Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Jim threw his school books on the counter, took an apple from the fruit bowl, and looked over to the corner where a small dog lay in a basket.  "How's Alpha, Mom?" he asked.  Alpha was a little dog that looked like a dust mop with no handle, and she had developed some distressing symptoms.  First she had a cough, then a lack of appetite, then a lump on her neck, and finally a nasty sore.

    "I took her to the vet," said Mother.  "He gave me some medicine for the sore--but he said we shouldn't get our hopes up, Son."

    Several days later, Jim's mother called from the kitchen.  "Come and see what I've found."  Jim and the rest of the family arrived just in time to see Mother pull a sewing needle with a bit of thread attached from poor Alpha's neck.  "Alpha must have swallowed this needle, and it lodged in her throat," said Mother.  "If it hadn't worked itself out, it could have been the end of her!"

    "So that's what caused all those symptoms!" exclaimed Dad.

    Jim gently patted the whimpering dog.  "Now you'll get better, Alpha," he said encouragingly.

    Before many days, Alpha was fully recovered.  "That dog reminds me of people," said Dad as he watched her romp in the yard.  "Her symptoms were not her real problem.  The needle was her problem.  Once that was removed, she got well."  He paused, then added, "People have symptoms, too, such as pride, envy, and anger--all a result of a sinful heart.  They often try to cover up the symptoms with good works.  But the only real cure is to remove the problem--to remove the sin in their hearts.  And the only way to do that is through the Lord Jesus Christ." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your life filled with the symptoms of sin--such things as discontent, the inability to behave properly, or lack of friendliness?  Do you know what the cure is?  It's found in God's "medical dictionary," His Word.  Come to Jesus and let Him wash away your sins.  They're the real cause of your symptoms.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 1:18  C)
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

[Soldier4Christ]

I know you don't care for peas, Josh, but the rest of us do, so I want you to take a few, too, said Mom, handing him the dish.  Joshua frowned and reluctantly dropped a few peas on his plate.  He knew better than to argue.

    "Pretend they're something else," suggested Shelly.  "Pretend you're a missionary, like in the book I'm reading.  The natives invited you to dinner.  They offer you food you've never seen before.  If you want them to accept you, you have to eat their food, or you'll hurt their feelings."

    "You mean they don't have peas in some countries?  I'll go there!" Joshua grinned, entering into the game.  "What do I pretend these are if they're not peas?"

    Shelly laughed.  "Bugs!" she said.  As Joshua made a face, Shelly turned to her mother.  "Some night, let's pretend we're in one of the countries where our church has a missionary, Mom," she said.  "Like Japan.  We could sit on the floor and eat with chopsticks."

    "Or how about Italy?" suggested Joshua.  "We could have pizza!"

    "Good idea!" approved Dad.  "Let's choose one country each month We could find out about that country, the climate, and the kind of work people there do."

    "I like that idea," said Mom.  "I have an international cookbook.  Shelly and I can figure out the menu and do the cooking."

    "I can decorate place mats," offered Joshua.  "I'll draw a map on one and pictures showing the country's products and trees or flowers on others."

    Dad leaned back in his chair.  "And I'll find out what kind of work our missionary does there--whether it's starting churches, working in hospitals, translating the Bible, or whatever.  Why don't we have our first 'missionary dinner' a week from today."

    "Good," agreed Mom.   "Now, Joshua, since you're still in the United States, you need to finish your peas."  Joshua nodded as he stabbed a single pea with his fork and put it into his mouth.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Could your family plan a "missions night"?  If preparing a whole foreign dinner seems too difficult, perhaps Mom could prepare one special dish or dessert.  In any case, find out where the missionaries from your church live and what kind of ministries they have.  Learn something about their countries.  Doing this will help you to pray intelligently for them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 9:22  I)
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

[Soldier4Christ]

Hey, Steve!  How many raffle tickets do you need? asked David as the boys walked home from school.

    "None," Steve replied.  "I don't buy raffle tickets."

    "I don't mean buy them," David said.  "I mean how many do you think you can sell?  We all have to sell them to earn money for our class project, you know.  If you don't, you won't be doing your share!"

    "It doesn't seem right to sell them to other people when I don't believe in them myself," Steve replied, not sure if he should give in and sell the tickets.  It doesn't seem to bother other Christian kids in my class, so maybe I should do my share like David said, thought Steve.  But I really think Dad's right. . .that buying raffle tickets is like gambling, and that's not a good thing.  Steve wasn't sure what to do.

    That evening, at a father-son banquet, Steve saw a film on the life of Eric Liddell.  Eric, a Scotsman, had been expected to win a gold medal in the 100 meter race during the 1924 Olympics.  He refused to run, however, when he learned the race would be held on Sunday.  He felt it was important to honor God by keeping a day special for Him--more important than to win a race.  Later, he was able to compete in the 400 meter race and win a gold medal.

    After seeing the film, Steve knew what he had to do.  "Maybe I could earn money for our class project by washing cars at home instead of selling raffle tickets," he told his dad.

 `   Dad smiled and nodded.   "People may not understand, because their principles may not be the same as yours, but you need to do what you believe is right," he said.  "You know, Son, others ran in that Olympic race and won medals, but Eric is the one who is most remembered today.  And he's remembered, not for running a race, but for being a man of principle!"   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you refuse to let anyone talk you into listening to certain types of music, watching questionable TV shows, or doing anything that is against what you believe is right?  Learn how God wants you to live, and then live that way.  Be a person of principles--God's principles--and stick to them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Deuteronomy 28:9  K)
Keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in His ways.

[Soldier4Christ]

Pete and his brother, Mike, came into the house and hung up their coats.  "How was Bible club?" asked Mother.

    "I'm on the game committee for a party we're having next week," Mike replied.  "We had a neat lesson, too."

    "Good," said Mother.

    "After I learn my verses for next week, I'm going to hunt up some games," Mike continued.  He headed for his room.

    Mother looked at Pete as he turned on the TV.  "Did you enjoy club, too?" she asked.  "What was the lesson about?"

    "Huh?"  Pete looked up.  "Oh. . .ah. . .something about some queen.  I couldn't hear too good.  I was in the back row."  He turned his attention back to the TV.

    "Are you on a committee for the party?" asked Mother.

    "Naw.  They wanted me to help with decorations, but I'm not into that," mumbled Pete.  "I guess I don't like Bible club as much as Mike does."  He stood up.  "Can I go over to Kelly's house?"

    "I guess so," agreed Mother.  "Or do you have some Bible verses to learn, too?"

    Pete shrugged.  "I can do that later."  He put on his coat and looked at himself in the hall mirror.  His mother watched as he tipped his head and smiled.  His reflection smiled back.  Then he scowled, and the reflection scowled, too.  He pulled a funny face and then laughed at the funny face he saw in the mirror.

    When Pete noticed Mother watching, he grinned at her.  She smiled back.  "Life is a little like a mirror," she said.

    Pete's eyebrows shot up.  "How's that?"

    "Like a mirror, life gives back pretty much what you give to it," explained Mother.  "If you give it a little, you get only a little out of it.  If you put a lot into it, you'll find you enjoy it a lot more and get a lot out of it, too."  She pointed to his Bible lying on the table.  "Like Bible club," she said, "and Junior choir and school and your ball team and church and. . . ."

    "And everything," interrupted Pete.  He picked up his Bible.  "Okay, I get the point," he said thoughtfully.  "You're saying I'll like Bible club better if I learn the verses we were assigned. . .and I bet you think I'd like it better if I'd help with the party, too.  Right?"

    "Right!" agreed Mother.  "Exactly right!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you giving your best to the activities in which you're involved?  Do you do your part "heartily, as to the Lord"?  (See today's Scripture reading.)  When you do that, you are serving Him, and He will bless you for it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ecclesiastes 9:10  W)
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jayne had a brand new desk!  "I'll always take good care of it," she exclaimed as her hand glided lovingly across the shiny top.

    A few days later, Jayne slipped a box of matches out of the kitchen cabinet, took a candle, and headed for her room.  Mom will be mad if she catches me with this stuff, she thought, but after all, I'm old enough to do things like this and not start a fire.  After carefully locking her door, she lit the candle and placed it on her desk.  It's so pretty, she thought as she picked up a book and began to read.

    Suddenly, Mother was knocking on her door.  "Jayne, what do I smell?" she called.  With a fast beating heart, Jayne grabbed for the candle, knocking it over and burning her fingers in the process.  To her horror, a piece of paper on her desk caught fire!  But it was a small piece, and the flame went out quickly.  She sighed in relief, picked up the whole mess, and shut it in her closet.  Fearfully, she let Mother into the room.  She hoped her secret wouldn't be discovered, but in a moment, Mother exclaimed, "Jayne!  What happened to the top of your beautiful new desk?"

    As Jayne turned around, she saw an ugly, black spot on the top of the desk.  A few minutes later, Mother had the whole story.  "Jayne, do you realize that you could have burned the house down?" exclaimed Mother.

    "Oh, Mom," sobbed Jayne, "I just wanted to enjoy the candle a little while.  I never thought it would hurt anything.  I'm so sorry."

    "Honey," said Mother sternly, "sin often seems to be fun and exciting while you're doing it, but in the end someone gets hurt.  You knew the rules about not playing with matches, and you disobeyed those rules.  Now you'll have to pay the consequences.  Do you see why it's so important to always obey?"

    "Yes."  Jayne nodded soberly.  "If I ever forget, this spot on the top of my desk will remind me."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do the rules set by your parents sometimes seem silly or unimportant?  Those rules, if kept, often protect you from harm.  God's rules are like that, too.  When He says things like "don't lie, " "be kind," and "forgive," it's for your good.  He wants you to obey Him so you won't be hurt by the results of sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 12:15  H)
He that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

[Soldier4Christ]

When Joel came in after school, he dumped his school books on the table.  "Something wrong?" asked Mother, seeing a scowl on his face.

    "The kids in Joe Green's gang were passing around a note making fun of my last name.  It said, 'Who'd want a name like Steep?  Only Steep the creep!'" replied Joel angrily.  "And then some of them were chanting it after school.  Well, I like my last name a lot better than theirs!"

    "How did this get started?" asked Mother.

    Joel shrugged.  "Jeff Green and his gang are a bunch of bullies.  I guess they pick on all the kids at times."  He picked up his books and sighed.  "Oh, well.  It'll blow over, I suppose, but I'd sure like school better without those guys."

    At supper, Dad listened as Joel told him about the problem at school.  "How did it make you feel to hear your name used that way?" asked Dad.

    "Awful," said Joel.  "Mad, and. . .and. . . ."

    "Hurt?" asked Dad.  Joel nodded.  "This reminds me of the plumber who came last week," said Dad.  "Mom says the whole time he was here, he was swearing--using the name of Jesus Christ and God.  I expect the Lord feels hurt, too, when His name is used wrongly."

    "Do you think so?" asked Joel.  "I never thought about that."  He felt a little guilty, because hearing God's name used in swearing had never bothered him very much.  "I know when the kids chanted and mocked my name, it made me feel bad.  I mean. . .it was really me they were mocking.  So I guess when they swear and use God's name, it's really God Himself they're speaking against."

    "Right."  Dad nodded.  "I'm sorry about what happened at school, but if it helps you remember the importance of using God's name respectfully, it will be worth it."

    "Yeah," agreed Joel thoughtfully.  "And I'm sure it will help me remember."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use God's name only in respect?  How about substitutes for His name such as "gosh" or "gee"?  As you want your name respected, respect His.  His is the name above every name, and it is to be blessed, not used in swearing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 72:19  A)
And blessed be His glorious name for ever.

[Soldier4Christ]

Look at the assignment Miss Linda gave us in Sunday school today, said Nancy, handing a paper to her mother.

    Before Mother could read the paper, three-year-old Missi came bursting into the room.  "Ohhh!  Mommie!  Look at my finger.  It's blooded.  That flower hurt me!"  A drop of blood almost hid the thorn in Missi's finger.  Gently, Mother pulled out the thorn, wiped off the blood, and kissed the finger.  Smiling, Missi went back outside.

    Mother turned back to the paper Rachel had handed her.  "Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it," she read.  She smiled at Rachel, "That's a very good assignment."

    "Sure," groaned Rachel, "except I'm not a doctor.  How can I heal someone?"

    "Didn't Miss Linda explain that there are different kinds of hurts?" Mother asked.

    Rachel nodded.  "Yes. . .she said that besides physical hurts, there are what she called 'mental' and 'spiritual' hurts.  But what can I do about that?  I'm just a kid."  She sighed.  "I know Susan's folks are getting a divorce.  And Eric's big brother is in jail for pushing drugs.  And Mandy's dad is out of work, so she never has money for extra projects at school.  But I can't do anything about those things."

    "When Missi came crying to me a while ago, I didn't really heal her finger.  I just gave her a lot of love, and she forgot the pain," Mother said.  "That's what you can do, too.  You may not be able to solve anyone else's problems, but with God's help, you can encourage people and make their day brighter.  And you can point them to Jesus, the One who really can heal their hurts.  Pray about it, and the Lord will show you what you can do."

    "Okay," agreed Rachel thoughtfully.  "Maybe it isn't such an impossible assignment after all."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who is hurting?  Will you demonstrate God's love by showing that you care?  Smile at that person.  Talk to him.  Pray for him.  Share something from God's Word.  Try to help at least one hurting person this week.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:8  F)
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren.

[Soldier4Christ]

I don't know what I'm going to do, Rachel told Kerri as they walked home from school.  "It's Thursday already, and I still haven't helped anybody who is hurting.  Have you?"

    Kerri shrugged.  "No.  Guess we'll just have to tell Miss Linda that we're not very good doctors."

    Rachel changed the subject.  "How did you do on our math test?"

    "I got an eighty-four," moaned Kerri.

    "That's not too bad.  Most of the class failed," Rachel comforted her.  "Julie didn't get a single problem right!  I don't know how she got to be in the fifth grade.  She's so dumb!"

    "Yeah.  It's no wonder she doesn't have any friends.  She. . . ."  Kerri stopped and took a deep breath.  "Rachel, how would you feel if you failed in everything and didn't have any friends and everyone called you 'dumb'?  You'd hurt, wouldn't you?"

    Rachel blinked.  "Kerri, you. . .you aren't suggesting that we try to heal Julie's hurt feelings, are you?"  Kerri nodded her head solemnly.  "Well. . .oh, all right," Rachel agreed reluctantly.  "Shall we stop at her house now and ask if she wants to come over and do homework with us tonight?"

    "Yeah. . .but one evening won't do it," Kerri said wisely.  "Remember last year when you broke your leg, Rachel?  You had to go to the doctor again and again, and it took months for your leg to heal.  Julie has been hurting for a long time.  It will take a while for her wounds to heal."

    "You mean we'll have to be friends for a long time?" asked Rachel.

    Kerri nodded.  "Could be."

    Rachel sighed.  "Well, temporary friends aren't really friends anyway, are they?" she said.  She smiled.  "Here's Julie's house now, so let's get started, and let's really be her friends."  As they walked up on the porch, Rachel added, "We should tell Julie about Jesus, too, shouldn't we?  Like my mom told me, He's the One who can really heal her hurts."

    "Right," agreed Kerri.  "Let's start by inviting her to Sunday school."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who needs a friend?  Are you willing to be that friend?  Be as helpful as you can, and most of all, don't forget to introduce him or her to your best friend, Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 17:17  A)
A friend loveth at all times.

[Soldier4Christ]

The milk tasted terrible!  As Sarah thought about it, she remembered that as Mother left for the grocery store, she had mentioned that the milk was turning sour.  Well, now what? thought Sarah.  Then she had an idea.  If I add some chocolate, it will cover the sour taste, she thought.  She got out a can of powdered chocolate drink and spooned some of the sweet mixture into the milk.  She licked her finger where a little of it had stuck.  Mmmm, good! she thought.  But after taking a big gulp of the chocolate milk, she groaned.  It still tasted awful!

    Later that morning, Sarah skipped off to Bible Club.  She listened carefully as Mrs. Wilson shared a story Jesus had told His disciples.  "Two men went into the temple to pray," began Mrs. Wilson.  "One was a Pharisee--a man who did many good works and went to the temple often.  The other man was a dishonest tax collector.  The Pharisee prayed first, telling God that he was glad he was good and not bad like the other man.  He reminded God of all the good things he did."  Mrs. Wilson paused and looked around at the boys and girls.  "Now let me tell you about the other man--the tax collector," she continued.  "He didn't even lift up his head.  He just cried out to God, pleading for forgiveness from his sins.  And do you know what Jesus told His disciples?  Jesus said that the tax collector--not the Pharisee--went home 'justified,' or forgiven.  You see, the tax collector knew that only God could take away his sins, but the Pharisee was trying to cover up his sins with good works.  He was really not a good man at all.  He was proud and haughty--a sinner just like the tax collector.  His good works didn't change his sinful heart."

    As Sarah listened, she smiled and nodded.  She remembered the sour milk, and she understood that good things don't necessarily cover up the bad.  Good chocolate hadn't covered the bad taste of the sour milk, and good works wouldn't cover up sin.  Only Jesus can forgive sin, she thought.  I'm going to remember that. 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you obey your parents?  Behave politely?  Help with the chores?  Go to church?  Are you a "good" person?  God says you're a sinner.  None of the good things you do can cover up the "sour taste" of your sin.  Only Jesus' blood can do that.  Won't you pray, as the tax collector did, asking God to be merciful to you.  Ask Him to forgive your sin and save you today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 18:13  G)
God be merciful to me a sinner.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jessica and her friend, Ryan, shouted with glee as they stood back to admire the snowman they were making. A classmate, Aiko, came along.  She grinned and stopped to help. Jessica scowled.  "Go away," she said.  "This is our snowman."  Aiko's grin faded, and she slowly left.  "She'd have wanted to give him slanting eyes," Jessica said loudly enough for Aiko to hear.  At the window, Jessica's mother heard, too, and frowned.

    A little later, another classmate stopped, and he, too, was soon sent on his way.  "You'd probably want to cover his face with mud and make him all black, taunted Ryan as Jason backed off.  Jessica snickered.

    "Oh, who wants to help you anyway, Whitey?" Jason retorted.

    Jessica angrily stomped her foot.  "You stop calling us names!" she shouted.  Again Mother frowned, and sheáwent to call Jessica in.

    "Oh, Mom!  Did you see our snowman?" Jessica asked as she came in the door.  "We call him Mr. Snowflake!"

    Mother smiled.  "Really?" she asked.  "Did you know there was once a man who was called 'The Snowflake Man'?  Why don't you look him up in the encyclopedia?  His name was Wilson Bentley."

    Interested, Jessica hurried to see what she could find.  "I found him," she reported soon.  "His hobby was studying snowflakes.  He took lots of pictures of them. . .each one was a perfect crystal, and no two were ever alike.  But they were all beautiful!"

    Mother nodded.  "Like people," she said.  "People have different kinds of hair and eyes and skin.  But they're all made by the great artist--God--and in His sight, each one is beautiful.  So, unless we're going to disagree with God, we should consider each one beautiful, too."  She looked solemnly at Jessica as she added, "I heard what happened when some other children wanted to help with your snowman."

    Jessica was quiet for a time.  "Mother," she said finally, "may I have some kids over after school tomorrow?  I need to apologize to Aiko and Jason, and I'd like to ask them to come help me build another snowman, okay?"  Mother smiled and nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you're better than a classmate who looks different from you, is poorer, or doesn't seem as smart?  God made everyone according to His own special plan and purpose.  Don't say--or even think--someone is not as good as you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 17:26  A)
And hath made of one blood all nations of men.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jenny and her family were spending a week at Mountain View Bible Camp, and Jenny was having a wonderful time.  "Can I please buy a camp tee-shirt?" she begged one day.  "Everyone else has one."  Mother agreed, and Jenny promptly put the shirt on.  "I just love it!" she breathed.  On the front was a picture of the chapel with the words "Proclaiming His Word to the world."  On the back it said, "Mountain View Bible Camp."  Jenny wore the shirt regularly.  She was proud to be a part of the group.

    Back home, Jenny stuffed the shirt in a drawer and forgot about it.  Mother didn't forget, though.  From time to time she suggested that Jenny wear it, but Jenny always refused.  "I like it," she insisted, "but it just wouldn't look right here."  And she quickly changed the subject.

    One Friday was declared "Tee-shirt Day" at school.  Again Jenny begged for a new shirt.  "Not this time," Mother replied.  "Wear your camp shirt.  It's almost new."

    "I can't wear that," protested Jenny.  "It wouldn't look right.  Everyone else will wear shirts with cute sayings on them, or they'll be from exciting places like Fun Haven."

    "Wasn't camp exciting?" asked Mother.  "You loved your shirt when you were there."

    Jenny bit her lip.  "It was different at camp," she said.

    "Yes, it was," Mother admitted.  "It was comfortable to be identified as a Christian then, because others shared your faith."

    Jenny bristled.  "Are you saying I'm ashamed now to let others see I'm a Christian?"

    "Are you?" asked Mother softly.

    Jenny thought about it.  "I guess maybe I have been," she confessed.  "I'll wear my camp shirt to school after all.  Maybe I can interest my friends in attending Bible camp next summer."

    "Good," Mother said.  "Then you'll be proclaiming God's Word, just like your shirt says!" 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your friends and teachers know you're a Christian?  Do you pray before you eat, witness when you can, and speak up for your faith in the classroom?  Don't be ashamed of Jesus.  Others need to know Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 1:8  B)
Be not. . .ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

It was Grandparents' Day at Tommy's school.  As usual, Tommy's Grandpa came for the program, and he listened with interest as the children read essays they had written on what they liked about their grandparents.  Katie told how much she liked her grandma because she gave her nice gifts.  Bobby liked his grandpa because he always had candy for him.  And Amanda liked her grandpa because he often would take her to nice restaurants and never scolded her.  However, the reports given by Tommy and a few others were quite different.  Instead of telling about all the good things they received, they mentioned that their grandparents were good friends.

    As Tommy read his report, he saw his grandpa smile.  And after school, Grandpa told Tommy how pleased he was with what Tommy had written.  "Well, you always do have time for me," said Tommy.  "You listen when I tell you something, and you take time to help me when I need you.  You're not afraid to say 'no' to me, or to scold me either."  Tommy grinned.  "I don't always like it when you do that," he admitted, "but I know you're right, so I'm glad you do it anyway."

    "Ah-h-h. . .I'm glad to hear you say that, Tommy," Grandpa told him.  "You know, the things you like about me are also some of the things I like about God."

    "Really?" asked Tommy.

    Grandpa nodded.  "God always listens to me when I pray, and He's there when I need Him," he said.  "He helps me say 'no' to bad things.  If I don't, He disciplines me.  Then He helps me to admit I'm wrong and to apologize to people.  He not only saved me, but He always does what is best for me."

    "Yeah, God is like that, isn't He?" said Tommy thoughtfully.  "I'm even glad He doesn't always give us what we want.  If He had, we wouldn't have moved to this town. . .because I liked living where we were before and I wanted to stay there.  But then I wouldn't have gotten to see so much of you."

    Grandpa smiled.  "I'm glad you like both God and me for the right reasons," he said.  "I want to be a godly grandpa who does what's best for you.  I'm so glad that's what you want, too." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you love people for what they give you or because you can get them to do what you want?  You ought to love them for themselves, not for their gifts.  You should even be glad for discipline, because it makes you a better person.  And you should love God, not only for giving you eternal life, but for always being there to help you.  You should love Him for sending what is best for you, even when it hurts.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:22  L)
Love one another with a pure heart fervently.

[Soldier4Christ]

Every morning Michael read a chapter of the Bible and prayed.  One morning he read Romans 16.  This is kind of a different chapter, he thought to himself.  It's mostly a list of the people Paul appreciated.  He looked at the verses again.  Maybe one reason this chapter is in the Bible is to show us how important it is to let others know how much we appreciate them, he thought.  I think I'll do that today!

    So at breakfast Michael said to his mother, "Thanks for cooking these eggs for me, Mom."  Then when his brother, Steve, came into the kitchen, Michael said, "Thanks, Steve, for letting me use your markers for my report."  Both Mom and Steve gave Michael such big smiles that he decided to keep on telling people how much they were appreciated.

    At school, Michael found his friend Ben.  "Thanks for sticking up for me when those guys teased me yesterday," said Michael.  "I appreciate that."

    After class he approached his teacher.  "It's neat the way you've been telling us about the Civil War," he said.  "It makes studying so much more interesting."  He could see that his teacher was pleased.

    On the way home from school, Michael walked past his church.  Pastor Grey was standing in the parking lot, talking to the organist.  "Pastor," Michael called, "I want you to know I appreciate your sermons--and Mrs. Johnson, thanks for the good music every week."  Michael received two more big smiles.

    That night as Michael was getting ready for bed, he thought once again about appreciation.  I can tell that people appreciate being appreciated.  Michael grinned at the silly sound of that, but he was glad he had learned that lesson from the Apostle Paul.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
You probably do appreciate all the people who do things for you, but do you let them know it?  Make a list of five people whom you appreciate, and then tell them.  You'll feel good because you will be helping others feel good.  And don't forget to include Jesus on your list.  He deserves the most appreciation of all.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:3  I)
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Has anyone seen my pearl ring? asked Mary after she had hunted all over the house for it.

    Mother shook her head.  "You'll have to find it later," she said.  "It's time to leave for church now."

    "But I don't like to wear my pearl necklace without the ring," objected Mary as she put on her coat.

    "Big deal," said Mary's brother, Dan.  "What's so terrible about that?"

    Just then Mary spied the ring on the floor near the refrigerator.  With a squeal of delight, she picked it up.  "I found it!  Now I'm ready to go."  They went out to the garage where Dad was already waiting in the car.  Mary happily climbed in, too.  "I'm so glad I found my ring," she declared as she admired it on her hand.  "It's very special because it matches the necklace--they're a matched set."

    "That's something like what God wants for His children," observed Dad as he started the engine.  "The Bible tells us to be like Him, so in a sense we are to 'match' Him."

    "Be like God!" Dan exploded from the back seat.  "We couldn't hope to be as great as God."'

    "You're right, Dan," agreed Dad.  "We could never be as great or powerful as God.  We can't control nature or do miracles.  But there is a way we can match up, at least a little, with God.  Jesus showed us how to do it."

    "Do you mean to become more kind and loving and things like that?" Mary asked, twisting her ring on her finger.

    "That's exactly it."  Dad smiled at her.  "Each day we should become a little more like Jesus.  We want to match Him as closely as possible.  If we pray for that, He'll help us do it."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you trying to "match" the example Jesus gave you?  He was always loving, kind, and thoughtful of the needs of others.  He treated people with respect.  The more you do this, the more you'll "match" Jesus.  Ask God to help you--you can't do it alone.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:16  B)
Be ye holy; for I (God) am holy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, can I go skiing with Jan and her family next Sunday? asked Amy.  She hurried on as she saw her mother begin to shake her head.  "They go skiing almost every weekend, but they worship God just as well as we do.  Jan told me they feel God's presence in nature--in the snow and the hills and everything."

    "That sounds good," Mother said, "but I wonder how much you'd even think about God, if you were skiing instead of attending church.  What Jan's family does is up to them, but you're our responsibility, and Dad and I don't think it's right for us to skip church in favor of skiing."

    Amy sighed, but she knew it was useless to argue.

    That evening, Dad added a log to the fire in the fireplace and stirred it with a poker.  Suddenly, with a loud crack, a small ember flew out onto the hearth.  Amy jumped and then laughed as she watched it glow for a few minutes before slowly fading and turning black.

    "Did that scare you?" asked Dad as he swept it up.

    "For a minute," admitted Amy with a grin, "but it sure didn't burn long when it got separated from the rest of the logs, did it?"

    "No, it didn't," agreed Mother thoughtfully.  "Amy," she added, "does Jan still come to Bible club?"

    "Not the last few weeks,"  answered Amy.  "She's been skipping Junior choir lately, too--and all our church youth activities.  Why?"

    "I was just thinking," said Mother.  "The ember that fell from the fireplace is a good illustration of what can happen to God's children when they no longer meet with God's people.  That ember was giving light and warmth with the others, but all by itself, it soon grew cold.  And God's people, united in fellowship, worship, and prayer, are like the glowing coals.  They give and receive strength for everyday living.  But, all alone, they often grow cold, too."

    Slowly Amy nodded her head.  "I'll see if I can get Jan to come back to Bible club," she decided.  "It will be a step in the right direction."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worship regularly with God's people?  He says you should do that.  He knows you need the encouragement and warmth of their fellowship.  Together you can do great things for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 10:25  N)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . .but exhorting one another.