Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

One day, Greg noticed that two of his friends, Randy and Bob, were passing notes back and forth in their classroom at school. They better watch it, thought Greg. Mrs. Barnes said that anybody caught passing notes would have to stay in at recess. Greg decided to warn the other boys, so he wrote a note reminding them to be careful. 
As Greg slipped his note to Randy, Mrs. Barnes looked up. "Greg, you will stay in at recess time today," she said sternly. "Randy and Bob, you will also stay in at recess -- I've noticed you passing notes, too." So stay in they did!
That evening, Greg complained about his punishment. "All I wrote was one little note!" he said. "The other guys wrote a whole lot more."
"But you did write and pass a note, so you did deserve the punishment, didn't you?" asked Mom. Greg had to admit that was true.
"As you stayed in, did you find any comfort in the fact that you were not, as you say, as bad as the other boys?" Dad asked.
Greg shook his head. "Not really," he said.
"I didn't think so," said Dad. "What happened to you at school reminds me of Pastor Watson's message last Sunday. He pointed out that some people think they're not so bad -- and maybe they really aren't as bad as someone else. But God says that no one is good. All of us deserve to be punished and cannot enter heaven unless we accept Jesus as Savior."
Mom nodded. "When a person stands guilty before God, the thought that someone else was worse than he was will be of no comfort at all," she said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Is this time a "good time" in your life? Is God blessing you with happy times and pleasant circumstances? Then use this time to praise and thank Him and to get to know Him better. Is this a "hard time" in your life? Then draw upon the spiritual truths you've stored up.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:16)
I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy word.

[Soldier4Christ]

At dinner one evening, Shawn was eager to share what he had learned about ants. "A book I got at the library says that every ant has a job to do in the ant community," Shawn told his family. "It says that some ants are nurses, and they care for the ant eggs and baby ants. Some are builders. Some are guards. Some are farmers who harvest seeds and plant mushrooms. Some are cowboys who find tiny green aphids and milk them by stroking them for the sweet liquid they give. They even build tiny clay barns for the aphids, and protect them from other harmful insects."
"Do they ride horses, too?"asked his sister, Emma.
"I don't think so," said Shawn, "but guess what else? The book says that some ants have drinking problems! A certain kind of beetle comes to their nest and squirts an intoxicating liquor onto the hairs of its back. The ants lick the stuff off the hairs, and it makes them drunk."
"Really?Then what happens?" asked Emma.
"The beetles steal the ants' eggs and larvae," said Shawn, "but the ants are so drunk, they don't notice. Their work doesn't get done, their babies die, and the ant community becomes a ghost town."
"No way!" exclaimed Emma, "I didn't know animals -- and especially insects -- could get drunk! Those beetles must know how to make that stuff they squirt seem attractive."
Shawn was startled. Emma's words made him think of TV
ads he had seen recently -- ads for alcoholic beverages. The commercials on
television showed pretty girls and good?looking young men drinking, laughing,
and having fun. His folks always said that drinking alcohol caused many problems
and heartaches, but it didn't look that way on TV. Are those ads right? wondered
Shawn. He knew the answer. The ants were deceived by the beetles, and many
people were deceived by the TV commercials and alcohol. I'm not going to be one
of them! thought Shawn. Not me!



HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you fooled by the way drinking alcohol is glamorized on TV? Do you think about where that lifestyle could lead you? God warns about its dangers. Listen to His warnings.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 20:1)
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, can I sleep over at Brandon's house tomorrow night?" asked Jimmy as he and his father tossed a Frisbee back and forth in the back yard. "He's a new kid at school."
Dad shook his head. "You know the rule, Jimmy," he said. "You can't go to someone's house until Mom or I have met him and at least one of his parents."
"Aw, come on -- just this once?" begged Jimmy. "You'll like him. He's a nice guy." Dad again shook his head.
Jimmy pouted. "Why do we have to have so many rules?" he grumbled.
Just then a couple of boys rode by on their bicycles. Jimmy's dog, Sheba, barked at them and ran along the edge of the lawn, stopping abruptly where her yard met the neighbor's yard. Jimmy grinned. "Good girl!" he called to the dog. "We've got Sheba well?trained, haven't we, Dad?"
"Yes," said Dad. "She knows just where her boundaries are, and she doesn't go one step beyond them. Staying within the limits keeps her safe, doesn't it?"
"Sure does," agreed Jimmy as he patted his dog. "If she didn't stay within the limits, she might get into trouble with the neighbors. She might even go out on the road and get hit by a car."
"It's sort of like that with the rules in our family," said Dad, "and with God's rules, too. We may not always like them, but they're there to protect us. Okay?"
Jimmy sighed. "Okay," he agreed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you get frustrated with rules your family has? One of God's rules is that you are to obey your parents. Discuss family rules and learn how they protect you. Thank God for the boundaries He provides through your parents.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:20)
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Pastor Banks says he's going to preach about the Trinity, so he asked me to practice this song for Sunday morning," Kelsey announced, showing her mother some music. "I don't even know what the 'Trinity' means," Kelsey added. 
"It means that God the Father, God the Son -- that's Jesus -- and God the Holy Spirit are three persons, yet they are One God," explained Mother. "The word Trinity isn't found in the Bible, but the idea of God in three Persons is found in several places."
Just then the doorbell rang. Aunt Lilliana, Mom's sister, had come to ask for help with her bookkeeping, so Kelsey practiced her song while Mom and Aunt Lilliana worked.
Aunt Lilliana had just left when Dad hurried into the room. "Honey, could you help me?" he asked Kelsey's mother. "A button just popped off this shirt. Could you please sew it on for me?" Mom gladly agreed.
Kelsey frowned as she waited and thought about the explanation of the Trinity her mother had given her. By the time Mom bustled into the room again, a smile replaced Kelsey's frown.
Mom reached for her Bible. "Now," she said, "let's see if I can find some verses and think of an example to help you understand the Trinity."
Kelsey laughed. "I think I've got the idea," she said. "You're a good example yourself."
"Me!" exclaimed Mom, looking puzzled.
Kelsey nodded. "You're just one person," she said, "but you're Aunt Lilliana's sister, Dad's wife, and my mother! As a sister, wife, and mother, you do different things for all three of us, but you're still just one you! One, two, three -- simple as can be!"
Mom laughed. "Good for you," she said. "Like every other illustration I've heard, the one you're suggesting isn't perfect. God is unique -- He's really beyond our complete understanding -- but I'm glad to see that you're thinking it through."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are there times when you've tried to follow the examples in the Bible, and your friends didn't understand you or made fun of you? God always understands. Ask Him to help you when things don't work out, and continue to share.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 3:11)
He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none.

[Soldier4Christ]

Tom, who was leafing through a magazine, laughed out loud. "There's a picture in here of a funny?looking toad," he said. He laughed again. "Hey, it looks just like Clark Webster! Look at those beady eyes and those big feet. If that toad had messed?up hair, he'd be the spitting image of Clark!"
"Tom, that's not very nice," scolded Dad. "Instead of making fun of Clark, you should try to help him."
"Fat chance!" exclaimed Tom. "When I have anything to do with him . . . well, that'll be the day!"
"That's enough, Thomas," said Dad sternly. "Clark may not be exactly like you are, but he is your brother in Christ."
As Tom continued flipping pages, he saw an article on conjoined -- or Siamese -- twins, twins that are joined together and share some body parts. He read a little. "Hey, Dad, have you ever heard of the original Siamese twins?" he asked. "They were called Chang and Eng."
Dad nodded. "In college I did a study on twins," he said.
"It says here that Chang and Eng were joined at the waist," said Tom. "One was taller than the other. They had different personalities, too. Chang had a bad temper, but Eng didn't."
"And that's not all," said Dad. "Sometimes they fought and wouldn't speak to each other for long periods of time."
"Wow, that would be awful!" said Tom. "Imagine -- both in the same body and not able to get along."
"Yes -- a little like some members of the Body of Christ," observed Dad.
Tom knew that the "Body of Christ" referred to all Christians, and he felt ashamed as he remembered his remarks about Clark. Neither he nor Dad said anything for a few moments, but Tom made a decision. "Hey, Dad, remember when I said, 'When I have anything to do with Clark Webster, that'll be the day'?" he asked. Dad nodded. "Well . . . today's the day!" announced Tom. He walked over to the telephone, looked up Clark's phone number, and began dialing it.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Would you be embarrassed if a Christian with messed?up hair and tattered clothing wanted to be your friend? All believers are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Love them as Jesus does. Think of someone who is unappealing to other kids and see what you can do to help him or her.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 4:11)
If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why are Daddy's golf clubs by the door?" asked Mark one afternoon.
"Mom's selling them," answered his sister Ashley.
"Selling them?" Mark's voice rose. "Daddy will want them when he comes back."
"Stop dreaming," said Ashley. "He's not coming back."
"He is so," said Mark. 
"Well, Mom's selling those," said Ashley with a shrug. "She needs the money." Mark rushed to his room and slammed the door. His dad seemed farther away than ever.
The following day, Mark went to play at the home of his friend Sam. "Guess what?" said Sam when he met Mark at the door. "My dad gave me his old toy train!"
"Cool!" exclaimed Mark. 
Sam's dad helped the boys put the train together. Mark enjoyed having him work with them, but it made him jealous to watch Sam with his dad. Suddenly Mark picked up a piece of track and threw it. Then he banged his fists on the carpet. Sam's father put his hand gently on Mark's shoulder. "Would you like to talk about it?" he asked.
"No," yelled Mark. Then he changed his mind. "Mom's selling Dad's golf clubs," he said with a sob.
"I'm so sorry," said Sam's dad, "and I think I understand. When I was your age, my parents got divorced, too. I didn't want my dad's things sold or given away. I thought he'd come back home, but he never did."
"My dad will come home," insisted Mark. He wished he could really believe that.
"I hope so. I know the emptiness you feel," said Sam's father. He handed Mark a tissue. "Do you know the Heavenly Father, Mark? Do you know Jesus? If you'll accept Jesus into your life, God will make you His child. Not having your earthly father with you does leave an empty spot, but it helps to know your Heavenly Father is always with you. You can talk to Him anytime, anywhere."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Is there an empty spot in your life because a parent is missing? Do you know the Heavenly Father? You need Him whether you live with an earthly father or not. Ask Him today to come into your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 27:10)
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

[Soldier4Christ]

Drops of rain glittered on the lawn, and the wet grass felt good to Jon's bare feet. The ground was muddy, but he liked the way it felt on his toes. As he inspected the garden, he was careful to keep off rows of newly planted vegetables.
"We have to leave in five minutes," called Mom. "Come and put on your shoes and socks." Jon hurried through the kitchen to the bathroom. "Jon, you're making tracks on my clean floor!" Mom scolded. "There isn't time to clean it now, but when we get back home, you'll have to take care of it."
"Sorry," mumbled Jon. He quickly grabbed a towel and rubbed his feet with it. The mud left streaks on the towel. Good thing Mom doesn't see this! he thought.
As they started out, a little blue van sped around them, almost hitting a green truck. "Look, Mom," said Jon. "The bumper sticker on that van says, 'If it feels good, do it.' I guess it feels good to him to take chances, but I bet it won't feel good any more if he has an accident or gets a ticket."
"I think you're right," agreed Mom. She glanced at Jon. "Did it feel good to you to play in the mud this morning?"
"Well . . . yes," said Jon, "but I didn't mean to make more work for you. Honest."
"I know," said Mom, "but it will still be your job to clean the floor when we get home. That may not feel so good."
Jon sighed. "Is everything that feels good wrong?"
Mom shook her head. "Of course not," she said. "Don't get the idea that God doesn't want you to have any fun. Lots of things that feel good are fine -- eating, singing, running, and playing -- but there are also things that will always be wrong. The criteria for right and wrong is not how it feels to us, but how God feels about it." She grinned at Jon as she added, "Actually, it wasn't wrong to play in the mud, though you should have been more careful about tracking it in."
"I get it," said Jon. After a moment he asked, "Mom, how do I get mud out of a towel?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Have you heard the phrase, "If it feels good, do it"? That's not what God says. Follow His teaching, no matter how it feels. Doing wrong things won't make you feel good in the end. Doing right things will.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:17)
Trust . . . God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Aimee stirred her cup of hot chocolate. "Why the sad face?" she asked when her little sister came in.
"No reason," replied Alexa. She looked at the floor.
"Want some hot chocolate?" asked Aimee.
"No thanks," murmured Alexa. She fidgeted uneasily on her chair. "We cut across Mr. Jordan's lawn on the way home from school," she blurted out at last.
Aimee set her cup down. "You did!" she exclaimed. "You know that makes him angry. Why did you do that?" 
"Well, the kids say there isn't anything wrong with taking a short cut and that Mr. Jordan has to learn not to be so cross," said Alexa, her eyes downcast. She paused, then added, "So it must be okay."
"Now how do you figure that?" Aimee asked gently.
"They're older than me," replied Alexa.
"And that means they know more and are always right?" asked Aimee. Alexa's shoulders drooped lower, but she nodded her head. Aimee looked thoughtful. "Are you sure you don't want hot chocolate?" she asked. "The water's finally cold enough."
Alexa wrinkled her brow. "You mean the water's hot enough," she corrected her sister.
"No. It's cold enough," said Aimee. "I'll get it." Alexa followed Aimee into the kitchen and watched her take a pitcher of ice water out of the fridge.
"Aimee, it's supposed to be hot chocolate," protested Alexa. "The water has to be hot!"
"Really, Alexa, you should listen to me," scolded Aimee. "I'm older. That means I'm right!" For the first time since coming in, Alexa smiled. Aimee smiled, too, as she sat down across from Alexa. "Can you see that 'older' doesn't always mean right?" asked Aimee. "Do you remember what Pastor said Sunday?"
Alexa's brow furrowed. "He said that no matter how old or young we are, we can know and do what God says is right."
"Yes, and that includes you, Sis," replied Aimee.She smiled as she hugged Alexa. "Now, how about some hot chocolate? Or would you prefer to apologize to Mr. Jordan first?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you tempted to do wrong things because older friends say they aren't wrong? If the Bible says it's wrong, don't do it, no matter what older friends say. Do what's right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 4:12)
Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, no! My snack is ruined," sputtered Jill when her slice of bread with jelly fell and landed upside down on the floor. "And now I have to clean the floor, too. This is just terrible." She looked as if she were ready to cry.
"Oh, come on, sis. Lighten up," encouraged her older sister. "I'll help you." Jordyn started to clean up the mess. "This isn't so bad -- there are a hundred worse things that could happen." But Jill continued to moan about it -- and about several other things that had happened that day. "Lighten up," Jordyn told her again. "You always see the worst side of everything that happens!"
On Sunday, Jill's teacher arrived just on time. "Everything went wrong this morning, but I made it!" exclaimed Mrs. Perkins as she removed her coat. She glanced down. "Oh, no! Look at me!" she added. "I slipped into my comfortable old garden shoes this morning, and I forgot to change them! Oh, well, you'll all just have to put up with these old things today." She laughed merrily, and the class laughed with her.
Jill was the first one to say the memory verse that morning. "Proverbs 17:22. A cheerful heart is good medicine," she recited.
"I hope you'll all remember that verse and let it remind you that you shouldn't take unimportant things too seriously," said Mrs. Perkins. "When we remember God's constant love and care, small mishaps shouldn't cause us to grumble. Learn to laugh about them, and let others laugh with you. That's good medicine for you and for them."
"Like we laughed about your shoes?" asked Jill with a grin.
Mrs. Perkins laughed. "Right! The fact that I wore these old shoes to church isn't nearly as important as how I react to it," she said. 
Jill recalled the things she had moaned about that week. I need to learn to laugh about stuff like that, she decided. Next time things go wrong, I'm going to remember that God always loves and cares for me. That should help me to lighten up.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Are you cheerful even when you're embarrassed or when things seem to go wrong? You can't change what happened, but you can choose how you react to things that bother you. Remember that God loves you and cares for you. Thinking about that will help you "lighten up" and not be a grumbler.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 17:22)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

[Soldier4Christ]

Renee looked at the bright pink envelope that had come in the mail. "I bet this is an invitation to Samantha's birthday party," she said. She ripped the envelope open and took out a card. Then she nodded. "Yep," she said with a sigh. "That's what it is."
"You don't look very happy about it," observed Mom. "I thought the reason you had Samantha over one day was because you hoped to get paid back with an invitation to that fantastic party she's throwing. We talked about that, remember?"
"What you mean is that you scolded me about it," said Renee wryly. "Well, I got paid back, all right, but now I'm sorry I did. Maggie asked me to go with her to a pizza place that same night. I'd rather do that, but I practically asked Samantha if I could come to her party." Renee glanced at her mother. "So I suppose I'll have to go to it, won't I?"
Mom nodded. "That's the problem with planning your own reward," she said. "Sometimes it backfires."
"What do you mean?" asked Renee.
"Jesus said that when we do things for people, we shouldn't do it with the idea of having the favor returned, because that just might be our whole reward," explained Mom. "If we do something for somebody who can't possibly pay us back, the Lord Himself will bless us with heavenly rewards."
"Really?" asked Renee thoughtfully. "Then maybe I should have Jenny over. Her dad's been laid off from work for a long time. She can't afford to do a lot of the things most of the kids do, and I'm sure she couldn't pay me back." Renee looked at her mother. "Can I have her over after school tomorrow?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Is there something you believe God wants you to do? Someone you should invite to church or talk to about Jesus? God is with you, and He will help you and bless you as you obey Him in spite of your fear.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 1:7)
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

[Soldier4Christ]

"When you get the garage floor swept we'll be able to set up the tables for Mom's garage sale," Joey's father told him.
"Okay," said Joey. He pointed toward a shelf. "Mom already brought that box out here. I wonder what's in it."
His father took the box down and set it on the floor. "Looks like some of your old toys," said Dad when they opened it. 
"Oh, good," said Joey. "I told Mom I want to get rid of them -- they clutter up my closet. I need the space for better stuff." Joey reached for an old baseball.
"I remember that ball," said his father, taking it from Joey. "I still can hear Mr. Will's window breaking." He put the baseball back into the box.
"Well . . . maybe I should keep it," Joey said. He took the ball out and set it aside. "It'll be good to get rid of the rest of this junk," he added, peering into the box. He took out an old mitt. "I think I'll keep this, too."
"You have better balls, and that mitt is way too small for you now, Joey," said Dad. He reached over and put them into the box. "You remind me of the way some people change their habit patterns. God expects us to get rid of old, bad habits. People often say they want to do that, but they still hang on to old habits that cause nothing but problems." 
"This old ball won't cause problems," Joey said, taking the baseball and mitt back out.
"Yep," said Dad. "That's just the kind of thing people say when they want to keep habits they should give up. They need to let go of their old habits so that they can develop new, more rewarding ones." He grinned at Joey as he added, "Keep the old ball and mitt if you want to, but do get rid of bad habits."
Joey grinned back. Then he reached out his hand and let the ball fall into the box. He looked at the mitt and then put it back in the box, too.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you have a habit of lying, cheating, losing your temper, or stealing? Do you have some other bad habits? If you're a Christian, your desire should be to please God. Ask Him for strength to do that. Follow His command to put away the things that displease Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:5)
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jillian woke up with a start and lay trembling in her bed. What's that noise? she wondered as she pulled the blankets closer around her. Then she remembered something, and she quickly reached over to her bedside table and felt around for her little white ceramic cross. Picking it up, she felt a sense of relief, and she held it close. Now I'm safe. Nothing can hurt me when I hold my cross, she thought. Jillian relaxed and happily went back to sleep.
At breakfast the next morning, Jillian told her mother what had happened. "I sure am glad Aunt Jenny gave me that cross for my birthday!" she finished.
"Well, honey, I'm glad you were comforted when you held that cross," said Mom, "but you do know that your little ceramic cross doesn't really protect you, don't you?"
"It doesn't?" asked Jill.
Mom shook her head. "Do you know what the cross stands for?" she asked.
"Sure." Jillian nodded. "Jesus died on the cross for my sins," she said.
"That's right," said Mom. "The cross should remind you of what God did for you, but it's only a symbol. When you see it, remember that Jesus is always with you. When you're afraid or in trouble, He will comfort and help you. I'm glad you understand the importance of Jesus dying on a cross, but if you trust in the cross itself, you're really making it an idol."
Slowly Jill nodded. "Okay," she said with a smile, "but it would be okay to look at my cross just to remind myself that Jesus is with me, wouldn't it?"
"Only if you're sure you're putting your trust in Jesus, not in the symbol," said Mom. "Let it remind you that Jesus died for you, but remember that He's alive today. The cross can't help you or take care of you, but Jesus can."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you feel like there's something special about a cross? Don't forget that it's only a symbol. Let it remind you that Jesus died for your sins, but remember that He's alive now. He loves you and is always with you. He wants you to come to Him with your fears and allow Him to comfort you and give you His peace.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 56:3)
What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

Scott banged the back door shut and slammed his books on the table. "Is something wrong?" asked Mom as she bounced Baby Mindy on her knee.
"It's Chad," replied Scott. "You know . . . the kid who's been going to Bible club with me. He became a Christian a few weeks ago, and it really did seem like he changed. Well, today I saw him peek in his desk twice during our spelling test. He cheated!"
Mom put Mindy down on the floor. "Did you talk to him about it?" Mom asked.
Scott nodded. "He admitted that he looked at the words," he said as he watched Mindy reach for some blocks on the floor. She knocked the blocks together, then crawled to a chair and pulled herself up. Scott chuckled, for the moment forgetting his anger toward Chad. "I think you're showing off," he said to Mindy.
Mindy held onto the chair and took a few steps around it. She looked at Mom and smiled. Mom held out her hands, and Mindy left the chair and took two shaky steps before falling into Mom's arms. Scott clapped his hands. "All right, Mindy!" he exclaimed. "You took your first step! Can you walk to me?" He held out his arms.
Mom stood Mindy in front of her and let go. Mindy reached out, took one small step, and fell to the floor. She looked startled for a moment, and then her whole face puckered up. "Don't cry, Mindy," said Scott as he picked her up. "They're just your first steps." He stood her on her feet again. "Everything new takes a little practice," he added.
"Like being a Christian," said Mom. "Don't forget that we all stumble and fall sometimes -- and in the beginning, it's especially easy to do that. Remember that your friend Chad is taking his first steps as a Christian." She paused and gave Scott time to think about what she had said. "Maybe you could give Chad a helping hand," suggested Mom as Scott reached out to help Mindy, who was taking another step. "Let him know you're praying for him, and if he needs help with spelling, perhaps the two of you could study together."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you know kids who claim to be Christians but their actions don't show it? Instead of being critical, pray for them. Encourage them to spend time with other Christians. Be a good example, and include them in your activities.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:1)
If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Grandma, this is the most wonderful flower garden in the whole world!" exclaimed Tara enthusiastically.
Grandma looked up from her weeding and smiled. "I'm glad you like it," she said. "I enjoy it, too. In nice weather, I spend some time out here almost every day hoeing, watering, weeding, or transplanting."
"Do you like to do all that stuff?" asked Tara.
"Yes, I do," said Grandma. "It's a lot of work, but it's worth it -- and it always reminds me of my life as a Christian."
"It does?" asked Tara. "Why?"
"For one thing, weeds in my life grow as quickly as weeds in my flower bed," replied Grandma, "but just like I can hoe . . ."
"Weeds in your life?" Tara interrupted her grandma. "Do you mean things like problems?"
"Not exactly," said Grandma. "Let's think about it -- what are some of the problems people face?"
"Sometimes people are nasty to us," said Tara promptly, "or we might get sick or . . . or something. Sometimes a pet -- or even someone we love -- dies. All kinds of things we don't like can happen."
"That's right," said Grandma, "and if we're not careful, we can become angry, bitter, and unforgiving. Those attitudes are some of the things that remind me of weeds with very long roots. The weeds in my garden would just take over if I'd let them, and the weeds in my life would, too."
"How do you get rid of them?" asked Tara.
"I picture the time I spend with God as His weeding and watering time for my life," replied Grandma. 
"So . . . you have to spend time every day in your garden to keep it really nice," said Tara thoughtfully, "and that's sort of like we should spend time every day reading our Bibles and praying and stuff."
Grandma nodded. "Right," she said, "and sometimes that seems like work because we really feel like doing something else. Other times it's pure joy. It's always worth any effort it takes, and it produces the 'fruit' of God's Spirit in our lives."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>What standard are you using as you live the Christian life? Some people say you should accept all lifestyles and all religions. Some say there are no absolutes when it comes to right and wrong. That's not what God says. Use only His standard, the Bible, to determine how you should live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:33)
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes.

[Soldier4Christ]

As Bryan and his dad walked through the mall, Bryan talked about the witnessing project his Sunday school class had begun. "I gathered my courage and offered Mr. Martin a tract today, but he wouldn't take it," Bryan reported. "He said he didn't even believe I was a Christian!"
"Hmmm," murmured Dad. "That's too bad. Have you done or said anything around Mr. Martin that would make him feel that way?"
"I don't think so," Bryan answered. But then he remembered something. Maybe Mr. Martin knows I'm the one who knocked a ball through his window, he thought. I was going to tell him, but the other guys said I shouldn't. They said he'd never know who did it. "Nothing much anyway," added Bryan as he noticed Dad looking at him. Dad frowned.
Just then, they arrived at a sporting goods store. Pointing to a football displayed in the window, Bryan exclaimed, "Look! There's the ball I want. Can we go in and see how much it costs?" 
"How do you know they sell that kind of football here?" Dad asked.
Bryan gave his dad a questioning look. "Anybody knows that the stuff you see in the window is stuff they sell in the store," he said.
Dad nodded. "What we see out here is what we believe we'll find inside," he agreed. "That's pretty much the way it is with people, too. What they see in our actions is what they believe us to be like inside."   Bryan stood for a moment, looking down. "Well, let's go in and see if you can afford that ball," suggested Dad.
Bryan hesitated. Then, haltingly, he told Dad about the broken window. "I'm not going to buy a football now, Dad," he said. "I need my money to pay Mr. Martin for that window."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
<P>Do you know where you'll go when you die? You can know. Invite Jesus into your life. He'll come in and be with you now, every day. Then when you die -- or when He comes again -- He will take you to live in heaven, in the place He has made especially for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:2)
I go to prepare a place for you.