Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad! called Ron. "The computer's not working!" He got up and went to the living room. Dad looked up from his newspaper as Ron came and stood beside him. "I just finished typing my report for school," said Ron. "I tried to save it, but the computer won't let me. It says there's not enough memory."

"All right," said Dad. "Let's go take a look."

Ron and his father went to the den, and Dad sat down to see if he could fix the problem. "We have a lot of files saved in the computer's memory," observed Dad as he brought up the file directory. "I don't recognize some of these. Do you know what they are?"

Ron studied the list. "Well, this one is the picture I used for a history project, and this one is the list I made for my birthday," he said, pointing to various file names. "I don't remember what the next one is."

"We'll have to clean out some unnecessary files to free up some of the computer's memory," said Dad. So they went through the list of files and deleted those that wouldn't be needed again.

When they were finished, Ron grinned at his dad. "My teacher says our minds are like computers," he said.

Dad smiled. "Yes-and like computers, our minds sometimes get filled with stuff that isn't important. Then we don't have 'memory' for the important things God wants us to think about."

Ron wrinkled his brow. "What do you mean, Dad?"

"Well, if we allow our focus to be on worldly things too often, our minds will be full of those types of things," said Dad. "When that happens, we won't have wisdom or knowledge to help us make the right choices. We have to be careful to fill our minds with good, honest, and worthy thoughts. After all, our minds don't come with a delete button."

"That's true," agreed Ron. Then he grinned. "I don't know, though," he added. "At school, it sometimes seems like someone erased all my memory-at least all my history and math files!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you filling your mind with thoughts that are acceptable to God? Do you think on things that are true, pure, and just-in other words, on good things? Make sure TV programs you watch, music you listen to, and games you play are the kind that God approve


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 10:5)
<p>"Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

[Soldier4Christ]

Beth? Upon hearing her name, Beth looked up. "Come up here, please," said Mrs. Hollis, her teacher.

As Beth stood before Mrs. Hollis' desk, the teacher handed her a sealed envelope. "Please take this to your parents for me," said Mrs. Hollis with a smile. "I want them to know how pleased I am with your attitude here at school."

When Beth got home, she sniffed as she opened the back door. What do I smell? she wondered. I know-apple pie! Yummy! Maybe Mom will let me have a piece before supper. Her stomach growled as she went into the kitchen. No Mom. No apple pies, either. 

Beth found her mother in the family room. "I have a note for you from Mrs. Hollis, Mom," she said. She grinned. "I think it's good." 

Mom opened the envelope. "What a delight it is to have Beth in my class," she read aloud. "Several times she has given up her free time to help her classmates. She has befriended the new girl from Indonesia. She is like a breath of fresh air in our class. By the way, she invited me to try your church sometime, and I'm going to do that." The note was signed by Mrs. Hollis.

Mom beamed and gave Beth a big hug. "I am so proud of you, honey."

Beth looked pleased. "Now where's the apple pie?" she asked. "I know you made one-I can smell it. Can I have a piece?"

Mom wrinkled her brow. "Apple pie? I didn't make any . . . oh, it's the candle." She pointed to the candle burning on the mantle. "It's an apple pie spice candle."

"Oh." Beth was disappointed. "It makes me hungry for apple pie," she said.

Mom smiled. "Beth, your life is like that candle," she said. "The candle makes you hungry for apple pie, and I believe your actions and attitudes caused your teacher to be 'hungry' for what you have-I think that's why she wants to come to church sometime. She doesn't realize yet that what she's really hungry for is a relationship with Jesus." Mom looked at the clock. "Come on-we'll make an apple pie before supper."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions and attitudes send out a fragrance that makes people want to be around you? Would your behavior cause anyone to want to know Jesus? Your life should be a testimony for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 2:15)
<p>"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish."

[Soldier4Christ]

Brittany watched as Mom pulled a box of keepsakes from a closet shelf. "This is your baby book," said Mom as she took a pink book from the box and sat down beside Brittany. She opened the book. "Here's a lock of your hair-and look at your footprint."

Brittany grinned. "Wow!" she exclaimed. "It's really tiny, isn't it? What does the book say about me?"

Mom smiled. "It says you walked and talked early. You took your first step at nine months. You said 'Dada' at five months-at least, your dad said you did-and you could sing the a b c's by the time you were two and a half. You were a smart little cookie." 

"Really?"asked Brittany. "Well, I'm always doing dumb things now. I'm not smart anymore."

"Sure you are," said Mom. "Sometimes you just dwell on your mistakes too much." She pointed to the baby book. "Why do you think I didn't write down, 'Brittany fell down fifteen times today trying to walk'?"

Brittany laughed. "That wouldn't sound very good."

"No, but falling down is part of learning to walk," said Mom. "I don't remember how many times you fell, but I do remember that first step. I didn't record the times you cried for hours, but you were a sweet baby, and I recorded that." She turned a page. "Look here," she said. "This says, 'When Brittany showed her temper, she could never go to sleep until she apologized for being naughty.'" Mom smiled at Brittany. "Mothers write good memories in baby books," she said, "and that reminds me that God has a book of remembrance, too."

"Really?" Brittany's eyes sparkled. "Does He write down only good things in His book-like mothers do?"

"I like to think so. Of course, He knows everything we do, and there are consequences for all we do. But when we trust in Jesus as Savior, all of our sins-that is, all the bad things we do-are forgiven," said Mom. "When we sin after we're saved, God wants us to confess it to Him, and He always forgives. God sees all we do and the Bible says He will reward His servants." She smiled at Brittany. "Let's remember to do things we'd like to have Him write in His book of remembrance."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad God remembers the good things you do? Don't dwell on your failures and mistakes. Confess them to God and ask Him to help you do better. Thank Him for what you can accomplish with His help.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 6:10)
<p>"God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love."

[Soldier4Christ]

Uncle Joe let me drive his boat all day yesterday, said Steve proudly. "Want to come for a little ride?"

"Shouldn't we wait till Uncle Joe gets back from the store?" asked his sister. "He said he'd be right back."

"Naw," said Steve. "The keys are hanging on a hook in the kitchen. I'll get 'em." He turned and ran toward the cottage. When he returned, he and Janae jumped into the boat. Steve started the engine. Minutes later, they were laughing and shouting as the wind blew through their hair.

"Don't you need to use this map?" asked Janae, offering it to her brother. "I heard Uncle Joe explain it to you. And should we go out this far?"

Steve shrugged. "I'll just swing around here and head back. I don't need the map."   

Suddenly there was a jolt, followed by a crash! The engine sputtered and died. "We must be stuck on a reef," gasped Steve. "I didn't see it. Let me look at that map." He studied it a moment. "Oh," he groaned, "here's where we are-at Dead Man's Reef!"

"Oh, Steve, the boat is leaking!" gasped Janae. "What'll we do? We'll never be able to swim all the way to shore." As she spoke, they heard the sound of a motor! A Coast Guard launch pulled up, and soon they were safely on board.

That evening, they sat in their uncle's cottage with heads bowed and faces downcast. "I'm so sorry, Uncle Joe," said Steve. "I'll pay for the damage to the boat. I had some money saved up, and Dad says it will pay the part the insurance doesn't cover."

Uncle Joe nodded. "I know. I'm sorry, but your dad says you'll have to use it for that," he said. "Steve, why didn't you look at the map? That reef is well marked because so many boats have been wrecked there."

"I didn't think I needed the map," admitted Steve.

Uncle Joe shook his head. "Well, I hope you'll always remember this experience and the importance of checking maps," he said. "I especially hope you'll always remember to check the most important map, or guide, that's available to you-the Bible. Never get the idea that you don't need it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God's Word, the Bible, serves as a map, or guide book for your life? Are you using it? First of all, it will point you to Jesus, the only way to heaven. It will also teach you to be honest, pure, loving, patient, and much more. It will


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:133)
<p>"Order my steps in Thy Word."

[Soldier4Christ]

Morgan never got tired of hearing about when her parents took her home from the adoption agency. "It happened when you were only six weeks old," her father told her one evening when she begged to hear the story again. "I'll never forget when the agency first called me at work and told me they had a baby for us. I was so excited, I forgot to ask if it was a boy or a girl." Everyone laughed as they recalled the happy event.

Mom continued the story. "Since the ride home was a long one, they sent a bottle along with us so we could feed you on the way home. But you kept falling asleep when you were supposed to be drinking your bottle."

Morgan giggled. "So Dad kept blowing the horn to try to keep me awake, right?"

"Right," said Dad.

"And so you adepted me . . . I mean, adopted me," said Morgan. She laughed at her own mistake. "What does the word 'adopt' mean?" she asked.

"It means to take something as one's own," said Mom. "In the case of parents and children, it means to voluntarily take a child of other parents as one's own child." Mom gave Morgan a hug. "We gladly took you as our own. We didn't have to do that, but we wanted you. We're so thankful the Lord brought us together."

"I am, too," said Morgan.

"You know, Morgan," added Dad, "the Bible talks about adoption, too. It says that when we trust the Lord Jesus Christ, God accepts us as His own children. We're adopted into the family of God."

"Then I've been adopted twice," said Morgan happily. "I was adopted into your family when I was a baby, and I was adopted into God's family when I was saved. Now I belong to you, and I belong to God. I like being adopted!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been adopted into God's family? Even if you have a wonderful earthly family, you need to become a part of God's family. You can become a child of God only by trusting Jesus as your Savior.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:12)
<p>"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God."

[Soldier4Christ]

It sure is hot this afternoon, thought Michael, who was spending some time with his great grandparents in Florida. That wouldn't be so bad if I could go swimming in the lake, but Grandpa says it's unsafe for swimming because there have been problems with alligators lately. So while his grandparents napped after lunch each day, Michael sat in the back yard looking longingly at the lake.

One afternoon it got just too hot to bear! I haven't seen any dumb old 'gator, Michael thought. I'm going to wade a little. And he did.

The next afternoon, Michael again waded a little while. Then he jumped right into the lake, but he made sure he was dry before his grandparents awoke. This continued throughout the week.

On Saturday, Michael took his usual dip in the lake. He was having a wonderful time when he noticed two eyes coming toward him. "An alligator!" he gasped. He swam with all his might, but the alligator kept getting closer and closer! "He e elp!" wailed Michael.

To Michael's relief, help came! A neighbor who was out in a boat saw what was happening and sped over to help. By the time Michael managed to climb into the boat, he was breathless and very ashamed.

When Michael arrived safely home, Grandpa, who had gotten up early from his nap, was anxiously watching and waiting. "You were very foolish," Grandpa told him sternly when he learned that Michael had been disobedient all week. After a moment, he added, "The lake seemed peaceful, quiet, and beautiful, so you ignored the danger and gave in to something you knew was wrong, didn't you?" With eyes downcast, Michael nodded. "Satan often tempts us by making wrong things appear enjoyable," said Grandpa solemnly. "He can make sin look so inviting that it actually seems right. I hope you'll remember the alligator whenever you're tempted to sin in any way."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think that if something feels right, it can't be wrong? That's not what the Bible teaches. God has definite standards of right and wrong. If something violates God's principles, it is sin. Don't be fooled by the attractive


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 11:14)
<p>"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

[Soldier4Christ]

It had always been easy for Jimmy to give to missions-he just talked to his parents, and Mom or Dad gave him money for the offerings. Then one week, his Sunday school teacher suggested that the children give offerings of their own money.

Jimmy wasn't sure he liked the idea. "I don't know what difference it makes whether we give the money ourselves or whether our parents help us," he grumbled on the way home from Sunday school. "The missionaries get it just the same."

"The difference is that you don't get any real joy out of giving to the Lord when the gift doesn't cost you anything," said Dad.

"Maybe not . . . but I don't get very much money," protested Jimmy, "and I've got to keep saving for a new bike. I don't have anything I could give."

Dad smiled. "Sometimes we have to deny ourselves and go without things we want in order to give to God's work," he said, "but maybe you could find ways to earn extra money. Pray about this, and ask God what you should do."

"Okay," agreed Jimmy, and over the next few weeks, he was surprised at all the extra jobs he was able to pick up. His parents agreed to pay him for extra chores he did for them. He mowed lawns for a couple of neighbors and ran errands and cleaned the basement for his grandmother. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed earning money for the missionary offering, and he even decided to give the money he usually spent on candy each week. "I pretend I'm a missionary to Africa, and that I'm doing the things I do so people can hear about Jesus," he said.

"Pretend?" asked Mom. "You really are doing them for that reason, aren't you?"

Jimmy nodded. "That's true," he agreed. He grinned."For the first time, I feel as though I really am a missionary myself."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you truly give to God's work, or do you just pass along your parents' gifts? Ask God to make it possible for you to earn some money. You will be blessed when your gifts to Him cost you something.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Samuel 24:24)
<p>"Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing."

[Soldier4Christ]

I think Mom is being so unfair. She won't let me buy the music CD that I want, said Rachel as she arranged and rearranged small, colorful quilt squares on her grandmother's coffee table. She studied the design. "There! I think I've finally got it. What do you think, Gram?"

Her grandmother looked it over. "I like it," she answered. "That will make a pretty patchwork pillow."

"What is it with Mom?" continued Rachel. "Does she think the kind of music all the kids are playing will make me do drugs or something, Gram?"

As she spoke, the door flew open and Grandpa whirled in with a gust of wind. Whoosh! Several of the squares for Rachel's pillow blew across the room. "Oh, Grandpa! Look what you've done!" exclaimed Rachel. "It took me a long time to get those arranged just right." She gathered the squares and tried to put them back in place. "I can't remember which one was where," she moaned as Grandpa hastily apologized.

Grandma looked thoughtful. "Rachel, do you think the music you want to buy glorifies the Lord?" she asked.

"Oh, come on, Gram," whined Rachel. "What does it hurt? I go to Sunday school and church and everything. Listening to that music isn't going to change me."

"It seems to me that you've divided your life up into nice little squares-like those quilt pieces," said Grandma. "One piece of your life is for friends, another for music, another for books, and so on. Some of the pieces belong to Jesus, and other pieces don't." Rachel frowned as she adjusted the squares on the table once again. "When the wind blew, some of your quilt squares flew all over," continued Grandma, "and when problems or temptations blow into your life like that wind, all your neat little life squares could blow apart." She held up a spool of thread. "You need thread to run through all those pieces and bind them together," added Grandma, "and you need Jesus to be the 'thread' that runs through your whole life, honey-through every part of it, not through only certain squares. Then nothing can ever blow you away!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is Jesus Lord of the music you listen to? The programs you watch? The language you use at school as well as at home or in church? Don't divide your life into little squares and give Him only some of them. Make Jesus Lord of everything.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:46)
<p>"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

[Soldier4Christ]

Christina was angry. She had taken part in a relay race, and when it was her turn to run, she had stumbled and fallen. Her parents had comforted her, but her brother made it clear that he considered her to be a total failure. "Lance makes me so mad!" Christina told her dad. "He said he wished he weren't my brother! I feel like giving him a good kick and yelling in his face!"

"Maybe you should do something like that," suggested Dad.

Christina was surprised. "But you're not supposed to get mad at people," she said.

"Well, you don't have to kick and scream," Dad agreed, "but tell him how you feel. The Bible says you shouldn't let the sun go down while you're still angry-you should get over it quickly. Often it helps to talk about it."

Christina looked thoughtful. "Just talk, but not kick him, huh?" she asked with a grin.

When Christina went to bed that night, she was still angry, and she couldn't sleep. She had not talked to Lance yet. She suddenly jumped up and marched to his room. "I'm really mad at you!" she announced.

Lance turned over. "Go away," he mumbled sleepily.

"What did you mean when you said you wished you weren't my brother?" demanded Christina. "And that I'm a lousy runner?"

Lance opened one eye. "I didn't really mean it," he mumbled. "I was just teasing you, but I guess I shouldn't have. Now go away and let me sleep." He pulled the covers closer as he added, "I'm going to the park tomorrow morning, and if you want to come with me, you'd better get to sleep, too."

Christina scowled. "Don't tell me to go to sleep! I do what I . . . hey, did you say I can go with you?" she asked, surprised.

Lance turned over. "Yeah," he murmured. "Good night, sis."

"Good night, brother." Christina grinned as she headed for her room. She wasn't angry anymore. Now she could sleep.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're angry, do you fret and just get "madder"? You may have a good reason to be angry, but don't let that anger build up. Pray about it, and then talk it over with whoever has made you angry-you may want to have a parent or teacher there, too. Sett


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:26)
<p>"Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."

[Soldier4Christ]

 An Inheritance

Joey liked to visit Great-Uncle Hank's dairy farm. He liked to help with the work in the barn. He liked to swing on ropes in the hayloft. He liked to ride on the tractor. But most of all, he liked to work with Uncle Hank on an old car in the shed behind the tractor barn.

Uncle Hank enjoyed restoring old cars, and now he was patiently working to restore another one to its original condition. First, it had been taken apart piece by piece. Then each piece had been cleaned. Worn parts had been repaired or replaced. The old paint had been stripped off the body, the rust removed, and a new coat of paint had been applied. Now the work was almost done. As Uncle Hank put the engine back together, Joey polished the car until it shone.

As they were working on the car one day, Uncle Hank turned to Joey. "How would you like to have this car?" asked Uncle Hank. Joey grinned, and his eyes lit up. Uncle Hank smiled. "I can see that you like it as much as I do, and some day it will be yours," Uncle Hank promised. "It's going to be your inheritance from me."

That evening, Joey excitedly told his parents about Uncle Hank's decision. Mom smiled. "What a nice thing for your great-uncle to do," she said.

Dad nodded. "It certainly is," he agreed.

"Yeah! I bet that's the best thing I'll ever get," said Joey. "I don't know anybody else who would leave me such a nice inheritance." He grinned at his dad. "Except maybe you and Mom," he added.

Dad smiled. After a moment he said, "Actually, there's an even better inheritance waiting for all of us who know Jesus as Savior. God promises that all who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation will someday enjoy all the blessings of heaven-something like you'll enjoy owning that car some day. Aren't you glad you belong to God?"

Joey nodded. "Yes, I am-and you know what else I'm glad about?" he asked. "I'm glad Uncle Hank knows Jesus and will get that inheritance, too!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there an inheritance waiting in heaven for you? There is if you've trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. Have you done that? If not, why wait any longer? Jesus wants those who know Him to spend eternity with Him. He's preparing a place for them. Admit your sin and your inability to earn your way to heaven. Trust in Jesus and look forward to the inheritance He has for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:3-4)
God . . . has begotten us . . .to an inheritance . . . reserved in heaven for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just a Little Thing

Bree looked up from her book when she heard her mother's voice. "I'm going across the street to Grandma Carter's," Mom was saying. "She wants me to shampoo her hair. When I get back we'll make some cookies."

"Okay, Mom," said Bree, and then she had an idea. I've helped Mom make cookies lots of times, she thought. I'll mix them now, and then Mom will only have to bake them. Bree went to the kitchen and found the recipe for her favorite cookies-chocolate mountains. She read the directions, then began putting ingredients into a bowl and stirring them together. Let's see . . . it says to add a teaspoon of baking powder to the flour. Bree opened the cupboard looked and looked for the baking powder, but she couldn't find it. I don't think cookies really need baking powder-I'm sure we didn't use any when we made crispy bars last week, she thought. Besides, it calls for only one teaspoon, so I don't think it matters.

Bree finished mixing the cookies and had the first batch ready for the oven when Mom came back. "Honey, I'm proud of you!" exclaimed Mom. She put the cookies into the oven and set the timer.

When the timer went off, Bree eagerly went to the oven and took out the pan. "Oh, Mom," she wailed, "they're flat-they're not 'mountains.'"

Mom looked at the cookies. "Bree, are you sure you put in enough baking powder?" she asked.

 "I couldn't find it," replied Bree, "but it calls for only one teaspoon, so I didn't think it could be that important."

"In this kind of cookie it is," said Mom. "It's what makes them rise-into cookie mountains. Maybe we can fix it yet." She got the baking powder and vigorously mixed it into the rest of the batter. "Don't feel too bad about it, honey," added Mom, "but be sure to learn from your mistake. For example, it shows that little things are important. That's always a good thing to keep in mind."

"Like the little boy's lunch that Jesus used to feed thousands of people, right?" asked Bree. "We just had that story in Sunday school."

"Right," agreed Mom, "but I was thinking of more recent things-like a little card sent to a Sunday school teacher." Bree smiled, knowing her mom was referring to a thank-you card Bree had mailed that morning.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you looking for something "big" to do for God? First, find the "little tasks" you can do for Him-like carrying in groceries for a neighbor or an elderly person, writing to a missionary kid, or being friendly to a new kid in school or in your neighborhood. There's a song that says "little is big when God is in it." When you do things for Him, He's just as pleased with the small things you do as with the big ones.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

[Soldier4Christ]

Jared had several pets. He loved them all-especially his dog, Sport. But it seemed as though his pets were not enough to satisfy him. He was always bringing other creatures home in his lunch box.

Jared's mother shrieked when she opened his box and found a little snake one day. "How many times have I told you not to put these things in your lunch boxl? Get rid of this!" she demanded.

Dad took a look. "Where did you find it?" he asked.

"He was sunning himself in the road," answered Jared. "He's such a cute little guy. I just couldn't leave him."

"Do you know what kind of a 'cute little guy' this is?" asked Dad. "It's a rattlesnake, and I've read that even little rattlers are dangerous."

"But he's so tiny!" exclaimed Jared. "Besides, I don't see any rattles on him."

"And you don't have a beard, yet, but you will if you live long enough," Dad told him. "This snake will grow rattles as he grows older, and he'll also have fangs and enough poison to kill a man."

"Aw, he doesn't look like a killer," protested Jared. "I bet if you take a baby snake like this and treat him nice and feed him . . . I bet he'd never try to kill you."

"Well, we're not going to experiment," said Dad. "Rattlesnakes are dangerous. You take this one out behind the barn and kill it."

Reluctantly, Jared took the box and carried it away. "I don't see why I have to get rid of the snake," Jared complained to his dog. Sport just growled.

Later that evening, Jared again grumbled about not being allowed to keep the little snake. "Little snakes get to be big ones," repeated Dad, "and they're dangerous. We've already talked about this." He shook his head. "Remember what Pastor Garth said last Sunday?" Jared shrugged. "He reminded us that sin is like that snake. It may seem small to us-sometimes it may even seem like fun-but it fills our lives with poison," continued Dad. "Sin should be seen as dangerous-not as something to play around with. In God's sight, there is no 'little' sin. We need to confess all sin to God and with His help, stop doing it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there some sin in your life that seems small and unimportant? A "little" lie or a "little" copying on a test? An unkind attitude? In God's sight, there is no small sin. Confess your sin to Jesus, and with His help, never do it again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:6)
<p> "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

[Soldier4Christ]

Want to see my pets? Jared asked Polly, who was new to his neighborhood. Jared showed her his turtles, his guinea pigs, and his rabbits. "I'll show you one more," he said as he led the way to a dark corner of the barn and lifted the lid from a box.

"Oh! A huge snake!" gasped Polly. 

"I found him when he was a baby," said Jared. "Don't tell Mom and Dad! They wanted me to kill him, but I just couldn't-he was such a cute little thing."

"Well, he's not little now," said Polly. "Or cute!"

"Jared took the snake out of the box and put him down on some straw. "Go ahead-pet him," he urged.

Polly shuddered. "He's horrid!" she declared.

"Here, fella, show . . ." began Jared. "Hey! What's the matter? I never saw him curl up like that before." Jared backed away. "Look at his head swaying. Jump, Polly! He's going to strike!"

Polly screamed. "He got Sport!" she gasped a moment later. She and Jared both ran to get Dad.

Dad quickly called the vet, then hurried out to kill the snake. When the vet came, Jared and Polly were still shaking, and Jared had tears in his eyes as he stroked Sport. "Will Sport be all right?" he asked the vet. 

"I'll do my best to save him," said the vet as he gave Sport a shot of strong serum to fight the poison in his system, "but a snake bite can be fatal. You must be prepared." After leaving instructions on how to care for the dog, the vet left. 

"Can we pray for Sport?" Jared asked when they had family devotions a little later.

Dad nodded. "Sure," he said, "but we have to be willing to accept whatever answer God gives." He paused. "Do you remember how we compared sin to that snake the day you found him?" Jared nodded. "Well, the cure for sin is a little like the cure for the snake bite," continued Dad. "The poison needs to be dealt with. When we give a shot of serum for the poison of the snake, we hope the poison will be neutralized. When we trust in Jesus and ask Him to forgive and cleanse us, we know the poison of sin in our lives is removed by His blood, which He shed for us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has the poison of sin been removed from your life? Jesus' blood will never lose its power to wash away sin. If you have never trusted in Jesus, won't you do so now? He wants you to come to Him and be saved. (See page 67.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 1:7)
<p>"The blood of Jesus Christ His (God's) Son cleanseth us from all sin."

[Soldier4Christ]

Susan sat on the porch, waiting impatiently for her father. I wish Dad would hurry home, she thought. I need money to get a birthday present for Janice before the party this afternoon. I suppose Mom's right when she says I could have earned it by mowing the lawn for Dad or baby sitting for Mrs. Greene, but it's been way too hot for all that.

Just then Mom came out. "Susan, why don't you walk over and see if Jill would like us to pick her up for Sunday school tomorrow?" she suggested.

Susan made a face. "Oh, Mom, maybe she'll be at Janice's party. I can ask her then." Susan stretched lazily. I'm not walking way over there, she thought. It's too hot. 

By the time Dad came home, it was too late to get a present. "Oh, well," said Susan, "I'll get a gift for Janice later." She went off to the party empty handed.

When she got back home, Susan was quite unhappy. "Janice was nice about it when I explained that I didn't have time to get a present and that I'd bring one next week, but the other kids whispered together," she complained. "I just know they were calling me 'Lazy Susan' again-they call me that all the time. I was so embarrassed."

"I imagine you were," said Mom. "After all, when Janice invited you to her party, you accepted her invitation. Yet you didn't bother to get a gift for her."

Susan sniffed. "I suppose you're going to scold me, too," she whined.

"I think you know that you really deserve a scolding," said Mom, "but maybe I'll have to scold myself, too. This reminds me that the Lord Jesus also gave us an invitation-to His home in heaven. By believing in Him, we accepted that invitation, too-but do we have a gift ready for Him? Once we get to heaven, we can't promise to bring something later."

Susan looked thoughtful. "But what gift can I bring Jesus?" she wondered out loud. Suddenly she jumped up. "I know one thing I can do. Jill wasn't at the party. Do I have time before dinner to go invite her to Sunday school? I don't want to be known as 'Lazy Susan' anymore-especially not in heaven."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus' invitation to heaven? That's great, but do you have a gift for Him? Is there someone to whom you should witness or show kindness, for Jesus' sake? Someone whom you should invite to Sunday school? Do it now, so you won't be ashamed


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 11:30)
<p>"He that winneth souls is wise."

[Soldier4Christ]

Hi, Jayden, said Anna as she came into his hospital room. He had been injured and had undergone knee surgery the day before. "See what I brought you." Anna shoved a bunch of flowers at Jayden.

"A a choo! Thanks, Anna. A a choo!" Jayden sneezed again. "They're nice-but I'm allergic to them."

"Well, I'm glad it's only the flowers making you sneeze," said Anna. "I was afraid you had a cold. My mother knew a lady who caught a cold in the hospital, and she died of pneumonia. There are all kinds of germs in a hospital, you know. You're liable to catch most anything." She peered at him. "You don't look good."

"I'm fine," said Jayden. "I don't have much pain at all." 

"That's because the doctor gives you pills, not because you're better," Anna told him. "You could be dying, for all you know. My mom says doctors never tell you anything. Too bad you won't be able to play football this year. Dad says you'll probably never be able to play football again." She shook her head sadly.

"Oh, he will, too," came a voice from the door. Jayden's friend Toby came in. "Hi, Jayden," he said. "You look great!" He handed Jayden a book. "Mr. Grant said to tell you our whole Sunday school class is praying for you. The book is from them."

"A joke book!" Jayden grinned. "Tell them thanks."

Anna frowned. "Did you know . . ." She clapped her hand over her mouth. "Well, I wasn't supposed to tell you, but since it almost slipped out . . . well . . . your dog got run over," Anna said sadly.

"Spot?" gasped Jayden. "Is he . . . is he . . ."

Anna nodded. "He'll probably die," she said.

"Oh, that's awful," moaned Jayden.

"I saw your mom, and she said he's going to be fine," said Toby. He scowled at Anna.

Anna glanced at her watch. "I've gotta get going, but I did want to drop in and cheer you up a bit. Take care now. I'll close the door as I leave-maybe that will keep some of the germs out." With a wave she was gone.

 Toby laughed. "I don't know what all she told you, but don't believe half of it," he said. "Hey . . . let's read some of those jokes now."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who is sick? If you visit, talk about cheerful things. If the person wants to talk about an unhappy situation, listen. Don't pry. Be sympathetic and assure your friend of your prayers. Then be sure to pray for him or her.


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