Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"We had the neatest guests in our social studies class today," Doug told his parents one evening.  "Mrs. Berg invited a Vietnamese family to talk to us about their culture and to tell us what it's like to try to fit into the American way without losing their heritage."
 
"Interesting," said Dad.  "What was the hardest thing for them?"
 
"Learning English," replied Doug.  He got up and took a paper from one of this school books.  "This is what their language looks like."
 
Mother and Dad looked at the foreign words.  "I know it would be hard for me to learn this," said Mother.  "And it would be confusing and scary if I couldn't talk to people or understand what they say to me."
 
"It sure would," agreed Dad as he reached for the family Bible.  "Time for devotions."
 
Doug shrugged.  "Sometimes the Bible is hard for me to understand --  about as hard as some of these foreign words," he said.  "I know our Bible is written in English, but some parts of it still don't make sense to me."
 
"Tell me," said Dad, "how did the Vietnamese family finally figure out what our English words meant?"
 
"They studied and studied," replied Doug.  "They were able to get help from some organizations, and different people taught them."
 
"In other words, they were persistent -- they kept at it," said Dad. "We need persistent Bible study, too.  The more we study, the more we understand."
 
"And we need to ask for help," added Mother.  "Your dad and I can help.  Pastor Bertrom and your Sunday school teacher can help.  But most of all, God can help.  Ask Him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it difficult to read the Bible because parts are had to understand or the words are too big?  Keep reading.  Keep studying.  Learn from study guides and from other Christians.  Ask God to open your understanding to what He wants you to learn. He wants you to love His Word, and He'll help you when you ask.  The more time you spend in God's Word, the more you will understand what He is saying to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:18)
Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Kara said goodnight one evening, her mother noticed that she seemed a little upset.  "I want to ask you something, Mom," Kara said hesitantly.  "After I gave my life to Jesus last summer, I was really happy for a while.  But I've sinned lots of times since then -- like when I got so mad at Jason tonight.  I asked God to forgive me, but I'm sure He isn't very happy with me. And what about the times I sin without realizing it? And what if I forget to ask God to forgive me?  Am I still saved?"
 
Mother sat down on the bed.  "Jesus' death paid for all our sins," she said.   "And when Jesus was talking about believers being in God's hand He said, 'No man is able to take them out of My Father's hand.'  God won't disown you after you put your trust in Him."  Kara didn't look quite convinced, and Mother pointed to a porcelain doll on Kara's dresser.  "I see that you've cleaned up that doll," she said.  "Tell me again where it came from."
 
Kara smiled.  "You know, Mother," she replied.  "When I went next door last week, Mrs. Knott was cleaning out her basement and was going to throw it away.  It was covered with dust and bugs and spider webs, but I cleaned it and then dressed it in new clothes.  It looks great now, don't you think?"
 
"Yes, it does."  Mother nodded.  "It's beautiful, so enjoy it while you can.  Your room gets pretty dusty this time of the year, you know.  Soon your doll will be covered with dust, and then I suppose you'll throw it away."
 
"Throw it away!" exclaimed Kara.  "Are you kidding?  Even if the doll does get dusty, it could never look any worse than when I got it. Anyway, I'd never throw it away after all the work I did to get it cleaned up.  I'll just clean it whenever it needs it.  I want this doll."
 
Mother smiled.  "I thought you'd say that," she said.  "Honey, don't you see that God loves you much more than you love that doll?  He's not going to just 'throw you away' now -- not after all He's done for you."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin?  If you're not sure, won't you trust Him today (see last page)?  If you have received Jesus into your life, you don't need to worry about losing your salvation.  Trust God and believe His promises so you can always know the peace of forgiveness and the joy of fellowship with Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:39)
(Neither) height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, I wish I could explain to Lindy about colors," said Jan with a sigh.  "This afternoon I mentioned that the sky was so blue, and she said she wished she could understand what that meant."  Jody sighed again. "I've tried and tried to explain it to her, but she just doesn't understand what I'm talking about."
 
"I know.  Lindy misses a lot because she's blind," said Mom.  "But have you noticed how her other senses seem to be more keen than ours?  For one thing, she recognizes people by their footsteps or voice.  We couldn't do that with very many people!"
 
Just then Brian burst into the kitchen.  "Can I have a cookie, please?" he begged, pulling the cookie jar toward him.
 
"All right, but just one," agreed Mom.  She ruffled his curly black hair.  "What did you learn at Bible club today, Brian?'
 
"About heaven," replied Brian, after swallowing a mouthful of crumbly cookie.  "But I don't understand it very well.  What's heaven really like, Mom?"
 
"I don't understand it, either," said Jan.  "My teacher tried to explain what it would be like, but. . . ."  She shrugged her shoulders.  "It sounds like it's a beautiful place, but I can't quite picture what we'll be doing there all the time.  I suppose life will be lots different from life on earth."
 
Mom thought hard. "Jan," she said slowly, "remember how difficult -- even impossible -- it was for Lindy to understand what colors are?  In the same way, it's hard . . and yes, impossible. . .for us to understand exactly what heaven is like.  It's a completely different world, and we just can't totally know what it will be like."
 
"What if we don't like it?" asked Brian, half joking but with a note of concern in his voice,
 
Mom smiled.  "Do you think Lindy would like to be able to see?" she asked.  "Do you think she'd hesitate if she had the chance to see?"
 
"Of course not," chorused Jan and Brian.
 
"But she doesn't understand what it's like to be able to see," Mom told them.
 
"No, but she knows that sight is something wonderful," argued Jan, "even though she doesn't quite understand it.  She can tell that from what we tell her about it."
 
"And we know that heaven is going to be wonderful because of the things God tells us about it," replied Mom.  "All our comparisons and descriptions and imaginings fall far short of the glorious reality of heaven."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder and question and argue -- and even worry -- about heaven and how life there will be different from your life here on earth?  Although heaven will certainly be different, be assured that it will be wonderful and far better than life on earth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (I Corinthians 13:12)
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That water log ride was fun!" exclaimed Jim.  "Let's go on the roller coaster next, okay?"
 
"The roller coaster!"  Dad groaned.  "You're sure we want to go on that?  All those ups and downs and curves.  I never know what to expect next."
 
Jim laughed.  "That's what makes it fun," he said.  "C'mon!"  So they headed for the roller coaster.
 
"Just like life," murmured Dad as they walked along.
 
"Like life?"  Jim looked at Dad curiously.  "What in the world are you talking about, Dad?  What's like life?"
 
"The roller coaster," said Dad.  "Like the roller coaster, life is full of ups and downs.  You never know what's around the next curve."  They bought their tickets and waited for their turn to ride.  "Life can have a lot of unexpected events," continued Dad.  "Some good; some bad."
 
Jim frowned.  "Yeah. . .but at least all the ups and downs on the roller coaster are fun," he said.  "The downs in life sure aren't."
 
Dad patted Jim on the shoulder.  "It's a good thing we have Jesus in our lives, isn't it," he said.  "He's always there to help us, comfort us, and protect us whenever we need Him.  He'll never leave us to face the ups and downs of life alone."
 
"That makes it easier to get through the down times, doesn't it?" said Jim.
 
"It sure does," agreed Dad.  "Knowing the Lord is there to pull us back up -- like the chain on that roller coaster -- helps.  We just need to keep trusting Him."  Dad smiled.  "Well, looks like we get to go on next," he said.  "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
 
"Sure thing!" said Jim.  "Let's go!	"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you going through a "down" time in your life?  Does it seem like the curves are too scary?  Are you afraid of what is around the next bend?  The things that are happening in your life are no surprise to God.  He is always right there and is always faithful to His children.  He'll never let you stay down.  Trust Him through all your circumstances.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 3:5)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

[Soldier4Christ]

Wade took the glue his mother handed him and ran out to the shed.  He worked for a while on his special project, then ran back to the house. "Can I use a hammer and some nails?" he asked his father.  Dad helped him find what he needed, and Wade grabbed the items and ran back to the shed.
 
After working a little longer, Wade again made a trip to the house. "Paint!" he said.  "I need paint.  Can I use some of your paint, Margie?" While his sister was still giving him special orders not to use it all, Wade took the paint and darted out the door.
 
After school the following day, Wade brought his friend Bob home to play.  Mother set out shiny red apples and glasses of cold milk.  "Thank you, Ma'am," said Bob.  And before leaving for home later, Bob politely thanked her for letting him come.  Mother was impressed.  "Bless his heart," she said after Bob had left.  "Bob seems to be very polite."
 
"Yeah, he's like that," agreed Wade.  "He even says thank you when the teacher hands papers back to him."  Wade rolled his eyes.
 
"Well, that's good," approved Mother.  "After all, God says we are to be thankful for everything.  That means little things, too.  We should give thanks to God -- and to other people as well."
 
After dinner, Wade brought out his secret project.  "Look," he said.  "I'm finally done with my project.  We learned how to make these things in shop class at school.  Do you like them?"  For Mother, there was a recipe holder; for Dad, a tie rack; for his sister, a jewelry box.
 
Wade beamed as his family exclaimed over the gifts and thanked him warmly.  He was happy that his family appreciated his hard work and the special things he had made for them.  It's really nice to have people thank you, Wade told himself.  Aloud he said, "Now I'm going to start on another secret project.  And thank you for the paint, Margie.  Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the glue and the hammer and nails."  He decided not to explain that his new secret project was to take time to say 'thank you' -- even for little things.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes forget to say "thank you"?  Do you receive things and just assume the giver knows you appreciate it?  Remember to express your thanks to people and to God for all things, no matter what the size.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:20)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Slow down, Dad," warned Philip.  He pointed to a cluster of bushes. "I see a policeman hiding back there."
 
"I don't need to slow down, Phil," replied Dad.  "I'm not going faster than the speed limit."
 
"Yeah, but don't you feel sort of uneasy when you see a policeman?" asked Philip.
 
Dad shook his head.  "No," he said as he stopped the car for a red light.  "I have no reason to have a guilty conscience."
 
"My Bible club teacher says your conscience is kind of like a traffic light that turns red when you're about to do something wrong, and turns green when you're doing right," observed Philip.  "Of course, nothing actually turns red or green colors in front of your eyes, but we knew what she meant."
 
Dad nodded.  "God has given each person a conscience," he said, "and your conscience works according to your knowledge of right and wrong.  That's why you need to train your conscience while you're young.  Studying the Bible and listening to the advice of older Christians are good ways to do that."
 
"Well, I know a kid who does wrong even though he knows better, but he says his conscience doesn't bother him" stated Philip.  "My teacher says kids like that have run through the red light of their conscience so many times that they're becoming color blind."
 
The traffic light turned green, and Dad drove on.  "When you run a red light -- either with your car or by ignoring your conscience -- you're apt to have a wreck," he said.  "And wrecking your life is much more serious than wrecking a car."
 
Philip nodded.  "Yeah," he agreed, "but you know something, Dad?  Sometimes I'm not sure what color my conscience is showing me."
 
"When you're not sure what's right, observe the yellow caution light and slow down until you know what to do," advised Dad.  "Play it safe.  Don't go ahead unless you're sure it's okay."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever had a tug at your heart or an uneasy feeling when you started to do wrong?  Then thank God for a tender conscience that's giving you a red light.  When you get those warnings, pay attention and do what's right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 24:16)
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

[Soldier4Christ]

Lauren and Jimmy ran next door to show their report cards to their grandmother.  "I'm proud of your hard work," she told them, and she gave them each a small reward.
 
"It's not fair for Lauren to get the same reward as I did," Jimmy later  complained to his mother.  "I got better grades than she did, so I should have gotten more for doing better."
 
"That decision was really up to Grandma," replied Mother.  "Maybe the reward is the same because she knows you both did your best."
 
After dinner, Mother baked some cookies.  When she took the last pan out of the oven, Jimmy raced into the kitchen.  "Anyone who wants to try my cookies must help clean up the kitchen first," said Mother.  Jimmy started washing the bowls and utensils.  When Lauren followed her nose into the kitchen a little later, Mother repeated the message.  "Anyone who wants to eat cookies must help clean my kitchen."  There wasn't a lot left to do, but Lauren got busy.
 
"Are the cookies ready yet?" asked Dad a little later, and Mother repeated the message one more time.  Dad looked around.  Everything had been washed, even the cookie sheets.  Taking a sponge, he wiped the counters.
 
"Thanks for helping," said Mother as she handed two cookies to each person.
 
"Two for everybody?" objected Jimmy.  "Lauren and Dad didn't do as much work as I did.  Why do they get the same number of cookies?"
 
"They did all they could do," said Mother, but Jimmy still scowled.
 
"Time for family devotions," called Dad a little later.  "I think we'll read from Matthew Twenty tonight (see today's Scripture reading).  How about reading this aloud for us, Jimmy?"  He handed Jimmy the Bible.
 
When Jimmy had finished reading, Dad nodded.  "Grandma and your mother gave equal rewards today -- not for equal work, but for equal effort and willingness to work," he said.  "God is like that, too.  He knows each person's ability and opportunity.  Equal faithfulness to those opportunities is equally rewarded by Him.  Aren't you glad He treats everyone fairly?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get upset when you think you deserve more than others but they get just as much as you do?  Be happy with what you get.  And be thankful that rewards for service for the Lord will be given fairly.  Remember that God rewards faithfulness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 28:20)
A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Here's where I'll be laying bricks soon," Dad told Billy.  Stopping the car, Dad asked, "Want to take a look?"
 
"Sure, Dad," answered Billy, and they got out of the car and walked over to the site.  "What is going to be built here?"
 
"A beautiful brick house," answered Dad.  "I came to check on the foundation."  He walked all around, viewing the groundwork from every angle.  "Do you remember the news report about the house that was destroyed in the heavy windstorm we had the other day?" he asked.  "It fell because it was built on a poorly constructed foundation.  I'd hate for that to happen to a house where I do the bricklaying."
 
"Me, too," agreed Billy.
 
"So. . .are you building on a solid foundation then?" asked Dad.
 
"Me?"  Billy was surprised at Dad's question.  "I'd like to be a builder some day, but I'm not building anything now."
 
"Yes, you are," said Dad.  "Oh, you're not building a house of bricks or wood, but you're building your life-house day by day.  Jesus talked about the importance of building lives upon the proper foundation.  Do you know what that is?"
 
"Sure," replied Billy.  "It's Jesus.  I trusted Him as Savior, so I'm building my life on Him."
 
"Good," approved Dad.  "When the Rock -- Jesus Christ -- is the foundation for your life-house, you can stand in the storms of life.  By that, we mean the times when trouble comes.  And when life is over, you'll go to heaven and won't have to face the greatest storm of all, Judgment Day.  But what do you think would happen if your life-house were built on 'sand' -- on anything or anyone but Jesus?"
 
"And the house on the sand went smash!" sang Billy.  Dad joined him and together they sang the last verse.  "So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Build your life on the Lord."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
On what foundation are you building your life? Are you hoping for heaven because of your good works, your church membership, or any other act that you can do?  If so, you're building on the "sand" instead of the "Rock."  In the day of judgment, your life-house will fall.  Jesus is the "Rock."  He's the only solid foundation.  Believe on Him now.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:11)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The bricks have arrived for that house I showed you, Billy," said Dad one day.  "I'm going over there.  Want to come along?"
 
"Sure," agreed Billy, and soon they arrived at the building site. "Wow!  That's a huge pile of bricks!" exclaimed Billy.  "I guess that means you've got a whole lot of work to do, right?"
 
Dad nodded.  "If I do my work right, these bricks will become the walls of a beautiful, sturdy house."  He smiled at his son.  "We talked the other day about building a life-house," he added.  "And  you have a 'great pile of bricks' to work with in building your life-house, too.  All your thoughts, your words, and your actions are like bricks with which you're building day by day, as long as you live."
 
"Oh, that's neat," said Billy with a grin.
 
Dad motioned toward the bricks. "Can you think of any other kind of building I might be able to build with these bricks?" he asked.
 
"Sure," said Billy.  "You could build a church or a hospital or a shopping mall -- most any kind of building."
 
"You're right," agreed Dad.  "These bricks could even be used to build a bar, although I would never be the brick-layer for that."  As Dad and Billy started back towards the car, Dad added, "It's up to you, Billy, to decide what kind of building your life will be.  Day by day you can lay the bricks of glorifying God and witnessing for Him -- or you can build selfishly, living to please yourself."
 
"I really do want to build a good life-house," Billy said seriously.  "I'm going to be very careful how I build."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of life-house are you building?  Is it a life that pleases Jesus?  Think of each thought, word, and deed as a "brick" to be used in building your life-house.  With God's help, build wisely.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 24:3)
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.

[Soldier4Christ]

"There it is, Billy.  All done.  What do you think of the brick house now?" asked Dad.  Billy had come with his father to see the house Dad had been working on.
 
"Wow!  It's super!" exclaimed Billy.  "It looks really great!  I've been telling everyone that my dad's the best bricklayer in town."
 
"Well, how nice.  Thank you," said Dad.  "I did have a problem one day, though.  I laid some bricks out of line.  I didn't realize it until I used the plumb line."
 
"The plumb line?" asked Billy.  "What's that?"
 
Dad grinned at Billy.  "It's a line that's fastened to a narrow board on one end and to a piece of lead on the other.  I'll show you when we get home," promised Dad.  "When a plumb line is hung alongside a wall, the weight of the lead keeps the line straight.  As I build, I use it often to see if my bricks are in line."
 
"What did you do about the bricks that were out of line?" Billy wanted to know.
 
"I knocked them out and started again from that point," answered Dad.  After a pause, he added, "Did you know that we sometimes get the bricks of our life-houses out of line?  It happens when we sin.  And that sin -- whether it seems big or small to us -- keeps our lives from being straight and true."
 
Billy was silent for a few moments.  "But I can't undo things I've done wrong and start over again, can I?" he asked.
 
Dad put his arm around Billy.  "You can confess your sin to God," he said "and He'll forgive you.  That's something like knocking out the misplaced bricks.  Then every day consider whether the things you're doing are in line with God's plumb line -- the Bible."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been letting God's Word be the "plumb line" for the building of your life-house?  Think about what God teaches in His Word, and apply those truths to your life.  Use the principles found in the Bible to check your thoughts, your words, your actions, your companions, and your desires.  God will show you the crooked, wrong things you should stop doing.  Confess any known sin right away.  Keep the walls of your life-house straight and true.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:128)
Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

[Soldier4Christ]

"We can make applesauce, apple pies, apple strudel, apple butter, apple dumplings, baked apples. . . ."  Heidi's voice trailed off as she ran out of suggestions.
 
"You've got grand plans for all these apples we picked last fall," said Aunt Sue with a smile.  She lugged a basket of apples into the kitchen.  "Well, it's time we use some of these.  We'll make a batch or two of applesauce and freeze some of it.  Would you like to start peeling apples?"
 
  "Okay," agreed Heidi.  She got out a knife and some pans and started working.  After a while, she sighed.  "How many do we need to do?" she asked.  "It will take forever to peel all these and take the cores out."
 
Aunt Sue laughed.  "Oh, not quite that long," she said.  She looked down at the apple she was peeling.  "Have you ever wondered how many apples can come from just one of these seeds?" she asked.
 
Heidi shook her head.  "Lots, I guess," she said.
 
"You're right," agreed Aunt Sue.  "Lots and lots."
 
"Just think," said Heidi, "if one seed would grow into a tree and produce a crop of apples, and if each seed from each of those apples grew into another tree and each of those trees produces a crop of apples, and each seed from each of those apples grew into a tree and. . . ."
 
Aunt Sue rolled her eyes.  "You're making me tired," she teased. "That's an interesting thought, but that story could go on for a very long time."  Heidi laughed.  "Here's another interesting thought," said Aunt Sue.  "If I plant just one seed for Jesus -- if I witness for Him by one word or deed -- who knows what He can do with it?  So often I forget that I just need to plant, but it's God who makes everything grow."   
 
As she was speaking, Uncle Matt came in.  "That's right," he said. He grinned and added, "And I'm very thankful that He made these apples grow!  Now who will volunteer to make me an apple pie?"
 
Heidi chuckled.  "I'll make you a yummy pie if you'll help me peel more apples," she told her uncle with a smile.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you plant seeds of God's Word?  Do you share with friends what you know about Jesus?  God can use each truth you share from His Word to produce much fruit for Him.  He can also use each act of obedience to His Word -- each act of helpfulness, courtesy, and honesty.  People need to hear the gospel, and God is ready to work through you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I have planted. . .but God gave  the increase.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason, Tom, and the rest of the youth group listened as Mr. Brown finished giving instructions for the day's hike.  Soon they were on their way.  They were having a great time as they hiked along, sometimes walking easily on the well beaten trail; sometimes scrambling over fallen trees or making their way around them.  "This is cool!" exclaimed Jason.  "Beat you to the next bend in the trail, Tom."  But as Jason started off, he tripped on a tree root and down he went!  "Ouch!" he cried, grabbing his ankle.  Mr. Brown hurried over as Jason stood up.  "I think I can walk okay," said Jason, gingerly testing his ankle. 
 
"All right, but no racing for a while," said Mr. Brown.
 
"It will be easier for him if he doesn't have to carry the extra weight of his backpack," said Tom.  "I'll carry it for him."
 
"Me, too," chimed in several other voices.
 
"Thank you, boys," said Mr. Brown.  So for the rest of the hike, the boys took turns carrying Jason's backpack.
 
At the end of the hike, the boys built a campfire, and after a hot dog roast, Mr. Brown led in a short time of devotions.  "What you boys did today for Jason, reminds me of what Jesus tells us to do," he said.  "In life, we each carry our own 'backpack' of responsibilities and problems --  our own 'burden' -- but if any one of us has a load that is too heavy, the others ought to help carry it until that person is able to bear it alone again. You helped Jason physically, and Jesus wants us to help others spiritually as well. Think of a few ways kids like you get burdened down and what you could do to help."
 
After a moment, Jason raised his hand.  "Some kids get into trouble by running around with kids who do bad things," he said.  "Maybe we could include them in our groups."
 
"We could make friends with new kids at school," offered Tom, "and invite them to our youth group."
 
"If somebody's skipping church and Sunday school a lot, we can try to get him to come back," said Pete.  "We could pray for kids, too."
 
Mr. Brown nodded.  "All good suggestions," he said. 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take responsibility for your own actions?  Do you also offer help to those whose "backpacks" of responsibilities become too overwhelming for them?  God is pleased when you are willing to reach out to make the burden lighter for other people.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

The afternoon had turned dark and dreary.  Nathan and his dad sat near their tent and watched the gray clouds.  Suddenly, a flash of red crossed the sky.  Nathan's eyes widened.  His gaze eagerly followed the little bird's swift flight.  The crimson splash of color landed on a rock about ten yards away.  "Wow!  What kind of bird is that?" asked Nathan.
 
"It's a cardinal," answered Dad.
 
 Seconds later, the cardinal flew into a huge maple tree.  Nathan lifted his binoculars and tried to locate the bird.  "I can't see it anymore," he told Dad.
 
"No.  It's completely shielded by leaves," replied Dad.  Then he pointed to the sky.  "Look!" he said.  "That's a hawk circling in the air."
 
"Oh, no!" exclaimed Nathan as he saw the hawk hovering over the maple tree.  "I bet he noticed that cardinal because it's so bright.  Nasty old hawk.  I hope the cardinal won't become lunch for him."  Nathan stared at the hawk's outstretched wings.
 
"I don't think he will," said Dad.  "I think the hawk would rather have a nice, fat fieldmouse for his lunch."  Nevertheless, Nathan drew a sigh of relief when the hawk finally glided out of sight.
 
"The world is scary sometimes, and full of enemies," observed Dad, "and as Christians, we're similar to bright cardinals in that we stand out in a dark and gloomy world.  Our brightness -- our cheerful testimony or peace-filled heart -- often catches the enemy's roaming eye.  Satan is our adversary, and he tries to destroy us.  But we can always escape his clutches."
 
"By hiding in a tree, like the cardinal?" asked Nathan with a grin.  He knew that wasn't right.
 
Dad smiled.  "Not by hiding in a tree," he said, "but by fleeing to God.  He hides us in the powerful fortress of His presence.  In Almighty God, we always have a place of escape."
 
Nathan nodded.  "Yeah, but what does it mean to flee to God?" he asked slowly.  "How do we do that?"
 
"That's a good question," said Dad.  "I'd say we do that by calling on Him to help us when we face temptations or troubles.  We also do it by claiming His promises and trusting Him to take care of us.  In our minds, we can picture our loving God watching over us at all times, caring for us, and helping us resist the devil."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things that you're afraid of?  Are there situations that are difficult to go through?  Are there temptations that are hard to resist?  Remember that Satan is no match for Almighty God.  Ask God to help you in every situation.  Take shelter in Him, and take courage.  Trust Him at all times.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 46:1)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jerry shifted nervously from one foot to the other, wiping his sweating palms on his jeans.  Usually his gym teacher would assign teams for the various games they played, but today they had a substitute who didn't really know any of them.  Some of the kids wanted to choose sides instead, and the teacher had decided to let them.  Jerry was smaller and slower than the other boys, and he knew he'd probably be left till last.  It's just not fair! he thought.  Why did God make me so small?  He was close to tears. Already there were only five boys left to be chosen.
 
"Tim," called Brent, the biggest team leader.
 
"Justin," barked Clint, the other leader.
 
"Fred."
 
Jerry licked his dry lips nervously as Brent and Clint looked at each other and grimaced.  "Brian," called Brent, motioning to the boy standing beside Jerry.
 
"All right, Jerry.  C'mon," Clint called grudgingly.
 
Fighting tears, Jerry loped over to the team.  Then throughout the game, he tried to do his very best.  But he didn't do well and got nasty glances from some of the other team members.
 
After school, his tears mingled with his crackers and peanut butter as he told his mother about his problem.  She gave him a hug.  "I know it hurts very much to be chosen last," she said.  "Maybe it will help a little if you remember that you have already been chosen for a team that's more important than any other."
 
Jerry wiped his eyes.  "Really?" he asked hopefully.  "What team is that?"
 
"God's team -- and size doesn't count," said Mother triumphantly. "God says in the Bible that He has chosen each of us who know Him as Savior."  She gave Jerry a bright smile.  "And you're made just right for the part you'll play on His team."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes find that you don't fit in a sport or musical activity and wish God had make you different?  If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, you have been chosen for God's team, and He has a very wonderful plan for your life.  Follow Him daily, and you'll find the purpose for which you were made.  Always remember that God does not make mistakes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 15:16)
Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.

[Soldier4Christ]

A streak of lightning flared across the sky, and a rumble of thunder shook the house.  The wind was splashing big rain drops against the windows, and the streets were flooding.  In the background, Robert heard the shrill ring of the phone and Mother's voice as she answered it.  "Part of the church roof was torn off by the wind," she reported a moment later.  "They're asking anyone who can to come and help get things out of the rooms that have been damaged."  Dad quickly got into his rain gear and hurried out.
 
When Dad returned, Robert was eager to hear what had happened. "There's quite a lot of damage, so we'll be meeting at the school gym tomorrow," reported Dad.
 
"Then we can go to Sunday school tomorrow, but we can't go to church, right?" asked Robert.
 
"No," said Dad.  "After Sunday school we'll have our church service as usual."
 
"But you said we can't go to church," insisted Robert, "because our church is damaged."
 
"Our church building is damaged," replied Dad, "but the building isn't really the church."  He thought for a moment.  "Suppose a gym class were scheduled to take place in the school gym," he said.  "You'd tell your friends, 'I'm going to gym.'  But when you got there, suppose there was no one there but you.  What would happen then?"
 
"There wouldn't be a class then," said Robert.  "You can't have a gym class without people."
 
Dad nodded.  "When you say you're going to gym, you don't just mean you're going to the building, do you?" he asked.  "Now. . .when we speak of going to church, we sometimes do mean we're going the church building.  Other times, we mean we're going to meet with a local church -- a certain group of people who unite together to worship God.  So you see, the storm may have damaged our church building, but it didn't hurt the real church -- the people.  We still can go to church."  He smiled at Robert.  "And the word 'church' has an even more important meaning," he added. "Everyone everywhere who knows and loves the Lord is part of the Body of Christ, or The Church.  That's the most important meaning of all."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you hear the word "church," do you think of the building?  Do you think of the people who meet in a church building?  Or do you think of all those who have trusted Jesus as Savior?  Are you part of that group?  Perhaps you go to church every week.  Maybe you've even joined a church -- you're a church member. That's good but that doesn't make you part of the Body of Christ, which God calls His "Church." Become a part of that group today!  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 1:22-23)
(God). . .gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body.