Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Tell me, boys . . . if you received a new baseball mitt-or perhaps a new watch-would you hide it? Mr. Miller asked his class one Sunday morning.

"Not me!" declared Robert, grinning. He held up his arm. "In fact, I have a new watch. Do you like it?"

"Very nice!" replied Mr. Miller. "We like people to notice the nice things we have, don't we? But there's something even more wonderful than having a new mitt or watch, and that's having Jesus. Why do you suppose we often keep that a secret?" This time, no one had an answer to Mr. Miller's question. "Do you love Jesus, boys?" continued Mr. Miller. "Then talk about Him! As we bow our heads, ask the Lord to give you the name of someone for whom you will pray and to whom you will witness."

As the boys sat quietly, a name did come to Robert's mind. Oh, no! he thought. Not Tyler! He's just about the toughest kid in school. How can I witness to him? He'll never listen!

After class, Robert talked with Mr. Miller about it. "Look out the window here," said Mr. Miller. "See the tree growing in the middle of those huge rocks on that hillside? How do you suppose the tree got there?"

"I guess a seed from another tree fell there and found a soft spot and took root," replied Robert.

"Do you think the parent tree worried about how hard the rocks looked when it let the seed drop?" asked Mr. Miller. Robert shook his head. "The tree just let the seed fall," continued Mr. Miller, "and God did the rest. That's what we need to do, too. Let the Word of God fall. Don't worry about how it takes root. That's God's work, and He can handle it."

"But to talk to Tyler!" exclaimed Robert. "He's so tough! I know he'll just laugh and make fun of me."

"It won't be easy, Robert," acknowledged Mr. Miller, "but remember-the Word of God can soften hearts. It has the power to save Tyler, too. Don't let him scare you. You do your part, and God will do His. I'll be praying for both you and Tyler, okay?"

Slowly, Robert nodded. I will witness to Tyler, he thought with determination.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid kids will laugh and not listen if you witness for Jesus? Your job is to spread the seed of God's Word-the rest is up to Him. Ask the Lord to give you the name of someone to whom you will witness. Faithfully do it, and watch God work.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:6)
<p>"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."

[Soldier4Christ]

Please let me have a horse to ride-and cowboy boots. In Jesus' name. Amen, prayed Mitchell. He climbed into bed. "I hope Jesus answers my prayer tomorrow."

Mom shook her head. "Sorry, Mitchell, but I'm afraid I hope He doesn't," she said. "We don't have a place to keep a horse."

"I could ask for a stable, too," said Mitchell, sitting up.

Mom smiled and gently pushed Mitchell back onto his pillow. "Sometimes God answers prayers by saying no," she reminded him.

The next afternoon, Mom asked Mitchell to tell his brother Jeff that it was time to come in for dinner.Mitchell found Jeff playing basketball with a friend next door. "Jeff, come in to eat," called Mitchell.

"Who said so?" Jeff wanted to know.

"I did," said Mitchell. "Didn't you hear me?" Jeff tossed the ball through the hoop and ignored his little brother. Mitchell raised his voice. "Jeff, Mom said for you to come in right now!" 

Jeff tossed the ball to his friend. "See you later, Abe," he said. "I gotta go." 

After dinner, Mitchell said sadly, "I thought God would answer my prayer right away. I asked for a horse, and I prayed in Jesus' name like my Sunday school verse said we should do."

Mom shook her head. "'In Jesus' name' isn't a magic phrase to get you anything you want, Mitch," she said. "Like I said before, sometimes His answer is no."

Dad nodded. "When Mom told you to call Jeff in, she gave you her authority. Jeff obeyed because you took the message 'in Mom's name.' When you ask for something in Jesus' name, it means you're asking for what He wants to be done. You can't ask for everything you want and get it. What you ask has to fit His plan for you."

"Why doesn't He want me to have a horse?" asked Mitchell sadly.

"Maybe He does-we'll have to wait and see," said Dad. He handed Mitchell a package. "Maybe He knows that only part of what you asked for would be good for you now-like new cowboy boots." Everyone smiled when Mitchell opened the package and let out a cheer.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Should you ask for things "in Jesus' name"? Yes, Jesus has given His children authority to pray in His name, but that doesn't mean just repeating the phrase. It's a privilege you must use carefully. When you pray in Jesus' name, think about the thing you ask. Is it what Jesus would want? Trust Him to do what is best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:14)
<p>"If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it."

[Soldier4Christ]

As Timothy rode home with his mother, he began to hum a song they had sung in Bible club that day. Then he sang the words. "Jesus loves me, this I know." Timothy stopped singing and looked at his mom. "Does God really love me?" he asked.

"Oh, yes," Mom assured him. "God loves you very much."

"Why?" asked Timothy. "Why does He love me?"

"Well . . ." Mom pointed to a picture Timothy held in his hand-a picture of flowers, grass, and trees. He had drawn and colored the picture with great care while in class. "That picture is special to you, isn't it?" she asked. "Why do you like it so much?"

Timothy looked at his picture. "I made it," he said proudly.

Mom nodded. "It's something like that with God," she said. "He made us. That makes us very special to Him. I think it's one of the reasons He loves us."

Timothy smiled. "God likes me the way I like my picture," he said happily.

"He loves you even more than you like your picture," Mom told him.

Timothy again gazed at his picture. "Even more," he repeated. "That's a lot, isn't it, Mom?"

"Yes, it is," said Mom.

When they got home, Mom helped Timothy put the picture on his bedroom wall where he could see it every morning when he woke up. And every morning it reminded him that he was special to God.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something that's special to you because you made it? God made you, and He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to take the punishment for your sin. Have you received Him as Savior? (See page 67.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 100:3)
<p>"Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and . . . we are His people."

[Soldier4Christ]

Mick whistled as he sauntered out of Brown's Grocery Market. Then with a flying leap, he jumped on his bicycle and raced down the street. Every few seconds he glanced over his shoulder. Finally, he stopped and pulled a package of chocolate candy from his pocket. He popped some of it into his mouth. When he thought about the fact that he had stolen the candy, it didn't taste very good after the first few bites, and his stomach didn't feel good, either. Mick threw away the rest of it and went home.

"Mick, I'm glad you're home," called Mom. "I'd like you run to Brown's store and get me some sugar."

"B B Brown's?"stammered Mick. "B b but I don't feel good. Can't Jaime go?" Concerned, Mom agreed.

When Mom answered the phone a little later, Mick heard her say, "Yes, Mr. Brown . . ." After that, he could hear only snatches of the conversation. Soon she hung up and hurried out to the garage to talk to Dad. Mick could tell she was upset, and he felt awful. He felt even worse when Jaime got back from the store and offered him some chocolate candy.

When Dad came into the house, Mick's feelings poured out. "I didn't think Mr. Brown saw me, but he told Mom, didn't he? Oh, Dad, I don't know what made me do it."

Dad was puzzled. "Mr. Brown called to say he had to return a check he had cashed for Mom. It was one a lady gave her at our garage sale, and the bank says it isn't good. Now . . . what are you talking about?"

"I s s stole some candy today," stammered Mick. "I th thought Mr. Brown told Mom, but he didn't, did he?"

Dad shook his head. "No," he said, "but you were unhappy and scared because you were trying to run from a guilty conscience. This reminds me of a Bible verse that says, 'The wicked man flees though no one pursues.' That's what you were doing."

"So I didn't have to tell you about the candy at all," said Mick, "but I'm glad I did! I'd hate to spend the rest of my life with a guilty conscience, running from nobody. I feel much better now that I've confessed."

"Good," said Dad, "because now you're going to confess to Mr. Brown and arrange to pay for that candy."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever felt like everybody knew you did something wrong? God has given everyone a conscience. If you've accepted Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit often works through your conscience. Listen to Him. Obey Him. He will keep you from sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 28:1)
<p>"The wicked flee when no man pursueth."

[Soldier4Christ]

Give me that! ordered Peter when he saw his little brother Randy reading a wildlife magazine. "It's mine!" Grabbing the magazine, Peter took it to his room. 

"Peter's always like that," said Jillian. "He never wants to share his things. Randy wasn't hurting his magazine."

"Peter does have a problem," agreed Mom. "I've been thinking about it lately, and I have an idea. It will be Peter's birthday next Tuesday, so . . ." She shared with the rest of the family what she had in mind.

The next Tuesday, Peter eagerly opened his birthday gifts. "A new game! Thanks, Jillian!" he exclaimed. "We can play it tonight."

His sister shook her head. "I bought it for you, and I want you to have it all to yourself," she said firmly.

Peter was already opening the next packages. "A ball-and a new mitt!" he shouted. "Let's toss a few balls pretty soon, Randy."

"I don't want to use your new mitt," said Randy.

"I'll use it," Peter said. "You can use your own."

"Yes, but our old ball is lost, and I don't want to use your new one," replied Randy. "That's yours."

When Mom brought out his birthday cake, Peter was allowed to cut it. "Yummy," he said as he cut a big piece and set it aside. "That one's mine." He cut more pieces, then started to eat his own. "Hey," he said, "why isn't anybody eating?"

"The cake is yours," said Jillian. "It belongs to you-nobody else!"

"Yes, but you can have some," said Peter. "It's no fun eating alone." No one took any cake. With a puzzled expression, Peter put his fork down. "Why won't anyone eat or play with me?" he asked.

"We've all noticed that you don't want to share your things," said Mom, "so we decided that today you wouldn't have to. Doesn't that make you happy?" Peter shook his head.

Dad nodded. "We knew it wouldn't," he said. "God has given us so much, and we should share with others as He has shared with us. We all need to remember that whatever we have is only ours to share."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to share your things with others? Do you complain if someone uses what belongs to you? Selfish people are not happy people. Anytime you see a need, freely share the good things God has given you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 10:
<p>"Freely ye have received, freely give."

[Soldier4Christ]

A missionary from Guatemala spoke to my Sunday school class today, said Michael as the family was driving home from church. "Mr. Munroe showed us a machete. It was big-and he said it was very sharp."

"What's a shetty?" asked Michael's little sister.

"Not 'shetty,' Lisa," said Michael. "It's a machete, and it's something like a sword. It can be used as a weapon, but Mr. Munroe said that people in Guatemala use a machete to whack tall grasses and to scoop out clumps of dirt when they're planting crops. They also use them to cut sugar cane and other plants. Machetes are very useful. I'd like to have one."

"What would you do with one?" scoffed Lisa. "You don't need a sha . . . a mush . . . a sword. Why don't they just call it a sword?"

Dad smiled. "We have several swords in our house,"he said. "Did you know that?"

"You each own one," added Mom.

Lisa couldn't believe that. "No, we don't!" she said. "I don't have one, and neither does Mike."

"Yes, you do," said Dad. "Mike has one on his lap right now!"

Lisa looked at the Bible on Michael's lap. "That's a Bible!" she said.

Dad grinned. "The Bible is called 'the sword of the Spirit,'" he said. "It can pierce our hearts and point out our sins. It can detect our thoughts and schemes."

Mom nodded. "For instance," she said, "I was holding a grudge against our neighbor, Mrs. White. I didn't want to forgive her for not cleaning up her stinky trash that always seems to fall into our yard. I even wondered how I might even the score a little. Then as I was reading the Bible one day, I came to a verse that said to do good to those who offend you. I confessed my sin to God and asked Him to forgive me."

"That was the day you took some flowers over there, wasn't it?" asked Lisa. "I remember that!"

"So you see," said Dad, "the Bible really is sharp-sharp enough to point out our sins. Then it's up to us to change our ways with God's help!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you expect to learn something from God as you read your Bible? Are you quick to change your behavior when God's Word shows you that you should? Don't close your Bible and pretend you didn't get the point. God knows that you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 4:12)
<p>"The Word of God is . . . sharper than any two edged sword."

[Soldier4Christ]

Megan dashed through the door, letting it bang as her brother Zach reached it. "Thanks a lot!" he yelled.

"You never hold the door open for me, Zach," muttered Megan, "so don't expect any favors."

"Don't expect any favors," repeated Zach.

"Don't copy me," grumbled Megan.

"Don't copy me," repeated Zach.

"Stop it, Zach!" exclaimed Megan.

"Stop it, Zach!" came the echo once again. Megan ran to her room and slammed the door.

As Megan and her friend Rachel walked home the next day, Rachel's brother caught up with them. "How did you do on your spelling test, Rachel?" he asked.

"Great!" replied Rachel. "I got all my words right!"

"Good for you," said Tony. "Party time! I'll make popcorn when we get home. Join us, Megan!"

When Tony crossed the street to walk with a friend, Megan had a question for Rachel. "Are you and your brother always so nice to each other?" she asked.

"We used to fight a lot," said Rachel, "but Mom had a suggestion. She said if one of us would be nice, the other probably would, too. I tried it and it worked. Tony tries, too-but sometimes we both forget."

That's kind of like what my Bible verse said-something about loving your enemies, thought Megan. I doubt it will work with Zach, but maybe I'll try it.

Zach arrived home just as Megan ran up the porch steps, so she opened the door and held it open until he walked through. "What's wrong with you?" he asked.

"Nothing," replied Megan.

"Nothing," repeated Zach. Megan giggled and went up to her room.

At dinner, Megan handed the potatoes to Zach before taking some herself. "How was school?" she asked.

"Terrible," said Zach. "I don't get multiplication."

"I'll help you tonight if you want," offered Megan.

"Why?" Zach was startled.

"Because I want to," replied Megan. Zach gave her a strange look, and Megan could hardly believe it when he passed the meat loaf so she could take a piece first.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you add peace to your home by being nice to your family? Are you kind to people who are mean to you? Try it-you might like the results. You may not see them right away, but God says your reward will be great when you follow His teaching.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 34:14)
<p>"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

[Soldier4Christ]

Why are we stopping? asked Trent as they came to a stop behind a line of cars.

Melissa poked her head out the window. "It's construction," she announced. "I can see a digging machine and a sign lady. There were signs back a ways, too."

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Trent, "We'll be late! It's bad enough being new in school, but being late and having everyone stare at me will be the worst!"

"I'm afraid I'll be late for my job interview, too," said Mom, looking at her watch.

"I wish Daddy hadn't left. Then we'd still be living in our old house," said Melissa, "and we'd have all our old friends and be close enough to walk to school."

"I wish that, too," said Mom, "but we have to accept what happened and trust God."

Just then the line of cars began moving, and they followed the car in front of them onto a bumpy gravel path. They passed men working with loud jack hammers, and a huge machine was digging up great chunks of asphalt.

"Why do they have to wreck a perfectly good road?" wondered Melissa.

"It reminds me of our family," said Trent glumly. "It was just fine. But then Dad left and now everything's broken and torn up."

"It does feel like that," agreed Mom, "but think about this . . . the people in charge at City Hall have plans for this road-they want it to be a better road. They're allowing it to be broken up and worked on because they know that after the construction is finished, it will be better. As for us, God has plans for us. He's letting us go through a very difficult time, but it's often during such times that we draw closer to God and our faith becomes stronger as we learn to rely on Him more and more." She smiled. "He will help us rebuild our lives," she added. "Will you trust Him with me?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it hard to believe that anything good can come from disappointment or pain? Road construction leads to a better road, and God will use hard times in your life to make you stronger, wiser, more patient and compassionate-if you let Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

How do I get so lucky? wondered Brian aloud as the family ate dinner one Sunday noon. "I ask a simple question and get stuck doing a report."

Mom smiled as she asked, "How did that happen?"

"Today's memory verse was 'Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways, and be wise,' and our teacher said a sluggard is a lazy person," explained Brian. "Then I asked what was so special about ants, and Miss West said I should research them and write a report for next week."

"That should be interesting, and it might be helpful with another problem, too," observed Dad. "You know, Brian, Mom and I have talked to you often about your habit of putting things off until the last minute . . . and also about always being late. Maybe the ants will have a few lessons to teach you."

Brian shrugged. "Yeah . . . well, I suppose I should do things a little more promptly," he admitted, "but I doubt that making a report on ants will get me out of bed any earlier in the morning or help me get my schoolwork done any quicker."

It took a little prodding, but Brian finally got busy on his report. To his surprise, he enjoyed learning about ants. He discovered that there were many different kinds of ants, and he found them all fascinating. "I read that an ant can carry a load fifty two times its own weight," he reported one night. "And one kind gathers grain at harvest time and stores enough to last a whole year. Another kind can strip all the leaves off a small tree in one night. But you want to know what's the funniest kind of all?It's the kind that tends herds of aphids and 'milks' them like cows!"

On Sunday, Brian made his report. "Ants are very busy little creatures! I guess that's why the Bible says to consider their ways," he told his Sunday school class.

Miss West nodded. "If all Christians were more like these ants, the world would be a better place," she said. 

The next day, Brian was ready for school bright and early. He grinned at his surprised mother. "I decided I can't let those old ants show me up," he said. "The least I can do is get ready on time every day."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a procrastinator-someone who puts things off? Are you a sluggard-a lazy person? Don't let the little ant put you to shame. Doing your work promptly and well, both at school and at home, is an important part of building a strong Christian character.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 6:6)
<p>"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise."

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, Mom, that wrapping paper is so pretty! exclaimed Shawna as she walked into the kitchen. She glanced at the things on the table. "I remember helping you pick out some of those things," she said. "Is Kirsten getting all of them for her birthday?"

Mom grinned and nodded. "Grandma brought some of these over," she said. "She found a lot of stuff on sale, so your little niece is getting more than she needs, I think. I offered to wrap the things Grandma brought, since I had to get the wrapping paper out anyway."

Shawna sat down beside her mother. "Can I help?"

"You sure can," Mom replied.

From the pile of gifts, Shawna chose a doll dressed in a pink sleeper. She wrapped it in bright pink paper and tied a silver ribbon around the package. "Do you know what I like most about presents?" she asked.

Mom laughed. "I think you're about to tell me."

"It's what's inside them," said Shawna. "That's the best part of a present."

"I agree," said Mom, and a thoughtful expression crossed her face. "P r e s e n t spells an interesting word. It can be pronounced present, meaning a gift-or it can be present, meaning to give."

Shawna laughed. "So when I give a gift, I present a present."

Mom nodded. "This discussion makes me think of a verse in the Bible-the one that tells us to present ourselves to God," she said.

Shawna reached for the wrapping paper. "If we present ourselves as presents to God, we should make sure our lives are filled with good stuff, right?" she asked. "We shouldn't look really nice on the outside but be messed up on the inside."

Mom smiled. "Well, actually, we have nothing good in ourselves to offer God. We're saved by grace, through faith in Christ. When God looks at us, He sees Christ's righteousness, not our own. But God does call us to do good works after we're saved. Our lives should be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, not with the deeds of the flesh. As we yield ourselves to God and obey Him, I believe He is pleased with what He sees in our lives."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you given yourself to God? Will you obey Him in all areas of your life? As you yield to Him, put off the "old self" with its cheating, lying, anger, and bad language. God wants to see love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:1)
<p>"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."

[Soldier4Christ]

This picnic is fun! Kara told her Aunt Sue and Uncle Don. "I love it here." She turned to her brother. "Don't you wish we could live here in the Rockies, Ethan?" she asked.

"It sure is nice," agreed Ethan as he glanced around him. "Look-there are a whole bunch of different paths leading to this picnic area. It's just like the city of Rome."

"How is this like Rome?" asked Aunt Sue.

Ethan grinned. "Last week our preacher said that in the days of the Roman Empire, you could follow any road and it would lead you to Rome," he explained. "He said that's like going to heaven. No matter what religion we follow, it will lead us to heaven if we are sincere and do our best."

"Perhaps all roads did lead to Rome, but all religions certainly do not lead to heaven," declared Uncle Don. "The Bible has something to say about that."

Aunt Sue nodded. "Jesus said that He is the way-He is the road, or path, that leads to heaven. He said no man or woman or boy or girl can come to God the Father except through Him."

Kara looked doubtful. "I never heard our minister say that," she murmured. "Wouldn't you think he'd know?"

"If we want to know what's right and what's wrong, we can't accept the word of any person-unless what he says agrees with what we read in the Bible," explained Uncle Don. "It doesn't matter how nice he may be-or who he is. When the apostle Paul went to Berea, the Christians there checked the Scriptures to see if what he said was correct."

"I never thought about that," said Ethan. "I always thought whatever our preacher said was true, but I suppose he could be wrong sometimes."

Uncle Don nodded. "People can be wrong, but what God says in His Word is always right.'


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you attend church and Sunday school? Read good books? Listen to Christian TV and radio broadcasts? That's great, but make sure that what you're learning agrees with God's Word. Follow the example of early Christians and read the Bible yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 17:11)
<p>"They   . . . searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

[Soldier4Christ]

Uncle Don pointed toward the many paths that led from the picnic area. "Do you remember which path we took to get here?" he asked.

"Uh . . . I think the one by the swings," said Kara.

"No," disagreed Ethan, "it was the one by that flowering bush."

"Uh uh! I remember seeing the swings right away," insisted Kara, "and I . . ."

"But there's some ivy on the other side of that bush," interrupted Ethan. "I remember looking at the leaves to see if it's the poisonous kind."

 Uncle Don laughed. "Well," he said, "you two don't agree, so let's try an experiment. You each sincerely believe you're right, don't you?"

"Yes!" shouted both of the children.

"All right. Suppose you each try your path, and we'll see who's right," suggested Uncle Don. "I'll walk with Ethan, and Aunt Sue can walk with Kara. Let's see. It took about five minutes for us to walk here from the car, so if we walk for . . . let's say seven minutes . . . and haven't reached the car, we'll come back. Whoever finds the car can bring back the little flag that's attached to the mirror. The one without the flag has to wash the dishes when we get home, okay?"

"You bet!" the kids agreed, and off they went. Fifteen minutes later, they were back at the picnic spot, but nobody had the flag. "I can't believe neither of us found the car!" exclaimed Ethan. "Uncle Don, do you know where it is?"

Uncle Don laughed. "The only path leading to the car is the one over there by those wild flowers," he told them. "Come on. I'll show you." Away they trooped.

A few minutes later, they saw that Uncle Don was right. "There's the car!" exclaimed Ethan.

Uncle Don nodded. "You both were very sincere in believing that the path you chose would lead to the car," he reminded them, "but your sincerity didn't help you. You can also be very sincere about the path you choose to try to get to heaven, but unless you choose the one path that leads there-the Lord Jesus-your sincerity won't help you get there, either."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think the way to heaven is through going to church, saying prayers, or doing good deeds? The Bible says Jesus is the only way. Have you trusted in Him?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 14:12)
<p>"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

[Soldier4Christ]

Owen looked at the frail man on the bed. He knew his great grandfather was very weak and was probably going to die. "Are you afraid, Grandpa?" he asked.

"No, Owen," whispered Grandpa as he reached for Owen's hand. He smiled. "I'm not afraid to die. Jesus is with me. I'm going home to be with Him." 

Owen nodded, but he thought he'd be afraid anyway. After all, he couldn't see Jesus!

Later that afternoon, Owen's friend Wally called. "Can you come over for a while?" invited Wally. "Mom says you can stay for supper." So Owen walked across the field to Wally's house.

After they ate, the boys played computer games. When Owen glanced out the window, he jumped to his feet. "It's already dark!" he exclaimed. "I've got to go!"

As Owen started across the field, he could barely make out the path. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, casting weird shadows on the waving grass. Strange sounds threatened him. Owen's heart thumped, and his knees felt weak. Don't be a baby, Owen scolded himself. Shadows can't hurt anyone. 

"Owen?" a voice called from the darkness. Owen's heart almost stopped, but then he recognized the familiar voice.

"Oh, Dad, am I glad to see you!" Owen's voice wobbled. "Well . . . at least I'm glad to hear you. It's so dark and shadowy, I can hardly see anything."

"I came to walk home with you, " said Dad. "I thought you might like company crossing this dark field." Owen nodded. With Dad beside him, he felt like the shadows were friendly and the sounds musical.

When they reached home, Owen went to Grandpa's room and told him about the experience. "Once I knew Dad was there, I wasn't scared anymore," Owen said, "even though I couldn't see him yet. It was almost like I could feel him with me." He hesitated. "Is that kind of like why you're not afraid to die?" he asked. 

"Exactly," said Grandpa. "Death is like a dark shadow, and I can't actually see Jesus, but I know He's there because He promised-and I feel His presence with me."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who is dying? Are you afraid of dying? For a Christian, death is like a shadow. You do not have to fear it when Jesus is with you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 23:4)
<p>"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me."

[Soldier4Christ]

Jordan sat on the back steps with his friend Tim. He absently moved his feet back and forth, trailing a long shoestring-which his kitten, Whiskers, chased. "I don't know if I can stand it, Tim," stated Jordan flatly. "Ben may be a nice guy, but he just isn't Dad. I wonder who ever came up with the word 'stepfather'! As if someone really could just step in and replace Dad."

Tim was quiet. He had known Jordan for a long time. He knew how hard it had been for Jordan when his father had died. He knewJordan was sad again when his cat, Snowbunny, had been run over just a few weeks ago. He knew Jordan was troubled now at the thought of his mother's marriage to Ben, but Tim also knew that Ben, who went to his church, was a good and godly man.

Whiskers got tired of the shoelace and jumped onto Jordan's lap where he snuggled and purred. As Jordan stroked the kitten and held him close, Tim had an idea. "I'm really surprised to see you treating Whiskers that way," said Tim. "You're treating him just as nice as you did Snowbunny, but he's not anything like she was. He's even a different color."

"So what?" demanded Jordan.

"Well, don't you miss Snowbunny?" asked Tim.

"Of course I do," said Jordan, "but since Snowbunny is gone, it helps to have Whiskers. I love him, too."

Tim tried to look shocked. "How can you love Whiskers, Jordan?" he asked. "He's not your first pet. He's a stepcat! How can he replace Snowbunny? He's way different from her."

Jordan was startled. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "It's not like I'm trying to make Whiskers be the same as Snowbunny. He never could be. He's a different cat, but he makes me feel better, and I'm glad I have him."

Tim nodded. "I don't think Ben will try to be the same as your dad, either," he said. "He's a different man, but he's kind and special in his own way, and I know he loves God a lot. Maybe you need to give him a chance. Maybe God wants to use him to help you."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a stepparent, or do you know someone who does? Most stepparents try very hard to fill a difficult position. Ask God to help you to be friendly and respectful toward them and to accept changes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:
<p>"Be ye all of one mind . . . love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, Jenni, let me help you with that. It will earn points for me! exclaimed Alexis. She was working hard to win a week at camp by earning the most points in her Sunday school contest. One of the ways she could win points was by helping the members of her own family.

Jenni scowled and shook her head. "I'm not signing any old paper saying you helped me with anything," she declared. "Just leave me and my things alone."

The rest of Alexis' family were delighted with her behavior. They could hardly believe how helpful she had suddenly become-she did dishes, made beds, offered to help with her sister's homework, baby sat, and even carried out the trash! Only Jenni refused her help.

Alexis did well in the contest, but another girl did even better and won the prize. "Oh, well," said Alexis with a sigh, "I learned a lot anyway." And to everyone's surprise, her helpful ways continued.

After the contest was over, even Jenni accepted her sister's help. Alexis was puzzled over this. "Why do you let me do things for you now?" she asked. "I mean . . . when we were having the contest, you wouldn't let me do anything for you."

"Well, now you really want to help me," answered Jenni. "Before, you just did it for points."

Alexis was thoughtful. "I guess that's true," she admitted.

"Why do you want to help now?" asked Jenni.

"Well . . ."Alexis hesitated. "The last Scripture passage I learned for the contest was the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians," she said. "On the day the contest ended, Miss Wilson used that for our Sunday school lesson. She explained that no matter how much good we do, if we don't have love in our hearts, it isn't worth anything. God isn't pleased with us. I decided that pleasing God was a better reason for doing good things than winning points for camp was, and I asked Him to help me truly love Him and others." She grinned as she added, "I'm glad you could tell the difference."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do good deeds just to "win points" with others-or even to "win points" with God? He says that all the good things you do are nothing if they're done without genuine love. Let God's love fill your heart and overflow to others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 13:35)
<p>"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."