Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"I hope we don't have to have the Cooks over here again for a few years," grumbled Kate as she started to put her room in order.  "Those little kids messed up my whole room this afternoon."
 
"Just remember that you used to be little yourself," Mom reminded her.  "I'll help you so we can get going to pick up Dad at the airport."  Soon the job was finished.
 
After meeting Dad, Kate had some soda pop while they waited for his luggage.  She finished her pop just as they left the building.  When they reached the car, she looked around the parking lot and then casually dropped the can on a clump of grass near a light post.  She unwrapped a piece of candy and left the wrapper beside the pop can.
 
"Don't leave your trash out here on the ground!" exclaimed Mom.
 
Kate shrugged.  "Everybody does it," she said.
 
"Pick that up right now and put it in the car," ordered Dad.  "You know we recycle the cans, and you can put the paper in the wastebasket at home."  Kate frowned, but she did as she was told and climbed into the car.
 
"The Cooks stopped in this afternoon," Mom told Dad as he started the engine.
 
"And their kids terrorized my room," Kate blurted out.
 
"Toddlers can make a mess in a hurry," agreed Mom.
 
"Hmmm . . . yes, but it's even worse when older kids or adults don't take care of things," said Dad.  He looked back at Kate through his rear view mirror.  "God created our beautiful earth, honey," he added, "but we often don't take care of His property.  We mess it up by polluting."
 
Kate got the point.  She knew that was what she had done.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take time to find a wastebasket -- even for small things like candy wrappers?  Respect God's earth the way you would want others to respect your property.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 24:1)
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

[Soldier4Christ]

Where's Friskie? wondered Monica when she got home from school.  He always meets me at the door.  Then she saw it -- a trail of tissue paper leading from the bathroom down the hall.  "Oh, you did it again, you naughty pup!" scolded Monica.  "Come here, Friskie!"  A white ball of fur came slinking out from under Monica's bed, tail tucked between its legs.  Monica laughed.  "You know you're guilty, don't you?" she said, picking up the pup and fluffing his fur.  "But I love you anyway, and I forgive you.  Let's get this mess cleaned up before Mom sees it."
 
That night, Monica tossed and turned.  She couldn't sleep and kept asking herself,  Why did I steal that money?  She pulled the blanket over her head.  If only I could hide! she thought.  She shivered.  It seemed . . . "Mom!" she called.  "Mom!"  The light came on, and Monica blinked as she lowered the blanket and saw her mother's concerned look.  "Mom," gasped Monica, wide-eyed, "I thought . . . well, it seemed like . . . like Jesus was right here."
 
Mother smiled.  "Jesus is always with us," she said, "but why does that frighten you, honey?  Jesus loves you."
 
Monica shivered.  "I . . . I . . . oh, Mom, I stole some money from Sue.  It was on her desk, and . . ."
 
Mother put her arms around Monica.  "And that's why you're afraid," she said.  "The sense of God's presence is frightening when we have sin in our lives.  It makes us want to hide from Him, but we can't."
 
"Like Friskie when he tried to hide from me after dragging the tissue paper down the hall from the bathroom," said Monica.
 
Mother nodded.  "Yes, but when we're sorry and confess our sin, God forgives us," she said.
 
"Like I forgave Friskie," said Monica.  "I'll ask God to forgive me, and I'll return the money tomorrow."  Together, Mom and Monica bowed their heads.  Then Monica snuggled down under the covers, and soon she was fast asleep.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it comfort you, or does it make you afraid, to know that the Lord Jesus is with you?  If you know of some sin in your life, confess that to God and ask His forgiveness.  He wants to give you peace.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 130:4)
There is forgiveness with Thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can't do this," said Randy.  He wadded up another sheet of paper and tossed it toward the wastebasket.  "I can't draw, and I don't know what to write either."  He looked at his big sister who had just finished her cards. "You're older," he said, "so you can draw better.  And when our Bible club kids go to the nursing home to pass out the cards they made, you'll know what to say to old people.  But I'm just a kid."  He stood up.  "I'm not going with you!"  He went outdoors and sat on the steps, watching his little sister Betsy as she played in the yard with Jenny, a neighbor girl.
 
"You come with a sword," Betsy called to Jenny, who was standing tall on a stump, "and with a spear and a javelin, but I'm not scared."
 
"What are you girls playing?" Randy asked.
 
"We're playing David and Goliath," answered Betsy.  "I'm David, and Jenny is the big Philistine giant."
 
After a few minutes, Randy wandered back into the house.  The paper and art materials were still lying on the table.  I suppose I should try this again, but those old people probably won't listen anyway when we tell them about God, he told himself.  We're just kids.  He sat down at the table.  Forget it, he added with a sigh.
 
Just then Betsy danced in through the door, singing a song about David.  Jenny chased in behind her.  "Just think, Jenny!" said Betsy. "David was just a kid, but he conquered that huge giant, and all he had was a sling and a stone."
 
"He had God, too," argued Jenny.  "He could do anything God wanted him to do.  Anybody can do that when they go to God for help."  Noticing Randy, she went over to the table.  "What are you doing?" she asked.
 
Randy shrugged.  "I'm supposed to make a card for our youth project," he said.  The girls giggled and Randy felt angry at first.  But then he reached for a sheet of paper.  "I can do this because I'm going to ask God to help me," he said.  "He helped David, and He'll help me, too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have trouble serving the Lord in some way?  The next time you feel like you can't do something for the Lord because you're "just a kid," remember David and ask God for help.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:13)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, does Uncle Jim know somebody named Alice who's going to die?" asked Tim.  Dad looked puzzled.  "When you and Mom were talking about Uncle Jim, I thought I heard you say die and Alice's . . . or something like that.  I didn't quite get it.  Uncle Jim isn't going to die, is he?  I know he hasn't been very well for a long time already."
 
"You heard us mention dialysis," said Dad.  "That's all one word --  dialysis.  We were talking about a medical procedure Uncle Jim needs. Each organ or part of our body has a job to do, you know.  All of us have two kidneys that act as filters to remove poisons and impurities from our blood.  But Uncle Jim's kidneys quit working."
 
"They did?"  Tim looked worried.  "But if they're not working, he will die, won't he?"
 
"Without treatment, he will," replied Dad.  "He really needs a kidney transplant, but until that happens, he has to be connected to a dialysis machine every so often.  It takes over the filtering work for the kidneys and removes poisons from the blood stream.  It's very complicated, but it's necessary because the poisons have to be removed in order for us to live.  For Uncle Jim, having dialysis is like receiving a gift of life."
 
Tim sat quietly, thinking about his father's explanation.  Then he said, "When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, you told me that He took all my sins away and made my heart clean on the inside.  That sounds something like dialysis, doesn't it?"
 
"Yes, it does!" exclaimed Dad in surprise.  "Good thinking, Tim.  Sin has made our hearts impure.  But when we accept Jesus as Savior, He takes away all the sin and gives us the gift of eternal life."  He smiled.  "One difference is that people on dialysis need to repeat the procedure over and over, but Jesus takes our sin away forever.  Dialysis is a wonderful thing, but salvation through Jesus Christ is even better."
 
"Yeah."  Tim nodded.  Then he grinned.  "But I sure am glad there's a machine that can help Uncle Jim, too," he added in a relieved voice.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you thankful for all the wonderful things doctors and hospitals can do?  You should be -- but you should be even more thankful for what Jesus did on the cross for you.  Have you been made clean by His blood?  If not, accept Him today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 1:9)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

If no one was home when Kadie got there after school, she wasn't supposed to answer the phone.  If the phone rang, she would let the telephone answering machine pick up the call, and she would listen to the message as it came over the speaker on the machine.   If it was her mom or dad, Kadie would pick up the phone.  Otherwise, she'd let the person leave a message.
 
One afternoon when mother wasn't home, the phone rang.  "Hi, Kadie," came Mom's voice over the speaker.  "Pick up the phone."  But Kadie was looking for something in the basement and didn't hear the phone ring.  Mom phoned again a little later.  "Kadie, where are you?" she called when Kadie failed to pick up the phone again.  But Kadie was still in the basement --  and she missed the next two calls also.  Mom made one more call. "Kadie, answer me," she said.
 
By this time Kadie was back upstairs, so she picked up the phone. "What's wrong?  Where have you been?  Are you okay?" Mom asked one question after another.
 
"Nothing's wrong.  I was in the basement.  I'm fine," replied Kadie.
 
When Mom got home, she and Kadie listened to the messages left by friends earlier in the day.  Then they heard Mom's messages.  "I certainly sound shook up," said Mom.  "I couldn't understand why you didn't answer."  She gave Kadie a big hug.
 
For family devotions that evening, Dad read Scripture verses about Jesus coming to earth again.  It made Kadie think about the calls her mother had made, and she had a question.  "Mom," she said, "when Jesus comes and takes us to heaven, will our friends who aren't Christians try to find us and leave panic messages on the answering machine like you did?"
 
Mom looked concerned.   "I really don't know, honey," she said, "but your question makes me wonder."
 
Dad nodded somberly.  "It's sad to think some of our friends will be left here -- possibly crying out, 'Where are you?  Why did you leave me behind?  Why didn't you tell me what would happen so I could have been ready to go, too?'  You see, Kadie, we have a responsibility to tell our friends and other people about Jesus and His gift of salvation.  We need to let them know that He's coming again and that they need to be ready."
 
Kadie nodded as she imagined hearing the voices of some of her classmates calling out to her after she'd gone.  "We have a lot of work to do," she agreed.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who might be left behind if Jesus came back today?  Take time right now to pray for his or her salvation.  And remember -- although you can't make others choose the Lord, it's your responsibility to tell them about Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 24:31)
And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

[Soldier4Christ]

The contents of David's model airplane kit lay scattered on the desktop in front of him.  A frown creased his forehead as he looked at the part he held in his hand.  He was so engrossed in what he was doing that he didn't know Dad was in the room until he spoke.  "Do you need any help with that?" asked Dad.
 
"Oh -- hi, Dad," said David.  "I'm having trouble with the wing assembly on this plane.  I just can't get it right."
 
"Maybe I can help you," offered Dad.  He picked up the instruction sheet and began reading, step by step.
 
At step number four, David stopped him.  "This piece is on upside down!" exclaimed David.  He quickly fixed the problem.  "This isn't so hard when you follow the instructions," he said with a grin as he set the plane aside, "but I gotta get at my Bible club lesson now, or Mom will get after me!  My teacher gave us some questions to answer, and Mom said I had to have them finished before dinner."
 
Dad smiled.  "Well, good," he said.  "After all, the Bible is God's instruction manual for us, so it's important to learn all we can from it."
 
"Yeah," said David.  "Wouldn't it be nice if the Bible gave us step by step instructions on how to live, like I have for my model plane?"
 
"Well," said Dad, "as a whole, it really does.  It explains the first step we need to take -- one of faith in Jesus.  Other steps to take as Christians are also explained, but they're all steps of faith as we obey God's Word. To do that, we need to study all of His Word.  Remember what happened when you didn't follow one part of your airplane instructions?"
 
"Yeah," said David.  "The pieces wouldn't go together right."
 
"Yes," agreed Dad.  "To do a good job on the plane, you need to follow all the instructions given by the manufacturer.  And in our daily living, we need to follow all of the instructions given by God."
 
"But there's an awful lot to learn in the Bible," said David.
 
"Another good reason to get at your Bible club lesson," replied Dad. 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you reading and studying God's Word?  God has given you the Bible -- a complete set of instructions.  In order to follow them, you have to learn what they are, and you do that by faithfully studying His book.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:15)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

A special note from Grandma . . . a ballet ticket stub . . . a fitness award  patch . . . a birthstone ring . . . a Garfield book.  Grace was looking over the contents of her treasure box.  Before going to bed,  she often held and inspected the items and then returned them to her box.  They brought memories that gave her good, warm feelings.
 
One evening, Grace repeated her treasure box ritual as usual.  When she finally fell asleep, she dreamed of a huge treasure box.  The beautiful box was bigger than the sky and sparkled more than diamonds.  But she couldn't see what was in the box.
 
The next morning, Grace told her mother about the dream.  "Who would own such a big box?" asked Grace.  "A king?  Or the President?"  She snapped her fingers.  "God!" she exclaimed.  "I think God is the only one who might possibly own a box as big as the one in my dream.  But if God had a treasure box, what He would put in it?  Rainbows, maybe?  Or oceans?  Mountains?  Gold?"  No answer seemed right to her.
 
Mother smiled.  "Let's think about it today," she suggested.  "Let's see if we can come up with an answer."
 
"Okay," agreed Grace, but her day was busy, and she soon forgot her questions.  She didn't think about her dream again until that evening when she pulled out her treasure box.  She went to find Mother.  "Did you figure out what God would put in His treasure box?" asked Grace.
 
"Go look up Deuteronomy 7:6," suggested Mother (see today's memory verse).  "Maybe that will help you decide."
 
Grace took her Bible and looked up the verse.  She saw the answer to her question.  People, she thought. God would put the people who love Him in His treasure box.  Grace smiled.  She knew she was part of God's treasure.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a treasure box?  Perhaps you don't have a special box, but you probably do have things that are "treasures" to you.  God has treasure, too.  He called His special people, Israel, His treasure.  His children -- those who have trusted Jesus as Savior -- may be called His "treasure," too.  Are you included in that group?  Knowing that you're a treasure to Him should give you joy, comfort, and peace.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Deuteronomy 7:6)
For thou art an holy people . . . the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Matt and his father were on a fishing trip when Matt made a discovery -- an eagle's nest way up near the top of a tall tree.  And up in the sky, they saw a large bird soaring high over the river.  Matt let out a long breath.  "Wow!" he exclaimed.  "I wish I could fly like that!"  Eagles were his favorite bird, but he had never seen a real one before, except in a zoo.
 
"Well, that eagle didn't always have such great flying skills," said Dad.  "I've read that baby eagles are afraid of flying.  In fact it takes a great deal of their mother's prodding to get them out of their soft, warm nest."
 
"I know.  I read that, too," said Matt.  "My book said that the mother eagle pushes the babies right out over the side of the nest.  That must be scary for them."  Matt looked again at the nest so high in the tree.
 
Dad nodded.  "They probably think they'll fall to the ground," he said.  "But after the mother eagle lets the little eaglet flutter and fall for a time, she soars underneath it and lets it land on her wings.  Then she takes it back to the nest.  Over and over she helps each eaglet practice flying until they are all brave enough and strong enough to fly on their own."
 
A few days later, Matt was asked to do something he had never done before -- to give his testimony at his youth group meeting.  He agreed to do it, but he felt so scared.  "If only they hadn't asked me," he groaned on the afternoon of the meeting.
 
Overhearing him, Dad spoke up.  "Of course it's scary, Matt," he said, "but you haven't forgotten how little eagles learn to fly, have you?"
 
"What does that have to do with giving a testimony?" Matt wanted to know.
 
"The way God helps His children is something like the way a mother eagle helps her babies," explained Dad.  "Sometimes He has to prod you to try new things -- things that at first make you feel helpless or afraid.  But He'll be there to teach you and catch you."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you hang back when there are challenges to face?  God is there to help you as you "try out your wings."  Even when you feel as if you're falling -- or failing -- you'll discover, as the Bible says, that God is your refuge, and "underneath are the everlasting arms."  Those arms are God's arms.  Trust Him to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 40:31)
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Maggie and Betsy do so many nasty things," grumbled Christy as she leaned against a tree during recess, "but they always manage to blame somebody else for the things they do.  They get away with everything.  It's not fair!"
 
"Yeah," agreed Dana. "I wish they'd get caught once!"
 
Christy nodded her head.  Suddenly she pulled away from the tree. "Oh-h-h-h!" she gasped.  "A spider!"  She pointed to a large web at the base of the tree.
 
Dana laughed.  "My brother collects spiders, so they don't scare me anymore," she said.  "Look!  It trapped a fly."
 
"The fly is caught, but the spider that spun the web isn't," observed Christy.  "He runs around in that web as easy as pie -- he's like those girls. They get other kids into trouble, but they go free."
 
Christy thought about the spider so much during the afternoon that she almost referred to the girls as "spiders" during class!
 
"Why do some people never get caught when they do wrong?" Christy asked her mother that evening.  She went on to tell Mother about the problem at school.  "Maggie and Betsy are like spiders who make webs and catch other insects while they stay safe," said Christy.
 
"I've heard that it's possible -- though not too likely -- for a spider to get caught in its own web," said Mother.  "I don't know if that's really true, but I wouldn't be surprised if those girls get tangled in their own web some day."
 
"Good!  I hope they get good and stuck," grumbled Christy angrily. "They deserve to.  They get away with so much!"
 
Mother frowned.  "I can understand that it seems that way and makes you angry, but Maggie and Betsy need your prayers, honey," she said gently.  "All sin will one day be judged by God, so they're not really getting away with anything."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get angry when other kids seem to get away with doing wrong?  That's understandable, but be careful that it doesn't produce a sinful attitude in your own life.  Learn to pray for those who are sinning.  They need God's mercy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:44)
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, pass the gravy."  Nolan interrupted the conversation at dinner.
 
Dad frowned.  "Didn't you notice that your mother and I were talking?" he asked.   "You interrupted us."
 
"Well, sor-ree," said Nolan, stressing the second syllable of the word.  "But pass the gravy.  I need some more."
 
Mom shook her head.  "Whatever happened to saying 'please'?"
 
"Okay," replied Nolan.  "Please can I have the gravy?"  He rolled his eyes.  "It's not like we're out in a restaurant or anything," he complained.
 
"Would you use better manners in a restaurant?" asked Dad.
 
"Well, yeah," answered Nolan, "or . . . like . . . if I was at somebody's house for dinner.  You don't expect me to be all proper and everything around here at home, do you?"
 
"Actually," answered Dad, "yes, I do.  You seem to think you should respect only people outside your own family -- that you need to use good manners only when you're around other people.  But the Bible says you are to honor your parents, and developing good manners is one way of showing honor and respect."
 
Nolan stared at his dad.  "But . . . but . . ." he stuttered.
 
"Home is also the perfect place for you to learn to do good and make right choices," added Mom.  "Home is where you should be practicing the right way to do things."
 
"A football player practices to get in shape for the Super Bowl," said Dad, "and a figure skater practices to get in shape for the Olympics.  In the same way, here at home you should practice doing things right so that in school or in the neighborhood or wherever you are, you'll be in shape to behave correctly."  He paused.  "Do you understand what we're saying? Do you have any questions?"
 
Nolan looked thoughtful.  After a moment, he grinned.  "Yes," he said.  "May I please have some more of that delicious gravy?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your behavior at home show that you honor your parents?  You should be polite and thoughtful and kind wherever you are, especially at home.  That will please your parents, but best of all, it will please God.  And it will prepare you to be polite wherever you are.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 5:3)
Children . . . learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents . . . for that is good and acceptable before God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Is not!"  Michael's voice rang throughout the house.
 
"Is too!" Sandy shouted back at her older brother.
 
"Oh, Sandy!  Just wait till you're a little older," said Michael crossly. "You'll learn more about the world and be more broad-minded then."
 
"Well, Dad's older than you, Mike, and I bet he agrees with me!" Sandy replied indignantly.  She turned to her father, who was just coming into the room.  "Michael's been learning about different religions, Dad, and he thinks they're as good as ours," said Sandy.  "But I learned a verse for Sunday school that says no one gets to heaven except through Jesus. Isn't that right?"  Dad nodded.
 
"But some of the religious leaders we've been learning about are really good people," muttered Michael.
 
"Better not be too broad-minded," cautioned Dad.  "Have they told you about Mohammed's tomb?  Or Buddha's grave?"
 
""Well, we learned about Buddha and Mohammed," said Michael.  "But . . . what do you mean, Dad?"  Michael was a little puzzled.
 
"Well, if you wanted to, could you visit the graves -- or tombs -- of those men?" asked Dad.
 
Michael shrugged.  "I suppose so," he said.  "I could visit the tomb where Jesus was buried, too."
 
"And if you do, what would you find in those graves?" asked Dad.
 
"I know!" exclaimed Sandy, almost jumping up from her seat.  "Just like Mary and the disciples on Easter morning, you'd find nothing in Jesus' grave.  But those other tombs aren't empty."
 
Dad nodded.  "Sandy's right, Michael," he said.  "Jesus not only died to pay the price for our sins, but He rose again so all of us can have eternal life.  The men you're learning about may have been very smart teachers. In fact, many of them mimic the teaching of Jesus.  But not one of them took our sins upon himself, died, and then came back to life to save us. They're still dead.  If you choose to trust in any one of them, you are choosing death, not life."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever felt tempted to be broad-minded and accepting of other ways to God?  The Bible says there is no other way than through Jesus Christ, God's only Son.  He died, but He rose again. Trust only in Him (see last page), and praise God for a living Savior.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Guess what, Mom!" exclaimed Jimmy when he and his father got home from the baseball game.  "I got to meet Ted Brewer, and he even gave me his autograph!  Imagine meeting a real, live baseball star!" Jimmy paused for breath, then added, "I'm going to take Ted Brewer's autograph to school tomorrow.  The guys will be so surprised to find out that I'm friends with him!"
 
"I'd hardly call him your friend," said Jimmy's sister, Bailey.  "After all, you just met him once, and he meets a lot of people.  He probably doesn't even remember your name."
 
"I'll bet he does," insisted Jimmy.  "I'm going to write him a letter tomorrow and see if he writes back."
 
A few weeks later, Jimmy found a letter waiting for him when he arrived home from school.  "It's from Ted Brewer!" he exclaimed, smiling broadly as he tore the envelope open.  A moment later, his smile faded.  "Aw, it's just a form letter," he grumbled.  "Ted didn't even sign it.  There's just a stamped-on signature."
 
When the family sat down for dinner, Dad asked Jimmy to give thanks to God for their food.  "Thank you, God, for this delicious food," mumbled Jimmy quickly.  "Thank you for all Your many blessings.  Help us to do Your will.  In Jesus' name, Amen.  Hey, Dad, I got a stupid form letter from Ted Brewer today.  Here . . . look."  Jimmy got up and took the letter from a kitchen shelf.  He held it out to Dad.
 
"This is very nice," said Dad as he looked over the letter.  "It says he appreciates your support.  It's written quite well, the typing is nice, and it's almost a page long."
 
Jimmy looked at Dad in surprise.  "Yeah, well, I'd much rather have two lines scribbled by Ted himself," he grumbled.  "At least I'd know the letter meant what it said."
 
"I see," said Dad.  Then he added, "Jimmy, don't you think God might feel the same way about prayer?"
 
"Prayer?" asked Jimmy in surprise.
 
Dad nodded.  "Yes," he said.  "It's very easy to mumble certain phrases in prayer without even thinking about the words or saying them with real meaning."
 
"Yeah, like you did tonight to thank God for our food," said Lisa.
 
Dad frowned at her.  "Like we all do at times," he said.  "Don't you think God would rather hear a simple, sincere prayer than a lot of empty, impersonal words?  We need to think about what we're saying when we pray.  God deserves better than a 'form letter' prayer."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you mean what you say when you pray?  Or do you tend to repeat the same words and phrases every time?  Don't use "form letter" prayers.  God wants you to tell Him what you really feel.  God is not just  a name or an idea -- He's a real person.  Make your prayers personal.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 6:7)
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do.

[Soldier4Christ]

In the final lap of his practice run, Kenny pushed himself with all his might.  If I can run this fast tomorrow, I'll get the gold medal for sure, he thought. As he ran through the imaginary finish line, he slowed down and grasped his side to relieve the cramp.
 
"Hi, speedy," a voice called from beside the track.
 
"Dad!" Kenny puffed, jogging off the track.  "You been here long?"
 
"Not long," answered Dad.  "I came to get you for dinner."
 
"Not yet!  I need to run just a little longer, okay?" begged Kenny.
 
"Ken," said Dad, "we've already allowed you to miss dinner with us twice this week.  Nourishment is just as necessary as running practice. And, actually, it's not just dinner that I'm concerned about. I'm also concerned that your running has kept you away from too many other important activities.  I'm wondering if we've made a mistake in letting you join the track team.  Along with missing dinner with the family, you've missed family devotions, and you've not had time for your regular church activities, either.  There's a youth service tonight, right?"
 
"Yeah," said Kenny, "but the track meet is tomorrow, and I just have to beat Tony.  I can't beat him unless I put a lot of work into it."
 
"I know, but are you aware that you have another opponent?" Dad asked.  "One who is trying to beat you just as hard as Tony is?  You need to put more effort into defeating him."
 
"Who?" asked Kenny,  glancing around the track.
 
"He's not on the field," Dad said.  "He's not even interested in your track record.  He's interested in your heart, your soul, and your mind." Kenny looked down.  He knew now who Dad meant.  "Satan doesn't care if you win or lose this meet," said Dad, "but he cares a great deal about having you neglect fellowship with God and with His people.  You can't beat Tony without strengthening your body.  How do you think you can beat the devil without strengthening your heart, mind, and soul?"
 
"I guess I can't," admitted Kenny.  He gathered up his things.  Then he had a thought.  "After we pray for my heart and soul and mind at family devotions tonight, do you think we could pray for my legs, too?" he asked with a grin.
 
Dad smiled as they walked away together.  "We sure can," he agreed.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something in your life that takes away from time spent with God?  Even great activities such as sports, hobbies, or time spent with friends can't replace your time with God.  Think of your life as one great competition.  God wants to give you the winner's prize, but Satan wants to beat you out of it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:13)
Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Plink!  Plink!  Plink!  One by one, Marcy slowly picked out the notes of her new piano recital piece.  "This piece is too hard," she complained. "I'll never get it!"  Marcy struggled on for a few minutes.  Suddenly she slammed the music book shut, tossed it on the floor, and began to play a song from memory.  This is much more fun, she told herself.
 
Later that day Marcy helped her mother plant seeds in the flower garden.  "You always have such pretty flowers, Mom," said Marcy.  "Grandma says you have a green thumb, whatever that means."
 
Mother laughed.  "She means I have a talent for growing things," she replied.  "That may be true, but I have to put in a lot of work, too. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, said, 'Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,' and I think he's right."
 
Marcy grinned.  "You do work hard in the yard," she agreed. "What's worse," she added teasingly, "is that you make me work hard, too.  I don't mind gardening, but I don't have a green thumb like you do."
 
"What do you like to do best of all?" asked Mother.
 
"Oh . . . play the piano," decided Marcy.  "Only I'm sick of practicing my recital piece.  I wish I could just play and not practice so much."
 
"Well," said Mother, "you definitely have a talent for playing the piano.  But if you want to develop it into something worthwhile, you'll have to work hard at it -- just like I have to work hard at gardening even though I have a 'green thumb.'  God wants us to use our talents for Him, and He deserves the very best we can do.  That takes work."
 
"I guess so," agreed Marcy.  "But it's not fair.  I can help you in the garden, but you can't help me play the piano."
 
"That's true," said Mother, "but I'll tell you what.  When we're done here, I'll use another of my talents while you practice the recital piece.  I'll work on your new dress.  How's that?"  Smiling, Marcy agreed. 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What talents has God given you?  Perhaps the Lord will want you in His service full time some day.  If not, there are many other ways you can serve God.  Begin now to work hard at developing your talents for His service.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

As Kevin looked out the window at the falling rain, he felt that his life was just as dismal as the day.  Dad left home, and we don't even know where he is, he thought.  Now Mom is sick, and it's up to me to look after her and my two little sisters.  But how can I do all that, and run my paper route, and go to school?  I just can't do it all alone.
 
Just then the city bus pulled up to the corner and an elderly woman got off.  It was Granny Gresham, a nearby neighbor, and she had a big suitcase.  The wind was so strong that Granny could scarcely take a step forward, and she bent way over as she tried to walk.  Kevin hurriedly pulled on a raincoat and headed for the door.  "I'm going to help Granny Gresham," he called to his mother.  "She's out in the storm."
 
When Kevin and Granny finally reached her home, she turned to him gratefully.  "What would I have done without your help?" she said.  "How about a cup of hot cocoa?"
 
"Thanks, but I have to hurry home," replied Kevin.  "Mom's sick."
 
"Oh, that's too bad," sympathized Granny.  "Now just remember that you don't have to face your problems alone, Kevin.  I'm so grateful you came alongside to help me, but what you did is just an example of what Jesus has done for us.  He sent the Holy Spirit to help us -- to be our 'Comforter.'  That word means 'one sent alongside to help.'  I know you're a Christian, so the Holy Spirit is always with you, ready to take your burdens and give you the strength you need."
 
As Kevin hurried home, he thought about Granny's words.  Heavenly Father, he prayed silently, thank You for promising to help me.  Please help me take care of everything.
 
That night, Kevin received a phone call.  It was Granny.  "Will you carry my suitcase once more?" she asked.  "I'm coming to your house to help out until your mom is well."  Kevin grinned.  Granny's offer to help reminded him of  the Helper he had with him all the time -- the Helper who would carry his burdens as soon as he turned them over to Him.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes have so many problems that you don't know how to handle them?  Do you think no one really understands or can help you?  If you're a Christian, you have a perfect Helper -- the Holy Spirit who lives within you.  He even understands your thoughts and has the power to solve every problem.  Turn all your problems over to Him, and trust Him to meet your needs.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 5:7)
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.