Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Jacob and his friend Marc looked at the creek that ran through the field near their homes.  They were trying to figure out how to build a bridge over it.  "I bet my dad has a board we could use," said Marc.
 
The two boys ran to the shed in Marc's back yard and found a long wide board.  They carried it to the creek, lifted it high, and gave it a heave.  They hoped it would land with both ends on dry ground, but. . .SPLASH!  "Oops!  One end missed the creek bank!" moaned Jacob.  "This board won't work.  It's too short."  After a quick look at his watch, he added, "Mom expects me home soon, so let's work on our bridge some more tomorrow.   I'll ask my dad for suggestions on bridge-building."  So the boys set the board against a tree to dry and headed for home.
 
Jacob's mother greeted him at the door.  "I'm glad you're home a little early," she said  "We're having the Habib's for dinner tonight."
 
"Not them!" groaned Jacob.  He had decided he didn't like these new neighbors. They didn't speak English very well, and he thought the boy his age didn't act like the other boys.  Besides, he had, in Jacob's opinion, a funny name.  Jacob still couldn't pronounce it.  "Maybe I can eat at Marc's house," he suggested. "We're building a bridge."
 
"You're eating here," Mother replied firmly.  She was disappointed with Jacob's attitude.  "It will be good for you to learn more about a different culture."
 
"I don't think the Habibs believe in God," said Jacob.  "We probably shouldn't get too close to them."  He thought for sure Mother would have to agree with that.
 
"Perhaps they don't believe in God," said Mother, "but they'll have a better chance to get to know Him if we share His love with them tonight. The Habib's may seem different to us, but different does not mean bad.  I'm sure we seem different to them.  It will be good to get to know each other."  Mother looked at Jacob thoughtfully.  "I thought you were interested in building bridges," she added.
 
"I am."  Jacob nodded.  "It's a neat challenge."
 
"Then let's accept the challenge of building a bridge here tonight -- by using whatever means we can to reach out to other people," suggested Mother.  "Now go wash up for dinner."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you see people who are different from you, do you stay away, or do you "build a bridge" with Jesus' love?  He loves all the people of the world.  He wants to show that love through you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 9:22)
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benjamin hurried eagerly into the store with his mother and older brother.  They were going to pick out treats for him to take to his kindergarten class the next day.  Mother said he could pass them out with his valentines.  He pulled on his mother's hand, and she followed him to the aisle that was filled with different kinds of candy and gum.
 
"How many kids are in your class?" asked his brother, Eric.  Benjamin shrugged.
 
"There are twenty-one people, counting Benjamin and his teacher," Mother told them.
 
Benjamin picked up a package of candy.  "Can I get this?" he asked.
 
"Well, let's see," said Mom, looking at the package.  "If we get this, we'll need two bags.  There are only twenty pieces in one bag."
 
"That's enough," said Benjamin.
 
"Think again, Ben," Eric said.  "Twenty treats won't be enough for twenty-one people."
 
"I'm not taking one for Steven."  Benjamin took the package and headed for the check-out lanes.  "He's mean to me and I don't like him."
 
Mom took hold of Benjamin's arm and pulled him back into the candy aisle.  "Benjamin," she said, "you can't take treats unless you take them for everybody.  You must share with Steven, too."
 
Benjamin held the candy tightly in his hand.  "I told you. . .I don't like Steven," he said stubbornly.  "He can't have any of my candy."
 
Mother looked at him sternly.  "You're getting these treats to pass out on Valentine's Day, remember?  And that's supposed to be about love, Ben," she said quietly.   She pointed to the candy display.  "So, either get some for Steven, or put all of it back."
 
Slowly, Benjamin reached out and picked up another bag of candy. "Well, all right," he said.  "Steven can have some, but I'll look mad when I give it to him."
 
Eric helped his little brother carry the candy to the checkout counter. "Doesn't sound very loving to me," he said.  "Besides, the Bible verse I learned in Sunday school last week says that if we're living for God, we must always be kind to everyone, not just people we like." 
 
"Does that mean I have to smile when I give Steven his candy?" asked Benjamin.  He made a face.  "He probably won't even say thank you."
 
"Maybe not," said Eric, "but I think you should smile real friendly- like when you give it to him."
 
"I think so, too," agreed Mother.  "And I'm sure God agrees!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it sometimes hard to be kind to a person who is not nice to you?  One of today's Scripture verses says, "Be kind to one another, forgiving one another."  Sounds like God knows someone may be unkind, doesn't it?  But God says to be kind and forgiving.  He doesn't say,  "Be kind only to kids you like -- to those who are nice to you."  He says, "Be kind to everyone."  Can you be friendly and perhaps even share with someone who has been unkind to you?  Do it for Jesus' sake -- with a smile!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:24)
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.

[Soldier4Christ]

Debbie stomped into the house, threw her books on the table, and plopped down in the nearest chair.  "Oh, I just hate living here, Mom," she said.  "I don't think there's a single girl in my class at school who goes to church and tries to live right, except me.  The other girls use bad language, and they talk about going places where I'd never go.  I sure need a Christian friend at school."
 
Mother nodded as she opened the door to go down to the basement. She had a flashlight and a light bulb in her hand.  "Come on down and hold the flashlight for me," she said.  Debbie took the flashlight and turned it on as they started down the steps.  "If you can win some of those girls in your class to Jesus, you'll have some Christian friends at school," said Mother thoughtfully.  "Do they know you're a Christian?"
 
"Well. . .I haven't said anything," admitted Debbie.  "I just know they'd make fun of me."  She sighed.  "It was so much easier to be a Christian in our old town.  Why didn't God just let us go on living there?"  She turned the flashlight toward the light fixture that had a burned out bulb.  Mom quickly screwed out the old bulb and replaced it with a new one.
 
"Honey," said Mom as they started back up the stairs, "where was that flashlight needed -- in the kitchen or in the basement?"
 
"In the basement, of course," answered Debbie.  "That's where it was dark."
 
"That's right," agreed Mother.  "I was just thinking about what Jesus said -- that we are to let our lights shine for Him -- and our light is needed most in dark places, like this town we're living in now."
 
"I suppose you're right, Mom," said Debbie with a sigh.
 
Mom gave her a hug.  "Why don't you give one of the girls a call and invite her to come to Sunday school and church with you?" she suggested.  "Maybe she could come for dinner, too, and you could spend the afternoon together.  How does that sound?"
 
"Sounds pretty good," decided Debbie.  "I'll try Karen first."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it hard for you to speak up and live for Jesus because there are so many unsaved kids in your neighborhood and school?  Then there is much spiritual darkness around you, isn't there?  That's exactly where you need to let your light shine.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:16)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That was really scary!" exclaimed Brian, and Chris nodded.  A minor accident that afternoon was the main topic of conversation at the supper table.  They had been in the car with Mother, and the brakes had failed when they came to stop sign.  The car had kept going slowly ahead, and they had bumped into the car that was in line ahead of them.
 
"I meant to have those brakes checked," said Dad regretfully, "but I put it off.  That was a mistake.  I'm just thankful so little damage was done."
 
"Yeah," agreed Chris.  "It could have been lots worse, couldn't it?"  He put down his napkin.  "I'm finished. . .may I be excused?"
 
"Me too?" asked Brian quickly.
 
"Not yet," said Dad as he reached for the Bible.  "This accident reminds me of something.  Just like car maintenance is very important and shouldn't be put off, the maintenance of our spiritual lives shouldn't be put off, either.  It's even more important.  If we don't maintain a close walk with the Lord, our spiritual brakes might fail when we need to apply them."
 
"Our spiritual brakes?" Chris asked, puzzled.
 
Dad nodded.  "Memorizing God's Word is one of the best ways to keep our 'spiritual brakes' in working order," he said.  "When we do that, we're likely to recall a verse that cautions us and stops us from giving in to temptation.  We're more likely to apply our 'spiritual brakes' when they're needed."
 
Brian nudged Chris under the table with his foot.  He was sure they were both remembering something that had happened that afternoon. They had gone over to play with Mark, a neighbor boy.  When Mark had shown them a video and suggested they watch it, the boys glanced uneasily at one another.  Judging from the title and the picture on the jacket, they knew there would probably be language and scenes that would not be pleasing to God.  Both felt they shouldn't watch it.  But when Mark slipped the tape into the VCR, neither of the boys said anything. And although they winced now and then at the language they heard, they were soon engrossed in the story.  The boys knew their "spiritual brakes" had failed that afternoon.
 
Dad opened the Bible.  "Let's read and discuss a few verses from God's Word tonight, and let's memorize one, too," he said.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are your "spiritual brakes" in good working order?  Be sure to pay close attention to God's Word during family and personal devotions, and listen carefully in church and Sunday school. Think about the things God says.  Ask Him to help you obey them.  And plan a time and schedule for memorizing Bible verses.  They'll help you be stronger and better able to say no when you're tempted.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:11)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi there, Jon.  How was school today?" asked Mom cheerfully. 
 
"Okay," said Jon.  He hesitated, then reluctantly handed her his report card.
 
"Oh, report card day," said Mom.  She looked it over.  "Hmmm," she murmured.  "Most of these are not bad grades.  In fact, if they're your best, they're fine, but they have dropped since last time."  She looked at Jon.  "Are you doing your best?" she asked.  "This 'D' you got in reading for example. . .that isn't your best, is it?  You've gotten 'A's' and 'B's' in that subject before."
 
Jon knew he had not done his best.  "It's boring," he grumbled.
 
When Mother called Jon for supper that evening, he shuffled slowly into the dining room.  He was not eager to hear Dad's opinion of his report card. "It's too dark here," complained Jon as he pulled out his chair.  The light over the table was very dim.  "I can't even see what we're going to eat.  Can't we have brighter lights?"
 
Dad grinned.  "For some mysterious reason, women like to eat with the lights dimmed, Son," he said, "but we guys like to see what we're eating, don't we?  We prefer the lights on at full power."  Mother laughed and reached for the light switch.  The room brightened at once.
 
"That's better!" declared Jon.  "Supper looks yummy!"
 
After supper, Jon grinned at his mother.  "Okay.  Now you can hit the dimmer switch again," he teased.
 
Dad picked up Jon's report card.  "From looking at your grades, Jon," he said, "I get the impression that the only thing you like to have working at full power is the dining room light."
 
Mother nodded.  "For some mysterious reason, kids sometimes seem to use little brain power when it comes to school work," she observed.  "Neither parents nor God are pleased if kids use the dimmer switch when using their brain power."
 
"Right!" agreed Dad.  "If the dining room lights wouldn't go on very bright, that would be okay -- we could enjoy our food anyway.  And if these grades are the best you can do, that's fine, too.  On the other hand, if you're able to do better, it's time you buckle down and study harder."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are some subjects in school boring?  Are some very hard?  Maybe getting all A's or B's isn't possible, and that's okay if you're doing your best.  God says whatever you do should be done "heartily," or "with all your heart," as for Him.  That includes schoolwork.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:23)
Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

[Soldier4Christ]

Karen was at Sue's house, and the girls were working on their Sunday school lesson.  They had been given a list of words to look up in the dictionary.  "I found 'gospel,'" said Sue.  "It means 'good story' or 'good news.'"  Karen wrote the definition on a sheet of paper.  Then Sue pointed to another word in the dictionary.  "Hey, look at this.  Here's the word 'gosh.'  I didn't know it meant that!"
 
"Meant what?" asked Karen.  She moved closer so she could read from the dictionary, too.  "It says 'gosh' is a substitute for 'God,'" she said in surprise.  "I didn't know that, either."
 
"I've said that word lots of times, but I never even thought about what it meant," said Sue.  "I wonder what words like 'golly' and 'gee' mean?"  The girls decided to look them up, too, and they were surprised to find that they were derived from the names of God and Jesus.  "Does it really matter if we use those words?" asked Sue.  "Everybody does, and we don't mean anything by them."
 
"I don't know," said Karen slowly.  "My mom always reminds me that things aren't right just because everybody does it."
 
Sue shook her head.  "I guess not."  She frowned.  "Do you think we should copy this information and share it with the whole class?"
 
"Well. . .I don't think the kids would like it," said Karen. "Anyhow, we can't change the whole world."
 
"No," agreed Sue, "but we can start with ourselves.  I sure don't want to be guilty of using God's name in the wrong way."  She copied the information and tucked the paper in her Bible.  "It won't hurt to tell the other kids about it," she added.  "What they do with it is their decision."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you avoid using swear words?  Good.  But how about words like "gosh" and "golly" and "gee"?  How about "darn" (you might want to look that up in the dictionary)?  These words are known as minced oaths -- shortcuts for other words.  In this case, they're shortcuts of names for God -- except "darn," which can mean "damn." The Bible says you'll be judged by the words you say as well as the things you do, so know what you're saying.  Do you think everyone uses those words?  It's true that many people do, but you're not responsible for "everyone."  You're responsible for yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 12:37)
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Welcome to my lapidary shop, boys," Mr. Bill greeted his Sunday school class.  Since his shop was close to the church, and since he wanted to use some of his things as an object lesson, the class was meeting there.
 
"Wow!  Look at all the neat stuff!" exclaimed Daniel.  He walked over to a counter full of jewels.
 
Mr. Bill smiled.  "As you know, I'm a lapidary -- a gem cutter," he said.  The boys looked around, pointing out the gems they liked best, and then Mr. Bill called them to attention.  "Boys, did you know that  if you're saved, you're one of God's 'jewels'?" he asked.  "In Malachi, God refers to  those who fear Him as His jewels.  The word means 'special treasure.'  Isn't that interesting?"
 
"If I'm a jewel, I'd like to be like one of those," said Tim, pointing to a beautiful diamond set in a ring.
 
"Not me," said Daniel.  He pointed to another ring.  "I think this one's the best."
 
Mr. Bill took out both rings.  "These two stones will be just right for today's lesson," he said.  "One is a real diamond, and the other is just glass -- a fake.  Can you tell which is which?"
 
The boys examined the rings carefully, but they couldn't see any difference.  Mr. Bill picked up Daniel's choice.  "This is the fake," he said.  He grinned at Daniel.  "It's not surprising that it looks real to you, but I can easily tell the difference because I know jewels."  Then Mr. Bill became very serious.  "Boys, some people fake being God's jewels by trying to look, act, and talk like Christians.  Often we can't tell a 'pretend Christian' from a real one, but God can never be fooled.  His jewels are those who have believed on Jesus as personal Savior.  One day, He's going to gather them all together and take them to heaven to be with Him forever.  But the 'pretend Christians' -- the fakes -- will be left behind. Don't be among those!  Accept Jesus now!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been claiming you're a Christian when deep inside you know that you've never accepted the Lord Jesus as your Savior?  Then you're not one of God's jewels, are you?  Won't you become one by accepting Jesus today?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Malachi 3:17)
And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.

[Soldier4Christ]

The boys in Mr. Bill's class were meeting at his lapidary shop as they had done once before.  Taking them to the back of the shop, Mr. Bill showed them a rough, uncut diamond.  "Most diamonds look dull like this when taken from the ground," he told them.  "Before this diamond will flash and sparkle, I must cut many little sides, or facets, in it.  Each one must be just the right size and be placed at exactly the proper angle to bring out its full beauty.  Let me show you."
 
As Mr. Bill began to work, he explained a little more about diamond cutting.  "See how much better this is beginning to look?" he asked after cutting and polishing the diamond with abrasive wheels.  He turned toward the boys.  "Now, here's what I want you to remember.  God is also doing a 'lapidary work' on His jewels -- Christians.  What do  you suppose I mean by that statement?"
 
"Is it that God works in our lives to make us better Christians?" asked Daniel.
 
Mr. Bill nodded.  "Yes.  When we're first saved, we're something like a rough, uncut gem," he said.  "Then God begins to develop Christian character through our day-by-day experiences.  Sometimes He needs to use trouble and tough times to polish us and make us more like Him.  But there's a big difference between my cutting and polishing and His.  Can you guess what that might be?"
 
"God would never  make a wrong cut," suggested Tim.  "He never makes a mistake."
 
"Good answer!" exclaimed Mr. Bill.  "And another difference is that we're not lifeless like this diamond is.  We have a choice -- we can fight back and become bitter about our troubles, or we can let the Lord shape our lives, remembering that He does know what He's doing.  He knows what is best for us, even though the cutting and polishing may hurt.  Boys, as you yield to God, He will use each experience of your life to make you what you ought to be."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been complaining about your troubles, or have you been letting God use a difficult time to shape you into the kind of Christian He wants you to be?  Don't become angry at God and quit reading your Bible, praying, and attending church and Sunday school. Don't blame Him for your troubles.  Instead, allow Him to use the troubles to cut and polish you so you'll become more like Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 2:13)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

[Soldier4Christ]

Belinda was grounded for the day.  She stared out the kitchen window and sighed.  "Today's too beautiful to be stuck in here," she grumbled.
 
Mother handed her another dish to dry.  "You should have thought of that yesterday when you decided to come home an hour late," she said.
 
Belinda sulked.  She dried the dish and continued to stare out the window.  Her neighbors were tying up their Great Dane dog.  "Poor Samson," said Belinda.  "He's being chained up.  The Smiths aren't even letting him run around in the yard.  He's a prisoner today, just like me."
 
Mom looked out the window and watched the big dog pull on his chain, trying to get loose.  "He sure doesn't like those chains," she said.
 
Belinda put away the dry dish. "I bet Samson's mad about being chained," she said.  "Why are the Smith's so mean to him?"
 
"Honey, they're not being mean," replied Mom.  "Actually, they're showing him love."
 
Belinda raised her eyebrows.  "Love!" she exclaimed.  "Well, then I bet he wishes they didn't love him so much!  I don't see how you can call that treatment showing love!"
 
Mom frowned.  "Yesterday while I was pacing on the porch, waiting for you, Samson dashed into the street and almost got hit by a truck," she said.  "The Smiths were terribly upset.  They told me they were going to keep Samson chained up until new fencing is installed.  They want him to be safe."
 
Belinda's eyes widened.  "Wow!  Then I'm glad he's tied up," she decided.
 
"Me, too," replied Mom.  "Samson's freedom has been taken away because his owners care about him.  In families, privileges are sometimes taken away out of love, too."  She looked at Belinda solemnly.
 
"You mean me, don't you?" asked Belinda.
 
Mom nodded.  "You're grounded today because I love you," she said.  "I want you be healthy and safe."
 
Belinda looked out the window.  "Looks like Samson's settling down," she said.  "Maybe he's figured out that the Smiths just want to keep him safe."  She gave her mother a little smile.  "I admit I was pretty mad at you this morning, and I still don't like being grounded, but I'm glad you love me so much.  I'm sorry I disobeyed," she added softly.  She grinned.  "I'll have to thank Samson for teaching me a lesson today."
 
Mom smiled and gave her a hug.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think your parents are mean when they ground you or punish you in some other way?  Does it make you feel unloved?  It shouldn't.  God talks about the fact that He disciplines His children, and He likens it to the way earthly parents discipline their children.  He points out that correction is a sign that someone cares.  Next time you're being punished, accept the correction as proof that you are loved.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrew 12:11)
No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

[Soldier4Christ]

On her way home from a job interview, Mother came to school to pick up Morgan and Lisa.  "Mommy, when is Daddy going to come back home?"  Lisa asked this question almost every day.
 
"He isn't," snapped Morgan before Mother had a chance to answer. "Mom's told you a hundred times."  Morgan wanted Dad to come back, too.  She missed him, and she felt scared.  But Lisa's question just reminded her that it wasn't going to happen.  How will we ever manage with Dad gone? she wondered now.  I wonder if Mom will get this job. Whatever will we do if she doesn't find a place to work?
 
Mother seemed to sense her thoughts.  She smiled at the girls.  "Don't worry," she said softly.  "The Lord has promised to take care of us, and He will."  Morgan wanted to believe that, but how could God do it?
 
Suddenly the car seemed to slow down, and Morgan could tell that the motor sounded strange.  Mother steered the car off the road just before it stopped completely.  "Well," said Mother when she wasn't able to start the car again, "look where we stopped -- right at a service station."  An attendant came up, and soon he was looking under the hood while Mother stood watching.
 
As the children waited in the car, Lisa began to cry.  "I'm scared," she sobbed.  "How will we get home?  What if they can't fix the car?  What will we do?"
 
"I don't know, but Mother will take care of everything," Morgan told Lisa.  "She'll know what to do even though we don't.  You don't need to worry about it."
 
As Morgan tried to comfort Lisa, she realized that her mother had been giving her similar advice -- and now she understood it.  Even though none of them knew what to do about Dad's leaving, God knew and would take care of them.  There was no need to worry.    "Everything will be all right," Morgan assured Lisa again.  And now Morgan knew it was true.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a situation in your life about which you worry?  Is there something about your future that scares you?  Trust God for His care.  He has promised to take care of His children -- those who have accepted Jesus as Savior.  Rest in that promise, knowing there is no need to worry.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:6)
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Dirt and sand blew against the kitchen windows, but inside the house, Andrea hummed happily as she and Mother finished making a gift for Grandma.  Andrea mixed red food coloring with white glue and poured it into a round plastic lid.  "I'm glad I learned how to make sun catchers like this in school," she said.  "Grandma will like them in her window.  They look so pretty when the sun shines through them." Andrea checked the circles of blue and green glue in two other lids to see if they had begun to harden.
 
"The sun catchers will help brighten Grandma's days in bed," agreed Mother with a smile.  "I hope she'll soon be feeling better.  Time often seems to go slowly for a sick person."
 
"Grandma could watch television to pass the time," said Andrea, "but she says she'd rather read."  Andrea sighed as she looked at her mother. "Grandma sounds like you -- she says there's not much on TV that's worth watching.  But it would give her something to do, so why couldn't she just ignore the parts of the programs that are bad?"
 
Mother picked up one of the sun catchers and inspected it.  "Let's open the windows so these will dry faster," she suggested.
 
"Oh, no!" cried Andrea.  "It's too windy out there.  Dirt and dust would get on them and stick to them.  Then the sunlight wouldn't shine through them as well."
 
"I think you're probably right.  Bad idea," agreed Mother.  She looked thoughtful.  "You need to protect them and keep them clean, don't you?" she asked.  "And Grandma knows that it's even more important to protect your life and your mind.  You need to be careful about what enters your mind through your eyes and ears.  Many TV programs, as well as many books and magazines, have words and pictures that might dim the light of God within your life -- just as dirt and dust would dim these sun catchers."
 
Slowly Andrea nodded.  She hadn't thought of her life as being like a sun catcher -- something that should be kept clean so that the light of Jesus could shine through.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about what enters the windows of your eyes and ears?  Your life is beautiful only if you let the light of God's love shine through it.  Words, pictures, or activities that would dim God's light are neither good for you nor pleasing to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:12)
They may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kim was playing "Things That Go Together" with her little sister, Bonita.  "What goes with this?" asked Kim, pressing a felt shoe onto the board.  Bonita picked up the picture of socks to put next to the shoe.  "Good," said Kim.  "What about this one?"  She put a picture of a hammer on the board.
 
As Bonita chose a nail to go with the hammer, their brother Steve came barging into the room.  "Get out of here!" ordered Kim.  "This is our game, not yours."  But Steve didn't leave.  He stayed and teased and made a nuisance of himself.  "I said get out of here!" repeated Kim.  She felt her temper swell.  It seemed like every time she was having fun, her brother stirred up trouble, and he continued to tease her now.  "I'm so mad at you!" screeched Kim as she smacked her brother's arm.  She hit him again, even harder this second time.
 
"Mom!" wailed Steve.  "Kim hit me!"  When Mother appeared in the doorway, both children bombarded her with their complaints, and a few minutes later, both had been sent to their rooms.
 
To Kim, it seemed like forever before Mother called her and Steve back to the playroom.  Mother had set up the felt board, and on it she had placed some paper figures that she used in teaching Sunday school.  "The 'Things That Go Together' game is good to use in teaching Bonita how to match things," began Mother, "and it can be good for bigger kids, too." She pointed to some pictures on the board -- a Bible, a person praying, a cross, and a church.  "All of these items represent our faith in God, or our belief in Him," she said.  Then Mother pointed to some words -- love, faith, worship, anger, teasing.  "Which of these words go with the pictures," she asked.
 
As Kim looked at the board, her lip quivered.  Even though Steve had teased her, she knew that hitting him did not "go together" with her faith in God.  And Steve knew that pestering his sister did not "go together" with faith in God, either.
 
"When we say we believe in God, and then choose to do things that don't 'go with' His will, it doesn't make sense," said Mother.  "Our behavior -- our actions -- must 'go together' with our faith."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things that "go together" with your faith in God.  How do you treat the kids at school whom you don't particularly like?  Are you patient and kind with your brothers and sisters?  If you believe in Jesus, you need to do things that match your faith.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 2:18)
I will shew thee my faith by my works.

[Soldier4Christ]

"This dumb thing!" snapped Lauren in disgust as she threw the flower kit across the table.  "None of the pieces will fit together right."
 
"Calm down," said Dad.  "Getting angry and out of control won't help."  He picked up some of the pieces from the kit, then asked, "Aren't you missing something?  Whenever your brother and I assemble a model car or plane, we use the directions to guide us.  Did this kit come with directions?"
 
"I already read them," answered Lauren, "but I couldn't understand them."  She rummaged through the wastebasket and pulled out a paper.  "Here they are," she said, handing the paper to her dad.
 
"Maybe you read too much at once," suggested Dad.  "Let's just take one step at a time.  Let's see. . .it says to bend the green pipe cleaners in half so they look like diagram A."  He showed Lauren the diagram and then waited while she took the pipe cleaners and bent them.  "Next it says to put them aside and wrap the yellow yarn around the small spiral wires and wrap red yarn around the larger spirals."
 
"Will you help me?" asked Lauren.  So they spent the afternoon together, reading the directions and following them closely until the flowers were completed.
 
Lauren held up the finished project and grinned at her father.  "I bet this is the first time you spent an afternoon making flowers," she said. "Thanks, Dad.  It just wouldn't come together for me.  Those directions were too hard to understand."
 
"But they're very important, and we needed them, didn't we?" asked Dad.
 
"Yeah," agreed Lauren, "and I did read them, but I needed to follow them step by step.  Thanks for helping, Dad."
 
"You're welcome," replied Dad.  After a moment, he said, "You know,  honey, this reminds me that it's even more important to read and follow the directions God has given to help us in our daily life."
 
"You mean the Bible," said Lauren.  "I do read it, but sometimes I can't understand it, either."
 
"I know," said Dad, "but I hope you won't just toss it aside.  Instead, ask God to show you what His Word means.  With His help, follow it step by step."
 
"And I'll ask you, too, when I need help understanding His directions," said Lauren.  "Okay, Dad?"
 
Dad nodded.  "I'll be glad to help whenever I can," he promised.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever feel that the Bible is too hard to understand?  Don't quit reading. It's important to find out how God wants you to live and to do what He says.  You don't need to read it all at once, but you should find something in it each day that you can apply to your life.  Ask older Christians for help in understanding the more difficult passages.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Want me to feed Josie today?" Tim asked his mother.
 
"Sure.  Thanks," replied Mom.  "Here's her spoon and the jar of peas."  She handed Tim the items.
 
"Open wide," Tim said, dipping the spoon into the jar and putting a spoonful of the mashed peas into Josie's mouth.  Josie spit the green peas back out.  "Hey!  You're supposed to eat them!" scolded Tim, scraping the peas off Josie's chin.  He tried to put another spoonful of peas into her mouth, but she clamped her lips shut tightly and turned her head away.
 
Mom chuckled.  "I guess she doesn't want them," she said.  "You can keep offering them to her, but if she won't accept them, I'm afraid you can't make her eat them."  She took a jar from the cupboard and warmed it in the microwave oven.  "Here, try some carrots instead," suggested Mom, handing Tim the jar of baby food.
 
Tim held out some carrots to Josie, but she refused them, too.  "Come on, Josie," he coaxed.  "Try some of these."  He offered the carrots again.  This time Josie opened her  mouth and accepted a spoonful.  After that she willingly took some more and ate hungrily.  "See.  They're good," said Tim.  "And they're good for you, too, aren't they, Mom?"
 
Mom smiled.  "Yes, they are," she agreed, "but babies don't realize that we know what's good for them, and they don't always want to accept what we offer."
 
Tim turned to look at his mom.  "In our youth meeting, Mr. Simmons said we're something like that," Tim told her.  "He said God loves us and knows what's best for us, and He wants us to accept Jesus as Savior and to serve Him.  But God lets us choose whether or not we want to accept Him and serve Him."
 
Mom nodded.  "That's right.  Just like Josie decided whether or not to accept the food you offered her, we decide whether or not to accept Jesus and receive the salvation God offers us," she said.  "And after we do accept Him, we have to decide whether to faithfully live for Him and serve Him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?  Have you decided to serve Him all of your life?  Or are you turning your head -- and heart -- away?  God loves you and knows it's best for you to not only have Jesus in your life, but also to spend your life serving Him.  Why not "open wide"?  Decide today to receive Him as Savior (see last page), and then give your life in service for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Joshua 24:15)
Choose you this day whom ye will serve.

[Soldier4Christ]

Geoffrey lay in the warmth of the bright sunshine watching the beautiful butterflies flit from one flower to another.  "This is the saddest day of my life," he said to his brother Steven, who was lying on the ground next to him.
 
"Yeah, mine, too," said Steven as he drew lines in the grass with a stubby piece of stick.  "I can't believe Grandma died.  She wasn't sick or anything!"
 
"But she was pretty old, and old people die," said Geoffrey. 
 
The back door opened, and the boys' mother came out carrying two glasses of lemonade.  "May I join you?" she asked, as she handed each of them a glass.  The boys scooted apart, and Mom sat down between them. They could tell she had been crying.  Her eyes were puffy, and her nose was red.  She closed her eyes and lifted her face towards the warm sun. "The sun feels so good, doesn't it?  I'm glad God gave us such a beautiful day," she said thoughtfully.  "Look at all those butterflies!"
 
"Grandma showed me these cocoons a few days ago," said Geoffrey, handing a couple of gray casings to his mom.  "She told me they had caterpillars in them and that they would turn into butterflies.  Today I noticed that the butterflies had hatched."
 
Mom smiled and nodded.  "And those caterpillars have a new life now, flying around as butterflies," she said.  She put an arm around each of the boys.  "Grandma has also begun a new life, just like all these lovely creatures," she added as tears gently spilled onto her cheeks.  "Can you imagine what she might be doing today?"
 
"I hadn't thought of it that way," said Steven.  "She's in heaven with Jesus, isn't she?  I bet she's walking on that street of gold!"
 
"That sounds neat!" said Geoffrey.  "She always did like to walk.  I bet she's having a really great time!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been sad that someone you love died?  Did you know it's okay to cry because of the sadness?  Even Jesus cried when His friend Lazarus died.  But when a Christian dies, his soul goes to heaven.  If you're a Christian, too, you'll see him or her again someday, and you'll both have what God calls a "glorified body."  We don't know exactly what that will be like, but we do know it will be wonderful!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 15:51)
Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.