Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Mike asked. "Since it's really
important, seems like you'd tell me-your best friend-about it."
 

Tom blushed. "I should have," he admitted.

For a long time, Tom had been trying to find courage to witness to his friend. Many opportunities slipped by while he sat tongue-tied, too scared to say a word-but he knew he should talk to Mike. One day, Tom made up his mind that he was going to do it! So he called Mike and invited him to come over and play. Mike came, and the very first time Tom saw a chance to witness, he took a deep breath and plunged in. To his great surprise, Mike was very much interested, and before the evening ended, Mike had asked Jesus to be his Savior.

"I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you about Jesus," Tom apologized, "but I sure am glad you're a Christian now, Mike."

"Me, too!" Mike grinned at his friend as he looked at his watch. "Well, I gotta go home-I'll see you tomorrow, Tom."

The next morning, Tom was up early for breakfast. "Oh, yummy! Pancakes! But before I eat, I gotta see if the weather will be good for fishing today," he said as he turned on the radio.

"Tragedy struck our town this morning," came the voice of a news reporter. "Fire broke out at 1243 Vining Street. . . ."

"Oh, no!" gasped Tom. "That's Mike's address!"

"All the family escaped," the voice went on, "except twelve-year-old Michael Warner, who lost his life in the blaze."

Tom began crying. "I can't believe it!" he said between sobs. "Mike was here just last night, and now he's d-dead!"

"I'm sorry, Tom . . . so sorry," said Dad, putting his arm around Tom's shoulder.

"Just think . . . I put off telling Mike about Jesus for
so long," Tom said slowly, "and if I hadn't told him yesterday, he would have
been lost forever! I'm so glad he became a Christian last
night."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you put off telling someone about Jesus? Does your best friend know Him? Is everyone in your family saved? Use every opportunity to witness-it may be the last chance for someone to hear of Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 10:14)
<p>"How shall they believe in Him (Jesus) of whom they have not heard?"

[Soldier4Christ]

Tests! Tests! Tests! grumbled Steve when he and his sister stopped to talk
with Grandpa Wilson one day.
 

"We hate tests!" added Sheila.

Grandpa smiled. "I reckon we all do," he agreed, "but tests are a part of life. Everybody has 'em."

"You don't!" protested Sheila. "You're out of school."

Grandpa smiled. "Yes, but not all tests are on paper," he said, "and not all lessons are learned from a book."

Before long, Steve and Sheila discovered that what Grandpa said was true. The next time he saw them, they looked very unhappy. "Problems?" he asked.

"Might as well tell you," mumbled Steve. "We found out last night that Mom and Dad are getting a divorce."

"Why did this happen?" asked Sheila with tears in her eyes. "If they loved us, they wouldn't do this to us!"

"They do love you," Grandpa assured her, "but it seems to me that you may be facing one of the hardest tests of your life. God wants you to trust Him, even through this difficult time."

"Well, I hate tests!" declared Steve. "Why should I have to choose between my mother and dad?"

"What makes you think you'll have to choose?" asked Grandpa. "You can-and should-still love them both. But there's not always a quick answer to the questions on life's tests." As they talked, Grandpa reminded them of Joseph, who had been sold into Egypt by his brothers. "Joseph faced many lonely hours and difficult situations, but he didn't become bitter," said Grandpa. "Although he didn't know why things happened as they did, he realized that God allowed them for a reason. Joseph stayed sweet and kind and even forgave his brothers. As a result, God greatly blessed him."

"And that's what we're going to have to do?" asked Sheila. "Stay sweet and kind and be patient with Mom and Dad?" Grandpa nodded. 

"I guess Mom and Dad must be pretty unhappy, too," murmured Steve.

"I'm sure they are," agreed Grandpa. "Try not to be
bitter or angry. Look for ways to show God's love to both your parents. Ask God
to help you 'pass' this test."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you facing one of life's tests? A death or divorce in your family? Loss of Dad's job? Mom going to work? Illness? Whatever it is, trust the Lord. Wait to see what He is working out. Meanwhile, be patient, sweet, and kind. Help those around you pass th


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:3)
<p>"The trying of your faith worketh patience."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ryan leaned against the tree and stared at the dying embers inside the
ring of rocks. "Don't stay up too late," Dad had said as he crawled into the
tent to join Mom and Emily. Ryan shook his head. Any other night, he'd be in bed
by now, but tonight was different. Mom and Dad had talked with him about the
things that had happened that day, but they knew he wanted a little time alone
with his thoughts.
 

Ryan sat down on a log as he thought about his dog. King had been a wiggly little ball of black and white fur when Ryan got him for his twelfth birthday. Since then, King had grown into a big dog and a faithful friend. Today King had shown his friendship in a dramatic way.

Shortly before supper, Ryan had gone to gather wood for the campfire, and King went with him. As Ryan stooped to pick up a large limb, he heard the scary sound of a rattlesnake. When he turned, he saw that the snake was ready to strike. Suddenly a black and white blur passed between him and the snake. It was King. The rattler struck King in the face, but the dog continued to fight bravely, biting and shaking the snake until it was dead. Then King collapsed.

Ryan's heart ached over the memory of running back to camp carrying his unconscious pet-hoping someone could help. But there wasn't anything anyone could do. King had given his life to save Ryan. 

A tear ran down Ryan's cheek. He longed to hold King, ruffle his fur, and thank him for saving his life. A Bible verse popped into his mind-"He laid down His life for us." That verse is talking about Jesus, thought Ryan. Jesus gave His life to save me, too. Ryan sighed. I can't do anything for King now. Like Dad said, I can just remember the good times we had together. But I can do something to thank Jesus for dying in my place. I can be a true friend to Him and show my love by living for Him each day and doing my best to be like Him.

Ryan stood up and covered the cooling embers of the fire
with dirt. Then he crawled into the tent and into his sleeping bag. He asked God
to comfort him, and then he fell asleep.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that Jesus loved you enough to die for you? Are you willing to offer Him your life? Think of things you can do to show  your appreciation and love-things like talking with Him often, obeying parents, helping a neighbor, inviting a friend to church.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

When Rick saw the brand new baseball mitt Greg brought to school, he felt
a bit envious. That's the mitt they've been advertising on TV, he thought. I've
been wanting it for a long time, but who gets it? Caleb! He's always getting new
stuff!
 

How Rick wished that mitt were his! All day he kept thinking about it. It isn't fair! he thought. Caleb's father is rich, and Caleb gets everything he wants. Why can't I have what I want for once?

As Rick left school that afternoon, his eyes widened as he passed the baseball diamond. There, close to the backstop, lay the mitt. Rick picked it up, glancing around to make sure no one saw him. I'll return it to Caleb in the morning, he told himself, but tonight-just tonight-I'll pretend it's my very own.

That evening, Rick had a great time playing catch with his brother. When Dad asked where he got the mitt, Rick stammered a bit. "Well . . . well . . . one of the guys loaned it to me for the evening," he said.

In the morning, Rick "forgot" to take the mitt to school. When Caleb asked if anyone had seen his mitt, Rick didn't say anything.

A week passed, and the mitt still lay in his room. It was such a good one-but Rick couldn't play with it because Dad might ask questions again. And since it would be embarrassing to return it to Caleb now, Rick just shoved it to the back of his closet. That's where his mother found it. She picked it up and went to ask Rick about it.

"I . . . I just wanted it so much," Rick confessed after explaining where he found it. "I brought it home to try it out. I never meant to keep it."

"But you did keep it, didn't you?" replied Mom. "The real
trouble is with your heart. Down deep in your heart, you wanted something that
wasn't yours. You coveted it. Instead of asking God to forgive you and make you
content, you continued to think about the thing you wanted. This led you to lie
and to steal. Now you'll have to go to Caleb and ask him to forgive you-but I
think you first ought to get your heart right with God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does someone have something you really want? Do you keep longing for it and wishing it were yours? Careful! God says you must not covet it. Admire it, yes-but then turn your mind to other things.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 12:15)
<p>"Beware of covetousness."

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeremy, who was at Sunday school for his very first time, nudged his
friend Todd. "Who's that guy leading the singing?" whispered Jeremy.
 

"That's Mr. Carson," Todd whispered back. "He's in charge of our Sunday school department."

When they finished singing a chorus, Mr. Carson smiled at the group. "Come on up if you've had a birthday this past week," he said. "We want to sing 'Happy Birthday' to you."

Jeremy felt Todd's elbow in his ribs. "Hey, that includes you, Jeremy!" whispered Todd. "Go on up to the front, and you'll get a gift."

At first, Jeremy shook his head, but when he saw that other kids were going up, he slipped out of his seat and headed down the aisle. Mr. Carson shook his hand and gave him a leather bookmark and a small candy bar. Then everyone sang "Happy Birthday"-two verses! Jeremy recognized the first verse, but he'd never heard the second one-"Happy birthday to you. Only one will not do. Take God's gift of salvation, and then you'll have two."

"I hope each of you has had two birthdays, not just one," said Mr. Carson.

After class, Jeremy had several questions. "What in the world did that guy mean when he said he hoped we had two birthdays?" he asked. "I just had my tenth!"

"Nope, Jeremy," Todd replied, "you've only had one birthday . . . the day you were born. The rest of the time you were just celebrating that day."

"Okay," agreed Jeremy, "but what about that second birthday? Why would I need two birthdays?"

"When you were born the first time, you became a child of
your mom and dad," explained Todd, "and that gives you life on earth. But we all
do bad things-we sin, and no sin is allowed in heaven. The Bible says that the
only way we can be forgiven and go to heaven is to be 'born again'-born into
God's family. That happens when we're sorry for our sin and ask Him to save us.
Then we have two birthdays." Todd paused and looked at his friend. "Do you get
it?" Thoughtfully, Jeremy nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How many birthdays do you have? Have you been "born again"-born into the family of God-by trusting the Lord Jesus as your Savior? If not, accept Him right now, and you'll have two birthdays!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 3:7)
<p>"Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ouch! Stupid hair, grumbled Marissa as she yanked the brush through her thick hair.

"You could cut it shorter, you know, or tie it up at night," said Shelby, her older sister. She was propped up on her bed with her teen devotional and Bible.

"Well, right now I just want it to . . . untangle!" said Marissa, gritting her teeth as she pulled on the brush.

"Let me help you," offered Shelby. She took the brush and struggled to get it through her sister's hair. "You should have strong arms after doing this so much," she joked as she attacked another section of hair. "Am I pulling too much?"

"No more than I do," Marissa said.

After a few more minutes, Shelby handed the brush back to Marissa. "There!" said Shelby. "Much better. Now I'd better finish untangling my head before I have to get ready for school!" She picked up her Bible and devotional book again.

"What do you mean, untangle your head?" asked Marissa, stuffing books into her book bag. "Your hair doesn't get in knots like mine does."

"My hair doesn't get in knots, but my mind does," said Shelby. "Sometimes I think sad, worried thoughts, even though nothing's wrong. Silly, isn't it?"

"So how do you get over it?" asked Marissa.

"I make myself look in God's Word every day," replied Shelby. "My thoughts seem to get tangled up all by themselves-just like your hair does-but I have to purposely put God's Word in my mind and make myself think about what He says. Doing that helps me straighten out my thinking."

"Maybe I should try doing that, too," said Marissa, heaving her book bag to her shoulder. "but since my bus comes so early, I think after school or just before bed would work better for me." She looked around. "Where are my shoes?"

"Over there," said Shelby, pointing to the corner. "You're right sis," she added. "I think you should try reading some Bible verses every day. Untangling thoughts seems even more important than untangling your hair."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your thoughts get all mixed up sometimes? The world, which opposes God and the truth, highly influences your thinking. Be sure to take time to be influenced by God's Word. You need it to keep your mind and life in order.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:48)
<p>"I will meditate in Thy statutes (the Bible)."

[Soldier4Christ]

Can I help pack for our picnic? asked Chad eagerly.

"I can always use another hand," replied Mom. "Put in the paper cups, paper plates, plastic forks, and . . . oh, yes, don't forget the salt shaker. We'll need it for the fish you guys are going to catch and for all the fresh vegetables I'm bringing for us to munch."

Soon everything was ready, and they were off for the lake. To Chad's great delight, he and Dad did catch fish for their meal. They grilled the fish while Mom set the table. "Yummy! Just listen to those fish sizzle!" exclaimed Chad. "Makes me hungry!"

When the fish were ready, Dad thanked God for the food. "I'm starved," declared Chad, and he took a big bite of fish. "Oops! Kinda flat. Pass the salt, please."

"Salt!" Mom exclaimed. "I didn't see it in the picnic basket. Did you put it in, Chad?"

"Oh, no!" cried Chad. "I bet I forgot! Oh-h-h-h . . . this fish just has to have salt-and the radishes and celery and cucumbers need salt to taste really good, too!" But there was no salt!

"You know," Mom said thoughtfully when they were on their way home, "some things taste rather flat without salt on them, and it occurs to me that the lives of people can be sort of 'flat,' too."

"What are you talking about, Mom?" asked Chad. He grinned. "If their lives are flat, maybe we should grab some salt shakers and go pour salt on them."

Mom smiled. "No, but the Bible does say Christians are the salt of the earth," she said. "I don't know that Jesus was talking about the idea of adding flavor to people's lives, but I think He'd be pleased to have us do that." Chad still looked puzzled.

Dad chuckled. "I think Mom's right," he said. "Ah-h-h . . . think of your friend Wyatt for a minute. Since his dad died, his mom is pretty busy. Wyatt doesn't get to do very many special things. If we had invited him along on this picnic, it would have put a little 'flavor' in his life. Right, Mom?"

"Yes-and I wish we had done that," said Mom. "Let's all try to add 'salt' to the life of at least one person this week."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What can you do to make someone's life better? Could you invite somebody to a party or to play at your home? Can you help with homework or chores? Adding "salt" to someone's life may be the first step in bringing him to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 9:50)
<p>"Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."

[Soldier4Christ]

Our memory verse today is Matthew 5:13-'You are the salt of the earth,' said Mr. Ward, Chad's Sunday school teacher. "What does salt do?"

Chad felt he knew a little about that! His hand shot up. "It adds flavor," he said, and he shared with the class what he had learned at the saltless fish dinner his family had experienced not long before.

"So what we're saying is that Christians should add flavor to the lives of others by helping them," commented Mr. Adams. "That's great. Can you think of any other uses for salt?"

"Salt makes us thirsty," suggested Omar. "When you eat salty things-like potato chips-you get thirsty."

"Good thought," said Mr. Adams. "Christians should live in such a way that those around them will be spiritually 'thirsty'-interested in knowing more about Christ, too."

Loren eagerly raised his hand. "My dad said one of the guys he works with asked him last week how come he's so patient when things go wrong. Dad helped him with a problem he was having and had a real good chance to witness to him. That guy and his wife came to church with us today."

"Great!" said Mr. Adams.

"It doesn't always work like that, though, does it?" wondered Carlos. "My mom's always doing nice things for the lady next door, but it seems like every time Mom tries to talk to her about Jesus, she gets mad and won't listen."

"Well, there's one more thing about salt that we should consider," said Mr. Adams. "In the days before modern medicine, salt was often used to disinfect a wound. When it's applied to the wound, it stings. People won't always appreciate your witness-it will 'sting' the wounds of their sin. Maybe that's what happens with your mother's witness, Carlos, but the salt is needed even when it hurts. Perhaps your mother will have the joy of bringing that lady to Jesus at a later time."

The bell rang, and the boys left the room thinking about how they could "salt the earth" in the coming week.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you made anyone thirsty for Jesus? Has anyone been displeased when you talked about Jesus? Your witness-in action and in words-is important. Don't be discouraged if it isn't accepted right away. Remember, salt has many jobs to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:13)
<p>"Ye are the salt of the earth."

[Soldier4Christ]

One Saturday, Andy was getting ready to go fishing with his friends Seth and Darell. "This could be an important day," Andy told his dad. "I've had some good chances to talk to the guys about Jesus lately. They seem interested, and they're asking questions."

Soon the boys were out on the lake. They were having a good time together, when the weather changed suddenly. A strong wind came up, the sky turned cloudy, and the water became rough and choppy. They headed for shore, but before they could reach it, the boat overturned. Darell and Seth made it to shore safely, and Andy . . . well, Andy was safe, too-safe with Jesus. He died in the storm. 

The church was packed on the day of Andy's memorial service, and Pastor Allen brought a comforting message from God's Word. "Why did Andy die?" he asked in conclusion. "I don't know. I leave it in God's hands. Andy is rejoicing in heaven today because he trusted Jesus as his Savior. The question each one here needs to ask is this: 'Where will I spend eternity when I die?'"

A few days later, Darell and Seth went to see Andy's parents. "I have something to tell you," Seth said shyly after they had visited a bit. "I'm going to see Andy again. After the funeral, I thought of the pastor's question about where I would spend eternity, and I gave my life to Jesus."

With tears in her eyes, Andy's mother hugged Seth.

Darell looked puzzled. "I still don't see why anyone so nice and good as Andy had to die," he said sadly.

"We all have to die some time," said Andy's father. "Being nice or good doesn't really make any difference. The important thing is to be ready-like Andy was. How about it, Darell? Wouldn't you like to give your life to Jesus, too?" Darell nodded thoughtfully, and soon he, too, was assured of seeing Andy again.

"I just thought of something," said Seth as the boys got ready to leave. "Jesus had to die to bring us to God and . . . and in a way, Andy's death is like that. He often talked to us about God, but it was his death that brought us to God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to understand why a young person-or perhaps even an older person- dies? God has a purpose for every-thing-even death. He uses different circumstances to bring people to Himself or to help Christians grow spiritually. Trust Him. He know


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 116:15)
<p>"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

[Soldier4Christ]

The "Great American" essay contest was over. The winner had been chosen, and some of the boys were at Kendall Nelson's house discussing it with his dad.

"To think that Sally wrote the best essay-and about a woman who was an author!" said Jared.

Kendall nodded. "I wouldn't have thought of an author as a great American, would you, Dad?" he asked.

Dad smiled. "Why not?" he asked. "You must admit that when Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, her pen was a very effective weapon against slavery."

"Yeah, she helped people see that we're all created equal," agreed Tom. "My essay was about George Washington Carver. He made 300 products from peanuts!"

"You would think of him-considering how much you like peanut butter," teased Jared. "Who do you think was really the greatest American, Mr. Nelson?"

"I think that the person who is truly greatest might be someone we've never heard of," said Kendall's father. "It could be a doctor, a missionary, a scientist-or even one of our neighbors. God keeps the records, and only He knows." For a few minutes, the boys considered this idea silently. 

Finally, Jared got up and stretched. "Well, I gotta go home and mow the lawn and hit the books," he said. He grinned. "Tell you what-I'll work hard, and a hundred years from now, your great-grandkids can write a 'Great American' essay about me."

The others laughed. "Do you think any of us will ever make the history books?" wondered Kendall.

"It's possible," said Dad, "but whether you make history books or not, remember that everybody is remembered by someone for something. It's up to you what it will be. Those of us who are Christians-followers of Christ-certainly should be giving people something good to remember about us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How will you be remembered? As a sweet person? An honest one? A hard worker? A Christian? Being remembered as a true Christian who has done his best is more important than any other fame you might achieve. Live in such a way that today's verse may apply to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 14:
<p>"She (or he) hath done what she (or he) could."

[Soldier4Christ]

Oh, Jenny, it's just awful, wrote Sara to her best friend, who still lived in the town from which Sara had recently moved. "I just hate it here! There isn't even one swimming pool in town, and that's the thing I do best. Our church here is so small that there are only four kids in the junior high department. Why did God have to make us move here? My brother and my folks like Minnesota, but I miss California. I wish I could come home. It makes me so mad that we came here!"

And Sara acted "mad," too. She grumbled about all her duties. She quarreled with her brother. She refused to make new friends. She talked back to her parents. And she kept reminding herself-and everyone around her-that she would much rather be back in California.

After a few months, there was a Kids Krusade at Sara's church-a week of meetings especially for children. Sara reluctantly admitted that she enjoyed the meetings. On Thursday, the lesson was from the twelfth chapter of Second Corinthians (see today's reading).

"This Scripture indicates that Paul apparently had something physically wrong with him," said the speaker. "Three times he asked God to remove it, but God's answer was, 'My grace is sufficient for you.'" Mr. Johnson looked around the room. "Kids," he said, "maybe you have a physical problem, too. Or maybe you have some other kind of problem. Are you holding a grudge against someone? Are you mad at Mom or Dad? Maybe you're even mad at God! If so, you need this verse."

For the first time, Sara admitted to herself that she was so angry and bitter about moving that she hadn't even tried to like her new home. She felt guilty, and she bowed her head to ask God's forgiveness. Then she hurried home to ask her parents to forgive her, too.

Sara was surprised to find that after she gave up being angry, she liked her new home quite a bit-and it seemed to get better every day. I told Jenny how much I hated it here, she thought one day. Now I've got to write and let her know I was wrong. I'll do that right now.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something in your life that you find hard to bear? Are you "mad" at God? If you're upset over a physical problem or a circumstance that you can't change, turn it over to God. He says, "My grace is sufficient for you." He understands how you feel


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Cor. 12:9)
<p>"My grace is sufficient for thee."

[Soldier4Christ]

Grandpa Burns was coming for a visit, and he had promised to give both Phil and Alyce a reward if they could demonstrate that they had done their best in the first six weeks of school. "I bet he expects us to get all A's and B's," said Alyce, "because he knows we did that last year."

"No problem," answered Phil on his way out the door. "I've got all A's so far anyway."

"How do you do it?" asked Alyce. "It seems like you hardly ever study."

Phil lowered his voice. "I just . . ." He paused. "I'm just smart," he said.

"Do you copy from someone?" asked Alyce. Phil didn't answer. "You do, don't you?" asked Alyce. "That's cheating! I'm going to tell!"

"What is there to tell?" asked Phil. "You don't know anything." Alyce had to admit that was true, but she was still suspicious. 

Grandpa's visit began the day report cards came out. Both children proudly showed him their marks and several homework papers. To their surprise, he began to quiz them from the material on their papers. Alyce had very little trouble answering her questions, but it soon became apparent that Phil did not know the material on which he was supposed to have done so well. "Could it be that you took a shortcut to good grades by cheating?" asked Grandpa.

Phil was astonished. "How . . . how did you know?" he stuttered. He glared at his sister. "Someone told you!"

"You told me yourself," replied Grandpa, "by all the wrong answers to the questions I've been asking. I'm sorry, but I can't give you any reward-there are no shortcuts to that." Phil looked ashamed as Grandpa continued. "You thought you could just show me your grades without standing before me to give an account of your work. I hope you'll remember that one day you will also stand before God, and you will give a report to Him. I hope you won't be ashamed then."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian who will not be ashamed when you stand before God? Will He see kind, honest, and helpful things you've done? Or will you have to confess that you failed to live for Him? Live in such a way that you'll receive a reward and hear Him say,


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 5:10)
<p>"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ."

[Soldier4Christ]

Wow! exclaimed Kurt as he scrambled aboard the helicopter. "I never thought I'd get a chance to ride in one of these!" Kurt and his friend, Jesse, were spending the weekend with Jesse's Uncle Jake, who was a pilot for an emergency helicopter service.

Uncle Jake chuckled. "I always seem to have such eager passengers," he said. "Take my last one, for example. A couple of young fellows were mountain climbing near here when the rope that held them together broke. One of them fell over the edge of a cliff and landed on a ledge. He was trapped in an odd spot where no one could climb down to help him, so it was your old Uncle Jake to the rescue. Now there was an eager passenger!"

"How did you get him out?" asked Kurt.

"Was there room to land?" Jesse wanted to know.

"No," replied Uncle Jake, "but this helicopter is equipped with that rescue basket you see over there. While I kept the helicopter over the spot, my partner lowered the basket to the man on the ledge. Since he wasn't hurt, he was able to get into the basket, and he was pulled up to the helicopter." Uncle Jake chuckled. "That man was even more happy to be on board than you are."

The boys laughed, too, as they examined the rescue basket. "This was the only thing that could save him, wasn't it?" asked Kurt.

"Right," agreed Uncle Jake. A moment later, he added thoughtfully, "You know, boys, this basket reminds me of the cross of Jesus. The helpless mountain climber was unable to save himself-and we are helpless sinners who are unable to save ourselves. That rescue basket provided salvation for the climber, and Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection provide salvation for us. Only Christ can rescue us from eternal death and give us eternal life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that Jesus provided the way for you to go to heaven? He died on the cross and paid the penalty for your sin. Come to God by way of the "basket" He has provided. Trust Jesus as Savior today. (See page 66.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 3:15)
<p>"Whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus) should not perish, but have eternal life."

[Soldier4Christ]

The emergency helicopter service keeps you pretty busy, doesn't it, Uncle Jake? asked Jesse.

Jesse's friend Kurt grinned. "Will you tell us about some other rescues you've made?" he asked eagerly.

"Well," said Uncle Jake as he flew the helicopter along a river, "do you see those white birch trees down there-the ones just a little on this side of those waterfalls?" The boys nodded. "There are signs along the river warning boaters not to go beyond those trees because there's a strong current and a dangerous whirlpool in that part of the river. Boaters who get caught in it are rarely able to get out, and they end up going right over the falls."

"And you've rescued some of them?" asked Kurt.

Uncle Jake nodded. "A few weeks ago, a fisherman was on the river, and a big fish swimming near the surface of the water caught his attention. He sat still and watched it for a while and didn't notice how fast he was drifting. When he looked up, he had gone beyond the trees. He rowed for all he was worth, but he couldn't get back to safe waters."

"And you rescued him, right?" asked Jesse.

"Right," said Uncle Jake. "My partner and I were coming back from another mission and saw what was happening. We lowered the basket, and he quickly climbed in. He reached the safety of the helicopter just as his boat went over the falls."

Jesse whistled. "Wow! That was close," he said.

"Yes," said Uncle Jake. "The man explained that he was just drifting along, having a good time, when all of a sudden he realized he had crossed the danger line."

"Drifting along was dangerous," observed Kurt.

Uncle Jake nodded. "There's another lesson here for us," he said. "Just like drifting on this part of the river is dangerous, drifting away from God is dangerous. It's easy to drift along with the crowd-to drift along with the current of worldly pleasures. We need to be faithful in listening as God speaks to us through His Word, and we need to obey what He tells us in order to keep from drifting away from Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you drifting along with the crowd? Have you drifted away from God? Do things that you know are wrong seem "not so bad" now? Ask Jesus to forgive you and to help you be faithful in learning about God and obeying Him. Each day, ask God to protect you and forgive you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:2)
<p>"Be not conformed to this world."

[Soldier4Christ]

A sharp flash of lightning and a crack of thunder made Jenny jump. The lights in her bedroom went out, and the raging storm sounded like a freight train. "Mom, where are you?" shouted Jenny. She waited a moment. "Mom!" she yelled again.

"Here I am," Mom answered, coming into the room. 

"Where's D-d-dad?" sputtered Jenny, as another crack of thunder rocked the house.

"I think he's in the basement," said Mom. "Come on. Let's go downstairs and find him." 

Together, Jenny and her mom made their way down the stairs. They walked through the kitchen, and as they headed down the dark basement stairway, Jenny ran into something. "Oh!" she exclaimed.

She heard a chuckle. "It's just me, Jen," came Dad's reassuring voice. "I found a couple of flashlights before I came up from the basement, but they don't work."

"Why not?" asked Jenny. "It's so dark in here that I couldn't even see you. We need some light."

"We haven't used these flashlights in a very long time, and the batteries are apparently dead now," said Dad. "When I go to town tomorrow, I'll get new batteries."

"Well, then we'd better use the flashlights more often," said Jenny. "We'd better keep them in shape and be prepared before the next storm hits."

"True," agreed Mom, "but right now let's all find a comfortable seat in the living room, and I'll get out some candles. I know just where to find them-and matches, too. I'm prepared!" 

"Good," said Dad. "Does this remind anybody of Pastor Grey's sermon last Sunday?"

Jenny shrugged. "Not me," she said.

"Well," said Dad, "Pastor Grey pointed out that being in God's Word every day helps to keep us ready for the storms of life. If we grab the Bible only when we feel like we really need it-like we did our flashlights-we may not know exactly where to turn. On the other hand, if we're very familiar with the Bible, we can generally find verses that help us. We may even remember helpful verses without looking them up."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read the Bible every day? Can you find verses to read when you feel lonely or sad, or when you're tempted to do wrong? Do verses you've memorized come to your mind when you need them? Reading God's Word regularly helps to prepare you for such times


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