Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Today was Pastor Wilson's birthday, and our Sunday school department had a party for him, announced Jonathan on the way home from church.  "It would be fun to be a minister.  That's what I'm going to be when I grow up."

    "I don't know how much 'fun' it would be, but I'm sure it's rewarding," Dad said.

    "Could we stop by Grannie Nelson's and check on her before we go home?" asked Mother.  Dad nodded.

    "Do we have to?"  Jonathan groaned.  "I'm starved, and you know how she talks and talks and talks."

    "She's lonely," replied Mother, "and she needs somebody to minister to her."

    "Minister to her?" Jonathan echoed.  "If she needs a preacher, tell Pastor Wilson."

    "I didn't say she needs a 'preacher,'" said Mother with a smile.  "What I said is that Grannie Nelson needs a 'minister.'  Not all of us can be preachers, but we can all be ministers--even you, Jonathan!"

    "Well, like I said, I'm going to be one when I grow up. . .if I don't starve to death first," Jonathan complained.  "But I'm not old enough to be a minister now."

    "Sure you are," insisted Mother.  "A minister is simply a servant.  You can 'minister' to Grannie Nelson."

    "Ahhh," Jonathan growled, "you're just kidding.  Pastor Wilson isn't a servant."

    "He certainly is," Dad corrected.  "He is God's servant."

    "If you're not willing to serve others, you cannot be a minister," added Mother.

    "Do you know how the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord?" Dad asked as they turned into Grannie Nelson's driveway.  "He ministered to the Lord by serving Eli.  He probably did such things as light the lamp in the tabernacle, sweep the floors, and run errands."

    Jonathan took a deep breath, "Well, that isn't exactly how I had it pictured, but. . .okay, I guess I'd better start now.  Maybe Grannie Nelson needs her sidewalk swept."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that Christians are to be ministers?  As a servant of God, your job is to serve others.  Look around you.  Perhaps you could help someone by doing the dishes, shoveling a driveway, mailing a letter, dusting furniture, mowing a lawn.  There are lots of ways to serve.  Find one person today that you can help.  You'll be surprised how much fun it is!  And as you serve people, you are actually ministering to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 20:26  W)
Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Johnsons--Becky, Bob, Mother and Dad--had spent a few days with Grandpa and Grandma Smythe.  They treasured the long talks, the jokes, and the good fellowship they had enjoyed.  They hated to leave.  It was going to be a long good-bye, for it would be four years before they would meet again.  In less than a week, the Johnsons were going to Peru as missionaries.

    As they finally prepared to go home, fog settled in.  "Oh, dear," moaned Mother, "I just knew we should have left earlier."  Since they had brought several items to store in their grandparents' attic, Mother had driven the family car while Dad drove a truck they had borrowed.  "John, how will I ever see the way home?" she murmured as she and the children got into the car.

    "The fog lights on this truck will pierce through the mist pretty well, so I'll lead the way," said Dad.  "Just follow me and keep your eyes on my taillights.  I won't go very fast.  Just trust me, and I'm sure you'll do fine."

    Mother nervously gripped the steering wheel, but as the children sang choruses and Scripture songs, she gradually relaxed.  It wasn't easy, however, and everyone was glad when they finally arrived home safely.   

    "As I was driving, I couldn't help but think that God was using this fog to prepare us for Peru," said Dad after He led in prayer, thanking God for their safe arrival home.  "Because we're going to an unfamiliar country, the future seems especially 'foggy' to us.  The people, customs, and language are unknown to us.  We don't know just what's ahead, but God knows all about it.  He'll take care of us."

    "That's right," agreed Mother.  "I couldn't see very far ahead in the fog, but I had your taillights to guide me, and we have the Lord to guide us as we go to Peru.  We can trust Him." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does an unknown future upset you?  Do you worry about going to a different school, an unfamiliar town, a new family or stepparent, or a new challenge awaiting you?  God knows your fear and your future.  Read His Word for instruction and encouragement.  Pray to Him for wisdom.  He'll guide you because He knows the path that you should take.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 48:14  F)
For this God is our God forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.

[Soldier4Christ]

I hope you don't get upset with me, Dad, said Trent, "but. . . well, I really like my science teacher, and he believes what Darwin says about evolution.  Sometimes it sounds pretty logical."

    Dad smiled.  "I'm not at all upset with you, Son," he said.  "I gave that a lot of thought when I was young, too."  As he talked, he walked over to the bookshelves and pulled out a book.  "Most kids your age  don't get to see this book," he said as he held it out to Trent.  "It's about evolution, and it's pretty hard to understand.  But, I'd like you to look through it and see how many times you can find such words as 'let us assume,' 'perhaps,' or 'probably'--words indicating uncertainty.  I'll come back in about ten minutes to see what you've found."

    Trent opened the book as he sat down in a nearby chair.  Soon he was busily reading.  He looked up as his dad walked into the room some time later.  "Nine times so far, Dad," Trent said, even before his dad could ask a question.  "Nine times in ten minutes."

    Dad took the book.  "Imagine how often you'd find such words if you read this from cover to cover," he said.  "To 'assume' means to think or suppose that something is true.  Trent, wouldn't you rather know?"  Dad handed him another book.  "Here's the world's best textbook, the Bible!  It tells how the world was created and how we can know our Creator.  We can know where we came from and where we're going.  Doesn't that sound a lot better?" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know the God who created you?  You can learn about Him through His book, the Bible.  It proves itself true through fulfilled prophecy and changed lives.  It has stood the test of time.  It tells how you can have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Seek to know Him today!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 5:20  A)
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeff dribbled the ball past Eric and shot it toward the basket.  He winced as it hit the rim and bounced off.  "Missed it again!" he exclaimed.  "I've made that shot a million times before."

    "Maybe your two week vacation got you out of practice," said Eric.

    When Jeff arrived home from basketball practice, he sat down for a snack of milk and cookies.  As Mom worked in the kitchen, he told her about the problem he was having making baskets.  "I guess I'm out of practice," he said.  "I meant to practice while we were gone, but you don't find many basketball courts at motels."

    Mom smiled.  "Now that you're back, I'm sure you'll make time to work on your shots," she said.

    "I sure will," agreed Jeff.  "I found out what happens when I let up.  I think I'll see if Eric will go to the gym with me for a while after supper."

    Mom frowned.  "Don't you have Bible Club tonight?"

    Jeff sighed.  "I've missed two weeks. It won't hurt if I miss one more time."

    Mom wiped up a spill of milk.  "Remember what happened when you let up on basketball practice?  You lost some of your skill."  Jeff looked puzzled.  "We can get 'out of practice' when it comes to spiritual things, too," continued Mom.  "One way to keep 'in practice' spiritually is to study God's Word--and then, of course, practice the things we learn from it.  If we don't do that, we're apt to find ourselves doing and saying things that are not pleasing to God.  It takes dedication and practice to be a strong Christian."

    Jeff nodded.  "Yeah, but can't I practice spiritual things without going to Bible Club tonight?" he asked.  "I mean. . .well. . .I'll go to church and Sunday school and we have devotions every day, so why would it hurt to skip Bible Club just one more time?"

    "One more time might not hurt so much," Mom said, "but then again, it might be the beginning of a habit.  You meant to practice basketball while we were gone, and you mean to study God's Word in other places.  But as you know, what we mean to do doesn't always get done.  So it's off to Bible Club for you, before you get as out of practice as a Christian as you did at basketball."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you work hard at things like school work, music, or sports? It's good to work on these things.  But it's also important to remember that just like it takes practice to become good at sports, it takes practice to become a strong Christian.  Be faithful in the things that build your faith.  These would include Bible study, following God's commands, spending time with other Christians, and prayer.  Practice them--make them a habit.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 8:21  A)
And He (Jesus) answered and said unto them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Boy, have I got a hard assignment tonight, announced Cody as he and his brother and sister sat down at the kitchen table to do their homework.  "I have to memorize a bunch of dates about the Civil War.  We're going to be tested on it tomorrow."

    "Well I'm learning about the different battles of the Revolutionary War," said Austin.  "They're not so easy to keep straight, either."

    "All I have to do is go through the newspaper and cut out articles for our current events project," Joanie told her brothers.  "That doesn't sound too hard compared to what you guys have to do."

    Cody grinned.  "Just make sure you don't cut out anything important--like the comics," he said.

    The three children worked quietly for a while, then Joanie sighed.  "Almost all the articles in this paper are about troubles and wars in one place or another.  It would be nice to find something good to report."

    "There should be something," said Cody.

    "Yeah,'' agreed Austin.  "After all, politicians are always talking about making the world a better place in which to live!"

    "That's true," agreed Mother, who had just walked into the room, "but as Christians, we shouldn't be surprised to find things getting worse.  The Bible says there will always be wars and rumors of war.  Men talk about peace, but their desire for power gets in the way.  God is left completely out of the picture."

    "It's kind of scary," Joanie said.

    Mom smiled.  "As Christians, we can have peace of mind no matter what happens here on earth because God is in control.  He is working out His perfect plan.  Someday He will come back to claim His own to be with Him forever."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever wonder why the world is not getting better as so many politicians promise?  Do you wonder why there are so many wars?  Because men are sinful, they cannot get along with each other.  They refuse to listen to God and follow His way.  Isn't it good to know that in spite of the chaos in the world around you, you can put your trust in God and have peace?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:7  A)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, how I love Jesus, sang Ramone.  "Oh, how I love. . .Stop it!  Leave him alone.  He's my pet, not yours!"  Ramone stopped singing to yell at his little sister.  She was wiggling her fingers around in the chameleon's terrarium home.  Ramone reached over to pull Tara's chubby hand from the bowl.  "Don't ever play with my chameleon again, you hear?"  Then. . .CRASH!  The terrarium plunged to the floor.  "Now look what you've done!" yelled Ramone hatefully.  "Tara, you are so clumsy!  Why do I have to have such a stupid sister?"  He began to pick up the twigs and leaves that had spilled onto the floor.  Dad, who saw and heard what happened, spoke sternly to Ramone, but Tara ran toward her bedroom, sobbing.

    That afternoon, Ramone's friend Josef came to play.  Ramone proudly showed Josef his new chameleon.  "He eats bugs," said Ramone, dropping a few into the terrarium.   

    Josef watched.  "Hey!" he said after a few minutes.  "Where did those bugs go?  One minute I saw them, and the next. . .they're gone!"á      "He's probably eaten them," said Ramone.

    "Really?  I didn't see him," Josef replied.  "I was watching, too."

    "Dad says a chameleon's tongue is as fast as lightning," explained Ramone.  "Photographers use slow motion cameras to watch their eating habits."

    Just then Dad entered the room.  "That's right," he said.  "A chameleon's tongue is longer than its body, shaped like a tube, and is sticky on the end.  God made their tongues like weapons so they could easily lash out and capture their prey."  He turned to Ramone.  "That reminds me, Ramone, have you seen Tara?"

    "I think she's in her room," Ramone replied.

    Dad nodded.  "She's still upset about the way you yelled at her this morning."  He pointed to the chameleon.  "Your tongue attacked your sister like your chameleon's tongue attacks his lunch.  His tongue sticks to the bugs, and I'm afraid your hateful words have stuck to Tara like glue.  One minute you were singing about how you love Jesus and the next you were spitting out hateful words.  How do you think Jesus feels about that?  If you really love Him, don't you think it should show in your speech?"

    Ramone lowered his eyes.  "I. . .I'm sorry," he said.  "I'll. . .I'll go apologize."

    "Good," said Dad.  "That's what God would want you to do."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say hurtful things to others?  Do you call your brothers and sisters names?  The old saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is not true.  What we say does hurt others--sometimes for a long time. Be careful to always speak kindly to others.  Be careful to say things God is pleased to hear.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 12:18  T)
There is he that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

[Soldier4Christ]

When Jared slammed his bedroom door so hard that the walls shook, Mother knew something was wrong.  She found him sitting on the edge of his bed crying.  "What's the trouble, Son?" she asked gently as she sat down beside him.

    Jared sniffed.  "Well. . .I had a rotten day," he told her.  "I got a 'D' on my English test--the one I spent an hour studying for.  And now it's raining, and I've got to bag all my papers before I deliver them!"

    "Well, honey, I'm sorry you've had a tough time," said Mother putting her hand on his shoulder.  "Tell you what. . .I'll help you study for your next test.  English was my favorite subject, so we'll see if we can bring that grade up.  As for your paper route, I can help you bag your papers tonight. . .and I'll even drive you this time." 

    As Mother helped Jared with his papers, he told her about other problems he was having at school, especially in gym class.  "I'm just not good at that stuff," he said.  Mother encouraged him to do his best, and he felt better after talking with her.   

    Before climbing into bed, Jared began to say the little rhyme prayer he had learned when he was small, but it seemed so empty--he was too big for that.  But what should I say instead? he wondered.  As he thought over the events of the day, he remembered his mother's concern for him.  She really loved him and was interested in what went on, and she had reminded him that God cared for him, too.  I guess I can talk to God just like I talk to Mom! thought Jared.

    Before he knew it, Jared was talking to God--telling Him about the day.  He told God about his bad grade and the guys in gym.  He asked God to help him do better in basketball and with his schoolwork.  He thanked God for parents who loved and cared for him, and he thanked God for His care, too.  After Jared finished praying, he felt much  better.  He decided to talk with God more often!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there times when you're not sure what to pray about?  Do you ever feel as though praying won't help anything?  Just remember that God cares for you, and you can talk to Him as you would to your parents or to your closest friend.  God has the power to help you in all areas of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 62:8  T)
Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.

[Soldier4Christ]

I didn't really understand Pastor Henderson's message, said Luke one Sunday afternoon.  "He said the people in the church at Corinth were babies.  Weren't there any adults?"

    "Yes, but many of them were acting like babies as far as their Christian lives were concerned," said Mother.  "I think it's something like. . .wait!  I thought of something that might help you understand." She smiled.  "I came across a cassette tape this week that you might like to hear."  She went to get the tape, put it into the cassette player, and turned it on.

    Luke heard some giggles, and then Dad started talking.  "Welcome to the Browns.  It's September 16, and Luke is three years old.  He's going to tell us what he did in Sunday school today."

    Luke heard more giggles and then, "I played with trucks, and I builded with blocks, and. . .and we sanged, and I sanged loud, and my teacher telled a story."

    Luke laughed.  "Is that really me talking?" he asked as the babyish voice went on to recite the A B C's.  "I sound so little!"

    "You were little, Luke," agreed Mother.

    "That's a funny tape," Luke said when the tape had ended, "but what does that have to do with Pastor's message?"

    "Well, Luke, " said Mom, "it would be silly if you talked that way now, wouldn't it?"

    "Sure."  Luke grinned.  "I've grown up a lot since then."

    "That's right," Mom agreed, "and now you talk and act differently from when you were little.  You see, Luke, many of the people in Corinth had been Christians for a long time, but they still were acting and talking as though Christianity was something new to them.  They had accepted Christ as Savior, but instead of obeying the Bible, they were arguing over whether Paul or Apollos was the better preacher.  You see, Son, just like it's important to grow physically, it's also important to grow spiritually, and many of them had not done that."  She paused while Luke thought over what she had said.  Then she added. "It's a good idea for each of us to check and see how our spiritual growth is coming along, too."

    "Oh, I see."   Luke nodded.  He paused and then added, "I'd hate to sound like a baby all my life, and I'd hate to sound like a baby Christian all my life, too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been a Christian very long?  Have you been growing spiritually, or do you still act like a baby in the Lord?  You should know more about God this year than you did last year.  You should be able to quote more Bible verses this month than you did last month.  You should be obeying God's commands and serving Him more quickly than you did before.  Spiritual growth comes by talking to God, reading your Bible, learning more and more about the Lord, and serving Him.  Make sure these things are part of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:2  A)
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeremy was upset.  "I can't do it," he muttered as he pedaled his bike into the garage.  "I'm just a kid."

    Dad looked up from his workbench.  "Jeremy, I'd like you to help paint the lawn furniture this afternoon," he said.

    "Okay," Jeremy replied eagerly.  "What do we have to do first?"

    "First we'll get out the paint and brushes," said Dad, "and then I'll show you how to go about painting those chairs."

    As they got to work, Jeremy poured out his worries.  "Brian Parker wasn't in school today, Dad," he said, "and some of the kids said his mother is going to die.  I guess I should go see him, but I don't know what to say to him."  Jeremy sniffed loudly.  "I can't do it."

    "I understand how you feel, Jeremy," said Dad, "but I'm sure Brian needs you now.  In difficult situations like this, you often don't have to say much.  Just be there and listen.  I think you should go."

    "But, Dad, I'm just a kid," choked Jeremy.

    "That's what the prophet Jeremiah said, but God told him that was no excuse," Dad reminded Jeremy.  "You know, when I asked you to paint the lawn furniture just now, I supplied all the tools and the paint for you to do the job.  When God has a job for us, He always supplies whatever is necessary to get the job done, too.  He gives us the grace to do it."  Jeremy still looked doubtful.  "Will it help if Mother and I go with you after dinner?" asked Dad.  "I think maybe Brian's family needs us, too.  Okay?"

    Jeremy nodded.  "Having you come along sure would help," he said.

    After dinner, Jeremy and his parents all called on the Parkers.  As they returned home, Jeremy sighed.  "You were right, Dad," he said.  "Brian needed me.  I'm glad I went.  "   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something you feel God wants you to do, like visit a sick person or witness to a friend?  Have you been saying, "But I'm just a kid.  I can't do that"?  If God asks you to do a job, He'll give you the necessary tools to handle it.  Stop making excuses; trust God, and go do it.  You'll feel a lot better after you do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 12:9  M)
My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bob pounded his fist into his pillow again and again.  He had been sent to his room for saying bad words.  It's just not fair, he thought.  Dad says those words lots of times, and no one punishes him.

    Hearing noises, Bob glanced out his open window.  Three men were working on the road in front of his house.  "What do you say we have another little break?" Bob heard one of them say.

    "Sure thing, boss," answered the tallest one.  The two men went to sit in the shade of a nearby tree, but the third, a dark-haired man, kept on working.

    Soon the tall man came back and tried to persuade the third man to join them.  The dark-haired man shook his head.  "I've already had my break this afternoon," he said as he pushed his shovel.

    The tall man laughed.  "Haven't we all?  But Harry says to take another one, and you know the foreman left him in charge," he argued.  "He's the boss this afternoon."

    "I don't think he has authority to give us extra time off, though," said the third man.  "Mr. Grant said he wanted this job finished today, and we'll have to push to get it done."

    The tall man laughed.  "You're crazy to turn down a chance to loaf on the job--especially when the boss does," he insisted.

    "Maybe it seems foolish," answered the dark-haired man pleasantly, "but I wouldn't feel right taking something that isn't mine--time or anything else.  Mr. Grant's my first boss, and I do my work for him."

    Wow, what an honest man! thought Bob as he turned from the window.  That guy insists on working even when his temporary boss sets a bad example for him.  Then a new thought struck him.  My Sunday school teacher says that as Christians we should put God first in our lives.   I guess that means He should be our "boss."  So. . .even though my father and other people say bad words, I should do what my "first boss" wants--and that's God.  I know He doesn't want me to use those words!   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is someone you love and generally respect setting a poor example for you?  It's hard to do what's right when that happens.  But remember that if you're a Christian, you serve Christ first of all.  Do what He approves of, not what others are doing--even if they are parents, teachers, or other adults.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:24  F)
For ye serve the Lord Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Explosion

Ann stomped into the house, slamming the door behind her. "Ellie bugged me all day yesterday, and now she's wearing my very best shirt!" she stormed. Tears streamed down her face as she kicked over a chair. She had been angry at her sister all week.

"Pick up that chair, sit down, and cool off," Mom ordered. "I'll be right back." Mom left the room, and by the time she returned with a photo album, Ann had picked up the chair and climbed onto a stool. Mom joined Ann at the counter, opened the book, and flipped the pages. "One summer, my friend Carolee and I rented a small cottage by the lake for a week," Mom said, pointing to a picture.

Ann sniffed. "That looks like it would be fun," she mumbled.

"It was great, until we decided to bake stuffed pasta shells one day," said Mom. "I opened the oven of the old gas stove while Carolee lit a match. It didn't light right away, but then, all of a sudden . . . BANG! Whoosh! A bright yellow flash smacked our faces and forced us across the kitchen and out the door."

"Were you hurt?" asked Ann, wide-eyed.

"We both had deep burns," said Mom, "and the kitchen was a mess." Turning a page, she pointed to another picture showing the chaos.

"What made the stove do that?" Ann asked.

"We learned later that the oven hadn't been used for a long time, and dirt had clogged the gas line," Mom explained. "When the gas forced its way through, it came with a rush and caused an explosion." Mom closed the album. "Do you know why I told you this story?"

Ann studied her fingernails. "Because my temper exploded?"

Mom nodded. "If the owner had kept the oven clean and hadn't allowed dirt to build up in the gas line, the explosion would not have happened," she said. "I think the same thing may be true with you. Are there feelings you could have handled sooner-anger that should have been cleaned out of your life by giving it to the Lord instead of letting it build up?"

Ann sighed. "But Ellie makes me so mad sometimes," she murmured.

"I know, but wouldn't you like to give your anger to the Lord now?" asked Mom. "Then we'll talk with Ellie and get the whole thing straightened out."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you lose your temper easily? Do you get angry when your brothers or sisters use your things? When your parents won't let you watch some TV programs or play certain video games? Do you let your bad feelings build until your temper bursts and you're out of control? When you feel upset, pray right away. Ask God to help you deal with both the situation and your feelings. Then work out the conflict in a loving, forgiving manner before the bad feelings grow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Ephesians 4:26

[Soldier4Christ]

Am I doing this right, Grandma? asked Sarah.  Her grandmother was showing her how to knit slippers.

    Grandma examined Sarah's work.  "Looks good to me," she said.

    "This is fun, and I love this color," said Sarah proudly.  "What do I do next?"

    "Make the next row exactly like this one," Grandma replied.  "By next week when I go to stay with your Aunt Denise, you should be able to follow the pattern by yourself."

    "We wish you could stay with us all the time, don't we, Mittens?" Sarah brushed her bare toes over the fur of the cat at her feet.  "Don't you hate to go there, Grandma?  Aunt Denise and Darci are so stuck-up.  They may have more money, but they're not any better than we are!  In fact, Darci is nothing but a spoiled brat.  She tells lies to get what she wants, and she. . . ."

    "Sarah Jane!  That's enough," said Grandma sternly.  "Remember, Darci is my granddaughter, just like you are, and I love her just as I love you.  I don't want to hear you talk that way about her."

    "But you don't know what she did. . . ." began Sarah.

    "Dinner is ready!"  Mother's call from the kitchen interrupted Sarah, and the subject was dropped.

    After dinner, Sarah and Grandma returned to the family room.  "I'm going to work on my. . .oh, no!  Look, Grandma!"  Sarah pointed at the cat, who was playing with a mass of tangled yarn.  "Mittens has unraveled my slippers.  After all my hard work, I'll have to start over."

    Grandma smiled sympathetically.  "It took time and careful thought for you to knit that slipper, but anyone--even a cat--can unravel it."  She shook her head.  "It always takes more effort to build up than to tear down," she added.  "For example, it's easy to find fault with people and run them down, but it seems hard to find their good points and build them up."  Grandma looked at Sarah solemnly.

    Sarah blushed as she started winding the yarn into a ball.  She remembered the unkind things she had said about her cousin, Darci, and she was sure Grandma was thinking of them, too.  "I. . .I guess I was just being nasty when I was talking about Darci, Grandma," she admitted.  "I'm sorry."  Then she grinned at Grandma.  "You once  told me that when you were my age, you said kids who made nasty remarks were being 'catty.'"  She picked up Mittens as she added,  "One cat in this family is enough!"     




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say "catty" things about others?  Do you run them down?  This would be a good day to stop tearing others down and start building them up as God wants you to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 5:11  W)
Wherefore. . .edify (build up) one another, even as also ye do.

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, Mom, what smells so good? asked Christy as she put her school books on the kitchen table.  "It smells like Grandma's backyard when the lilacs are blooming."

    Mother smiled.  "You're right, Christy.  A friend at work gave me a bottle of perfume for my birthday.  It's called Lilac Love.  Her husband works at the cosmetic company where it's made, so she gets perfume at a discount."

    Christy picked up the bottle.  "Can I try some?"

    "Sure," agreed Mother.

    Every now and then during the next few weeks, Christy would smell lilacs and know her mother had been using the new perfume.  It really did have a pleasing fragrance.

    One day Christy and her mother were at a department store, looking for a new dress for Christy.  "Mom, look."  Christy pulled on her mother's sleeve as they were passing the perfume counter.  "There's a bottle of Lilac Love."

    "Sure enough!"  Mother stopped to look at the display.

    "Look at this!" Christy exclaimed.  "It's expensive!  I bet you didn't know it cost this much."

    "Oh my!  I certainly didn't!" exclaimed Mother in dismay.  "Here I've been using it just about every day, and it's almost gone!  If I had known how expensive it was, I would have saved it for special occasions."

    Christy smiled.  "It's just like my Sunday school teacher said about the Bible," she said.  "Most people have a Bible, but they don't understand how valuable it is."

    "You're so right, Christy," agreed Mother.  "The Bible is even more valuable than a bottle of expensive perfume!  But the wonderful thing about the Bible is that even though we can--and should--use it every day, we'll never run out of its treasure!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize how valuable the Bible is?  Do you realize that it explains how you can have eternal life?  Do you know that it gives you guidelines for living your life?  Some people have a Bible just because they think it's a good book.  They don't know it's the inspired Word of God.  Thank the Lord for giving you the Bible.  Study it and find the hidden treasures inside.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:72  T)
The law of Thy mouth (the Bible) is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, can I make some lemonade? asked Janie.

    "I doubt it," teased her brother, Ryan.  "It takes far more talent than you possess."

    "Oh, hush," scolded Janie.  "May I make some lemonade, Mom?

    Mother laughed.  "You can and you may," she said.  "I bought several packages of fruit drinks yesterday.  Just add the sugar and water, and be sure to stir it well."

    "I will," agreed Janie.  She went to the cupboard and took out the box containing fruit drink mixes.

    "Stick with lemonade," advised Ryan.  "It's my favorite."

    Janie made a face at her brother, but she took out an envelope showing a bright yellow lemon.  After carefully measuring sugar into a pitcher, she picked up the lemonade packet.  She was going to tear it open, but then she held it up and inspected it closely instead.  She ran her fingers up and down both sides.  Then she took a different packet from the box and compared the two--shaking them and feeling them with her hands.

    "I was right," declared Ryan.  "She can't make lemonade, even with a mix.  See. . .she's all confused."

    Janie ignored him.  "Mother," she said, "I don't think this packet has a thing in it.  It feels empty."

    "Let's find out," said Ryan.  "Rip it open."

    "No!  Wait!" exclaimed Mother.  She took the packet and checked it.  "You're right, Janie.  It is empty, but don't tear it open.  I want to use it as an object lesson for my Sunday school class."

    "An object lesson?" asked Janie.  "Of what?"

    "It reminds me of people who pretend to be Christians," replied Mother.  "Like this packet, they look fine on the outside.  They're faithful in church; they memorize verses; they're generous and kind.  Others are often fooled by them."

    "Just like you were fooled by this packet when you bought it," said Ryan.

    Mother nodded.  "But God isn't fooled by anyone.  He sees the heart of each person, and He knows which ones truly trust Jesus as Savior.  Those who don't areáreally empty."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to be pleasant, helpful, kind, and faithful in church and Sunday school so that people will think you're a good person?  It's nice that you act that way, but remember that none of the fine things you do can save you.  You may fool people, but you're not fooling God.  You need to receive Jesus as your personal Savior, and then you will be a Christian.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:8-9  F)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[Soldier4Christ]

Chris was very nervous.  It was his very first day at Jefferson School, and he didn't know anyone!  Lord, help me make a friend! he prayed silently as he walked down the unfamiliar hallway to his class.

    Some of the boys and girls in Chris' class smiled at him, but hardly anyone said anything.  By lunch time, he was very discouraged.  The teacher showed him where to pay for his lunch and pointed out the section of tables reserved for fifth graders.  Chris sat down and looked around at the other boys and girls.  They all seemed to know one another.  Laughing and talking went on all around him. 

    Then Chris noticed something.  One boy was praying!  Right there in the cafeteria, he had bowed his head and closed his eyes and was praying.  He must be a Christian, thought Chris.  Getting up, he took his tray and went to sit next to the other boy.  "Hi.  I'm Chris," he said.  "I. . .ah. . .I'm new here, but I thought maybe. . .ah. . .were you praying just now?"

    The boy nodded.  "Yes, I was," he said.  He looked at Chris, then added hesitantly, "I was giving thanks for my food.  I'm a Christian."

    "So am I!" exclaimed Chris.  "We just moved to town, and I don't really know any kids yet.  I. . .I've been praying that the Lord would help me meet a new friend."

    "Wow!  That's great!"  The boy grinned at Chris.  "My name is Jason, and there are some other Christian kids around, too.  You'll like it here."

    Silently, Chris prayed, Thank You, Lord.  Thank You for helping me meet Jason. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes ashamed to talk to the Lord in front of your friends?  You don't need to feel that way.  Talking to God is a very special privilege a Christian has.  Dare to pray in public, as Daniel did.  It will be a testimony to those who are unsaved.  It's also an encouragement to other Christians.  Sometimes it's easier if two or more pray together.  Do you know another Christian in your school?  If so, why not talk about this with him or her, and talk about eating--and praying--together.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:12  R)
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.