Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Mindy, who was staying at her grandma's house, was helping by sweeping the kitchen.  She sighed as she leaned on her broom.  "Why is it so hard to be a Christian?" she asked.  "I mean. . .well, at camp last month, we had a speaker who talked about the influence of rock music, and I promised God that I'd stop listening to it.  For a while I did okay.  Then I started looking through my tapes one day, and I just couldn't stop myself from playing one of my old favorites.  Afterwards, I told God I was sorry."
 
"Well, that's a start," encouraged Grandma.
 
"I don't know."  Mindy sighed again as she swept all the dirt into a big pile.  "My friends listen to rock music, so when I'm with them, I'm listening to the same kind of garbage as before.  It's just no use!"  Before Grandma could comment, the phone rang, and Mindy went to answer it.  Grandma took a load of laundry to the basement.
 
Some time later, Grandma returned to the kitchen.  "Mindy!  Come here!" she called sternly.
 
When Mindy came in, she saw that the big pile of dirt she had carefully swept up was scattered all over the floor.  "Oh, no!" she groaned.  "I forgot to pick up the dirt.  Looks like the dog has gotten into it."
 
Grandma nodded.  "This reminds me of your problem with rock music," she said.  Mindy looked at the dirty floor and back at Grandma.  "The dirt got spread around again because you didn't do anything to get rid of it permanently," explained Grandma, "just as you didn't do anything to get rid of rock music permanently."
 
"Like what?" Mindy asked.
 
"Like destroying your tapes for one thing," said Grandma.  "And perhaps spending less time with those who are a stumbling-block to you."
 
Mindy looked shocked, but then she nodded slowly.  "You're right, Grandma," she admitted.  "It's time I started getting serious about obeying God."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you promised to give up some sin in your life?  Are you finding it hard to live up to that promise?  Maybe you need to make some permanent changes in order to get rid of your sin.  Even if it means giving up a prized possession or one of your friends, decide right now that you will live for Christ, no matter what.  Get serious about dealing with sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 13:14)
Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

[Soldier4Christ]

Every day after school, Monty begged to go to Tyson's house.  "But, Monty," Mother protested one day, "why don't you invite Tyson over here for a change?"
 
"There's nothing to do here," Monty complained.
 
Mother blinked.  "Nothing to do?  Your room is full of games and toys."
 
"Yeah -- silly baby stuff," grumbled Monty.  "Tyson has a computer and lots of video games.  He even has a swimming pool."
 
Mother looked sadly at Monty for several seconds, then silently left the room.  She looked hurt, and Monty was puzzled.  Why should she care if I want to go to Tyson's? he wondered.
 
"Monty," Mother called from the living room, "Friskie is over at the Parker's house again."
 
"That silly dog!" Monty exclaimed as he stalked across the street.  "Why doesn't he stay home?  He's always running off."  Monty stopped and watched.  The Parker's little boy was rolling and tumbling on the ground with Friskie.  "Friskie!"  Monty snapped his fingers.  "Come home!"  The puppy tucked his tail between his legs and whined.  "Come here!" Monty commanded.  Friskie looked at the little Parker boy, then at Monty.  He whimpered.
 
Monty frowned, ran over, and picked up the puppy.  "I don't know why you come here all the time," he said.  "You have a nice home, and you ought to appre. . . ."  He gulped.  Suddenly he realized what it was that had caused the hurt expression on his mother's face.  Just as Monty felt a little hurt that Friskie didn't seem to appreciate the nice home and the good care Monty provided, Mother felt hurt that Monty didn't appreciate the love and care and all the good things his parents provided.
 
As Monty put Friskie down in the hall, he called to his mother.  "I think I'll see if Tyson can come over," he said.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you thank God for your family and for all they provide for you?  Or do you compare what you have with what others have and then complain because they have more?  Stop and count the blessings that are yours to enjoy.  Thank your parents for all they do for you.  And be sure to thank the Lord for your home and family.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:20)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Half of these nuts aren't any good," complained Katy, who had been cracking nuts for the dessert her mother was making.  "They're black and dried up on the inside."  She picked up a nut and showed it to her mother.
 
"Use the good ones," advised her brother, Karl, who had just come into the kitchen.
 
Katy scowled at him.  "You can't tell which ones are good," she said.  "They all look fine on the outside."
 
"I bet I can tell," insisted Karl, shaking one.  "This one's good." Katy took it and cracked it open.  Sure enough, it was good.  "See," said Karl gleefully.  "I'll pick them for you."  He chose another one.  "This one's good too."  Katy cracked it open, but it was dried up.  Karl frowned and handed her another nut.  It wasn't good either.
 
"You can't tell any better than I can," declared Katy, cracking a nut that Karl had rejected.  It was good.
 
"Let's choose every other one," suggested Karl.  "Let's see who can find the most good ones."  They made a game of it, and soon the job was done.
 
As the family ate the nutty dessert that evening, Katy told Dad about the trouble with the nuts.  "They sound like some people I know," observed Dad.
 
Karl's eyes twinkled.  "You know some nutty people?"
 
Dad smiled.  "I know some people who look good on the outside, but I'm not sure what we'd see if we could look on the inside -- at their hearts," he said.  "Jesus said the scribes and Pharisees were like that.  They appeared to be 'good,' but they really were hypocrites."
 
"I wonder how many people are like that today -- even among church members," added Mother.  "We really can't tell for sure who has accepted Jesus as Savior, but God knows.  He sees through the 'shell' and knows what each person is like on the inside."
 
Katy nodded.  "We can't fool God, can we?" she said.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you fooling people?  Do you go to church, say your memory verses, and look good to others?  Your parents and teachers may think you're a Christian, but are you really?  Have you truly trusted Jesus as Savior?  (See last page.)  If you haven't done so, accept Him today.  Be clean and whole inside as well as outside.  Don't let the following verse be a description of you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 23:28)
Ye. . .outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Jeff crawled into bed, his mind was made up.  He was going to stop praying for Uncle Carl and spend his prayer time for somebody else -- someone for whom it would do more good.  Uncle Carl was a hopeless case.
 
When Jeff came in from school the next afternoon, Mother met him at the door.  "I want you to run over to Gramp Nelson's," she said.  "He has fresh tomatoes for us."
 
Quick as a wink, Jeff was on his bicycle.  At Gramp Nelson's house, he knocked loudly.  Once. . .twice. . .three times.  No answer.  He knocked again, louder.  Still no answer.  "Must not be home," he mumbled as he jumped on his bike and pedaled home.
 
As Jeff came into the kitchen, Mother was on the telephone.  "Oh, here he is now," she said.  "Thanks for calling."  She hung up the receiver.
 
"Gramps wasn't home," Jeff announced.
 
"Yes, he was," Mother answered.  "He was on the patio.  By the time he got to the door, you had left.  He wants you to come back."
 
"Oh, no!"  Jeff plopped down on the couch.  "Let me catch my breath first, and then I'll go," he promised.
 
Mother picked up the mail.  "Here's a letter from Uncle Carl," she said.  Quickly, she opened it.  As she read, a broad smile spread over her face.  "Listen to what he writes.  'I am so unhappy.  I'm going to have to change my lifestyle.  Keep praying for me.'"  She folded the letter.  "Just like you quit knocking before Gramps got to the door, we're sometimes tempted to quit praying just before the answer comes," she added.
 
Jeff felt guilty as he remembered last night's decision.  Then he nodded.  "Yeah," he said, jumping up.  "Guess I'll go to Gramps house and try again.  This time I'll keep knocking until I get an answer."  As he left, he made up his mind to pray for Uncle Carl again, too, and not give up until God sent the answer.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been praying for something or someone for a long time?  Are you about ready to give up?  Don't!  Keep knocking.  The answer is on the way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:7)
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Johnnie!  How was school?" asked Mom cheerfully, lighting the tall white candle that stood in the middle of the dining table.
 
"Hi," mumbled John, without looking at his mother.
 
"What's wrong?" asked Mom.  "What happened at school?"
 
John hesitated.  "Well, after baseball practice, I asked Darren if he wants to come with me to Sunday school next week.  He asked what we do there, so I told him what I learned at Sunday school last week.  Some of the other kids heard me, too, and they laughed at me."
 
"Then what happened?" prompted Mom gently.
 
"Tom said anybody who believed that nonsense was a fool," replied John. "That really made me mad.  Nobody's gonna call me a fool and get away with it!"  He hesitated before adding, "I punched Tom."  He sighed.  "We're supposed to be witnesses for Jesus, aren't we?" he added. "That's all I was trying to do."
 
Mom was silent for a moment, watching the slim white candle standing gracefully in its silver candle-holder.  "Look at this candle," she said.  "It's burning very brightly, isn't it?" John looked at the gently flickering orange and blue flame and nodded.  "And you know the flame will be very hot, don't you?  Too hot to touch?"  John agreed.  "But how about the sides of the candle?  Will it burn your fingers?" asked Mom.
 
John touched the candle lightly.  "It's quite cool," he said.
 
"That's how Jesus wants you to be," explained Mom.  "He wants you to burn brightly for Him, by witnessing in word and deed.  But He doesn't want you to get all hot and bothered and lose your temper about it; instead, stay cool -- like the candle!"
 
John scratched his head thoughtfully.  "I guess I shouldn't have hit Tom," he said at last.
 
Mom nodded.  "Instead of getting angry, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what to say," she suggested.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you enter into fierce and bitter arguments about your faith in Christ?  Do you lose your temper if people don't accept what you tell them -- what you know is true?  Don't get mad.  You can't control how they will act, but you can control how you act.  Jesus wants you to speak out the truth, but He also wants you to stay calm and cool about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 4:6)
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

[Soldier4Christ]

Although Mike was happy to be back on his grandparents' ranch in Wyoming, everything was different this summer.  In late May, his grandmother had become ill and had to be in the hospital.  Then one day when Grandpa was going to see her, a lady had crashed into his car.  Grandpa wasn't hurt, but the car had been totally wrecked.  That same week the pine forest behind the stables had burned down.  Now Grandpa looked tired, and Grandma, who was back home, looked older.  Even the ranch seemed different with the blackened trees in the background.
 
Mike was glad to be able to help with the many chores around the ranch.  As he groomed the horses or picked beans in the garden, he often thought about his grandparents' attitude.  He had noticed that they still trusted the Lord.
 
One evening his grandfather said, "Let's take a walk so you can see firsthand the remains of the forest fire."
 
Together they walked across the field to the woods.  Mike pointed to the ground.  "Look!  Those pine cones don't even look burnt," he said.
 
Grandpa picked up one of the cones.  "This is from a lodgepole pine," he told Mike.  "The Lord created them to produce two different kinds of cones.  This kind opens only when exposed to heat.  Through His marvelous handiwork, God ensures that even a fire will result in good."
 
"God thought of everything, didn't He?" asked Mike.
 
"He sure did," Grandpa said thoughtfully.  "It's been a rough summer.  Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged, but when I look at these pine cones, I'm comforted.  I know that God can bring good out of the 'fiery trials' we face.  He cares for us, Mike, and wants the best for our lives."
 
Mike nodded.  It was good to know that God was in control -- both in the forest and in the lives of His children.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has something "bad" happened in your life?  Maybe you've faced a divorce, illness, or even a death in your family.  Remember that the Lord is there for you.  He cares about the forest enough to create a special type of pine cone.  He cares about you even more.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:7)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Beth was excited.  She and her mother were shopping for a new dress for her.  "I hope we find the most beautiful dress in the world," said Beth, skipping along beside her mother.
 
They entered a store, and Beth looked through a colorful array of dresses.  Her hand rested on a pale pink dress.  She slipped it off its hanger and held it up against her.  "Mom!  I've found it!" she cried. 
 
"It's certainly pretty," agreed Mom, fingering the soft material.  She flipped it over and glanced at the price tag.  "I'm sorry, honey, but this is way too expensive."  Beth's face fell.  She hung back, stroking the pink dress wistfully as Mom moved on to another group of dresses.  "Look, honey!  Another pink dress," called Mom.  Beth reluctantly left the first dress and went to see what Mom had found.  "And it's half the price," went on Mom triumphantly.
 
"That one's pretty, too," agreed Beth, cheering up.  "How come it's so much cheaper, Mom?"
 
"The other one was handmade," explained Mom.  "That means a lot more time and effort went into making it; and it's one of a kind.  There isn't another one like it in all the world."
 
"Wow!  It would be neat to have a one-of-a-kind, handmade dress!" exclaimed Beth.
 
"Never mind, honey," said Mom.  "Even though you won't have a handmade dress, you're handmade and one-of-a-kind!"
 
"Me?" asked Beth.  "What do you mean?"
 
"Well, the Bible says that God knit you and wove you together -- so you're His one-of-a-kind, handmade creation," explained Mom.  She gave Beth a hug as she added, "You're very special."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel there's nothing special about you?  Maybe you think you don't have any special talent, like being able to sing or write or draw well; maybe you're not particularly clever; maybe you're not even good at sports.  But there's something that makes you very special -- you were skillfully handmade by God and there's no one like you in all the world.  And you can be sure God has created you with a special talent, too.  Maybe it's the talent of being a friend or helper or spreading cheer.  Whatever it is, ask God to help you find and use it as only you can do.  You are special.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:10)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Do you intend to wear that to school?" Mother's familiar question made Tammy sigh as she came into the kitchen.  She said nothing, but sat down and poured herself some cereal, hoping the question would go away.  "I want you to change," added Mom.
 
If Mom had her way, Tammy thought, I'd be dressed like an old lady!  Aloud, she said, "I could wear the T-shirt Brenda gave me -- the one that says. . . ."
 
"No," her mother interrupted, "that's even worse."
 
"I thought what's on the inside of a person was what counted," muttered Tammy as she went to change.  When she returned, she looked around the kitchen.  "I'm going to Darcy's birthday party right after school, remember?" she said.  "Did someone move the present I wrapped?  I left it right here by the sink when I went to bed last night."
 
"What is it?" asked Mother.
 
"It's a little pearl necklace," replied Tammy.  "I put it in a box, and then, for a joke, I wrapped it in newspaper and tied it with string.  Then I put it in one of those little yellow plastic bags you use for. . . ."
 
"For garbage!" gasped Mother.  "I thought it was last night's garbage, and I put it out with the rest of the trash."
 
Tammy ran for the street and began lifting the lid on first one garbage can, then another.  In the distance, she could hear the whine of the approaching garbage truck.  At last she found the package and ran back into the house, her hands and shirt soiled with smelly garbage.  "I'm glad you found it," said Mother.  "I didn't mean to throw your package out, but the way it was wrapped sent a message that what was inside could not be very valuable."  Tammy nodded.  "Now you better go wash up and change your clothes again.  And when you change, make sure your 'wrappings' don't give a false message, too.  God says you're valuable.  He can see inside of you, but nobody else can.  Be sure to dress like there's something worthwhile inside."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What does your appearance say?  Would Jesus approve of the clothes you wear?  Both boys and girls need to be very careful about how they look.  It's not necessarily wrong to wear what is popular, but be sure your clothes don't mark you as someone who is rebellious -- a person who belongs to the world.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mom," said Tiffany as she came into the house.

"Hi, honey," greeted Mom.  "What did you do at Kay's?"

Tiffany hesitated.  "Oh, nothing much."

Mom's brow creased.  "Sounds like you're hedging, Tiffany," she said.

"Well. . .Kay wanted to watch a movie on TV, so I said okay because I was her guest. But it had a lot of fighting and swearing," confessed Tiffany.  "I didn't really want to watch it, but I did.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to watch it once as long as I don't let things like that affect me."

"Things like that often affect us more than we think," replied Mother.  "Fooling around with sinful things is like playing with fire."  She stared out the kitchen window.  Turning back to Tiffany, she added, "I was just thinking of my cousin, Annabel."

"Why?" asked Tiffany.  "What did she do?"

"I once went with Annabel and her folks on an outing in the woods," replied Mother.  "Her father built a bonfire.  When the flames died down, her father threw water over the coals.  They turned gray, and the fire seemed to be gone."  Mother shook her head.  "Annabel and I played a game of Tag" continued Mother.  "Annabel ran right over those coals with her bare feet.  She hadn't even noticed them, because they looked as gray as the sand.  Oh, how she screamed!  Inside, the coals were still very hot, and Annabel burned both her feet."

"Oh, how awful!" exclaimed Tiffany.  "That must have really hurt!"

"Yes," said Mother.  "In Proverbs it says, Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?"

Tiffany nodded.  "That's like what happened to Annabel."

"Right,"agreed Mother.  "But God's warning here isn't just about real fire.  That warning also applies to sinful things."

"Like bad TV?" asked Tiffany.

Mom nodded.  "Yes.  Like the gray coals that looked harmless, sinful things often seem innocent.  But sin always harms us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you felt that a few worldly things wouldn’t harm you?  How much fire must you touch before you’re burned?  Treat every sin as though it’s a red-hot coal of fire.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 6:27-28)
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?  Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mom."  Joey sat down with a heavy sigh.
 
"What's bothering you, Joey?" asked Mother as she added ingredients to the almond bars she was making for dessert.  "Did something go wrong at school?"
 
"No. . .well, not exactly.  It's just that I don't seem to fit in," replied Joey.  "I'm not much good in sports, so I can't make the soccer team.  I can't carry a tune, so I can't join the choir.  I'm not even much good at math or science -- stuff like that.  I don't belong anywhere."
 
"What about the help you give Mr. Brown in the library?" asked Mother.  "You belong there.  Mr. Brown depends on you to return books to the shelves.  That's important.  And then there's your after-school duty, guiding the smaller children to the right bus.  You're a good helper."
 
Joey looked doubtful.  "Awww, Mom, those little jobs don't count.  Anybody could do them."
 
"But not quite like you can, Joey," said Mother.  "I know you would be greatly missed if you left your jobs for somebody else to do."
 
That evening after supper, Mother's bars were served.  "These don't taste quite right to me," observed Mother after trying one.  She took another bite.  "Almond!" she exclaimed suddenly.  "I forgot to put the almond flavoring in these bars!"
 
Dad laughed.  "The missing ingredient," he said.
 
"Just a little thing, but so important," said Mother.  She smiled. "Maybe we can learn from my mistake," she suggested.  "Dad, me, and you, Joey -- each one of us is like one of God's essential ingredients, and we each have our own special job to do.  If one of us is missing, life lacks something important.  These bars take only a little flavoring, but it's important.  And even the things we consider to be 'little jobs' are important, too."
 
Dad nodded.  "That's right," he agreed.  "So be faithful where God has put you right now.  Don't be a missing ingredient."
 
Joey looked at the bars.  "I'll remember," he promised.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you eager to serve God where you are right now?  Do you sometimes feel like you don't fit in -- like you're not good at anything important?  Today's Scripture points out that what your talents are is not so important as what you do with them.  Even so-called little tasks done for the Lord are important, and He will someday reward you for serving Him.  Don't be the "missing ingredient" when you have a job to do.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"If God is so loving, I don't think He would send anybody to hell," said Josh firmly.
 
"Well," his friend Don began, praying for the right words to say, "the Bible. . . ."  A loud outburst of yelps from his dog interrupted the discussion.  The boys jumped up and rushed to the door, just in time to see a boy ride out of sight on Josh's new bike.  They ran after him, but soon realized it would do no good.
 
"We need help. . .call your dad," said Josh.  Don's father was a policeman.  Mother agreed that calling the police was a good idea, and within a short time, a squad car pulled up to the curb.  Don's father emerged and lifted a mangled bike from the trunk.  Josh's jaw sagged as he recognized the bent frame.  "Oh, no!" he exclaimed.  "Who did that?  Did you catch the dirty thief?"
 
Don's father held up his hand.  "Calm down, Josh," he said.  "The boy who took  your bike will have to pay for the damage.  Right now we need you to help file a report."
 
Later that day, the boys resumed their discussion about whether God would send anyone to hell.  When Josh continued to insist that a loving God wouldn't do that, Don had an idea.  "Hey, Josh," he said, "why do you think my dad arrested that kid who took your bike today?  What if he had seen that boy commit a crime but refused to do anything about it?"
 
"That would be wrong!" exclaimed Josh.  "But he wouldn't refuse. He's a policeman.  It's his job to do something about it."
 
"You don't really want that kid to be punished, do you?" asked Don.
 
"Sure I do."  Josh stared at him.  "The kid stole my bike and ruined it!"
 
"But aren't you a loving person?" Don asked.
 
"Well, sure, but. . . ."  Jason stopped.  He thought he saw where this conversation was going.
 
Don nodded.  "It would be wrong for my dad to just ignore crime," he said, "and even though you're a nice person, you said yourself that it should be punished."  Then he made his point.  "God is holy and He can't ignore crime, either -- the crime of sin.  If He did, it would be wrong.  The sin needs to be punished."
 
Josh considered that.  "I guess you're right," he said.  He knew he'd better give this matter more thought.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to believe that a loving God could send someone to hell?  Do you think that everyone will go to heaven, one way or another?  Because God is loving, He provided a way to heaven through the blood of Jesus.  Because He is holy, He demands that those who refuse to repent and trust in Jesus be punished eternally. That need not happen to you.  Accept His Son today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 9:17)
The wicked shall be turned into hell.

[Soldier4Christ]

As church began, Jan was thinking about how she had finally earned enough money for a whole week at Bible camp, plus a few dollars for crafts and treats.  Her thoughts were interrupted by a nudge on her elbow.  The offering was being taken, and it made her feel a little guilty.  For weeks she had been putting every cent she earned into the bank.  She hadn't put anything into the offering.  After all, she reasoned, it's for camp where I'll be learning more about the Lord, so in a way, it's for Him.
 
After church, Jan went to her Sunday school teacher's home for a picnic lunch.  After they had eaten, the girls played with Mrs. Harper's little dog, Pixie.  "Watch this," Mrs. Harper said, throwing a ball far across the lawn.  Pixie bounced after it, burrowed under the bushes to find the ball, and ran back to drop it into Mrs. Harper's hand.  Each time Mrs. Harper threw the ball, Pixie got it and brought it back.
 
"This game wasn't much fun for either Pixie or me at first," said Mrs. Harper.  "When I threw the ball, she would grab it and hold it.  Then she learned to bring it back, but she wouldn't let go."
 
"Maybe she didn't know you'd let her chase the ball again," suggested Jan.  "Maybe she was afraid the game would be over if she gave up the ball."
 
Mrs. Harper nodded.  "Maybe," she agreed.  "I used to be like that myself."  Jan looked at her curiously.  "I used to be afraid to give up my possessions to the Lord," explained Mrs. Harper.  "I was afraid that if I gave some of my money, I wouldn't have enough left."  She smiled. "Pixie learned to trust me and let go of the ball, and I learned to trust the Lord and let go of my money.  I learned that the more we give, the more we are blessed.  If we hold on to our possessions, we cheat ourselves." 
 
Jan was thoughtful.  She thought about the money she had saved, and she knew that using it for camp--even though that was a good thing--was not the same as giving it to the Lord.  I'll give some next week, she thought.  It's not too late.  And maybe it's not too late to earn a little more so that I can go to camp, too.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been giving God part of the money that comes to you?  When you do, you show faith in God -- that you trust Him to provide for you, not your own moneys.  Maybe you think what you can give is so little that it doesn't matter anyway.  God doesn't use only large offerings.  He also uses the pennies, nickels, and dimes of boys and girls.  Giving to God is exciting and rewarding.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:38)
Give, and it shall be given unto you. . . for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I read a helpful verse in my Bible this morning," said Mom as the family traveled on the second day of their vacation.  After she shared her verse, Dad told them what he'd learned in his daily Bible reading.
 
"What did you read about today?" Mom asked Rick.
 
"I. . .well. . .actually, I forgot to pack my Bible."  Rick squirmed uneasily.
 
"You may borrow mine," suggested Mom.
 
"I hate to read in the car," said Rick, refusing the Bible she offered.  "Besides, I read my Bible all the time.  I won't forget what it says during the short time we're on vacation."  His parents exchanged glances but said nothing.
 
After a while Mom noticed an exit sign.  "Isn't this where we turn off?" she asked.
 
"No, I don't think so," said Dad.  "Double check with the map."  He reached for the map, but it wasn't there.  Mom and Rick looked all over the car, but they couldn't find it anywhere.  Mom suggested stopping to buy another.  "Let's not take time," said Dad.  "I studied the map carefully before we left.  I'm sure this isn't the right exit."
 
After traveling a while longer, Dad finally agreed to get another map.  They discovered that Dad was wrong -- they should have turned off long before.  Rick felt angry when he heard how far out of the way they'd gone.  "Dad's stubborn," Rick complained when Dad went to pay for gas.
 
"That will do, Rick," said Mom sternly.  Then she sighed.  "Studying a map regularly is better than relying on memory," she added.
 
"That's for sure," agreed Rick.
 
"Traveling down the highway on our vacation reminds me that we are also traveling down the 'highway' of life," said Mom.  "The Bible shows us the way we should go -- if we're not too stubborn to take time to refer to it regularly."
 
Dad returned, and they soon were on their way.  "How about it, Rick?" said Mom as they drove off.  "Don't you think you better borrow my Bible after all and review the 'map' to see what you need to know?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel you've studied the Bible so much that you remember all you need to know?  Do you find excuses for neglecting daily Bible reading?  God provided a wonderful guide when He gave us the Bible. He expects us to refresh our memories by reading it regularly.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:16)
I will delight myself in thy statutes I will not forget thy word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mandy sat slumped in Dad's armchair.  A book lay open in her lap, but she just stared out the window.  "What's wrong, Mandy?" asked Mom.
 
Mandy shrugged.  "Oh. . .nothing, really."
 
Mom pulled up a chair beside her.  "Then why are you looking so glum?"
 
"Well. . .last week after I sang my solo at the revival meeting lots of people said I did so well and what a good voice I had and stuff like that," replied Mandy.  "I know that's not so important, but some of them talked about how God was glorified through my singing, and I felt really good about all that.  But since then, well. . .I feel kind of. . .of. . . ."
 
"Let down?" suggested Mom.  Mandy nodded.  Mom thought a moment.  "Mandy," she began slowly. "Remember the Bible story of the Transfiguration?  Jesus was glorified up on that high mountain.  His Father thundered forth from the heavens in praise of His Son.  Don't you think that must have been a wonderful experience?"
 
"Sure," agreed Mandy.
 
"But what if Jesus had wanted to stay there, up on the mountain?" continued Mom.  "Then He wouldn't have been able to get on with His next task -- to heal a boy possessed by an evil spirit."  Mandy looked thoughtful.  "Mandy," said Mom gently, "you're trying to stay up on the mountain now -- the mountain of success and praise.  By doing that, you're missing opportunities to serve down below in the valley."
 
"But what can I do?" asked Mandy, "there are no more revival meetings or concerts lined up."
 
"How about visiting Anita in the hospital?" suggested Mom.  Mandy wrinkled her nose.  "Yes, I know that doesn't sound very exciting," said Mom, "but that's coming down from the mountain and serving God the way He wants -- and not just where people are going to praise you."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you do something for Jesus -- lead a Bible study, sing a solo, visit a sick person -- you'll feel good about yourself, and that's fine.  It's also nice if your pastor or parents or friends appreciate what you've done.  But don't expect to go on feeling good or go on being praised for past achievements.  That would be like Jesus wanting to stay on the mountaintop forever!  Come down from the mountain and find out what God wants you to do next.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 6:2)
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bethann didn't feel much like going on the class field trip to the rock quarry.  She just wanted her lost kitten to come home.  And she wanted her daddy to get his job back.
 
The quarry superintendent met their bus and handed out hard hats to the class of fourth graders.  "We're going to have a dynamite blast today to loosen and break the stone in the quarry," he said as they stood in the parking lot.  A loud horn blared.  A moment later, it sounded again.  "The horn goes off three times as a warning before the blast," the superintendent explained.  "We blow it one time after the blast to let everyone know it's safe to come near."  The third horn blared.  After just a moment. . .BOOM!  A loud explosion sounded and the children watched the side of the pit break up and rise into the air, sending dust and rocks flying in the distance.  When the "all clear" horn sounded, the superintendent allowed the children to take a closer look at what had happened.  They also saw the men who controlled the operation and set off the blasts.
 
As Bethann told her mother about it when she got home, she picked up a picture of her cat.  "It's almost like we've had a dynamite blast in our house," she said sadly.  "Everything's fallen apart."
 
"Sometimes it does feel like our comfortable little world is blowing to pieces," Mother agreed.  "But the men at the quarry made sure the blasts were safe and controlled.  That reminds me that God is in control of what happens to us.  And just like the stone company profits from their explosions, we can profit from what seem like explosions -- the troubles -- in our lives. God will teach us needed lessons, and help us grow in our Christian lives as we trust Him through the rough circumstances."  She smiled at Bethann.  "The quarry's horn sounds to make sure everyone goes to a safe place.  Well, we're in a safe place, too.  God is with us throughout every experience we face, so we are always safe in His loving arms."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you having a rough day?  When difficult or sad things happen, remember that God is in complete control and will work through the hard situations to strengthen your life for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 34:19)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.