Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Alex watched as his big brother, Steve, got ready to go duck hunting.  "What are you going to do with those?" asked Alex, pointing to some painted, wooden ducks on the workbench.
 
"These are called decoys," Steve explained, picking one up.  "No self-respecting duck will come near if he sees me standing around with a gun in my hands.  So I hide, but I put these fellows out on the lake.  From the air, they look real, and when the ducks flying overhead see them, they say to themselves, 'If that's a good spot for my brothers to land, it must be a good place for me.'  Then down they come, at which point I leap from my hiding place and shoot your dinner for you."
 
"Humph!" Alex was scornful.  "What dumb ducks!"
 
That evening, Alex and Steve watched a football game on TV.  During a commercial, Steve opened a magazine, but he noticed that his younger brother was intently watching a liquor advertisement on the screen.  "Don't be a dumb duck," said Steve.  He pointed to the TV screen.  "All the people in that ad are drinking and looking as though they're really enjoying themselves as they drink.  They're well-dressed and good-looking and apparently happy and healthy.  They're there to entice you to drink.  They don't want you to realize that alcohol causes all sorts of unhappiness--hangovers and meanness and car accidents.  You never see a smashed up car in those ads or a bum staggering around.  You see only the 'decoys' that make drinking look good."
 
"Yeah."  Alex looked over at his brother.  "Don't be a dumb duck, yourself," he said, pointing to an ad he spotted in Steve's magazine.  "The guy in that cigarette ad looks strong and healthy.  Don't be fooled just because you don't see him gasping in pain from lung cancer."
 
"Good thinking."  Steve grinned.  "Let's both be smart guys, not dumb ducks."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does Satan fool you by making sin look attractive?  He likes to keep you from seeing the ugly side of the picture.  A good report card may make cheating seem worthwhile.  A candy bar may make stealing look attractive.  Being accepted by the other kids may make it seem all right to laugh at a dirty joke.  Don't be fooled by the "decoys" Satan shows you.  Sin always ends in sorrow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:11)
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

[Soldier4Christ]

When Kaley came into the kitchen, sleepily rubbing her eyes, she found the rest of her family already there.  "Happy birthday!" they shouted.  A big smile spread across Kaley's face as she saw gifts piled beside her plate.  There was one all done up in rainbow colors, with long, curly streamers.  Another had a teddy bear trinket on top.  And then there was a plain, white envelope.  That's probably a card from Jared, she thought.  Brothers don't do so good at wrapping things. "We thought we'd let you open presents now," said Mother with a smile, "but the only cake you'll get at this time of day is 'pan' cakes."
 
Eagerly, Kaley reached for the package with the teddy bear on top.  Inside, she found a cute little note pad and pen.  She was surprised to see that it was from her brother.  "Thanks, Jared," she said.  "I love it."  Next, she opened the "rainbow" package.  It was from her sister, and it contained a new coloring book and magic markers.  "Oh, good!" exclaimed Kaley.  "Half of my old markers won't even write anymore."  Finally, she reached for the uninteresting envelope and slowly slit it open.  But when she saw what was inside, her eyes widened.  "Oh," she squealed, "a kitty?  I'm going to get a kitty?"  She held out a certificate that read:  "Good for one small kitten.  With much love, Mom and Dad."
 
Dad nodded.  "You and Mom can pick it up after school," he said.
 
"Oh, thank you!"  Kaley gave each of her parents a big hug.  "I've been wanting a kitten for so long!"
 
As they went to get the kitten after school, Kaley told her mother all about her day.  "We have a new girl in our class," she said.  "But she looks kind of sloppy.  She could use some new clothes.  She combs her hair so funny, too."
 
"Be careful!  The Bible tells us that man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart," reminded Mother.  "You can't tell what's in a package by the wrappings, you know.  That's an important lesson we all have to learn."  As they pulled up in front of the pet store, Kaley had to agree.  She remembered the contents of the plain, white envelope.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make quick judgments when you meet new kids?  Do you decide whether you like them by what they wear rather than by what they are?  That's not God's way.  He judges others--and you--by what He sees inside.  What does He see in you?  Does He see patience, kindness, and a willingness to get along with others?  Does He see friendliness and love for others?  Don't judge people just by the way they look.  Ask the Lord to help you love them as He does.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Samuel 16:7)
Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"There!"  Elayne looked at the string she had just tied around her finger.  "That should help me remember to ask Tina to bring my sweat shirt to school tomorrow.  My teacher says a string around your finger is a good reminder when you need to remember something."
 
"Fine."  Mother smiled.  "Now I hope you're ready to go to church.  It's almost time for Sunday school."
 
When Elayne arrived at church, she looked for Tina, but Tina wasn't there.  So Elayne decided to leave the string on her finger until after church when she could call Tina.
 
"Please turn to chapter eleven of First Corinthians," said Pastor Gates during the morning service.  (See today's Scripture.)  "The Lord knows we are a forgetful people," he continued.  "He gave us a special way to remind us of what He's done for us--we call it the Lord's Supper.  The pieces of bread eaten during the Lord's Supper remind us of Jesus' body and how He suffered for us on the cross.  The grape juice is a reminder of His blood which was shed for us."  Elayne twisted the string on her finger as the pastor read the Scripture passage and continued his message.
 
When Elayne arrived home from church, she called Tina to tell her she missed her in Sunday school and to remind her to bring the sweat shirt the next day.  "I told her to put a string around her finger," Elayne said, "but I'm glad I can take this one off now.  I'm tired of wearing it."
 
Mother smiled.  "Aren't you glad God planned such a nice way to remind us of what Jesus did for us?" she asked.  "I think the Lord's Supper is much nicer than wearing a string around your finger, don't you?"  Elayne grinned as she nodded.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is observed in your church, what do you think about?  Are you reminded of all Jesus did for you, and that He's coming again?  You should be.  Christians have the privilege of taking part in this service, but it is a serious thing.  Don't whisper or daydream.  It should be a happy time, but it should also be a serious time of remembering.  Observe it the way God intended.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 11:24)
(Jesus said) This do in remembrance of Me.

[Soldier4Christ]

Karen sat in the tall grass, surrounded by bright yellow dandelions, and watched her grandmother set the picnic table.  "Grandma," she said as she absentmindedly began to pick some of the yellow flowers, "what do you do when someone tells you something about someone else and all of your friends want to know what you heard?"
 
"That depends," replied Grandma.  "Was what you heard true?  Was it something that could possibly hurt the other person?"  Karen nodded as she picked a dandelion that was going to seed.  "When you repeat such things it's called gossip," continued Grandma.  "Gossip can spread very quickly once it's started, and can never be taken back."
 
"So I shouldn't repeat it, right?" asked Karen.  She blew as hard as she could on the round, white globe of dandelion seeds.  The seeds drifted in all directions and landed on the ground like fluffy, tiny parachutes.
 
"You're right," said Grandma.  "You shouldn't repeat gossip."  She motioned all around her.  "Go and gather up all the seeds you just scattered," she added.
 
Karen looked at her grandmother in surprise.  "That's impossible," said Karen.  "The wind took them every which way.  I could never find them all."
 
Grandma nodded.  "That's what happens with gossip, too," she said.  "Someone tells you something.  You repeat it to someone else, who repeats it to someone else, who repeats it to someone else, and so on.  It's almost as if the wind has carried it in all directions.  If you wanted to stop the gossip and take it all back, it would be impossible."  Karen nodded as she twirled the empty dandelion stem in her fingers.  "When you take part in spreading gossip, you're just as responsible in God's eyes as the person who started the gossip," added Grandma.  "Gossip can be hurtful and can even break up friendships.  Don't repeat unkind things you hear about others.  Instead, do your best to stop rumors from going any farther."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you able to control your tongue?  That's one of the hardest things God has asked you to do.  If the temptation to gossip strikes, ask God to give you the strength you need to hold your tongue.  Repeat only things that build others up.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 14:19)
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, ugh!  Not leftovers!" grumbled Chad as he slid into his chair.
 
Mother frowned, and Dad spoke sternly.  "That's enough, Chad!" he said.  "Now, let's give thanks."
 
Chad and Staci picked at their food until Mother brought out some peach cobbler.  "At least there's one leftover thing that's good," Staci mumbled to Chad.
 
As Mother dished out the cobbler, she asked, "What time are we having family devotions, Don?"
 
"I don't have time today," Staci said quickly.  "I have a pile of homework."
 
"And I have to go to Phil's house," Chad added.
 
"I really need to do some research on the Morgan case," Dad said.  "Maybe we should skip devotions tonight."
 
"Yeah," agreed both of the children.
 
"We skipped devotions last night and the night before," Mother reminded them.  "We've been giving God our leftover time. . .that is, when we have any time left over."
 
Dad raised his eyebrows.  "I hadn't thought of that," he admitted, "but you're right.  We are guilty--especially me, and I'm sorry."
 
"I wonder if God likes leftovers any better than we do," said Chad.
 
"Probably not," replied Mother.  "In fact, I'm sure He doesn't.  He often rebuked Israel for bringing Him leftover sacrifices."
 
Dad stood up.  "Looks like we need to rearrange our schedule, starting right now.  Get your Bibles and we'll meet in the living room for family devotions in five minutes."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things to serve God only when you've nothing else to do?  Do you read your Bible and pray only when you have plenty of time?  Are you giving God your leftovers?  Honor Him by giving Him the "firstfruits "--not the "leftovers "--of your time and talents, as well as your money.  Make up your mind right now to start putting God first in all things.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 3:9)
Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.

[Soldier4Christ]

Joanie was telling her family about the story she'd read in school.  "The mean old wolf blew down the house of the first little pig because it was made of straw," she said, "and he blew down the house of the second little pig 'cause it was made of sticks.  But even though he huffed and he puffed and he puffed and he huffed, he couldn't blow down the house of the third little pig.  It was made of bricks."  Joanie looked proudly around the table.
 
"Pooh," scoffed her brother, Matt.  "You've known that story ever since you were little."
 
"Yes, but now she can read it all by herself," said Dad, smiling at his little daughter.  "Good for you, Little Pig."
 
"Daddy!" protested Joanie.  "I'm not a pig."
 
"No, you're not," agreed Dad.  "I called you that because the little pigs were builders, and you are, too."
 
"Me?" asked Joanie.  "I'm not building a house."
 
Dad smiled.  "No," he said, "but you're building your life.  We all are.  We add a little to it every day by the things we do and say and by the places we go.  Sometimes we add 'straw' or 'sticks'--the Bible calls it 'wood, hay, and stubble.'  Sometimes we add something even better than brick--the Bible refers to those things as gold, silver, and precious stones.  They're the only things that will last."
 
"What do you think are some of the 'wood, hay, and stubble' things we do?" asked Mother.
 
"Cheating and lying and disobeying are all bad things," said Matt promptly.  "They're wood, hay, and stubble."
 
"Yes," agreed Dad, "and so are the good works that we do with the wrong attitude."
 
"Like helping, but being mad about it?" asked Joanie.
 
Dad nodded.  "And like singing a special number just to win the praise of people rather than because we love God.  Now, what are some things that will last?"
 
"Inviting a friend to Sunday school," suggested Matt.
 
"Running errands for Grandma," said Joanie.
 
"Smiling instead of complaining, even when things go wrong," added Mother.
 
"Good."  Dad nodded.  "I think you've got the idea!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What are you using to build your "life-house"?  Will you use "wood, hay, and stubble" today?  Or will you build with materials that will last for all eternity--with actions and attitudes that please God?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (
1 Corinthians 3:14  If any man's work abide . . .he shall receive a reward.

[Soldier4Christ]

After Sunday school, Joanie was eager to share her lesson with her family.  "My teacher talked about the three little pigs today," she said.
 
Matt scowled.  "Aw, she didn't, either."
 
"Did, too," insisted Joanie.  "She said the Bible tells us about a builder who was even more foolish than the first two little pigs.  Bet you don't know who he was."  Matt thought for a few minutes before giving up.  "He was the man who built his house on the sand," stated Joanie.  "When the storms came, his house fell."
 
"Well, I don't see how he was more foolish than the little pigs.  Their houses fell, too," argued Matt.
 
"Oh, well. . . ."  Joanie couldn't think of an answer for a moment.  "Well, he was more foolish because they were just pigs," she decided.  "and people are more important than pigs.  My teacher says the man who built on the sand is like people who don't follow what Jesus says and don't accept Him as Savior.  Then they don't go to heaven--they're lost forever."  Matt had to admit that this was worse than what happened to the pigs.
 
"Now tell us the good part of the story," suggested Dad.
 
"Another man--a wise man--built his house on the rock," said Joanie, "and it stood through even the worst storms.  He's like people who hear and believe what Jesus says.  They accept Him as Savior, and He's always with them and helps them through all the storms of life."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where are you building--on the sand or on the Rock, Jesus Christ?  All the good things you do won't last unless you are building your life on the right foundation--unless you've accepted Jesus as your Savior.  Do that right now.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:11)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jim!" called Mother from the kitchen.  "Joy is playing next door, but I need her to run to the store for me.  Take this shopping list and money out to her, and then I want you to start mowing the lawn."
 
"Okay," agreed Jim.  After Mother left the room, he looked at the list.  It said:  1 carton of sour cream, 1 bottle of vanilla, 2 dozen eggs, a large bag of flour.
 
That doesn't sound very interesting, thought Jim.  Then he had an idea.  He found a pencil with an eraser and changed the list so it read like this:  1 carton of ice cream, 1 bottle of root beer, 2 dozen cookies, a large bag of candy.  Now, that's more like it! thought Jim.  He chuckled to himself as he put the list in his pocket.  I'll see what Joy says; then I'll change it back.
 
When Jim turned around, he was surprised to see his mother standing in the doorway, watching him.  "What were you doing just now?" she demanded.  "Let me see that list."  Reluctantly, Jim handed it over.  Mother read it and looked up at Jim.  "What right did you have to change what I had written?" she asked.
 
"Uh. . .well. . .I was gonna tell Joy the right things before she left for the store," explained Jim lamely.
 
Mother looked seriously at him. "You're sure?" she said.  "Well, I suppose I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."  As she rewrote the list, she added,  "You know, Jim, what you did reminds me of your request to go to church with your friend Darrell next Sunday.  Remember why we said no?"
 
"You said his church doesn't believe the whole Bible is true," replied Jim.  "They've changed parts to fit their own teaching."
 
"Yes."  Mother nodded.  "Just as you changed what I wrote, they've changed what God wrote.  Whenever people alter the Scriptures, they dishonor God and bring punishment on themselves."  She once again handed him the list.  "Here you are," she said.  "Now be a good messenger boy--for me and for God."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize how important God's Word really is?  No matter how fine a church or religious group may appear to be, if they change what is written in God's Word, the Bible, don't believe what they say.  It's wrong for people to change what God has said.  Make sure you're not guilty of doing that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 30:6)
Add thou not unto His (God's) words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Jim walked down the driveway, he met his friend Darrell.  "Hi!  Where ya going?" asked Darrell.
 
"Next door," replied Jim.  "My sister is there, and Mom wants her to go get some groceries."
 
"Did your folks say you could come to church with me next Sunday?" Darrell wanted to know.
 
Jim knew that this would be a good time to witness to Darrell, but he felt too bashful.  So he just said, "No, I can't come this week.  Maybe some other time."  Then he and Darrell talked about school activities until Jim heard his mother calling.  He hurried home.  "Yeah, Mom?" he asked.  "Did you want me for something?"
 
"Well, I expected you back long ago," Mother said.  "Did Joy leave for the grocery store right away?  I need some of those groceries."
 
"Oh, no!  The groceries!  I forgot to give Joy the list you gave me," Jim said sheepishly.  "I got so busy talking to Darrell that it just slipped my mind."
 
Mother looked stern.  "This is the second time in an hour you've gotten in trouble over that list," she said.  "First you changed the message, and now you didn't deliver it.  I'm afraid we're going to have to take away some of your privileges if you can't learn to be a more responsible person.  But I'm glad you got to talk with Darrell.  Did you explain why we wouldn't let you go to his church?  I imagine it was a good chance for you to witness to him."
 
"Uh. . .well, not really," murmured Jim.  "I just couldn't think of what to say."
 
Mother looked at him sadly.  "As we both know, Jim, there are two ways to fail as a messenger," she said.  "One is to tamper with the message itself.  The other is to simply fail to deliver it."
 
"I get your point, Mom," Jim replied.  "I really am sorry I didn't give Joy your message. . .and that I didn't deliver God's message to Darrell.  I'd like to have another chance to do both."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian?  Then you have a message to deliver to others--that they are sinners and deserve to go to hell, but that Jesus died to take the punishment for their sins and will save them if they trust in Him.  When did you last tell someone about Jesus?  Be a good messenger.  Tell someone today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 20:26-27)
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hello, Mrs. Rodgers."  Lisa smiled sweetly at a lady who was selecting some oranges in the produce department at the grocery store.  "This is my mother," Lisa continued.  "Mother, this is Mrs. Rodgers, my art teacher."
 
Mrs. Rodgers beamed and patted Lisa's shoulder.  "You have a wonderful daughter," she told Lisa's mother.  "She's so polite and helpful--such a happy, cheerful child."  She smiled at Lisa.  "It's so nice to see you, dear."
 
After Mrs. Rodgers went on her way, Lisa turned to her mother.  "Are you about done?" she asked.  "I'm sick of grocery shopping.  I don't see why I had to come along."  Mother sighed, but soon they were on their way home.
 
At home, Lisa grumbled when she had to help put away the groceries.  Then she picked a quarrel with her brother, Cody.  Finally she announced, "I'm starved.  Can I have a pear?"  She pointed to a bowl on the cupboard.
 
Mother nodded.  "There are just two left.  You and Cody can each have one."
 
"I get the biggest," said Lisa quickly.  She snatched the larger piece of fruit from the bowl while Cody took what was left.  Lisa was about to take a bite when she let out a wail.  "Oh, no fair!  This one's no good.  Look!"
 
Mother looked at the pear Lisa held out.  At first glance, it looked fine, but when she looked closely, she could see that it was actually very badly bruised.  Mother raised her eyebrows.  "This pear reminds me of you," she said.
 
Lisa scowled.  "What's that supposed to mean?"
 
"Judging from what Mrs. Rodgers said this morning, your life must look good from a distance--just like this pear," explained Mother.  "But from close up. . .well, if you'll think about it, you'll have to admit there's been a lot of complaining and grumbling.  I haven't seen much of the 'helpful, cheerful' person Mrs. Rodgers believes you to be."  Lisa was silent.  "Your family sees you close-up at home," continued Mother, "and the Lord does, too.  It's as important to look good close-up as it is from a distance."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
You don't grumble to the people at church, do you?  Don't grumble at home either!  Are you as eager to help your mother as you are to help your teachers at school?  Please God by living for Him all the time, at home as well as at church, school, or other places.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father, stablish you in every good word and work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amy was so excited she could hardly sit still.  As soon as the car stopped, she jumped out and bounded up the walk toward Larissa's home.  She glanced at her watch.  It was nine twenty-five a.m., the exact time she had told Larissa they'd pick her up for Sunday school.  Just last evening, Larissa had promised to be ready.
 
Amy rang the doorbell--but no answer.  She rang again.  Still no answer.  Then Amy noticed that the Anderson's car was gone.  She stalked back to her parents' car, got in, and slammed the door.  "She's not home.  She didn't even bother to let me know she couldn't come, so we drove clear across town for her.  That's rude!" Amy stormed.  "She broke her promise!"
 
"Perhaps they had an emergency," suggested Mother.
 
"She could have called," Amy insisted.  To herself she added, I'll never bother to invite her again.
 
Amy was still very angry when she entered her Sunday school classroom.  "Good morning, Amy," Miss Mason greeted her.  "I missed you yesterday."
 
Amy's mouth fell open.  "Yesterday?" she asked.  Then she noticed that the bulletin board had been changed and the chairs in the room had been rearranged.  There were flowers on the windowsill, and an attractive border framed the door.   "Oh, no!" she gasped.  "I said I'd help decorate the classroom, and I forgot.  I'm so sorry, Miss Mason.  We went to my grandparent's farm."
 
Miss Mason smiled gently.  "That's all right, Amy," she said.  "I forget things myself sometimes.  Maybe you can help me next month."
 
Amy nodded.  And maybe Larissa can come to Sunday school next Sunday, she thought.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever made a promise and then forgotten it?  Has anyone broken a promise to you?  Did it make you angry?  God says you should forgive others as He forgives you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:32)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That's eight seventy-five, nine dollars, ten, and twenty dollars," the clerk counted as she placed the money into Dennis' hand.  His eyes widened as he quickly stuffed the bills into his pocket.  He picked up the small sack of groceries and hurried out the door.
 
He whistled.  Wow! he thought.  She gave me change for a twenty-dollar bill when I only gave her a ten.  Now I'll be able to buy that tennis racket I've been wanting.  When he arrived home, he gave his mother her change and hid the extra ten dollars in his desk drawer.
 
That night he skipped devotions--he didn't feel like thinking about God.  But he couldn't shut out the voice in his head, which said over and over, That was stealing.  Take it back.  Take it back.
 
The next morning, Dennis took the money from his bank and added the ten dollars to it.  He planned to stop at the sporting goods store on the way home from school.  But as he entered his classroom, he overheard Shelby talking to their teacher.  "I won't be able to go on our class trip, Miss Martin," said Shelby.  "My sister was going to pay my way, but at work yesterday she came up ten dollars short at her cash register.  She had to pay it."
 
Dennis' heart almost stopped.  It was Shelby's sister who had given him too much money.  It's not my fault, he tried to tell himself.  I didn't take it--she gave it to me.  But he really knew that by keeping money that didn't belong to him, he was stealing just as surely as if he had taken it out of the register himself.  And he suddenly realized that any time something was stolen, someone had to pay.  If I keep the money, Shelby will have to pay for it by missing the class trip, he thought.  Then how can I enjoy going?  As a Christian, how can I enjoy anything I'd buy with that money?  And so after school, he stopped at the grocery store instead of going to the sporting goods store, and he went home with a happy smile instead of a tennis racket.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that it's possible to steal in different ways--not only by taking things that don't belong to you, but also by failing to return things that belong to someone else?  God is as displeased with one method of stealing as with another.  Do you need to return something?  Do it today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 8:21)
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Bryan."  Scott nervously greeted his longtime friend.  Lately, he felt guilty whenever he saw Bryan.  That was because Scott had accepted Jesus as Savior, but he'd never told Bryan.  He knew he should.  In fact, he wanted to.  It was just that he was afraid Bryan would laugh.
 
"What did you get for your birthday yesterday?" Bryan asked.  "Anything good?"
 
"You bet," replied Scott.  He lifted his left hand and displayed a new baseball mitt.  "How about this?  No balls are going to get away from me now!"
 
"Neat," approved Bryan.  "I could really use that."
 
"My grandparents gave it to me," said Scott, "and this shirt is from my brother.  My folks gave me a skateboard."
 
"Wow!"  Bryan let out a long whistle.  "I could use all those things."
 
Scott laughed.  "Well, you can't have 'em," he said.  Suddenly he thought about the gift of eternal life he had received a month ago.  I told Bryan about all my other gifts, and I should tell him about that one, he thought.  After all, salvation is a gift he can have, too..  He took a deep breath.  "I got another gift about a month ago. . .one that you can have, too," he said.  "I got. . . ."  He stopped, afraid to finish.  "I. . .I got a gift from God.  I got my sins forgiven."
 
"Huh?" Bryan looked startled.  "What on earth are you talking about?"
 
"I'm a Christian now, and if you want to, you can have that gift, too."  Scott finished in a hurry.  "I gotta go.  'Bye."  He hurried down the street as Bryan stared after him.  Scott felt a little funny, because he was sure he hadn't done that very well.  At the same time, he felt lighthearted because he knew that at least it was a start.  I'm going to invite Bryan to Sunday school this week, he decided.  I'll ask him tomorrow.  I'll pray that he'll be saved soon, too.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you talk with your friends about anything and everything--except the Lord?  Are you afraid to witness to them?  If you're a Christian, God has given you a wonderful gift, and they can have it, too.  Tell them about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 2:15)
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no man despise thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mommy, in Bible club today we had a lesson on hell."  Mindy was troubled as she reached for a pecan and placed it between the jaws of the nutcracker.  "It scared me.  What if I would have to go there?" 
 
"Hell is a scary place," agreed Mother, "but have you asked Jesus to wash your sins away?"
 
Mindy nodded.  "Yes, but I still worry about it sometimes," she confessed.  She held the pecan with her fingers as she squeezed the nutcracker.  "Oh, ouch!" she wailed as the nut slipped away and the jaws of the nutcracker closed on her finger.  Tears filled Mindy's eyes, and she put her finger to her mouth.  "I'm keeping my fingers out of there," she declared when she was ready to crack nuts again.
 
"I'm not scared to put my finger in the nutcracker," boasted her brother, Andy.  "Look!"  True to his word, he put his finger in the nutcracker, but before squeezing down on it, he placed the thick handle of a knife beside his finger.  When he squeezed down, the knife handle held the jaws of the nutcracker open, preventing them from touching his finger.  He laughed.  "See," he said.  "It doesn't even hurt."
 
Mother grinned.  "You've given us a good illustration, Andy.  Thank you," she said.  She turned to Mindy.  "You see, honey," she continued, "Andy's finger deserved to be hurt, since he's being so cocky, right?  But the handle of that knife is taking all the pressure--all the punishment--the finger deserves.  Now. . .we all have sinned, and we deserve to go to hell to be punished for our sins.  Just as Andy has taken that knife handle as his protection from the nutcracker, we receive Jesus into our lives as our protection from hell.  Andy trusts the knife handle to keep his finger safe, and we trust Jesus to keep us safe for all eternity.  He went to the cross and took the punishment we deserve."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry about hell?  It's a terrible place, and you are right to be concerned.  But Jesus took all the punishment you deserve.  If you have accepted Him as Savior, you don't need to worry about going to hell.  If you haven't accepted Him, don't wait any longer.  Trust Him as your Savior now.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 53:5)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. . .and with His stripes we are healed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sally was enjoying the party for her friend Billy.  His mom had handed out brightly colored paper hats for them to wear.  They had played musical chairs and pass-the-cushion.  Now it was time for a treasure hunt.  "The treasure is a golden star," said Billy's mother.  "Let's see who can find it first."
 
The kids ran all around the house, looking for the golden star, but no one found it.  They checked out the garden.  Sally looked up at all the trees, poked around the flower beds, and searched every inch of the lawn.  Still no one found the treasure.  They looked at each other, wondering what to do next.  Suddenly, Sally's friend Annie squealed in delight.  "I see it!" she cried.  "I see the golden star!"
 
"Where?  Where?" cried the children, looking all around.
 
"I see it, too!" yelled Darrin, jumping up and down in excitement.
 
Sally looked all around.  She looked hard at Annie and Darrin, trying to figure out where their eyes were focused.  They seemed to be looking in her direction, but she couldn't figure out where the treasure was.  One by one, the kids said they could see the golden star. . .all except Sally.
 
At last, Annie walked up to Sally.  She pulled off the paper hat that had been perched on Sally's curly, yellow hair, and handed it to Sally.  Sally's eyes widened in surprise.  There on her bright blue cap shone a single golden star.  She had the treasure, and she hadn't even known it!
 
"Okay," said Billy's mother, "Annie was the first to find the star, so she wins the prize."  She smiled at Sally as she added, "And Sally gets one, too, since it wasn't possible for her to see the star on her own head!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a treasure that you have failed to see?  Perhaps you have an undiscovered talent.  Or maybe you take for granted someone in your life who is really a "treasure "--perhaps a family member, a pastor, or a teacher.  Has God blessed you with a home, clothes, and food to eat?  Don't look at others and wish for the things you see in their lives.  Ask God to help you see and enjoy all the treasures He has already given you.  Thank Him for them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:17)
God. . .giveth us richly all things to enjoy.