Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look." Dad pointed to the sky as he and Jeff walked home together.  "The geese  are flying south.  Winter must be coming."
 
Jeff had been waiting for this chance all day.  "Speaking of winter," he began hesitantly, "hockey season starts soon."  He paused.  "The thing is," he added, "practice will be Sunday mornings this year."
 
"That's too bad," said Dad.  "You know that won't work for you."
 
"But it's only a few months," pleaded Jeff.  "I won't miss church very often!  And I  promise I'll read my Bible at home."
 
Another flock of geese flew over, honking loudly.  Jeff and Dad watched the geese pass.  "Do you know why they fly in a 'V' formation?" Dad asked.  Jeff shook his head.  "I've read that the air behind the leader spreads into a 'V'. . .something like the wake of a speed boat," continued Dad.  "If the other birds follow in that 'V,' a swirl of  air actually gives them a shove forward, making it easier to go a long way without wearing out."
 
"They're pretty smart," said Jeff.  Then he pointed to a bird trailing behind the others.  "I wonder why that one isn't in the 'V.'"
 
"He probably got distracted or slowed down to rest," guessed Dad.  "Now he's having a hard time catching up."
 
"I bet he'll be pretty tired when he gets there," said Jeff.
 
"If he gets there at all," Dad added.  "God didn't design them to go the distance alone."   Dad looked at Jeff.  "God didn't design Christians to go it alone, either," he said.  "We gain strength from the support of other believers.  Without it, we would be like that last goose--alone and struggling.  And the church would be one goose short."
 
"Oh, Dad!  The church doesn't need me," protested Jeff..
 
"Sure it does," said Dad.  "We all need each other.  So why don't you look for a different hockey team to play on this year?"
 
"Hey!" Jeff's eyes lit up.  "Why don't we start a church team?  One that practices on  Saturday!"
 
Dad smiled proudly.  "Now you're talking like a member of the flock!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you part of the "flock"?  Is meeting with other believers a regular part of your life, or do other activities get in the way?  God didn't design us to live the Christian life alone.  Join the flock--you need them and they need you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 10:25)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Tim headed outdoors to play, he considered asking if he could have some candy from a plate he spied on the counter.  But Mother had gone upstairs, and he was sure she'd say no, anyway.  He walked closer.  I'll just take a peek, he thought. Um-m-m!  It looks so good!  He reached out and picked up a green piece.  I wonder if this one's mint.  He smelled it.  Then he broke off a tiny corner and tasted it.  Yummy.  It's good!  He nibbled another corner.  Soon the whole thing was gone.  Guess I'll try a little piece of fudge, too, he decided. The fudge was also delicious, and when that was gone, Tim tried some peanut brittle.  Before he knew it, he had eaten several pieces.
 
After dinner, Mother picked up the plates.  "Wait till you see what Mrs. Anders, next door, gave me," she said.  She went to the kitchen and brought back the plate of candies, but Tim noticed that she looked a little puzzled.  "I thought this plate was fuller," she said.  "But isn't it lovely?  Everyone can choose a couple of pieces for dessert."
 
Tim tried to "oh" and "ah" with the rest of the family, but he felt so guilty!  All evening he tried to forget it, but he couldn't.  "What's the trouble, Tim?" Mother asked when she noticed how unhappy he appeared.
 
Tears filled Tim's eyes.  "I did it," he blurted.  "I ate some of the candy.  I didn't mean to. . .I was only going to take a peek."  And the story spilled out.  "I'm sorry," he finished.
 
"Do you see how, little by little, you gave in to temptation?" asked Mother.  "How one small peek led to handling and smelling and tasting and eating?  That's how Satan works.  He gets you to give in, just a little at a time, so it doesn't seem so bad.  He does that with other things that tempt us, too--not just with candy."  Solemnly, Tim nodded.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're not allowed to watch a certain TV show, do you like to see "just the beginning" to find out how it starts?  When you pass a magazine rack, do you like to peek a little at the pictures in some magazines that you would "never" buy?  Would you like to take "just one puff" on a cigarette to see how it tastes--or "just one sip" of an alcoholic drink?  Be very careful!  Satan wants you to try "just a little."  He knows that next time you might try a little more.  Follow God's advice.  Resist Satan.  Say no right from the start.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:7)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Ethan was so excited he couldn't stand still.  Here he was in the stadium waiting, like the others crowded around him, to catch a glimpse of Buzz Howard--the greatest  basketball player of all time!  Ethan knew all the "stats" about Buzz by heart.  He hadn't missed a single televised game.  He had sent Buzz scores of fan letters, but he hadn't received a reply. . .yet.  After all, Buzz is a very busy guy, thought Ethan, but I'm sure he'll answer my letters after the season is over.  I hope I get close enough to him so that he'll recognize me.  Ethan had sent Buzz pictures of himself, too.
 
Suddenly the crowd cheered as the team appeared.  One by one the players ran out, waving.  Buzz is going to run right past here, Ethan realized.  "Buzz!" he called.  "Hey, Buzz!  It's me, Ethan!"  Ethan thrust his hand up for a  "high five" as Buzz ran past, not even noticing him.  "He ran right by!  He didn't even look at me!" exclaimed Ethan, crushed.
 
"Yeah, so what did you expect, kid," said a tall boy behind him.  "He's a  celebrity; he doesn't know you."  The boy chuckled, and Ethan walked back to his seat beside his father.
 
"Hey, buddy, what's wrong?" asked Dad.  "You did get to see your hero, didn't you?"
 
"Yeah. . .right," mumbled Ethan.  "Even after all the letters and pictures I've sent, he doesn't even know who I am."
 
"Well, Ethan, he's only human.  He can't possibly know all his fans, even though they feel as though they know him.  But I'm sure if he did know you, he'd want to be your friend," comforted Dad.  He gave Ethan a hug.  "That's the trouble with  human heroes."
 
Ethan looked at Dad.  "What other kind is there?" he asked.
 
"There's Jesus!" replied Dad.  "He knows everything about you, and He's the biggest hero and the best friend anyone could ever have."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of person do you admire?  Do you think talent or good looks make a person worthy of praise?  The world is full of all sorts of heroes and celebrities, but there is only one person who is truly worthy of your praise.  Jesus died to give you salvation!  He is a true hero!  He is a true friend!


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Monty was sweeping the garage when Dad came home.  Dad sighed.  When Monty did work without being asked, it usually meant he'd done something wrong.  "Hi, Monty," Dad greeted him.  "What's new?"
 
"Travis has chickenpox," announced Monty, "and I. . .ah, I sort of hit Mr. White's dog with a little stone."
 
."Sort of?"  Dad frowned.  "You threw stones at Blackie?" he asked.  "Did you hurt him?"
 
"No--just scared him, but Mr. White got mad," said Monty as he put the broom away and they went into the house.  "He said he'd be coming over this evening."
 
Dad grimaced.  "I knew something was wrong when. . . ."  Dad was interrupted by three-year-old Travis.
 
"Hi, Daddy," said Travis mournfully.  "I'm sick.  I got the chicken poxes, but I fixed 'em.  I put Band-Aids on 'em, see?
 
"Travis!" gasped Mother, turning from the stove.  "How many Band-Aids have you used?"  Dad just laughed."How dumb can you get!" grumbled Monty when he saw his brother.  "You can't cure chickenpox by covering up the spots!  That might hide them a bit, but it sure won't make them better!"
 
"That's true," agreed Dad, "and neither can you cover up sin with good deeds.  When you try to, the best you can hope for is that the sin will be hidden and go unnoticed for a bit.  Keep that in mind, Monty.  Don't try to cover up your sins with 'Band-Aids' of good deeds."
 
"What?" asked Monty.  "What do you mean?"
 
"I've noticed that when you've done something wrong, you often try to cover it up by doing something good," said Dad.  "When you disobeyed me, you raked the leaves.  When you disobeyed your mother, you washed dishes.  Now you've been sweeping the garage, as if that would make up for what you did this afternoon."
 
"I only threw a little stone--it wasn't big enough to hurt Blackie.  Besides, Kyle dared me, and he said. . . ."  Monty stopped.
 
"When you do something wrong, Monty, don't blame it on anyone else.  Be big enough to admit it," Dad said sternly.  "The only cure for sin is repentance."  He picked up Travis.  "You go to your room and think about it, Monty," he added, "and right now I'll take care of this 'Band-Aid' kid."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a "Band-Aid kid"?  Don't try to cover your sins with good deeds or excuses.  That doesn't work.  You need to repent, and you need to do it now.  God promises mercy to those who are truly sorry for their sins--sorry enough to turn from them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 28:13)
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Going on a picnic is boring for a kid my age," grumbled Jeff as their car edged up the mountain road.  "Why couldn't I stay at Lane's house instead?"
 
"We already told you--Uncle Lee and Aunt Sue are out of town," said Mother.
 
"But Lane is home," said Jeff.  "I could have stayed with him."
 
Mother sighed. "We don't think you should be over there while your aunt and uncle are both gone," she replied.
 
Jeff frowned.  "You treat me like a little kid."
 
Suddenly, six-year-old Jessica squealed as she looked out the car window to the valley below.  "It's a long way to the bottom!"  Her nose was pressed hard against the car window.  "Be careful, Daddy!"
 
Dad smiled.  "I will," he promised, "but if I should happen to slip off the road, the guardrail with keep us from going over the edge."
 
Mother nodded.  "Before they put up that guardrail, a car did go over the edge," she said, "but that problem's been taken care of now."
 
When they reached the picnic area at the top of the mountain, Jeff's spirits lifted.  The picnic lunch was delicious, and it was such a pleasant area.  He just couldn't stay mad.
 
The trip home was quiet.  Jessica was tired out, and after again being assured that the guardrail would protect them, she fell asleep.They had been home only a few minutes when the telephone rang.  Dad answered it while Mother and Jeff unloaded picnic supplies from the car.  "I have bad news," said Dad when he rejoined them.  "Your cousin Lane had an accident on his dirt bike this afternoon.  He's at Mercy Hospital with some rather serious injuries."
 
Jeff stared at Dad in horror.  "If I had stayed with Lane, it could have been me," he gasped.  Then he added, "I thought Lane wasn't allowed to ride that bike unless his folks were home."
 
Dad nodded.  "That's correct," he said.  "Uncle Lee told him not to ride it while they were gone, but Lane didn't listen."
 
"Parents sometimes make rules you don't like," said Mother, "but they're something like guardrails.  They help keep you safe. . .if you obey them."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you obey your parents?  You need their guidance, and God commands you to do as they say.  Next time you're tempted to disobey, remember that He often uses parents to guard you from danger.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (
Ephesians 6:2-3  Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rob and his father were having a serious discussion as they took advantage of a lovely fall afternoon for one last fishing trip before winter.  "I know we're supposed to love everyone," said Rob as he stared at the river, "but to tell you the truth, I don't think I'll ever love Bruce.  He's such a bully, and he makes me so mad.  How can I love someone who acts the way he does?"
 
Dad was thoughtful as he reeled in his line.  "Say, Rob," he said, taking out his pocket knife, "what do you think will happen if I toss this knife into the water?"
 
"It will sink like a rock, of course," said Rob promptly.  He took the knife from Dad's hand and examined it before handing it back.   
 
"I disagree," said Dad.  "I think it will stay right at the top of the water.  I'll show you.  Just watch."
 
"Don't throw it in the water," protested Tim.  "You'll lose it.  Give it to me if you don't want it anymore.  It won't do anybody any good on the bottom of the river."
 
But Dad had turned to his tackle box.  Taking out the biggest cork bobber he could find, he tied it to his fishing line.  Just above it, he attached the knife.  Rob watched, openmouthed, as Dad threw the whole assembly into the river.  It sank beneath the water, but then it reappeared and began to float.
 
"Oh, no fair," protested Rob.  "The cork is floating and the knife is just riding along."
 
"Well, I didn't say it would float by itself," replied Dad, reeling it in.  "It would be impossible for it to do that--it would go against nature.  But with the help of the cork, it's just carried along at the top of the water."  He removed the knife and cork from his line and dropped them into the tackle box.  "It reminds me that nothing is impossible with God," he added.  "God gives many commands that I can't carry out by myself, but when I trust Him to help me, He just 'holds me up and carries me along'--even when it's against my natural instincts."  He grinned at Rob.  "Ask God to help you love Bruce.  He will." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it unnatural for you to love someone?  To witness for Jesus?  To quit complaining?  To be cheerful?  To be unselfish?  God gives many commands that go against your natural inclinations.  By yourself, you can't obey them--but with His help, you can.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:13)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeanne stood at the entrance to the flea market.  "Wow!  What a lot of stuff!" she exclaimed, pointing to rows of tables and booths.  She ran to catch up with Mother.  "What are we looking for?" asked Jeanne.
 
"A candy dish for Aunt Helen," replied Mother.  "She likes old-fashioned things.  She says they have character."
 
"Dad says Aunt Helen is a character," said Jeanne.  Mother gave her a stern look, so she changed the subject.  "Look," she said, "here are some candy dishes.  Maybe Aunt Helen will like one of these."
 
They stopped to look, and before long, Mother had made a purchase and was ready to go.  "May I look at those books first?" asked Jeanne, pointing to another booth.  "Maybe they have something interesting."
 
"Okay," agreed Mother, "but don't go out of this aisle.  I'll look at some other things along here, too."
 
Jeanne looked at the old books and found one that was in a box.  It was a Bible and she could see it looked new.  This looks like it's really in good shape, she thought.  If it's old, maybe it's worth a lot of money.  I wonder if I can afford to buy it.  She took it to a lady behind the table.  When she learned that it was only fifty cents, she promptly bought it and went to show  Mother.
 
"Did you check the date to see when it was printed?" asked Mother.
 
"Oh, I never thought of that," admitted Jeanne.  When they checked the date in the front of the Bible, she was disappointed to find that it wasn't very old at all.
 
That evening, Mother showed Dad the candy dish she had bought.  "It looks old, all right," said Dad.  "Could be a priceless treasure."
 
Mother laughed and shook her head.  "No, but Jeanne bought a priceless treasure at the flea market today," she said.  "Show Dad the book you bought, Jeanne."
 
Jeanne grinned.  "Oh, Mom!" she said.  "So I forgot to check the date and see if that Bible was old.  You don't need to rub it in!"
 
Dad smiled.  "You bought a Bible?" he asked.  "Well, then you sure did buy a priceless treasure, whether it's old and worth a lot of money or not.  The Word of God is truly priceless."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use your priceless treasure--your Bible?  No matter what you paid for your Bible, it is priceless, but you have to read it to find the treasures of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Good morning, honey."  Sue's mother reached out to give her daughter a hug as she entered the kitchen.
 
Sue avoided her mother's embrace.  "Hi," she mumbled as she sat down.  Mother looked puzzled but said nothing.
 
After school that afternoon, Sue burst through the door.  "Hi, Mom!  I had a great day!" she exclaimed.  And to her mother's surprise, Sue gave her a big hug.
 
As her parents were talking the next day, they were interrupted by a shout.  "I just encountered a grizzly bear!" exclaimed Sue's brother, Jason, as he ran into the kitchen.  "Sue sure is grumpy!"  The phone rang, and he answered it.  "It's for you, Grizzly," he teased, calling to Sue.
 
Sue came in and snatched the phone from her brother.  She cleared her throat.  "Hello," she said sweetly.  She listened for a moment.  "Oh, I'm fantastic!" she said as she laughed.
 
Dad, Mom, and Jason looked at one another in surprise.  "Did she say she's fantastic?" Jason asked, perplexed.  "How can she be so grumpy one minute and so happy the next?  She sure is moody!"
 
A few days later, Sue hummed happily as she helped her dad get the grill ready for hamburgers.  But when her little sister wanted to help, too, Sue angrily shooed her away.  Then she checked the grill again.  "Dad, the fire went out," she said.  She picked up the fuel starter.  "I'll squirt some more of this on the coals."
 
"No, don't do that.  It. . . ."  Dad started to speak, but he was too late.  Sue had already poured the starter on the hot coals.  Suddenly, flames shot up at her.
 
"Oh!" Sue exclaimed, jumping back.
 
Dad grabbed her.  "Are you okay, honey?" he asked.
 
"Yeah."  She nodded nervously.  "I sure didn't expect that though!  I thought the fire was out!"
 
After they both had calmed down, Dad said, "You know, honey, lately you remind me of those hot coals."
 
"What do you mean?" asked Sue.
 
"Well, you've been calm one minute and 'blowing up' at someone the next," replied Dad, "and the person you snap at doesn't expect it.  Just like you jumped away from that fire, your moodiness makes people want to avoid you.  You need to ask the Lord to help you be more even-tempered."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you moody?  Are you happy one minute and angry or unfriendly the next?  You may feel sad, upset, or discouraged occasionally, but continual moodiness should not be part of a Christian's life.  The Bible teaches us to be joyful and self-controlled.  Ask God daily to help you control your moods.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 5:22-23)
But the fruit of the Spirit is. . . temperance (self-control).

[Soldier4Christ]

Betsie was raking leaves one day when a car pulled into the driveway.  The driver rolled down his window.  "Is this the Peterson house?" he asked.
 
"Yes, it is," answered Betsie.
 
"Good."  The man smiled.  "Would you please tell your parents that George Conway and one of the men from his campaign committee are here?"  He and another man got out of the car.
 
Betsie had no idea what the man was talking about, but she ran inside to tell her mother about them.
 
"Oh, I've been expecting them," said Mother.
 
"Who's George Conway?" asked Betsie.
 
"We met Mr. Conway at the school board meeting the other night," said Mother.  "We told him he could put a campaign sign in our yard."
 
"Why?" asked Betsie as she followed her mother back outside.   The men were pounding a post into the Peterson's front yard.  On the post was a sign that read "Reelect George Conway."
 
"Mr. Conway is a Christian," Mother explained as they watched.  "He's done a good job on the school board this last term, and he wants to be reelected.  It's important that we support him, because some of the people who are seeking election don't care about the Lord's standards."
 
"Do you think he'll win, Mom?" wondered Betsie.
 
"I don't know," answered Mother, "but we can pray for Mr. Conway and support him by encouraging others to vote for him.  It's good for Christians to have positions of leadership in the community."  Smiling, she went forward to greet Mr. Conway.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know a Christian who has campaigned for an elected office in your city or town?  It's good to have qualified Christian leadership.  You might think that because you're too young to vote, you're too young to help.  That isn't true.  You can help by praying for your Christian leaders.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

[Soldier4Christ]

"What did you learn today, boys?" asked Dad as they sat around the Sunday dinner table.
 
"Well, ah. . .we learned that Jesus is coming," said Corby.
 
"Yeah, and He'll take all those who believe in Him to heaven," added Jared.  "It could be today."  He grinned.  "Mr. Shaw read a verse that says, 'Behold, He cometh with clouds,' and today is a cloudy day."
 
Dad laughed.  "That's true, but I'm sure you know it doesn't have to be a cloudy day for Jesus to come," he said.  "He's coming with a 'cloud of witnesses,' and it could happen on a bright, sunny day, too.  The important thing is to be ready.  Only those who have trusted Jesus as Savior will go to be with Him."
 
"Our teacher said it will happen really fast."  Todd joined the conversation.  "It will happen in the 'twinkling of an eye.'  An angel will shout and a trumpet will sound, and. . . ."
 
". . .and the 'dead in Christ shall rise first,'" interrupted Jared.  "'Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.'  That was our memory verse."
 
Jared and Todd went on to describe more of what their teacher had said.  Only Corby failed to join the discussion.  He just looked down and pushed some peas around on his plate.
 
The next day, Corby hurried home from school.  The clouds look really weird--kind of scary, he thought.
 
No one met him at the door when he yelled, "I'm home!"  In the kitchen the faucet was running, but Mom was not around.  In the living room, the TV was on, but no one was watching.  Cautiously, Corby pushed open his parents' bedroom door.  The bed had not been made.
 
"Oh, no!" Corby cried.  He put his hands over his face, sobbing.
 
Just then, Dad walked out of the bathroom.  "What's wrong, Corby?" he asked. 
 
Corby stared at Dad.  "Oh! Oh!" he blubbered.  "I thought Jesus had come and left me behind.  I want Jesus to be my Savior, too!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Will you be ready if Jesus comes today?  Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and to be your Savior?  The Lord could return at any moment.  Make sure you'll be among those who go to be with Him.  (See last page for more help.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Revelation 1:7)
Behold, He cometh with clouds.

[Soldier4Christ]

The chatter of the grown-ups surrounded Marcie as she pushed her food around on her plate.  Pastor James had come for dinner, and they were discussing their church's campaign to reach every family in their small town with the gospel message.  A men's breakfast was being planned, and Dad was going to be Master of Ceremonies.  Mother was going to sing at a women's luncheon.  Nick, Marcie's big brother, was going to make posters to advertise a citywide youth rally.  Marcie sighed.  I wish I were big enough to help, she thought.
 
Just then Pastor James turned to Marcie.  "Will you invite your friends to our special meetings?" he asked. 
 
Marcie shrugged and nodded.  "I suppose," she murmured, but she wished so much that she could do something important.  Discouraged, she excused herself and left the table.
 
As Mother tucked Marcie into bed later that night.  Marcie shared her thoughts.  Although Mother assured her that the things she could do, such as inviting friends, were just as important as the things other members of the family would do, Marcie wasn't convinced.
 
"Don't forget to fix the hall night light for me," said Marcie when Mother snapped off the bedside light.
 
"Right," said Mother, going out into the hall.  "I want to get a different one--I'll plug it in in a minute."  A few minutes later, a bright light filled the hall, spilling over into Marcie's room.  "There you are," said Mother.
 
Puzzled Marcie jumped out of bed and ran to the door.  Instead of the usual little night light, she saw a bright lamp plugged into the outlet.  "Mom," she called to her mother's retreating form, "that light's too bright."
 
Mother turned back.  "You mean big lights aren't always the best thing?" she asked.  She turned off the lamp and plugged in the usual night light.  "You're right," she agreed.  "Small lights are needed, just like big ones are.  They're just as important.  And little jobs need to be done, just like big ones do.  Little people, as well as big ones, need to be invited to come to Jesus."
 
Marcie was thoughtful.  "I'll invite all my friends to the meetings," she decided.  "I'll invite my whole class.  I'll be a night light."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you too small to preach?  To organize meetings?  To prepare a dinner?  That's all right.  Some day the Lord may ask you to do those things.  Right now, perhaps you--not your father--can be a friend to the lonesome child down the block.  You--not the preacher--can mow your grandmother's lawn.  You--not your mother--can invite your teacher and classmates to come to church.  Whatever God asks you to do, do it for His glory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 16:10)
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come with me Sunday--you'll hear more about Jesus, and. . . ."
 
Deb's voice reached the kitchen where her mother was working.  Mother couldn't hear the rest of the sentence, nor the reply, and soon Deb's friend, Jan, left.
 
A little later, Mother heard Deb and her brother Pete talking as they played a game of checkers.  "Got caught peeking during a spelling test, didn't you?" asked Pete.
 
"Yeah," Deb admitted.  "I'll be more careful if I ever try that again."
 
"Did you get a new kid in your class?" asked Pete.
 
Deb nodded.  "She's a mess.  Lives in that old run-down place on Cherry Street.  My friends and I aren't going to play with her."  Deb looked up as her mother and her little sister, Sally, came into the room and stood beside her.
 
"Which color are you, Debbie?" asked Sally, looking at the game.
 
"The red," teased Deb as she moved a black checker.
 
"Are not," protested Sally.  "You moved a black one."
 
Deb laughed, but Mother looked stern.  "It's easy for Sally to see which side you're really on in spite of what you said," commented Mother.  "I expect it's easy for Jan, too."
 
Deb stared at her mother.  "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.
 
"I heard your conversations," replied Mother, "both with Jan and with Pete just now.  I was pleased that you were witnessing to Jan and inviting her to Sunday school, but I doubt if she was impressed.  When Sally saw the move you made just now, she didn't believe what you said.  And as Jan observes the 'moves' you make at school, I'm afraid she won't believe what you say about things of the Lord.  Your actions say you're on the side of wrong instead of on God's side."
 
Deb was troubled.  "But I really am on God's side," she insisted.  "I'm a Christian, and I want Jan to become one, too.  I meant that."
 
"Then she needs to see that Jesus makes a difference in your life," said Mother.  "I'm afraid she couldn't tell that today.  Now, about that spelling test. . . ."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When people see the "moves" you make (your actions), will they believe you're on the Lord's side or on Satan's?  Do they see that you love others, that you're honest, that you're unselfish?  The old saying, "Actions speak louder than words," is still true.  Let your actions say that you belong to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:21)
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

[Soldier4Christ]

It was still dark when Dennis woke up.  I'd sure like a cold drink of water, he thought to himself.  Getting out of bed, he stumbled to the bathroom.  The light would hurt my eyes, he thought sleepily.  I can find a cup in the dark.  He did.  Then he turned on the water and let it run a bit so it would be nice and cold.  He took a sip, but immediately spat it out.  "Yuk!" he said out loud.  Instead of nice, cold water, it was warm!  Dennis realized he had turned on the hot water faucet by mistake and had let it run just long enough to get warm.  He quickly turned on the cold water.  This time he tested it with his finger before filling his cup.  Ahhh, that's much better, he thought.
 
The next morning, Dennis told his family about his warm drink.  Everyone chuckled, and Dad reached for his Bible.  He turned to Revelation, chapter three (see today's Scripture) and read that passage for family devotions.  "Dennis, I think you've helped us understand these verses," he said.  "You see, God was telling a group of Christians that they were not very excited about Him.  To Him, they were like lukewarm water.  He felt like spitting them out of His mouth instead of enjoying them."
 
"No wonder!"  Dennis nodded.  "Lukewarm water tastes terrible."
 
"It sounds like their many worldly possessions made them feel self- sufficient," added Mother, "and their love for God became lukewarm.  I wonder if a lot of us aren't like that."
 
"I'm afraid so," said Dad.  "When things are going well, we often tend to forget that we're wholly dependent on Jesus.  We know we should serve Him, so we go to church, and maybe even agree to help in some church activity.  But too often we have little enthusiasm for things of the Lord.  We need to keep in mind that, as He said, without Him we 'can do nothing.'  It's only because of His goodness that we have anything.  That should increase our love for Him and our desire to sincerely serve Him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a "lukewarm" Christian?  Do you go to church only because your parents make you go?  Do you hurry through devotions?  Do you give your money to God just because you know you're supposed to?  Be careful!  Ask God to increase your genuine love for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Revelation 3:16)
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!"  Bobby tumbled into the kitchen.  "Tell Sally not to put all the little animals in the Noah's Ark until the big ones are in.  That's how I do it.  That works better.  Why can't she do things like I do?"
 
"Because I'm different," said Sally, trailing into the room behind her brother.  "You're always telling me how I should play games or put puzzles together or color or. . .or whatever I'm doing.  You think everybody has to do things your way!"  She saw that Mother was putting plates on the table.  "Oh, yummy!  Supper is ready," she added.
 
The children hurriedly sat down, and their mother put food on their plates.  First, a big spoonful of rice, then a piece of chicken, and finally, some vegetables.  Bobby smacked his lips as he eyed the colorful array of food before him. 
 
"Bobby," said Mom, holding out her hand, "would you like me to put all this in the blender for you?"
 
Bobby looked puzzled.  "In the blender?  Why?" he asked.  "I'm not a baby.  Why would you blend my food?"
 
"The rice is made up of small, white grains, the chicken is brown, and the vegetables are green and orange," said Mom.  "And not only do they look different, they all taste different, too.  But if I put them in the blender, everything will come out looking and tasting the same."
 
"But I don't want it all the same," said Bobby.  "I like it the way it is now.  It's nicer to have all the different stuff."
 
Mom smiled and nodded.  "I agree, and that's true when it comes to people, too, isn't it, Bobby?" she asked.  "God has made each of us different.  We all look different; we have hair and skin of different colors; we have different shapes; we have different characteristics and personalities with different jobs to do.  Now why would we want everyone to be the same and do everything the same?"
 
"Yeah, Bobby," said Sally quickly.  "I'm me, and you're you!"
 
Bobby frowned.  "Well. . .all right.  I guess it's okay if you're different from me," he admitted.  Then he grinned.  "I like some things from the blender, though.  How about a milk shake?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you readily accept people who are different from you?  Or do you try to get others to do things your way?  Are you patient with people who are slower than you, or not as talented as you?  Remember that all Christians are part of the body of Christ.  Each part of a body--the hand, the foot, the eye, and so on--is quite different in looks and in function from the others.  But each part is important for the proper functioning of the person.  Similarly, each child of God is unique.  We all look different, think different, act different, and have different skills and talents.  But each child of God is precious and important to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 12:4-5)
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rachel and Jack were excited about the costume parade and contest their youth group was having on "dress-up" night.  "I hope I win first prize," said Rachel as she worked on her princess costume.

 

"No chance," declared Jack.  "I'm going to win.  See--I just finished this bow and arrow set to go with my Robin Hood costume."  He proudly displayed his handiwork.

 

Rachel grinned.  "We'll see," she said.

 

Both worked hard on their costumes.  They wanted every little detail to be just right.  "You look great," declared Mother when they got dressed for the evening of fun.  "I'd give both of you a prize."

 

After the party, Rachel and Jack rushed into the house.  "Guess what?" shouted Jack.  "We both won.  The judges couldn't decide which was best so they gave us a tie!"

 

"Yeah."  Rachel nodded.  "We kinda 'hogged' the prizes, I guess.  I almost feel guilty--almost, but not quite!"

 

"Well," said Dad, "I'm glad you kids had fun.  Did you learn something worthwhile, too?"

 

Jack nodded.  "For our devotions, Mr. Perry talked about all the work that went into costumes for this one evening of fun.  Then he said we should make sure we have the right 'garments' for something even more important."

 

"He was talking about being ready to go to heaven," added Rachel, "and about the 'robes of righteousness' we're given when we accept Jesus as Savior.  He said that means we're covered with Christ's righteousness, which makes us presentable in God's sight."

 

"Good," approved Mother.  "It's sad that people are so concerned about their clothes when they're dealing with earthly things--even such silly things as costumes--but give so little thought to the 'garments' they need for eternity."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever dressed up in a costume and had fun pretending?  It's fun to go to a parade or party all dressed up so nobody will know you, isn't it?  Have you taken as much care to be ready to go to heaven?  You need the proper 'garments' for that occasion, too--you need Christ's righteousness.  Think about it today.  (For more help, see the last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 61:10)
My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.