Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Sermons We See

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3 (NIV)

Charles Spurgeon is considered to be one of the greatest preachers who ever lived.  In fact, he is sometimes called the "Prince Among Preachers."  Even though Spurgeon died over a hundred years ago, people still read his sermons to this day.

According to a story I read, Spurgeon and his wife owned chickens and would sell the eggs their chickens laid. They refused to give the eggs away. Even close relatives were expected to pay for any eggs which they got from the Spurgeons.  As a result, some people thought the Spurgeons were selfish and greedy.

The Spurgeons accepted this criticism without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. The Spurgeons never spent one penny of that egg money on themselves.  Every penny that the Spurgeons made from the sale of their eggs went to support two elderly widows. Even though he never even mentioned it from the pulpit, that story  may have been one of the greatest sermons Spurgeon ever preached.  The story reminds me of a poem entitled "Sermons We See," part of which goes like this:

I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.

And the best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs. [1]

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." In our Bible story today, we will see how a woman named Mary put her love for Jesus into action for everyone to see.

Jesus was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha whose brother, Lazarus, Jesus had recently raised from the dead.  As they sat visiting with Jesus, Mary took a bottle of perfume and poured it on the feet of Jesus.  Then she knelt and dried his feet with her hair.  Now, this  perfume wasn't like the perfume we might buy at the store for a few dollars. It was very expensive.  In fact, the Bible says it was worth about a year's wages.  This perfume was Mary's most prized possession, the best she had to give.  While other people talked about their love for Jesus, Mary showed her love by her actions.  She poured her most prized possession on the feet of Jesus.

You might think that others would be impressed that Mary would pour out such expensive perfume on the the feet of Jesus, but that was not the case.  In fact, she was criticized.  Judas, who later betrayed Jesus, said, "We could have sold this perfume for a year's wages and given the money to the poor."  The truth is, Judas didn't care about the poor, the Bible says that as the keeper of the money bag, he often helped himself to that money for his own personal use.

Two people -- Judas and Mary.  One talked about helping the poor while the other showed us the importance of giving our best for Jesus.  I don't know about you, but "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."

Dear Father, help us to demonstrate our love for you, not in words, but in our actions.  Help us to be a sermon that other people can see.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Cat's Nature

"Look at Smoky." Aaron pointed to one of the family pets, a long-haired cat. "He likes the sun," added Aaron. A contented purr came from the gray form stretched out on the window sill.

A few minutes later, Aaron's little sister Jada came into the room. "Hi, Chipper," she said. "Do you want out?" She dashed over to the bird cage and opened the wire door. Chipper, the parakeet, glided gracefully to the floor.

"No, Jada!" exclaimed Aaron. "Smoky's here!" He lunged for the cat, but not in time. A silent, gray shadow slid down from the window sill, and a moment later Smoky had the bird in his mouth. Mom was almost as quick. She grabbed the cat, held him down, and pried his mouth open. Carefully, she removed the little bird.

"Is Chipper hurt, Mommy?" wailed Jada.

"I think he's just badly frightened," said Mom, gently stroking the trembling bird while Aaron shooed the cat out of the room.

"Smoky's naughty," declared Jada. "Why can't he be friends with Chipper?"

"Yeah. He should know better," agreed Aaron.

"Perhaps, but it's a cat's nature to hunt," replied Mom. "No matter how tame he is, when he sees a bird, his natural instincts often take over."

"Well, I'm mad at him," stated Jada.

"I don't blame you," said Dad, looking up from his newspaper, "but he's actually a lot like us."

"Like us?" asked Aaron, looking at his father.

Dad nodded. "Christians have an old nature, and it likes to take over, too," he explained. "When we trust Christ as Savior, His Holy Spirit comes to live within us, but sometimes we're careless and let our old natures take over again."

"Like when you hit me," Jada accused her brother.

"Well, you called me names," retorted Aaron.

"Careful! I'm afraid those old natures are trying to take control," cautioned Mom. "We need to be on guard! When we know Jesus, we receive a new nature with power to choose to do right. If we choose to follow our old nature instead, we will sin."

"The Bible says to 'put off the old man' and 'put on' the new," added Dad. "He gives us the power to do that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you let the Holy Spirit guide your actions, or do you often let your old nature take over your life and cause you to sin? Be on guard against that. Each day ask God to help you let His nature be seen in your life. As you follow His instructions-such as those found in today's Scripture reading-you will be "putting on the new man" and "putting off the old man."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Put on the new man . . . in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24

[Soldier4Christ]

Carol sighed as she looked at her memory verse.  "Grandma, in Bible times people had to sacrifice animals to God, didn't they?" she asked. "Didn't they have to be killed and placed on an altar?"
 
Grandma nodded.  "Yes," she said, "but when Jesus died for our sins, He was the perfect sacrifice.  Animal sacrifices are no longer needed."
 
"My memory verse says we are to present our bodies as a 'living sacrifice' to God," said Carol.  "That's so confusing.  How can I be  living sacrifice when a sacrifice is something that's killed?"
 
"To be a living sacrifice means to give your all -- your whole life -- to God so He can use it," replied Grandma.  She picked up a small piece of yarn.  "Pretend that this yarn is my life," she continued.  "It's my love, my family, my time, my actions -- my everything.  Here, honey.  I give it to you."  Grandma handed one end of the yarn to Carol while she held  the other end.  "There -- it's all yours now, right?  I'm sacrificing it to you."
 
Carol giggled.  "Well, if it's all mine, why are you still holding on to it?" she asked.
 
"Good point," approved Grandma.  "You see, sometimes Christians say they give everything into God's control -- that they've made their lives a living sacrifice to serve Him.  But they leave a 'string' attached to an area of their lives -- like music.  Maybe they persist in listening to music with bad lyrics.  Or perhaps they leave a 'string' attached to their friends. Maybe they continue to hang around with kids who have a bad influence on them.  It's possible to hold something back in any number of areas. And then. . . ."  Grandma slid the string almost out of Carol's grasp,  "they may even try to pull their lives back out of God's hands.  That's not a sacrifice.  When an Israelite took a sacrifice to the priest, he left it there."
 
"So to be a 'living sacrifice,' I need to give my whole life to God and leave it there without any strings to pull it back," said Carol.  "Right?"
 
"Exactly," agreed Grandma.  "Once a sacrifice is truly given, there's no taking it back."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you given God control of every part of your life?  Would He approve your choice of friends, your school activities, your study habits, your music?  Sacrifice every area of your life to God -- no strings attached.  Be willing to do whatever He wants.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:1)
   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Brian and his dad were watching football on TV.  "Watch out for that guy on your right!" yelled Brian.  Dad waved his arms as if the players could see him.  But it was no use -- the man they were cheering for was down.  "That was a dumb move!" exclaimed Brian in disgust.  "He should have seen that guy coming at him!  He wasn't paying attention."
 
"After he sees a replay of that move, you'd better believe he won't make that mistake again," said Dad.
 
As soon as the game was over, Mother had supper ready.  "Hey!  How come Gretchen gets a hot turkey sandwich and the rest of us get yucky tuna casserole?" asked Brian, glancing at his sister's plate as he came to the table.  He yanked out his chair and bumped the table hard as he sat down.  "You're just a spoiled brat," he complained to Gretchen.  She began to speak, but Brian wouldn't listen.  He roughly shoved his plate around, spilling his milk in the process, and he continued to grumble.
 
"Brian, go to your room and think about what you just did," ordered Dad.  "Think about your words and your actions.  They were not pleasing to us, and they certainly were not pleasing to God.  When you're ready to apologize, you may come back to the table."
 
Brian stomped off to his room, hungry and angry.  He plopped down on his bed.  And he did think.  In his mind, he replayed what had happened.  He knew he had made a mess, and he knew he had hurt his sister's feelings.  Then he thought of something else.  He remembered that Gretchen had been sick when they had turkey dinner the day before, and Mother had saved some turkey for her.  That's why she's getting it now, he thought.  What a dumb move I made! 
 
The rest of the family was almost finished when Brian again took his place at the table.  "I'm really sorry," he said.  He looked at his father. "Maybe if I watch instant replays of my actions more often, I won't keep  on making mistakes like this."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes do things you regret later? Perhaps you've criticized a classmate, complained about your food, or slipped out of the house to avoid being assigned chores.  In your mind, "replay" your actions each day to see where you did things displeasing to God.  Then ask His forgiveness and don't keep making the same mistakes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Haggai 1:7  Th)
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Uh-oh!  I've gotta go, Brad!" exclaimed Jerry as he reached toward the bowl of potato chips on the table.  "It's dinner time.  I was having so much fun that I didn't watch the clock.  Thanks for the snacks.  'Bye!" Stuffing the chips in his mouth, Jerry dashed out the door.
 
At the dinner table, Jerry put down his fork when his plate was still half full.  "I'm just not very hungry -- I had potato chips and cookies and drank some pop at Brad's house," he explained.
 
"Jerry Allen Byron!  You know you're not supposed to eat when it's almost dinner time," scolded Mother.  "Besides, that's junk food, and it does almost nothing to help you grow a strong body.  You know we don't want you to eat many snacks of that sort.  It just dulls your appetite for the good food you need."
 
"Sorry," mumbled Jerry.  "Can I be excused and go watch TV?
 
Dad frowned slightly.  "I hope you're not getting too much 'junk food' in another area, too," he said.  Jerry looked at him.  "I'm thinking that spending too much time on things like TV and video games and comic books is like taking in mental junk food," explained Dad.  "Those things don't help you grow strong as a Christian, and too much of them may dull your appetite for good, spiritual food."
 
"The comic books and TV shows are all ones you've approved," protested Jerry, "and there's nothing wrong with my video games, is there?"
 
"No," agreed Dad, "unless they dull your desire for the things of God or take time you should use for other things.  There are lots of good books and videos and radio or TV programs that have a Christian message.  Many are especially for kids your age."
 
Slowly Jerry nodded.  "Okay," he agreed.  "I got a book at the church library last Sunday.  I'll go read that."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever compared the amount of time you spend on having fun to the time you give to your spiritual growth?  How about taking time to check out how much mental junk food you're getting?  What you feed your mind affects your spiritual growth.  It's all right to have fun and play games, but don't neglect the things that build your Christian character and make you more like Christ.  Often you will find that Christian materials for children provide fun as well as spiritual help.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:2)
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I didn't know you were going to choose evolution for our project!" exclaimed Carrie.  "I wouldn't have joined this group if I'd known that!"
 
"Well, you did join, and we all voted," replied Desmond, one of Carrie's classmates.  "Now you'd better do your share of the work."
 
"But I don't believe in that stuff," argued Carrie.  She felt the other group members' eyes upon her as she turned away.
 
After school, Carrie plopped down on a chair in the family room just in time to hear the ending of a story her mother was reading to Carrie's little sister, Elyse.  "And they all lived happily ever after," finished Mother as she closed the book.  "That was a fun story," she added, "but it was just make-believe.  From which book do we read stories that are always true, Elyse?"
 
"The Bible," Elyse answered promptly.
 
"Sometimes people believe fairy tales," put in Carrie.  "Scientists who believe in evolution, for example.  My study group is doing a project about evolution. Desmond plans to give an oral book report.  Jenny's going to draw a mural, and Tom is making up the front page of a newspaper from day one -- the beginning of the world."
 
"And you?" asked Mother.
 
Carrie shrugged.  "I don't want to do anything," she replied.  "But we're graded as a group, so if I don't do my part, it will hurt everyone."
 
Mother frowned.  "But if you teach false theory, it will hurt you and anyone who might believe it," she said.  After a moment, she added, "When I read fairy tales to your sister, I always remind her that they aren't true, and that the place to find truth is in the Bible.  Perhaps you could do the same thing."
 
Carrie sat up straight.  "I've got an idea!" she exclaimed after a moment.  "I could make a 'Once-Upon-A-Time' storybook about the theory of evolution.  After I read it to the class, I could tell them it's a fairy tale and that the Bible tells the true story.  What do you think?"
 
"I think that's a great idea," approved Mother.  "I'm glad you want to stand up for the truth about creation while still fulfilling your responsibility to your class at school."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you studied evolution or other theories about the origin of man?  Learn the truth in Genesis, chapters one and two.  God created all things.  That's a fact, not a fairy tale.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Genesis 1:1)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Todd pushed away the bowl of oatmeal.  "I hate oatmeal, Mom.  May I have some cornflakes instead?" he asked.
 
"Hate oatmeal!  Want cornflakes!"  Todd's little brother screamed from his highchair as he pushed his little bowl off the tray.  Mother caught it just before it hit the floor.
 
"Oh, Todd!  See what you caused?" said Mother with a sigh.  "Now I'll have trouble getting Danny to eat his oatmeal."
 
"Why does he always copy me?" grumbled Todd.
 
"Because he loves you," replied Mother.  "You are his hero, and he watches everything you do."
 
Later that day, Mother asked Todd to take out the trash.  "I'm watching TV," mumbled Todd.  "I'll do it later."  It seemed to Todd that Mother always asked him to do things at the worst possible time.
 
"Do it now, Todd," Mother said firmly, "or you may forget it."
 
As Todd reluctantly got to his feet, he swore under his breath.  He glanced uneasily at his mother, but the commercial came on just then, and she didn't hear him.  He had finished the chore and returned to the house when Mother called Danny.  "Come pick up your toys, Danny," she said.
 
"Watching TV," Danny replied, not moving from his cozy position beside Todd.
 
"Daniel," said Mother sternly, "don't make me come and get you."
 
Danny shrugged impatiently.  Then mimicking Todd's words and tone, Danny swore softly.
 
	Todd was horrified.  "Don't say that, Danny!" he scolded.  "That's a no-no.  Go and do what Mom says, and don't ever use that word again!"
 
	"Okay," agreed Danny.  As Todd watch him leave, he couldn't help but feel guilty.  He knew that Danny looked up to him and that he had been a bad example, but he hadn't quite realized just how much influence he had on his brother.  Todd resolved then and there that he would never use a swear word again.  In fact, he didn't want to do anything that could be harmful to Danny -- or to anyone else who might be watching.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things that could be harmful to those who are watching you?  What about your general attitude?  God wants your behavior to be an example to others.  Be very careful in what you do and say.  Someone is always watching you.  Don't cause anyone to sin. Ask God to help you be a good example to others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 1:27)
Only let your conversation (conduct) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Landon sat down at the kitchen table to eat lunch, an advertisement on the bread wrapper caught his attention.  "Free gift!" he read.  "Skipper Sam Race Boat!  See details on bottom of package."  Landon turned the loaf of bread so he could see the bottom.  "Mom, look!" he exclaimed.  "I can get a Skipper Sam Race Boat for absolutely nothing.  The boat costs twelve dollars if you buy it at the store."
 
"That offer sounds too good to be true," said Mom, wiping her hands on a towel.  "Let me see that package."  She studied the information about the boat.  "Landon, did you notice what you need to send in with this order form?" she asked as she handed him the loaf of bread.
 
"I think you have to send three 'proof of purchase' tags from Skipper Sam Race Boats. . .hey!"  Landon interrupted himself.  "That means I'd have to buy three boats just to get one free.  That's thirty-six dollars!"  He pushed the bread away.  "It's not really free," he said, disappointed.
 
"When something is offered for free, there's often something to buy first or some other requirement you have to meet," said Mom.  She sat down at the table.  "I know of one offer, though, that some people think sounds to good to be true, but the gift offered really is free."
 
"What's that?" asked Landon eagerly.
 
"It's the gift of salvation," Mom replied with a smile.  "God's gift of eternal life is free to anyone who will accept Jesus as Savior."
 
Landon grinned.  "Yeah, and I've already done that!" he said.
 
"It's something everyone can do," Mom added.  "Now. . .let's thank the Lord for our lunch and for His free gift of salvation."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard about God's free gift?  You can't earn it or buy it.  But you do need to accept it.  Jesus paid the price for your salvation.  When you trust Jesus and accept Him as Savior, you are also accepting His gift of eternal life.  Why not trust Him today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 6:23)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That's going to be neat when it's done," said Angie as she watched her mother work on a patchwork quilt.
 
Mother smiled.  "I hope so," she replied.  "This project is very special to me."  She picked up a few of the fabric squares.  "Do you recognize these pieces of material?"
 
"Are some of them scraps from dresses I used to wear?" asked Angie.
 
Mother nodded.  "Yes.  And they remind me that God's way is best," she said.  "You see, I used to become very disappointed and angry when I didn't get my way.  I would even get upset with God when He didn't answer my prayers the way I wanted."
 
"Really?" asked Angie.  She was eager to hear her mother's story.  "How do these quilt pieces remind you of that?"
 
"Well," said Mother, "before you came to live with us, I wanted a little baby very much.  I prayed that we'd be able to adopt one right away.  But that didn't happen.  Your father and I prayed and prayed, and we waited and waited.  I sometimes felt angry at God for not giving me my way."
 
"But then you got me," Angie said.
 
"That's just the point," said Mother with a smile.  "I didn't get my way.  God had His way -- and it was much better.  God taught us so much during those years we were waiting.  We learned a lot about patience and about trusting God to work out His best for us.  And then, as you said, we adopted you."
 
"If you had gotten a baby earlier, you might not have gotten me," persisted Angie.
 
"That's right," agreed Mother.  "That's why this quilt is such a special project to me.  I'm sewing together little remembrances from your life.  It's my way of reminding myself how wonderful God's way was -- and is -- for me."
 
"Whenever I begin to feel unhappy because God doesn't do things my way, I'll try to remember that, too," promised Angie with a smile.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you patient when you don't get your own way?   Or do you "want what you want when you want it"?  Ask God to help you to want and accept His ways.  Trust Him, knowing His way is best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 55:9)
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

[Soldier4Christ]

Marcy marched into the house and headed for the kitchen where Mom was preparing dinner.  "I'm never going back to school again!" she announced, slamming her books on the table.  "I hate it there!  Some of the kids were acting up and misbehaving today, and they wanted me to join them.  When I wouldn't, they chanted, 'Chicken!  Chicken!  Marcy is a chicken!'  They make me so mad."
 
"Hmmm," murmured Mom as she got out a pan and opened a can of food.  "Why, look at this!" she exclaimed.  "The label on this can says 'green beans,' but there are peaches inside."
 
"Oh, good!  I like peaches better than green beans," said Marcy with a grin.  Then she remembered her problem.  "But what am I going to do about being called 'chicken' at school?"
 
"When I was a girl, we used to say a little rhyme," said Mom.  "It went like this: 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.'"
 
"But words do hurt sometimes, Mom," said Marcy.  "They hurt inside a person."
 
"Yes, they do -- if you let them," replied Mom.  "What do the other kids mean when they call you 'chicken'?"
 
"That I'm scared.  Chickens scare easily, I guess," replied Marcy. She looked thoughtful.  "Hey, you know what?  I think some of those kids are the real chickens," she added.  "They're afraid they'll be laughed at if they stand up for what's right."
 
"Well, I'm glad you weren't afraid to do that," said Mom. "You're not a chicken.  You weren't scared to do the right thing in spite of what the crowd did or said."
 
"I knew I had to do what was right," agreed Marcy.
 
"Mom picked up the can of peaches.  "No matter what label was put on this can, these are still peaches, and that's what counts," she said. "And Marcy, it's what you really are that counts -- not what you're called. The next time this happens, you can say, 'No, I'm not a chicken.  I'm a Christian, and I'm not scared to act like one.'"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been called bad names because you wouldn't do something that was wrong?  Stay true to Christ.  Be  a faithful Christian -- and never mind what label others put on you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:17)
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Becky rocked slowly in her grandmother's favorite chair.  When Becky visited her grandparent's home, Grandma usually called her into the kitchen to help prepare a snack, but Grandma didn't call her today.
 
"How's school?" asked Grandpa.
 
"Okay," said Becky.  She looked at the picture of her grandparents on the wall.  She closed here eyes tightly and hoped Grandma would be standing there when she opened them.  But that couldn't happen, of course.
 
"You miss Grandma, don't you?" Grandpa asked quietly.  A tear slid down Becky's cheek.  "I miss her, too," Grandpa said with a sad look on his face.  "Sometimes I want to call out to her in the kitchen to talk with her.  It's hard to accept the fact that she isn't here anymore."  He opened the drawer of a table and pulled out a box.  "But look," he said. "Whenever I feel especially sad, I look through this memory box.  For each memory, I thank God that I could share that time with Grandma."
 
Becky took the box.  "Oh, look -- here's a picture of Grandma planting flowers out front!" she exclaimed.  "And here's a picture  I drew of those flowers.  Grandma always planted the prettiest garden."
 
"Shall we thank God for that?" asked Grandpa.  Becky nodded, and Grandpa prayed, "Father, thank You so much for Grandma and for the time You allowed us to share with her.  Thank You for the memory of the beautiful gardens she planted.  We miss her so much, but we know she is with You now, and we thank You for that, too.  Help us look to You for strength and comfort."  A few tears wet Grandpa's face, and he hugged Becky very tightly.
 
"I have an idea," said Becky.  She went to the kitchen, and Grandpa followed.  He smiled approvingly as Becky began putting crackers and cheese on a plate, just like Grandma used to do.  "Grandma used to tell funny stories when we were out in the kitchen together."  Becky grinned.  "The funniest one was about how she met you."  She giggled and gave Grandpa a hug. "I'll tell you what she said." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died?  Even when you know the Lord has decided it's time for a friend or relative to go to heaven to live with Him, you still feel sad and miss your loved one.  Talk to God about the way you feel.  He understands your tears and will help you deal with the pain.  Then enjoy the good memories of that person and thank God for happy times you've shared.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Job 1:21)
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Betsy smiled as she looked at her baby brother, still asleep in his crib. Robbie's really cute, she thought, but I'm so glad I'm not a baby.  All he does is eat and sleep.  How boring!  I have lots more fun -- swimming, biking, and even going to school.
 
At the breakfast table, Betsy watched Mom butter toast and pour coffee for her father.  Betsy wondered if her mother knew how boring her life looked. She's always doing things for everyone else -- like scrambling eggs just right, and checking our school work, and telling Dad he needs a haircut.  Could anything be more dull?
 
Dad glanced at the clock and pushed his chair back.  "I'd better go," he said.  "Traffic is always heavy on Monday."
 
Betsy's thoughts turned to her father's life.  Dad does the same thing Monday through Friday -- eat breakfast, grab his briefcase, drive to the office to spend the day doing whatever he does there.  After work, he comes home until the next day, and then he does it all over again.  I wonder if he ever wishes every day could be Saturday.  I would!
 
"It's almost time for you to catch your bus, Betsy, so let's read our verse for today," said Mom after Dad left.  She opened her Bible as she spoke, and then began to read. "First Corinthians 13:11.  'When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.'"  Looking up, she asked, "What does that verse mean to you, honey?"
 
Betsy thought a moment.  "I guess it's that children and grown-ups don't think and do the same things," she said.
 
"That's right."  Mom smiled.  "God has special things for us our whole lives.  When we're young, life is busy with school and chores and  fun times.  As we grow older, there are more responsibilities and different kinds of fun times.  But both ages can be good times -- parents, at their work, can be as happy as children are at their play.  Aren't you glad Jesus gives us contentment whether we're eight years old or eighty?"
 
Betsy nodded as she heard the sound of the school bus.  She  picked up her books.  "Have a good day, Mom," she called as she left.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wish that every day could be Saturday?  God has given days to work and days to play.  That will be true throughout your life.  God knows what is best, so be content with each day He gives you.  Every day is a special gift from Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:11)
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look what my teacher gave me!" exclaimed Luke as he burst into the house, waving a small flag over his head.  "We're learning about symbols at school, and the flag is a symbol, or a reminder, of our freedom."
 
"I wish I had a flag," said Natalie, Luke's little sister.
 
"Maybe you'll get one when you're in the second grade," Luke consoled her.
 
"Where's your sweater, Natalie?" asked Mother.
 
"At school," replied Natalie.  "I keep forgetting to bring it home."
 
Mother frowned.  "Tomorrow I'm going to tie a string around your finger to remind you to bring it home," she said.
 
Natalie giggled.  "Are you really?" she asked.
 
"I certainly am," Mother assured her. 
 
The next morning Mother stopped Natalie at the door.  "Hold out your finger," said Mother.  She tied a string around the little girl's finger.  "Don't try to tighten it," warned Mother.  "I don't want it to stop the circulation, but I do want you to remember to bring your sweater home."
 
Luke grinned as he watched.  "That string is a symbol," he told his sister.  "It's to remind you of something important."
 
Natalie blew a kiss to her Mother.  "I won't forget," she said.  "I promise."  And she didn't.
 
On Sunday morning, Luke listened as Pastor Johnson explained the meaning of the communion service they were about to have.   "I know what the communion service is for," announced Luke on the way home. "The juice and the bread are symbols -- just like the flag."
 
"Or like the string on my finger," added Natalie.  Then she looked puzzled.  "But what do they remind us of?"
 
"Of Jesus," stated Luke.  "Right, Dad?"
 
"Exactly," agreed Dad.  "The juice is a symbol, or reminder, of Jesus' blood, and the bread is a reminder of His body.  They remind us of His death on the cross."
 
Mother nodded.  "They also remind us to thank Him for what He did for us," she added.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
The communion service is an important reminder of Jesus' death on Calvary.  Don't ever forget the price He paid so your sins could be forgiven.  Why not stop right now and thank Him?


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Paul sighed in relief as he answered the last question on his test paper. He thought he'd done well, and it made him feel good to know his studying had paid off.  Just then he noticed a movement in the next row. His friend Jeff was sliding a small paper out of sight before jotting down some figures.  Then Jeff took another secret glance at the paper,  finished the test, and handed it in to Mr. Baylor.  Paul's heart sank.  Oh, no! he thought.  Jeff cheated!
 
All afternoon Paul wondered what he should do.  Should he tell Mr. Baylor?  Accuse Jeff?  Forget he'd ever seen anything?
 
 Walking home later in the crisp fall air, Paul heard the familiar sound of geese honking as they flew south for the winter.  He remembered what his Sunday school teacher had told the class last week.  "The honking of the geese seems to encourage those who lag behind or get out of line," Mr. Kent had said.  "I've also heard that the geese take turns leading, and that they help each other stay strong and united for their long journey.  Christians need to help each other in that way, too."
 
As Paul remembered those words, he thought of Jeff.  He knew Jeff was a Christian, and that in a moment of weakness he had given in to the temptation to cheat.  Jeff needed a friend to "honk" and encourage him to be strong in his Christian life -- a friend to talk to him about what he had done.  Paul sighed.  He really didn't want to be the one to talk to Jeff.  He might get mad about it, thought Paul.  Maybe Mr. Kent could talk to him.  But Paul was the one who had seen what had happened, and he knew what he needed to do.
 
Paul walked over to Jeff's house and rang the bell.  Jeff answered the door.  "Hi, Jeff," Paul greeted his friend.  "I need to talk to you because I saw what happened during the test today."  Jeff looked very surprised, and Paul rushed on.  "I really think you need to tell Mr. Baylor what happened, and that you're sorry," he said.  "I'll go with you if you want. Maybe he'll let you take another test.  If he does, I'll help you study so you can pass because you understand it, not because you cheated." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When someone does something wrong, do you get angry and accuse him or tattle on him?  Or do you take the easy way and pretend nothing happened?  God wants His children to help each other do what is right. It's hard to do, but it will make you happier when you lovingly help someone overcome sin and get back on track.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:2)
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

As the Anderson family ended their evening devotions, Beth stretched. "Every night we pray for Mrs. Gerard, but she just gets meaner," she observed.  "I'm tired of praying for her."
 
"Me, too," agreed Zach.  "Yesterday she swore at me because my ball bounced into her yard.  I think she likes being mean."
 
"All the more reason to pray for her, " said Dad.  "God says we're to pray for those who 'despitefully use' us.  Besides, Mrs. Gerard may be closer to being saved than we realize."  He reached for his coat.  "Who wants to ride down to the post office with me to mail a letter?" he asked.
 
Zach jumped up.  "I do," he said.
 
"Mom's going to help me shampoo my hair," said Beth,  "so I can't."
 
Soon Beth's hair was a mountain of suds.  She squeezed her eyes shut as water cascaded over here head.  "I think I hear the doorbell," she murmured.
 
Mother stopped scrubbing Beth's scalp and listened.  "You're right," she said.  As she reached for a towel, she knocked over the shampoo. "Oh, dear!  What a mess!"  Mother dried her hands.  "I'm coming!  I'm coming!" she called as the insistent bell pealed again.
 
Beth peeked up at her mother, and a crop of sudsy water rolled into her eye.  "Oh-h-h!  I got soap in my eye!" she exclaimed.
 
Mother handed her a towel.  "Wipe your eye, and just sit still," she said.  "I'll be back in a minute."
 
Beth rubbed her eye gently as she waited.  In a few seconds Mother returned.  "Who was it?" Beth asked.
 
Mother shrugged as she turned on the faucet to rinse Beth's hair.  "I don't know," she said.  "They drove off just as I got to the door.  I wish they hadn't been so impatient."
 
As Mother cleaned up the shampoo, Beth wrapped a towel around her head.  "This reminds me of our earlier conversation," added Mother.  "Wouldn't it be too bad if we quit praying for Mrs. Gerard just before God answers?"  Thoughtfully, Beth nodded.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been praying for someone for a long time?  Are you getting discouraged?  Don't quit.  Keep asking.  The next knock on heaven's door may be the one that gets the answer you've been waiting for.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 18:1)
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.