Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hurry, Dad!" urged Daniel excitedly as the car sped down the freeway toward the baseball stadium.  "What if we're late and can't find a place to sit?"
 
"Don't worry, Daniel," said Dad with a smile.  "They won't give our seats away.  Our tickets are right here."  Dad tapped his left jacket pocket. "Bought and paid for.  Our places are reserved for us."
 
"What does reserved mean?" asked Daniel.
 
"It means something is saved -- or kept -- for someone," said Dad as he turned into the stadium parking lot.  "People make reservations all the time -- for airplane tickets, hotel rooms, fancy restaurants, and . . ." Dad patted his pocket again, ". . . for seats at baseball games."  He glanced at Daniel.  "You may not have known it, but when you trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord last Sunday, you were making a reservation then, too."
 
"I was?"  Daniel was surprised.
 
"Yes, you were," said Dad.  "You were making a reservation in heaven, and there will always be a place there for you."
 
They parked the car, and Daniel followed his father through the gate, up and down stairs, and into a sea of squirming spectators.  Every seat looked full.  "I bet we'll have to stand up the entire game!" moaned Daniel.
 
Dad smiled as studied the stubs of the two tickets he took from his pocket.  Then he lifted Daniel above the crowd to view the area.  "Look down there," said Dad, "and tell me what you see."
 
Daniel gazed into the mass of people.  Suddenly his eyes rested on two empty seats.  "I see our seats!  There they are, Dad!" he exclaimed. "Waiting just for us!"
 
"No one else," agreed Dad.  He set Daniel down, and they made their way through the crowd.  As they settled down into their reserved seats, Dad grinned at Daniel.  "Always remember," said Dad, "there's also a place in heaven reserved for just you."  Then they watched the game together.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder if you'll ever really get to heaven?  You will if you've trusted Jesus as Savior.  If you haven't done that, don't wait.  Receive Him today.   Then don't let doubts plague you.  If you've received Jesus, God guarantees that your place in heaven is reserved for you.  Trust Him to keep His promise.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto . . . an inheritance . . . reserved in heaven for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Adam leaned over the front seat of the car.  "Mom and Dad expect too much from me," he told his grandparents.  "Nothing I do pleases them."
 
"Really?" asked Grandpa.  "That's odd.  Just yesterday your dad was bragging about you -- saying what a good worker you are."
 
"A good worker?" echoed Adam.  "But he . . ."
 
"Look!" exclaimed Grandma, pointing out the car window.  "See that gorgeous bush?  God is a marvelous artist."
 
Adam and Grandpa looked blank.  "Where?" they wanted to know.
 
Grandma chuckled.  "Back there," she said.  "You're too late."
 
Adam returned to his complaints, hoping for sympathy.  "My sister's a pain in the neck, too," he said.  "She's always bugging me, and Mom makes me take her everywhere I go."
 
Grandma turned to look in the back seat.  "Cindi," she called. "Where are you?"  Grandma frowned.  "She doesn't seem to be here with you," she said.
 
Adam grinned.  "Oh, you know what I mean," he said.  "I have to take her almost everywhere.  It's a pain."
 
Grandma smiled.  "Just the other day Cindi told me that you're the 'bestest big brother in the world.'  She loves you very much, Adam."
 
Adam looked ashamed.  "Well, I mean she . . . she . . ."
 
"Look!"  Grandpa slowed the car.  "See that deer?"
 
"Where?" asked Adam and Grandma.
 
Grandpa pointed.  "Over there -- in those trees."  Adam squinted his eyes to see better, but neither he nor Grandma saw the deer.  "Well, it's too late now," said Grandpa as they rounded a curve in the road.
 
Grandma turned to face Adam.  "Isn't it strange how we see what we're looking for?" she asked.  "I like flowers, so I watch for them -- and I saw that beautiful bush.  Grandpa likes wild animals, so he saw a deer."
 
Grandpa's eyes met Adam's in the rearview mirror.  "When we look for bad things in others, we find them," he said, "and when we look for good things, we find them."
 
"The Lord has given you a wonderful family, Adam," said Grandma softly.  "You should look for all the good things in your home life.  When you do, you'll find them.  They . . ."
 
"Look!" cried Grandpa.  "See that covey of quail in the grass along the road?"
 
"I see it!" exclaimed Adam.  "I see it!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look for good things in others, or do you look for bad things?  Listen to yourself sometime.  Are your remarks positive or negative?  God wants His children to be gentle and courteous, not harsh and judgmental.  Start to look for good and talk about it.  Your day will be brighter, you'll be better company for others, and you'll be a better testimony for the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 3:2)
Speak evil of no man.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hold still, Tippy," commanded Kurt.  "I know you don't like this, but you have to be on a leash when we take a walk."  The impatient little dog wriggled and squirmed, and at last Kurt said, "Okay, fella.  Let's go." As they walked along, Tippy kept pulling on his leash, wanting to dash off after a butterfly or to investigate a rustling in the bushes.
 
"Hey, there, Kurt," called Mr. Bell from his yard.  "How are things going?  You've got a lively dog there."
 
"Yeah, I know," agreed Kurt.  He walked over to talk with Mr. Bell. "Grandma's sick again,"said Kurt with a sigh.  "And last night my bike was stolen.  It seems like everything is going wrong for me."  He paused, then added, "I sometimes wonder if God really cares for me."
 
As Kurt spoke, Tippy tugged hard on his leash.  Kurt picked his dog up and held him in his arms.  "Tippy doesn't like that leash, does he?" asked Mr. Bell.  "Why don't you just let him roam free?"
 
Kurt gave the puppy a squeeze.  "If he ran free, he might get run over by a car or be attacked by a big dog or something.  You know that."
 
"I suppose he doesn't like other things you do either -- like giving him a bath or taking him to the vet for shots," suggested Mr. Bell.  "Or how about when you scold him?"
 
Kurt managed a little smile.  "Tippy probably thinks I'm being mean to him, but I'm really just giving him TLC -- tender, loving care."
 
"Did you know that God is giving you TLC, too?" asked Mr. Bell. "He loves you far more than you love Tippy, and He knows what's best for you.  He allows trials in your life as a way to train you and to develop your Christian character.  Learn from them and trust the Lord to care for you."
 
Just then Tippy reached up and nuzzled Kurt's cheek.  "You can see how much Tippy loves you, even though you don't always treat him the way he'd like you to," said Mr. Bell.  "Shouldn't you respond to God in the same way?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you wondering why God allows some trial or problem in your life?  If you're God's child, you'll still experience many of life's hardships, just like everyone else.  God doesn't remove all "bad" things from your life, but He's with you -- to help you through them with His special TLC.  Try to learn all you can from your troubles, letting them make you a stronger Christian.  Trust God to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 138:7)
Though I walk  in  the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me . . . and Thy right hand shall save me.

[Soldier4Christ]

A-choo!  Just as Miss Lori began the lesson, Alan sneezed loudly, and the other children in his Sunday school class giggled.  Miss Lori paused.  When she started to speak once more. . . A-choo!  Everyone laughed -- even Miss Lori.  Some kids faked coughs and sneezes.  Soon the class was in an uproar.
 
Miss Lori smiled as she called the class to order.  "It looks like the thief is here again today," she said after the kids had settled down.  She ignored the questioning glances as she directed the class to open their Bibles to Mark 4.  Together they read the parable of the sower.
 
"God's Word is like seed," said Miss Lori.  "Our hearts are like soil. Let's think about the first kind of soil described here -- the first condition of the heart.  It's called the 'wayside.'  When the seed of God's Word lands on this kind of soil, what happens to it?  Can you tell us, Alan?"
 
"Satan quickly steals it before it can grow," Alan replied.
 
Miss Lori nodded.  "Yes, and he uses many things that, like thieves, snatch the seed away.  For example, this morning a thief came disguised as a sneeze.  Alan couldn't help it, but his sneezing took our minds off our lesson, and I think maybe Satan hoped to keep our minds occupied with such things," said Miss Lori.  "Can any of you think of other thieves Satan might use to steal the seed of God's Word?"
 
 Sue raised her hand.  "In church services, he might use hiccups or crying babies," she suggested.  "Or sleepiness."
 
"When we have devotions at home, it seems like the telephone or door bell often rings," offered Alan.
 
"The thief could be something we've read or seen on TV," suggested Patty.  "That might make us think about silly or bad things instead of the lesson or sermon."
 
Miss Lori nodded.  "Right," she said.  "Let's all be on our guard so we don't allow ourselves to be distracted and miss what God wants to teach us from His Word."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try hard to keep your mind on God's Word when it's being read or taught?  Do you try to not do things that might keep others from hearing what God has to say?  Don't let Satan's thieves steal God's Word from your heart or use you to steal God's Word from others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 10:10)
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Susan slumped in her chair, a sour look on her face.  "Why can't I go see the movie with Jenny?" she asked.  "Everybody's talking about it, and all my friends have seen it -- they say it's really funny."  Susan knew how her parents felt about the particular movie she wanted to see.  It was reported to have some very bad language, and from the reviews, it  was obvious that the movie made light of some moral issues.  But it was also reported to have many very humorous lines, and Susan just couldn't understand what the big deal was.   "I'll close my eyes if the scenes are really bad," she promised.  "That stuff won't affect me."
 
After a moment of thought, her father began rolling up the sleeve of his shirt, and Susan saw the big, ugly scar close to his elbow.  He pointed to the scar and said, "Do you know how that got there?"  Susan had heard the story before, but she just shrugged.  "It was caused several years ago by a bite from a poisonous spider," continued Dad.  "A spider bite is a small thing -- so small that I didn't pay attention to it when it happened. After a couple of days, it started to swell, and the flesh around the bite literally rotted and fell away.  Now I have this big scar, and you know something else?  I don't have any feeling there at all.  The spider's poison killed the nerves around the bite."
 
"But what does that have to do with going to a movie?" asked Susan, still pouting.
 
"Susan, you already know that what's in that movie is not pleasing to God," replied Dad, "and therefore, choosing to go and watch it would be sinful, too.  Sin is like a spider's poison.  It often doesn't seem like much of anything at first, but in the end it leaves dreadful scars on your life and it often destroys your sensitivity toward the things of God.  I don't want that to happen to you.  Is it what you want?"
 
Slowly Susan shook her head.  "No, I guess not," she said with a sigh.  "I'd better call Jenny and tell her I can't go."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you avoid sinful things?  Or do you think they won't have any long-lasting effect on you?  All sin is harmful -- so harmful that the only cure for it is the death of the Son of God.  If you have been playing with sin, ask Jesus to forgive and cleanse you, and then begin seeking His will in all you do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'll pray," said Robbie as the family sat down for dinner.  He bowed his head and thanked God for the food.  Then looking up, he groaned. "Oh, no!  Not broccoli again!  I hate broccoli -- and I don't like chicken fixed that way!"  But he knew he had to eat some, so he took a small portion of each dish.  "This weather is way too hot," he complained between bites.
 
Dad frowned.  "Robbie, do you suppose God heard your prayer tonight?" he asked.
 
Robbie looked at Dad in surprise.  "Sure," he replied confidently.
 
As Dad helped himself to the chicken, he had another question.  "And did He hear your grumbling, too?"
 
Robbie looked down at his plate.  "I guess so," he admitted slowly.
 
"Then which did God believe?" asked Dad.  "Your prayer of thanks, or your complaints?"  Not waiting for a reply, he continued.  "After dinner, we're going out to the old well.  I think it has something to teach you."
 
When they arrived at the well a short time later, Robbie watched as Dad let down the bucket and hauled up some water.  "Are we going to water the garden?" asked Robbie.  He knew the water in the old well wasn't fit to drink, but sometimes they used it on the plants.
 
Dad shook his head.  "Here . . . have a drink," he said.
 
"A drink!  The water in this well is filthy," protested Robbie.
 
"That's true," agreed Dad, "but you won't drink the water in the well.  You'll drink the water in the bucket."
 
Robbie made a face.  "If the water in the well isn't good, the water in the bucket won't be good either," he said.  "It's the same thing."
 
Dad nodded.  "Right again," he said.  "What's in the well will come up in the bucket.  That's like something Jesus said.  He said, 'Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.'   Robbie, I've noticed lately that you thank God when you pray, but often you gripe about many of the good things God has given you.  What is it that's really in your heart?"
 
Robbie  looked at the sticks and leaves floating in the water.  He knew that his grumbling attitude was like that rubbish.  He didn't know how to clean up the water in the well, but he knew he could confess his attitude to the Lord and ask for His help in making necessary changes.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What's in your heart?  Try to be aware of all the good things God does for you each day.  Then instead of complaining, continually thank Him.  This will help you develop a truly thankful heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 3:10)
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The missionary speaker we had in Sunday school today was so interesting," Cheryl told her mother as they arrived home from church one Sunday.  "I think missionaries have such an exciting life -- traveling far away and seeing strange places and different people.  And they get to tell the Gospel to people who've never heard it before.  That would be great! Maybe I'll be a missionary some day.  I hope God calls me to Japan."
 
Mother smiled and went to answer the phone.  After a moment, she held her hand over the mouthpiece.  "Cheryl," she said, "Mrs. Fisher would like you to go with her tomorrow afternoon to visit some girls who have just moved into our neighborhood."
 
"Sue and I want to go roller-blading tomorrow," replied Cheryl. "Besides, I wouldn't know what to say to those girls.  Do I have to go?"
 
Mother spoke into the phone.  "Cheryl will call you later, Mrs. Fisher," she said.  After hanging up the phone, she turned to her daughter.  "Do you remember what the optometrist said when you had your eye examination a week ago?" asked Mother.
 
"Sure, I do."  Cheryl nodded.  "He said I had 20/20 vision," she answered, "and that means I have perfect eyesight.  At twenty feet I can see exactly what our eyes are supposed to see from that distance."
 
"Right," said Mother, "and I'm glad you have 20/20 vision in your eyes.  But when it comes to your missionary vision, it seems to me that you're farsighted."
 
Cheryl beamed.  "Do you say that because I'm interested in mission work in far away places?  That's good, isn't it?"
 
Mother shook her head.  "Not exactly," she replied.  "A person whose eyes are farsighted can't see objects up close very well.  You're excited about going far away to tell people about Jesus, but you don't seem to be interested in the girls in the next block.  If you don't want to witness here, what makes you think you'd want to witness if you went far away?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you interested in taking the Gospel to a far away place someday?  That's great!  But are you also concerned about the sinners all around you who are facing an eternity in hell if they don't accept Jesus as Savior?  Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the world you should reach here and now.  Get a 20/20 missionary vision.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 4:35)
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?  Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mr. Simpson started to tell us a Greek myth about a warrior called Achilles," David told his folks one evening, "but the bell rang before he could finish the story.  He said he'd tell us the rest of it tomorrow."
 
"Tell it to me, Davie," begged little Johnny eagerly.
 
"Okay, Johnny -- but remember, it's not a true story," warned David. "According to the myth, Achilles was dipped in a magic river when he was a baby, and he became in-in-in . . ." David faltered, frowned, and thought hard.  Then, "Invulnerable!" he said triumphantly.
 
"What does that big word mean?" asked Johnny at once.
 
"It means he couldn't be harmed," explained David.  "The magic river was supposed to make Achilles so strong and mighty and powerful that no weapon could ever hurt him."   David grinned.  "I'd like to be like Achilles," he added, "so no one would ever be able to fight me and win!"
 
"Ah, but Mr. Simpson didn't finish the story," Dad reminded David. "Achilles wasn't as invulnerable as you seem to think, Son."
 
"He wasn't?" asked David.
 
Dad shook his head.  "When his mother dipped him into the river, she had to hold on to him, right?" asked Dad.  "She grasped him by his heel. Since his heel didn't touch the water, it wasn't invulnerable like the rest of his body.  I'm sure Mr. Simpson will tell you that part tomorrow."
 
"Oh, well," said David, "his heel was only a small spot."
 
"True," said Dad, "but the story says that Achilles died after being shot in the heel by a poisoned arrow.  The term 'Achilles heel' is now used to describe the weak or vulnerable spot in a person's life."
 
"Wow!" exclaimed David.  "Too bad his heel wasn't dipped, too."
 
"You know, David, it's possible for a Christian to think of himself  as a spiritual Achilles," said Dad.  "We may think we're so good and honest that Satan can't touch us.  But he always seems to find our weak points --  our 'Achilles heel' -- and he attacks us there.  We need to ask God for His protection and strength in areas where we are weak."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What's your "Achilles heel"?  Is it pride?  A tendency to lie?  Greed?  A hot temper?  A desire to be popular?  You may pride yourself on being a "good" Christian, but be careful!  You also have weaknesses -- weak points which Satan loves to take advantage of.  Be honest with yourself.  Ask God to show you your areas of weakness, and to help you guard against temptation in those areas.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Mom let the cat out the back door, she heard someone sniff.  "Candy?  Is that you?" asked Mom, walking out into the yard.  She soon found Candy behind Daisy's doghouse.  Candy was sitting on the grass with her arm around Daisy, tears wetting her cheeks.  Mom sat down next to her.  "What's wrong with my girl?" asked Mom sympathetically.  "Dad told me you had gone to help Mr. Thompson."
 
Candy's explanation tumbled out.  "Last Sunday my teacher talked to us about being a helpful neighbor.  She said it would be a great idea to do a chore, free-of-charge, for someone.  I was excited about that, so Dad gave me permission this morning to clean Mr. Thompson's yard.  It was hot, Mom!  And bugs kept landing on me.  And then . . ."  Cindy's voice broke, and she impatiently brushed a tear off her cheek before continuing. "Mr. Thompson came to check his yard when I finished, and he started yelling at me.  He said I had pulled up some of his flowers.  I didn't know, Mom!  They looked like weeds!"
 
"Uh-oh!" said Mom.  "What happened next?"
 
"I told him I was sorry, and then I ran home because I knew I was about to cry.  He's mean!  I didn't get one word of thanks!  As Aunt Jeannie says, all I got was 'an earful.'"  As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Candy and Mom began to laugh together. 
 
"Yes, you certainly did get an earful," agreed Mom.  "It sounds like you chose the wrong person to please."
 
"I know!" exclaimed Candy.  "I'm never going to try to help Mr. Thompson again!  He wasn't pleased at all."
 
"That's true, but he's not the one I meant," Mom replied.
 
"He isn't?"  Candy looked at her mother for an explanation.
 
"Whenever you give of your time and energy to someone -- like you did to Mr. Thompson -- instead of expecting gratitude from that person, do your best to please God," said Mom.  "It's nice to receive thanks from those we help, but we should help them to glorify God, not ourselves."
 
Candy patted Daisy while she thought about her mother's words. "That's hard to do," she said.
 
"Yes, it is," answered Mom, "but when your goal is to simply serve others and glorify God, He sees that, and He will reward you."
 
"Really?" asked Candy.  "What kind of reward does He give?"
 
"I'm not sure we always know," said Mom.  "Sometimes He may give a happy, satisfied spirit.  Sometimes He may work things out so that you receive financial benefits.  Sometimes you may not receive your reward till you get to heaven, but work done for Him will be rewarded."
 
Candy breathed a satisfied sigh, then added, "I'm going to use my allowance to buy new flowers for Mr. Thompson.  I'll leave them on his porch with a note of apology.  And if he never thanks me . . ."  Candy shrugged.  ". . . I'll do my best to not worry about it."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you do kind things, are you doing them to please God or to receive admiration for yourself?  Are you upset if someone fails to thank you for your help?  Remember that nothing you do escapes God's notice; He is always aware of the things you do for Him. Make it your goal to please Him instead of trying to win praise from people.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Miranda hung up the phone with a sigh.  "Either I'm getting forgetful, or Jennifer is," she told her mother.  "I thought I was supposed to meet her at four o'clock, but she says we agreed on three o'clock.  I feel bad -- this is the second time I've kept her waiting."
 
"Sounds like you ought to write things down," suggested Mother.  "I have something that might help you."  She took a small book from a shelf and handed it to Miranda.
 
"An appointment book -- this is perfect!" exclaimed Miranda.  After that, she carefully recorded her appointments, and she kept every one.
 
"Pastor's sermon today was kind of scary," said Miranda as they drove home one Sunday.  "You know -- the things he said about hell?  It would be awful to go there!"
 
"Yes, it would," replied Dad, "but Christians don't have to be afraid, because they won't go there.  How about you, honey?  Have you trusted Jesus to save you?  You've never really told us that you have."
 
Miranda shrugged.  "Well, I'm real young yet," she said.  "I have plenty of time."
 
"How do you know that?" asked Mother.  "I was just thinking about your appointment book -- how you set appointments, and then you keep them.  Do you know that God sets appointments, too?"
 
 "He does?" asked Miranda.  "What kind of appointments?"
 
"There's a verse in the Bible that says it's 'appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.'  For some people, this 'appointment' comes after a long life," explained Mother, "but for others it comes early.  Even babies die sometimes.  Our appointment to meet God may come at any moment."
 
"You're saying I might die young -- any day now!" exclaimed Miranda.
 
"We hope not, but it is possible.  Any one of us could die at any time," said Dad.  "However, our appointment may not come through death. God has also set a time for Jesus to return to earth and take believers to heaven to live with Him forever.  But only God knows His time schedule.  He simply tells us to be ready.  He says, 'Now is the day of salvation.'"
 
		Miranda was very thoughtful as they turned into their driveway.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ready in case this is the day God has set for your appointment to meet Him -- either in death or in His return?  Don't put off your decision to be saved.  You need to be ready to meet God at any time.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 24:44)
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Well, kids, how did you like the auction?" asked Dad as the family headed for home after attending a community auction.  It had been a first-time experience for Andy and Erica.
 
"It was a lot of fun," responded Andy enthusiastically, "only . . . well, I wish I hadn't spent my money on that sausage stuffer.  What will I do with it?"
 
"I really wanted to buy the music box," said Erica wistfully, "but after I bought those books, my money was gone."
 
"One thing we learn at auctions is that we need to think before making a bid," observed Dad.  "In fact, that's a lesson we need to learn about life in general -- to think before we act.  We need to decide what our priorities are and act accordingly."
 
"Our what?" asked Erica.
 
"Priorities," said Dad.  "'Prior' means 'before,' so our 'priorities' are the things we put first in our lives."
 
"If you had decided to make the music box your priority when it came to buying something at the auction, you would have saved your money to buy that," said Mother.
 
"And I should have made something other than that sausage stuffer my priority," said Andy.  "I didn't really want it, but I thought it was interesting.  Then when someone else started bidding, I got excited and started bidding, too.  I guess I just didn't think."
 
Dad nodded.  "Well, getting involved in the bidding and buying something you don't really want at the auction isn't terribly serious," he said, "but when we make bad choices in certain other areas, it can be very serious.  Each day we choose between good or bad, better or best, pleasing God or pleasing people.  If we listen to the wrong advice or make decisions too hastily, we sometimes make mistakes and then spend years paying for them -- not with money, but with unhappiness and guilt."
 
"Remember that priorities are important," added Mother.  "Think about it carefully, kids.  What do you put first in life?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make speedy decisions or act without thinking?  Check your priorities.  Ask God to help you put the important things -- the things that please Him -- first in your life.  God promises to give wisdom if you ask.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 6:33)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

[Soldier4Christ]

CRASH!  The sound shattered the afternoon quiet, and Julie stared in dismay at the pieces of blue glass on the floor.  All summer she had been cleaning house for Mrs. Burns, an older woman from church.  Now as Julie was dusting, she had accidentally knocked a beautiful vase from a dresser in the guest room.  Oh, no!  What will I do? she thought as her eyes filled with tears.  What will Mrs. Burns say when she gets back and finds out?  Mrs. Burns had left to run some errands.  Julie was to finish her work and then lock the door when she left to go home.
 
With a sigh, Julie picked up the pieces of broken glass and put them in a bag, all the while struggling to stop the flow of tears.  Before leaving, she wrote a note telling Mrs. Burns what had happened and that she would pay for a new vase.  But what if this one was an antique?  Julie's thoughts ran on.  Or what if it's very expensive?  How will I ever save enough for a new one?
 
At home, Julie told her mother about the vase.  "Telling Mrs. Burns that you'll pay for a new one was the right thing to do," said Mother.
 
A call came from Mrs. Burns that evening.  "Thank you for leaving the note," she said, "but don't worry about paying for the vase.  I'll forgive that debt you owe.  Just be more careful after this."  Julie felt much better after the call, but she still dreaded Sunday when she would have to face Mrs. Burns.  Even though Mrs. Burns had said not to worry about it, Julie could not stop thinking about the vase.
 
On Sunday, Julie approached Mrs. Burns.  "You're sure I don't owe you anything?" asked Julie.  Her voice trembled slightly.
 
Mrs. Burns' gaze rested on Julie's face for a few moments.  "Owe me?" she asked uncertainly.
 
Julie nodded.  "For the vase I broke," she said.
 
"Oh, yes -- the vase," said Mrs. Burns.  She shook her head.  "I had forgotten about it, and I can't even remember what it was worth.  How can I charge you for something I don't remember?  Like I told you, the debt is forgiven, so you should forget about it, too."
 
Later that day, Julie told her mother what Mrs. Burns had said.  "It took her a minute to realize what I was talking about," said Julie.  "I think she really had forgotten all about it."
 
Mother smiled.  "She forgave you, and perhaps she made a decision not to remember.  That's a good example of the way God forgives our sin. The vase may have been valuable, but Mrs. Burns forgave you and forgot about it.  When we confess our sin, God forgives us, and He forgets it, too!  He'll never bring it up again."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you continue to feel bad about something you did wrong, even after you have confessed it to God and asked Him to forgive you?  The Bible says that He removes our sins as far as the "east is from the west."  It says He "remembers them no more."   He truly is a wonderful God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 8:12)
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

[Soldier4Christ]

Anthony nervously bit his pencil as he leafed through the pages of his math book.  "Math's hard," he said.  "I hope I pass this year."
 
Dad looked over Anthony's shoulder.  "Page 117?  You're not that far in your book yet, are you?" asked Dad. 
 
Anthony frowned.  "No," he answered.  "I'm just looking ahead to see what's coming, and the problems only get harder."
 
Dad took the pencil out of Anthony's hand.  "You need a study break," he said, "and I've got a dresser to move.  How about helping me?"
 
Anthony nodded and followed Dad to the bedroom.  Anthony went to one end of the dresser, and Dad went to the other.  They pushed and pulled, but it wouldn't budge.  "What have you got in there?" exclaimed Anthony.
 
Dad grinned.  "It must be your mother's stuff," he joked.  "Let's take out the drawers.  That should make it easier."  Anthony laughed, and after they removed the drawers, he went to the empty dresser and tried to move it by himself.  It was still too heavy.  Dad chuckled again and went to help.
 
Together, Dad and Anthony moved the dresser easily.  "When we moved one part at a time and worked together, it wasn't so tough to move that dresser, was it?" said Dad as Anthony again sat down to work on his math.  Dad looked at Anthony's math book.  "You can solve your problem with math the same way.  In fact, it's a good way to tackle all of life's problems."
 
"What do you mean?" asked Anthony. 
 
"Deal with your math one part at a time instead of worrying about the whole year all at once.  And don't tackle it alone -- ask God to help you," replied Dad.  "And don't worry about what problems you may face in life years, or even days, from now.  Live one day at a time, and ask God to help you, not only with math, but with all kinds of problems."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a problem that seems too big to handle?  Maybe you have trouble with schoolwork.  Ask God to help you learn what you need to know, little by little.  Maybe you have problems with a friend.  Ask God to help you improve your friendship.  For example, you may need to apologize, help someone with schoolwork, ask someone to play, or just be a good listener.  Is there a problem at home?  Ask God to help you ease the situation by doing extra chores, babysitting, or being a good example.  Whatever your problem, go to God and let Him help you -- not next year, but today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 55:22)
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

"That dumb old Debbie!" cried Glenna, slamming the kitchen door as she entered the room.  "I'll never play with her again!  She broke the shell beads Grandma sent me from Florida.  Look!"  Glenna opened her hands to let her mother see the pile of shells.
 
"Hmmm," murmured Mother softly.  "I don't like the way you're talking, Glenna.  Besides, these shells don't seem to be broken -- it's only the cord that broke.  We can restring the shells, and they'll be good as new.  What happened, anyway?  Was Debbie angry about something?"
 
"No," admitted Glenna.  "She was trying my necklace on, but she must have pulled on it too hard, and it broke.  The shells went all over the floor.  I was so mad, I just scooped them up and came home.  She should have been more careful!  I'll never play with her again."
 
"I see," said Mother.  After a moment she added, "Maybe we shouldn't go to Faith Church anymore either."
 
"Why not?" asked Glenna in surprise.
 
"Look at this."  Mother held up a broken cup.  "Pastor and Mrs. Howard stopped in today, and I gave them coffee and cookies.  When Pastor set the cup down, maybe he set it down too hard.  Anyway, the handle came off.  I suppose I can glue it back on, only . . ."
 
"Mom, Pastor Howard didn't mean to break it!" protested Glenna. "It was an accident.  It would be silly to . . . oh!"  She paused as she saw her mother's slight smile and the twinkle in her eye.  "You tricked me," scolded Glenna, "but I get the point.  I'm being as silly as you -- maybe worse.  Okay.  I'll forgive Debbie -- if there's anything to forgive, that is -- because the broken necklace was an accident, too."
 
"I think so," agreed Mother.  "It's funny how much easier it is to see that someone else is acting foolishly than it is to see that you are.  Next time you begin to feel angry toward someone, think about how it looks to other people.  More importantly, how does it look to God?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been angry because someone ruined something of yours?  Did you stop being friends because of it?  Or did you say mean things about that person?  Think carefully now -- are you being foolish?  Why not ask God to forgive you for your unloving attitude, and then make things right with your friend, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:32)
Be ye kind one to another, tender- hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Well, that was a great game," declared Dad on the way home after a baseball game, "and a couple of things that happened reminded me of a Christian's walk with Jesus.  Can you boys figure out why?"
 
Jacob and Patrick looked at each other.  "Maybe it's because we're on the winning team," suggested Patrick.
 
Dad smiled.  "Good thought!" he said.  "With Jesus, you are on the winning team.  But I had some other things in mind.  Let's start with you, Jacob.  Let's talk about something I saw you do at the game."
 
"Okay," said Jacob.  "Something good, I hope?"
 
Dad smiled and nodded.  "Something good," he said.  "I noticed that while you and two other boys were waiting for your turn at bat in the sixth inning, some boys in the bleachers started calling out to you just as your coach came up to say something."
 
"I remember that!" said Jacob.  "Those guys are on my soccer team at school, and they wanted me to come over to the fence and talk to them. We always have a lot of fun goofin' around."
 
"Well, it's fine to have fun with your friends, but it wasn't the right time for that, and I was glad to see that you didn't let them distract you from listening to your coach.  If you fail to pay attention to him, you could miss something important."
 
"Right," responded Jacob.  "He always tells us that, too."
 
"And that reminded me that as Christians we need to listen to our coach -- God," said Dad.  "He probably talks to us a lot more than we listen to Him.  Many times we're too busy doing our own thing to stop and listen. Other times, we're distracted by the voices of the 'world' --  friends, family, or society in general -- and then we don't listen to Jesus."
 
"So . . . just like us guys need to pay attention to what our baseball coach says, Christians need to pay attention to what God says, right?" asked Jacob slowly.  "And we do that by paying attention to what the Bible says and by listening to pastors and teachers -- stuff like that?"
 
Dad nodded.  "You got it!" he said.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you listen to the Lord?  He speaks to you through His Word and through parents, pastors, and teachers -- and even through your own conscience as you yield to the Holy Spirit.  Be alert to what God is saying.  When it's different from what your friends or classmates are saying, be ready to say no to them and yes to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 5:29)
We ought to obey God rather than men.