Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Claudette!" exclaimed Jeanie. "What are you doing?" Jeanie stood and watched as her friend tumbled over after standing on her head. Claudette had been braced against her bedroom wall.

 

Looking up from the floor, Claudette smiled. "I've been learning yoga," she explained, pointing to a pile of books on her desk. She pulled herself up to a sitting position and tucked her legs under her. "I was meditating."

 

"Oh, no -- not another fad," groaned Jeanie. "I thought you were a Christian."

 

"I am," said Claudette. "I was just trying another way of feeling close to God."

 

Jeanie groaned again. "Last week you were playing with a Ouija board," she said accusingly, "and the week before that, you were trying to find someone who could read tea leaves."

 

"Well, I wanted to get answers to some things," said Claudette.

 

"You always read horoscopes, too," Jeanie reminded her. Claudette just shrugged. "Well, any answers you get through those things won't be from God," said Jeanie. "His answers are found in His book -- the Bible. Anyway . . . I came over to see if you could help me with my math. I brought my book."

 

"Sure," agreed Claudette, but then she laughed as she glanced at the book Jeanie was holding up. "If you want help with math, what are you doing with your English book?" asked Claudette.

 

Jeanie looked at the book. "Oh, no!" she moaned, but she joined her friend in a good laugh. "Hey!" said Jeanie, "you can laugh about me, but you're even worse. I may not have the right book for learning math, but you're not using the right book to find out how to live." Jeanie pointed to Claudette's pile of books. "While I go get my math book, why don't you get rid of those?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you looking to wrong places and wrong things to find quick answers for your life or your future? It's easy to be misled. God has all the answers Christians need, and He gives them to you as you study His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:20)
Avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.

[Soldier4Christ]

"How about going to Sunday school with me tomorrow?" Paul asked his new friend, Daren. "I think you'll like it."

 

Daren shook his head. "No way, " he said emphatically.</span> "I don't want anything to do with religion."

 

Paul was surprised. "But . . . don't you want to know God and go to heaven some day?" he asked timidly.

 

Daren shrugged. "There's plenty of time to think about that," he said. "Right now I want to do whatever I feel like doing and have a good time."

 

Paul didn't say anything more just then, but he was determined to witness to Daren whenever possible. One day, he got an idea from something his pastor said.

 

Daren loves candy,  thought Paul, so I'll get him some. So Paul took some of his money and bought a box of candy. "I bought some chocolates for you," he told Daren.

 

"Really?" exclaimed Daren. "Where are they?"

 

"At home," said Paul. "I'll bring them some day." After that he gave the same answer whenever Daren asked him about the chocolates. Every day Paul opened the box and ate some of the candy. When there were only a few pieces left, he gave the box to Daren.

 

"Oh, boy! Thanks a lot!" exclaimed Daren, but when he opened the box, he frowned. "Where are all the chocolates?" he asked. "Did you eat them?" When Paul nodded, Daren looked surprised. "Well," he muttered, "thanks for these, anyway."

 

Paul grinned. "I just wanted to show you how you're treating God," he said. "You said you'd 'think about God' someday -- after you've had a good time. You want to give God a leftover life, just like I gave you leftover candy."

 

Daren stared at the chocolates for a long moment. When Paul repeated the invitation to attend Sunday school, Daren nodded his head thoughtfully.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? If not, when do you plan to do so? Jesus gave His best for you when He died on the cross. Give Him your best, too. Accept Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mike had some Mexican jumping beans at school today," said Seth one evening. "They look like regular beans, but then they move all by themselves. Mike wouldn't tell anybody what made them move -- he said it was a secret -- but I found out. I looked it up in a book."

 

"What did make them move?" asked Seth's sister, Kim.

 

"Moths," answered Seth. "The book says Mexican jumping beans are three-celled bean pods and that they house moths. The jumping is caused by the moth larvae moving inside." Seth frowned. "I think it was mean of Mike not to tell me. It's not a secret at all."

 

When it was time for family devotions that evening, Dad looked thoughtful. "Seth's story about the jumping beans reminded me that we often keep something a secret from people," he said. "Those bean pods have something in them that makes them jump, and we have something in us that makes us choose to do the things we do, but we often don't tell anyone what it is."

 

"Well, what is it?" asked Seth. "I don't know, either."

 

Dad smiled. "It's the love of Jesus in our hearts," he said. "I remember that you refused to join some of the other boys in making fun of that new boy at school, but what reason did you give?"

 

"Well . . . just that I thought it was wrong," said Seth.

 

"And when I was so sick," continued Dad, "and God gave me a miraculously quick recovery, I wonder how many of us told our friends that God had answered our prayers?"

 

"I didn't," admitted Kim.

 

"It's almost as though we're keeping it a secret that we know Jesus," said Dad. "It's far more important for others to know our secret than it was for us to know the secret of the jumping beans." He opened his Bible to the book of Acts. "We'll read about some men who didn't keep secrets like that," he added. "Peter and John couldn't keep from telling others about what God did. Let's join them -- let's tell everyone, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is Jesus your Savior? Are you telling others about Him? Don't keep it a secret that you know Jesus. Share the  wonderful things that God has done for you and let others know that Jesus loves them. They may want to know Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 4:20)
We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amy sat at the kitchen table, carefully writing her book report for school. "When this is finished, I get to use the copy machine at school to make copies of my report for everyone in class," she said. "That way we'll all have twenty-five book reports to use as guides in selecting books to read."

 

At school the next day, the secretary showed Amy how to use the machine. Soon warm copies filed out. Each one looked as if it were the original report. When Amy handed the reports to her teacher, Mrs. Peters said, "Thank you, Becky."

 

"I'm not Becky," replied Amy firmly. She didn't like it when people confused her with her older sister, but it happened quite often.

 

Out on the playground a bit later, Amy complained to her friend Kayla. "My teacher called me 'Becky' again," she said. "She thinks we're alike, but we're really very different."

 

"You think that's bad," said Kayla. "Not only do I get called by my sister's name, I even get called by my brother's name sometimes. And people assume that I should be good in sports -- just because Ann and Nick are."

 

"It seems like some people think God used a copy machine when He made us," said Amy. "I guess they think we're a bunch of identical copies hot off the press."

 

"Yeah," agreed Kayla. Then she grinned and added, "But my mom says I shouldn't worry about people mixing me up with my relatives. She says the God of the whole universe knows me as Kayla -- the important individual He created to be the only me. No copies here! I'm the original!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes compared to other people and called by the wrong name? God never confuses your identity. He made you very special, and you're the only one just exactly like you. In God's eyes, you are a very precious, one-of-a-kind person.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 139:14)
I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

[Soldier4Christ]

The school bell rang, and the fourth graders sprang from their seats and headed toward the door. "Ryan, would you please stay for a minute? I need to talk to you," said Mr. Clark.

 

"Yeah? What did I do now?" Ryan asked. He frowned, and his ball cap shadowed his face.

 

"I've noticed that your grades dropped lately -- but I'm even more concerned about something else," said Mr. Clark. "I'm afraid the guys I've seen you hanging around with after school will get you into trouble."

 

"You mean J.J. and the guys?" asked Ryan.

 

"I believe those boys belong to a gang, Ryan," said Mr. Clark. "I don't believe they're a good influence for you."

 

"But they like me," answered Ryan. "I feel like I'm a part of a family when I'm with them."

 

"Do you remember how we watched mold grow on a piece of bread in science class?" asked Mr. Clark.

 

"Yeah, I remember," replied Ryan. "So what?"

 

"The mold started off small, didn't it?" said Mr. Clark. "It was a tiny spot -- but within a week it covered the whole slice of bread. It changed a delicious piece of bread into a gross looking pile of scum. I'm afraid something like that could happen to you."

 

"How do you figure?" asked Ryan.

 

"The influence of the guys you hang out with is like that mold," replied Mr. Clark. "Everything seems fine now, but in a short while your whole life could be ruined."

 

Ryan shrugged. "Like I told you, I feel like I belong when I'm with them," he said.

 

Mr. Clark nodded. "I know, but they're not a good gang to belong to.   Look -- this Friday the Kids' Klub at my church is having an ice-skating party.Why don't you come with us? They aren't perfect kids, but I think you'll find they'd be very good friends." Mr. Clark smiled. "God's got His own gang," he added. "They're called Christians. Why don't you come and see what it's all about? We'd love to have you hang out with us."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been spending time with people who may get you into trouble? If you want to have fun and be accepted, hang around kids who love the Lord. They're the best kind of friends to have.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:5)
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Bryce always spends more time with other kids than with me," complained Tim one afternoon. He sighed loudly. "Those guys want to play basketball all the time. I like to play for a while, but then I get bored."

 

"I see," said Mom. "Maybe you should look for friends who enjoy the same things you do."

 

"I guess so," agreed Tim. Grinning, he reached into his book bag. "I got an 'A' on my math test! Since I did so well, can I have an extra half hour of TV tonight? There's a quiz show that's fun to watch."

 

"Well . . . okay," agreed Mom, "but noTV until your homework is finished -- and until you've finished your Bible reading, too. We've all agreed to read and think about a few verses each day, remember?"

 

"Okay! Thanks, Mom," said Tim as he hurried off. It wasn't long before he returned to the family room and turned on the TV.

 

"Is all your work done already?" asked Mom. "Bible reading, too?"

 

Tim frowned. "Well . . . um . . ." he stuttered. "I'll do that later."

 

Mom turned the TV off. "That wasn't the agreement."

 

"But, Mom," wailed Tim, "Bible reading is boring."

 

Mom sat on the couch beside Tim. "Were you happy when Bryce went off to play with others instead of spending time with you?" she asked.

 

"No," muttered Tim. "Of course not."

 

"Friends want to spend time together -- they enjoy fellowship with one another," said Mom. "The Bible says we should have fellowship with Jesus, too. I think He feels bad when we don't have time for Him."

 

"I guess so," Tim replied slowly as he stood up and moved toward the door. "But won't Jesus know I'm sort of bored?"

 

Mom smiled. "If Jesus were standing here and wanted to tell you something, would you want to hear it?" she asked. Tim nodded. "Well, He does have something to say to you, and He speaks through His Word," said Mom. "Try reading it with that in mind."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have time for TV, video games, playing with friends, and talking on the phone? Do you have time for Jesus? You'll be blessed as you give Him time each day -- to learn about Him and what He wants you to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 1:3)
Our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Bryce always spends more time with other kids than with me," complained Tim one afternoon. He sighed loudly. "Those guys want to play basketball all the time. I like to play for a while, but then I get bored."

 

"I see," said Mom. "Maybe you should look for friends who enjoy the same things you do."

 

"I guess so," agreed Tim. Grinning, he reached into his book bag. "I got an 'A' on my math test! Since I did so well, can I have an extra half hour of TV tonight? There's a quiz show that's fun to watch."

 

"Well . . . okay," agreed Mom, "but noTV until your homework is finished -- and until you've finished your Bible reading, too. We've all agreed to read and think about a few verses each day, remember?"

 

"Okay! Thanks, Mom," said Tim as he hurried off. It wasn't long before he returned to the family room and turned on the TV.

 

"Is all your work done already?" asked Mom. "Bible reading, too?"

 

Tim frowned. "Well . . . um . . ." he stuttered. "I'll do that later."

 

>Mom turned the TV off. "That wasn't the agreement."

 

"But, Mom," wailed Tim, "Bible reading is boring."

 

Mom sat on the couch beside Tim. "Were you happy when Bryce went off to play with others instead of spending time with you?" she asked.

 

"No," muttered Tim. "Of course not."

 

"Friends want to spend time together -- they enjoy fellowship with one another," said Mom. "The Bible says we should have fellowship with Jesus, too. I think He feels bad when we don't have time for Him."

 

"I guess so," Tim replied slowly as he stood up and moved toward the door. "But won't Jesus know I'm sort of bored?"

 

Mom smiled. "If Jesus were standing here and wanted to tell you something, would you want to hear it?" she asked. Tim nodded. "Well, He does have something to say to you, and He speaks through His Word," said Mom. "Try reading it with that in mind."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your attitude toward work depend on the circumstances -- on whether you're getting paid or who you're working for? Remember that God is the boss who really matters. His rewards are great.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Jodi had spent most of the evening making phone calls to one friend after another. When Mother told her to get ready for bed, Jodi asked, "Can I call Betsy real quick first? I want to see if she's as nervous as I am about tryouts for the play."

 

Mother shook her head. "You've talked on the phone enough tonight," she&nbsp;said. "It's bed time."

 

"Well, can I call Lynn for two seconds -- just to be sure she'll save me a seat on the bus tomorrow?" begged Jodi.

 

"Bed!" Mother said firmly, pointing down the hall.

 

Jodi went to get ready. "I wish I could talk to my friends," she mumbled, crawling into bed just as Mother appeared in the doorway.

 

"Ready to sleep?" asked Mother. "Have you prayed already?"

 

"Oh, I forgot!" Jodi sat up. "I really don't have anything to say, except to ask God to take care of everyone, and He already knows that," she added.

 

Mother sat on the side of Jodi's bed. "If I handed you the phone with permission to call Betsy, would you be at a loss for words?" she asked.

 

"Can I call her?" asked Jodi eagerly. "I do have a lot to tell her. Friends always have stuff to tell each other."

 

"Friends share their interests and feelings and activities, don't they?" asked Mother. "They share their hopes and dreams and secrets. They talk about fun and fears."

 

"Yeah!" agreed Jodi, hoping to use the phone again. "Friends need time to talk, Mom."

 

"Is the Lord your friend?" Mother wanted to know, and Jodi nodded. "Then why don't you have anything to tell Him?" asked Mother. "You think about it." She kissed Jodi, turned out the light, and left.

 

Jodi wished she could sneak to the phone and call her friends. She still had so much to say. But after thinking a minute, she decided to talk to a friend she had been forgetting lately. She knelt by the side of her bed and shared her anxieties and dreams with the Lord. When I think of You as my friend, prayed Jodi, I really do have lots of things to say.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder what to say to God? He's your best friend and wants to be included in every part of your life. Talk to Him about all the things you would share with a true friend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:
Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Grandma!" exclaimed Tanya as she stepped off the bus. "I'm glad I can spend the weekend with you."

 

"I am, too," said Grandma, giving Tanya a big hug. "How is everything at home?"

 

Tanya frowned. "I thought it was great that Dad got married again," she said, "but now I don't like Monica."

 

"Oh, that's too bad," said Grandma as they put Tanya's luggage in the car. After a moment she added, "You know, Tanya, the Bible says to honor your parents. That means your stepmother, too."

 

"Well, she doesn't honor my mother, so I'm not going to honor her," declared Tanya stubbornly.

 

Grandma raised her brows. "What's the problem?"

 

"She's changing everything," complained Tanya. "Mom had our house just perfect, but Monica moves the furniture and the pictures all around. It's not fair. First I lost my mother, and now I'm losing my home." Then Tanya changed the subject, so Grandma didn't say anymore about it at the moment.

 

After dinner, Grandma took Tanya up to the attic. "Before your mother died, Tanya, she asked me to give you this when your were old enough,"said Grandma, pulling the dust cover off a large object.

 

"Her doll house!" exclaimed Tanya. "I love it!" She clapped her hands in delight. "Can I paint it, Grandma? I want the bedroom to be lavender, and I'll make the old-fashioned parlor into a rec room."

 

"Really?" asked Grandma. "But your mother liked it the way it is. Won't your plans dishonor her?"

 

"I don't see how," protested Tanya. "I'm just . . ." She paused, then said, "Grandma, you gave me this doll house today because of Monica, didn't you?"

 

Grandma nodded. "God has blessed you with a lovely Christian stepmother," she said. "I hope this helps you realize that, even though she won't do things exactly the way your dear mother did, she is not dishonoring your mother."

 

Tanya sighed. "I know you're right, Grandma," she acknowledged. "I'll remember."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have stepparents, or perhaps step-grandparents? Do you honor them and show them respect as you should? This is pleasing to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Exodus 20:12)
Honor thy father and thy mother.

[Soldier4Christ]

Brad nodded as he listened to Pastor Smith. "You need to be anchored in Jesus to withstand the storms of life," said the pastor.  I know just what he means, thought Brad. He was remembering the deep-sea fishing trip he and Dad had recently taken.

 

As the charter boat they were on had sailed for home, dark clouds gathered in the sky. Soon stabs of lightning flashed, followed by loud booms of thunder. "This storm came up unusually fast," the captain had told the passengers, "and the Coast Guard says we're in for some severe weather. We could try to make it to port, but it would be safer to anchor near the coastline and ride out the storm, so that's what we'll do."

 

The passengers had huddled in the ship's cabin as torrents of rain poured down and lightning flashed. At last they neared the shore, and the captain let down the anchor. Still, the wind buffeted the boat about as though it were a toy, and from the cabin windows, they could see the monstrous waves and the rocky coast.

 

"I'm scared, Dad," Brad had murmured. "What if we crash into those big rocks?"

 

Dad had put his arm around Brad. "Don't worry, Son," he said. "I talked with several crew members, and they told me they have anchored here safely many times. We have a good captain. We can trust him. He knows what he's doing."

 

Dad had been right. Before long the storm had let up, and they were soon safely back on shore.

 

"There's something even worse than a shipwreck at sea," continued Pastor Smith. "It's the shipwreck of a person's soul. You could compare your soul to a ship, and your life on earth to the sea. Life can get pretty stormy, you know, so you need an anchor. The anchor that will hold you safe through the storms of life is the Lord Jesus Christ. Put your faith in Him. Trust Him as your Savior."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you "anchored your soul" in Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and save you? If you'll trust Him, your soul will not be "shipwrecked." Instead, God will bring you safely to heaven some day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 6:19)
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can hardly wait for our kids' choir to sing this morning," said Cassie excitedly. "This is the first Sunday we're going to the words, too."

 

As her choir sang, Cassie watched the director, but she also looked out at Toby, a young deaf boy sitting in the front row. Toby was watching attentively, and Cassie felt warm inside. It was exciting to sing in a way that a deaf person could understand, too. Later, when Pastor Glenn spoke, she again noticed Toby carefully watching the interpreter.

 

That afternoon, Cassie's brother wanted her to help him with an experiment. "Oh, Kevin! I'm sick of your dumb experiments!" Cassie grumbled. "They're silly, and none of them work. Most of them don't even make sense!"

 

Kevin sighed and went to his room, but he returned a few minutes later. "I really need help with this," he said. Cassie ignored him. "Please, Cassie," he pleaded, but she refused to help.

 

"Get away from me," said Cassie crossly. Then she added some other mean comments.

 

Mother looked at her sadly. "I was just remembering that you told us how eagerly your friend Toby listened to God's message this morning," she said. "Even though his ears didn't work, he still heard. But I'm not sure you heard the message."

 

Cassie scowled. "I'm not deaf," she said. "Of course I heard Pastor Glenn."

 

Mom raised her brows. "Well, Pastor Glenn said Christians need to build each other up and help one another," she said. "After the service I saw Toby hug some people, and he helped a woman in a wheelchair. I think his actions showed that he heard the message with his heart even though he couldn't hear with his ears. Judging from the way you've been speaking to your brother, I wonder if perhaps the message stopped at your ears."

 

Cassie blushed. She knew Mom was right. Hearing God's message with one's ears was not the important thing. Responding with one's heart was.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you listen thoughtfully when God's Word is read or taught? Don't let it go "in one ear and out the other." Listen, think about it, and respond with your heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:22)
Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[Soldier4Christ]

Six-year-old Tony tiptoed into the kitchen. He got several matches and a
bag of marshmallows. Then he hurried back outside. Choosing a sandy spot, Tony
piled up some paper and sticks. Then he lit a match and started a small fire.
"We'll roast marshmallows just like Mom does," he told his friend Matt. But as
he spoke, a gust of wind blew pieces of burning paper onto a nearby shed roof,
setting it on fire.


 

"Look!" yelled Matt in horror. "Fire!"

 

"Fire! Fire!" screamed Tony, rushing into the house.

 

Soon fire engines came roaring down the street. The firemen put out the blaze, but not before the shed and its contents were burned up.

 

"I'm . . . s-so . . . s-sorry, Mom," said Tony between sobs. "I'll never play with fire again."

 

That night, Aaron, Tony's older brother, was talking about some of his classmates. "Those kids are only twelve or thirteen years old, just like me," he said, "but they're dating already. You should hear them brag about kissing and stuff, Dad. They say it's okay to fool around because everybody's doing it, but it's really not okay, is it?"

 

Dad shook his head. "If all the kids on our block played with fire, would that make it okay?" he asked.

 

Aaron laughed. "No way!" he replied. "They'd probably burn down all our houses, like Tony burned our shed."

 

"Well, 'kissing and stuff' is like playing with fire. It can easily get out of control," Dad told him. "Before you know it, you could be doing things the Bible says are for a husband and wife only."

 

"Yeah, and getting bad diseases or other problems, like a lot of kids in high school are having," added Aaron. "Right?"

 

Dad nodded. "Look at the trouble Tony caused when he disobeyed us and played with fire," he said. "Disobeying God about sex can have far worse results. You need to promise God that you'll keep your body pure and not use it in ways that displease Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do kids your age often do things that your parents tell you should be reserved for when you're older -- or specifically for marriage? God wants you to keep your body pure and give your special love and affection to the person you marry. You'll always be glad you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 5:22)
Keep thyself pure.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, I don't think we're getting the wallpaper in this room on straight," observed Jared. "At the ceiling in the corner of the room, the blue stripe starts right next to the wall -- but it's not next to the wall when it gets down to the baseboard."

 

"You're right," agreed Dad, "but it may be because the wall isn't straight rather than that the paper is on crooked. Let's find out." He took a ball of thick string and tied a little metal ring to the end of it for a weight. Then he climbed on a chair so he could hold the string next to the ceiling. He slowly unwound the string until the little ring reached the baseboard. Dad nodded. "Just as I suspected," he said. "The weight of that ring makes the string hang down straight, but see how it's next to the wall at the ceiling and swings away from the wall at the baseboard? That shows that the wall actually is crooked."

 

"Wow!" exclaimed Jared. "We wouldn't have even noticed it if it weren't for the stripe on the wallpaper."

 

"Right," said Dad, "but the plumb line tells the truth."

 

"The plumb line?" asked Jared. "Is that what you call that string with the ring on it?"

 

Dad nodded. He smiled at Jared. "Maybe you'd like to hear what the Bible has to say about a plumb line."

 

"The Bible talks about plumb lines?" asked Jared.

 

"Some of the prophets called the Law and the Commandments the 'plumb line,'" explained Dad. "When God judged a nation for its evil ways, He always used some sort of measuring device to show them their sins."

 

"If they looked at God's laws, they could see if they measured up to His standard, right?" asked Jared.

 

"That's right," said Dad. "Do you think God uses a plumb line with us today?"

 

"Yep." Jared nodded. "And I bet I know what it's called, " he added. "The Bible."

 

"Good," said Dad. "One reason we need to read and study the Bible faithfully is to see how God wants us to live and whether we measure up to His standard."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you measure up to God's "plumb line"? The Bible tells you how He wants you to live. Don't just read it -- apply it to your life. Check and see if you're doing the things that please God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:105)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look!" exclaimed Kevin as he pointed toward the ditch. "Someone knocked the stop sign down again."

 

Dad nodded and stopped the car. "I wish," he said as he got out, "that people would learn to slow down when they come around this corner."

 

Kevin and Brandon got out of the car, too. "What are you going to do?" asked Kevin.

 

"We'll see if we can put the sign back where it belongs," replied Dad. "If drivers don't stop at this corner, there could be a serious accident."He walked down into the ditch. "Help me carry it back to the road."

 

"We're right behind you," said Brandon.

 

Together the three of them lifted the sign and carried it to the corner. They tried to stand it up against the jagged pole still sticking out of the ground, but it kept falling over. Dad frowned. "We'll lay it down against the pole," he said. "That will have to do until the Highway Department fixes it properly."

 

"But when we put it down like this, the sign lays sideways," said Kevin. "Won't it be hard to read?"

 

"Yes," said Dad, "but motorists can recognize it by its shape and color, not just by what it says."

 

"That's something like what Mr. Paul told us in Sunday school last week," said Brandon. "He says there are ways people can recognize us as Christians -- sort of like the way people will recognize this sign."

 

"They'll recognize us by our shape and color?" asked Kevin with a grin. He knew that wasn't right.

 

Brandon laughed. "No, but people can recognize Christians by what they do as well as by what they say -- or sometimes by what they don't do or say.  Mr. Paul says we can't expect others to know we're Christians if we swear or lie or cheat like lots of kids do."

 

"Mr. Paul is right," agreed Dad. "People should know we're Christians by our words -- but more than that, our attitude and actions should show that we belong to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can you be recognized as a Christian by the way you live? It's great to tell others that you belong to Jesus -- but make sure they can also tell that you're a Christian by your attitude and by the way you act.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"I think I see the end of the trail, Mom!" shouted Andrew. He sighed in relief. The family had been hiking the steep Treetop Trail for two hours, and Andrew was glad to finally collapse on a large, flat rock. As he rested, he gazed at the view below.

 

Andrew's younger brother Michael plopped down beside him. "Wow! This is awesome!" exclaimed Michael. "Hey, look, Dad." Michael pointed to a tiny house in the distance. "I bet you can see for about a thousand miles!"

 

Dad walked over to look. "I'd say that's more like twenty miles away than a thousand," he said with a smile.

 

"Well, it's still totally awesome!" repeated Michael.

 

Mother sat down beside him. "You boys are always saying something is awesome. Do you know what the word means?" she asked.

 

Andrew shrugged his shoulders. "Not really," he admitted. "Something extra amazing, I guess."

 

"I looked it up in the dictionary after I heard you use it one day," said Mom. "There were a few definitions, and they all had to do with something sacred or sublime. One definition was 'a reverent wonder.' I like that one."

 

"I like to use the word 'awesome' to describe God," said Dad. "Psalm 33 says that we are to stand in awe of God. We are to respect Him and recognize that He is in control of the entire world." Dad paused and looked around. "Being on this mountain makes you feel pretty tiny, doesn't it?" he added.

 

"You can say that again!" exclaimed Andrew.

 

"Things in nature really are awesome. God made them -- and they give us just a glimpse of His greatness," continued Dad.

 

The boys sat quietly for several minutes. Then Mother added quietly, "Yes, it is our God who is truly awesome!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you or your friends describe a new bicycle or a fireworks display as "awesome"? If you want to see something truly awesome, look around you at the world God created. Think of His great power and glory. Stand in awe of Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 33:
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.