Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Pete, time to come in, called Mom. "You have things to do before dinner."
 

Soon Pete skidded to a halt in front of his mother. "What do I need to do, Mom?" he asked.

"This." Mom held out Pete's Bible. "You said your Sunday school teacher gave you daily reading assignments this week."

"Yeah," said Pete, "but I don't see why." He shrugged carelessly. "I know you and Dad always think I should read some verses every day, too, but we go to church on Sundays-twice-and I learn about God there." He took the Bible and sat down to read.

Mom frowned, but she didn't say anything more about it until that night. When she walked past Pete's room, she reached in and shut the light off. "Mom!" exclaimed Pete. "I was working on my model ship. I need the light on to see what I'm doing."

"But the light was on for a while," said Mom. "I'm sure you can remember where things are. Can't you just make do with the light you got while it was on?"

"Of course not," grumbled Pete as he reached for the switch.

Mom smiled. "Having light for a short time is helpful, but it's not enough, is it, Pete?" she asked. "After it's turned off, you remember where things are for a while, but to do your best work, you need the light on, right?"

"Of course," agreed Pete.

"God refers to His Word-the Bible-as 'light,'" said Mom.
"It's good to get that light in church on Sundays, but that's not enough,
either. To get the greatest benefit from the light of God's Word, you need to
make constant use of it. 'Turn it on'-use it during the week as well as on
Sunday."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think that because you go to church, daily devotions aren't important? To stay on the right path with God, you need His light regularly. "Turn on" the light of His Word for spiritual direction. Learn God's ways and gain His wisdom. Ask Him to help


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:130)
<p>"The entrance of Thy words giveth light."

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad, look at this! Brent pointed to the newspaper. "The paper says this lady is a prophetess, and there's a whole list of things she says are going to happen."

"Don't believe it," warned Bob, Brent's older brother. "She's just a fake."

"Is she a fake, Dad?" asked Brent. "The predictions sound as if they could happen. She says there'll be a plane crash and that we'll have a cold winter and . . . ."

"There are always plane crashes, and every winter is cold," interrupted Bob. "Even I could predict that!"

"That's true." Dad nodded. "People like to think they can foretell the future, but they can't. Before the Bible was written, God used prophets to give out His message, but now He speaks to us through His Word- the Bible."

"Aren't these people ever right?" asked Brent.

"Sometimes-but it's probably a matter of having made good guesses," answered Dad. "We read in Deuteronomy that if a prophet makes even one mistake, he is not of God. Also, remember that Satan is very powerful, and there are those who believe he sometimes gives people special knowledge. That makes the whole thing very dangerous."

"But if these people can't really tell the future, how come they pretend they can?" wondered Brent.

"I suspect they like the feeling of power it gives them," answered Dad, "and they like the riches they get from doing it. Gullible people will pay lots of money to have someone tell them what will happen in the future."

Brent was quiet for a few minutes as he read the list of predictions. "I guess anyone could have predicted most of these things," he agreed. "It is pretty silly to believe this lady has some kind of special power."

Dad nodded. "I'm glad I know the true God Who really does know and care about the future of my life, aren't you?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard someone predict the future, or have you read such predictions in the newspaper? No person knows what's going to happen. Only God knows that. Be content to trust Him to lead you, one day at a time, as you strive to please Him in all that you


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 1:1-2)
<p>"God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son."

[Soldier4Christ]

Danielle yawned as she came down the stairs. "Good morning, sleepyhead,"
Mom greeted her. "I'm leaving now for town, but I'll be home by noon. I want you
to weed the flowers today. I asked you to do it last week, remember, but you
didn't get it done."
 

"Oh, Mom, I hate bugs and spiders and weeding," wailed Danielle. "And I did clean the garage instead."

"But I asked you to do the weeding," Mom reminded. "Be sure it gets done today. 'Bye, now."

Danielle sighed as she prepared to go out to the garden. Suddenly she remembered something-Mom's birthday! Mom should have a birthday cake, she thought, and I know how to make one. So Danielle bustled about the kitchen, and the cake was ready only minutes before her mother arrived home at lunchtime.

Mom was pleased-and surprised-when she saw the lovely cake! After having a piece for dessert, she declared it was the best she had ever eaten! "But how did you have time to weed the flowers and bake a cake, too?" she wondered. Then seeing Danielle's expression, she added, "You did weed the flowers, didn't you?"

When Danielle admitted that she hadn't, Mom sighed. "I appreciate the work you did in the garage last Saturday," Mom told her, "and I appreciate this lovely cake, but the fact remains that the weeds are still in the garden. You have not obeyed me, and I'm very disappointed."

"But I thought you would want a cake," protested Danielle.

"A cake is nice, honey, but I wanted even more for you
to obey me," answered Mom. "I'm sorry about this, but you will have to miss the
shopping trip you planned for this afternoon. You'll have to work in the
garden."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think that doing something helpful-or even sacrificial-excuses you from doing exactly as you're told? Today's verse points out the importance of obedience. There is no excuse that's "good enough" to allow you to disobey God-and one of His commands


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Samuel 15:22)
<p>"To obey is better than sacrifice."

[Soldier4Christ]

Danielle struggled to pull weeds from the flower bed while Grandpa Wilson,
who lived next door, watched. As they talked, he learned that she was missing a
shopping trip because she had failed to weed the garden when she was told.
 

"That's too bad," said Grandpa, "but why did you put it off so long? I've always enjoyed working in the garden and watching the miracle of growing things. If it weren't for this crippled leg, I'd love to help you."

"I wish you could, Grandpa. I hate weeding-and I hate bugs evern more!" moaned Danielle.

Grandpa smiled. "I guess most girls do," he said, "but all the sweet, good things of life have a few unpleasant things mixed with them. Flower beds have spiders and weeds. Life has problems and responsibilities."

"Ugh!" Danielle puffed as she pulled a particularly large weed. "These things sure are big and stubborn."

Grandpa nodded. "They would have been much easier to pull last week," he pointed out. "The sooner they're pulled, the better."

"I guess so," muttered Danielle. "I guess I have a bad habit of putting off things I don't like to do."

"Procrastination," said Grandpa.

"What does that mean?" asked Danielle.

"Oh, it's just a big word for what you call 'putting
off' things," explained Grandpa. After a moment he added, "Bad habits in our
lives are like these weeds-the longer they grow, the harder it is to get rid of
them. Your life is like a flower garden, Danielle, full of sweet, beautiful
things . . . but if you don't keep the bad habits and sins pulled out, your life
will become ugly and hard. By making you stay home this afternoon, your mother
is helping you to pull a few 'weeds' out of your life as well as out of the
flower garden."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What "weeds" need to be pulled out of your life? Disobedience? Cheating? Lying? Unkindness? Whatever they are, pull them out. Ask the Lord to help you. The sooner you do it, the easier it will be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 6:14)
<p>"Sin shall not have dominion over you."

[Soldier4Christ]

On their way home from school, Darien and Sam discussed their grades on
the math quiz their teacher had given. As they passed the home of Darien's
Sunday school teacher, they saw him working out in the yard and stopped to chat.
"Mr. Brown," said Darien, "maybe you can settle something for us. We had a quiz
in math today-only two problems. My answers were way off, but Sam just had a
couple of numbers turned around."
 

"Yeah." Sam nodded. "Our teacher gave us both a big red zero. That wasn't fair, was it? My answers were much closer to being right than Darien's. I think I should have gotten a better grade than he did."

"And I say it makes no difference," put in Darien. "So who's right?"

"Well, this reminds me of scientists who are working on a cure for cancer," murmured Mr. Brown. "Some have come very close to solving the problem, but people continue to die of cancer."

"So . . . you're saying there are times when you've got to have the exact answer," said Sam thoughtfully, "and I suppose you're telling me this is one of them, aren't you?"

Mr. Brown nodded. "I'm sorry, but if I were grading your paper, Sam, I'm afraid I'd give you a zero, too. You were close, but you were wrong. Now before you go, guys, I'd like to ask you another question. You must have the exact answer to this one, too. The question is this-how can you get to heaven?"

"Well . . . by being good and doing our best," suggested Sam. "And by giving money for the poor and needy and helping others."

"No," disagreed Darien. "That's not right. It's by trusting Jesus as Savior."

Mr. Brown smiled. "You're right, Darien," he said. He
turned to Sam as he added, "It's very important to have this answer right, Sam.
If you boys have time for a bottle of pop, I'd like to talk about this some
more. If you're interested, you can call and see if it's okay with your mothers.
I have my cell phone right here."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you have the right answer to Mr. Brown's question? Good things you do can never get you to heaven. The Bible says only those who believe on Jesus will be saved.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 3:5)
<p>"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us."

[Soldier4Christ]

Rachel grinned as her brother Colby popped a big bite of cake into his
mouth. "Wow! Your cakes are getting better and better!" he declared. Both Rachel
and her mother were going to enter a cake in the competition at the county
fair-Rachel in the young bakers division, and her mother in the adult division.
Rachel wanted her cake to be perfect, and she made so many practice cakes that
the whole family was tired of them-except Colby.
 

The day came to bake the cakes for the fair. Rachel baked hers first, and after carefully frosting it, she left it standing on the kitchen cupboard. When Colby came in, he helped himself to a big piece. He was enjoying the last bite when Rachel came back into the kitchen. "Colby!" she screamed. "What are you doing? That's the cake for the fair! It turned out perfectly, and now you've ruined it!"

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Colby. "I thought this was another cake for me to test. I'm so sorry, Rachel!"

Rachel turned away. "You ruined my prize cake, and I'll never forgive you!" she wailed. "Never! Now I'll have to start all over!" She glared at her brother. "You get out of here!" she demanded as she got out her recipe. 

Rachel's second cake was cooling on the cupboard, and her mother was working in the kitchen when Rachel came in again, slamming the door behind her. "Oh, Rachel! My cake for the fair!" gasped Mom. "It's baking-and slamming the door could make it fall!"

Rachel peeked into the oven, and to her dismay, the center of the cake had caved in.

Rachel felt terrible! "Oh, Mom," she cried, "I didn't know you had your cake in the oven. I'm so sorry! Please forgive me."

"Like you forgave Colby?" Mom asked quietly. "He told me
what happened, and I'm sorry about your cake. But you know, Rachel, we should
always remember that we've been forgiven by God, and that even now we need
forgiveness from time to time. We ought to forgive others as God forgives
us."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad God doesn't "hold grudges"? He graciously forgives your sin when you confess it. Do you need to forgive someone? Forgive as God does. Then you can again have fellowship with that person and with Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 4:32)
<p>"Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

[Soldier4Christ]

Laura slammed the door as she came in from school. "What an awful day,"
she moaned. "Why I was so lucky as to get Mrs. Hilton for two classes a day,
I'll never know. She's a grouch, and nobody likes her!"
 

"Sounds like the verse we read this morning was what you needed today," said Mom. "It says, 'In everything give thanks,' remember? No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we should always have an attitude of praise and thankfulness to God."

Laura looked doubtful. "It's pretty hard to have an attitude of praise in Mrs. Hilton's class."

"It may be hard, but the right attitude will make the class easier," Mom encouraged Laura. "I'm sure God has some lessons to teach you in that class."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll learn lots of lessons there," grumbled Laura, "lessons like sit up straight . . . no talking during class . . . stay in your seats . . . blah, blah, blah! But I still don't see how I can be expected to give thanks for having the misfortune of being in Mrs. Hilton's class-not just once, but twice a day!"

"Well, God tells us to pray about what is happening in our lives," said Mom, "and to include thanksgiving in those prayers."

"Maybe, but I still say it will be almost impossible to be thankful in her classes," insisted Laura. "Just think! I've got to be in Mrs. Hilton's class two hours a day, five days a week, all year long! Oh, I can't stand it! It's too much!" She clapped her hand to her head and fell into a soft chair.

Mom laughed. "Now, Laura, don't get dramatic," she said. "If you have to stand it, you can. You can even win Mrs. Hilton's respect and friendship if your attitude is right. Why don't you try saying nice things about her? I'm sure that would help the situation more than grumbling does."

"Nice things about her? I can't think of any," objected Laura.

"Ask God to help you think of some," suggested Mom.
"Talk to Him about it, and thank Him for the opportunity He's given you to learn
something new. I think you'll be surprised at the results."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you talk to the Lord about the circumstances and people you face each day? Ask Him to help you have a proper attitude. Pray about difficult situations. Thank God for all the opportunities and lessons you can learn through them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:6)
<p>"In every thing . . . with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

[Soldier4Christ]

As Laura was working on the lawn one Saturday morning, her little brother
Brian came out of the house with their mother. "It worked, Laura! It worked!"
Brian called excitedly. "We're going to the park!"
 

Mom looked puzzled. "What worked?" she asked.

Laura laughed. "Brian was pouting a while ago because he wanted to go to the park, but you had said you were too busy," she explained. "I told him if he quit fussing and nagging and started saying nice things to you, you would do nice things for him."

"But she said to tell only the truth," interrupted Brian, "so I did. You are a good housekeeper . . . and pretty . . . and a good mama . . . and I love you."

Mom laughed. "I believe everything you said," she told Brian. Turning to Laura, she added, "This reminds me of your problem with your teacher, Mrs. Hilton. Have you tried my suggestion to say nice things about her?"

Laura slowly shook her head. "Not yet, but maybe you're right. I'll try it next week."

"Good," approved Mom. "Tell her the things you do like about her, and keep praying for her, too, of course."

When Laura walked into Mrs. Hilton's room the following week, she tried to think of something nice to say. "That's a pretty suit," she commented as she passed Mrs. Hilton's desk. The teacher looked startled, but pleased.

When Laura turned in an assignment at the end of the class hour, she smiled at Mrs. Hilton. "I've been having trouble with my math, but you explained this so well, and I think I finally got it," said Laura.

As the days passed, Laura continued to look for things
about which she could make positive comments, and she was surprised to find that
she was beginning to actually like her teacher. Mrs. Hilton seemed to like
Laura, too, and even paid her a compliment now and then. "It's strange," mused
Laura. "When you say nice things about people, they say nice things about you,
too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Could praise solve a problem you have with a teacher, a neighbor, or a friend? Look for their good qualities, and be genuine in your compliments. Please them with an attitude that pleases God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 16:7)
<p>"When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

[Soldier4Christ]

As soon as Matt walked in the door, his mother knew something was wrong.
He was quiet and thoughtful-not his usual, happy self. "How was school, Matt?"
she asked. "Did something unusual happen?"
 

"Well, not really." Matt hesitated. "We did have a discussion in social studies class, though. One of the kids started talking about terrorism and nuclear war and how the whole world was going to end. It sounded to me like Mr. Morgan agreed with him."

"What do you think, Matt?" asked Mom.

Matt shrugged. "I think it's sort of scary. We talk about war at school, and there are shows about it on TV. Even Uncle Bill was talking about it when we were at his house last week." Matt paused. "Aren't you afraid, too, Mom?"

"Matt, this world is a messed up place," answered Mom, "but when I hear scary stories about nuclear war, I thank the Lord that my future is in His hands. We're Christians, and we know that the Lord loves and cares for His children. He is still in control. Nothing happens unless He allows it to happen, and we can trust Him to allow only what is best for us."

"Our teacher says if everyone would stop making nuclear weapons, the world would be peaceful and no one would fight," offered Matt.

"That sounds good," said Mom, "but it's not going to happen. There were numerous wars long before we had nuclear weapons. Nations want to be powerful and will do anything to gain that power. It's unrealistic to think they'll all suddenly decide to stop fighting."

Matt sighed. "I suppose so," he said.

"The Bible says there will always be war," said Mom, "but like I said before, we need to remember to put our trust in the Lord and not be afraid."

Matt thought for a moment about what his mother had
said. He sighed, but gave her a little smile. "It's good to be a Christian, huh,
Mom-and to trust the Lord to know what's best for us!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid when you hear stories about war and terrorists? Those are scary things, but if you're a Christian, you don't have to be afraid. Your future is in God's hands. Trust Him-He'll be with you through whatever comes. In addition, you can look for


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:1)
<p>"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me."

[Soldier4Christ]

Carla dashed into the house, waving a paper. "Please, Mom, may I go?" she
asked. Her mother read the notice. On Saturday morning, the shopping mall was
conducting a free fingerprinting clinic for all children accompanied by a
parent. "My teacher says it's really important," Carla said, "in case I need to
be identified some time."
 

"We already know who you are. You're the baby of this family," teased Carla's older brother David.

Carla ignored him. "May I go, Mom?"

Mom nodded. "Sure-it's a good idea," she said. "No one else in all the world has fingerprints just like yours, Carla. You're one of a kind."

David laughed. "Whew! That's a relief," he said, and then he got serious. "When I did a report on abortion for health class, I learned that a person's fingerprint pattern appears on the fingers four or five months before he's even born. It stays the same throughout his lifetime."

"That shows how special a life is to God," said Mom. "Even before we're born, He forms every little detail in just the way that's best for us. It's sad that so many people regard the life of an unborn baby so lightly that they feel they have the right to end it just because having a baby would be inconvenient for them."

Carla nodded. "My Sunday school teacher is going to have a baby any day now," she said solemnly. "She told us that the doctors are afraid there may be something wrong with it. They wanted her to have some tests and then have an abortion if the tests show the baby will be deformed, but Mrs. Weaver wouldn't do it. She says God knows just what kind of baby she needs, and whatever He sends will be perfect for her."

"That's great!" Mom nodded. "To take a life is never
right-even if it's a life that is yet unborn, and even if we fear it may have
some defect. Life and death must be left in the hands of God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard that the mother of an unborn child should be allowed to decide whether or not to have her baby? That's wrong! God gives life, and only He may take it. Killing unborn babies is sin. It is murder.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 139:14)
<p>"I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

[Soldier4Christ]

On Saturday, Carla and her mother headed for the fingerprinting clinic in
a nearby mall. "Mom, can we buy a gift for Mrs. Weaver and her baby?" asked
Carla as she and Mom got out of the car. Just the day before, Carla's Sunday
school teacher had given birth to a healthy baby girl-a perfect baby, even in
the eyes of man. "Can we get them something?" Carla asked again.
 

Mom smiled. "That's a nice idea," she agreed.

"Just think," squealed Carla, "Mrs. Weaver named her baby 'Carlotta'-almost the same as my name! I wonder what she'll be when she grows up."

"I don't know," Mom said, "but God does. He knows who we are before we are born. He has a special plan for our lives. The Bible tells us that even before they were born, the Lord chose Jeremiah to be a prophet, Samson to be a Nazarite, and John the Baptist to be a forerunner of Christ."

"That's really cool," said Carla. 

After the fingerprinting session, Carla and her mother went shopping for the baby gift. They chose a pastel colored planter that was shaped like a building block. Carla carried it as they went to pick out a plant to put in it. She idly turned it over. "Mom, look at this," she said, pointing to a mark on the bottom of the planter. "This isn't a defect, is it?"

Mom examined the planter closely. "No. That's the artist's initials, Carla," she said. "It identifies its creator."

"Like my fingerprints identify me?" asked Carla.

"Something like that," agreed Mom. "God is your creator.
He made you in His image, and gave you a special identity. He has a plan for
your life. Trust and obey Him. Then you'll be a credit to His
name."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that you're a designer special? God made you just as you are-short, tall, smart, musical, or whatever! He made you just right. He has a plan for your life. As your life unfolds, trust Him and be willing to accept any circumstances and responsi


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Jeremiah 29:11)
<p>"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord."

[Soldier4Christ]

Somebody must have decided we shouldn't eat junk food, grumbled Leslie
when she came home from school one day. "They're taking the candy and pop
machines out of the cafeteria. What are we supposed to do if we want something
to eat between classes?"
 

"Won't they put something in their place?" Mom asked.

"Well . . . yeah," admitted Leslie. "Apples, raisins, milk, and juice."

"Sounds good to me," approved Mom. "Those are better foods to eat. After all, food affects your health. Did you know there's a Brazilian parrot that changes color, depending on what kind of fish it eats?"

Leslie laughed. "If I eat candy, will I change color?" she asked. "Where did you find such an odd fact?"

Mom smiled. "I learned that one when I was in nurses' training. We were taught that we are what we eat." She watched as Leslie turned on the TV and checked several channels. "That principle applies to the mind as well as to the body," added Mom. "What we 'eat' mentally makes a big difference in how we react to the world around us."

"And you classify TV as junk food," said Leslie. She flipped the TV back off and stared at the blank screen.

"Suppose we didn't have television-what would you do instead of plopping down in front of the TV?" asked Mom.

Leslie thought about it. "I don't know," she said. "Call a friend. Read a book. Maybe even do some homework!"

Mom nodded. "Well, I think those things can be considered good food-like apples, raisins, and juices," she said. "Now, let's see . . . you need some meat or protein in your diet, too. What do you think that might be?"

"Studying God's Word," answered Leslie promptly.

"Good," agreed Mom. "Let's both work on improving our
diets. You can start by having some milk and crackers while you memorize your
verse for Bible club."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there mental junk food you need to get rid of-books or TV programs with bad language, dirty jokes, and ungodly plots? Is there healthy food you need to add- good books, good friends, or daily devotions? Have a spiritual diet that pleases God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:2)
<p>"Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby."

[Soldier4Christ]

Tim rushed onto the stage, set some props in place, picked up some others,
and rushed back off. He was head "prop man" for the play the Junior Youth Group
was putting on.
 

When the performance ended, Tim finished the work he had to do and picked up his jacket. He gave a big sigh as he walked out of the auditorium and started down the church steps.

Pastor Weber, who was coming up the steps, greeted Tim. "Congratulations on the fine job you did on the play," said Pastor Weber, "but why the big sigh? Are you tired?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Tim nodded. "Tired and discouraged about . . . some other stuff."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said the pastor. "Care to talk about it?" 

Tim shrugged, but then he shared his problem-concern about his father. Tim and his mom were saved, but his dad was not. Tim dearly loved his dad and was afraid he would be lost for all eternity. "Mom and I have prayed and prayed for Dad, and I know you and the people here at church have, too," said Tim, "but it hasn't done any good. We've all witnessed to him, too, but he's still the same."

"Wait a minute, Tim," said Pastor Weber. "How do you know our prayers haven't done any good? How do you know your dad is the same?"

Tim was surprised. "I sure don't see any change," he said.

"But you can't see inside his heart. God could be doing
a work that we can't see on the outside," reminded Pastor Weber. "Think about
the play you just worked so hard on. The audience couldn't see all the
behind-the-scenes work that took place to make it a success." Tim remembered all
the rehearsals and the rushing around to set the stage while the curtain was
closed. He nodded as Pastor Weber continued. "God often does a lot of
behind-the-scenes work, too, before there are any visible results. Our prayers
and our witness are part of the unseen things that will bring final results. We
must keep at it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you prayed for a loved one and gotten discouraged by the lack of results? Have you done your best to witness, but it hasn't helped? Don't quit. You don't know what God has been doing in that person's heart. It may take a very long time before he or s


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:7)
<p>"God . . . giveth the increase."

[Soldier4Christ]

Darrin! whispered Logan. "Put this in your pocket. Quick!" He held out a
king-size candy bar.
 

Darrin looked at his older cousin in amazement. "We have to pay for it first," he objected, "but Mom didn't say we could buy candy."

"Let me worry about that," hissed Logan. "You just do as you're told, kid. Hurry up-nobody's watching."

Darrin hesitated. "God is," he replied solemnly.

"Don't start preaching," growled Logan. "That's all I've heard since I got here. If I'd known your parents were so religious, I'd never have agreed to come for a whole week. Put this in your pocket, or I'll get you!"

Darrin's eyes widened. He didn't know this older cousin very well, but he did believe Logan would beat him up if he didn't do as he was told. He took a deep breath. "No!" he said as he backed farther down the aisle. "Dear God, please help me," he murmured, unaware that Logan could hear him.

Logan was angry. "Don't start praying, either. Won't do you any good." He glared at Darrin. "Put this in your pocket, or I'll have to teach you a lesson!" Logan grabbed for Darrin's shirt. As Darrin dodged, paper towels went rolling everywhere. Logan panicked. "Look what you did," he gasped. "Let's get out of here."

A clerk came running. "I'll pick those up," he said.

As the clerk began picking up the towels, Darrin heard the familiar voice of his father. "Hi, boys," said Dad. "Mom forgot to put bread on your list, so she sent me to get it." He grinned as he looked at the candy Logan held. "I see she's spoiling you boys and letting you have a treat," added Dad.

Logan's face turned red. "Uh . . . I was just looking at this," he said. "I'm going to put it back."

"It's okay," said Dad. "I'll get it for you. Come on . . . you can ride home with me if you like."

When they were on their way home, Darrin turned to his dad. "God watches us all the time, and helps us when we need Him, doesn't He?" he asked confidently.

Dad nodded. "Of course," he said. "You know that."

Darrin looked over his shoulder at his cousin's red
face. "Yes, I do," he said, "and so does Logan . . . now."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone tried to force you to do something wrong? Were you strong enough to say no? Remember that God is always watching, and He is ready to help you. Ask Him to give you the courage to do what is right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 34:15)
<p>"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry."

[Soldier4Christ]

Brad flopped down on the porch step next to his friend Jason. "Wait, wait,
wait!" muttered Brad. "That's what she always says."
 

"Who?" asked Jason, taking a bite of his cookie.

"My mom. I'm starving to death, and she won't let me have a piece of cake," groaned Brad. "Says it's too close to dinner time and I can have some for dessert."

"My mom wanted me to wait, too," confided Jason, "but I talked her into letting me have some cookies now."

Later that week, Jason came whizzing down the street on a new bicycle. "Jason always gets everything he wants when he wants it," complained Brad to his parents. "Now it's a bike. I have to wait for a new one for . . . who knows how long? How come I have to wait so often?"

Brad's father smiled. "For one thing, money in our family is limited," he said. "Besides, it's good for us to learn to wait for God to work things out for us. He wants us to develop patience."

The years went by, and the pattern remained the same. Whatever Jason wanted, he seemed to get immediately. After graduating from high school, Brad worked in a restaurant and saved money to go to college. Jason, on the other hand, promptly got married. "Why should we wait?" he said. "We want to be together. Now I just gotta find a good job."

But this time, Jason didn't get what he wanted right away. He couldn't find the kind of job he wanted, and he refused to take anything else. Also, his new bride wasn't used to pampering him the way his parents had. So instead of working things out, Jason immediately decided a divorce was the answer to his problems.

Brad sighed when he heard what was happening in his old
schoolmate's life. "You know," he said to his parents, "I used to envy Jason
because his folks seemed to just hand him everything. I used to wish you would
do that for me, but now I sometimes wonder if Jason would handle things better
if he hadn't always had his way. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching me to
wait."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want your wishes granted immediately? Learn to wait patiently-even for simple things. If your friends haves more than you do, realize that as a rule, the more people get, the more they want. Ask God to help you be content. Enjoy looking forward to


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:6)
<p>"Godliness with contentment is great gain."