Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Right Approach

As Evan climbed into Grandpa's car, he held out a tin can. "Look, Grandpa! I dug worms for bait yesterday."

Grandpa smiled. "That's good . . . but I heard from some friends that the fish are really going for minnows lately, so I got some of those," he replied.

"Oh, they'll like these worms, too," Evan said confidently.

Later, as Evan and Grandpa sat on the cold concrete of the pier, they talked about fishing and sports and school activities. "And how's your friend Alex?" asked Grandpa. "You said you were hoping for a chance to witness to him."

"Yeah, and I've tried, Grandpa, but he never seems interested," said Evan. "He told me last week that he and some of the other guys tried smoking, so I told him that was a sin and if he were a Christian, he'd know better. He looked at me funny and walked away. He did go to church with his uncle last week, but that church doesn't teach about Jesus. I told Alex that, and I said he should come to our church because it's much better. He just got mad. I don't think he'll ever want to know about Jesus." Evan sighed as pulled his line out of the water. "And I don't think I'll ever catch any fish. You caught two, and I haven't had a nibble."

"Sure you don't want to try some of my bait?" offered Grandpa as he reeled in another fish.

"I guess I will," decided Evan. "I thought all fish liked worms, but maybe they don't."

Grandpa shook his head. "Different kinds of fish bite on different types of bait," he said. He fastened a minnow to Evan's line. "You know, Evan, the principle of using the right bait for the kind of fish you're trying to catch applies to witnessing for the Lord, too. Some people will respond to a simple, straightforward approach, but most need a gentler touch and must be won with soft words and acts of kindness."

Evan frowned. "You mean . . . like Alex, don't you?" he asked.

Grandpa nodded. "It sounds like you've been pretty blunt with him. Maybe you could attract him by inviting him to a Sunday school party or other activity where he'll enjoy himself and hear the Gospel, too." He smiled at Evan. "And don't forget-your own actions and kind words can also attract him to Jesus."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you unsure about how to witness to a friend? Do you wonder what kind of "bait" you should use? Think about that person. Is he or she a "reader" who would read a kids' tract? Someone who loves to go to parties or other "fun" events? A kid who is particularly interested in sports? A "talker"-someone who likes to discuss things or issues? There are many ways to catch a person's interest. Ask God to show you which would be the best to use in witnessing to your friend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dark Glasses

Seth and his parents laughed together. They were watching Camden-Seth's five-year-old brother-as he rode his new bicycle full speed up and down the driveway. The training wheels rattled as Camden tried to imitate a motorcycle driver. He wore his helmet and a pair of ski goggles. "Camden, it's getting dark," said Dad. "Why don't you take off those goggles?"

"No!" Camden protested. "Motorcycle drivers always wear them. I'm a motor cross racer!"

"But it's getting dark," Mom explained. "The tinted glass on the goggles keeps you from seeing clearly."

"I can see," Camden insisted. "Watch this!" He turned and raced to the end of the driveway where he made a sharp U-turn. He didn't notice the loose gravel on the cement. The bike tipped and skidded in the gravel, and Camden spilled onto the concrete, scraping his hands and knees. Seth ran to help his brother untangled himself from his bike.

When Mom removed the goggles, Camden saw blood trickling down his leg, and he began to cry. "Come on in with me," said Mom soothingly. "Let's get a bandage on that."

After Mom bandaged the cut on Camden's leg, they all sat down in the family room. "You know what Camden's accident reminds me of?" asked Seth.

"What?" asked Mom.

"My Sunday school lesson last week," said Seth. "Camden didn't see the gravel because he was wearing those dark goggles, and Mr. Potter said we don't understand everything God wants us to know-that it's like we're looking at life through dark colored glasses. We don't see all God has planned, so sometimes we mess up and fall along the way."

"Good point," agreed Dad. "We don't realize the greatness of God's love and plan for us."

"Does God love us and fix our hurts like Mommy does?" Camden asked.

Seth and Dad chuckled. "God loves us more than anything!" Dad assured him. "And someday, He will wipe away all our tears!"

Mom nodded. "Some day we'll see more clearly and understand so much more!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like you don't understand much about life and eternity? Is it hard to imagine what heaven must be like? Does it sound . . . well, a little boring even though you know it's a place of joy and beauty? That's because you can't clearly see and understand all there is to learn about God and what He has planned for His children. Trust His promise that those who know Jesus will some day understand more fully. It won't ever be boring when you see Jesus-and heaven-"face to face."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Safe in His Hands

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27-29 (NIV)

Have you ever played a game of tug of war?  It is a lot of fun, isn't it?  I brought a piece of rope this morning and I thought it would be fun to play a game of tug of war -- me against one of you.  First, I need an opponent.  Let's see, who thinks they can win a game of tug of war against me?  (Choose one of the children to be your opponent.)  I will hold onto one end of this piece of rope and "Johnny" will hold onto the other end.  When I say, "Go," we will both pull on the rope and try to pull the other person across this line on the floor.  Are you ready?  One, two, three, GO!  (Let the tug of war go on for a short time before you pull the child across the line.)

I won!  I won!  (Perhaps you might celebrate with a few "high fives" before resuming the lesson.)  Now, I know that some of you are probably thinking to yourself, "Of course you won.  You are much bigger and much stronger than any of us." Do you know what?  You're right!  It was no match.

In our Bible lesson today, a group of people were gathered around Jesus.  They asked him whether they should believe that he was the Messiah.  Jesus told them that to those who believe in him, he gives eternal life and they will never die.  "No one can snatch them from my hand," he said.  Now who would be trying to snatch God's children out of his hand?  That's right!  Satan!  It is as if there is a tug of war going on between Jesus and Satan.

The Bible tells us that the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:  He wants to destroy us, but if we put our faith and trust in God, he will care for us and hold us safely in the palm of his hand.  Satan will try to snatch us out of his hand, but Jesus said "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."

Isn't it good to know that we are safe when we put our life in God's hands?  As the Apostle Paul told Timothy, "I know the One in Whom I have put my trust. I am sure He is able to keep safe that which I have trusted to Him until the day He comes again." (2 Timothy 1:12 NLV) No one can take us from him -- not even Satan himself!  He is no match for our God!

Dear Father, we place our lives in your hands.  Hold us and protect us from the evil one.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Monster Face

"Hey, Paige, here's something you'll probably want for a pet," teased Carter. He held out a stick with a large, green caterpillar on it.

"Oh, ugh! Get that thing away from me!" exclaimed Paige. "It's scary! It's got great big eyes and an ugly monster face!"

Carter laughed. "I wonder what it is," he said. "Let's go show Dad."

When the kids went into the house, Dad looked up from his newspaper. He smiled when he saw the caterpillar. "He does look rather scary, doesn't he? But don't let that 'monster face' fool you," said Dad, taking the branch and studying the caterpillar. "Actually, it's not a face at all-just a pattern of markings. I've read that these caterpillars are designed that way to scare away birds that might want to eat them. Their real heads are on the other end. See?" Dad pointed out the difference.

Paige laughed as they peered at the caterpillar. "So he looks like a monster, but he's really just a harmless worm," she said.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Dad said. "If enough of these got into our garden, they could do a lot of damage. So he is dangerous, but not in the way you thought." Then Dad added, "You know, Satan is like this caterpillar-he's also got two sides."

"What do you mean, Dad?" asked Carter.

"Well, last night at the missions conference, we heard about what we might call the 'scary' side of Satan," Dad explained. "Dr. Franklin talked about people using witchcraft and casting magic spells."

"Yeah. That was scary-and dangerous, too," said Paige with a shiver. "But isn't Satan always scary?"

"He's always very dangerous," said Dad, "but he knows how to make himself actually look good sometimes. Instead of letting us see those scary things, he often tempts us to commit 'ordinary' sins-like lying, gossip, disobedience, pride, and even just failure to believe what God says in His Word." Dad shook his head. "Don't be fooled, kids. Sin doesn't have to look 'scary' to be dangerous!" He held out the branch. "And now you better get rid of this before your mother sees it in her house!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you're safe from Satan's influence because you don't worship idols or practice witchcraft? Don't believe it! Satan knows that even "ordinary" sins are enough to destroy your fellowship with God and to keep you from doing His will. Never think that any sin is harmless!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Battery Power

"I can stay till four-thirty," Marisa told Sara as she looked at the watch on her wrist. "It's only twenty-five minutes after three, so we have over an hour."

"Good!" Sara grinned. "That's a cool watch you've got," she added.

"Yeah," agreed Marisa. "My grandma gave it to me for my birthday."

"Well, what shall we do? Want to help me with a scrapbook my grandma gave me?" asked Sara. "She gave me stickers, too. We can make some pretty pages."

"Okay," replied Marisa. "We have lots of time."

Soon the girls had papers, stickers, scissors, pictures and scraps spread all over the family room. They were having a great time when Sara's father walked through the room. "Hi, girls," he said. "Having fun?"

"Sure are," Marisa replied. As he left, she turned to Sara. "Your dad's home early today, isn't he?" asked Marisa. She looked at her watch. "It's only twenty-five after three." She looked at her watch again. "Twenty-five after three! That's what it said before. My watch must have stopped! I've got to get home." Marisa grabbed her schoolbooks and ran out the door.

Marisa's mom was hanging up the phone as Marisa ran into the kitchen. "Sara called to tell me why you'd be late," Mom told her. The clock on the wall said five-fifteen.

"I'm sorry!" said Marisa quickly, holding out her arm. "My watch is broken!"

"That's what Sara said." Mom checked the watch. "It probably just needs a new battery."

Mom was right, and when she got the new battery, Marisa was delighted to have her watch running as good as ever. "Batteries always remind me of God's power," Mom said thoughtfully. "The watch needs the battery's power to give the right time, and we need God's power through the Holy Spirit to able to do the right things."

"And we have the Holy Spirit, haven't we?" asked Marisa.

"Yes," agreed Mom. "Jesus told the disciples that when He returned to His Father, the Holy Spirit would come. He lives within all who trust in Jesus as Savior, and He gives them power to do right." She grinned as she added, "So . . . no excuses for doing wrong things!"

Marisa grinned back. "Okay, Mom," she said. "I'll remember that!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have the Holy Spirit's power in your life? You do, if you know Jesus as your Savior. Do you still sometimes feel like you just can't help joining the other kids in doing something wrong? Do temptations-like skipping your chores, telling a lie to get out of trouble, or committing some other sin-seem too strong to resist? When that happens, you are not yielding your will and your life to the Holy Spirit. When you're tempted, go to God in prayer. His power is available to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do you not know that . . . the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 Cabbage Patch What?

"I'm glad you came to help me today, Danielle," said Aunt Meg as the two of them explored the cluttered attic. They chatted and laughed at their discoveries as they sorted through boxes and trunks, getting ready for a garage sale. Aunt Meg picked up a box."I think my old Cabbage Patch Doll should be around here somewhere," she said.

"What's a Cabbage Patch Doll?" Danielle asked. As she spoke, she reached into a trunk and lifted out a doll. "Oh, is this it?" she asked eagerly.    

"It sure is-my little Rosie!" exclaimed Aunt Meg. "I played with her all the time when I was your age." She held out her arms for the doll and settled its soft body into the crook of her arm like a real baby. Its round, brown face smiled up at her.

"These dolls were very popular," said Aunt Meg. "They came with birth certificates or adoption papers, and we were crazy about them. Rosie was a birthday gift from my parents." She looked at the doll thoughtfully. "I still remember a message our pastor gave the Christmas before I got Rosie," continued Aunt Meg. "People stood in line for hours and paid big money to buy these dolls. Pastor  Burns warned that they would eventually lose their appeal and popularity. He reminded us that material possessions can never bring fulfillment and lasting joy. Only Jesus can satisfy our hearts-and the gift He offers is free." She handed the doll back to Danielle. "Pastor Burns was right. Nobody gets excited about these dolls anymore-nor about a lot of other things that once were popular. Look at all the stuff in this attic." She smiled. "But I still get excited when I think about Jesus and all He's done for me!" she added.

Danielle looked at the doll. "Rosie is nice," she said, "but I can't believe you and your friends got all excited over . . . over something like this!"

Aunt Meg's eyes twinkled. "Oh, I think I know someone who has a pretty large collection of Beanie Babies," she teased, "and they're not as popular as they once were, either. Do you want to sell them at our garage sale?"

"Not yet," Danielle admitted with a giggle.

"Dolls and toys and other goods change continually," said Aunt Meg, "but Jesus is always the same. He's a gift we can both get excited about!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have toys or games that have lost their appeal? Are there other popular possessions that you wish you could buy or receive as gifts? Material things can satisfy for only a brief time. You soon grow tired of them, or they become outdated. Don't forget that the greatest gift of all is the salvation Jesus offers. It's absolutely free, it will never be outdated, and it brings joy that lasts forever! Accept His gift today! (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

"Can I ride Courtney's new tricycle while she takes a nap?" Whitney asked her mother.
Mom shook her head. "I think you're too big for it, honey," she said as Whitney ran to answer the phone.
A few minutes later, Whitney held her hand over the mouthpiece. "Mom, Jamie wants to know if I can go to the mall with her. Can I, please?" she asked eagerly. "Her mom will take us and pick us up."
"I'm sorry, honey," said Mom. "You'll have to wait a few more years to go to the mall with your friends."
Whitney frowned as she hung up the phone. "You let Hillary go to the mall with her friends, but I can't go with mine. I'm too little to go to the mall, and I'm too big to ride the tricycle," she complained. "I'm stuck in between. I never have any fun."
"Sure you do," said Mom. "It's lunchtime, and I know you enjoy working in the kitchen. How about making a couple of sandwiches for us?"
Whitney walked to the cupboard, pulled out a loaf of bread, and banged the peanut butter jar on the counter. Knives clattered, and two spoons "jumped" to the floor when she jerked a drawer open. "I hate being the middle kid!" she grumbled. "I'm always too little or too big."
Mom watched her for a moment. "Honey, why are you putting peanut butter and jelly on the bread?" asked Mom. "Why not make sandwiches without any filling?" 
"You mean . . . use just plain bread?" asked Whitney. "I want something besides bread and butter!"
Mom smiled. "Filling is an important part of the sandwich," she agreed. "I think that, in a way, God gave me a special, wonderful 'sandwich.' He gave me Hillary and Courtney for my two special 'pieces of bread.' He gave me you for my 'filling.'"
Whitney leaned against the counter and thought about Mom's words. Then she spread peanut butter on a piece of bread and covered it with jelly. She put another piece of bread on top of the jelly and placed the sandwich on a plate. Mom leaned down and gave her a hug. "Careful, Mom," said Whitney with a grin. "Don't squeeze your 'filling' too hard."
 
Philippians 4:11-13


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you feel about your place in the family? Do you wish you were older or younger? Do you wish for things that can't be changed? God put you in a special place, and it's a place only you can fill. With His help, you can discover the good things about it, be content in it, and enjoy it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:11)
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[Soldier4Christ]

For the first time in his life, Jason really listened to the evening sermon. "Now is the time to come to Jesus," said Pastor Derks. "Later may be too late." But Jason just didn't want to give in. The other kids might laugh, he thought, and besides, I'm still so young. There should be plenty of time later. The service ended, and Jason had not accepted the Lord.
The next day, Jason played soccer in gym class. He was the best player in his class, and he was sure his team would win easily. But Jason failed to make any good plays. The other team got ahead, two to nothing.
There was just over a minute left to play when Jimmy, one of Jason's teammates, came from out of nowhere and skillfully stole the ball from the opponent. He darted left and right and made a goal. The score was now two to one.
Mr. Berg, the gym teacher, was looking at his stopwatch and holding his whistle in his mouth, ready to signal the end of the game, when Jimmy again made a terrific steal. This time, Jimmy passed the ball to Jason, who was standing right in front of the goal. "Kick it in!" Jimmy shouted.
"Come on, Jason! Tie the score!" another teammate yelled. Jason swung his leg and kicked, but he moved a little too late. The ball rolled uselessly off to the side of the goal just as Mr. Berg blew his whistle to end the game.
"Your timing was off today, Jason," Mr. Berg said later.
"Yeah," mumbled Jason. With good timing, he could have tied the score for his team. Suddenly, he thought of something else. What if I have bad timing -- like Pastor Derks said last night -- and wait too long to accept Jesus as my Savior? The other boys had left the locker room, but Jason stayed behind and bowed his head to quietly tell the Lord of his decision to accept Him right away.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you trusted Jesus as Savior? The Bible warns that some day it will be too late to do that. Don't wait until you're older. Now is the time to accept Jesus as Savior.

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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, can I go to The Burger Palace with Kyle and his sister Allison?" asked Alex. "Allison says she'll treat us to lunch!" Mom smiled and agreed that he could go.
They got their food, and Allison led the way to a table by a window. She glanced at Alex's tray. "Don't you want anything to drink?" she asked.
"Well, I'd like some milk if that's okay," replied Alex.
"Sure," said Allison. She set her tray down. "Sit here," she said to Kyle and Alex. "I'll get the milk."
The two boys sat down, and Kyle took a big bite of his hamburger. He looked at Alex. "Why aren't you eating?" he asked.
Alex hesitated. His family always prayed before they ate, no matter where they were, but he was afraid Kyle would laugh if he did that. Maybe the people at the other tables would, too. "Uh . . . I'll wait for my milk," he said.
It seemed to take a long time, and he was relieved when Allison returned to the table. "Here's your milk," she said. She sat down and unfolded her napkin. Alex waited for her to bow her head. She didn't. She sipped her orange pop and added ketchup to her hamburger. Then she took a bite.
Alex couldn't wait much longer. He glanced at Kyle and Allison to see if they were watching. They were, but Alex bowed his head anyway. He looked at his shoes for a moment. Then he shut his eyes. "Thank You, Jesus, for the food," he prayed silently. "Amen."
When Alex looked up, Kyle was staring at him. Then Kyle turned to his sister. "Hey, Allison, we forgot to pray," he said.
Allison nodded her head. "We'll remember next time," she promised. She grinned at Alex. "You made me think of Daniel when he prayed by an open window," she said. "Even though he knew he'd be thrown in the lions' den for praying, he didn't shut the window to keep people from seeing him. We shouldn't be afraid to let people know we pray, either."
Alex popped a French fry in his mouth. "I didn't see any lions, but I was a little scared," he admitted.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you pray even when someone is watching? Why not at least bow your head and silently thank the Lord before you eat? Some kids may laugh. Others may gain the courage to thank God, too. Be like Daniel -- unashamed to pray in public -- and honor God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 2:
I will therefore that men pray every where.

[Soldier4Christ]

It was a warm day, and Dad had just finished rototilling the family garden plot. "Look at that dirt!" exclaimed Emily. "It looks like rivers of chocolate!" She flashed a smile at her Dad. "Can Tim and I walk in it, Dad? Please?"
"I suppose," said Dad with a smile.
In no time, Emily and Tim had their shoes and socks off and were enjoying the feeling of the soft, warm earth between their toes. "Hey, look!" shouted Emily. "Here's an earthworm!" She held it up and quoted a poem she had heard at school. "I fry, I stew, I bake, and I boil, but I never stop eating that good old soil!" She waved the worm under her brother's nose.
"Hey, cut it out!" objected Tim.
"Okay, you guys," said Dad with a smile. "That's enough of that. But you know what? God has something to say to us through this worm. And your little poem was on the right track, Emily."
"It was?" Tim and Emily were surprised.
Dad nodded. "The earthworm labors faithfully," he said. "As it passes soil through its body, it receives nourishment, and the quality of the soil is improved. Millions of acres of the earth's topsoil are loosened, or plowed, in this way. Even though we don't see earthworms at work, they're busy at it. That earthworm is a good example of a faithful worker."
"But, Dad, a worm doesn't decide to be faithful," said Tim. "It just does what earthworms do."
"Well, we can choose to be faithful," replied Dad, "and sometimes God asks us to be faithful in the hidden places -- places where no one notices or is there to praise us. In those times, our love for God will help us do what is right."
Emily smoothed dirt over the worm. "Thanks, faithful friend," she said. "Keep working so we can have some good sweet corn!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faithful in the things God has given you to do? Do you carefully do your chores even if nobody notices? Do you follow God's commands to show love to others whether anyone notices or not? God sees even into the hidden places. He will bless and reward you when you're faithful to Him. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 28:20)
A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

[Soldier4Christ]

"It's not that I don't love you," Beth told her parents. "It's just that all adopted kids wonder why their mothers gave them up."
Putting down the newspaper, her father nodded. "Actually, we don't know much more than you do about your birth mother," he said. "In addition to medical information, we were told that your mother asked that you be placed in a Christian home and that your first or middle name be Elizabeth."
Just then Beth's sister, Carla, burst into the room. "Beth, you've got to do something about that overgrown puppy of yours," she declared. "He just chewed holes in my favorite shoes!"
Dad sighed. "We should have known that Skipper would grow too big for our small house and yard," he said. "We've talked about this before, and the workers at the animal shelter have assured us that they can place him in the kind of home he needs -- on a farm, or at least in a home with a large area where he can run." Dad put an arm around Beth. "Don't you think it's time to find him a new home, honey?" he asked.
Just then, Skipper pranced into the room carrying one of Beth's socks. "Oh, Skipper," cried Beth, "I love you too much to give you up." 
"Love sometimes means sacrifice, Beth," said Dad. "Don't you think Skipper would be happier with more room to run and grow?" Reluctantly, Beth admitted that the dog had outgrown his home.
A few days later, Dad drove Beth and Skipper to an animal shelter. When they got there, Beth unsnapped Skipper's leash and gave him one last hug before he was led away. Her eyes kept blurring with tears as she filled out a form she was given. 
On the way home, Beth said, "You're right, Dad. Love does mean sacrifice. As I filled out that form, I realized that twelve years ago my birth mother must have filled out a form something like that for me."
"Just like you want a better life for Skipper," Dad said gently, "she wanted a better life for you."
"She wanted me to be in a wonderful Christian home," said Beth, "and I am!" She gave Dad a big hug.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone sacrificed to give you a better, happier life? That's what real love does. Are you willing to sacrifice for those you love? Do you love God enough to give up your own desires in order to please Him? Ask Him to help you do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:10)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

Nikki pointed at her cat. "Look at Kitty crouching under the bushes," she said.
"She sees the doves looking for seeds underneath the bird feeder," said Dad. "She'd like to ambush them."
"That means to make a surprise attack on them from a hiding place, doesn't it?" asked Nikki. Just then the cat sprang toward the birds. The doves quickly flew away, and the cat was left to smell the empty birdseed shells. "I'm glad they got away," said Nikki. "They're pretty smart. I think they know there's a cat in this yard, so they watch out for him while they eat."
Dad nodded. "They're good teachers for us," he said. Seeing Nikki's surprised expression, he explained. "That cat reminds me that Satan likes to hide and then spring out at us when we least expect it. We need to be alert because we know that Satan is always looking for ways to get us to sin."
The next day, the cat again caught Nikki's attention. "Come see what Kitty's doing now," Nikki called to her dad.
Dad laughed when he saw Kitty, her tail up, slowly walking across the patio toward the doves. "It looks like she's trying to pretend she's their friend and won't hurt them," he said. "That's another lesson from Kitty. Satan pretends he's a friend, too, but he's still trying to fool us into following him and disobeying Jesus."
The birds again flew away when Kitty got too close. "Good!" said Nikki. "Kitty didn't fool them at all."
Dad nodded. "God gave them an instinct -- a natural ability -- to sense danger and escape it."
"I wish we had an instinct to get away from Satan," said Nikki.
"When we belong to Jesus, we have something even better," replied Dad. "We have the Holy Spirit living within us to warn us of danger and to guide us and help us know how to escape. We also have God's Word -- the Bible."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you aware of Satan's efforts to get you to do wrong? Prepare for his attacks by reading your Bible every day and obeying God's commands. When the Holy Spirit makes you uncomfortable about something, don't shrug off the warning. Ask God to help you resist Satan and escape the temptation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 5:9)
Whom (Satan) resist stedfast in the faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come along, kids. We're going on a hike," said Dad.
Logan looked up in surprise. "Now?" he asked. "A hike at night! Cool!"
Ashley wasn't so sure it was a good idea. "It's awfully dark," she said. "I hope we don't get lost."
"We won't," said Dad, "and we'll take flashlights so we can see the path."
"Okay," agreed Ashley. "Are you coming, too, Mom?"
"I sure am," said Mom, and with the help of flashlights, they were soon walking along the path in the dark. They enjoyed hearing the night sounds and watching for birds and animals that ventured out at night.
"Which way should we go?" asked Logan when they came to a fork in the trail. "Where are we going?"
"I don't know," said Mom. "This hike is Dad's idea."
"We'll take the left path here," said Dad.
Whenever they had to decide which way to go, Dad made the decision for them. "We'll soon be back at our campsite," said Dad before long.
"We will?" asked Ashley, shining her flashlight all around. "Good thing you know where we're going. I have no idea where we are! Are you sure we're not lost, Dad?"
Dad chuckled. "Trust me," he said. As he predicted, they were soon back at their campsite.
"That was awesome!" declared Logan. "It was fun to use the flashlights. Let's go hiking every night."
"This night hike gives a good illustration of the meaning of a verse you kids memorized for Bible club last week," said Mom.
"You mean . . . the verse about God's Word being a lamp to our feet, right?" asked Logan.
Mom nodded. "The flashlights lit up a little of our path at a time -- just enough to see a few steps ahead," she explained, "and God's Word lights our path through life -- a few steps at a time. It doesn't show us the whole path at once."
"Right," agreed Dad. "I knew where we were going tonight, but you didn't. You had to trust me, and we need to trust God as He uses His Word to light the way for us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you using your "flashlight " -- the Bible -- as a guide through life? It gives many principles to show how you should live. Obey  God's directions and trust Him. He has a plan for your life and will show it to you, a little at a time, as you obey Him.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Brian felt happy. Just that evening, he had decided to accept Jesus as his Savior. It was good to know he was part of the family of God, along with his parents and grandparents and some friends at church.
Of course, my friends at school . . . The thought of them made Brian's smile disappear like snow on a sunny day. Pete and Mike don't even go to church. Will they still want to be my friends when they find out I'm a Christian? wondered Brian.
The three boys had played together since first grade and had always been in the same classroom at school. There was Pete, the practical joker, and Mike, the story teller. In fact, they all liked to tell funny stories -- and as Brian thought of that, he realized that sometimes those stories were not the kind any of them would want to tell their mothers!
Maybe I shouldn't tell Pete and Mike that I accepted Jesus, thought Brian as he got ready for school the next morning.
"Come and eat, Brian," called Mom. "Your eggs are getting cold."
Brian slumped into his chair and took a few bites of toast. "I'm not very hungry," he said.
At school, Brian shuffled to his seat just as the bell rang. Pete waved and pointed to a plastic spider he had put on the shoulder of the girl in front of him. Brian pretended not to see him. Good old Pete; he'll do anything for a laugh, thought Brian, but he didn't feel like laughing.
At noon, he was unusually quiet as the boys ate their lunches. "Hey, Brian, know any new stories?" Mike asked. Mike laughed as he added, "I've got one that will knock your socks off!"
Brian squirmed and took a big breath. He suddenly knew this was the right time to tell them what had happened in his life. "Yeah, guys, I have a brand new story." He spoke quickly before he lost his nerve. "You'll never guess what happened at church last night. . . ."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you using your "flashlight " -- the Bible -- as a guide through life? It gives many principles to show how you should live. Obey God's directions and trust Him. He has a plan for your life and will show it to you, a little at a time, as you obey Him. 


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"You'll never believe what Karl did in school today," announced Eric. He reached for a dinner roll and took a big bite.
"What did he do this time?" asked Dad. Eric's family was getting used to hearing about Karl every night at dinner.
"First, he got sent to the principal for having some of the words written on his hand during our spelling test," said Eric. "Then when he came back, he wrote a nasty poem about Mrs. Sanderson and passed it to the kid in front of him. He got caught and had to go to the principal again!" Eric rolled his eyes. "I would never do the things he does," he added.
Just then Eric's little brother Robby bumped his glass, knocking it over. Milk ran across the table and down into Eric's lap. "Hey, you creep!" yelled Eric. "These are my new jeans!"
"You don't need to yell, Eric," said Dad sternly as Eric jumped up and Robby began to cry. "It was an accident. And do not call your brother names!"
"Well, that's what he is," muttered Eric as he went to change his jeans.
"You know, Eric," said Dad when Eric returned to the table, "you've been telling us that you would never do the things Karl does, but it seems to me you and Karl have the same problem."
Eric was stunned. "What do you mean?" he demanded. "I'm not like Karl at all."
Dad nodded. "Yes, you are," he said. "After all, what's worse -- cheating on a test or losing one's temper? Writing a nasty poem or calling someone nasty names?"
Eric's face turned red. "Sorry, Robby," he mumbled.
Dad smiled. "The Bible warns us not to judge others when there's sin in our own lives. It calls our own sin a 'plank in our eye,' and it calls sin we see in the lives of others a 'speck,'" he said. "Let's carefully examine our lives and ask God to help us get rid of any sin we find there -- and let's leave the judging to God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you have a hard time admitting your sins? Ask God to show you when you have done wrong. Ask Him to forgive you and help you overcome sin -- and leave the judging of others to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:5)
First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.