Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

The whole family was already eating when Steven got home. "You're late!" Dad scolded.

 

"Sorry," mumbled Steven.

 

"Eat your dinner now, and we'll talk about it later," said Mom, passing him the potatoes. Steven nodded. He had been late many times before, and he'd been warned that if it happened again, he'd have to spend the evening in his room. He felt bad about that because Grandma was coming over after dinner, and he loved to spend time with her.

 

Steven felt lonely in his room that evening, but he knew he deserved the punishment. As he was trying to decide what to do, his brother Scott appeared in the doorway. "You can go downstairs now, little brother," Scott said quietly.

 

"Did Mom and Dad say I could?" asked Steven.

 

Scott nodded. "Yes. I'm taking your punishment for you because I know how much you like to play games with Grandma," he said. "I'm going to my room for the rest of the evening." He turned and left the room.

 

Steven sat still for a while, not knowing what to do. Should I really go down? he wondered.  No, he decided.  "New York"' I can't believe Scott is really taking my punishment. That sounds too good to be true. If I leave my room, I'll just get in more trouble.

 

Much later Grandma came into Steven's room. "Why didn't you come down?" she asked. "I've been waiting to see you, but now it's time to go."

 

"Is Scott really taking my punishment?" Steven asked. Grandma nodded. "Oh, no!" groaned Steven. "I missed all the fun just because I didn't believe him."

 

Grandma looked serious. "This reminds me of someone else who took punishment for you," she said. "Jesus died to take the punishment for your sins. Have you accepted what He did for you?" Steven nodded and Grandma smiled. "I'm so glad of that," she said. "Many people don't believe that Jesus took the punishment they deserve, and then it does them no good." She put an arm around Steven and gave him a hug as she got ready to leave.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that Jesus took the punishment for your sin? Do you believe He died for you? If you don't, all that He did for you does you no good. Trust Him as your Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 5:
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Sally, please stop interrupting me,'' Miss Burns said loudly and firmly. Sally scowled. Several times that day Miss Burns had scolded her for the same offense.

 

That evening, Sally complained to her parents about her teacher. "Miss Burns just likes to pick on me," she grumbled. As she talked, she noticed her puppy digging in the herb garden. Quickly she grabbed a newspaper, ran out to the garden, and . . . Whapp!

 

"Ow-wow-wow!" cried the puppy.

 

"Oh, Toby, that didn't really hurt you," said Sally, reaching a hand out to the little dog. "I've told you a million times not to dig, and I've spanked you for it often enough, too."áShe headed back to the house. "Sometimes I think he'll never learn!" she told Dad.

 

"He'll learn," Dad assured her. "It just takes time." With a thoughtful smile, he asked, "Do you suppose Toby ever wonders why that newspaper is always spanking him?"

 

"I'm afraid he knows it's not really the newspaper spanking him; it's me," said Sally. "I hope he still likes me."

 

"I'm sure he does," said Dad, "but you're right -- you're doing the spanking and just using the paper to do it, right?" Sally nodded. "Now suppose God needed to 'spank' you," said Dad. "Don't you think He'd probably use something -- or someone -- to do that?"

 

Sally frowned. "What are you getting at?" she asked.

 

"Well," said Dad, "God sometimes uses people to discipline us, and sometimes the things He wants to teach us are tough lessons for us to learn. Did you ever wonder if He might be trying to tell you something through Miss Burns?"

 

"I . . . I . . ." Sally didn't know what to say.

 

"Think about it," said Dad. "Perhaps God wants to change you in some way and has been using Miss Burns to talk to you all this time, but you haven't been hearing Him. Maybe you should stop and figure out what it is He's trying to say to you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can you think of times God has used someone to discipline you? Were you angry with that person? The people you think are "picking on you" are often being used by God to show you changes that need to be made. Try to find out what they are, and ask God to help you do the right thing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 12:6)
For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Can you drill me on some review questions for a test, Dad?" asked Lisa one evening. Dad agreed, so Lisa handed him one of her schoolbooks.

 

Dad asked Lisa several questions. "Just a few to go," he said finally. "What's the name of the tower in Italy that leans?"

 

"The Leaning Tower of Pisa," Lisa said promptly.

 

"And how high is it?" asked Dad.

 

"About as high as a fifteen-story building in the United States," Lisa replied.

 

"Was it meant to lean?" Dad asked next.

 

"No," Lisa said. "It was supposed to stand straight."

 

"Good," said Dad, closing the book. "I can see that I'll have to make up some harder questions if I'm going to stump you. What holds up the Leaning Tower of Pisa?"

 

"Ah . . . it . . . ah . . ." After thinking for a moment, Lisa grinned. "Is God standing there holding it up?" she asked.

 

"No," said Dad, "but that's an interesting thought. There is a part of God's creation that should lean on Him for support. Do you know what part that is?" Lisa shook her head. "I'll give you a hint," Dad said, and he sang a few lines of a hymn that referred to leaning on the everlasting arms.

 

"Us!" Lisa exclaimed. "God wants Christians to lean on Him."

 

"That's right," said Dad. "God doesn't want us to be proud and think we can handle everything on our own without Him. He wants us to lean on Him -- to trust Him -- for support and direction." He paused. "I'm not sure what holds up the Leaning Tower of Pisa," he added. "Some people believe it will fall some day, but our tower of strength will never fall."

 

"So I can be 'Leaning Lisa.' That's cool," said Lisa with a smile. "I'll try to remember that. "




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you need to be tough and handle your problems alone? You don't. Jesus wants to support and help you with all the details of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 3:5)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own under-standing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"You chose last time!" yelled Deb.

 

"I did not!" argued Jill. "You did!"

 

"I guess I remember better than you," stormed Deb.

 

Jill scowled as she turned and walked to the house. She and Deb were cousins, and they lived next door to each other, but they didn't always get along very well.

 

Jill's brother Tom met her just outside the door. "What's going on?" he asked, looking at her stormy eyes. "Another argument?"

 

"Deb always wants to decide what we play," grumbled Jill. She and Tom both looked up as a line of wild geese, honking loudly, flew high overhead.

 

"I wonder what their problem is. They sound terrible," said Tom. "Maybe one of them wanted to be the boss and butted into the front of the line."

 

"Don't they take turns being leader?" asked Jill.

 

"I suppose they do," said Tom. "Maybe one of them was counting the number of times he had been the leader, and decided he wasn't getting his fair share of turns." He grinned at his sister. "I guess that's what happens when you act like a silly goose," he added.

 

They watched as the long line separated into four lines, and then merged into two. The honking became a bit more quiet, and finally the two lines merged into one long V. "I wonder which one decided what should be done," said Tom. "It takes a real leader to be able to accomplish that." The geese were honking more quietly now.

 

"A real leader," said Jill quietly. She looked over to where Deb was standing. That's what I want to be -- a leader, not a silly goose,</span> she thought. "Okay, Deb," she called. "You can decide this time."

 

She looked at Tom. He nodded approval. "Keep your feathers calm," he said.

 

"And my honking in harmony, right?" said Jill.

 

Tom heard no further squabbling that afternoon.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you always want to be the leader -- or the boss -- when you play games? God is pleased when you put others ahead of yourself. Make sure they have as many, or more chances to be first or to choose games.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 133:1)
How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jeff! Turn off that TV!" Mother's voice was stern. "A program like that with its shooting, murder, and all kinds of evil is not good for you to see. Turn it off." Grumbling, Jeff did as he was told. As he stomped angrily out of the room, he heard his mother's familiar words, "I'm only thinking of your good, Jeff."

 

"I know what's good for me," Jeff muttered as he entered his room. His small dog, Swifty, was lying curled up at the foot of the bed. Seeing his dog reminded Jeff of something else he didn't like. Dad had told him they'd have to get a chain for Swifty and keep him tied up when he was outdoors. Jeff sighed. Swifty was going to hate being tied up. The dog loved to run -- that was why Jeff had named him "Swifty" -- but now that they lived in town, he wouldn't be able to run around freely anymore.

 

When Dad came home from work, he brought a collar and chain. "Here you go, Jeff," he said. "You can fasten this chain to the clothesline. Swifty will be able to roam quite far that way."

 

Just as Jeff expected, Swifty did not like being tied, and he struggled to be free. He ran in circles and yelped piteously. At last Jeff gathered his dog up in his arms. "Please try to understand," he pleaded. "If you're running loose, you'll be picked up by the dogcatcher and maybe I'll never see you again. I'm tying you up for your own good. Trust me, Swifty. I love you and only want to do what's best for you."

 

Suddenly Jeff realized he was repeating his mother's words. He knew he had acted like Swifty -- angry and resentful. I know Mom loves me, too, he thought.  That's why she made me turn off the TV.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that parents truly do set standards for your good? Don't resent them. Abide by them. Someday you'll be glad you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 6:20)
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jenny and Mark came laughing and splashing out of the water and onto the beach near their family cabin. The cool water felt wonderful on such a warm day, but as Jenny began toweling off, she suddenly stopped laughing. She shrieked in horror and pointed at her ankle.

 

Mother came running from the cabin. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" she asked.

 

Jenny pointed at her ankle again and began to cry. "It's a leech! Get it off!" she exclaimed. "Get it off!"

 

"Calm down, honey," said Mother. "We'll take care of it. Mark, go into the cabin and get the salt shaker."

 

Mark headed off to get the salt while Jenny continued to moan and cry. Soon he was back and handed the salt shaker to Mother. "Watch this," she said. Kneeling down, she poured salt on the leech. Immediately, the slimy little black blob curled up into a ball and fell to the sand. "There. All better," said Mother. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

 

Jenny sniffed and tried to smile. "How did you know that salt would make it let go, Mom?"

 

Mother grinned. "Old trick I learned as a kid. When you live near a lake, you learn how to take care of leeches," she said, "and my Sunday School teacher taught a lesson one day that has always helped me to remember this little trick."

 

"What lesson was that?" Jenny asked.

 

"My teacher was explaining a verse in the Bible that talks about Christians being the salt of the earth," replied Mother, "and I remembered how we used salt on leeches. I told my teacher about it, and she said we can think of sin as a slimy black leech clinging to people and sucking the life out of them. We can think of ourselves as the salt that will help release those people from the sin that is stuck to them."

 

"God has to do that, doesn't He?" asked Mark.

 

Mother nodded. "Yes, but God wants us to be like salt, helping people want to be free from their sin problem. We do that by living the way God wants us to and telling them about what Jesus has done for them."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know people who need to be set free from the grip of sin? Have you told them about Jesus and His gift of salvation? As the salt of the earth, Christians need to get out God's message -- that Jesus sets sinners free.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:13)
Ye are the salt of the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"There Sarge goes again," said Randy with a sigh. "He's always barking."

 

"This bark sounds different than usual," observed Mom. "Maybe one of you boys should check it out."

 

"Aw, Mom, we're busy," protested Josh. "Besides, Sarge barks at everything -- squirrels, people walking by, cars. You name it, and he barks at it." Since Mom didn't insist, no one checked to see why Sarge was barking.

 

When Josh and Randy went out to ride their bikes that afternoon, they stopped and stared around the garage. "Where are they?" gasped Josh. "Where are our bikes?"

 

"I just can't believe it!" cried Randy. "They're gone! Who would have enough nerve to come into our garage and take our bikes right out from under our noses in broad daylight?"

 

"After all the work on our paper route and saving our money -- now this!" groaned Josh.

 

The boys rushed into the house, slamming the door behind them. "Our new bikes are gone!" they yelled. "Someone stole them!" Everyone hurried out to see for themselves that it was really true.

 

As Dad returned to the house to call the police department and report the loss, he stopped to pat Sarge. "Didn't we hear Sarge barking a couple of hours ago?" asked Dad. "He was trying to warn us, and we didn't listen to him."

 

That evening, Dad read aloud from Psalm 19. After reading the eleventh verse, he looked up. "Warnings are important," he observed. "Today Mom warned you boys to check on Sarge. You didn't. Sarge warned us about the thieves. We didn't listen. Now we see that God uses His Word not only to teach and bless us, but also to warn us. Let's be sure to listen to Him." Solemnly, the boys nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you obey when you know what God wants you to do? He may use parents or teachers to speak to you -- and He often uses the Bible. Listen to Him and obey His commands. He rewards those who obey Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:11)
By them (God's Laws) is Thy servant warned, and in keeping of them, there is great reward.

[Soldier4Christ]

After their bicycles were stolen, Randy and Josh asked all their friends and neighbors to be on the lookout for the missing bikes. They prayed about it, too -- and when Dad prayed, he even prayed for the person who had taken the bikes.

 

As they were praying one evening, Randy's thoughts wandered. I wish I could get my hands on the person who took those bikes after we worked so hard for them, he thought. He'd have a black eye and a bloody nose and . . .  He opened his eyes just then and noticed the words of the motto hanging on the wall: "Forgive and you will be forgiven." Randy struggled with his thoughts and feelings. He knew he'd like to get back at the person who had taken his bike, but he also knew God said to forgive.  Maybe God is warning me by showing me this verse, he thought.

 

Then one evening, a man and a tall, thin boy came to the house with a red bicycle. "My son Todd, here, has something to say to you," said the man.

 

"I . . . I think this is your bike," murmured Todd. "I was afraid to bring it back because I scratched it, and I was afraid you'd get the police after me. I-I'm sorry. I'll pay for it."

 

"Yep, that's mine all right," said Randy. He felt a bit of the old anger rising up as he looked at the long scratch on his new bike. Quickly, he asked the Lord to help him forgive.

 

"I saw a man put a blue bike in his truck, and when I came along, he took off," explained Todd. "That's what gave me the idea to take this one. I was just going to ride it for a while and then, well, I . . ." He paused.

 

Dad took over. "Thank you for having the courage to bring it back," he said. "We do appreciate it." Dad looked at Todd's father. "We'll leave any punishment in your hands," added Dad. "Right, Randy?"

 

"Right," agreed Randy. The anger was gone, and he happily pushed his bike into the garage.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it difficult to forgive someone who has wronged you? It isn't easy, but God tells us to forgive others as He forgives us. Ask Him to help you do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:37)
Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

[Soldier4Christ]

"All right!" exclaimed Jimmy as his mom presented him with a pair of bright, new sneakers. "They're just what I wanted!"

 

"I'm glad you like them," said Mom, "but do try to keep them clean for a while. Wear them when we go out shopping or when you go someplace where you need to look nice."

 

"Okay, Mom," agreed Jimmy as he put the new shoes on.

 

Jimmy remembered to be careful with his shoes for a while, but one day when he came into the house, they were caked with mud. "Jimmy! Look at those shoes!" scolded Mom.

 

"I'm sorry, Mom," said Jimmy. "I forgot I had them on. Mrs. Alberts needed help in her garden, and I guess I went a little bonkers with the garden hose."

 

Mom sighed, shaking her head. "It was nice of you to help her, Jimmy," she said, "but in spite of your good deed, your shoes are still dirty."

 

"Yeah." Jimmy sighed as he spoke. Then he grinned. "It's kinda like my memory verse," he said. "It says that good works are like dirty rags -- in this case, dirty sneakers."

 

"Good thinking!" Mom smiled. "Well, the Bible says that God is always willing to forgive our sins! He promises that when we confess our sins and turn to Him, He will wash us white as snow. He forgives us, and I guess I should forgive you, too."

 

"I'll try to be more careful, Mom," promised Jimmy. He looked at his shoes. "Will you make my sneakers clean again, too?" he asked.

 

"Not as clean as God can make your heart," said Mom, "but I'll do my best."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your life resemble "dirty sneakers"? Do you think you do enough good things to outweigh the bad? The Bible says the good things are never enough. Only God can cleanse your heart. Confess your sin to Him today and receive forgiveness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 64:6)
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, I told Mrs. Adams I'd help in the nursery on Mother's Day, but I really don't want to. I want to wear my new dress and be in the church service with you that morning." Kristy's expression was downcast.

 

"I know, but I'm pleased that you agreed to help --  and I'm sure the Lord is, too," said Mom as she turned from the kitchen counter toward her daughter. In her hand she held a beautiful long-stemmed crystal goblet. "Isn't this just lovely?" she said as she set it on the table with some other pieces of crystal. They were antique pieces that had once belonged to Kristy's great-grandmother, and they sparkled in the sunlight.

 

"Wow! They look like they're made of diamonds!" Kristy exclaimed admiringly. "I wish we could use them at every meal instead of just on special occasions."

 

Mom smiled. "If we did that, I'm afraid they'd soon be broken," she said, touching them gently. She placed the fragile objects in a cabinet and closed the glass doors. "Come on, honey," she said. "Let's have lunch."

 

While her mother made sandwiches, Kristy filled two glasses with milk. She took a big swallow from one and then filled it again. "I guess I like these glasses most after all," she said with a smile. "At least I don't have to worry about chipping an edge or breaking a stem."

 

Mom set a plate of sandwiches on the table. "You know, the Bible compares us to vessels," she said. "We tend to use goblets for beauty and plain water glasses for usefulness. But as vessels of the Lord, we can be both beautiful and useful. Second Timothy says that if we keep our lives clean and pure, we'll be a vessel for honor . . . 'useful to the Master and prepared for every good work.'" Mom smiled at Kristy. "Beautiful and useful," she murmured again. "Like wearing a nursery smock over a new dress."

 

Kristy laughed. "That's a good idea!" she exclaimed.

 

Mom laughed, too. "And remember, Kristy," she added, "Jesus rewards us when we work for Him. The things we do may seem ordinary to us, but they're beautiful in His sight."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to do work that isn't always to your liking? God uses -- and rewards --  those who are willing to do "ordinary" jobs, too. Jesus spent His life serving others. He is your example.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:21)
Be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Unfinished Paintings

"After staying up so late last night to study for my math test, I did terrible," said Lana as she talked on the phone. "I lost a library book, too, and got yelled at for that. I'll have to replace it if I don't find it, and . . ." Lana paused for a moment. Then . . . "Your party!" she exclaimed. "Aren't you even listening to me?" Her mother looked up from her watercolor project and frowned. "Some friend you are!" stormed Lana. "Don't you ever think about anyone besides yourself?"

Mom watched Lana slam the phone down and then yell at her three-year-old brother. "Joey, stop banging those pots! Are you trying to make me deaf?"

"Lana, don't scream at Joey." Mom raised her eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

Lana slumped into a chair. "This was the worst day ever! Now Jenna doesn't care what happens to me, either. I don't even know if we're still friends!"

Mom resumed painting. "Lana, do you remember when we went to the art show last year and watched that well-known artist as he was painting a picture?" she asked. "What did you think about his work when he first started it?"

"It looked like a bunch of pointless blotches," replied Lana. She grinned a little. "Kind of like yours," she teased, "but when it was done, it looked really good. I'm sure yours will, too."

Mom smiled. "God allows things in your life that don't look good to you right now because He isn't finished 'painting,' either," she said. "Everything you go through-even difficult days-are things He wants to use to teach you special lessons. If you'll let Him do that instead of snapping back, the final 'painting' will be a life that will glorify God-a life He can use to encourage and help others because of the things you've experienced."

"How can what happened today be of any help to anybody else?" Lana asked.

"Well, if you're with someone who's having a hard day, you'll understand how she feels and know how to pray for her better," suggested Mom.

Lana sat quietly for a few minutes. Then she stood up and walked toward the door. "Where are you going?" asked Mom.

"I have to keep looking for that library book," replied Lana, "and . . . and then I'm going to call Jenna. I think she had a bad day, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you act when you're frustrated? What is your attitude if you do poorly on a test or have a disagreement with a friend? If you have trouble at home or lose someone you love? Trust God in every situation. He knows just what is needed for your life "painting," and He'll use all your experiences to complete it. The Apostle Paul said that all the things that happened to him-and many of them were difficult-turned out to be blessings. That will be true in your life, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it. Philippians 1:6

[Soldier4Christ]

"How can you say it's time for lunch?" Darci asked her cousin Beth as they talked on the phone. "It's almost two in the afternoon. We've eaten lunch."

 

"When it's two there in New York, it's twelve noon here in Colorado," Beth replied. "We're in different time zones."

 

"Oh, that's right!" exclaimed Darci. "Well, Mom wants me to get off the phone, anyway -- so have a nice lunch."

 

The girls said goodbye, and Darci hung up the phone. Then she wandered out to the back yard where her dad was working."Give me a hand," he said as he pulled a few weeds. "Take these weeds and dump them in the compost heap."

 

"Yuck!" exclaimed Darci, turning back toward the house. "Forget it!"

 

"I asked you to help me," said Dad.

 

"I don't feel like it," Darci called over her shoulder. "I'm going to play with Jenny."

 

When Darci found herself sitting alone in her room a few minutes later, she wished she had obeyed her father, but it was too late now. She was being punished. She looked up sadly when Dad came in. "I wish we could go to Colorado," she said tearfully. "It's two hours earlier there -- twelve o'clock instead of two o'clock -- so the time I got into trouble wouldn't have happened yet. When it did get to be two o'clock, I would obey you and take care of the weeds instead of talking back. I wish I had never said I wouldn't help you."

 

Dad shook his head. "We can't go back in time," he said. "We can't make things that have happened unhappen, but we can be forgiven for the wrong we've done. You don't need to move to another time zone for that. When you let God know you're truly sorry, He'll forgive you, and I will, too." Dad smiled. "And then you can go out and take care of those weeds," he added.

 

Darci jumped up. "I will!" she exclaimed. "I really am sorry, Dad!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you wished you could go back and have another chance? You can't do that, but if you're truly sorry for something you've done, you can be forgiven. Confess your sin to God, and do what you can to make things right with other people, too.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Nathan looked up at the sound of the doorbell. "Please answer the door, Son," his mother called. She and Melissa, Nathan's sister, were putting the finishing touches on his birthday cake.

 

"Mom! There's a clown at the door!" squealed Nathan a moment later. "Come and see! Hurry!"

 

"Well, well, Mr. Clown, what brings you here?" asked Mother, coming into the room, a knowing smile on her face.

 

"Hi, there!" said the clown. "You must be the Bennett family. I'm 'Clooney the Clown,' and I'm looking for Master Nathan Bennett who is six years old today!"

 

"Wow! That's me! I'm Nathan!" exclaimed Nathan in astonishment.

 

"Well, well, well!" exclaimed the clown. "Here you go, young man." He held out a huge bunch of brightly colored balloons. Then he sang. "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! God bless you today and all the year through!" Nathan, Melissa, and Mom clapped to show their approval and appreciation.

 

Later, Nathan told his father all about it. "That clown knew it was my birthday today," said Nathan. He was still astonished over what had happened.

 

Dad smiled. "Isn't that something!" he said. "I guess someone told him about you -- but you know what? You have a special Friend who knew it was your birthday today without being told. In fact, He knew it was going to be your birthday today even before you were born."

 

"I know who you mean!" Nathan exclaimed. "You're talking about Jesus!"

 

"That's right, Nathan," agreed Dad. "He knows all about you, and He loves you very much. He knows what you like and what you don't like. He also knows what's good for you, and that's what He  wants you to have. You can always trust Him, and you can talk to Him, too, anytime and anywhere."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God is aware of what's going on in your life? You're always in His thoughts, and you're very special to Him. He knows what makes you happy; He knows what makes you sad; He knows all about you. He'll never forget you or be too busy to meet your needs.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 139:3)
Thou . . . art acquainted with all my ways.

[Soldier4Christ]

Brad jumped from seat to seat in the back of the school bus. He laughed
and joked with the boys who were harassing some girls. He joined in the teasing
and laughed loudly when a few of the boys made gestures at the passing cars.
Soon the bus driver pulled to the side of the road and scolded the boys. Brad
felt ashamed -- and when he learned that his parents would be notified, he felt
even worse. All day he worried about what they would say.


 

That evening, nothing was said about the incident either before or during dinner. Brad was glad when the evening news came on TV and Dad's full attention was given to it. The news broadcast showed a young man who had been found wandering the streets. He couldn't remember people or anything about his past -- he couldn't even remember his own name. The news reporter asked for anyone with any information to notify the police and help them identify the man.

 

"How can that be possible?" Brad asked. "We all forget some stuff, but not everything."

 

"The authorities believe this man has a condition called amnesia," explained Mom. "They think that perhaps something shocking took place and the man's brain reacted by blocking everything out."

 

"Oh, that's so sad!" exclaimed Brad's sister.

 

"But can a person really forget who he is?" asked Brad.

 

"We were wondering that very thing this afternoon when we got a call from your school principal," said Dad, looking at Brad sternly. "Do you know what he called about?"

 

"He . . . uh . . . he reported my behavior on the bus, I guess," mumbled Brad.

 

"Exactly," replied Dad. "Apparently you forgot who you were this morning. Could anyone have identified you as a Christian, Brad?"

 

"It sounds like you were suffering from spiritual amnesia," added Mom. "That is a very sad condition indeed!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember who you are? If you've accepted Jesus, you're a child of God -- a member of His family. Don't act as though you suffer from  spiritual amnesia. Remind yourself of who you are, and act accordingly!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 3:26)
For ye are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Dad!" called Jason as he pounded up the back steps and stormed into the house where his father sat reading the newspaper. "I told Mark all about Pearl Harbor, and he said I didn't know what I was talking about. Mark said it happened in Alaska, not in Hawaii! He's the one who doesn't know what he's talking about!" Jason's words exploded, hot and angry.

 

"Settle down, Son," his father said calmly. "How is it that you know so much about Pearl Harbor?"

 

"Grandpa told me! He was right there when all the enemy war planes flew over in a sneak attack on our military base -- and it wasn't in Alaska!" Jason finished emphatically.

 

"Why were you and Grandpa talking about Pearl Harbor?" asked Dad. "Did you study it in school?"

 

"I asked Grandpa for help with a Sunday school question, and he explained with one of his war stories," said Jason. "He said the attack on Pearl Harbor happened in 1941, and it took everybody by surprise. They didn't realize what was happening until it was too late. Grandpa said we're in a spiritual warfare, and that Satan sneaks up like those planes did. He makes Christians think they have plenty of time to learn about God and serve Him, but then . . . BOOM! Something bad happens, and they don't know how to handle it. The war is on, and it's too late to get prepared!" Jason's words tumbled out.

 

"Your grandfather is right," Dad agreed. "We need to be ready today -- not next week or next year -- to defend ourselves as citizens of our country and also as citizens of heaven."

 

"Yeah." Jason nodded emphatically. "I'm gonna tell Mark that he oughta start listening instead of thinking he knows everything."

 

"Careful," said Dad. "I know you've been trying to witness to Mark and get him to come to Sunday school with you, but I don't really think the way to win him to the Lord is with anger, do you?" Dad stood up and put an arm around Jason. "Be careful not to let Satan make a sneak attack on you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that Satan wants you to think you'll have plenty of time to learn about God and serve Him? Don't wait until you're older. Prepare now and start serving the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:15)
Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.