.  "You really do get it!  The Bible tells us to be careful about what we say to one another so that we build each other up with our words."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about what you say?  The things you say to one person may affect the way he treats other people, too.  The Bible says we should build each other up with our words, not knock them down.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:29  L)
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Do we have to have family devotions tonight? asked Corbin after supper.  "The guys are waiting for me to play ball.  Besides, we just went to church yesterday."

    Dad looked at Corbin thoughtfully.  "True, we did," he said, "but reading or studying the Bible, either in family or personal devotions, is a little like having mid-flight refueling."

    "Having what?" asked Corbin.

    "When I flew with the Air National Guard, our fighter planes got thoroughly checked over and fueled up at the airfield, but they were often refueled in the air, too," explained Dad.  "We'd be 20,000 feet up, and fighter jets would maneuver just 25 feet below us.  The operator aboard the tanker would carefully lower the boom from the underside of the plane and then position it to connect with the jet while we were flying at speeds of 400 to 500 miles per hour."

    "Wow!" Corbin's mouth dropped open in amazement.

    "Refueling the planes in mid-flight kept them going," said Dad, "and I think Christians need to refuel in mid-flight, too.  We get a checkup and get refueled on Sunday as we hear God's Word preached and explained, but that's not enough.  So we have devotions every day--even if we have been to church recently.  God made us to need time with Him, and He wants our fellowship."

    "Well, okay.  I guess I need to be refueled spiritually.  But. . .do you think we could get this refueling done before it gets too dark to play ball?" Corbin asked with a grin on his face.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been getting mid-flight refueling?  Does your interest in serving the Lord seem to run down by the end of the week?  Do you forget about what kinds of attitudes and actions would please God?  Take time each day to "refuel" your spiritual strength by reading your Bible.  Ask God to help you practice the things He teaches you in His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:104  T)
Through ...  Thy  precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Come here, little crab.  I have something you'll like.  Come on, Phillip coaxed softly.  "A little closer now.  That's right.  Keep coming.  Another nibble.  Closer.  Closer."

    There was a sudden splash in the water.  "Gotcha," shouted Grandpa.  Holding up the dip net, he exclaimed, "This one is huge, Phillip!  Good job!  Okay. . .toss that chicken wing back in and let's do it again."

    Phillip always had a great time when he visited his grandparents in Florida, and the thing he enjoyed most was catching crabs for their annual seafood cookout.  When they went crabbing, they didn't have to bother with hooks, sinkers, or even poles.  All Phillip had to do was tie a piece of raw chicken on a long string and then toss the chicken into the shallow waters of the river.  When he felt the tug on his string, he very slowly pulled the bait toward him, inch by inch.  The crab, nibbling the chicken, would follow it right up to the edge of the water.  Then in one swift motion, Grandpa would scoop the crab into the dip net.

    "Here's another one, Grandpa.  Get ready!" Phillip warned.  He laughed as Grandpa scooped it up.  "Crabs must really be dumb to get caught like this," said Phillip.

    Grandpa smiled.  "Well, I'm not sure how intelligent crabs are," he said, "but it occurs to me that even though we are more intelligent than crabs, we often get caught--just like these crabs did today."

    "Caught?"  Phillip looked up at Grandpa.  "How do we get caught?"

    "Satan tosses out all kinds of things that look great to us--popularity, lots of money, good times," explained Grandpa.  "Just like you coax the crabs, Satan says to us, 'I have something you will like.  Closer.  Keep coming closer.'  If we're not careful, Phillip, we get caught up into sin.  What seemed harmless at first ends in disaster."

    Phillip grinned sheepishly, "I guess you might say we could end up in hot water, just like these crabs will tonight.  Right, Grandpa?"

    "That's right," agreed Grandpa.  "We must not follow Satan's temptations.  There are always strings attached."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you can sample sin, but not get caught?  Do you try to see how much you can enjoy and get away with, without getting swept away completely.  If you avoid the first temptations, you can avoid getting involved in sins which can quickly pull you into more serious trouble.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 5:22 Hi)
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

[Soldier4Christ]

I'll  pick you up after school and take you to see Grandpa in the hospital, Mother told Andy and Lisa as they put on their coats.

    Andy tried to swallow the lump in his throat.  "Is. . .is he g-g-going to die?"

    Mother took a deep breath.  "I wish I could tell you 'no,' but I can't, honey, because I don't know.  I only know that Grandpa is in God's hands, and God will take care of him.  We don't always understand why God allows some things, but He knows what's best for all of us."

    Tears rolled down Andy's cheeks.  "But it can't be best for Grandpa to die," he protested.

    "Grandpa has been in a lot of pain lately," Mother reminded him.  "And you know he's been lonely since Grandma died last spring.  I think Grandpa is tired, too.  He'd be so happy to see Grandma and the Lord Jesus."

    "But we need him," insisted Andy, "and he doesn't want to leave us."

    "Please tie my belt, Mommy," Lisa requested.  As Mother did so, Lisa handed Andy some money.  "Keep this for me until after school, will you, Andy?  I might lose it, and I want to buy Grandpa a card before we go to the hospital."

    Andy stuffed the money in his pocket and blew his nose.  As they ran to catch the bus, Lisa said, "Take good care of my money, Andy."

    The day crawled by for Andy.  He couldn't concentrate on his lessons.  Every few minutes he reminded God, "Please take good care of my grandpa."

    After school, the children climbed into Mother's car.  "Is Grandpa any better?" asked Andy.

    Mother shook her head.  "No.  He's about the same."

    "Why doesn't God heal him?" Andy wondered, as Mother pulled into a parking place at the card shop.

    "Where's my money, Andy?" asked Lisa, as they went in to buy Grandpa's card.  Andy pulled it out of his pocket, and Lisa smiled.  "Thanks for keeping it for me."

    As Lisa paid for her card, Mother turned to Andy.  "You know, Son," she said, "we can trust God to take care of Grandpa just like Lisa trusted you to take care of her money.  We don't know why God doesn't make him better, but even if things don't turn out the way we would like them to, we can be sure that God's ways are always better than ours.  Grandpa is in God's care."

    Lisa came up to them and handed Andy a quarter.  "Keep this for me, will you, Andy?  I might lose it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you trust parents and grandparents to take care of you?  Do you trust brothers or sisters with things that belong to you?  How about God?  Do you trust Him, too?   You can trust God to do all things well regarding both yourself and those you love.  The best and safest place in the world to be is in His care.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 1:12  I)
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jessie picked up the tiny crab and placed it in her palm.  "You're still living in the same small shell," she said.  "Why haven't you moved into the bigger one Dad bought you?"   

    Both Jessie and her sister Kelsey had received a little hermit crab for Christmas, along with an extra shell for the crab to live in.  "The pet store owner explained that these crabs live in shells abandoned by snails," Dad had told the girls.  "As they grow, they must move into bigger shells.  Since he said these were just about ready to move, we got larger shells, too, so that they'll be ready for them."  Sure enough, a few days later, Kelsey's crab had moved into its new shell.  But although Jessie thought her crab should move, too, it had not yet done so.

    As Jessie was studying in her room after supper, her mother came to the door.  "Jessie, Mr. Hanks called while you were at school," said Mother.  "He wants you to come to the Sunday school rally on Saturday.  He said you hadn't told him if you would be there."

    "Oh, Mom, I don't want to go," said Jessie.   "They're going to hand out tracts at the mall and invite people to our church.  I'm too young. . .I can't speak to strangers about Jesus."  She plopped onto her bed.

    Mother walked over to the aquarium, and looked at Jessie's crab.  "He's really growing isn't he?" she said.   

    "Hey!" exclaimed Jessie.  "He finally changed shells!  I thought he was afraid to leave his old one."

    Mother smiled.  "Maybe he was," she said, "but part of growing is taking new steps.  It takes action."  She gave Jessie a hug.  "Maybe you've been a little afraid to grow," she suggested.  "If you'll try helping at that rally, maybe you'll find you can handle it after all."  Jessie looked at her mother, then back at her little crab.  "Why don't you call Mr. Hanks and tell him you'll be at the rally," encouraged Mother.

    Jessie hesitated.  Then she nodded.   "Okay," she agreed.  "I guess it's time to break out of my shell, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been growing as a Christian this past year?  Have you put away your fear and become stronger in your faith by serving the Lord in different ways?  Faith grows through hearing and doing as you obey the Lord's prompting. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:22  B)
Be ye doers of the Word (the Bible), and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[Soldier4Christ]

John squirmed as he watched the nurse.  It had been a long time since he had gotten a shot, and he felt nervous.  He hated getting them!  "Hold out your arm, John," said the nurse.  "That's it.  This won't hurt much."  She plunged the needle into his arm.

    "Ouch!" yelled John as the needle pricked his skin.  "That stings!"  The nurse pressed some gauze onto the sore spot and asked him to hold it there.  "Why must I get shots anyway?" asked John.  "I'm not sick!"

    "No," agreed his mother, who was sitting nearby, "but the shots will help keep you from getting sick.  I know they hurt a little, but it's important to have them."

    "Right."  The nurse nodded.  "Think of them as armor against your enemy -- armor against disease."

    John shrugged.  "Okay," he said, "but if that's supposed to make me like shots, it won't work!"

    That afternoon, John got into trouble.  He disobeyed his mother, and as punishment, he was not allowed to ride his bike for a week.  He sat on the porch steps and looked longingly at his idle bicycle.  "I wish I had some armor against doing wrong things," he said wistfully as he held a hand over his arm, which had gotten a bit sore.

    "You do," said Mother, "and it's very good armor, too."

    "I do?" asked John, rather doubtfully.  "Where?"

    Mother smiled.  She picked up a Bible, opened it, and handed it to John.  "Right here," she said.  "These verses talk about the 'armor of God'. . .read it for yourself.  Just like people need shots to fight off disease, Christians need God's armor to fight off Satan and the 'disease' of sin."

    "Yeah," murmured John, looking at the Bible in his hand.  He stood up.  "I guess I'll go read for a while," he said, giving one last glance at his parked bike.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
As you begin a new year, will you faithfully put on the armor of God every day?  That involves regular Bible reading and prayer, living a life pleasing to God, sharing the gospel--the good news of Jesus--with others, and trusting Him at all times.  He will bless you and give you victory over sin as you use the armor He has provided.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:11  P)
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

[Soldier4Christ]

Tom and his friends were setting up tents for a campout in Tom's back yard.  "Did you invite Mitch?" asked Ben.   Mitch lived down the street, but the boys didn't like him very much.  They thought he acted "tough," and he sometimes used foul language, too.  "I think he'd like to come," added Ben.

    Tom shook his head.  "No way!" he exclaimed.  "Why do you waste your time on such scum?"

    "He's not scum to God," said Ben.  "Maybe if some of us kids are nice to him, he'll learn that God is more than just a swear word."

    "That's a joke!  Mitch is a hopeless case," insisted Tom.

    The boys had a great time that night.  They enjoyed the good camp food--especially the big watermelon Ben's mother supplied.

    A whole year passed.  Ben continued to be friendly toward Mitch, but most of the boys refused to let him join their activities.

     As Tom and his dad worked in the back yard one summer morning, Tom noticed a fairly large plant growing among some weeds near the fence.  He looked closely and saw a little green watermelon.  "Look, Dad," he said.  "This must have started from seeds of the melon we ate on our campout last summer!"  As he spoke, someone called to him from the sidewalk.  It was Ben, and to Tom's disgust, he saw that Mitch was with him.  Tom walked over to chat with them.  As the boys talked for a few minutes, Tom was surprised that he didn't hear any bad words from Mitch.  "Hey, you've cleaned up your language," he exclaimed impulsively.

    Mitch smiled shyly.  "Ben and his dad showed me how to become a Christian," he said.

    After the boys left, Tom told his dad about it.  Dad nodded.  "Just like the watermelon seed took root here, God's Word took root in a most unexpected place," he said.  "We need to remember that Jesus came to save sinners.  No one is hopeless as far as He is concerned."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who seems to be a hopeless case as far as ever coming to God?  Nothing is impossible with Him.  He can change the person who seems totally uninterested.  Keep praying for your unsaved friend, talking of God's love, inviting him or her to church or Bible club, and showing God's love through the way you act.  Trust God to bring results, and don't give up on anyone.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 10:27  W)
With God all things are possible.

[Soldier4Christ]

Julie skipped up the walk and rang the doorbell.  Then she burst into the house.  "Grannie!  Guess what?  Daddy's coming to get us.  He'll be here tomorrow, and we'll leave next week!"  She spun around on tiptoes.

    Grannie sighed as she hobbled into the room.  "I thought he was going to wait until school was out before he moved you to the coast."

    "He said he couldn't wait any longer.  He has to have his family with him."  Julie stopped short.  "I wish you were really my grandma and could move with us."

    Grannie smiled.  "Well, I'll miss you, honey, but you need to be with your father," she said.  "Maybe I can visit you someday."

    As Mother and Julie packed some things that evening, the telephone rang.  After talking to someone a few minutes, Mother sank into a chair and closed her eyes.  Then as she hung up the phone, she wiped a tear from her eye.  "I have to tell you some sad news, honey," she said.  "That was Grannie Wilson's neighbor.  They just found Grannie. . .she was sitting in her rocking chair, looking as if she were asleep, but they couldn't rouse her.  She apparently died from a heart attack."

    "Oh no, Mom!  That can't be," Julie cried out.  "I just saw her a few hours ago, and she was fine."

    "I know," said Mother, wrapping her arms around Julie, "but the Lord took her home.  She's happy now with Him."

    Julie sighed sadly as Mother tucked her in bed later that evening.  "Try to sleep," said Mother.  "Tomorrow Dad will be here."

    Julie nodded.  "I guess Grannie's Heavenly Father just couldn't wait any longer to have her with Him," she said.  "It was time for her to move to His house."  Mother nodded as Julie yawned.  "Do you think Grannie was as glad to see her Heavenly Father as I will be to see my daddy?" asked Julie.

    "I'm sure of it," Mother replied.  "I'm sure of it!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love moved to heaven lately?  Of course, you will miss that one, but try not to be sad.  Think of the joy he is experiencing by being with his Heavenly Father.  And if you are a child of God you can see him again some day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 5:1  I)
If our earthly house (body). . . were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

[Soldier4Christ]

Look behind you, Mom, said Rhonda as she and her mother picked raspberries.  "Down low.  There are some berries you missed."

    "Oh, and they're nice ones."  Mother bent to pick the berries.   

    "There are more in the bush behind them," said Rhonda.

    Mother looked toward the berries Rhonda was pointing out, but she shook her head.  "No, those aren't ripe yet--but I see some hiding in the center of the bush you just finished."

    Rhonda laughed. "Hey, I guess we should pick each other's bushes," she said.  "This is fun, isn't it?  Remember when Carla and her mom used to come with us?"

    "Yes, I miss them."  Mother sighed.  "How is Carla doing since her mother left the family?"

    "Oh, she whines all the time about how she would rather live with her mother than with her dad.  I get sick of hearing about it," said Rhonda.  "After all, this way she's still in the same house and the same school.  And she can have the same friends--that is, if she'll just stop complaining.  But she doesn't see that she's better off with her dad."

    "I guess it all depends on your viewpoint," suggested Mother.  "You see Carla's problems from a distance, so you see things she doesn't see.  But don't forget that she also can see things you can't see.  It's like these berries--we miss some good ones and mistake others for good, depending on how we view them, right?"  Rhonda nodded slowly.  "As Christians, we need to be more understanding and less critical of others," added Mother.  "I'm sure she misses her mom an awful lot." 

    Rhonda nodded.  "They were really close," she agreed.  "She always said she could tell her mom anything."

    "I think God can use you to help make this change easier for her," said Mother.  "Show her some good things about her situation and help her with the hard ones.  She needs understanding more than she needs criticism."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you annoyed when your friends talk about their troubles?  Does it "bug you" because it spoils your fun when you hear about the sad things happening to them?  Remember, the Bible says "a friend loveth at all times."  That includes being kind and understanding.  Ask God to help you do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Kings 3:9  G)
Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Hi, Mom.  We had fun at Boy Scouts today, said Ryan as he hung his jacket on a hook.  "We're working on our bird badge.  Did you know that a mockingbird has been known to change its tune eighty-seven times in seven minutes?  What a strange bird!"

    "That's amazing," agreed Mother.  "Amazing and rather wonderful."

    The next day, Mother overheard two conversations while waiting for Ryan after his basketball game.  Jim, one of Ryan's teammates, approached him.  "Hey, Ryan, I stole a pack of my dad's cigarettes," said Jim.  "Wanna meet me at that old empty warehouse near my place for an after dinner smoke?"

    "Sounds like fun," said Ryan, "but I can't tonight."

    "Suit yourself," said Jim, and he ran off to find someone else to join him.

    As Ryan turned, he bumped into Dakota, a boy from his Sunday school class.  "Hey, Ryan," said Dakota, "did you hear?  Jim stole a pack of his dad's cigarettes.  Isn't that awful?  They're gonna. . . ."

    "I know," interrupted Ryan.  "That's not my idea of fun!"

    On their way home, Mother asked, "How's my 'strange bird' doing today?"

    "What do you mean?" Ryan looked confused.

    "You know--my mockingbird who changes his tune," said Mother.  Then she explained.  "I'm really pleased that you didn't agree to meet Jim tonight, but I did hear a 'little bird' change his tune pretty quickly this afternoon.  'Sounds like fun,' he said to Jim one minute, and the next minute he said, 'That's not my idea of fun' to Dakota."

    "Oh, that," replied Ryan sheepishly as he slid down in his seat a little.  He knew he should have told Jim right out why he wouldn't meet him that evening.  He sat up straighter as they neared home.  "I'm gonna tell Jim the real reason I wouldn't join him," he said firmly.  "I'll call him as soon as we get home."  And he did.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you change your tune like a mockingbird, depending on what other "birds" you are near?  It's difficult to take a stand for what you really believe to be right when your friends don't agree, but with God's help, it is possible.  Daniel did it.  You can, too!


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Sandy-haired Jamie chewed the end of her pencil as she tried to think of something to write next.  "Whatcha doin'?" asked her brother, Josh.  "Is that your homework?"

    Jamie shook her head.  "No, I'm writing a letter to Mr. Sandborn," she said.  "You know. . .he's the missionary who came and spoke at our church last fall."

    "He probably doesn't even remember you," said Josh.

    "I know," replied Jamie, "but I thought he might like to get a letter since he's not married and works all alone in that village."

    Some days later, a missionary sighed as he sat down at a table.  It was sweltering hot, and he was tired and discouraged.  The work progressed so slowly, and sometimes he felt like he might just as well give up his missionary work and go back home.  He looked at the mail in his hand.  Letters were scarce, and he especially wondered about the long envelope addressed in a child's unfamiliar handwriting.

    He smoothed out the letter and began to read.  "Dear Mr. Sandborn," it said, "I just wanted to tell you we're all thinking of you and praying for you.  I liked it when you came to our church last fall.  I hope you're having a good time there."  The missionary smiled as he continued reading.  "I remember the things you told us about having faith in God.  I will try to have more faith.  Because of you, I think I would like to be a missionary some day.  Thank you for your help.  Love, Jamie."

    Mr. Sandborn sat for a few moments, and then he breathed a prayer of thanks for the encouragement of that simple letter.  Perhaps this is God's way of letting me know He intends to use my ministry here, he thought.  Maybe I need more faith, too.

    He smiled as he looked out the window at the village children playing in the sand.  Then he took out a piece of paper.  He had to write a thank-you letter to a very important person. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought about ways you could encourage the missionaries you know?  Even a child can write a simple letter to a missionary.  You may never know just how much it means to someone far away.  Why not write a letter this week? 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 25:25  A)
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.