Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"You can't do that!" exclaimed Larry as his friend Dennis moved his marker on the game board.  "Don't you know the rules?"
 
Dennis looked up.  "Yeah, but we always play it this way at home," he said as Mark, another friend, took a turn.  "Hey," he added, "what are you doing, Mark?  You landed on 'Skip' last time, so you have to skip three turns.  You've skipped only once so far."
 
Mark continued to play.  "We always do it that way at our house," he said.  "We only skip once, else you have to sit and wait so long."
 
Then Dan took a turn.  He landed on a space that said, "You lose ten points."  Dan was scorekeeper, but he didn't subtract any points from his score.  He just nudged Larry and said, "Your turn."
 
Mark frowned.  "You have to subtract ten points," he said.
 
Dan shrugged.  "At my house we just skip those penalty points."
 
"This is no fun," declared Larry.  "Everybody plays by his own rules.  We might as well quit."
 
"Or play by the rules of the person who made up the game in the first place," suggested Mother, who had just come in.  "There's a little rule book right there in the box."
 
"Good idea," agreed Larry and his friends.  Soon the game was again in progress, with frequent references being made to the rule book.
 
When Larry's father came home, he greeted Larry with a grin. "Well, what did you learn today, Larry?" he asked.
 
Larry explained what had happened that afternoon.  "I learned," he said, "that it's important to play by the rules."
 
"Well, good," approved Dad.  "I wish everybody would learn that."
 
"Not everybody plays games," Larry pointed out.
 
Dad raised his eyebrows.  "Well, in a way they do," he said. "We could say that everybody plays the 'Game of Life.'  If we'd all follow the rules of the one who 'invented' it, this would be a happier world.  Do you know who I'm talking about?"
 
Larry nodded.  "God," he said.  "He gave His rules in the Bible. Everybody ought to follow them."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know God's rules?  Do you follow them, or do you change them to suit yourself?  You need to refer to His "rule book," the Bible, so you'll know what He says.  But knowing isn't enough.  You need to follow His rules -- to do what He says, as well.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:22)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rodney rolled a piece of paper into a ball, took aim, and flicked it toward Jeremy in the row ahead.  It hit its mark, but by the time Jeremy looked around, Rodney was staring straight ahead.  Next to him, Eric snickered.
 
Rodney turned toward Eric.  He was glad Eric had come along to Sunday school today to hear the missionary speaker from Africa.  Usually he refused to come, saying the Bible was too hard to understand.
 
Something the missionary was saying now caught Rodney's attention, but he didn't understand a word of it.  Mr. Telsen was speaking in one of the tribal languages.  "How many of you understood what I said?" asked Mr. Telsen a moment later.  When no one raised a hand, Mr. Telsen again spoke in the foreign tongue.  This time, he asked Mrs. Telsen to translate it.  She repeated his words in English, and they all understood.
 
"In Africa we are involved in translation," said Mr. Telsen a little later.  "We translate the Bible into the African languages so the people can have it in their own tongue.  But many of our people cannot read, and even those who can often don't understand.  So we translate God's message to them in another way -- by our lives.  You see, we not only tell them what it means to be a Christian; we show them by such things as helping them with their work, treating them fairly, avoiding quarrels with them or with each other, sharing with them, and being kind to them."
 
Mr. Telsen looked around the group.  "Maybe you have friends who don't understand the Bible," he said.  Rodney looked at Eric out of the corner of his eye.  "Maybe you need to translate to your friends what it means to be a Christian," continued Mr. Telsen.  "How can you do that?"
 
Mr. Telsen waited.  Jeremy, in the row ahead, raised his hand.  "By sharing our toys and stuff," he said.
 
"By never cheating on a test," suggested someone else.
 
"By bringing them to Sunday school and church," added Rodney.  He sat a little straighter.  But he gulped when he heard the next suggestion --  "By sitting quietly so they won't be disturbed and can hear the message."
 
Mr. Telsen nodded.  "Good!" he said.  "Let's ask God to make all of us good translators of His Word."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of "translator" are you?  Are you kind?  Forgiving?  Willing to share?  Obedient?  Friendly?  Do those around you get a correct idea of what it means to be a Christian?  Think about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 1:
Ye shall be witnesses unto Me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That Chad is the wildest kid I've ever seen," complained Lynn as she sat at the table one evening.  "I don't know why Miss King gave him the part of Governor Bradford in our Thanksgiving play."
 
"Maybe she thought he'd act in a responsible manner if he had a responsible part," suggested Mother.  "Sometimes that happens."
 
"Well, at first I thought maybe he was getting better," admitted Lynn.  "He was actually polite for a day or two.  But now he's horrid.  Having the part of Governor Bradford really didn't change him at all.  He goes around saying he's the governor and we'd better listen to him.  What really bugs me is that some kids in our class go along with him -- especially the little kids.  He seems to really have some of them fooled."
 
"Oh?" asked Dad.  "What do you mean?"
 
"Well, he gets them to think it's okay to do the things he does.  Like at recess. . .Chad persuaded some of the kids to walk like Mr. Cronk, the janitor -- he limps," explained Lynn.  "I'm sure he knew what they were doing."
 
"You didn't join them, did you?" asked Mother.
 
Lynn shook her head.  "No, but Missy Jones did.  When I said something to her about it, she just laughed and said it didn't hurt anybody and that even Governor Bradford -- meaning Chad -- walked that way."
 
Dad frowned.  "As you pointed out, wearing the costume obviously didn't change Chad's character," he said.  "You know, Lynn, this reminds me of the greatest deceiver of all.  The Bible says that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  He wants to make wrong things look right to us.  But no matter what disguise he wears, his intent is always evil.  We need to continually be on our guard against him."
 
"I will be," promised Lynn, "and I'm going to be on my guard against 'Governor Bradford,' too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel it's okay to sneak some cookies as long as you plan to share them with someone else?  Or to cheat on schoolwork in order to help someone else get the right answer?  Or maybe to tell a lie to keep a friend out of trouble?  Be careful.  Satan is putting on a nice disguise, making something that is really sinful look like a good thing.  Don't do the things you know are wrong, no matter how good they may seem at the time.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthains 11:14)
Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lindy, have you memorized your Bible verse for Sunday school?" asked Mom.
 
"Yeah, but Sunday school isn't fun anymore," grumbled Lindy.
 
"Why not?" asked Mom, spooning cereal into Baby Sue's mouth.
 
"We don't sing fun songs with motions anymore, and Mrs. Mac doesn't read from her Bible story book, either," replied Lindy.  "Now we have to read right from the Bible and memorize verses and. . . ."  She paused as Baby Sue made a gagging sound.  "What's the matter, Susie?" asked Lindy as she tapped a spoon on the high chair, trying to distract her baby sister.
 
"She's so used to milk and juices that she's finding it a bit difficult to handle lumps," explained Mom.
 
"Poor Susie," said Lindy sympathetically.  She turned to her mother.  "Why not just let her have milk then?"
 
"Because she's no longer a tiny baby," said Mom.  "Susie has to get used to taking solid food if she's to grow and be healthy."
 
"Oh," said Lindy.  She stroked her sister's cheek.  "Eat up, Susie.  You've got to get big and strong soon so you can play with me!"
 
Mom again held the spoon to the baby's mouth.  "You're having the same kind of trouble as Susie," she observed.
 
"Me!" exclaimed Lindy indignantly.  "I have no problem swallowing my food!"
 
"Not your physical food," agreed Mom, "but how about your spiritual food?  When you were little, you needed milk for  growth, both physically and spiritually.  You could understand only simple concepts, and your attention span was short.  Spiritually, you were fed 'milk' through cute little songs, simple Bible stories, fun-to-do drawings and handwork.  Now that you're growing up, milk alone isn't enough, and you need solid food.  That's true spiritually, too.  You need things like more difficult Scripture passages to study and verses to memorize.  Right now you seem to be gagging, like Susie, but you need that solid food if you are to grow in faith."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you having trouble with the "lumps" in your spiritual diet?  Do you think the Bible is too hard to understand, that church lasts too long, or that it's more fun to play than to do your Sunday school lesson or learn Bible verses?  Easy, fun things often aren't the things that help you grow spiritually.  Take studying and learning about God seriously.  Above all, put into practice the things you learn.  Don't remain a "baby" in the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 14:20)
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Just look at Sally's hair," Marcia whispered to Stacie.  Sally had come to their Sunday school class for only the second time.
 
"Yeah," Stacie whispered back.  "It must have been made with left-over straw from Farmer Brown's hay loft."  The girls snickered,  and then quieted down when they noticed their Sunday school teacher looking their way.  They hadn't noticed her come in, and they wondered if she had overheard their remarks.
 
"I'm happy to see each of you today," said Miss Ruth.  "I'm especially glad you're back, Sally.  We hope you'll become a regular member of our class."  A few girls nodded, but Marcia made a face and sighed.
 
After telling the Bible story, Miss Ruth said, "Today we're going to draw numbers and divide into teams to make a mural of the story we just discussed."
 
Soon the girls were involved in the activity.  Each girl drew a slip of paper.  Marcia drew number six, and so did Sally.  "Want to trade?" Marcia whispered to Stacie.  But then she noticed Miss Ruth looking at her and frowning.  "Never mind," mumbled Marcia.  She turned to Sally. "Come on then," she ordered.  "This says we have to draw the part where the younger son in the story is taking care of pigs.  You draw the pig pen.  I'll draw the son and the pigs."  Marcia soon discovered that Sally was a very good artist.  So what? she thought.  My pictures look good, too.
 
"Hey, that's good drawing," said Stacie a little later, pointing to the pig pen. "Really good!"  Then she giggled as she looked at the pigs Marcia had drawn.  "Is that a two-legged pig or a four-legged man there in the middle?"  Everyone laughed -- everyone except Marcia and Miss Ruth.  Marcia felt like she'd been hit in the stomach.
 
When the dismissal bell rang, Marcia sat slumped in her chair, tears filling her eyes.  After everyone left, Miss Ruth put her arm around the girl's shoulders.  "It hurt you when the girls laughed at your picture, didn't it?" she asked.
 
Marcia sniffed.  "That was mean," she said.
 
Miss Ruth nodded.  "Yes, but do you think the way you feel may be something like the way God feels when we make fun of His handiwork?" she asked gently.  "You created the picture, so it hurt you when the girls laughed at it.  God created Sally, and it must hurt Him when you laugh at her."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
You don't laugh at God, do you?  Are you sure you don't?  Are you guilty of making fun of God's creation?  Today's verse refers to the "poor," but it could apply to other characteristics or handicaps, too.   Remember that you not only hurt others when you laugh at them, but in a way, you laugh at their creator.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 17:5)
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come on, Jenny," called Marty.  "Mom said we cold play with the old clothes in the attic."
 
"All right!" exclaimed Jenny as she put her book aside.
 
The clatter of feet echoed through the house as Marty and Jenny climbed the steep steps to the attic of the old family home.  Soon they had the wardrobes opened and were trying on a variety of clothes their grandmother and mother had saved through the years.  They laughed at one another as they paraded back and forth before an old cracked mirror.  "Let's go show Mom our latest fashions," suggested Jenny at last.
 
Tipping an old hat to the back of her head, Marty agreed.  They trooped down the stairs, where they found both Mother and Dad in the kitchen.  "I wore those old saddle shoes when I was a teenager," said Mother as she observed Jenny, "and I believe that dress belonged to my grandmother.  And Marty's old-fashioned hat is simply charming with that old purse!"
 
"Those styles were 'fads' once," commented Dad with a smile, "and everyone wanted them -- just like there are clothes today that everyone wants."
 
Mother nodded.  "When it comes to styles, people always seem to want the latest thing," she said.  "That's not so bad unless it becomes too important in our lives."
 
"Yes," agreed Dad thoughtfully, "or unless we apply the principle of copying the latest fads when it comes to some of the sinful activities of the world."
 
"You mean sinning is a fad?" asked Marty.
 
"Not exactly," replied Dad, "but sometimes wrong things seem to be very popular.  The world changes as far as the things it likes to do, but God's principles never change.  As Christians, we need to be careful that we measure the 'in' activities against what He teaches.  Right now, the world seems to be teaching, 'If it feels good, it's okay,' but that's not what God says.  We must never follow immoral fads."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When other kids use bad words, are you tempted to do the same?  If a friend gets away with telling a lie, does lying seem like a good idea to you, too?  Don't try to be like others when what they do is wrong. Styles of clothing or behavior may change, but God's ways never change.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 33:11)
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I wish I was a few years older so I could drive," said Joel.  He and his father were looking over their shiny new car as it stood glistening in the sunshine.  "It's a great machine, huh, Dad?"
 
"Yes, Joel, it sure is," agreed Dad.  "Want to help me wash it?"
 
"Sure!" exclaimed Joel, and they were soon busy at it.  When they finished, Dad turned and walked into the garage.  He came back with a large hammer, which he held out to his son.  "Here.  Would you like to slam this into the windshield?" he asked.  "Just for the fun of it?"
 
"Dad!" Joel gasped in astonishment.  He put his hands behind him and backed up a step or two.  "You've gotta be kidding!" he exclaimed.
 
Dad smiled.  "I'm glad you have better sense than to do that," he said.  "Let's talk a minute."  He set the hammer down and put his arm around the boy's shoulders.  "When you were born, God gave you a beautiful, precision-built 'machine' -- your body," said Dad.  "He asks that you treat it well.  That's not expecting too much, is it?"  Joel shook his head, smiling at the comparison, and Dad continued.  "You've seen the TV ads showing young men and women who have drug problems, haven't you?  Those that talk about sharing needles and about ways to protect themselves against some awful diseases?"  Dad's voice was quiet, but Joel could hear the urgency in the questions.
 
Joel nodded.  "Yes, Dad, I've seen them," he said.
 
"Well, Joel," continued Dad, "please remember that there may come a time when some friend of yours will suggest that you 'try it' just once. 'Just for kicks,' he may say, or maybe to prove you're not 'chicken.'  But just like it would be crazy for you to slam that hammer into our beautiful new car," Dad nodded toward the automobile, "it would be even crazier to deliberately do something destructive to the wonderful 'machine' of your body."
 
Joel nodded.  "You can trust me to keep my 'machine' in good shape," he said.  Then he added, "And thanks for talking about this.  I'll remember."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been asked by friends to do something you know is wrong? It may happen, and if it does, "just say no."  The Bible says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139).  And if you're a Christian, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Use it to glorify God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 1:10)
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I pray today," announced Ricky as the family sat around the breakfast table.  Dad smiled his approval at the little boy, and they all bowed their heads.  "Thank You, God, for bacon an' eggs an' milk an' toast an' flowers," said Ricky.  He paused and peeked to see what else was on the table.  "An' jam," he added.  "Amen."
 
"Thank you, Ricky," said Dad. He frowned at Jesse and Suzanne, who were giggling at their little brother.
 
After breakfast, everyone went out to work in the yard.  When it was time for lunch, Mother called them together around the picnic table. "We'll pray," she said, "and then you can all sit and relax while I get the hamburgers off the grill and get the rest of the food on the table."
 
"I pray," announced Ricky again.  Once more they all bowed their heads.  "Thank You for. . . ."  Ricky hesitated.  He paused a long moment as he looked at the table.  There wasn't any food on it yet.  ". . .for plates an' knives an' forks an' spoons an' cups an' napkins an' salt," Ricky finished.  "Amen."
 
Jesse and Suzanne snickered out loud.  But Dad smiled at his younger son.  "I'm glad you thanked God for all those things today," he said.  "We usually take them for granted and fail to give thanks for them."
 
"That's right," agreed Mother as she got up.  "Now, I don't need any help today, but while I get the food, think of some other things we should remember to thank the Lord for but seldom do.  You go first, Jesse."
 
"Uh. . . ."  murmured Jesse as Mother got busy with the hamburgers, "we should be thankful for. . .ah. . .for our grill."
 
"Good," said Dad.  "How about it, Suzanne?"
 
Suzanne was ready.  "For pepper -- Ricky forgot that."
 
"And for a picnic table," said Jesse quickly.
 
"And picnic benches," said Suzanne and Jesse together.
 
"An' food," shouted Ricky as Mother set a platter of hamburgers and a bowl of fruit salad on the table.
 
"And for a little child to teach us," added Mother with a smile.  "Dig in."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you really thankful at this Thanksgiving season?  For everything?  Look around you.  How many things can you find that you take for granted day after day and never thank the Lord for? Take a few moments to thank Him right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 92:1)
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

The long procession of cars moved slowly from the school auditorium to the little country cemetery.  There, standing between her parents, Laura held a damp, wadded tissue and struggled to keep her tears from overflowing again as some final words were spoken.
 
"Even now, Kim is in the presence of Jesus," said Pastor Drew.  "Just think of how wonderful it is for her.  Perhaps even now she sees Jesus' kind face and hears His gentle voice.  A crippled body is no longer hindering her -- her pain and sorrow are gone.  And God's Word says that those who belong to Jesus will see her again in heaven."  The minister's thoughtful words were stated with positive assurance as he spoke to the family and friends who had assembled after Kim's funeral service.
 
For as long as Laura could remember, she and Kim had gone to school and Sunday school together.  They had learned about Jesus when they were little, and each had accepted Him as Savior.  But now Kim was gone, and Laura's heart was sad and lonely.  The morning sun shone in a clear blue sky, and a breeze scented with flowers brushed the upturned faces of Kim's listening classmates.  Each carried a single, brightly-colored balloon.
 
The minster's quiet words broke into Laura's thoughts. "These balloons are to picture for you the freedom of Kim's spirit today.  The Bible tells us that the body is laid to rest in the earth, but the spirit of the one who believes in Jesus goes to be with Him until the Resurrection. Kim's spirit is already at home with Jesus."
 
The pastor lifted a pink balloon and held it a moment.  "Let's release our balloons together in celebration of Kim's new happiness," he said.  In an instant, as all eyes were raised skyward, a cloud of vividly colored circles danced in the summer breeze.
 
"Goodbye, Kim," Laura whispered.  She smiled through her tears. "I'll see you in heaven some day."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you known someone your own age who has died?  Perhaps you wonder what it would be like to die.  It's natural to be afraid of the unknown, but Jesus has promised to take Christians to heaven when they die.  Does that apply to you?  Have you trusted Jesus as Savior?  When you do that, you don't need to fear death.  The Bible says that for a Christian, to be "absent from the body" is to be "present with the Lord."  Make sure that you will be among those who live with Him forever in heaven.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
And so shall we ever be with the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom," Lizzy whispered through the shelf of library books, "see that girl by the checkout.  She's in my class at school."  Mom turned and saw a teenager with long, dangling earrings and a small gold hoop through her bottom lip.  She wore a tube top and skimpy shorts.  "None of my friends want to talk to her," continued Lizzy, "but I've talked to her quite often, and she's a lot of fun -- and really smart, too."
 
"Maybe, but that's not the side of herself that she's letting people see," said Mom.  "Come over here."  Mom motioned to Lizzy, and they peered through another shelf at some people in the reading area.  "See that man standing in the corner?"
 
"The security guard?" asked Lizzy.
 
"How do you know he's a security guard?" Mom wanted to know.
 
"Because of his uniform," Lizzy answered.
 
"What about that girl at the first table?  What can you tell me about her?" asked Mom.
 
Lizzy looked for a moment.  "She has a university jacket on, so she must be a student," she said, "and judging by all the big books she has there, I bet she works hard to get good grades."
 
Lizzy's mom then pointed out a businessman in a suit and tie, a musician with her guitar on the floor, and a man wearing a turban. "You can guess a lot about a person by looking at his appearance," Mom said. "People give messages by the way they look.  First impressions can keep some people from even wanting to get to know you." 
 
"It doesn't seem very fair that people judge us by appearance, though," said Lizzy.  "And besides, you always told me it was wrong to do that."
 
"It is," said Mom, "and we need to guard against that.  We need to remember, though, that people are going to judge us by appearance. That's why we have to be very careful about what first impressions we're making, especially since we represent, not only ourselves, but God.  Our appearance is generally the result of our own choices and beliefs."
 
"Except for things like the color of our skin or hair," said Lizzy, "or how tall we are -- stuff like that."
 
"Right," said Mom.  "I'm glad you were willing to talk to that girl, Lizzy, and hopefully you'll have a chance to talk to her about Christ.  As Christians, every impression we make is important so that people will want to hear our witness for the Lord -- and that it will be believable." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What impression are you giving to others?  Does your appearance reflect your heart?  Although it's true that what's inside is the  most important thing, remember that you will be judged by the way you look, and it's very hard to change a first impression.  That's why it's so important to make the right one -- both for your own sake and also for the Lord you represent.  The Bible doesn't say a lot about how you should dress or look, but it does offer a few comments.  Check today's verse. Girls, there are some guidelines for you.  And boys, the part that applies to you doesn't talk about clothes, but it does offer a high standard for you to live up to.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 2:8-9)
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame- facedness and sobriety.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad!  I don't have any clean socks!" called Steven.  A few moments later, Dad walked into the bedroom, lifted up the edge of Steven's comforter, and pointed under the bed.  There, in crumpled heaps, were several pair of socks.  All dirty!  "Oh, no," moaned Steven.  "I forgot all about them when I got stuff together for the laundry."
 
Dad's voice was solemn.  "Steven," he said, "you'll have to wash these yourself.  I showed you how to use the washer."
 
"I know, but I don't like to wash clothes," said Steven.  "I never used to have to do stuff like that."
 
"You're older now, Steven," said Dad, "and it's time you assumed a little more responsibility around here, especially now that Mother is gone to take care of Grandma."
 
After supper that evening, Steven went to the laundry room.  He piled the socks and some shirts into the washer, added detergent, and pushed the button.  As water poured into the washer, he lowered the lid and stepped back, feeling rather proud of himself.
 
When Steven took the clothes to the family room where he began folding them, Dad was at the desk, studying his Bible.  He looked up and smiled.  "Good job, Steven," he said.  "By the way, are you entering the Bible memory contest at church next week?"
 
Steven shook his head.  "Those verses are too hard," he replied, "and Mom's not here to help me."
 
"Well, I'll help you when I can," said Dad.  He watched as Steven finished folding his clothes.  "But you can learn by yourself, too," Dad added.  "I'm proud of you for the way you've taken responsibility here today, and I think maybe God wants you to take more responsibility, too."
 
"What do you mean?" asked Steven.
 
"Well," said Dad, "maybe the Lord thinks it's time for you to work a little harder at memorizing your Bible verses.  Maybe He wants you to learn more difficult verses -- even on your own."
 
Steven gathered up his clothes.  "I guess I could try," he said slowly. "I'll start as soon as I put this stuff away."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take the responsibility of reading God's Word, praying, and learning Bible verses?  Or do you wait for an adult to prod you to do those things?  Why not talk to God today -- tell Him you're ready to become more responsible in learning His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Peter 3:18)
Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh no!" Joey gazed at his computer screen in dismay.  "A virus!  Brian just sent me an e-mail.  He says there's a virus in the game I downloaded from his website!  That could ruin the hard drive."
 
Dad looked up from his newspaper.  "Oh-oh!" he said.  "How much damage has it done?"
 
"I don't know yet," replied Joey gloomily.
 
"What's a virus?" asked little Rachel, climbing onto Dad's knee.  "Is it what gives you the flu?"
 
"That's right," said Dad, smiling.  "When a virus gets into your body, it can make you ill.  But a different kind of virus can get into a computer, and once it does, it can spread and corrupt your programs and data."
 
"I don't know how to fix this, Dad," said Joey.  "Can you  help me?"
 
Dad nodded.  "I'm not sure just what the procedure is, but I think we'll have to get hold of an anti-virus program," he said.  He smiled at Rachel.  "We need to get rid of viruses as soon as possible -- on the computer and in our lives."
 
"Yeah," said Rachel.  "We have to take medicine."
 
"Yes," agreed Dad, "but I was thinking of our spiritual lives, too.  Sin is like a virus.  If we don't pay attention to the Holy Spirit and check what we see and hear and do, sin creeps in quietly, then spreads and grows, and finally corrupts our hearts."
 
"Can we get cleaned up like Joey's computer?" asked Rachel anxiously.
 
Dad laughed and nodded.  "We have something like an anti-virus program," he said.  "We can confess and turn away from our sin.  We can have God's forgiveness, which makes us clean again."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
A small lie, a half-truth, a neglected chore, an unkind word, a forbidden movie. . .these might seem such little things, but when you allow them in your life, they become habits that harden your heart and make you more and more selfish and self-centered.  Don't let sin creep into your heart and corrupt you like a virus.  When you do sin, don't ignore it.  Confess it to God and turn away from doing it again. Prevent the virus of sin from spreading in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 6:12)
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

[Soldier4Christ]

The minute Dad stopped the car, Kara sprang out and dashed straight to the willow tree in the back yard.  The low-hanging boughs always made her feel like she was hidden in a special room.  Here she could lie on the soft grass and, finally, cry.  But soon Dad joined her there.  "Mom and your new baby sister are doing just fine," he said as he patted her shoulder.
 
"Fine!" exclaimed Kara, shrugging off Dad's hand.  She sat up to face him.  "How can you say that?  How can you act like there's nothing wrong when she's so. . .freaky?"
 
"Kara," said Dad sternly, "I don't want you to ever again say something like that about your sister!"  More gently, he added, "Like I told you, a cleft lip, even a double one like Lindsey's, is nothing to get that upset about.  It happens fairly often.  You'll be surprised what surgery can do for her."
 
Kara couldn't hold back the tears.  "She'll never look cute like Ashley's sister.  It's just not fair!" she cried. 
 
"The doctors can make her look good," Dad assured her, "but that's not the most important thing.  What is important is that God can make her downright beautiful within.  Even before she was born, we dedicated Lindsey to the Lord, and we're praying that she'll accept Jesus as Savior when she's old enough to understand.  Physical looks change with time, but God's love within her will give her a beauty that won't wear out."
 
Kara remembered how her mother had looked when she smiled at the new baby.  She also thought of her father's quiet, happy smile.  Then she thought of her own attitude and knew there was nothing beautiful about it.  She knew she needed to settle some things with God or she'd be the only one in the family who was not beautiful.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who was born with some kind of defect?  Do you have such a defect yourself?  Remember that physical perfection is not really important -- in fact, everybody is less than perfect physically.  However we are all born in God's image.  What's important is that you reflect His love -- an inner beauty that Christians can show.  Let Jesus be seen in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 31:30)
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman (or anyone) that feareth the Lord. . .shall be praised.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Overload

"The house on the corner-the one we looked at last year-is for sale again," called Makayla as she burst through the door. "There's a 'For Sale' sign out in the yard. Can we look at it again, Mom? Can we buy it now? It's so cool!"

"It is lovely," agreed Mom, "but it was too expensive when we looked at it before, and I'm sure it still is." She smiled as she glanced around the room. "But I love this house, too. God has provided well for us."

"Yes, but the corner one is so much bigger!" said Makayla.

"Well, I think the only way we could pay for that house would be to live on canned spaghetti and powdered milk for twenty or thirty years," said Mom with a grin. "How does that sound to you?"

Makayla laughed. "Not so good," she admitted, "but wouldn't it be nice if we were richer and could afford a house like that? Hey . . . couldn't you get a job maybe? Lots of other mothers work."

"That's true, but I don't think it will work for us," said Mom. She frowned. "Do you remember what happened when we tried to make a super-duper buffet lunch last week?"

"Yeah." Makayla groaned. "We had the oven going, and every appliance we own was plugged in. We blew one fuse after another, so we couldn't get anything done!"

"Yes," said Mom. "We ended up with a lot of half-cooked food because we tried to do too much. Can you see how we might learn something from that experience?"

"Sure." Makayla giggled. "We learned we need the big house on the corner because the electric stuff here doesn't work so good!"

Mom smiled. "I had in mind a more spiritual lesson."

"Well . . . ah . . . I guess I don't get it," said Makayla thoughtfully.

"I'm thinking that we could overload ourselves, like we overloaded the wiring," explained Mom. "More possessions, along with more debt, might make us lose track of what really matters. Let's just trust the Lord. He knows our wants as well as our needs, and He knows just how much we can handle. Let's be satisfied and thank Him for a safe and comfortable home we can afford."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wish your parents were richer? Surprisingly, many rich people worry so much about their possessions that they can't enjoy them. Money provides physical comforts, but there are things that are much more important. It's much better to be "rich toward God" than to be rich in the things of this world. Don't overburden yourself seeking riches that don't satisfy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Beware of covetousness . . . one's life does not consist in the abundance of . . . things. Luke 12:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, I know some rough kids hang out at Hamburger Haven," admitted Leah, "but my friends and I will just drink pop and talk.  We won't do anything wrong."
 
Mother sighed.  "You may be influenced more than you think," she said.  "Besides, even if you don't do anything bad, you may influence younger Christians to go there -- like your friend Heidi, for example. She's just a new Christian and may not be able to resist temptation."
 
"Well, okay," grumbled Leah.  "But I don't see why I have to be responsible for the actions of others."  She put on her boots and coat. "I'm going to see if the ice is hard on the pond."
 
When Leah reached the pond, she tested the ice with her foot, and it cracked.  No skating yet.  She headed home, taking the back way.  As she reached the house, her mother was just coming out.  "Melissa was playing out here, but I don't see her anywhere," Mother said with a worried look.
 
 Leah stood still as a thought struck her.  The pond!  She knows she's not allowed to go there alone, but maybe she followed me.  Leah ran and looked at the place where she had left the yard to go to the pond.  Seeing not only her own footprints in the snow, but also a set of tiny ones, she scurried down the hill as fast as she could.  As she approached the pond, she saw the little girl step out onto the ice.  It seemed to be holding, and Melissa took another step.  Just as Leah snatched her up, the ice broke and one foot went into the freezing water.
 
Melissa's teeth chattered as Leah carried her home.  "I just wanted to be with you," said Melissa.  "I didn't know the ice would break."
 
Back home, Leah was quiet and thoughtful.  "I see what you were talking about now, Mom," she said finally.  "I knew I shouldn't step on the ice, but Melissa didn't.  And as an older Christian, I know the danger in certain situations, but younger Christians might not.  I'll be more careful where my footsteps lead from now on."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you setting a good example for others, especially those who have not been Christians very long?  Could they easily go wrong if they follow your footsteps?  Be sure you lead them into good situations.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 4:12)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (actions), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity.