Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

As Mike cleaned his bike, his father was listening to a preacher on the radio. Mike heard snatches of the message something about a very important book God keeps, called the "Book of Life." The preacher said that only people whose names were written in that book would be allowed in heaven. Mike wanted to be sure his name was there, so decided he'd be very good.
 
When Mike started to tease his little sister later that day, he thought about that "Book of Life," and so he gave Susie a ride on his bike instead. He also took out the garbage without being asked, and he didn't fuss when his mother said he couldn't have a cookie so close to supper. That week he ran an errand for Mrs. Nelson, their neighbor, and he behaved himself at school, too.
 
Mike made a list of all the good things he had done and proudly showed it to his Sunday school teacher. "I think God will write my name in His book now, don't you?" he asked.
 
"Well, let's think about that," said Miss Lewis. She put her arm around Mike. "Let me ask you something," she said. "Do you think I should write down your name as one of the winners in our Bible memory contest because you have done all these good things? Would that be fair?"
 
Mike looked puzzled as he shook his head. "I didn't learn enough verses yet," he said.
 
Miss Lewis nodded. "That's right," she agreed. "You have to meet the requirement to be a winner in our contest, and the requirement isn't that you be good. It's that you learn the assigned verses. In the same way, you must meet God's requirement to get your name in His bookùand it's not that you be good, either."
 
"Really?" Mike's spirits fell. "What is it then?"
 
"I'll tell you," said Miss Lewis. "You see, God knew that no one could ever be good enough to go to heaven. We're all sinners, and heaven is a perfect place. Do you understand that?"
 
Mike nodded. He knew that even in the past week when he was trying hard to be very, very good, he had still done some wrong things.
 
"God's requirement is that you trust Jesus to be your Savior," explained Miss Lewis. "He took the punishment for your sin. Will you trust Him as Savior? Would you like to ask Him to take your sins away?" Again Mike nodded, and together they bowed their heads and prayed.
 
"Dear God," prayed Mike, "I'm sorry I did so many bad things. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my punishment. Please forgive me and put my name in the Book of Life." As he prayed, in his mind's eye he could see Jesus writing in a big book in heaven: "Mike Roberts." He was inù not because of what he had done, but because of what Jesus had done for him.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your name written in the Book of Life? If not, receive Jesus as your Savior now. Then thank Him for writing your name in His Book and preparing a place for you in heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 10:20)
Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, may I go to the ball game with Matt?" asked Brad.
 
"I'm sorry," replied Dad, "but the answer is no.  Last time you went, you stayed out past your curfew.  The rule is that if you can't get in on time, you stay home the entire next week."
 
"Oh, all right."  Brad stalked out of the room.  "Dumb old rules," he muttered under his breath.
 
Brad went to the den and switched on the TV.  He was embarrassed when one of the actors swore just as Mother walked into the room. "Brad," she said, "you know it's against the rules in this house to watch that kind of show."
 
Brad turned off the TV.  "Nobody wants me to have any fun," he grumbled.
 
The next day, Brad was again complaining.  "We've got another new rule at school," he said.  "We're not allowed in the halls without a written permission slip.  I'm sick of all the rules -- at home and at school. . .even at church.  Can't a guy ever be left alone?  I feel like I'm caged up, the same as Pepi."  Brad glanced at the birdcage in the corner of the room. "Pepi's missing!" he exclaimed.  "He's gone!"
 
Mother sighed.  "I know," she said.  "When I opened his cage to give him fresh water, he zipped out right past me.  Because of his clipped wings, he dropped to the floor.  Smokie grabbed him.  I rescued Pepi from Smokie's mouth, but it was too late.  I'm sorry, Brad.  Pepi is dead."
 
Brad stared.  "That dumb bird!" he exclaimed.  "We had him in his cage for his own good."
 
"Brad, you're a lot like Pepi," said Mother.  "You think rules keep you 'caged' -- and in a way, maybe they do.  But they're meant for your protection."  Mother paused, then added, "Pepi's cage was good for him, and God's rules -- and ours -- are good for you.  They allow you to really enjoy life and be protected, too.  I just wish Pepi had learned to be content."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of obeying rules?  Do you wish you could be free to do as you please?  If left to yourself, you'd probably follow the desires of your sinful nature right into disaster.  Thank God that you have the Bible to show you how you should live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 13:13)
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

[Soldier4Christ]

Alicia, please go to the grocery store for me, said Mother. "We need bread
and milk." Mother handed Alicia a book of food stamps. "And don't forget to. . .
." She stopped. A look of disgust mingled with anger had covered Alicia's face.
"What's the matter?"
 

    "I'm not going to buy anything with those old food stamps!" declared Alicia.  "I hate them!"

    Mother sighed.  "But, honey, you should be thankful we have food stamps.  We won't have to use them long. . .just until I can get a job."

    "But it's so humiliating," wailed Alicia.  "Oh, why did Daddy have to have that accident?"

    Mother put her arm around Alicia.  "This hasn't been easy for any of us, but we can learn from this experience."

    "Learn what?" Alicia asked.

    "Well. . .I've learned to be more compassionate," said Mother.  "I remember that when things were going well and we had plenty, I often judged those who had less.  I even thought they were lazy."   

    "People probably say that about us now," said Alicia.

    Mother sighed.  "Perhaps a few people do, but most of them understand and care," she said.  "I've also been humbled by this experience.  I didn't realize I was so proud.  Now I just thank the Lord for these food stamps."

    Alicia wiped her eyes and took the stamps.  "Okay," she said with a sigh.  "I don't like shopping with them, but I will."  She headed for the door.

    "Thanks, honey," said Mother.  "You know, the Bible says God will supply all our needs.  We need to be grateful for every means He uses to do that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever ashamed that your family has less than others?  Instead of complaining about what you don't have, be thankful for what you do have.  No matter how much or how little you have, you can always find things to thank God for


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:20)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"What's for dinner?" asked David.  "I'm starved!"
 
"Beef and vegetable casserole," replied Mother as she passed the dish.  She smiled at his enthusiastic response.  "I remember when you didn't like it," she added.  "In fact, you used to like very few vegetables at all.  I'm glad that's changed."
 
"Me, too," agreed David as he took a big helping.  "I used to want to eat cookies and candy and pop all the time.  I never told you, but sometimes when I ate so much junk food, I didn't feel real good."
 
"I'm not surprised," said Dad.  "And I'm not surprised, either, to see how strong and healthy you are now that you've learned to eat the things that are good for you."
 
After dinner, Dad took the family Bible from a kitchen shelf.  David glanced at his watch.  "Couldn't we skip devotions just this once?" he asked.  "The football game will be on TV in just a couple of minutes."
 
"But this is more important," said Dad.  "We talked earlier about how everything we feel like eating isn't always best for us, remember? When you train yourself to eat what is good for you, you'll reap healthy benefits.  But if you choose to fill up on junk food. . . ."
 
"You'll probably get a stomach ache," interrupted David.
 
"That's right," agreed Dad. "That principle  goes for your spiritual appetite, as well. When you  feed your soul the best food every day (God's Word) you'll soon be reaping the benefits of a stronger, healthier Christian life."
 
"You mean just reading a few verses in my Bible every day will do that for me?" teased David.  "Well, that won't take me very long."
 
Dad smiled.  "Just reading them won't, but reading, meditating on them, and obeying them will," he said.
 
Mother nodded.  "Do you remember how you learned to like vegetables?" she asked.
 
"You made me eat a little every time we had them," replied David.  "Before I knew it, I really liked them."
 
"Yes," said Dad as he opened the Bible.  "By eating them, even if you didn't feel like it, you developed an appetite for them.  That happens with spiritual things, too.  You may not always feel like reading and obeying God's Word, attending church, or participating in other wholesome activities, but doing so helps develop your appetite for those things."
 
"And I can see that I'm going to work on developing those appetites right now," observed David with a grin.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What are you feeding your soul?  Are you filling your heart and mind with the world's music, fashions, and literature? Retrain your spiritual appetite by feasting on the riches of God's Word, listening to Christian music, and reading good books.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 2:2)
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mark maneuvered his skateboard up the front walk of his new home.  He positioned it near the place where his dad was working and sat on it, looking rather unhappy.  "Hey, pal, haven't you gotten to know any of our new neighbors yet?" asked Dad.  "What about that boy. . .uh. . .uh. . . ."
 
"Chad," said Mark.  "His name is Chad.  I was just over at his house, and we played for a while.  I told him we want to find a good church to go to around here and asked him if he knows of one.  Do you know what he said, Dad?  He said he didn't even believe in God!  He said, 'If there's really a God, why does He let so many bad things happen?  If God created people, how come He lets them suffer for no reason?'  Then Chad listed all kinds of terrible things that happen.  I really didn't know what to say."
 
"Hmmm," murmured Dad.  "Suffering is due to sin in the world, but I'm not just sure how you can best show that to Chad or convince him of God's existence.  I'll pray that God will show you how to answer him."
 
A few days later, Chad came over to Mark's house.  Chad's leg was bandaged, and he was on crutches.  "My sister pushed me over on my bike, and I hurt my leg," he explained.  "Boy, was Dad mad!  She really got it!"
 
Mark began to sympathize.  Then he thought of something.  "Your dad?" he asked.  "You mean you have a dad, and he let you hurt your leg?"
 
"What do you mean, he let me?" asked Chad.  "It's not his fault.  It's my sister's."
 
"Well, that's funny," observed Mark.  "You blame God when bad things happen to people, but you don't blame your dad for what happened to you."
 
For once, Chad found nothing to say.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Why do bad things happen?  Do they make you wonder if there really is a loving God in control?  Do you feel like blaming Him for the terrible things that happen in the world?  God is real, and He is in control.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 100:3)
Know ye that the Lord He is God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, boy!  Fried chicken!" exclaimed Jim.  "I'm glad you invited me for dinner."
 
His grandparents smiled.  "I noticed you went forward at the end of the service this morning, Jim," said Grandpa as he passed the chicken. "Was there a special reason?"
 
"Yes, Sir," said Jim.  "You know how I've always wanted to be a doctor?"  Grandpa nodded, and Jim continued, "Well, even though I'm just a kid, I really feel the Lord wants me to be a missionary doctor some day.  Today I said yes."  Grandma's eyes filled with happy tears, but Jim frowned slightly as he helped himself to a biscuit.  "I just don't know how I can ever do it, though.  Mom says it costs a lot of money to get a doctor's training, and we're pretty poor since Dad died.  Anyhow, I may not be smart enough to be a doctor," he added doubtfully.  "I'm not sure it's really possible."
 
"With God all things are possible," quoted Grandma softly.  "If that's what He wants of you, He'll help you work it out."
 
After dinner, Grandpa asked Jim to run upstairs and get a book for him.  "And let's see you leap up there in one bound," he added.  "There are seventeen steps to the top."
 
Jim laughed.  "I can't do that," he said.
 
"You have to take one step at a time, don't you -- or maybe two steps since your legs are getting so long," said Grandpa.  "Now it seems to me that reaching your goal of being a missionary doctor is like reaching the top of the stairs.  God doesn't expect you to get there all at once.  He expects you to take one step at a time."
 
Jim looked up the stairway thoughtfully.  "I guess sometimes a person can't even see how to take one step."
 
"That's where faith comes in," answered Grandpa.  "If the Lord says to step, you lift your foot, trusting Him to make your way possible."
 
"I guess I took my first step today when I said yes," said Jim.  "What do you suppose the next one will be?"
 
"Probably to study hard," suggested Grandpa.  "And maybe the third will be to get a part-time job and save your money."
 
Jim grinned.  "I guess I better go home pretty soon and start on my second step," he said.  "I've got a test tomorrow."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel God wants you to do something that seems impossible to you?  He can help you study, witness, be kind, find a job, obey.  Be sensitive to what He wants you to do both now and in the future.  Don't be afraid to say yes to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 19:26)
With God all things are possible.

[Soldier4Christ]

"It's just not fair," complained Kimberly, pointing to the cast on her leg.  "Why do bad things always happen to me?"
 
"Trials come to all of us," answered her mother.  "You see, no one's perfect, and we all need help in developing Christian character."
 
"Well, couldn't I get more help for my character at school and church than lying around here?" asked Kimberly.
 
"We have to leave that sort of thing in God's hands," replied Mother.  "He knows what you need."  She stood up.  "I want to show you something," she said.  She left the room but soon returned with a small box.  She opened the lid, and Kimberly peered inside.
 
"Oh, the pin Grandma used to wear!" exclaimed Kimberly.  "It's so pretty.  Is that a real pearl?"
 
Mother nodded.  "Do you know how pearls are formed?" she asked.
 
"Sure," said Kimberly.  "Something -- maybe a grain of sand -- gets inside an oyster's shell and hurts him.  So he makes some stuff to cover the sand.  And after a long time, it's a pearl."
 
"That's right," said Mother.  "An oyster makes something beautiful out of any foreign object that irritates it.  If an oyster can do that, don't you think we should be able to do that, too?"  She paused, then added, "Perhaps you could start letting your broken leg help you make your life more beautiful."
 
Kimberly frowned.  "How would I do that?" she asked.
 
"Maybe this is a good time to learn patience," suggested Mother. "The Bible says, 'The trying of your faith worketh patience.'  You do need more patience, you know."
 
Kimberly sighed.  "Yeah, I guess I do get all upset when things don't go right," she admitted.  "Okay, I'll work on doing better.  But how long am I going to have to wear this dumb cast?  It's so. . . ."  Kimberly stopped.  Then she grinned.  "There I go again!  Maybe I have to wear it just long enough to grow one tiny pearl of patience."  After a moment she added with a laugh, "But I do hope I don't have to go for a whole string of pearls!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do troubles make you cross and upset?  Every- thing in a Christian's life is there for a purpose.  God may use trials to teach you patience and endurance.  Through them you may learn to trust Him or to become a better Christian in some way. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:2)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeff's family was living in Japan, where his parents were working as short term missionaries.  Jeff found everything very different from his home in the States, but he enjoyed many new friends.  One of his neighbors, a Japanese boy, attended English classes at the mission.  His classmates called him George, because he was always curious about everything -- just like a little monkey in the stories he loved to hear.
 
"I show you town," the friendly black-haired boy said one day in his best English.  The boys hopped on their bikes.  Dodging people, other bikes, and trucks on the narrow streets, they pedaled around the small town.  "Come," said George as he parked his bike in front of one of the buildings.
 
When George pushed open the door, Jeff gasped at what he saw. "God factory," explained George waving his hand at the rows and rows of half-made idols stacked on the floor of the warehouse.  "My father makes.  He paints faces.  Very nice.  Many people buy."
 
Jeff got a sick feeling in his stomach.  He knew man-made gods couldn't help anybody.  They were only pieces of wood.  George grinned at him.  "Your father make gods, too?" asked George.
 
Jeff shook his head slowly.  "No, George," he said, "we don't make gods.  Our God made us!"
 
"That what they say at mission school," replied George.  "Really true?" 
 
Jeff nodded.  "Yes, it's really true," he said.  "Our God is alive and can really hear us when we talk to Him."  Jeff had always known that God had made him, but he had never thought that was anything so special before.  Now he realized what a wonderful God he had!  He was so glad he knew the true God.  Silently he prayed, Thank You, God, for making me.  Help me tell George and other people about You so they won't have to worship a man-made god who can't even hear their prayers.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad you can know the living God?  He's the creator of the whole universe.  But there are still many people who don't know that.  Will you share this knowledge with them?  Begin in your own neighborhood.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Chronicles 16:24)
Declare His glory among the heathen; His marvelous works among all nations.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Want to come to Sunday school with me tomorrow?" Karl asked his new neighbor.  As he spoke, he tied the last ribbon to the tail of a kite they were making.
 
"Nah," replied Jacob.  "My dad says God is just in people's minds, and I think he's right.  After all, nobody ever saw God. I'd feel funny sitting in church, listening to talk about somebody who's not there."
 
Karl's heart sank.  How could he explain that God is real, even though you can't see Him?  He bit his lip and silently prayed for the right time to speak and the right words to use.
 
"Let's see if this masterpiece will fly," said Karl, changing the subject.  He held onto the string while Jacob carried the kite, and together they ran across the yard.  Karl felt the string pull taut as Jacob let go of the kite.  He turned to watch it soar high into the air.
 
"Wow!" cried Jacob.  "We did it!"
 
After a while, Karl handed the string to his friend.  "Here, you try it," he panted.
 
Jacob eagerly took the line and ran with it.  All afternoon they passed the kite back and forth until they were too tired to run any more.  At last Jacob pulled it in and collapsed on the ground.  "That was neat!" he exclaimed.  "It was almost like someone was holding it up there."
 
Karl's heart leaped with hope.  "Did you see anybody or anything holding it?" he asked.
 
"Oh course not," Jacob replied, laughing.  "You can't see the wind. But it's there, and you can see what it does."
 
"Just like you can't see God," Karl pointed out quietly, "but He's there, too.  And you can see what He does.  Just look at everything -- the trees, birds, your dog, your family, yourself.  God made them all.  Could anyone else do that?"
 
Jacob sat silently for a long moment, studying his hand.  "Maybe you're right," he admitted at last.  "I'll have to think about it."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to believe in God because you can't see Him like you can see another person?  You can see what He does in all of nature.  If you know some Christians, you can also see how He changes lives.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:1)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, tell Kevin to stop, said Susan as she came in the back door with her
little brother following her.
 

 "Kevin are you teasing your sister again?" Mother asked, closing the oven door.

 "No," said Kevin with his thumb in his mouth.

 "He is, too," insisted Susan. "Every time I move, he moves the same way I do. He repeats almost everything I say, too. I can't do anything without HAVING him copy me. It's so irritating!"

 "I'm sorry it bothers you, honey," said Mother. "I don't think he does that to tease you, though. I think he loves you so much that he wants to be like you."

 Susan looked at little Kevin. "He does?" she asked.

 Mother nodded. "Actually, it should please you," she said.

 "Well. . . ." Susan hesitated. "I suppose so."

 Mother smiled. "Did you know that there is Someone who wants you to imitate Him, too?" she asked.

 "Who?" asked Susan. She couldn't imagine who that could be.

 "Jesus does," Mother told her. "He set an example for you and asked that you follow Him and do as He did. It's in following His example in serving and loving others that we SHOW Him we love Him." Mom smiled at Susan. "Read the four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John," she suggested. "As you read, write down various characteristics of Jesus so that you can practice them."

 "Sounds like a lot of work," said Susan.

 "Yes, but you may find you enjoy it," replied Mom. "You probably already know many of Jesus' characteristics already. Can you think of some?"

 "Well. . .He loves everyone," began Susan. "He helped people a lot. He forgave them, too."

 "Good start," approved Mom, "and I'm sure you'll find lots more. Maybe you'd like to pick one of them and especially practice that one for a week or two. It should soon become a habit for you. Then you could pick another to work on."

 "Well, okay. . .I'll try it," agreed Susan. She thought for a moment. Then she grinned. "I know which characteristic I'm going to work on first," she said as she grabbed hold of her little brother's hand. "Jesus loves little children. So come on, Kevin. Let's go play outside some more."






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you follow Jesus' example? That's the way to be truly happy. It's a way to SHOW that you really love Him. Which characteristic of Jesus will you especially work on first?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 13:15 I)
I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you.</i> <i>I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, look at this old mirror!" Carrie exclaimed.  She and her mother were checking through things in the attic to see if there were any they should put on a garage sale.  As she looked in the mirror, Carrie giggled at her short, squat reflection.  "It makes me look so funny."
 
Mom came up behind her and looked.  "That's very old," she said with a laugh.  "It was your great-grandmother's."
 
"Can we take it down to show everybody?" asked Carrie.
 
"Sure," agreed Mom, "they'd like to see it, too.  But first let's take the things for the garage sale downstairs."
 
That evening, the Stevens family laughed together over their reflections in the antique mirror.  "It's fun to look in that old mirror, but I sure am glad we have better ones to use now," said Carrie as they ate their supper.  "That old one doesn't reflect me the way I really am.  It makes me look all squashed."
 
"Yeah," agreed her brother, Gary.  "A good mirror shows you just as you are."
 
"I wonder how well all our mirrors are working," said Mom as she cut the apple pie.
 
"What do you mean?" asked Carrie.  "They're fine."
 
Mom smiled.  "I don't mean the mirrors on the walls or dressers," she explained.  "I mean us."
 
"Us!  We're people, not mirrors," said Gary.
 
"We are also mirrors," said Mom.  "As Christians we should reflect Christ in everything we say and do."
 
"And when we do, we should reflect a true image," added Dad.  "People should see Christ living in us, the way He really is -- not a 'squashed' reflection."
 
"Like what?" asked Gary.  "What would that be?"
 
"Well, for example, people sometimes get the impression that Christians are snooty," said Dad.  "Or they may hear Christians gossip. They may see them cheat or act unkind.  In such cases they are certainly not getting a true reflection of Jesus."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you reflect Christ's love in your life when you talk with your friends or when you play?  Or is your reflection of Him marred by mean and hateful actions?  Yield to Jesus each moment of the day so your life can be a true reflection of His love.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 4:7)
Let us love one another: for love is of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Skippy."  Jordan plopped his homework on the table as he greeted the bouncing puppy.  Then he stared at his little sister.  Her face and arms were covered with red splotches.  Jordan burst out laughing. "Boy, you look funny," he said.
 
"I don't feel funny," Melody snapped.  "I itch all over."
 
Mother looked up from her needlework.  "Melody had a reaction to the medicine she was taking.  It's one of the side effects the doctor said could occur."
 
"I wouldn't call it side effects.  I'd call it 'face and arm effects,'" declared Jordan.
 
"The term 'side effects' refers to problems caused by the medication," Mother explained.
 
But Jordan had lost interest.  "I'm going over to Butch's for a while," he said.
 
Mother shook her head.  "Oh, no, you aren't.  Your dad told you to clean the patio yesterday, and you haven't done it yet."
 
Jordan scowled.  "All I ever get to do is. . . ."  The look Mother gave him told Jordan not to say another word, and he stomped out to the patio, with Skippy eagerly running ahead.  Angrily, Jordan picked up a stone and threw it.
 
"Yeo-o-ow!"  Skippy howled as the stone hit him.
 
Jordan ran to the whimpering puppy crumpled on the ground.  "Oh, Skippy, I'm so sorry."  Tears wet Jordan's cheeks as he yelled, "Mother!  Mother!  Skippy's hurt."  Mother hurried over, and after examining Skippy, she decided she needed to take him to the veterinarian.
 
That evening, Melody told Dad about the events of the day.  "I have 'side effects,'" she told him importantly.  "I got all spotty from my medicine.  And you know what else happened today?  Jordan got mad and threw a stone and hurt Skippy.  But the vet says he'll be all right and that it's lucky Skippy didn't get hurt worse."
 
Dad gently patted the puppy, who lay in Melody's red-splotched arms.  "Medicine isn't the only thing that has side effects," said Dad. "Sin does, too."
 
Jordan looked at his toes, as Mother added, "That's right.  Skippy is suffering the side effects of your sin, Jordan."  She handed a paper to her husband and smiled thinly.  "And so is your dad.  Here's the vet's bill."
 
Jordan brushed a tear from his eye as Dad looked at him sternly. "When we sin, we always hurt others," said Dad.  "I believe it hurts God most of all.  We need to apologize to other people involved and also ask God to forgive us."
 
"I know, Dad," said Jordan.  "I'm so sorry."
 
Dad reached out and gave him a hug.  "All right," he said.  "I'm going to have to take the cost of this bill out of your allowance, but if you've learned your lesson, Jordan, it will be well worth all you have to pay." 



HOW ABOUT YOU?
The next time you're tempted to do something wrong, ask yourself, "What will be the side effects if I do this?  How will God feel about it?  Who else will it hurt?"  It might save you and someone you love a lot of pain.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 14:7)
For none of us liveth  to himself, and  no man dieth to himself.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!" Tom burst into the house, his eyes glistening with excitement.  "Guess what!  Jeff is moving, and he plays the French horn, and so now there's a French horn available, and Mr. Potter said I could use it and be in the band even though I didn't start at the beginning of. . . ."
 
"Slow down.  Slow down," said Mother.  She smiled at her son's eager face.  "I'm glad that worked out for you.  When do you start?"
 
"Tomorrow," replied Tom.  "I get my uniform then, too.  It's neat.  I'll belong to the Bartley School Middle School Band."
 
That evening when Dad heard the big news, he grinned at Tom.  "So you'll be in the band?" he said.  "That's great."
 
But Gretchen, Tom's little sister, frowned.  "I want to be in the band, too," she said with a pout.
 
"You can't.  You're too small," Tom told her.
 
Dad smiled at Gretchen.  "Tell me. . .how do you become a member of a band?" he asked.
 
"You need a horn to play," said Gretchen promptly.  "And a uniform."
 
"And you have to be big enough," added Tom.
 
Dad nodded.  "Yes," he said, "and I'm afraid it will be a few years before you're old enough, Gretchen, to belong to the Bartley School Band."
 
Gretchen looked unhappy.  "Can I join a different band then?"
 
"Well, let's see. . . ." said Dad.  He snapped his finger.  "Sure.  I've thought of a band anyone may join!"  Gretchen smiled at that news, but Tom looked doubtful.  "It's not a musical band -- it's a different kind of band," said Dad.  "It's the band of believers.  In other words, it's Christians, called the Church.  Do you know what you need to become a member of that band?"
 
"I do.  You need Christ," said Tom promptly.
 
Again Dad nodded.  "Good," he said.  "That's exactly right.  And anyone, big or small, may receive Him."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you belong to the band of Christians -- the Church?  This does not mean the local congregation that you attend on Sundays.  It means the whole group of believers throughout the world -- all who have trusted Jesus as Savior.  The invitation is open for you to become a member of this group by receiving Jesus as your Savior. Become a part of the Church, the body of Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 1:14)
In Whom (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Pah-pah-pom!  Pah-pah-pom!"  Tom was practicing his horn again, and Gretchen put her hands over her ears.  She was tired of hearing it.
 
As a matter of fact, Tom was tired of it, too.  He had decided to try to make "first chair" -- to be the very best French horn player in the band -- and so he had to practice at home every day.  He had to go over and over the pieces that had been assigned.  Playing in the band had been fun for a while, but now it seemed more like work.
 
"How's your band music coming along?" Dad asked one evening.  "Have you made first chair yet?"
 
Tom shook his head.  "It's too hard," he said.  "I think I'll give up that idea.  I don't feel like practicing any more."
 
"Well," said Dad, "there's nothing wrong with not being first chair, but there is something wrong with not practicing.  No matter what chair you have, you need to do the best you can, and that takes practice."
 
Gretchen grinned.  "I'm glad I don't have to practice," she said.
 
"Oh, but you do!" declared Dad.
 
Gretchen looked at her father.  "I don't play in the band," she said.
 
Dad smiled.  "Remember that we talked about how we could all belong to a different band -- the band of Christians, called the Church? Have you received Jesus as Savior and become a part of that band?" Gretchen nodded.  "Well, then," continued Dad, "there are things you need to practice as a member of God's Church.  In His Word, the Bible, God tells us of many characteristics we should have.  He describes the kind of people we should be, and He teaches us the kind of things we should do."
 
"I guess we sometimes get tired of doing those things, too, don't we?" said Tom.  "Just like I get tired of practicing my horn."
 
 Dad nodded.   "I'm afraid so," he agreed.  "But we're told not to be 'weary in well doing.'  We need to keep on practicing."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Were you once excited about being a Christian and learning to be like Jesus?  Are you still faithfully practicing the things God teaches -- things such as loving others, being honest, respecting authority, obeying parents, and giving cheerfully?  God wants you to keep on. Do as He says.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"You and Dad are coming to the band concert tonight, aren't you?" asked Tom at breakfast one day.  "I've been practicing so much, I think I know our pieces backwards!  And I get to play a special number with a smaller group, you know.  A brass ensemble."
 
Mother smiled.  "We'll be there," she assured him.  "We wouldn't miss it."
 
When it was time to get ready for the concert that evening, Tom was a bit nervous.  "The timing on our piece is kinda tricky," he said.  "What if I make a mistake?  I'd feel so dumb."
 
"Just watch your conductor carefully and you'll do fine, Tom," said Dad.
 
Tom grinned.  "Mr. Potter stopped us in the middle of a piece the other day," he said.  "Pete, one of the drummers, was really going at it, and he wasn't watching Mr. Potter at all.  He played half a line before he realized that nobody else was playing.  Everybody laughed, even Mr. Potter.  But Mr. Potter gave us all quite a lecture on how important it is to follow his directions."  He paused, then added, "I really like Mr. Potter.  He's a good band leader."
 
"Mine's better," said Tom's little sister, Gretchen.
 
"You don't have one," said Tom.  "You're not in a band."
 
"Am too," said Gretchen.  "I'm a Christian, so I'm in God's band.  You forgot."  She looked accusingly at her brother.
 
"Good for you," cheered Dad.  "And who is the leader you have to follow?"
 
"Jesus," said Gretchen positively.  "He's the best leader of all, and when we don't follow Him, we can get into trouble, too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
As a Christian, are you carefully following your leader?  Does your life exhibit the "fruit of the Spirit"?  Do your activities please the Lord?  Are the places you go the kind of places He would go?  Are your close friends with the kind of kids He would want you to spend a lot of time with? If not, you may find yourself in trouble. You are apt to fall into all kinds of sin. Don't get caught in such things. Follow Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:1)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.