Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Jacob and Patrick listened as Dad talked about some things that had happened in the baseball game -- things that reminded him of Christian living.  "Patrick, remember that home run you hit?" asked Dad.
 
"Sure, Dad," said Patrick with a grin.  "Who would ever forget a hit like that?  I almost blasted that ball right out of the park!"
 
"It was quite a blow all right," agreed Dad, "but when you reached third base, it looked like you would have just enough time to beat the ball to home plate.  The third base coach motioned for you to keep going.  I wondered if you would slow down and look around to see where the ball was and then decide for yourself whether or not to go on or stay at third."
 
"I really did want to see for myself," admitted Patrick, "but Mr. Bob is always telling us we have to trust our coaches enough to simply follow their directions, so I just ran for it!"
 
"And it's a good thing you did.  Taking time to look around would have cost you a run," said Dad.  "Now . . . who would like to compare that to living as Christians should?"
 
Jacob and Patrick looked at each other.  "I give up," said Patrick.
 
Dad smiled.  "Sometimes we know God is prompting us to do something, but we hesitate," explained Dad.  "We feel in our hearts that God wants us to serve Him in a particular way, but we don't trust Him enough to immediately obey Him.  We want to think it over and decide for ourselves whether or not it's really what we should do.  Unfortunately, by the time we make the decision, we may miss the Lord's timing.  We need to be obedient to God and His Word and follow Him as soon as we know of something He wants us to do."
 
Jacob, who had been listening carefully, summed it up.  "When we listen to our baseball coach and follow his directions, we'll do better in our ball game.  And when we listen to God and obey Him, we'll do better in what you sometimes call the 'game of life,' right?"
 
"Absolutely right!" agreed Dad.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there times when you know the Lord wants you to do a certain thing, but you hesitate to obey?  Perhaps you know He wants you to speak to someone about Jesus, to be kind to a new student, or to help someone with a task.  Obey immediately, no matter what He asks.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Deuteronomy 12:32)
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

[Soldier4Christ]

While the rest of his family swam and soaked up the sun at the beach, Ben packed and molded sand castles, making them like the medieval castles he had seen in his history book.  He made soaring towers and planned to dig a deep moat.  The castle was quite tall when Ben noticed that the ocean's waves were slipping in.  Each wave rolled in slightly closer than the one before.  "Help, Dad," shouted Ben.   "Help protect my castle.  The water's going to get it."
 
Dad shook his head.  "It's no use," he said.  "The tide is coming in, and the waves will come a lot higher before they go back down."
 
But Ben didn't want to believe that.  He dug a wide trench all around his castle.  Then he built a sand barrier to protect it.  But water soon crashed over the barrier and filled the trench.  The waves splashed against the edge of the castle, pulling it apart with watery fingers.  "It took me a long time to build my castle, and now it's gone in no time," moaned Ben.
 
"Well, just be glad it's only sand," said his sister, Danielle.  "Some people lose real houses in catastrophes like fires and storms."
 
Dad nodded.  "All earthly possessions are a little like that sand castle," he said.  "Many people work all their lives to get more and more things -- things that won't last.  It's too bad so many people are more concerned about their present life than their future one.  They forget that there's something much more important than earthly things."
 
"Like doing stuff for God?" asked Ben.  "The motto that Grandma has on her bedroom wall says, 'Only what's done for Christ will last.'"
 
Dad nodded.  "That's right.  That's something Christians need to remember.  First of all, we need to make sure we possess eternal life through Christ.  And then we need to remember that nobody can keep earthly things forever.  Soon they'll all be gone.  Instead of worrying so much about them, we should store up treasure in heaven by serving God."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you too concerned about things that won't last?  Do you fuss about having the right kind of clothes, the right hair cut, or a nice house?  Do you hope to make lots of money some day and be rich?  Remember there's something more important -- life in Christ and service for Him.  What could be more valuable than that?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 6:20)
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Mom, what are you doing?" asked Mary as she and her mother stood at the linen counter in the department store. 
 
Mother held a napkin up toward the light.  "These napkins are 'seconds,' Mary," she said.  "That means there's some flaw in them, so they cost less than regular ones.  When I hold them up to the light, I can see what's wrong and whether or not it's a serious problem."
 
"How can you tell?" Mary wanted to know.
 
"The light shines through the material so that I can see if there's a thin, weak spot," said Mother.  She pointed to one of the flaws.  "Most of these aren't very bad, so I think I'll buy some."  Mary helped her mother inspect and choose several napkins.
 
That evening, Mary told her father what she had learned.  "Light is a great help," agreed Dad as Mary pointed out the flaw in one of the napkins.  "You know, this reminds me that Jesus is the light of our lives.  When we live up to the light of God's Word, the flaws in our lives will show up and we can correct them."
 
"Remember when you were angry with your friend Christy?" asked Mother.  "You said you wanted to 'get back at' her, so we looked up some Scripture verses on getting revenge.  They gave 'light' on the subject, and you were able to understand that trying to get even with her was wrong."
 
Mary nodded.  "I know.  Those Bible verses said to repay evil with good, and at first I didn't want to do that.  But when I obeyed, I was glad I did.  Christy is one my best friends now."
 
"That's great," approved Dad.  "Sometimes there may be parts of our lives that we'd rather not hold up to God's light because we're afraid we'll have to change what we're doing.  We forget that the only way to truly live for Jesus is to let His light show us where we're wrong and then to correct our behavior. "
 
"True," agreed Mother, "and that's also the only way to real joy and peace.  Always remember that, Mary."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to let God's light show up any flaws in your life?  Listen carefully to His Word, and ask Him for strength to correct any flaws -- any unkind words or feelings, any lack of obedience, any desire to do wrong things.  You'll be glad you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 8:12)
(Jesus said) I am the light of the world He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Lesa tore open the screen door and stumbled down the hallway. "Mother!  Mother!" she called.  "Is it true?"
 
"Whoa!  Settle down there, Lesa."  Dad met her and put an arm around her shoulders.  "What's wrong?"
 
"Oh, Daddy -- David Grant said his mom doesn't have a job any more, and that all the plant workers have been laid off.  You, too?  You're home from work, so it must be true!" exclaimed Lesa.  "Daddy, if you don't have your job any more, how will we pay Kari's doctor bills?"
 
Just then Mother came down the stairs with Kari.  The baby's eyes lit up when she saw Lesa, and she eagerly held out her arms.  Dad let Lesa out of his bear hug so she could take Kari.
 
Lesa remembered the time when Kari was so sick and often had to go to the hospital for treatments.  She had been such a quiet and dull baby then -- not at all like the bright, happy baby she was now.  Lesa squeezed her little sister even tighter in her arms.
 
Dad saw the tight hug Lesa gave Kari.  "Lesa, whose arms are holding Kari?" he asked.
 
"That's a funny question," said Lesa.  "You know my arms are holding her. Why did you ask that?"
 
"Is she safe in your arms?" asked Dad.  "Maybe I should take her."
 
Lesa gave Dad a very puzzled look.  "Why, Dad?  You and Mom have taught me to be very careful with Kari.  I'm in the fourth grade, you know.  Why wouldn't you trust me with Kari now?"
 
Dad smiled.  "Actually, I do trust you," he said, "and I'll leave her with you.  But think about this . . . a few minutes ago, you were worried because I was out of work.  I know that's a scary thought.  I'll admit that Mom and I feel a little shaky about it, too, but we decided we're safe in the arms that are holding us."
 
Lesa stared blankly at her father for a minute.  Then she smiled.  "God's arms," she said.  "Our family is in God's arms."  She knew it was true that God  would keep them safe, no matter what happened with Dad's job.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you worried about your future?  About someone who has lost his job, is very ill, or has some other problem? Remember, God knew it was going to happen before you did, and He knows what to do about it.  Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Deuteronomy 33:27)
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kevin watched as his big brother took aim with his new bow and shot an arrow at the target at the end of the garden.  "Bulls eye!" said Nathan as the arrow hit the center of the target.
 
"Let me try," begged Kevin.  "It looks easy."  Nathan smiled, handed the bow to Kevin, and showed him how to hold the bow and align the arrow with the small dot in the center of the target.  The large bow felt awkward in Kevin's hands, but he took careful aim and let the arrow fly. Anxiously he watched, but the arrow didn't even reach the target.  Kevin was surprised.  "I need to be closer," he said.  "Then I can hit the bull's eye for sure."  Moving several steps nearer to the target, he again sighted down the arrow and slowly pulled back on the string.  This time the arrow went far enough, but it was way off course.  After a few more tries, Kevin was ready to give up.
 
"Here . . . I'll help you," offered Nathan.  He leaned down, put his head very close to Kevin's, and wrapped his arms around him to hold the bow and arrow.  Together they slowly pulled the string.  Kevin heard the solid thud as the arrow was embedded in the target -- only half an inch away from the bull's eye.  He tried again, but he could hit the mark only with Nathan's help.
 
A little later, Kevin went into the house.  "I missed the mark every time," he moaned, sitting at the table with his mother.  "I can hit the target only when Nathan is helping me."
 
"That's okay, honey.  You'll learn."  Mother smiled, then added, "You know what?   I need someone's help to keep me on target, too."
 
"You do?" asked Kevin, looking surprised.
 
Mother nodded.  She pointed to the Bible she had been reading.  "I've been a Christian a long time, but I still do wrong things sometimes.  I sin, and that's something like missing the mark.  So, as I said, I constantly need help to keep me on target."
 
"You mean Jesus' help?" asked Kevin, and Mother nodded again.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
As a Christian, do you still find it hard always to tell the truth?  To be kind?  To control your temper?  To obey promptly?  You need help.  When you fail, confess that sin.  Ask the Lord every day to help you "hit the mark" -- to live the way He wants you to live.  He alone can keep you on target.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grandpa Forgets (Cont'd.)

Pink and yellow balloons hung around the living room. Blue and lavender streamers twisted their way across the ceiling. A big sign reading "Happy 8th Birthday, Denise" was over the sofa. Many of Denise's aunts, uncles, and cousins were already there when Grandpa and Grandma arrived. Grandma hugged and kissed all the children. But Grandpa stood by the door, a lost, confused expression on his face. "Who are these people?" he asked.

"They're your children and grandchildren, dear," said Grandma.

Denise noticed that Grandma sounded like she was talking to a small child. I guess that's because Grandpa has Alzheimer's disease and forgets a lot of things, she thought. Denise walked over to her grandpa and slipped her hand into his. "I'm glad you came to my party," she said.

Grandpa looked down at Denise, and a soft smile spread over his face. He patted her head clumsily, and for a minute she thought he was going to be like he'd always been. But then he said, "Is this your house, little girl?"

"Of course, Grandpa," Denise replied. "I'm Denise-remember? You've been here lots of times."

When Denise and her dad helped clean the kitchen after the party, Denise closed the dishwasher door with a bang. "Why does Grandpa have to have Alzheimer's?" she muttered. "It's an ugly disease, and I can't think of a single reason why God let it happen."

"Neither can I," said Dad, and Denise's eyes widened. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" Dad asked. Denise nodded. "Grandpa's Alzheimer's disease is sad," continued Dad, "and just like he often can't understand what's happening around him, we sometimes can't understand why such sad things happen in life. God doesn't ask us to understand, but He does ask us to trust Him in spite of sad circumstances. He promises to be with us in difficult times. He's there to strengthen and comfort us when we're hurting."

"So . . . I guess I have to keep trusting Jesus even when I feel like crying," said Denise soberly. "This is the hardest thing Jesus has ever asked me to do. I'm glad He'll help me through it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you wondering why God allowed some sad thing to happen in your life? He doesn't always reveal why things happen, but He wants you to trust Him even when you go through difficult times. He wants to give you comfort and help. As you believe Him, you'll find that His grace and help is more than enough. This testing of your faith will strengthen you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Covered in Red

"What's that, Grandpa?" Sammy pointed to some small cards and pieces of shiny red paper on the kitchen table.

Grandpa smiled. "Grandma found these when she was cleaning the attic the other day," he replied. "When I was a boy, we used to get these as prizes in cereal boxes-they're something like your baseball cards."

"Wow! They're really old!" Sammy was impressed. "What are all the shiny red papers for?"

"Ah! That's what makes these cards interesting, Sammy," replied Grandpa. "Here-look at this one. It has a picture of Babe Ruth on the front." Grandpa showed Sammy the picture of a famous baseball player, then turned the card over. "Now . . . see this question on the back of the card? It says, 'What was Babe Ruth's real name?' To find the answer, we put this shiny red paper-it's called cellophane-right over the question, like this. Now what do you see?"

"George Herman Ruth," Sammy read. "The question disappeared, and the answer showed up! Cool!"

"Right," said Grandpa, picking up the cellophane. "This paper taught me a great lesson."

"You mean because you learned that guy's real name?" Sammy asked.

Grandpa laughed. "Something more important," he said. "When I was young, I knew I was a sinner-I was the church rascal." Sammy grinned. He had heard stories about the mischief Grandpa got into as a boy. "I'd often heard that we need to have our sin covered by the blood of Jesus," continued Grandpa, "but I never understood it until my Sunday school teacher brought this very same 'Babe Ruth' card to class to one day. 'I want one of you to read the question on the back,' he said as he turned it over. But he had put the red paper over the question, so we told him we could see only the answer. He nodded. 'When the question is covered by the red paper, you can't see it-you see only the answer,' he repeated. 'And when you trust Jesus as Savior, your sin is covered by the blood of Jesus. Then God can't see your sin anymore. Instead, He sees the 'answer' to your sin-problem. He sees Christ living in you.' I've never forgotten that."

Sammy nodded thoughtfully. "I'm going to remember it, too," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What does God see when He looks at you? Does He see your sins, or are they covered by the blood of Jesus so that God sees only the answer to your sin-problem-He sees Christ living in you? If you're trusting in Him as your Savior, your transgressions, or sins, are forgiven. They are covered, and you are blessed. Won't you accept Jesus as your Savior today? (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

[Soldier4Christ]

"It had to be Eric who took the sunflower," insisted Tyler when he discovered that the head of a very large sunflower had been removed from the stem.  He had run to tell his mother about it.
 
"Now, Tyler," said Mom, "please don't accuse anyone unless you have proof.  You know, one of God's commandments says we are not to 'bear false witness' against our neighbors.  One translation says, 'Do not accuse anyone falsely.'  So you see -- you need to be very careful."
 
Tyler scowled and went outdoors.  He looked at the row of sunflowers that he had planted early in the spring along the fence that separated his back yard from Eric's back yard.  Both boys had been excited when the first green shoots appeared.  They had watched the plants grow until they towered above the fence.  At first, the flowers had looked like giant daisies, always smiling at the sun.  "They smile at me in the morning and at you in the afternoon," Tyler had told Eric one day, and after that, the boys generally played in the yard toward which the sunflowers were smiling.  When the boys tired of playing, they rested on the grass and watched the squirrels walk across the wires overhead like daring circus performers.  As the sunflowers matured, their big heads no longer followed the sun.  Instead, they hung heavily downward.  But now the biggest head was missing.  Tyler was sure Eric had taken it, and he was furious. 
 
"Eric's a thief, and I'd like to go tell him so," muttered Tyler to himself as he went to get a stepladder and twine from the garage.  "I bet he'll take more of the sunflowers, but I'll catch him!"  Standing on the stepladder, he looped a piece of twine around a couple of the biggest plants.  He hung a small cowbell on the end of the twine and hid it as best he could under the leaves.  His trap was set.
 
As Tyler sat on the front steps a little later, he heard the bell ringing. He dashed into the back yard, and there he saw a squirrel busily gnawing near the head of a sunflower plant.  In a moment, the big head fell to the ground.  With a loud shout, Tyler chased the little animal.  Then he picked up the sunflower head and ran to tell his mother about it.  "Whew!" he said.  "Now I'm sure glad I didn't go to Eric's house and call him a thief!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever accused someone and later learned that you were wrong?  As today's Scripture indicates, God takes that very seriously.  Be sure you know the facts before you make any accusations. If you have already broken God's commandment regarding this, ask Him to forgive you.  Also apologize to the person you have wronged.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 24:28)
Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I had a simply horrible day!" declared Stacey as she jumped into the car after school one Friday afternoon.  "Lindsey asked Jessica to go shopping with her tomorrow.  She didn't ask me."  She scowled. "Jessica's my best friend," she declared.  "Not Lindsey's.  I hate Lindsey."
 
"Whoa!" said Mom.  "Words of hate coming from the mouth of a Christian mean something is wrong.  Why can't all of you be friends?"
 
Stacey sat glum and silent on the drive home until she noticed a red light on the dashboard panel.  "What does that light mean?" she asked.
 
Mom looked down.  "I don't know," she said.  "It says, 'Check engine soon.'  I'd better call the service station when we get home.  The mechanic there may be able to tell me if there's a problem." 
 
When they got home, Stacey had a snack and then started on her homework.  But her thoughts went back to Lindsey and Jessica.  She was in the middle of imagining what she'd say to Lindsey the next time they met, when Mom stopped at the doorway.  "The man at the service station said to bring the car right in," said Mom.  "I'll be back soon."
 
After Mom left, Stacey forced her mind back to her homework, but she couldn't forget her anger for long.  She was again brooding over the situation when the phone rang.  It was Mom.  "They found the problem with the car," said Mom, "and they'll fix it while I wait.  I decided to call so you wouldn't be wondering what happened to me."
 
"Okay," said Stacey.  "I'm glad you paid attention to that light."
 
"Me, too," said Mom.  "I learned long ago that it's always best to check things out if there's any indication that something's wrong."
 
As Stacey hung up, the words "something's wrong" echoed in her mind.  The light on the dash meant that something was wrong with the car, she thought, and Mom says the words I used mean something is wrong, too.  She's probably right.  Maybe instead of getting mad at Lindsey, I ought to try to be friends with her.  I guess she's really not so bad. 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of words come out of your mouth?  The Bible says our words show what's going on in our hearts.  Bitter, angry, and hateful words are a warning that something is wrong.  If you're having a problem with them, ask God to show you what's at the root of those words.  Find the problem in your heart and deal with it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 15:18)
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeffrey was so excited that he could hardly open his birthday gift.  He was pretty sure it was a puppet -- something he'd been wanting ever since he'd seen an evangelist perform with one at church.  He tore off the wrappings and opened the box.  Sure enough, there was a puppet inside.  His little sister, Debbie, looked on with wide-eyed wonder.  "A doll?" she asked. "You're going to play with dolls?"
 
"No way!" responded Jeffrey.  "This is a puppet like the one the preacher had at church.  Remember?"
 
"His puppet was alive," said Debbie.  "It could move and talk, but yours just lies there.  I still think it's a doll."
 
"Mine will come to life, too," declared Jeffrey.  "I'm going to learn to be a ventriloquist like that preacher.  I'm naming my puppet 'Andy.'"  And starting that very day, Jeffrey worked hard at learning how to make his puppet move and speak.
 
"Andy is alive now, just like the preacher's puppet," declared Debbie several weeks later.  Jeffrey beamed.  He figured he was truly getting good enough to perform as a ventriloquist.
 
At family devotions one morning, Dad turned to the second chapter of Ephesians (see today's Scripture reading).  "As for you, you were dead in transgressions and sin," read Dad.
 
"Dead!" exclaimed Debbie.  "Who's dead?" 
 
"God says that everybody is a sinner and as such, is spiritually dead," Dad told her.  He looked at Jeffrey.  "We're like Andy -- Jeffrey's puppet," continued Dad.  "Andy is entirely limp and lifeless except when Jeffrey slips his hand inside him, operates the controls, and speaks for him.  Andy needs Jeffrey to have any kind of life, and sinners  need to trust Jesus as personal Savior to receive spiritual life.  When we trust Him, He makes us alive."   



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you tried to live the Christian life -- but find you can't do it?  If you've never accepted Jesus as Savior, you're dead in sin.  Trust Jesus to save you, and you'll begin to live.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:4-5)
God, who is rich in mercy . . . even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Do I have to go to family camp this year?" asked Tom.  He scowled as he added, "All the guys say it's kid stuff."
 
"Exactly who says that?" asked Dad.  "Dan and Bob -- the two new boys you've been spending time with lately?"  Tom nodded and lowered his eyes as Dad continued.  "Well, I think being away from those boys for a week at family camp will be good for you."
 
Tom knew there was no use arguing about his dad's decision -- and at camp the next week, he did have a good time.  Tom even enjoyed the devotional times around the campfire, but he sure wasn't going to admit that to Dan and Bob!
 
When the family arrived home, Tom was the first one in the house. "P-U!" he exclaimed.  "What died in here?"
 
Dad trudged in with three suitcases and a sleeping bag.  He sniffed the air; then frowned.  "You're right.  It does smell bad," he agreed, "but not like something that died.  It smells more like stale smoke."
 
"A serviceman came to repair the washing machine the day we were leaving.  In fact, we left just after he did," said Mother.  "I noticed that he smoked a cigar in the utility room -- and since the house was closed up all the time we were gone, I guess the odor had time to get stale and fill the house."  She began to open windows.  "We need fresh air," she declared.
 
"Sounds like what our men's Bible study group at camp discussed last week," mused Dad.  "We talked about the fact that sin has a 'bad odor,' --  it's an offense to God.  While we live in this world, we naturally rub shoulders with those who don't love the Lord.  But we, too, need 'fresh air,' now and then.  We need to study God's Word and fellowship with other believers so that our association with sinners doesn't pollute us."
 
Tom thought about his friendship with Dan and Bob.  He knew he had started to pick up some of their bad attitudes and habits -- things that had become a "bad odor" to his parents and also to God.  As he thought about it, he realized that camp had been the "fresh air" he needed.  It had been fun, too, and he was glad now that his parents had made him attend.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend most of your time with kids who love the Lord and try to please Him?  Or do you spend too much time with people who do not love God -- people who perhaps even mock those who try to obey God?  Do you find yourself developing bad attitudes and copying bad actions?  God wants you to keep yourself pure -- and that includes staying away from people who will have a bad influence on you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 13:20)
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kim did her best to comfort Billy, the little boy she was babysitting, but he was terrified.  A nightmare had awakened him, and he was sure that monsters were hiding in the corner of his room.  Kim turned on the light so that Billy could see there were no monsters there.  "There's no such thing as a monster, Billy," she said as she sat on the bed and hugged him.
 
But when Kim turned the light off and tried to tuck Billy under the covers again, he clutched at her frantically.  "I want my mommy!" he choked out, sobbing.
 
"Listen, Billy," soothed Kim, "your mommy and daddy will be home soon, but you're safe with me.  Tell you what -- I'll leave the door open and turn on the hall light.  I'll be right outside the door."
 
Billy finally relaxed.  "I want my bear," he whimpered.  Kim quickly placed the scruffy teddy bear in Billy's arms, dried his tears, and then quietly left the room.  Back in the living room, she collapsed on the couch.  Please let Billy sleep now, she prayed silently.  And after calling out for reassurance a few times, he did sleep.
 
Kim was tired when Billy's parents finally came home, but she perked up when they apologized for being late and paid her extra for the overtime.  All right! she thought.  With this extra money I'll be able to buy the camera I've been wanting.
 
At church the next day, a missionary showed slides of his work in India.  Sounds of eerie music filled the room, and Kim saw pictures of people whose faces were twisted by fear.  They offered sacrifices to cruel looking idols.  They're just like Billy, thought Kim.  He was scared of the dark, and they are, too -- only the darkness they're afraid of is the darkness of evil!  They need to hear the Gospel so they can know Jesus.  As she thought about this, something occurred to her.  I have money.  I can give some of it to help send the Gospel to people in darkness.  The camera can wait a while.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been afraid of the dark?  Can you imagine how much worse it would be to be surrounded by the darkness of evil, with no knowledge that God loves you or that Jesus died for you? Do whatever you can do to help send the light of the Gospel to people who live in the darkness of sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Peter 3:9)
The Lord is not . . . willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jim loved the new computer game his dad brought home, and he spent hours matching his skill against the computer.  He often had to be told to turn the game off and do his homework or finish his chores.
 
As Dad looked in Jim's room one day, he noticed a Quiet Time Diary on the dresser.  "What's this?" asked Dad.
 
"A book," said Jim with a grin.  "They gave those out at our first youth group meeting.  We're supposed to read a certain chapter in the Bible each day and write out answers to some questions about it."  He stood up.  "I'm gonna go play a game before dinner," he said.
 
"Mind if I look at your book?" asked Dad.
 
Jim shrugged.  "Go ahead," he said. 
 
As Jim left, Dad thumbed through the book, pleased to see the work Jim had done at the beginning.  Then he noticed that Jim hadn't done much during the last few weeks.  "Hmmm," murmured Dad to himself, "looks to me like he hasn't done much since about the time I brought that new computer game home."  Dad took the book and went to the family room where he found Jim deeply engrossed in a game.
 
Receiving no reply when he spoke to Jim, Dad went over and switched off the monitor.  "Son, I'm sorry I bought this game," said Dad as Jim was about to object.  "I can see that it has had a bad effect on you, so I'm going to limit your use of it for a while."
 
 "Aw, Dad," protested Jim, "what's wrong with this game?"
 
Dad looked very solemn.  "There's nothing wrong with the game," he replied.  "The problem is with you.  You're obsessed with this game, and that's wrong."  Jim was about to argue when he noticed the Quiet Time Diary in his father's hand.  "Recreation is good," continued Dad, "but something good becomes bad when it takes the place of what is best.  Your chores, your homework, and your Bible time have all suffered because you spend so much time playing this game."  Dad held up the book.  "The verse to learn for today's date is Ephesians 5:16 -- 'Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.'  To 'redeem time' for God, the computer game needs to take second place to the other things." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend time wisely?  Do church activities, schoolwork, chores, and friends come ahead of selfish pleasures?  Does God have first place in your time schedule?  Never let anything become more important than God and His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:16)
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God bless everyone.  Amen."  Darla ended her brief prayer as she and her mother had devotions together one morning.  Opening her eyes, she saw a slight frown on Mother's face.  "Is something wrong?" Darla asked.
 
Mother spoke thoughtfully.  "What do you mean when you say 'God bless everyone'?" she asked.  "Exactly who is everyone?"
 
"Well," replied Darla, "I mean Grandma, Scott, my friends, my Sunday school teacher, the missionaries -- everyone."
 
"What do you want God to do for them?" asked Mother.
 
"Bless them," answered Darla.  "You know -- Grandma needs help with her eyes, and Scott's having trouble sleeping.  Those kinds of things."
 
"Then don't you think you should tell God that those are the things that concern you?" asked Mother.
 
Darla shrugged.  "I suppose I could, but I guess it's easier to just say 'bless everyone.'  Besides, God knows what I mean," she said.  She jumped up and changed the subject.  "I better hurry or I'll miss my bus!"
 
After school, Mother and Darla went shopping.  When a clerk asked if they needed help, Mother smiled.  "My daughter needs . . ."  She paused.  "Would you please show my daughter something to wear?"
 
"Jeans?" asked the clerk.  "Or tops?  Or a coat?"
 
"Just something to wear," answered Mother.
 
Darla spoke quickly.  "I need a pair of jeans," she told the clerk, "and a couple of tops, too."  Soon she was busy in the fitting room.
 
"That was so embarrassing, Mom!" complained Darla after they left the store.  "Why didn't you tell the clerk what I needed?  She must have thought we were weird!"
 
"It was easier not to go into detail," answered Mother.  When Darla looked at her suspiciously, Mother added, "I thought you knew that." Darla still looked puzzled, so Mother explained.  "I don't know why, but your quick and easy 'God bless everyone' prayer came to my mind when the clerk spoke to us.  I thought maybe my answer to her would show you that it's important to clearly communicate -- both to people and to God. Take your time when you talk to Him.  Be specific about the needs of those for whom you're praying.  Express your thoughts and feelings when you bring your requests to Him."
 
Darla nodded her head thoughtfully.  "I guess that will help me recognize God's answers to prayer, too," she said.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you specific when you pray, or do you hurry and not bother with details?  Take time to communicate.  Yes, God does know what you need before you ask, but He wants you to talk with Him, telling Him about your needs and also your blessings.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

The biggest, fanciest car Brad had ever seen pulled in at his dad's repair shop one day.  Out climbed Mr. Watson and his son.  "Hi," Brad greeted the boy with a grin.  "That your car, Kevin?"
 
Kevin nodded.  "Yep, it's ours," he replied.
 
"Wow!  Some car!" exclaimed Brad.  "Is it fun to ride in?"
 
"What I'd really like to do is drive it," said Kevin with a grin.  Then while their fathers talked about the work needed on the car, Kevin showed Brad some of the car's special features.
 
"Is Kevin a friend of yours?" asked Dad after Mrs. Watson had come to pick up Kevin and his dad.
 
"Yeah, he's smart and he's rich," replied Brad.  "He's the kid I've been trying to get to come to Bible club with me.  He doesn't go to church anywhere."
 
"Sounds like their car," said Dad.
 
Brad looked at him curiously.  "Right, Dad," he said.  "If the Watsons don't go to church, I guess their car doesn't, either."
 
Dad laughed.  "Their car has a lot of fancy equipment," he said, "but Mr. Watson said it didn't have much 'spark,' so he left it for a tuneup.  I imagine new spark plugs will give new life to that car."  Dad shook his head thoughtfully as he added, "Like the car, Kevin apparently has a lot going for him, but for true 'spark,' or joy,  in his life, Kevin needs God."
 
"Yeah," agreed Brad.  He grinned a little.  "I guess you don't know how to install new spark plugs in him, right?"
 
Dad laughed.  "Nope," he responded, "I couldn't give him the 'spark' of new life that he needs.  Only God can do that." 
 
"Well, like I said, I've been trying to get him to come along to Sunday school," said Brad.  "I'll just have to try harder, I guess."
 
"You do that," approved Dad.  "Let's pray that Kevin will see that he needs Jesus as his Savior so he can have the spark of a new life."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you learned that having lots of money, being smart, or being good-looking doesn't bring true joy or happiness? Do you have "spark" in your life -- do you know Jesus as your Savior?  If not, trust Him today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 16:20)
Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.