Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

This year I'm going to have a garden of my own, Brenda announced when her Aunt Joy was visiting.  Then she noticed her younger sister, Diane.  Brenda scowled.  "Hey, are you biting your nails again, Diane?  I can't stand it when you do that."  Brenda was always after Diane about one thing or another.

    Brenda did get to plant her own garden, and it grew well.  The weeds irked her, though.  "They grow faster than the plants," she complained one day as she showed Aunt Joy the garden.

    "But the flowers are so beautiful!" Aunt Joy exclaimed.  "And look!  Your sweet corn already has ears."

    "Yeah, but look at the weeds growing beside the flowers," grumbled Brenda, "and there by the corn, too.  Hey!"  Brenda turned to Diane who had followed them.  "Get your big feet out of here before you step on a plant," she commanded.  As Diane turned and walked slowly toward the house, Brenda turned her attention back to the garden and Aunt Joy.  "I do hate the weeds," she said with a sigh.

    "I can see that you do," said Aunt Joy, "and it's good to watch for weeds and keep them pulled.  But I'm afraid you become so irritated about each little weed, that you hardly notice the good plants.  It keeps you from enjoying your garden."

    Brenda thoughtfully picked a leaf.  "Well. . .maybe you're right," she admitted.  "I'll try not to do that.  I'll try to think about the good stuff in my garden rather than the weeds."

    Aunt Joy nodded.  "And one more thing. . .I think you have the same problem with your sister as you do with your garden.  Do you think you could. . . ."

    "With my sister!" Brenda exclaimed.  "Diane's not a plant!"'

    "Well, no." Aunt Joy smiled.  "But just like you notice all the weeds in your garden, you seem to notice all the faults your sister has.  The Lord has given you a sister to love, and He's given her many good qualities that you could enjoy.  But you keep seeing all the little things she does wrong, and you let them irritate you.  Instead of thinking of those things, think of all the good qualities Diane has and enjoy your relationship with her."

    It was a new thought to Brenda, but she knew her aunt was right.  "I'll try," she promised.  "I'll really try." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it easy for you to see the faults of others instead of their good qualities?  That seems to come naturally, but you can train yourself to concentrate on what you like about others, rather than what you don't like.  Ask God to help you love others as He does.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:8  F)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are. . .lovely. . .if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[Soldier4Christ]

Chad pulled a brightly colored paper from his pocket.  What's this? he thought.  Oh-h-h!  It's my coupon for a free candy bar.  I forgot all about it!  He had cut the coupon out of the newspaper several days earlier.  Eager now to get the candy, Chad hurried to the store.

    After carefully considering what he should get, Chad picked up a candy bar, and handed the coupon to the sales clerk.

    The clerk smiled at Chad and looked at the coupon.  "Oh, I'm sorry, but this coupon isn't good any more," she said.  "It's expired--it's past the date printed on it."  She showed him the expiration date.  Disappointed, Chad put the candy back.

    On the way home, Chad stopped at his grandmother's house and told her about the expired coupon.  "Too bad you didn't cash it in before," sympathized Grandma, "but why don't you sit down and have some lemonade with me?"  As she handed him a glass, she said,  "Your experience reminds me of a story I read called 'Now Is the Time.'  It's about a young man who often heard an invitation to be saved, but he always put off making a decision.  At first he said he was too young, then he was too busy. . .and then he died in an accident.  As far as anyone knows, he never did receive Christ as his Savior."

    "That's sad," said Chad.

    "It certainly is," Grandma agreed solemnly.  She looked intently at her grandson.  "What about you, Chad?" she asked.  "You waited too long to cash in the coupon for a free candy bar.  What have you done about cashing in on God's offer for salvation?"

    "Well, I. . .I. . . ."  Chad suddenly realized that, just like the young man in the story, he had been putting off the decision to accept Jesus, and he didn't know when God's offer might "expire" for him.  That afternoon, as he and Grandma knelt beside the sofa, he asked Jesus to be his Savior.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been putting off your decision for Christ?  There's no guarantee you'll be able to receive Him later.  Accept God's gift of salvation before the opportunity "expires "--before it's too late.  Receive Jesus today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 6:2  B)
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Well, Alex, what's on your schedule for tomorrow? asked Dad as he sat down in an easy chair.

    Alex snapped off the TV and picked up the paper.  "Oh," he said, "tomorrow afternoon we have a youth group party."  He quickly read through the comic page while his dad took off his shoes.  Then, handing Dad the newspaper, Alex added, "We're having a Bible quiz at the beginning of the party.  Maybe I'll just go late."

    "Oh?  Why is that?" asked Dad.  "You used to enjoy quizzes.  Why don't you like them now?"

    Alex leafed through a sports magazine.  "Because Joel always wins, that's why.  They're no fun anymore."

    "I see," murmured Dad.  "Maybe you should do a little studying.  Do you know what chapters the quiz will cover?"

    "Yeah," replied Greg, "but it doesn't matter what chapters they are.  Joel will know everything in them.  That guy really knows his Bible!  The other day in science class, Joel and our teacher got into quite a discussion about creation, and Joel did really good.  He quoted verses from the Bible and talked about why he believed it was true.  He really knew what he was talking about."

    "Good for Joel!" cheered Dad.

    "Yeah," agreed Alex reluctantly.  "I've heard him do the same kind of thing in history class.  I wish I knew the Bible like that."  He sighed and began reading an article in his magazine.

    Dad watched Alex for a moment, then he asked, "How do you suppose Joel learned so much?"  Alex shrugged.  "Well," said Dad, "I don't think it came from reading magazines or newspapers or watching TV.  If you want to know the Bible, you have to study the Bible."

    Alex looked at Dad thoughtfully.  He looked down at his magazine.  Then, putting it down, he got to his feet.  "Excuse me, please."  He grinned at his dad.  "I have to go study a couple of chapters in my Bible.  Old Joel's gonna get some competition tomorrow!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wish you had as much Bible knowledge as your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, or even a friend?  It's available to you, too, but it won't come automatically.  Listen carefully when God's Word is taught in church and Sunday school.  Study it by yourself, too.  That's the way to learn.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:15  S)
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jon propped his chin in his hand as he watched his grandmother mix shortening and sugar.  "I'm making your favorite cake--chocolate," she said.  As Jon smiled faintly, Grandma added, "Why so quiet?  Is something wrong, Jon?"

    Jon grunted.  "Everything's wrong!" he complained.  "Dad's getting transferred, so I have to leave all my friends.  Mom says I have to give up my dog, too.  And the doctor says I have to wear a brace on my leg for two years.  How can I ever make new friends wearing a metal monster?  If God loved me, He wouldn't let all this happen to me."  Jon slammed his fist on the table.  "It's not fair!"

    Grandma murmured sympathetically, then handed Jon a spoonful of cocoa.  "Here, have a taste," she said.

    "Yuk!" Jon drew back.

    "Then how about this?" Grandma dipped a spoon into the oil and sugar mixture.

    Jon frowned.  "No way am I going to taste that!" he declared.

    Grandma raised her eyebrows.  "Then how about some flour?" she suggested.  "Or maybe you'd like a little baking soda. . .or this egg?"

    Jon grinned.  "Aw-w-w, Grandma," he said, "you're teasing me."

    Grandma smiled.  "I am teasing you a little," she agreed, "but I wanted you to understand something.  Cocoa and raw eggs aren't good alone, but when I mix all the ingredients together. . . ."

    "Yum-m-m, yum-m-m, good!" exclaimed Jon.

    "It's like that in life, too," said Grandma as she sifted flour into the bowl.  "I know you've learned the Bible verse that says all things work together for good in the life of a Christian.  It doesn't say all things are good.  But when God gets through mixing a Christian's experiences together--the bitter, the sweet, the happy, the sad--life comes out good.  Moving and wearing a brace are bitter experiences for you, but trust God, Jon.  He'll add some 'sugar' and some 'flavoring', and in the end it will be good."  Grandma laughed.  "Even better than my cake."

    "Maybe so," Jon agreed.  Then he grinned.  "Grandma, may I lick the beater?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you had to "swallow" bitter experiences lately?  Be patient.  All the ingredients of your life are not in yet, but God is making something special out of you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:28  A)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Which do you like best, Grandma, asked Missy, "your dog or your cat?  Mom says I can get either one, and I'm trying to decide which I'd rather have."

    Grandma picked up Ashes, the cat, and sat down with her pet on her lap.  Ashes immediately jumped down.  "Well, as you see, Ashes can be quite aloof," said Grandma.  "Dusty, on the other hand, is always willing to accept my attention."

    "I think I'd rather have a dog then," Missy decided.

    "Both animals can teach us lessons about ourselves and our relationship to God," Grandma continued.  She picked up a tennis ball and threw it down the hall.  "Fetch, Dusty," she said.  Immediately Dusty chased after the ball, brought it back, and laid it down.  Dusty wagged her tail, waiting for the ball to be thrown again.  "She'll fetch as long as I throw," said Grandma.  "She wants to do what pleases me."

    "And we should want to please God, right?" asked Missy as Ashes rubbed against her leg.  "What do you learn from your cat?"

    Suddenly a ball of gray fur landed on Grandma's lap.  Grandma reached out and stroked the cat's head as Ashes settled down.  "When Ashes does jump on my lap, it's special because it's her choice to come to me," said Grandma.  "Do you remember the robots we saw at the science fair?  They did whatever they were commanded to do.  Would you like a hug from a robot?"

    "No."  Missy giggled.  "It would feel stiff and hard.  A hug from a robot wouldn't mean much, either, because a robot wouldn't really care about me."

    "We aren't robots, either," said Grandma.  "God created us with a free will, and He's pleased when we come to Him because we want to."

    "So your dog shows us we should want to please God by doing what He wants," Missy said, "and your cat shows us how God wants us to give Him our love and attention.  But which do you like best?"

    "God created each one special in its own way, and I like them both," said Grandma with a smile.  "You'll just have to make up your own mind as to which you would rather have." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a pet?  Do you like almost any animal?  God made them all, and He often teaches lessons through them.  Treat all animals with kindness and watch their behavior to see if the Lord will use some animal to teach you an important lesson.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 50:10  F)
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

[Soldier4Christ]

Paul headed for the church.  The fellows there were talking loudly, but when he approached, it got quiet.  "What's up?" Paul asked.

    "Nothing, since you got here," muttered Kurt.  "We gotta be careful what we say or do around a PK--a preacher's kid.  They're fragile.  Right, guys?"  The boys laughed, but Paul was embarrassed.

    That evening Paul complained to his dad.  "I get tired of being teased and left out of activities just because you're a preacher," he said.  "I wish you had some other job."

    The following day, Paul had an accident with his bike, and broke his leg.  It required surgery.  His parents stayed at the hospital with him as long as they could and prayed with him before leaving.  By the next day, his bedside table was filled with cards, games, and books from people in the church.  Others stopped to visit and pray with him.  "You sure get a lot of attention," observed his roommate, Kyle.

    "I guess it's because I'm a PK--that means my dad's a preacher," Paul said, "and a lot of people know me."

    "You're lucky to have a dad who prays for you," replied Kyle.  "All my dad does is yell at me, and he's done plenty of that since this accident."  After a moment he added, "I think PK stands for 'privileged kid,' Paul."

    Paul grinned.  "Hey!  There's a new thought," he said.  He was quiet, thinking.  "I've always complained a lot about being a preacher's kid," he confessed, "especially when other kids made a big deal about it.  But I know now that I have special privileges I've taken for granted."

    When Paul's dad stopped in later that afternoon, Paul told him about the new meaning Kyle had suggested for "PK."  Dad looked over at Kyle.  "That's great," said Dad, "and you know what?  With that meaning, you don't have to be a preacher's kid to be a PK.   Any kid who knows Jesus as Savior is a PK--a privileged kid.  Any kid can be one. . .you can, too, Kyle."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a PK--a privileged kid?  You are if you're a Christian.  Maybe you feel left out when you see some of the things other kids do.  Maybe you sometimes think being a Christian is a "chore," especially if kids make fun of you.  Don't fret over the world's reaction to your faith, and don't envy the world's goods and pleasures.  You are richly blessed.  Your sins are forgiven, you're on your way to heaven, your Heavenly Father cares for you, and He answers prayer.  He's all you need.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:9  B)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jody put her hands over her ears and intently read the bulletin on her lap.  She didn't want to hear her friend, Laura, play the piano solo.  After church everyone would talk about how Laura had mastered the piano, and Jody didn't want to hear that, either.  She was jealous.  That was all there was to it!  She wished she could play in church.

    That week, the annual all-school track meet was held at Jody's school.  All the classes were competing in running events, and Jody had been chosen to run the cross-country race.  She had always been the fastest runner in her class, and she waited confidently on the sidelines.

    "You running the last event?"  Hearing the question, Jody turned to see Laura standing next to her.

    "Probably," muttered Joy.

    "I wish I could run as fast as you do," said Laura.  She sighed.  "I probably wouldn't even beat a turtle."

    Jody looked at Laura in surprise.  After a moment, she laughed.  "That's funny," she said.  "I always wish I could play the piano as well as you do, and at the same time you wish you could run as fast as me."

    Laura grinned.  "I guess we're both pretty silly."

    "I even tried not to listen to you play last Sunday," confessed Jody, "but I heard you anyway.  You did a great job."

    "Thanks," said Laura, just as Jody's teacher came to get her for the next race.  "Hope you win your race."

 `   When Jody got home that afternoon, she told her mother about her conversation with Laura.  Mother smiled.  "Our job is to use the abilities God gave us the best way we know how," she said.  "We shouldn't waste our time wishing we could do something someone else is doing.  I think you and Laura both learned an important lesson." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever wished you could write, play an instrument, or draw as well as someone else could?  Have you even disliked someone because of his or her abilities?  Today's Scripture gives an example of terrible sin that resulted from envy.  Remember, God made each person unique and gave each one different abilities.  Don't be envious of someone else's talent or the attention they may be getting.  Instead, be happy with the talent God gave you and serve Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 13:4  C)
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

[Soldier4Christ]

Let's stop for some ice cream, suggested Kayla as she and her friend Jenny walked home from school.

    Jenny shook her head as she looked at her chubby friend.  "I thought you said your doctor wanted you to cut out sweet stuff," she said.

    "Well, I'm hungry," said Kayla as she waved Jenny on and turned to go into the ice cream store.  But she felt a bit guilty as she ordered a banana split.  The doctor had said she should lose weight, and she knew she didn't eat properly.  As she ate, she told herself the fruit was good for her.

    When Kayla arrived home, her mother had good news.  "I've decided to quit smoking, Kayla," she said.  "I went to a Bible study at church this morning, and the group discussed how our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  I guess He must be tired of living in a smoke-filled residence!"

    Kayla was delighted.  Her mother had been a Christian only a short time, and Kayla had been praying that she would give up smoking before it harmed her permanently.  "Great, Mom," cheered Kayla.  "I'll help you all I can."

    "Good"  Mother smiled.  "Will you go for a walk with me every day?"  Inwardly, Kayla groaned.  It sounded like such a lot of effort!  "One of my excuses for smoking has always been that it kept me from gaining weight," Mother continued, "so I'm going to eat a well-balanced diet and get lots of exercise."  She paused a moment before adding, "After all, having a proper temple not only involves ridding it of smoke, but also of excess weight, I should think."

    Kayla sighed.  "All right.  I can take a hint.  I'll walk with you and try to improve my diet, too.  But don't expect any miracles," she warned.

    "We'll do our best," said Mother, "and we'll let Jesus handle the miracles." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take good care of your body?  Do you eat properly?  Get enough rest?  Exercise?  Maintaining a proper temple for the Holy Spirit means doing the right things as well as staying away from things that harm you (such as cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, too much food).  Ask the Lord to help you take proper care of His temple.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:16  K)
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

[Soldier4Christ]

Olivia had always liked to hear how her parents fell in love with her when they first saw her at the adoption agency.  But as she approached her twelfth birthday, the fact that she was adopted didn't seem so entertaining any more.  I don't really belong to anybody, she mused one day as she picked wild berries by herself.  Sure, my folks have taken care of me since I was six weeks old, but I'm not really part of their family.   She was feeling quite sorry for herself, when a rather dirty, very skinny little dog timidly approached her.  "Hi, little pup," Olivia send gently.  "You look like you haven't had a bath or a meal for a long time.  I'll bet someone dumped you along the road."

    It didn't take much coaxing to get the hungry puppy to follow Olivia home that afternoon.  I wonder if Mom will let me keep him, she thought.  Nice word--'mom.'  Too bad it isn't true.

    When Olivia and the puppy reached home, Mother met them at the door.  "Did you bring company for supper?" asked Mother, dropping to her knees and stroking the little puppy.  "I wonder if he has a name?  He doesn't look like he's got a home."

    "Can I keep him" Olivia asked eagerly.  "I'll call him 'Sunshine.'"

    It wasn't long before Olivia felt as though she'd had Sunshine all her life.  "Well," said Dad one morning, "it looks as if your adopted dog is happy here with you, Olivia."

    "Adopted!" Olivia exclaimed.  "Dad, he's not adopted.  He's my dog!"

    "Of course he is," Dad replied, "but he wasn't always your dog."  A slow smile crossed Olivia's face as the truth sank in.  Hey! she thought.  Sunshine and I really belong together, even if it wasn't always that way--and Mom and Dad and I belong together, too.  Sunshine wouldn't want to be any place else in the world, and neither would I!  "Being adopted isn't a bad thing, you know," continued Dad.  "In fact, all of us who are Christians are adopted, too.  We're adopted into God's family."

    Olivia giggled and gave her dad a big hug, "We're one big happy family of 'adoptees'--even Sunshine," she said. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you adopted?  You are if you've been born again into God's family by accepting Jesus as Savior.  If you haven't received Him, do so today.  God wants you to be a member of His family.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 4:4-5  G)
God sent forth His Son. . .that we might receive the adoption of sons.

[Soldier4Christ]

Christopher buried his face deep into his pillow and cried softly.  He did not hear someone slip quietly into his room, but a gentle touch caused him to look up from his bed.  His mom was looking down at him. "What's the matter, Christopher?" she asked as she sat down beside him.  "Is there some problem I can help you with?"

    Christopher felt a warm blush color his face.  He didn't really want to tell his mother what was bothering him.  "Something happened at school," he stammered finally.  "I. . .lied to Aaron, and now he won't talk to me.  He knows I lied."

    "Why did you do that?" Mom asked gently.

    "I. . .I don't know," mumbled Christopher.  He sniffed.  "I told him I was sorry, but I don't think he believes me.  I don't blame him."

    "Are you really sorry?" asked Mom.  Christopher nodded.  "Then give your friend time to learn to trust you again," advised Mom.

    "I  don't think he'll ever believe me again," said Christopher sadly.

    "Christopher, do you remember when your Dad and I used to give you piggyback rides?" asked Mom.  Christopher nodded, wondering why Mom had brought that up.  "You thought it was so much fun until you slipped off one day and hit your head on a chair," said Mom.  "After that it took you a while to trust us enough to try it again."

    "But I finally did!" Christopher said eagerly.  He thought he knew what Mom was getting at.

    "Yes, and I'm sure Aaron will trust you again, too," said Mom.  She patted Christopher's back.  "It takes time for people to trust one another again," she said, "but let me tell you something wonderful."  She smiled.  "When you're truly sorry for the wrong you've done and confess it to God, He forgives you right away.  There may still be sad consequences for what you've done--like a friend who won't speak to you for a while.  But you need to believe God when He says He forgives you.  He wants you to be a good friend to Aaron again.  Do you think you can do that?"

    Christopher nodded.  "I'll be a great friend!" he promised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever done anything that made you feel you might never be forgiven?  If your heart is right, God knows you are really sorry.  He will forgive you right away and help you to make things right with others, too.  Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 145:14  T)
The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

[Soldier4Christ]

I'm the only girl in my class who has to ride a bicycle everywhere I go! stormed Kim as she picked up her library book.  "The other girls' parents take them whenever they have to go somewhere!"  She glared at her mom and dad.

    "Kim, we've been through all this before, but I don't think you've really listened," said Mom.  "Why don't we go over it again?"

    But Kim headed for the door.  "I have to get to the library," she grumbled.  She went out to the garage, slamming the door behind her.

    Mother sighed.  "Well, we might as well enjoy a few minutes of quiet," she said.  "Jason's taking a nap."

    Dad nodded.  "Might be a good time to clean the garage," he suggested, and the two of them got busy.   

    Just as Kim, who was still angry, rode her bike into the garage, a voice rang out from the house.  "Mommie?"

    "Peace and quiet just went out the door."  Mother grinned at Dad.  She lifted her voice.  "Jason, we're. . . ."

    "MOMMIE!"  The little boy's scream drowned out her words.

    Mother tried again.  "Jason," she called, "we're in. . . ."

    "M-O-M-M-I-E!"  A terrified wail split the air.  Mother and Dad, followed by Kim, flew into the house.  Jason stood in the kitchen, sobbing.  "I-I-I thought you left m-m-me," he whimpered.

    "If you'd listened a minute, you'd have heard Mother," Kim scolded crossly.  "She answered you, but you were yelling too loud to hear her."

    Dad nodded.  "Looks like we have two children who are not listening to their parents," he said.  Kim blushed.  "We ask the Lord daily to help us make the right decisions concerning things involving you," continued Dad, "and it's time you learned to listen.  Let's sit down and talk about the things that are bothering you." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think your parents don't understand you?  Have you tried to understand them?  Have you really listened to them?  God has given them the responsibility of using their experience and wisdom in guiding you.  He has given you the responsibility of listening to them and obeying them.  Use the ears He gave you to hear what they have to say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 1:8  M)
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.

[Soldier4Christ]

How was Mrs. Forsyth today? asked Mother when Alyssa returned from her weekly visit with their elderly neighbor.

    "Same as always," Alyssa answered.  "As usual, she was reading her Bible when I got there."

    "I'm so glad she can still read," said Mother as she dried her hands.  "She loves her Bible,"

    "But she reads it all the time," observed Alyssa.  "I like lots of books, but I've probably never read any of them more than two or three times."

    "Well, Mrs. Forsyth loves God and wants to know all He has to say," explained Mother.

    "She's read the Bible so often, she ought to know it by heart," Alyssa answered as her older sister, Kara, came in.  "Hi, Kara," Alyssa greeted her.  "I thought you'd be at Holly's house all morning."

    "Holly went to apply for a job at Mandel's."  Kara slipped out of her coat and headed for the closet.

    Alyssa followed her.  "Did Holly talk about Jordan?  Did she hear from him?  Did they set a date for the wedding?  When's he coming home?" she asked excitedly.

    "No, she didn't talk about him.  Yes, she got a letter from him.  No, there's no wedding date that I know of.  And he should be home some time next week," said Kara with a grin.  "Any more questions?"

    "What did the letter say?"  Alyssa asked.  "Jordan's through college now and will be starting his new job.  I should think they'd have a date set soon.  Didn't he say anything about it in his letter?"

    "I wouldn't know.  Holly never read it," answered Kara.  "I thought that was kind of odd."

    "Doesn't she love him?"  Alyssa was shocked.  "Didn't she say anything about him?"

    "She only mentioned that the letter her mother handed her was from Jordan," replied Kara, "and then she put it on her dresser.  She hardly ever mentions him unless I ask about him."

    Alyssa frowned.  "I can't believe she didn't read his letter," she said.  "If I were her, I'd read it over and over!"

    "Now this is very interesting, honey," said Mother as she put an arm around Alyssa.  "You were wondering how Mrs. Forsyth could read her Bible over and over.  It's because the Bible is God's love letter to her--and to everyone--and Mrs. Forsyth loves to hear from Him.  We should, too.  Does that make sense to you?"

    Alyssa nodded.  "Poor Jordan," she said, shaking her head sadly.  "It must hurt him that Holly doesn't seem to care about hearing from him."

    "Yes," agreed Mother, "and I think it hurts God, too, when people don't care to hear from Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read God's letter to you--the Bible?  It tells you how much He loves you.  It tells how He can help you anytime, anywhere.  It will help you know how He wants you to live, and it will help you make right and wise choices. <p> MEMORIZE:  Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee." <p> "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."  (NIV)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:11)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Megan and Matt sat together and studied a new catalog.  Megan pointed to a picture.  "Mom," she whined, "I want an outfit like this one.  All my friends would just love it!"

    "And I want one of these talking robots," said Matt, turning several pages.  "See?  It's voice-activated and everything!  Couldn't you get one for me?  It's not all that expensive!"

    Just then, they heard a noise coming from the window.  "Meowr-r-r!" whined Fluffy, their cat.

    "Look at him!"  Megan laughed.  "He's watching those birds out in the front yard again."

    "That dumb cat," said Matt.  "By this time he ought to know that he can't get them through the window."

    Mother looked at Fluffy.  The cat's tail was twitching in frustration as he stared intently at the birds he couldn't reach.  "Fluffy is silly, isn't he," she agreed.  "Almost as silly as two children I know."

    "Us?" asked Matt.  "What do you mean?"

    "Fluffy is making himself miserable by longing for something he can't have," explained Mother.  "You and Megan have the same problem.  You both know we're not going to be buying anything new right now, yet you persist in thinking about the things you can't have instead of enjoying all the things God has allowed you to have.  I'd say you were at least as silly as Fluffy."

    The children were silent for a moment.  Then Matt put the catalog down.  "Sorry, Mom," he said.  "Come on, Megan.  Let's go play that new game we got for Christmas."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things you would like, but you know you can't have them right now?  Don't allow your mind to dwell on those things.  Instead, enjoy and be content with what God gives you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 13:5  B)
Be content with such things as ye have.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kaley winced when her friends made cutting remarks about Michelle, another classmate.  Michelle's clothes were often dirty and mismatched.  Her skin and hair didn't look clean, either.  Many of the girls at school teased her, but Kaley had never joined in.  She was a Christian and she knew God wouldn't be pleased with that.

    After school, Kaley told her mother about Michelle.  "I've prayed about it--I've asked God to make the teasing stop, but it doesn't seem to do any good," said Kaley.  "I feel so sorry for Michelle."

    "Well, maybe you need to put 'legs' on your prayers," suggested Mother.  "Are you willing to be her friend?"  Kaley thought about it and then nodded slowly.  She would do it.

    Kaley began by saying a few friendly words to Michelle whenever they met in the hall.  Next, she invited Michelle to sit with her at lunch time.  A few weeks later, Kaley asked her friends, including Michelle, to spend the night at her house.

    Kaley was glad to see that Michelle was wearing a clean shirt when she arrived at her home.  During the evening the girls talked about hair styles, choosing suitable clothes, cleanliness, and other good grooming habits.  Michelle listened intently.  After a bit, she asked, "Will you help me fix my hair so it looks better?"  Soon the girls were all giggling together as they tried fixing Michelle's hair different ways.

    After that evening, Michelle's appearance slowly improved.  She was clean and neat, and as the others teased her less, she lost some of her shyness.  She also went to Sunday school with Kaley.

    Kaley was delighted.  God had answered her prayer--using Kaley herself to bring about the changes.  She was glad she had pleased the Lord and brought glory to Him by being kind to Michelle. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you refuse to join in teasing others?  That's good, but sometimes there's even more you can do.  Are you willing to help someone who has a problem?  Start out with just a friendly word or two.  As time goes by, you may have a chance to do other things.  Be ready to help in any way God shows you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 15:7  W)
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rain splashed hard against the windshield.  Gina sat back in her seat and watched the windshield wipers slapping the raindrops away.  Soon the car slowed to a stop.  Mom eased her window down just enough to talk with a man standing in the road, waving a flashlight.  "The bridge ahead is washed out," shouted the man above the roar of the rain.  "You'll need to take a different route."  He showed her where she could turn around.

    Mom thanked the man and closed the window.  "Well," she said with a sigh, "we won't be home quite as soon as we hoped, but it shouldn't take too much longer."  She carefully turned the car around, and they headed in the other direction.

    "Mom," Gina said the next morning at breakfast, "I just heard  on the news that some people were hurt last night during the storm.  They didn't know the bridge was washed out and drove right off a big drop-off into the river."

    Mom placed a box of cereal on the table.   "I heard the news, too," she said.  "I'm sure glad that man was there to warn us of danger ahead."  She smiled.  "You know," she added, "God often warns us when danger is ahead, too, and tells us to turn around."

    "What do you mean?" Gina asked curiously.

    "Well, we often face choices in life--who to be close friends with, whether or not to cheat on a test in school, whether or not to tell a lie--things like that.  When we're tempted to make the wrong choice, God always warns us to turn around.  Sometimes He shows us something in the Bible to warn us of danger.  Sometimes He uses parents or other Christians.  If we obey Him, we'll be kept safe.  If we ignore his warning, we'll end up hurt or in trouble."

    Gina sat at the table and looked out the kitchen window.  Finally she said, "So instead of getting mad that we can't do something the way we want to, we should be glad when we're warned about it, right?"

    "Right!" agreed Mom.  "That's exactly right!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you pay attention when parents warn you against doing something wrong?  Do you listen to warnings given by your pastor, teachers, or other Christian friends?  Sometimes they may tell you things you don't want to hear, but God has given them to you to help and protect you.  He also uses His Word, the Bible, to instruct you and show you what things please Him.  Read and obey what He says.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 13:17  O)
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.