Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Stacy started confidently down the sidewalk.  Mother was very busy, so Stacy had decided she'd go to the park and play for a little while.  I'll get back before Mommy even misses me, she thought.  Mommy always thinks I'm not old enough to go to the park alone.  That's silly!
 
After turning a corner, Stacy heard a dog barking behind her.  She was a little bit afraid of dogs, and she began to run.  She dodged through a side yard and came out on the next street.  She was relieved to find that the dog had not followed.  She skipped merrily down the walk for a couple of blocks before she realized that she didn't know where she was.  Am I lost? she wondered with a feeling of terror.
 
"Hi, there."  A man who was working in his yard smiled and spoke to her.  "Are you out for a walk?"  Quickly Stacy took off in the opposite direction.  She knew she mustn't talk to a stranger.  But where was the park?  After turning another corner, she stood still.  Now she knew she was lost.  Her eyes filled with tears as she sat down on the curb.  After what seemed a long, long time, a familiar-looking car came around the corner.  It stopped, and who should jump out but her own mother!  Stacy burst into tears, and Mother gathered her into her arms.  "I d-d-didn't think you'd come," sobbed Stacy.  "I thought you were busy."
 
"I was busy," Mother said, "but when you were missing, I left everything and came looking for you.  Nothing else was as important."  She looked at Stacy.  "I don't know when I've been so glad to see anybody in my life."
 
Stacy looked at her mother a little fearfully.  "Even though I was naughty?" she asked.
 
"Even though you were naughty," said Mother solemnly.
 
Stacy broke into tears again.  "I'm sorry, Mommy," she said.  "I won't disobey you anymore.  I promise."
 
"I'm very glad that you see how naughty you were," said Mother.  "I accept your apology, and I do forgive you.  I also expect you to keep your promise."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever suddenly discovered that you were lost?  It's a terrible feeling, isn't it?  Are you lost right now -- lost in sin?  That was your condition as soon as you entered the world.  But there's good news!  In spite of your sin, Jesus loves you.  You're so important to Him that He left heaven's glory and came to earth to find you and save you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 19:10)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

[Soldier4Christ]

David looked up as his friend, Jimmy, sank down beside him on the school bus.  "You see the paper this morning?" Jimmy asked.  "Some crazy parents are getting all upset just because we're having an assembly speaker come to talk about Yoga and why meditation is a good thing."  David just stared out the window.  His father and mother were among those "crazy" parents.  They were also upset with the lack of moral teaching in the books being used.
 
"My mom said those people are just a bunch of fanatics," put in Andrea.  David opened his math book and pretended to be studying until the bus arrived at school.
 
That wasn't the end of the subject, however.  It came up during science class, and his teacher said those who objected "weren't smart enough to know what they were talking about."  David was embarrassed.  He wished he were home.  But when he did get home, it was even worse.  His mother was writing to the newspaper, and that meant the whole town would see her name.  "Do you have to make a fuss about it?" he asked.
 
"I've let the school board know exactly how I feel," his mother replied, "and I hope others will be encouraged to take a stand, too."
 
Discouraged, David went into the family room and sat down with a sports magazine.  Soon his mother came into the room to get a stamp from her desk.  "Oh, dear," she said as she picked up a plant from the top of her desk.  "This looks rather sick."  David watched as a leaf fell to the floor.  "I hope I can revive it," Mother continued.  She looked at David thoughtfully.  "I didn't drop this plant or feed it poison.  I just ignored it because I've been busy."
 
"So?" David asked.
 
"Well, I could do the same with your education," explained Mother.  "I could ignore what you're being taught, but the results might be even more sad than what's happened to this plant.  Your mind could become weakened spiritually.  Instead, Dad and I have chosen to fight for what we know is right because we love you."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been embarrassed because your parents "protested" something that was being taught at your school?  Have you been ashamed of their testimony?  They care about you and want you to have the very best training there is.  Thank them for their concern.  They deserve your honor and respect.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:2)
Honor thy father and mother.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The leaves are so pretty already, and it's only the end of August!" exclaimed Rhonda as she and her grandfather walked to church together.  She picked up a few leaves.
 
Grandpa, whom she was visiting for the week, nodded.  "Jack Frost arrived a bit early this year," he said.  "Some people say that means we're going to have a hard winter."  He looked at the house they were passing and added, "This is where the Burmonts live.  They're good friends of ours, but their oldest son, Craig, got involved with drugs. He's never gotten over it."
 
Rhonda remembered Craig -- a good-looking boy who liked to draw.  So he used drugs!  She felt a little guilty, because she had been wondering about trying some herself.  She would be starting high school the next year, and she was concerned about what kind of impression she would make.  The image of a naive, green little freshman didn't appeal to her at all.  She felt she needed some experience to make her more "worldly-wise" and to give her a bit of color!  She had thought using drugs might do that.
 
"In some ways this early frost we've had reminds me of what happens when young people use drugs," said Grandpa.
 
	"What do you mean?" asked Rhonda.
 
"The first effects of the frost are beautiful leaves.  And when kids take drugs, they usually feel good about themselves at first," explained Grandpa.  "But the deadly result of the frost will soon be seen as the leaves turn brown.  And the deadly effects of drugs also become apparent soon.  Sometimes drugs actually kill young people.  Other times they kill their hopes and dreams.  Craig Burmont might have been a great artist if he'd developed his talent through steady practice and study at a good art school.  What a shame that he tried to take a shortcut with drugs instead."
 
As Rhonda walked, she kicked some leaves that had already turned brown and dry.  She wondered if God had sent this early frost just for her, as a warning against trying to live her life too quickly.  She decided that being a "green" freshman would not be bad after all!



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been tempted to try drugs for the sake of being popular?  It's far better to stand alone than to risk your health and your future by taking drugs.  Pray that God will help you not to take any foolhardy risks.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 14:12)
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mom," said Brooke.  Then she frowned.  She was visiting her mother in the hospital, and it seemed so strange to see Mom in a hospital bed.  "You feel okay?" asked Brooke.
 
"Sure."  Mom nodded.  "They only did tests today.  The surgery isn't until tomorrow, but don't worry about that, either.   I'm in very good hands."  She pointed to a bag Brooke was carrying.  "What did you bring?"
 
"I brought a puzzle," replied Brooke.  She dumped the pieces onto Mom's bedside table.  "It's just a small one, and I  figured we could work   it together, just like we do at home."
 
"Good idea," approved Mom, and they began searching out the pieces that went around the edge of the picture.
 
Brooke frowned as she worked.  So many questions filled her mind.  Would Mom's surgery be very painful for her?  Would it make her well?  And the question that bothered Brooke the most -- could Mom die during the surgery?  But she didn't want to worry Mom with her questions at a time like that, so she didn't tell her mother what she was thinking.
 
"I can't figure out where this piece goes," Brooke said, still frowning.
 
Mom smiled at her.  "I'm glad you brought a puzzle," she said.  "It's kind of like my life right now.  Being ill and needing surgery is like that piece of the puzzle -- I don't know where this experience fits into the picture of my life." Mom's words also described what Brooke was feeling.  "But I've seen how God has put many other pieces of my life together already," Mom continued.  "That helps me trust Him now, too."
 
"What do you mean?" asked Brooke.
 
"Well, one example is the way God worked when Dad lost his job," said Mother.  "We were all concerned, but God provided him with a job in this city where Dr. Campbell practices.  He's the best doctor in the country to perform my surgery."
 
"God was taking care of you, right?" said Brooke slowly.  "And He'll take care of you tomorrow, won't He?"
 
Mom nodded.  "I don't understand how this fits into my life, but He does," she said.  "I trust Him to work it into the best possible picture for me.  Will you trust Him, too, honey?"
 
Brooke nodded.  She was finally smiling.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there events in your life that you don't understand?  Take comfort -- God sees the total picture of your life and He's fitting the pieces into just the right places.  He'll work everything out for your good, even though you may not see it now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:28)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Adam hesitated as his friend, Stephen, held up a video he and some other boys were going to watch.  "Come on, Adam," urged Stephen.  "Are you a wimp or something?"
 
Adam was curious about the popular horror movie.  However, he really didn't want to break his parents' rule about not watching such movies.  Just as he was going to say no, the boys started chanting, "Wimpy!  Wimpy!"  Adam gave in.
 
When Adam got home, a wave of guilt overcame him.  "How did it happen, Lord?" he prayed.  "I really didn't mean to disobey.  I should have said no.  Please forgive me."  He felt better then.
 
Adam went to bed with a clear conscience and fell right to sleep.  But then the dream came -- a terrible dream in which the monster from the movie was after him with such reality that Adam was terrified.
 
"Adam, wake up."  Adam heard Dad's voice over his own cries.  Dad's words were comforting, but the terror was still with Adam, and he couldn't stop crying.  Through his tears, he told Dad about the movie and how it had brought on the dream.  "I asked God to forgive me.  Why didn't He?  Why did He let me have that dream?" Adam asked.
 
"Remember the lamp?" asked Dad.  Adam nodded.  He'd recently broken a lamp when he disobeyed the rule about not playing ball in the house.  "We forgave you for breaking it, but although the lamp was fixed, it still has a crack in its base.  It will always have that scar," Dad reminded him.  "Tonight you asked God to forgive you for watching that movie even though you knew you shouldn't.  He has forgiven you, too, but that doesn't mean there will be no scars."
 
"The dream was a scar, wasn't it?" asked Adam.
 
"I think so," said Dad.  "Often God allows us to experience the consequences of our sin.  I think it's part of His discipline to keep us from sin that has even worse consequences.  Accept God's discipline and learn from it."
 
Adam thought about the lamp and the nightmare -- two scars to help him remember not to disobey.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you tried something wrong because you were curious or because others pressured you into it?  Accept God's ready forgiveness when you repent of your sin, but also recognize His discipline when He allows you to experience the consequences of that sin.  Sin is dangerous and not something to be played with.  God's discipline is to help you remember this.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Revelation 3:19)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look at what Scuffy did to my slipper!" cried Anne.  The slipper she held looked soggy and torn.  "I scolded Scuffy and put him outside."
 
"I'm sorry, honey," said Dad as he took the mangled slipper.  "I can see that little puppy needs a lot more training."
 
Mother spoke from the doorway.  "Anne, Jody is on the phone for you," she said.
 
After a few words, Anne scowled.  "You always want me to do all the work.  You're awful!" she screeched, and she banged down the phone.
 
"I thought Jody was your best friend," said Mother.
 
"She is."  Anne hung her head.  "She just caught me at a bad time."
 
"Did your sister catch you at a bad time, too?" asked Mother.  "I heard you lash out at her this morning."
 
Anne blushed.  "She bothers me when I'm tired," she said with a sigh.  "But I always tell her I'm sorry."  She brightened.  "I'll call Jody back and apologize."
 
Just then Scuffy whined at the door.  "I think Scuffy wants to come in and apologize, too," suggested Dad, handing the chewed-up slipper to Anne.
 
Anne looked at it.  "I think he should stay out longer," she grumbled.  "After all, my slipper is ruined for good."
 
Dad nodded.  "That's true," he agreed.  He looked thoughtful, as he added, "You need to know, Anne, that feelings can be mangled just like your slipper, and once you've said a word it really can't be taken back.  You can apologize, but the words have already hurt.  After a while there is no way to repair the damage."
 
"That's right," agreed Mother.  "You need to apologize to several people, but most of all, you need to control your tongue.  Think before you speak.  When you feel angry, count to ten before you say anything.  Quickly ask God to help you say things that are loving and kind."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say things you don't mean?  Do you speak too quickly?  It's so easy to do.  The Bible has a lot to say about how much trouble your tongue can cause.  It also gives the cure -- let the love of Christ in your heart control what you say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 21:23)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Josh, would you open the trunk, please?" asked Mom.  She pulled the keys from the ignition and held onto one as she handed them to him.  "This is. . . ."
 
But nine-year-old Josh grabbed the ring and scrambled out the door in a flash.  He ran around to the trunk and eagerly shoved in a key.  The lock wouldn't budge.  He fumbled with the jangling ring and selected another key that looked good to him.  It wouldn't even go in.  Frustrated, he tried one more, then yelled, "Mom!  Which one?"
 
Mom's hand came down gently over his fingers as she took the key ring from him.  "It was the one I was holding," she said.  "I tried to tell you, but you bolted out of the car before I could finish."  She held out a short silver key.
 
Sheepishly, Josh slid the key in and unlocked the trunk.  He returned the key ring with a grin.  "I guess there's only one that will work, huh?"
 
Mom smiled as she loaded his arms with a grocery bag.  "Yes, and that's true for more than one thing.  Only one key for the trunk, one for the house -- and even only one for heaven.  And you know what?  Many people, even adults, don't know what key is needed to go to heaven."
 
"What do you mean?" asked Josh as he followed his mother into the house. 
 
Mom set the groceries on the table and began putting them away as she explained.  "God sacrificed His Son, Jesus, so that we may have eternal life.  But instead of accepting that key to salvation, many people try their own imitations, even if they have heard of the right way."  She turned to Josh and dangled the key ring in front of him.  "Do you remember how you felt when you tried to use the wrong keys?"
 
Josh nodded.  "I thought for sure they'd work.  They all looked like they would."
 
"Some people think the same thing about heaven," said Mom.  "They go to church or try to be good or do what looks like the right thing to them, and they think those things will get them into heaven.  But Jesus is the only way to heaven.  No other 'key' will work."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you trying to get to heaven by being good, going to church, or giving money?  Those are things God wants you to do, but they can't save you.  You can enter heaven only through Jesus.  Accept Him as your Savior today and be assured you have the right key.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:6)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"How embarrassing!" exclaimed Martha.  "Mrs. Phillips wants me to sing a solo in church Sunday."
 
Mother smiled.  "That's wonderful, honey," she said.
 
"Wonderful?  I'm not doing it," declared Martha.  "What if I'd make a mistake?  All my friends would laugh at me."
 
"It's your decision," said Mother.  "But God gave you a beautiful voice.  It's a shame not to use it for Him."
 
"Well, I'm not going to do it," Martha said stubbornly.
 
When Martha came home from school the next day, her mother stood at the kitchen counter vigorously beating some batter with an old- fashioned egg beater.  "What are you making, Mom?" Martha asked.
 
"Dad's birthday cake," replied Mother.
 
"Oh, good!" exclaimed Martha.  But she frowned as she peered into the bowl.  "Where's the mixer we got you for your birthday last week?" she asked.  "Is it broken?"  Mother shook her head as she added more flour.  "Well, then," said Martha, "I don't understand why you're not using it.  I thought you liked it."
 
"Are you disappointed that I'm not using the gift you gave me?" asked Mother.
 
Martha shrugged.  "A little, I guess."
 
"Hmmm," murmured Mother.  "You and I each have a gift we're not using, don't we?"  At Martha's questioning look, Mother explained.  "There's my mixer and your music -- your voice.  I wonder if it causes God sorrow when we don't use the gifts He gave us?"
 
"Oh!"  Martha was startled.  "I never thought of that."
 
"The reason I'm not using my gift is that Mrs. Cooper, next door, asked if she could borrow it.  Hers broke, and she had to make several cakes for the missionary luncheon, so I loaned it to her."  Mother paused.  "Do you have a good reason for not using your gift?"
 
Martha was silent a moment.  "Maybe God thinks I don't like my voice," she said at last.  "I really do.  I'll call Mrs. Phillips and tell her I'll sing on Sunday after all."
 
"Good," said Mother.  "I'm sure God will be pleased with that."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What abilities has God given you?  Do you use them to glorify Him?  If you can sing, do that for the Lord. If you can work in the nursery, do that for Him.  If you can play an instrument, play it for Him.  Use whatever abilities God has given you to bring honor to His name.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 4:10)
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Chip threw a fast ball to Tommy at the other end of the yard.  Tommy returned it to Chip's baseball mitt with a thud.  "I sure hope we both make the team," Tommy yelled.
 
"Me, too," Chip agreed.
 
When Mother called Chip for dinner, he tossed his mitt on the grass.  Tommy pedaled off on his bike.
 
After dinner, thunder began rumbling through the sky.  And as Chip climbed into bed, he heard rain outside his window.  It was really pouring!
 
The next day, Chip searched the house for his mitt.  "Oh, no!" he exclaimed suddenly.  He ran to the back yard.  Water dripped from the mitt as he picked it up.
 
"You left your mitt outside in the rain?" asked Dad when he saw Chip with the wet mitt.  Chip nodded unhappily.  "How many times have I talked to you about taking care of your things?" demanded Dad.
 
"I needed a new mitt anyway," whined Chip.  "See how worn this is?"
 
Dad shook his head.  "No new mitt as long as you're so careless with the one you have," he said firmly.
 
"But, Dad!" protested Chip.  "The tryouts for the team are next week.  I need a mitt to practice."
 
"You'll have to make do with this one," said Dad.  He dropped the soggy mitt into Chip's hands.  "You know, the Bible says that all we have is from God.  I believe He expects us to take the best possible care of what He's provided -- even things like a baseball mitt.  Learning to take care of such things trains us to take care of more important things, too."  Dad paused at the porch steps.  "Hang the mitt out on the clothesline," he suggested.  "It'll dry out more quickly there.  And then you'll need to use vegetable oil to soften the leather again.  It's good to remember that taking care of things in the first place will save you a lot of trouble and work."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take care of your things?  The Bible says you should be faithful, or trustworthy, in caring for them.  Doing so pleases God and also teaches you the responsibility needed for taking care of "true riches" -- for handling spiritual responsibilities.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 16:11)
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

[Soldier4Christ]

 Life-Saving

Cole looked up as Alex, his younger brother, came running into the room. "I heard Mrs. Scott, next door, yelling," gasped Alex. "Bobby got into the back yard and fell into their pool." Bobby was a small neighbor boy. "Mrs. Scott called 911, and she's trying to get him out, but she can't swim very good," added Alex. "You took life-saving, Cole. Maybe you can help."

As soon as he heard what happened, Cole shot from his chair and raced next door. Without a thought for himself, he dove into the pool. Bobby was thrashing around, trying to stay above the water. "Be still, Bobby," ordered Cole, but the little boy continued to struggle. With a great deal of effort, Cole managed to move him to the edge of the pool, and Mrs. Scott helped lift him out. By the time more help arrived, Cole and Bobby were lying on the cement, exhausted. Because of Cole's quick action, Bobby had swallowed only a little water and would be fine.

That evening, everyone was still quite excited about what had happened, but Cole was rather quiet. "Were you scared?" Alex asked several times.

Cole shook his head. "There wasn't time to be scared then," he said, "but it scares me when I think about it now. I'm glad I took that life-saving course, so I knew what to do." He looked thoughtfully at his parents. "I've been thinking about something," he added slowly. "Last Sunday my teacher said that people are 'drowning in sin.'" Cole paused for a moment, and then went on. "I've been thinking about that," he repeated. "Sometimes I don't tell my friends about Jesus because I'm afraid they won't like me to do that. I guess I'm afraid they'll laugh at me or something. But this morning, I didn't worry about whether Bobby would like the methods I used to save him. If I had stopped to think about that, he might have drowned."

Dad nodded. "I think we all have the same problem," he said. "Before it's too late, we need to stop worrying about ourselves and start helping those who don't know the Lord."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you could save someone from drowning, would you do it? Of course you would. How about if you could tell someone how to be saved from sin? Do you realize that those who don't know Jesus are headed for punishment in hell? What will you do to help them? Perhaps you could invite someone to come to Sunday school where he'll hear the Gospel message, show someone the "ABC's of salvation" found at the end of this book, or simply tell him or her about Jesus. Do it today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16

[Soldier4Christ]

"I  hate being cooped up with this broken leg," Jeff complained to his Uncle George.  "I can't play ball or anything.  I'm sick of my crutches."
 
"Maybe what I brought you will help," said Uncle George, handing Jeff a package.  Eagerly Jeff opened it.  He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long.  "It's a chameleon," explained Uncle George.  "Here, let him out of the jar.  He'll enjoy running around your mother's houseplants."
 
Jeff laughed.  "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. Suddenly he looked closer.  "He looks different, Uncle George!" he exclaimed.  "His color is changing."
 
Uncle George chuckled.  "He's turning a brownish color because he's on a brownish stem," he said.
 
"He's neat!" exclaimed Jeff.
 
"He can change to gray, green, brown, or a yellowish brown.  He changes his color, not only to blend in with his surroundings, but also according to the mood he's in or how he feels," explained Uncle George. He turned to Jeff.  "But I don't want you to learn his tricks!"
 
"I couldn't change the color of my skin," said Jeff.
 
"Oh, but some Christians are like chameleons," replied Uncle George. "They smile and are pleasant and talk about the Lord when everything is going their way, but when something unpleasant happens they 'change their color' fast.  Nobody could tell by watching them that they have a loving Savior and a wonderful home waiting for them in heaven."
 
Jeff took a deep breath.  He felt guilty because he knew that ever since he had broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself.  After a few minutes, Uncle George stood up.  "I must be going," he said.  "Enjoy your pet.  The feeding instructions are on the jar."
 
"Thanks," answered Jeff.  "I'll have fun taking care of him, and I've already learned something from him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you act one way at church but another way at school and at home?  Do you "change color" according to your mood or your circumstances?  If you're willing to let Him, God will help you be a consistent Christian instead of a "chameleon" one.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I  hate being cooped up with this broken leg," Jeff complained to his Uncle George.  "I can't play ball or anything.  I'm sick of my crutches."
 
"Maybe what I brought you will help," said Uncle George, handing Jeff a package.  Eagerly Jeff opened it.  He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long.  "It's a chameleon," explained Uncle George.  "Here, let him out of the jar.  He'll enjoy running around your mother's houseplants."
 
Jeff laughed.  "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. Suddenly he looked closer.  "He looks different, Uncle George!" he exclaimed.  "His color is changing."
 
Uncle George chuckled.  "He's turning a brownish color because he's on a brownish stem," he said.
 
"He's neat!" exclaimed Jeff.
 
"He can change to gray, green, brown, or a yellowish brown.  He changes his color, not only to blend in with his surroundings, but also according to the mood he's in or how he feels," explained Uncle George. He turned to Jeff.  "But I don't want you to learn his tricks!"
 
"I couldn't change the color of my skin," said Jeff.
 
"Oh, but some Christians are like chameleons," replied Uncle George. "They smile and are pleasant and talk about the Lord when everything is going their way, but when something unpleasant happens they 'change their color' fast.  Nobody could tell by watching them that they have a loving Savior and a wonderful home waiting for them in heaven."
 
Jeff took a deep breath.  He felt guilty because he knew that ever since he had broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself.  After a few minutes, Uncle George stood up.  "I must be going," he said.  "Enjoy your pet.  The feeding instructions are on the jar."
 
"Thanks," answered Jeff.  "I'll have fun taking care of him, and I've already learned something from him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you act one way at church but another way at school and at home?  Do you "change color" according to your mood or your circumstances?  If you're willing to let Him, God will help you be a consistent Christian instead of a "chameleon" one.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I  hate being cooped up with this broken leg," Jeff complained to his Uncle George.  "I can't play ball or anything.  I'm sick of my crutches."
 
"Maybe what I brought you will help," said Uncle George, handing Jeff a package.  Eagerly Jeff opened it.  He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long.  "It's a chameleon," explained Uncle George.  "Here, let him out of the jar.  He'll enjoy running around your mother's houseplants."
 
Jeff laughed.  "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. Suddenly he looked closer.  "He looks different, Uncle George!" he exclaimed.  "His color is changing."
 
Uncle George chuckled.  "He's turning a brownish color because he's on a brownish stem," he said.
 
"He's neat!" exclaimed Jeff.
 
"He can change to gray, green, brown, or a yellowish brown.  He changes his color, not only to blend in with his surroundings, but also according to the mood he's in or how he feels," explained Uncle George. He turned to Jeff.  "But I don't want you to learn his tricks!"
 
"I couldn't change the color of my skin," said Jeff.
 
"Oh, but some Christians are like chameleons," replied Uncle George. "They smile and are pleasant and talk about the Lord when everything is going their way, but when something unpleasant happens they 'change their color' fast.  Nobody could tell by watching them that they have a loving Savior and a wonderful home waiting for them in heaven."
 
Jeff took a deep breath.  He felt guilty because he knew that ever since he had broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself.  After a few minutes, Uncle George stood up.  "I must be going," he said.  "Enjoy your pet.  The feeding instructions are on the jar."
 
"Thanks," answered Jeff.  "I'll have fun taking care of him, and I've already learned something from him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you act one way at church but another way at school and at home?  Do you "change color" according to your mood or your circumstances?  If you're willing to let Him, God will help you be a consistent Christian instead of a "chameleon" one.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I  hate being cooped up with this broken leg," Jeff complained to his Uncle George.  "I can't play ball or anything.  I'm sick of my crutches."
 
"Maybe what I brought you will help," said Uncle George, handing Jeff a package.  Eagerly Jeff opened it.  He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long.  "It's a chameleon," explained Uncle George.  "Here, let him out of the jar.  He'll enjoy running around your mother's houseplants."
 
Jeff laughed.  "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. Suddenly he looked closer.  "He looks different, Uncle George!" he exclaimed.  "His color is changing."
 
Uncle George chuckled.  "He's turning a brownish color because he's on a brownish stem," he said.
 
"He's neat!" exclaimed Jeff.
 
"He can change to gray, green, brown, or a yellowish brown.  He changes his color, not only to blend in with his surroundings, but also according to the mood he's in or how he feels," explained Uncle George. He turned to Jeff.  "But I don't want you to learn his tricks!"
 
"I couldn't change the color of my skin," said Jeff.
 
"Oh, but some Christians are like chameleons," replied Uncle George. "They smile and are pleasant and talk about the Lord when everything is going their way, but when something unpleasant happens they 'change their color' fast.  Nobody could tell by watching them that they have a loving Savior and a wonderful home waiting for them in heaven."
 
Jeff took a deep breath.  He felt guilty because he knew that ever since he had broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself.  After a few minutes, Uncle George stood up.  "I must be going," he said.  "Enjoy your pet.  The feeding instructions are on the jar."
 
"Thanks," answered Jeff.  "I'll have fun taking care of him, and I've already learned something from him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you act one way at church but another way at school and at home?  Do you "change color" according to your mood or your circumstances?  If you're willing to let Him, God will help you be a consistent Christian instead of a "chameleon" one.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I  hate being cooped up with this broken leg," Jeff complained to his Uncle George.  "I can't play ball or anything.  I'm sick of my crutches."
 
"Maybe what I brought you will help," said Uncle George, handing Jeff a package.  Eagerly Jeff opened it.  He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long.  "It's a chameleon," explained Uncle George.  "Here, let him out of the jar.  He'll enjoy running around your mother's houseplants."
 
Jeff laughed.  "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. Suddenly he looked closer.  "He looks different, Uncle George!" he exclaimed.  "His color is changing."
 
Uncle George chuckled.  "He's turning a brownish color because he's on a brownish stem," he said.
 
"He's neat!" exclaimed Jeff.
 
"He can change to gray, green, brown, or a yellowish brown.  He changes his color, not only to blend in with his surroundings, but also according to the mood he's in or how he feels," explained Uncle George. He turned to Jeff.  "But I don't want you to learn his tricks!"
 
"I couldn't change the color of my skin," said Jeff.
 
"Oh, but some Christians are like chameleons," replied Uncle George. "They smile and are pleasant and talk about the Lord when everything is going their way, but when something unpleasant happens they 'change their color' fast.  Nobody could tell by watching them that they have a loving Savior and a wonderful home waiting for them in heaven."
 
Jeff took a deep breath.  He felt guilty because he knew that ever since he had broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself.  After a few minutes, Uncle George stood up.  "I must be going," he said.  "Enjoy your pet.  The feeding instructions are on the jar."
 
"Thanks," answered Jeff.  "I'll have fun taking care of him, and I've already learned something from him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you act one way at church but another way at school and at home?  Do you "change color" according to your mood or your circumstances?  If you're willing to let Him, God will help you be a consistent Christian instead of a "chameleon" one.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.