Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"The last avalanche of rocks at this site took place in 1970," Jody read from the plaque at the rest stop.  He turned to look at the huge boulders along the side of the mountain road.  "So all these rocks landed here twenty-seven years ago," he said thoughtfully.
 
"Johnny and Sue were here then, too," said Mom, pointing to another big rock showing those names and "1970" in faded spray paint.
 
"I guess it made them feel important to have their names written on stone," said Dad.  "Everyone wants his name to live on forever."
 
"Well, these lasted quite a while, but they're fading away," observed Mom.  She frowned.  "It's a shame to spoil the mountain that way!"
 
"You know," said Dad with a little smile, "I once had my name written in a special place, too."
 
"Bill!" scolded Mom.  "You didn't!"
 
"Yup."  Dad nodded.  "When I was younger. . .before you met me."
 
"Neat!" exclaimed Jody.  "Where is it?  Do you think it's still there?"
 
"It sure is," said Dad.  "I know it's still there, because the Bible says so.  My name is written in heaven."
 
"It heaven?" asked Jody.  "On stone?"
 
"Nope."  Dad shook his head.  "It's in the Book of Life.  When I gave my life to Jesus, He wrote my name in His special book where no avalanche can bury it, no rain can fade it, and. . ." he bent to scoop up some mud, ". . .nobody can come and wipe it out."  He walked over and smeared a patch of wet, red mud over the names of Johnny and Sue.  "When I die," continued Dad, "my name in that book will prove that I belong in heaven, and God will welcome me in."
 
"I gave my life to Jesus," said Jody, "so my name is written there forever, too.  Right?"
 
"It sure is," said Mom, "and so is mine."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your name written in heaven?  If not, receive Jesus as Savior today.  Then your name will be written in a place where it can never be destroyed or removed.   (See last page for more help.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Carrie listened in disbelief.  "After much prayer, we feel the Lord is calling our family to serve Him at an Indian reservation," Pastor Allen was saying.  "We will be leaving in one month."  Carrie was horrified at the news.  Her best friend was Becky, the pastor's daughter.  That meant Becky would move, too.
 
"How could Pastor Allen do this?" sobbed Carrie on the way home.  "I don't want him to leave.  He's the only pastor I've ever had, and Becky's my best friend.  They belong here!"
 
"Not if the Lord is calling them somewhere else," Dad replied gently.  "He must obey the Lord's leading."
 
Carrie didn't say anything more, but she was upset all day.  At bedtime, Mother gave her a hug.  "Honey," she said, "your old crib is set up in the guest room.  Why don't you sleep in it tonight?"  Carrie stared at her mother.  "I remember how you fought against the idea of moving out of it when you got your first big bed," Mother continued, "so maybe it would make you feel better to sleep in the crib again."
 
Carrie laughed.  "You can't be serious, Mom!" she said.  "I don't want to sleep in a crib anymore.  Besides, I wouldn't fit."
 
Mother smiled.  "That's true," she agreed.  "Part of growing up means leaving behind old things and adjusting to new ways.  People may change or move, but God is still with us, planning things for our good.  And keeping the Allens here apparently doesn't fit into God's plan for them--or for us."
 
Dad nodded.  "Let's thank God for the good years we've had with them and make their last days here extra special," he said.  "A good attitude on our part will make their move much easier for them."
 
"I guess you're right," Carrie said slowly.  "It won't be easy for Becky, either, but I'll help her all I can."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faced with a move, a new family member, or a new church or school?  Are you angry about changes or new circumstances in your life?  It isn't easy to let the familiar go, but God will still be with you in your new situation.  He doesn't change.  Trust Him to work things out for your good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

Meo-o-ow!  Mother got up when she heard the cat wailing in the living room.  "Andy, what are you doing to Muffy?" she asked, walking into the room.
 
"Just petting her," answered Andy, "but she turned around to face the other way, and I kept on stroking her the same way.  It made her fur all stand up funny, and she didn't like it!"
 
"I'll bet she didn't!" answered Mother with a smile.  "I'm sure it makes a cat feel funny to have its fur rubbed the wrong way.  Don't do that anymore!"
 
The next day, Andy looked unhappy when he got home from school.  "Just about everybody in my class cheated on a test today," he told Mother.  "John asked why I didn't cheat, too.  I told him it makes me feel funny to do that kind of stuff.  Nobody else seems to be bothered by doing things like that.  So why am I?"
 
"Well, when you do something wrong, the Holy Spirit convicts you about it because you're a Christian," replied Mother.  "It's as if God were 'rubbing your fur the wrong way.'  Then you feel uncomfortable and guilty.  And you don't feel right again until you turn around and go in the right direction--until you've repented of your sin and confessed it."
 
Andy grinned at his mother.  "I get it!" he exclaimed.
 
"When you do what you should," added Mother, "you feel safe and happy instead of guilty and afraid."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel unhappy and guilty about something you've done?  That's the Holy Spirit working to convict you about your sin.  It's as though your "fur is being rubbed the wrong way."  When you feel guilty, knowing you've done wrong, confess to God what you've done.  Tell Him you're sorry, and ask Him to help you to not do it again.  You'll feel better when you've done that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Pro 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Grandpa!" Joey called as he burst into the house.  "I'm going to run in a big race at our school.  It's in four weeks, and I can't wait!  First prize is twenty dollars.  That would buy lots of candy!""
 
Grandpa Jones chuckled as he looked up from reading his Bible.  "You'd better slow down, or you'll be worn out before the race starts," he teased.  "And if you're serious about running, you'd better cut down on junk foods, too.  I ran a few races in my college days, and I remember the coach emphasizing the importance of a good diet."
 
Joey groaned.  "My gym teacher said the same thing," he said, "but how can I ever live without candy bars and sodas and taco chips for four whole weeks?"
 
"I think you're looking at it the wrong way," replied Grandpa.  "There's no law against a runner eating candy or potato chips before a race.  But if you're really serious about winning, you'll want to cut out anything that doesn't help you reach your goal."
 
Joey thought for a moment.  "I really do want to win, so I'm going to do everything I can to come in first," he decided.  "I'll give up candy and stuff like that.  The prize will be worth it."
 
Grandpa nodded.  "You know," he said, "that's true when it comes to spiritual things, too, Joey.  Sometimes I hear you complain that you're not allowed to do some of the things your unsaved friends do.  But if you really want to reach the goal of becoming like Jesus and serving Him, you need to be willing to do without a few harmful or unnecessary activities.  I hope you'll always be as serious about serving the Lord as you are about winning that race!  The prize He offers is worth it, too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things that keep you from doing your best in your Christian "race"?  Places you want to go?  TV programs you want to watch?  Friends who want you to join them in activities your parents disapprove of?  Some things may not, in themselves, be sin, but if they keep you from serving the Lord, they're wrong for you.  Be serious about serving God.  Put away the things that get in the way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

[Soldier4Christ]

Though Joey didn't win first prize in the big race at school, he did win the ten dollar second prize, and he was glad he had worked so hard.  His happiness did not last long, however, for a few days after the race, Grandpa Jones became very sick and had to be taken to the hospital.  Joey was solemn as he entered his grandfather's hospital room after school one day.  "Hi, Joey!" Grandpa called weakly.  "Good to see you!"
 
"I'm glad to see you, too, Grandpa," replied Joey with a shaky smile.  "I sure wish you'd get better and come home.  I miss you!"
 
Grandpa closed his eyes and sighed.  "I miss you, too, Joey.  I think I will soon be at home--in my heavenly home, I mean," he said softly.  "I'm eager to be there."
 
Joey frowned.  "You mean you want to. . .to die?" he gasped.
 
"Sounds awful to you, doesn't it?" said Grandpa, "but I'm going to have a new body and I'm going to be with Jesus in my new home.  Some day when your body is old and worn-out like mine, you'll understand that."
 
"No," objected Joey.  "And I don't want you to die either!"
 
Grandpa Jones smiled. "Do you remember when you ran that race last Saturday?" he asked.  "How did you feel when you were almost to the finish line?"
 
Joey couldn't help grinning.  "To tell you the truth, pretty bad," he replied.  "My legs were sore, my chest hurt, I was all hot and sweaty, and I wanted a drink of water." Then he added, "But in a way, I felt great.  I knew the race was almost over, and I knew I'd done my best."
 
"Don't you see, Joey?" said Grandpa gently.  "That's exactly how I feel.  Even though my body is tired and full of pain, I'm happy because I can see the 'finish line' up ahead.  I've been saved by grace through Jesus Christ, and I can't wait to finally see Him and all the wonderful things He has prepared for me.  Don't feel sorry for me, Joey.  It's almost time for me to get my prize!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever think about growing old and dying?  If you know Jesus as your Savior, you don't need to be afraid. Then dying will be just a matter of "crossing the finish line" and receiving a reward for the work you have done for Jesus on earth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Php 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
 

[Soldier4Christ]

Through her thoughts, Janie dimly heard the minister's voice.  The Lord's Supper was being served, but Janie had always been bored during that time, and she allowed her mind to wander.  She was thinking about the fun she'd had on Memorial Day.
 
After the service, Janie looked for her grandfather.  "Hi, Grandpa," she said.  "Remember all the things we did on Memorial Day--the parade and going to the cemetery and the ice cream and everything?  I'm still thankful to God for my freedom--and my ice cream!"
 
"Great!"  Grandpa smiled.  "We did have a good time last Monday, didn't we?  And today is an even more important memorial day."
 
"Today?" Janie was puzzled.  "What do you mean?"
 
"Today we celebrated the Lord's Supper, or Communion," said Grandpa.  "When we do this, we remember that the Lord Jesus died so our souls can be forever free.  Be sure to thank God for the freedom He gave you when He washed your sins away, and for all the spiritual blessings and privileges you have because of that freedom."
 
"I will," promised Janie.  "On Monday I learned what I should think about on our country's Memorial Day, and today I learned what I should think about on the Christian's 'memorial day.' That's even more important."  She grinned.  "After all, ice cream is good, but heaven is even better."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does the Lord's Supper have meaning for you, or do you find it boring?  Jesus died and paid the price for your freedom from sin.  Because of that, you may have your sins forgiven, peace in any circumstance, God's watchful care over you, and best of all, eternity in heaven.  Sit quietly during the communion service and with reverence and thanksgiving, remember what God has done for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 8:36)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kevin held his ticket for the baseball game tightly in his hand as he approached the gate at the athletic field.  Just a little ahead of him, George, a friend from school, appeared to be arguing with one of the men taking tickets.  "Sorry, Son," the man was saying as Kevin walked up, "this is a ticket for last week's game.  I can't let you in."
 
"Oh, come on," argued George.  "I just grabbed the wrong one by mistake.  My dad will pay for a new one when he gets here."
 
The man shook his head.  "You'll have to wait for him."
 
George bristled.  "Don't you know who I am?" he demanded.  "My dad's the principal of the high school!"
 
"How nice for you," the ticket man replied calmly, "but I have orders."
 
As Kevin handed his ticket to the man and walked through the gate, he waved to George.  "Hey," George yelled, "how come he gets to go in and I don't?"
 
The man at the gate sighed.  "He has a ticket; you don't," he said.  "It's that simple.  No matter who you are, if you don't have a ticket, you don't get in."
 
Back home, Kevin told his dad about it.  "Will that man be in trouble because he wouldn't let the principal's son in?" asked Kevin.
 
Dad shook his head.  "The gatekeeper was right," he said.  "At a ball game, he doesn't look at the face of the person who wants to get in.  He looks at the ticket.  If it's the correct one, the person has the right to proceed.  If not, he doesn't have the right to go any farther, no matter who he is."  Dad reached for his Bible and prepared to read for family devotions.  "That's kind of the way God works, too," he added.  "Christ, and Christ alone, is our 'ticket' to heaven.  God won't look at our faces or at who we are.  He will only look to see if we have Christ in our hearts.  We'll get into heaven only if we have trusted Him as Savior."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have your "ticket" to heaven?  Have you received Jesus as your Savior?  You can never say, "Look at me, God.  I am a good person."  You can only say, "Look upon Christ, who is my 'ticket' to heaven."  If you've never received Him, don't wait.  Do it today.  (See last page for more help.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

[Soldier4Christ]

Erica loved to entertain her little brothers, Bobby and Billy.  "Lie down," she'd say, "and I'll read to you." The boys would lie wide-eyed and quiet as Erica read to them and showed them the pictures in the colorful books.
 
After reading one day, Erica took one of the books to her mother.  "You know this book you bought at the garage sale?" she asked.  "It says ponies are baby horses.  Aren't baby horses called 'foals'?"
 
Mother nodded.  "Ponies are really a type of small horse," she said.  "They're smaller than regular horses even when they're grown up.  Whoever wrote that book made a mistake."
 
"Another thing I wonder about," Erica added, "is some of those nursery rhymes.  Like the one about Tom, the boy who stole the pig.  The rhyme says that after the pig was eaten, Tom was beaten.  Shouldn't the family have returned the pig, instead of eating it?"
 
You're right," agreed Mother.  "Good for you!  I'm glad you're thinking about what you read, because you can't always agree with everything people write.  Just because something is in a book, doesn't mean it's true." Then she handed Erica a bowl. "Let's bake some cookies," she said.  "I have a new recipe that sounds great!"
 
They followed the directions carefully, but when they tasted the first batch of freshly baked cookies, both Erica and her mother frowned.  "These don't taste quite right," Erica said.
 
"I think there's too much salt in them," said Mother.  "I wondered about that when we mixed them, but I assumed the cookbook must be right."
 
"So cookbooks can be wrong just like kid's books," observed Erica.
 
"You have to be careful with any book written by people," counseled Mother.  "Any time you read, you have to think, 'Is this true or false?  Good or bad?'  There's only one book you don't have to question."
 
"I know what that is!" Erica said.  "The Bible."  Mom nodded.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe everything you read?  Remember, people aren't perfect and can make mistakes.  People are also sinful and can write things the Bible says are wrong.  The only book you can fully trust is the Bible.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Psa 33:4  For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I just got another mystery book from the library," Joel told his mother, who was busy in the laundry room.
 
"I'm glad you enjoy reading," said Mother as she looked up from her work.  "By the way, how did the spelling test go--the one you stayed up so late studying for?"
 
"It went okay. . .I guess," Joel replied sheepishly.  He felt guilty because he knew that the real reason he was up late was to finish reading a story.  He did love to read.
 
All week Joel read so late into the night that he could hardly get up in time for school.  He didn't play with his friends; he neglected his chores; and on Sunday morning, his Sunday school lesson was not done.
 
As Joel walked into church, his father noticed a mystery book in his son's coat pocket.  "I hope you don't plan to read your book in church," said Dad.
 
Joel fidgeted.  "Just between services, Dad?" he asked.  Dad shook his head.
 
As the family sat down for dinner that noon, Mom set a big bowl of carrots on the table.  Then she sat down, too.  "Is that it?" Joel asked in disbelief.  "Where's the rest of the food?"
 
"The rest?" asked Mother, looking surprised.  "Carrots are good for you.  I thought you liked them."
 
"They're okay, but not that many of 'em," said Joel.  "What happened to the meat and all the other stuff you always say we need for a balanced diet?"
 
"Aha!"  Dad entered the conversation.  "Did I hear the word 'balanced'?  Joel, that word doesn't apply to just food.  It applies to your whole life.  People can become off balance by doing too much of one thing and neglecting other things.  Take reading, for instance.  Reading is good, but not when you neglect your body, family, friends, school work, or the Lord to do it."
 
Joel blushed.  "I guess you're right," he admitted.  "I should probably try harder to have a 'balanced' life."
 
"That's right," said Mom, pulling a roasting pan out of the oven.  "You can start by having a good meal!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend too much time doing one thing?  You should be taking care of your body by getting proper food, sleep, and exercise.  You should be taking care of your mind by studying, reading good books, and listening in church and Sunday school.  You should be spending time with people and also with the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look at the score," moaned Todd.  "They'll never win."  Todd was spending the evening with his grandfather, and Grandpa had suggested that they watch a basketball game on TV.  Todd couldn't sit still.  He jumped up, then collapsed on the sofa, every time his team missed a shot at the basket.  "They're doing awful," he mumbled.  "We should be cheering for the other team."  He got up to get a drink.
 
"Hold on!"  Grandpa called him back.  "Is that how you support your team?  Come back and cheer them on."
 
"It's not like they can hear me," mumbled Todd as he trudged back.
 
A little later, Grandpa stopped the game in mid-play.  "Let's get a snack to munch while we watch the rest of the game," he suggested.
 
"Hey!" Todd exclaimed. "Is this game on tape?"  Grandpa grinned and nodded.  "So that's how you stay so calm," said Todd.  "You already know how it's going to end."
 
"I like it that way," confessed Grandpa.  "There's less pressure.  I hate surprise endings."  He smiled and pointed to his Bible on the table.  "That's why I'm so glad to have the Bible," he added.  "It tells how the biggest match of all will end."
 
"There's a basketball game in the Bible?" Todd asked in surprise.
 
"Not basketball," Grandpa said, "but a battle for the world!  Satan wants the hearts and minds of everyone, and sometimes. . . ." Grandpa shook his head sadly, ". . .sometimes it seems like he might be winning. Then the pressure to give up and 'desert our team' can be pretty great, especially when others seem to be having a better time than we are."  Todd thought about his schoolmates.  He didn't think many of them were Christians, but they did seem to be having a good time.  "But when the battle is over and the Lord comes to claim His throne, the faithful will celebrate the victory with Him," continued Grandpa.  "That's one victory celebration you don't want to miss."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever feel like it isn't worth the effort to live for Jesus?  Does it seem like unbelievers around you have a better or easier life?  If you're a Christian, be confident that you are on the winning team.  Someday you'll enjoy the rewards of victory with Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sam watched as his little brother struggled to tie his shoes.  Sam tried to help him, but Danny scowled and pulled away.  Sam sighed and waited patiently for his brother to give up.  Finally Danny allowed Sam to help him, and the two of them headed for the park. 
 
 "Dad, how long will it be till Danny can tie his own shoes?" Sam asked that evening.
 
Dad smiled.  "Not long," he said.   "He just needs a little more time.  I remember when you were learning new things.  You'd seldom let me help you.  If I tried, you'd get angry and say, 'No!  By myself, Daddy!'  And you'd push at my hands."
 
Sam grinned.  "I can hardly believe I was so stubborn," he said.  "Sure you're not mixing me up with somebody else?"
 
"It was you all right," said Dad.  "You were very independent.  Maybe I should thank you for that, because you taught me something."
 
"I did?"  Sam was surprised.
 
Dad nodded.  "As I watched you, I saw myself.  I was a new Christian--a baby Christian at that time--and I was trying to walk the Christian life all by myself.  I seldom read my Bible or prayed.  I rarely went to church.  I was accepting no help from my Heavenly Father or from any of my brothers and sisters in the Lord as I struggled with my temper and with other bad habits.  As I watched you resist my help, I suddenly realized that I was resisting the Lord's help.  In my spiritual life, I was saying, 'I don't need any help.'  It's a lesson I never forgot."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you struggling to "walk" as a Christian should?  Are you trusting God to help you with fears?  Laziness?  A temper?  Pride?  No matter how capable you feel, sooner or later you will "fall" spiritually if you try to walk alone.  Study God's Word.  Meet regularly with other Christians.  Take time to pray.  You need your Heavenly Father's help to be the honest, kind, helpful person He wants you to be.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Forgotten Smudge

Holly was ready for Sunday school-at least she thought she was. "Oh, no," she said with a sigh when she caught a glimpse of herself in the hallway mirror and saw a black smudge across her forehead. "How did I get that?"

As Holly went to wash off the smudge, three-year-old Kara stopped her. "Holly, help me, please," said Kara. She had her shoes on, but she couldn't buckle them. So Holly helped her sister, and the smudge was forgotten.

"There's a black mark on your face," said Mom when they got into the car. "We don't have time to stop now, but be sure to wash it off before you go to class." Holly put her hand to her forehead and nodded.

On the way to church, they passed the home of Barb, a new girl in the neighborhood. Holly felt guilty. She had been memorizing verses about winning others to Jesus, and all week she had felt she should invite Barb to Sunday school. Oh, well, she thought, Barb probably wouldn't come anyway.

At church, Holly headed for the washroom, but a bulletin board in the hallway caught her attention. She stopped to read it. When she walked into her classroom, her friend Kaley laughed. "Did you forget to take a shower this morning?" asked Kaley. Remembering the smudge, Holly laughed, too, and hurried out to wash it off.

When Holly returned, her teacher was reading some verses from the Bible. They were about a man who looked in a mirror, but when he left the mirror, he forgot what he had seen. That's like me this morning, Holly thought, stifling a giggle.

"When you learn what God wants you to do, but you don't do anything about it," the teacher said, "you are like that man. You're a hearer but not a doer of God's Word."

Wow! That really is like me! Holly thought. It wasn't the smudge on her forehead that came to mind now. It was a "smudge" in her life-something she knew God wanted her to do but she hadn't done. I know I ought to invite Barb to Sunday school, and I'm going to do it this week, Holly determined. She had taken care of the smudge on her forehead, and she knew it was time to do something about what she saw in the mirror of God's Word, too. I'll go see Barb this very afternoon, she decided.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have any forgotten "smudges" in your life? Has God shown you from the Bible that you should not lie? Cheat? Lose your temper? Has He shown you that you should be friendly? Helpful? Obedient? It's wonderful that you're learning how God wants you to live, but be sure to put what you learn into practice. Look in the mirror of God's Word, and don't forget what you see there. Do something about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be doers of the word and not hearers only. James 1:22

[Soldier4Christ]

"What's wrong, Steve?" asked Mike as he walked home from school with a friend.
 
Steve looked gloomy.  "I don't want to talk about it," he said.  "You'll just laugh."
 
"No I won't, Steve.  We're friends.  Come on. . .tell me what's bothering you," coaxed Mike.
 
"Well," said Steve, giving in, "some of the guys found out that my middle name is Thomas, which makes me S. T. Bernard.  And since 'St.' is the abbreviation for 'Saint,' they all started calling me 'Saint Bernard.'  They barked at me and everything."
 
"Don't let it bother you--they'll get over it," consoled  Mike.  As he thought about it, however, he couldn't resist a joke that came to mind.  "Wait till I tell the guys that I 'walk the dog' home from school every day!" he teased.
 
Steve looked at Mike in disbelief.  "You said you wouldn't laugh, and I trusted you!" he said, and he began running home as fast as he could.
 
"Hey, I was only kidding!" Mike called after him.  "You know I won't really tell them that!"  But Steve was gone.
 
Several days went by, but Steve refused to talk to Mike or walk home with him.  He's just being stubborn, thought Mike, but it really bothered him.  Then one morning, Mike was reading a chapter in his Bible, as he did every day.  This time he was reading Proverbs, chapter twenty-six.  He came to these verses: "Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking.'"
 
Uh oh, thought Mike as feelings of guilt filled his heart.  That sounds like the way I treated Steve.   I've got to ask him to forgive me.  So Mike went downstairs, ate a hasty breakfast, and grabbed his books.
 
"What's the big hurry?" asked his mother as he dashed past her.
 
"I'll explain tonight," answered Mike.  "Right now I've got to see Steve."  And he ran all the way to Steve's house.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you in the habit of teasing people about things that bother them?  God warns that you can deeply hurt them by doing that.  If you have hurt someone, you should apologize and ask him to forgive you.  Learn to say things that help people rather than hurt them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Pro 26:18  As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
Pro 26:19  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

[Soldier4Christ]

I guess I wouldn't like to be called "Saint Bernard" either, Mike admitted to himself as he hurried to his friend's house to apologize for having teased him.  He slowed down as he approached the Bernard home.  On the lawn, he saw a handmade sign which said, "Beware of the dog," and Steve didn't even have a dog!  Oh-oh, Mike thought.  I wonder who put that sign up.  That's gonna make Steve mad.  Maybe I should forget about apologizing for now and go to school early.  Just then the front door opened and Steve came out. "Hi, Mike," Steve greeted him.
 
"Hi," replied Mike, feeling a little off guard because Steve was smiling and friendly.  He decided to get the apology over with.  "Look, Steve," he said, "I want to apologize for teasing you the other day.  I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but I did, and I was wrong."
 
"Oh, it's okay," said Steve.  "I know I was silly to take the teasing so seriously.  Dad says I'd better get used to it.  He told me the kids used to tease him about his big feet when he was a boy--some of his friends still do.  He said it really helps if a person can 'play along' with the teasing." Steve pointed across the lawn.  "How do you like my sign?"
 
"Your sign?" asked Mike in surprise.
 
"Yep!" Steve nodded.  "I made that.  I've decided to take Dad's advice and enjoy being Steven Thomas Bernard from now on."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you respond to teasing?  Do you get angry and hold a grudge?  Getting angry won't stop people from teasing you.  It may even make them tease more.  God says you are to "bless them which persecute you."  So don't let teasing upset you.  Follow God's instruction to live peaceably with all men.  Learn to laugh at yourself.  You'll find you enjoy life more that way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 12:14  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

[Soldier4Christ]

Timmy walked down the street, drinking his cold soda.  It tasted really good because it was a hot day.  What made it even better was that the soda was free!  A new store called "The Soda Shack" had just opened up, and they were giving out free samples to advertise their products.
 
When Timmy reached the park on his street, a neighborhood ball game had just ended.  "Hey!  Where did you get that soda?" asked his brother Daryl.  "I know Mom didn't give you any money when we left."
 
Timmy grinned.  "I got it at that new place called The Soda Shack, and it was free!" he said.
 
As soon as Timmy said the word "free," a lot of the hot and thirsty players started to ask questions.  "Where did you say you got it?"  "You had to pay something for it, didn't you?"  "Did they tell you to come here and advertise?"  "There must be a trick to it; what is it?"
 
Timmy just smiled and said, "There are no tricks.  The Soda Shack is giving away free sodas today.  They said they hoped I'd come again whenever I want a soda or some ice cream."
 
Some of the kids, including Daryl, took off running toward The Soda Shack, but a lot of the others didn't believe Timmy.  "The sodas are free?  Oh, sure they are," someone said sarcastically.  "You really expect us to believe that?" asked another.  Many of the boys walked over to the water fountain for a warm drink.  Others just went home.
 
That evening, Timmy and Daryl told their parents what had happened.  "Some of the kids drank warm water instead of cold pop," said Daryl.  "They were sure the pop would cost something."
 
"Yeah," Timmy agreed.  "Why didn't they believe me, Dad?"
 
"I don't know, Son," said Dad, "but that reminds me of what happens when we present the Gospel to people.  Some just can't believe God will give eternal life as a free gift.  They think they have to do something to earn it, or they think there's a trick to it."  He shook his head.  "Maybe the store would have let those boys buy some of their 'free' sodas," he said, "but when it comes to eternal life, the only way to get it is to accept the gift God offers."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted God's offer of eternal life?  You can't pay for it or earn it.  It's free!  You simply receive it when you trust in Jesus.  (See last page for more help.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.