Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Grandma looked at the puzzle Rebecca was putting together.  "Oh what a nice puzzle picture!" said Grandma.  "I like horses."

    "So do I," said Rebecca.  "I'm so excited about moving, because the house we're moving to is right next to a horse ranch!"

    Grandma nodded.  "I remember that," she said.  She looked at Rebecca's brother, Aaron, who was reading a sports magazine.  "How about you, Aaron?" she asked.  "Have you met any boys your age?"       "No," replied Aaron.  "And I'm not excited about moving at all.  I wanted to try out for the school baseball team this spring.  I'll miss all my friends here. . .and I'll miss you and Grandpa, too."  Aaron sighed.  "I told Dad I don't see why we can't stay right here!"

    Grandma put an arm around Aaron's shoulder as Rebecca began working on her puzzle again.  "I'll miss you, too," said Grandma, "but I know God has great things planned for you in your new place."

    Rebecca suddenly stomped her foot.  "Oh-h-h!" she exclaimed.  "I know this piece goes here.  It's the right color and everything."  She tried again to make the piece fit.   

    Grandma looked at the piece Rebecca was holding.  "It does look right," she said.  "but if it won't go in, you better look for a different piece."  She pointed.  "Try that piece over there, Rebecca."

    "This one?" asked Rebecca picking up another puzzle piece.  She tried it in the space.  "This one doesn't fit, either," she said.

    "Turn it the other way," said Aaron, who was watching.

    Rebecca turned the puzzle piece.  "Hey!  It does fit," she cried.

    Grandma smiled.  "In some ways, life is like a puzzle," she said, looking at Aaron.  "It's hard for us to understand what purpose God has for us, but slowly the pieces begin to fit into place."

    "But why can't staying here be a piece of my life puzzle?" asked Aaron.

    Grandma shook her head.   "I don't know," she said.  "But I do know that sometimes we try to force a piece into the puzzle that doesn't fit.  It seems like it should fit, but it doesn't."

    "And staying here may be one of those pieces?" asked Aaron slowly.

    Grandma nodded.  "Sometimes God's way seems painful," she said, "but there's one thing that I have realized:  God is faithful and He will work everything out.  We need to faithfully allow Him to do that."  She smiled at Aaron.  "Trust Him with this move, honey," she advised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder why God allows certain things to happen in your life?  You don't need to understand, but you do need to accept what He allows, trusting Him to take all the pieces of your life and fit them together to make something beautiful.  Then the pieces will fit in the puzzle without having to force them in.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 3:5  T)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

[Soldier4Christ]

Alyssa wriggled uncomfortably when Pastor Burns gave an invitation for those who would like to be saved.  He had talked about things that would happen during a period of time called "the tribulation."  It was scary to think about.  But the pastor said Jesus would come and take Christians to heaven before then, so they wouldn't have to live on earth during that time.  Alyssa thought back to when she had accepted Christ.  Her mother had read a story to her about a naughty little boy who had been changed when he asked Jesus to come into his life.  Alyssa had felt very guilty.  She knew she was naughty--sinned, the grown-ups called it--and she wanted Jesus in her life, too.  She had talked to Mom about it, and they had prayed together.  But now Alyssa was scared.  I know I still sin sometimes.  Maybe I didn't pray the right way! she thought.  Maybe I should ask Jesus into my life again.  So although she didn't raise her hand, she quietly told the Lord that she was sorry for her sin and she wanted Him to control her life.  She felt much better then.

    That afternoon, Alyssa took the dog for a walk.  When they returned, it was quiet in the house.  "Mom," she called, "where are you?"  No answer.  "Mom?" she called again.  "Dad?"  Still there was no answer.  Alyssa had a horrible thought.  Maybe Jesus came and I'm the only one left at our house!  She hurried through the rooms and found no one.  She ran outside.  How relieved she was to see her parents talking to the neighbors two doors over!

    Alyssa was still nervous when Mom and Dad came home.  Her mother noticed and asked what was wrong, so Alyssa told Mom what was bothering her.  "I was really sorry for my sins, and I really meant it when I asked Jesus to be my Savior," said Alyssa.  "But sometimes I still worry that I'm not really saved.  How can I know for sure?"

    Mom thought for a moment.  "How do you know you're really my child?" she asked.

    Alyssa was startled.  "Why, I. . .ah. . .you told me so," she replied.

    Mom nodded.  "And you believe me, don't you?" she asked.  "You trust me to tell you the truth about that.  Well, you need to trust God, too, when He says that whoever sincerely calls upon Him is saved.  Remember. . .it's God who says that, and His word is even better than mine!"  She gave Alyssa a hug.  "Why don't you learn a verse that you can quote whenever Satan causes you to doubt your salvation," she suggested.  "Romans 10:13 might be a good verse for you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever afraid the Lord is going to come back and you won't be ready?  If you haven't received Jesus as your Savior, you have good cause to worry.  Won't you settle those fears by asking Him into your life today?  (See last page.)  After you do that, memorize a verse--perhaps the one below--and say it to yourself whenever you have doubts about your salvation.  Rest on God's word!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 10:13  F)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mark and his mother were at the hospital to visit Aunt Lillian.  Now, "Aunt" Lillian wasn't really anyone's aunt.  It was just an affectionate nickname given to her by the many, many children she had taught in Sunday school in the past years.  "How good to see you," Aunt Lillian greeted her visitors.   

    "How are you doing?" Mark's mother asked. 

    "Oh, just fine!  I've been able to witness to the man across the hall and had a good opportunity to share my faith with some of the nurses, too," replied Aunt Lillian excitedly.  "I know the Lord put me here for a purpose, and I figure that purpose is to be cheerful and share His love with others.  But, oh, how I wish He'd come back!  Wouldn't it be glorious if He came today?"  Several times during their conversation, Aunt Lillian referred to her desire for Jesus to return.

    "Aunt Lillian is surely 'fighting a good fight,'" observed Mother as she and Mark left.

    "Fighting?" asked Mark, puzzled.  "You always tell me not to fight."

    "She isn't getting into any fist fights," Mother assured Mark with  a smile.  "What I mean is that she's working hard at serving the Lord, even in the hospital.  She's doing all she can to be a witness for Him."

    "She sure is cheerful about everything," observed Mark.

    Mother nodded.  "Even her cheerful attitude is a testimony for Jesus," she said.  "No wonder she's so eagerly looking forward to the Lord's return--she's living a life pleasing to Him."  Mother paused and shook her head.  "She puts me to shame sometimes.  I'm often so busy that I don't even think about His return for long periods at a time."

    Mark was listening carefully to Mother.  "Me, either," he confessed.  "I guess I should."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you living in such a way that you would be happy to have the Lord return today?  Are you obedient, helpful, and witnessing for the Lord?  Are you developing love, patience, kindness?  In other words, are you 'fighting a good fight' for the Lord? Maybe you'd like to make a poster to hang in your room as a reminder that He is coming.  You could use the simple motto "Perhaps today. . . ."  As you think about His coming, examine your life and your attitude, and make up your mind to live a life that is pleasing to Him in every way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 4:7  I)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Duke was a very smart dog, and Ken and Laura enjoyed sending messages to each other by way of their pet.  Ken would fasten a note on Duke's collar and say, "Go to Laura."  The faithful dog would trot down the hall to Laura's room.  Then Laura would answer the note and tell Duke, "Go to Ken."  Duke would obediently return to Ken's room.

    One day, as he was doing homework in his room, Ken began to get hungry.  He knew Laura had candy in her room.  So Ken wrote a note asking for some, fastened it on Duke's collar, and said, "Duke, go to Laura."  Duke trotted out of the room, and Ken's mouth began to water just thinking about the candy.  He waited and waited, and Duke didn't come back.

    Ken decided to go check on his messenger.  "He never got here," said Laura.  "I think he heard Mom open the cupboard door."

    Sure enough--Duke had gone to the kitchen, and Mom had let him outside.  Now Ken's messenger was running around the backyard in pursuit of a rabbit!  Ken laughed.  "So much for that messenger," he said.  "He really messed up."

    "Christians are sometimes like Duke," said Mom thoughtfully.  "We are to be God's messengers, but sometimes we get sidetracked, too."

    "Like when you were supposed to play your trumpet in church but didn't get to practice because you were playing baseball," said Laura.

    "Or when you were supposed to write a letter to a missionary for your Sunday school project, but you ended up writing to your friends from camp instead," retorted Ken.

    "Wait a minute here!" exclaimed Mom.  "Those are the kinds of things I'm talking about, but I would suggest that you each look at your own life.  See what the Lord wants you to do to deliver his message!  Make sure you are a good messenger for Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes get sidetracked when delivering a message for the Lord?  Do you get so busy watching TV you "don't have time" to take part in Sunday school service projects or to practice your special music for church?  Do you "forget" to ask your friends to church or to tell them about the Lord because you're talking about so many other things?  Be a good messenger for God.  Don't get sidetracked!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 16:15  G)
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

[Soldier4Christ]

Dan, called Rodney to his older brother, "will you let me wear your practice mesh shirt to the basketball game tonight?"

    "No, Rod, you're not wearing it," Dan answered firmly.

    "Aw, please," begged Rodney.  "All the other players are letting their younger brothers wear their shirts.  Why can't I wear yours?"

    "Because you'd ruin it.  I can just see you snagging it on something and making a wreck of it.  I said 'no,' and that's final."  Dan hurriedly left to catch his school bus.

    "Oh, Mom," wailed Rodney, "why can't Dan do like the other guys on the team?  I'll be the only one without a practice shirt tonight."

    "You know why Dan won't let you wear it, Rod," said Mother.  "You have no one but yourself to blame."

    "But I'd be careful with it," protested Rodney.  "Honest!"

    "Dan has no reason to believe that," Mother pointed out.  "He's responsible for his uniforms and doesn't want them to look ragged.  He has loaned you things before, and you were careless with them."

    "Well, when Dan borrowed my bike, he got it all muddy, and I didn't get mad," murmured Rodney.

    "But he hosed it off and shined it up before he put it away, didn't he?" asked Mother.  Reluctantly, Rodney nodded.  "You need to learn to show respect for other people's things," continued Mother.  "You really should be extra careful of anything you borrow."

    Rodney was silent.  "Mom," he said at last, "I heard somebody say we're all living on 'borrowed  time.'  Does that mean we need to be extra careful with our time, too?"

    "Wow!" said Mother.  "I never really thought about that before.  But I think that's right.  Our time on earth really belongs to the Lord--He just allows us to live here for a while.  As you suggested, we should be careful with it.  We should use it in ways that bring glory to our God--and one of those ways is being careful with things we borrow!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful of other people's property?  Be sure to follow God's principles regarding borrowed things.  Respecting what belongs to someone else shows respect for that person, too, and it's important to your testimony for the Lord.  Take good care of the things you borrow.  And make very good use of the time the Lord gives you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 37:21  T)
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Apple Blossom Festival was held each spring in Jill's town.  She always looked forward to taking part in the games.  She especially loved the races, because she was a very fast runner.  Jill wanted to win a first place ribbon so badly!  And she did well.  She came in second in the very first event.  "That's okay," encouraged her brother, Bud.  Then, in the third event, it happened!  She came in first!

    Jill skipped happily to the judge's platform.  The mayor gave her a blue ribbon and placed a wreath of apple blossoms on her head.  It was so exciting!

    But the excitement didn't last very long.  By the next day, people were back to their regular routines, the booths were being taken down, and even Jill's wreath of apple blossoms was wilted and limp-looking.  "Oh-h-h-h!" wailed Jill.  "Look at my wreath.  It's already dead!  And I bet nobody in town even remembers I won that race!"

    "Oh, well," said Bud, "you had the fun of winning anyway."

    Dad nodded.  "It is fun to win crowns such as your apple blossom wreath," he agreed, "but it's much more important to win crowns that last forever."

    Jill frowned.  "Nothing lasts forever," she said.

    Dad smiled.  "Some things do.  Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in the ninth chapter of First Corinthians," he suggested.  He took a Bible and opened it.  "Start here," he said, pointing to the twenty-fourth verse.

    Jill read the verses; then looked at Dad.  "The wreath you won was just a passing glory," said Dad.  "Paul reminds us that the race we run in life is for a 'lasting crown.'  In other words, things we do for the Lord will have lasting results."

    "And there won't be just one winner, either, will there?" asked Bud.

    Dad shook his head.  "God will reward each of us according to how we have lived for Him," he said.  "That's why the race you run as you live your life for the Lord is the most important race of all." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you won a ribbon or a trophy?  Perhaps that award is now hanging on your wall or standing on your bookshelf.  It's fun and exciting to win, isn't it?  But don't forget that you're running another kind of race, too.  Live for God so you can look forward to the lasting reward He will give you.  What an exciting time that will be!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:8  E)
Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sandy's bed shook as she sobbed into her pillow.  It isn't fair!  It isn't fair! she kept repeating to herself.  All winter long she had helped shovel the walks and driveway for Grandma Atkins.  As a reward, Grandma had promised to take Sandy on a special weekend trip for her birthday.  And now, just a week before the promised outing, Grandma was sick.  Mother was staying with her at night, and Sandy had to help take care of her after school each day.  It just wasn't fair.

    "Sandy, are you okay?"  Dad's concerned voice came from the doorway.  "I thought I heard you moving around.  Why aren't you sleeping?  You'll be too tired to help Grandma tomorrow."  Sandy squirmed with anger.  Didn't anyone care about her?  "What's troubling you, honey?" asked Dad when he saw she was crying.

    "How. . .how would you feel if you worked all winter and didn't get what you were promised and. . .and nobody even c-c-cared?"  Sandy's voice rose to a loud wail.

    "So that's it," Dad answered softly.  "Sandy, we do care.  When I talked to your mother on the phone this evening, she told me Grandma is terribly upset because she can't keep her promise to you."

    Sandy wiped her eyes.  "I-I guess I never thought of how she feels."

    Dad nodded.  "When we get hurt, we often forget about others," he told her.  "That's why I like the Bible story of David and Jonathan so much.  Jonathan, as King Saul's son, was expected to be the next king of Israel, but God chose David to rule instead.  I'm sure Jonathan was disappointed, but he loved David and risked his life to help and encourage him.  Sandy, your mother and I know you're disappointed, and we're going to try to make it up to you.  So is Grandma.  But for right now, will you think of Grandma and help her all you can?"

    Sandy grinned sheepishly.  "I've been acting like a silly kid, and I'm sorry," she said.  "I love Grandma, and I'll do everything I can to make her get well quick.  I promise!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When things go wrong, do you think only of how badly you're feeling?  Or do you think of how others might be hurting?  Remembering that others also suffer will make you a kinder person and help you to forget your own hurts.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 15:13  G)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

[Soldier4Christ]

You're home early, said Mom when Susan came in after school.  "I thought you were going to stay after school today and try out for your class play."

    Susan set her books on the kitchen table.  Her eyes filled with tears.  "I changed my mind," she said.  "I've tried so hard to get along with all the girls in my grade, but a couple of them just don't like me.  They make fun of everything I do and say.  They're trying out for the play, and I just don't feel like being in a play with them."

    Mom looked sympathetic.  "Have you been praying about the problem?" she asked.

    "Praying?"  Susan shook her head.  "Not really."  She hesitated.  "I really don't understand prayer," she told her mother.  "I mean. . .I don't know. . .it just seems like I ought to try and solve my own problems."

    Before Mom could answer, Susan saw her cat rolling on the floor, tugging at her collar.  "I think something's wrong with Muffy," Susan said.  Mom and Susan bent down to examine the fluffy white cat.

    "Her claw is stuck in a slit on her bell," said Mom.  She reached down to help the cat, but Muffy rolled out of her reach.   

    Susan moved toward the cat.  "Come on, Muffy," she coaxed, "we only want to help.  Please be still."

    But Muffy would not be still.  She jerked her caught claw pitifully, and scooted away on three legs every time Mom or Susan came close.

    "I think we'll have to wait until she tires out from her own efforts," said Mom.  So they stayed near, watching Muffy until she became tired.

    "Maybe she'll let us help now," Mom said.  This time Muffy allowed Susan to pick her up.  Susan held the cat while Mom lifted Muffy's paw and carefully slid the claw out of the slit in the bell.

    "Wow!" said Susan as she cuddled the tired cat.  "I'm glad she finally let us help.  We'll have to get her a different kind of bell."

    Mom nodded.  "Muffy's attempt to free herself reminds me of your problem at school," she said.  "Instead of asking God for help, you've been trying to handle the problem yourself."

    Susan looked thoughtful.  "You mean. . .God wants to help me, just like we wanted to help Muffy?"  Mom nodded.  "Okay. . .I guess I've been struggling too hard to give Him a chance," admitted Susan.  "I'll ask Him to show me how to handle my problem."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you struggle with problems that you have not brought to God?  Problems such as a brother or sister who doesn't do his or her share of the work?  A bully at school or in the neighborhood?  A teacher who you think picks on you?  Start by talking to God about these or any other problem, then relax and trust Him to help you.  Remember that He wants to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 46:1  G)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

You won't believe what I saw at Kelsey's! Sharlene was almost in tears.  "She's selling my doll at her garage sale!"

    "Your doll?" asked Mom.

    "Yes!  My doll!" answered Sharlene.  "I know it's mine. . .it has a scribble mark on one arm, the same dress, and the eye that sticks shut.  It's the one Grandma gave me."

    "How did Kelsey get it?" asked Mom.

    Sharlene shrugged.  "I don't know.  Maybe I left it over there or something. When I said it was mine, Kelsey grabbed it. She said it was hers and she was going to get money for it."

    "I'll check it out," offered Carla, Sharlene's older sister.  She headed down the street.  When she returned a few minutes later, Carla nodded.  "That's Sharlene's doll all right," she said.  "I told her mother that it was, but she just said it was too bad if Sharlene lost it, but 'finders are keepers.'  And Kelsey wants $5.00 for it."

    Sharlene burst into tears.  "But it's mine!" she protested.  "It's my last present from Grandma."

    Mom sighed.  "Well," she said, "I can ask Kelsey's mother about it, too, but if she really feels that way, you may have to have to buy your doll back."

    "She shouldn't have to pay for something she owns," muttered Carla.  But Sharlene was already up in her bedroom shaking coins out of her bank.  She put the money into her pocket and dashed down the street.  A few minutes later she came skipping back, the doll hugged tightly in her arms.

    Mom smiled.  "You redeemed her," she said.   

    "I what?" asked Sharlene.

    "You did for your doll what Jesus did for us," explained Mom.  "He made us for Himself, but when Adam and Eve sinned, it put them and all the people who came after them under Satan's power.  But Jesus paid the price so that we could become God's children."

    "He did that when He died on the cross, didn't He," said Carla.

    Mom nodded.  "That's right," she said.  "He bought us back with His own blood.  When we trust  in Him, we no longer have to be afraid of death and eternal punishment."

    Sharlene looked at her doll.  "Now you'll remind me of both Grandma and Jesus!" she said  "From now on, I'm taking extra good care of you!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you realize that Jesus paid the price to redeem you--to buy you back from Satan's power?   He offers you the gift of salvation.  Have you accepted it, or does Satan still "own" you?  If you haven't received Jesus as your Savior, won't you do so today?  (See last page of this book for more help.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

[Soldier4Christ]

While Darian and his grandpa were out for a walk one evening, Grandpa spotted a hawk circling above them.  "Quick!  Get behind that bush," Grandpa said, giving Darian a nudge.  "Let's watch this."  Screened behind the bush, they watched the hawk sweep down from the sky with lightning speed.  It pounced on a mouse, gripped it tightly in its powerful feet, and carried it off.

    Darian's mouth hung open in surprise.  "How did the hawk see that tiny, little mouse?" he asked.

    "Hawks have extremely sharp eyesight," explained Grandpa.  "That's where the expression 'watching like a hawk' comes from.  That hawk could see the little mouse running in the grass, so he caught his dinner."

    "He has a terrific aim, too!" exclaimed Darian.  He grinned.  "I'm sure glad I'm too big for a hawk's dinner."

    "Way too big."  Grandpa chuckled, then he looked serious.  "There is an enemy who circles around looking for humans, though," he said.  "Just like that hawk looks for weaker animals to prey on, Satan looks for weak spots in our lives and attacks us there."

    "What do you mean by weak spots?" Darian asked.

    "I mean areas in our lives that aren't fully given to God," said Grandpa.  "For instance, if a person has a temper and isn't depending on God for help in fighting it, Satan will attack that person through his temper.  He'll attack over and over again.  Just like a hawk, Satan has a good aim."

    "I guess lying and stealing and swearing could be weak spots, too, couldn't they?" asked Darian.

    Grandpa nodded.  "And grumbling and disobedience--all kinds of things."

    Darian looked at his grandfather.  "I don't think you have any weak spots, do you?" he asked.

    "Oh, I'm afraid I do!" said Grandpa.  "Everyone does."  He smiled.  "I'll even tell you one of my weak spots, Darian.  One of mine is that I don't help Grandma enough.  Sometimes I don't pay enough attention to her.  So when I see I'm neglecting her, I tell God I'm sorry and ask for His help.   Then Satan can't attack me in that weak spot.  He can watch me like a hawk, but it won't do any good."

    "I guess fighting with my sister is a weak spot for me," Darian decided.  "I'm going to ask God to help me quit doing that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What is your weak spot?  Arguing?  Laziness?  Putting things off till "later"?  Talking back?  Whatever it is, don't give in to it.  Talk to God about it.  Ask Him to help you overcome it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 5:8-9  B)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.  Whom resist steadfast in the faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jamie, why don't you ask Bob to come to Sunday school with you this week? asked Mother as they were returning from picking up a puppy at Grandpa's house.  Jamie sighed.  Bob uses bad words, he cheats on spelling tests, and he even got into trouble for shoplifting a couple of times, he thought.   He just isn't the kind of kid I want for a friend.  I should think Mother would know that, but she keeps suggesting that I invite him.

    "Jamie, what's wrong?" Mother asked.  "Every week you come up with a reason why you can't invite Bob to Sunday school.  That's not like you.  You've invited lots of kids in the past."

    "But they weren't like Bob," Jamie explained, and he told his mother how Bob acted.

    "I know Bob has some serious problems, Jamie, and I'm not saying you should spend a lot of time with him," agreed Mother.  "But that doesn't mean you can't be friendly and invite him to church."  When Jamie didn't answer, Mother motioned toward the puppy Jamie cuddled on his lap.  "Why did you pick that puppy, Jamie?" she asked.  "Didn't you think some of the others were cuter?  Grandpa says this one is the runt of the litter."

    "But that's just it, Mom!" said Jamie in surprise.  "Grandpa says lots of people will want the other ones, but this little puppy needs a good home, too!  Besides, I like him.  I think he's cute."

    "He reminds me of Bob," observed Mother.  "In some ways, he may not be the most attractive boy, but he certainly needs the Lord, doesn't he?  And the Lord loves him just as He loves all of us, right?"

    "Well. . . ."  Jamie thought about it.  He knew his mother was right.  "Okay.  I'll invite him to Sunday school this week," he decided.  "Maybe he'll accept the Lord and become the kind of person I'd like for a friend.  That would be cool!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you invite only your "nice" friends to Sunday school?  Do you wish that boys and girls with "real problems" would stay away from your church?  Maybe there has been a child with a serious problem attending your Sunday school.  Have you gone out of your way to be friendly--or have you ignored that person, hoping he or she wouldn't come back?  Remember, the Lord Jesus loves everybody.  He doesn't play favorites.  That child with the serious problem needs Christ just as much as you do!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 2:11  F)
For there is no respect of persons with God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Happy birthday to you, sang Brian and Megan as their mother brought a cake to the table.  "Happy birthday, Dear Daddy.  Happy birthday to you."  Dad beamed as Mother set the cake with several lit candles in front of him.  "Blow out the candles," clamored the children, "and don't forget to make a wish."

    Dad closed his eyes and thought for a minute.  Then he took a deep breath, puffed out his cheeks, and blew!  All around the cake, the little lights went out.  But one of them recovered and burned brightly again.  "Oops," said Dad.  He tried again.  The candle flickered and appeared to go out, but when Dad stopped blowing, the flame came right back.  Dad tried a third time with the same results.  "Hey, wait a minute," said Dad, while Brian and Megan roared with laughter.  Dad looked at the still burning candle.  "Whose idea was it to pull a trick on your old dad?" he growled playfully.

    "Brian got that candle down at Frye's Party Supplies," reported Megan, giggling.  "It's a special candle, and it won't blow out.  You have to put it under water to get it out."

    "That's what you get for having your birthday on April first," teased Brian.  "Happy birthday, and Happy April Fool's Day!"

    The children each took several turns to see if they could blow out the light.  Even Mother tried, but no one could do it.  "That special candle reminds me of what God has done for us," said Dad finally.  "He has given us the privilege of being lights in this world.  When we allow sin to enter our lives, it blows against our lights, causing them to flicker.  Sometimes it makes us very ineffective, but let's be sure to thank the Lord that He doesn't allow our lights to go out completely.  And let's make up our minds to keep our lights free from sin so they can burn brightly for Jesus."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your "light" burning brightly?  Or is there sin--such as disobedience, a lie, or an unkind act--blowing against it?  If there is, it will keep you from being a good testimony for Jesus.  Confess that sin, ask God's forgiveness, and shine for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:16  L)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Doug was delighted when robins built a nest on a high ledge of the front porch.  Then the mother bird began sitting on the nest, and the father robin often sang from the porch railing.  Doug was sure there were now eggs in the nest, and he eagerly waited for them to hatch.  Then one day, he saw the robins bringing worms to the nest and he heard peeping sounds, so he knew the babies were out of the eggs.

    When Grandpa came over a few days later, Doug showed him the nest.  As they watched, they saw three bald little heads bob up every time a worm was brought to the  nest.  "They've been getting stronger all the time," Doug said.  "I can't wait to watch them learn to fly."  He grinned as the mother robin appeared and three little mouths again opened wide.

    "What do you think would happen if those baby robins wouldn't open up their mouths for food?" asked Grandpa.

    "Well. . .I guess they'd never get strong enough to fly," said Doug.

    "Smart boy," agreed Grandpa, smiling.  "Now, I have another question for you.  What do you think happens when we, as Christians, don't open our hearts and minds to take in the milk and meat of God's Word--the spiritual food He gives to make us stronger Christians?"

    Doug grinned.  "Smart Grandpa," he teased.  "I know what you're trying to teach me. . .you're saying that I should read from my Bible every day, right?"  Grandpa nodded.  "I know I should," agreed Doug, "but it's really hard to get at it sometimes.  I'm pretty busy with school."

    "I know, but food is needed to bring strength, both physical and spiritual," said Grandpa firmly.  "Reading your Bible and praying are important for spiritual growth.".   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you "opening wide" to take in the spiritual food God wants to give you?  He has many good things in His Word for you to " "eat."  There are promises, lessons, encouragement, warnings, and much more.  Spend time with God daily, reading, praying, and obeying.  It will help you grow strong in your Christian life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 81:10)
Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amy and Joelle were enjoying a vacation trip with their parents.  There were new things to see every day.  "What are we going to see tomorrow?" asked Amy when they stopped at a motel on Saturday night.

    "Tomorrow we're going to church," answered Mother, "just like we do when we're at home."

    "Oh, Mom, do we have to?  I'll feel so out of place in a strange church," complained Amy.

    Dad smiled.  "I think we can find a church where we'll feel at home," he assured her.

    Early Sunday morning Mother woke Amy and Joelle and told them to put on their very best clothes.  After breakfast, they headed for the church they had chosen.  When they arrived, they were met at the door by a friendly couple who took them to their Sunday school classes.  The girls were surprised to find that they knew all the songs the children sang.  "And look at those posters on the wall!" Joelle whispered to Amy.  "They have Awana just like we do!"

    As the morning passed, the girls discovered many things similar to their own church.  Even the pastor's message sounded like a message they might hear in their church at home.

    "When we're away from our own church," said Dad as they got back into their car, "we might feel like we're the only Christians in the world, but that's not true.  There are people everywhere who love the Lord."

    "And it's fun to meet other Christians," Joelle decided.

    Amy nodded.  "After all, we all belong to God's family!" she said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever visited a church in another town?  Was it a lot like the one you regularly attend?  Christians have much in common--especially their love for the Lord.  There are people all over the world who truly desire to share God's Word with others.  When you're on vacation over a weekend, you'll find that it's a good time to meet other Christians and fellowship with them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:63  I)
I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts.

[Soldier4Christ]

When the school bell rang, Tyson pushed past several children and hurried to the drinking fountain.  He edged in at the front of the long line.  "No cuts!" called several children, but Tyson ignored them and took a long drink.  When he went to hang up his coat, he found a coat already hanging on the hook nearest the door.  He moved it to a place down the line and put his own coat on his favorite spot.  Somehow, he managed to be the last one to his seat.

    It was the start of a typical day.  Tyson spent a lot of time daydreaming instead of studying.  At recess time, he tried to be the first one out the door and the last one back in.  "No fair," he grumbled when he had to stay in to finish his work during the afternoon recess.  He glared at his teacher.  Finally, he handed in several messy papers.

    After school, Tyson went home and played with his new detective set.  He decided to see if he could lift fingerprints.  When his dad came home from work, Tyson told him about his detective work.  "You leave prints on everything you touch, you know," said Tyson.

    "I know, Son.  I know."  Dad nodded.  "And what kind of prints have you been leaving all day?"

    Tyson squinted at his dad.  "The same kind as always, of course," he said.  "Your fingerprints don't change."

    "True," agreed Dad, "but wherever you go, you leave other prints, too--let's call them 'lifeprints.'  Everything you do makes an impression-- or a 'lifeprint'--on other people.  What kind of prints do you think you made today on your teacher and on the kids at school?"  Tyson hadn't thought of that before!  "Unlike fingerprints," Dad was saying, "we can change the kind of 'lifeprints' we make."  Tyson nodded slowly.  "It's not easy," continued Dad, "but with God's help we can do it."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of "lifeprints" are you making?  Do others see selfishness and laziness in your life, or do they see kindness, courtesy, faithfulness, and friendliness?  Most of all, do they see Jesus?  Ask God to help you live in such a way that the lifeprints you leave are a good testimony for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:10  F)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.