Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"You should see all the stuff Mom and I got on sale today," Brianne told her father one evening.  "Cheap, too."
 
Mother sighed.  "Yes," she agreed, "but it was such a hassle getting through the crowds at the mall and pawing through the piles of merchandise, that I wondered at times if it was really worth it.  But as Brianne says, it was cheap!  It makes you wonder how the stores can afford to sell things at those prices."
 
"They know what they're doing," Dad assured her.  "They're clearing out things that are no longer profitable and making room to restock their shelves with new things from which they can make a good profit."  He paused for a moment.  "We could take a lesson from them," he added.
 
"Like what?" asked Brianne curiously.
 
"There are things on the 'shelves' of our lives that we should clear out from time to time," explained Dad as he reached for his Bible.  "Let's read about them for devotions tonight."  He read aloud from the book of Colossians (see today's Scripture).
 
"That makes me feel guilty for getting angry at some pushy women in the store today," confessed Mother.  "I need to get rid of anger from the 'shelves' of my life."
 
"Well, how much do you suppose we can sell our bad qualities for?" asked Brianne with a mischievous grin.
 
Dad smiled.  "I trust there would be no buyers for them.  Forget selling them and just trash them," he advised.  "And let's not forget to restock our 'shelves' with this list of traits which are pleasing to God."
 
Brianne nodded.  "I'm sure we can sell them for a whole lot more than the old stuff we're getting rid of," she said with an innocent air.
 
"All right!  All right!" said Dad.  "So my comparison doesn't hold up in every detail.  But I think if we include all these things when we restock, we won't even think of making a profit for ourselves.  We'll be more interested in demonstrating God's love and pointing people to Him."  He grinned at his daughter, and she grinned back.



HOW ABOUT YOU?
What traits are found on the 'shelves' of your life?  Do you need to get rid of lying, filthy language, or a desire to get even with someone?  Do you need to add kindness, a forgiving spirit, or humility?  Ask God right now to help you do that.  Start the New Year by discarding old, sinful attitudes and adding the things that please God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:9-10)
Put off the old man with his deeds; and. . .put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, my Sunday school teacher says we should read some verses FROM the Bible every day," said Paula, "but it has a lot of hard words, and some parts aren't very interesting. It's just too hard to read."
 
"Considering you got an 'A' in reading last semester, I think maybe you're exaggerating," said Mother as they began to set the TABLE for dinner.
 
"Well, couldn't I just read a Bible storybook instead? It's easier to understand," insisted Paula. Then she frowned. "We have something besides white bread, don't we? I like wheat bread better."
 
"Mother smiled as she got out the wheat bread. "Remember when you were little and all you would eat was white bread?"
 
Paula nodded. "Back then I didn't like much," she said. "I wouldn't even eat ham or steakùjust soft stuff, like bologna."
 
"Right." Mother grinned. "I'm glad your tastes have matured. Natural foods like this wheat bread are so much better for you." A moment later she added, "I think the same principle applies to God's Word, honey. When you were little, we read the Bible out loud to you and changed all the hard words. We skipped the doctrinal passages and stuck to stories like David and Goliath, or Daniel in the lion's den."
 
"I know," said Paula. "I still like those stories."
 
"Well, I'm sure there are still many things about them that you haven't learned yet," said Mother, "but now you're ready for other things, too. When you read only the 'easy' parts of the Bible, you miss a lot of important truths God has for you. The stories in your Bible storybook may be easier to 'chew'ùlike white breadùbut if that's all you read, you'll miss a lot of the nourishment God has for you in His Word." She pulled a roast out of the oven. "We'll be glad to help you understand anything you find too hard," she added, "and don't forget that you have the Holy Spirit to help you, too."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you complain about hard words or hard ideas in the Bible? Some of the Bible is not easy to understand, but all of it is important. Ask God to open your spiritual "eyes" to understand His truths. Be patient, and you'll develop a "taste


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 2:10)
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let's go to the sidewalk sale, Mom," suggested Patty.
 
Mother smiled.  "I'd love to, but we've got to get this kitchen cleaned up first," she said, "including the fridge."
 
"Okay," agreed Patty.  "Shall I start with that?"
 
Mother nodded, and they worked several minutes in silence.  Then Mother asked, "Would you like to invite Melissa to go shopping with us?"
 
"No," Patty answered shortly as she unloaded the refrigerator shelves.
 
Mother looked surprised.  "No?  Why not?"
 
Patty shrugged.  "She's probably doing something with Amy today. Melissa is Amy's friend now."
 
"Can't Melissa have more than one friend?" Mother asked.  "You could invite Amy, too."
 
"No," snapped Patty.  After a long silence, she added, "Melissa knows I can't stand Amy.  Last year Amy said some nasty things about me, and she. . . ."  Patty made a face.  "Phew!  What do I smell?"
 
Mother grimaced.  "You must have uncovered something spoiled," she said.
 
Patty pointed to a bowl she had taken from the back of the refrigerator.  "it's this old tuna casserole," she said.  "Pheweeee!"  She held her nose.
 
Mother reached for it.  "Quick.  Let's get rid of it.  There's no telling how long that's been in there."
 
After the casserole was disposed of and the kitchen was sprayed with air freshener, Mother said, "Certain foods smell really bad when they get too old, Patty, and certain attitudes do, too.  Sometimes we keep old things in our hearts until they spoil and cause our attitudes to stink."  Patty sighed.  She had a pretty good idea what was coming.  "For a year you have been carrying a grudge against Amy," continued Mother.  "Frankly, it's beginning to stink."
 
"But, Mom," began Patty, "she said. . . ."
 
"I know.  You've told me lots of times," Mother reminded her.  "And you have said some pretty nasty things about her, too."  Patty gulped.  She hadn't thought of that.  "don't you think it's time to throw that stinking grudge out?" Mother asked gently.
 
Patty too a deep breath.  A few minutes later, she dried her hands and went to the telephone.  Mother smiled as she heard Patty say, "Amy, would you and Melissa like to go shopping with my mom and me today?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you carrying a nasty, stinking grudge?  Ask God to help you get rid of it today.  Ask Him to give you a sweet and forgiving spirit with which to start the new year.</P>


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 5:9)
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Answers from God

Richard slammed the screen door and bolted into the kitchen. "Did I get any mail?" he asked anxiously.

"No," replied Mom. "Are you expecting something important?"

"Just hoping." Richard sighed and trudged to his room. An hour later, he came bounding back down the stairs. "Can we have a chicken casserole again tonight?" he asked hopefully. "Is that what you're making?"

"No, I'm not," said Mom. "Why are you asking for that? You didn't even care for the last chicken casserole I made. What's going on?"

Richard slumped into a chair. "I'm waiting for a sign."

Mom frowned. "What kind of sign?" she asked.

"Some of the guys in my class are starting a new club. They're calling it 'The Cycle Club.' I think it would be fun to belong to it, but most of the guys in it are . . . well, they're kinda tough. You know . . . they give the teachers a rough time and use bad language sometimes-stuff like that." Richard sighed. "I prayed for a sign that I should join anyway. First I asked God for some kind of sign in the mail, but that didn't work, so I thought I should be a little more specific."

"So since I make a chicken casserole so often, you decided that would be a good sign for you to choose?" asked Mom. Richard nodded. Even to him, it sounded a little silly now. Mom put a hand on Richard's shoulder. "You don't need signs like that to know what God wants you to do," she said. "Answers to most of life's questions are in the Bible. What does it say about the kind of people you should spend time with?"

"Well . . . one verse we learned says 'Evil company corrupts good habits,'" admitted Richard. "I just . . . hoped God would have a special answer for me."

"God knew you'd ask that question some day," said Mom. "What you read in the Bible is His special message to you."

Richard sighed. "Okay," he said. "I know I need to do what it says, so I guess I won't get into the club."

"I guess not," said Mom. She held out the Bible. "Here . . . why don't you go read the answers to some of tomorrow's questions."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God gives answers to your questions-about friends, school, and right or wrong? God knows all about your struggles and the choices and decisions you will have to make throughout your life. Sometimes He gives specific answers that are written down in His Word, and sometimes He gives you principles He wants you to follow. If you want to know God's answers, look for them in your Bible. They are especially prepared for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22

[Soldier4Christ]

 New Father, New Rules

Alex looked at the couple he'd been calling "Mom" and "Dad" for several weeks. They held their arms open to him, and he happily gave each of them a big hug. "Now you're really my mom and dad, aren't you?" asked Alex.

"We sure are," Dad answered. "I have the papers right here that make it official. You are now Alex Arends." Dad grinned. "I like the sound of that."

"Me, too," agreed Mom. "We're so glad that now you're really ours for keeps!"

"I'm glad, too," replied Alex. "I'm going to be the best kid in the whole world for you!"

Several weeks later, Dad saw Alex playing with a small car. "Where did you get the car?" asked Dad. "I don't remember seeing it before."

"It was Justin Stern's," Alex answered. "He broke a wheel off from mine on purpose, so I took this one from his desk."

"You can't do that, Son!" said Dad. "God says we're not to take what isn't ours."

"But Justin broke my car, so it's fair for me to take his!" insisted Alex.

"Alex," said Dad, "when you came into our family, we had some rules for you to follow, right?"

Alex nodded. "Yeah," he said and started quoting them. "Come straight home from school, do your homework, go to church, hang up your clothes!" He grinned. "I still don't always like them," he said, "but I try hard to obey them."

Dad smiled. "Not long after you became a member of this family, you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and that made you a member of God's family, too," he reminded Alex. "God also has rules for you to obey. One of them is, 'You shall not steal.'" Dad paused for a moment, then added, "God wants you to give that car back to Justin."

"But, Dad, he broke mine!" protested Alex.

"Yes, but you said yourself that the car is Justin's," Dad pointed out. Then he asked, "Alex, why have you tried so hard to obey my rules?"

"Because . . . well . . . because I love you and Mom, and you love me. If it makes you and Mom happy for me to do those things, I don't mind most of the time." Alex paused as he thought about his words. "I love God, too," he added slowly, "and I should obey Him. Okay, Dad. I'll give the car back to Justin."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you become a child of God by receiving the Lord Jesus as your Savior? Do you realize that He has "rules" for His children to follow? Earthly parents make rules because they want what's best for their kids. If you truly love your parents, do your best to follow their rules. Your heavenly Father gives you rules-they're found in the Bible-because He wants what's best for you, too. If you love Him, you'll want to obey Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 Speaking by Silence

A police car pulled over to the curb where Todd was standing with some friends. "Do you kids know Darian Conner?" a policeman asked.

"N-no, Sir," answered one of the boys.

"None of you know him?" the policeman asked, looking straight at Todd. Todd said nothing, and the officer drove quickly away.

Later that day, Todd and his friends learned why the police were looking for Darian. His parents had been injured in a car accident. "Maybe we should have told the police we knew him," said Todd.

"Yeah," replied Kurt, who had not been present when the police had talked with the boys. "If I'd been there, I wouldn't have said I didn't know him. I'd have told them that Darian's my friend and was probably playing at the park."

"Well, I didn't say I didn't know him," protested Todd. "I just didn't say anything. Besides, what if he was in trouble?"

"Then you should have been ready to stand by him," scolded Kurt.

As Kurt and Todd were admiring equipment in a sports store window the next day, two men stopped near them. "Good to see you!" said one one of the men. "Say, I hear your neighbors, the Connors, were in a really bad accident."

"They sure were," replied the other. "They'll be out of work at least a month. That will give them plenty of time to wonder where their God was when they got hit. They've been on my back for years about trusting in God." He glanced over at Kurt, who was staring at him. "Don't let anybody fool you about a loving, caring God, kid," said the man gruffly. "There isn't any."

Kurt looked away and said nothing, but Todd looked up and smiled at the man. "Sir, we know the Connors," he said. "God was with them, and He'll take good care of them even though they got hurt. You'll see. Right, Kurt?"

"R-right, Todd," Kurt agreed nervously. But it was with shame that he thought of how he'd scolded Todd for being silent and not admitting he knew Darian. Now by his silence, Kurt had denied his very best friend, the Lord Jesus. Forgive me, Jesus, he prayed silently. Then he looked up at the man. "Right," repeated Kurt boldly. "God loves us-and He loves the Conners, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you speak up for the Lord when you have a chance? Or do you, by your silence, deny that you even know Him? Perhaps you feel like you wouldn't know what to say. That's okay. Ask God to give you the courage to speak up for Him, and trust the Holy Spirit to help you say the right thing. He can take your words and use them to speak to someone's heart. Trust Him to do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. Luke 12:12

[Soldier4Christ]

"Can I take Fluffy to school tomorrow?" asked Max one evening. "Miss Samson has a rabbit that she keeps at school, and she says we can put Fluffy in the cage with her rabbit."

"Really?" asked Mom. "Well, if it's okay with Miss Samson, it's okay with us."

"Oh, good!" exclaimed Max. "I think Fluffy gets lonely here with no other rabbits to play with."

The next day, Max took Fluffy to school with him. Miss Samson was happy to see a friend for her rabbit. "Look at your new buddy, Mickey," she said as she stroked Fluffy. But when she placed him next to Mickey in the cage, the two rabbits began biting and clawing each other. Quickly, Miss Samson removed Fluffy from the cage. "Well, I guess you don't want a rabbit friend after all!" she said in surprise.

That night, Max sadly told his parents about it. "I wish Fluffy wouldn't fight with Mickey," said Max. "I want him to have a friend and be happy."

"Interesting," said Dad. He shook his head. "You love Fluffy, so it hurts you to see him fighting instead of enjoying a friendship, right?" Max nodded. "Do you know that that's how Mom and I feel when you and your brothers and sisters fight with one another?" asked Dad. Max was surprised. "What's even more important," continued Dad, "is that it's also the way God must feel when His children, Christians, fight with each other."

Mom nodded. "So Fluffy has a couple of lessons for us as we begin a new year," she said. "What are they?"

Max looked over at Fluffy. "Ah . . . instead of fighting with my brothers and sisters, I should have fun with them. That will make you and Dad happy, too," he said. "And . . . ah . . . we shouldn't fight with other Christians, either."

Dad nodded. "Remember that other Christians are your brothers and sisters in Christ," he said. "God wants you to treat them with kindness and love. When you do that, you not only make God happy, but you'll be happier yourself."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you fight with brothers and sisters in your family? In the family of God? He wants us to show love and kindness to others—especially to those who love Him. Put God first in your life, and He will help you get along with others, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 133:1)
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

Jon and the other four members of his team headed through the dark woods. A treasure hunt in the woods --especially at night -- was a new idea to most of them, and they were having a great time looking for the items listed on the paper their retreat director had given them. They were making good progress when a gust of wind suddenly blew the list out of Jon's hand and whisked it away and out of sight. "Oh no!" wailed Pamela. "I know we had to find an acorn and a maple leaf, but does what else did Mr. Scott put on the list?"

"We've got to get that paper back!" exclaimed Jon. Shining his flashlight all around, he plunged off the path in the direction the paper had gone. The others joined him, and to their great relief, they found the paper. Jon held it tightly after that, and his team found every item on the list!

When it was time for devotions, Mr. Scott referred to the treasure hunt. "In what ways does the treasure hunt list compare to the Bible?" he asked. "Any ideas?"

Jon quickly raised his hand. "Our list blew away, but we needed it in order to know what we had to find to complete the treasure hunt," he said, "and we need the Bible to know . . . ah . . . to know how to live for God the way we should."

"Good," said Mr. Scott. "You needed the list for the information on it, and we need the Bible for the information God gives in it. That’s one reason why we should read from it every day. Anything else?"

Pamela spoke up. "It took all of us to find all those things on the list," she said. "Sometimes it helps to work together to study the Bible, too, doesn't it?"

"Right!" agreed Mr. Scott. "Studying the Bible together -- talking about Bible verses and discussing their meaning with others -- often helps us understand what God is saying to us. That's one reason why it's helpful to attend Sunday school and church."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you discuss Bible verses with other Christians and study them together? Early believers met together often. It can be very helpful for you to do that, too. Parents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and other mature Christians can help you understand God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 2:44)
"And all that believed were together." (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

When Ellen returned to school after Christmas vacation, she ran up the steps to go to her classroom. As she entered the room, she overheard some of the girls talking about the fun they had at Marilee's party. Marilee's party? Isn't that still coming up? wondered Ellen. I thought it was going to be after Christmas. She remembered getting the invitation, but since it wasn't happening  right away and she was very busy, she hadn't paid much attention just then.

Ellen hurried to her desk. There it was a small, square envelope sticking out of her math book. She quickly pulled it out and saw the date of the party, December 28! She groaned. Just like she thought, the party was after Christmas, but it had already taken place.

Just then two girls came over to Ellen's desk. "You really missed it!" exclaimed Shelly. "Marilee's dad took us out to her grandparents place in the country, and we had a real sleigh ride."

"And we pulled taffy afterward," added Brianne. Ellen bit her lip to keep from crying.

That evening, Ellen told her parents about her disappointment at missing the  party. "The girls all said the party was so much fun and I could have gone," she moaned. "I was invited, but I didn't read the invitation carefully. Now it's too late."

"Oh, I'm sorry," sympathized Mom.

"Yes, that is too bad," agreed Dad. After a moment, he added, "But it could be worse."

Ellen sniffed. "Worse?" she asked. "How could it be worse? I missed all the fun."

"Well, I was just thinking of another invitation that is often carelessly ignored," said Dad. "God has invited everyone to come to Him, to spend eternity in heaven with Him but many people pay no attention. The day will come when it will be too late to accept that invitation, too." Dad gave Marilee a hug. "I'm glad you've already accepted it," he added. "Missing out on heaven would be lots worse than missing Marilee's party."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted God's invitation to heaven, or have you been too busy to think about it? Are you planning to consider it later? Accept God's invitation NOW. "Later" may be too late.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 55:6)
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while he is near." (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

"Everybody loves my watch," declared Terri one evening. She held out her arm and admired the watch she had gotten from Mom and Dad for Christmas. "I love it myself," she added with a grin.

Dad smiled. "I'm glad it pleases you," he said. After a moment, he asked,
"Terri, do you know what an acrostic is?"

"A what?" asked Terri.

"An acrostic," answered Dad. "I'll show you what I mean." On a sheet of paper, he wrote the following list and showed it to Terri.
 
W-ords
 
A-ctions
 
T-houghts
 
C-ompanions

H-abits

"Oh, you're using the letters that spell watch for the first letters of some
new words," said Terri, looking at her watch again.

"Right, and each of those words stands for something you should watch!" explained Dad. "The words and actions you use . . ." Dad pointed to the words as he spoke them, ". . . pretty much depend on your thoughts." Dad continued to point to the words about which he was speaking. "Wrong thoughts can lead to wrong words and actions, but right and good thoughts lead to the right kinds of words and actions. As for companions, it's important to be friendly and kind to all the kids, but your closest companions should be Christians. If good words, thoughts, and actions come often enough, they result in good habits."

"You know what, Dad?" asked Terri with a grin. "You would make a good preacher."

Dad smiled. "When you see the watch on your arm, let it remind you of this acrostic," he suggested. "I think it will help you make right choices."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ask God to help you in each area described by “W-A-T-C-H”? Ask Him to help you make good choices regarding your words, actions, thoughts, and companions and to develop good habits that please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:14)
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord.” (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

Eight-year-old Mitch was excited as he put an X on the corner spot of the Tic-Tac-Toe game. He was sure he was finally going to win against his big sister Marta. Mitch laughed out loud because on the next move, he could win two different ways. But his laughter stopped suddenly as Marta marked an O and went on to draw a line through three O's in a row! She had won again! It's not fair! She always wins! thought Mitch. His face turned red with anger, and he threw his pencil across the room. "I hate you!" he shrieked as he stomped out, slamming the door behind him.

A little later, Mom found Mitch lying on his bed, glaring at the wall. "Marta told me what happened," she said. "You lost two things, the game and your temper. And you lost both of them for the same reason. It was because you didn't watch your opponent."

Mitch sat up straight and looked at her, a question in his eyes. "What's an opponent?" he asked.

"It's one who plays or works against you," said Mom, "so who was your opponent in the game?"

"Marta," replied Mitch.

Mom nodded. "And you forgot to watch her," she said. "You were thinking so much about how you could win the game that you forgot to notice where Marta put her marks. But you also have another opponent, a more serious one. Do you know who that is?"

Mitch shrugged. "Dad, I guess," he said.

Mom smiled. "Dad may be even harder to beat than Marta," she agreed, "but the Bible says that the devil, Satan, is the Christian's adversary, or opponent. We need to be alert and not allow him to get the best of us. You weren't watching out for him when you lost your temper."

Mitch sadly shook his head. "I guess not," he agreed.

"Ask God to help you resist your opponent, Satan, and to be a good sport in the future," advised Mom.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember to watch out for Satan? He loves to see you lose your temper. He’s happy when you cheat. It pleases Him if you disobey your parents. He likes to hear you gossip. Whenever you sin in any way, Satan is glad. You don’t have to lose to him. As you submit to God and resist Satan, God will give you victory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:7)
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

Luke was obviously in a big hurry as he ate. He took huge bites, and he grabbed his milk to wash down large mouthfuls of food. He finished eating long before the rest of the family. "May I be excused?" he asked. "The guys are waiting. We're going to skate at Miller's pond tonight. Is that okay?"

"It's okay," answered Dad, "but not just yet. You'll have plenty of time to skate after family devotions."

Luke relaxed a little as Mom passed his favorite dessert, apple pie, but to Mom's dismay, Luke's piece disappeared in three large bites.

"I'm full!" declared Luke's sister. "Everything was so good! Can I have my pie after devotions?"

"Sure can," said Dad. He handed the Bible to Luke. "Please read Psalm 119, verses 9-16, for us  tonight."

"Okay," agreed Luke. He found the place and read the passage as fast as he could. His words tumbled over each other, making them hard to understand.

When Luke had finished reading, Dad looked thoughtful. "Luke, did you enjoy your dinner tonight?" he asked.

Luke was surprised. "Yeah . . . sure," he stammered.

"How about you, Karen?" asked Dad.

"It was delicious!" exclaimed Karen. "The chicken was so crispy, and the potatoes were so buttery, and I love corn!" She rolled her eyes and rubbed her tummy.

Dad laughed. "We get the idea," he said. "I think you enjoyed it more than Luke did. Who knows why?"

"I can tell you," said Mom. "Karen took her time eating, while Luke shoveled it in and gulped it down."

Luke looked embarrassed as Dad nodded. "We need to take time to really enjoy food," he said, "and do you know that it's the same with the Word of God? To get as much out of it as possible, we need to take time when we read it. We need to meditate on it, to think about what God is saying. Otherwise it doesn't mean much to us. Luke, read that passage for us again. This time, let's chew it, well, let's take time to think about what it says instead of gulping it down. Okay?"

Luke nodded and began to read slowly and carefully.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read God’s Word carefully, or do you hurry through each day’s Bible reading? It’s the most important part of these devotionals. Read the suggested passage carefully— try reading it both before and after the story. Meditate on it (think about it) as you go through the day and as you go to sleep at night.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:15)
"I will meditate (think) in Thy precepts (God’s Word)."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Grandma, may we buy some bubble stuff?", asked Jessica as they selected some grocery items. She and her sister were spending a weekend with their grandmother.

"Let's make the bubble solution," Grandma suggested. "It will be fun. All it takes is a cup of water, a tablespoon of dish washing soap, and a teaspoon of corn syrup."

When they reached Grandma's home, she helped the girls mix the bubble recipe in a small pan. "Now we need some bubble makers," said Amanda.

"I have some empty spools you can use," said Grandma. She got the spools, dipped the end of one into the soap solution, and blew on the other end. A large bubble formed on the end of the spool.

"Wow! Let me do that!" both girls chorused, and soon there were bubbles flying everywhere.

"Look at that huge one!" Jessica called, pointing towards the roof of the house. Their eyes followed a big bubble as it lifted in the breeze, catching rainbows of color. Then . . . POP! The bubble burst and was gone.

"Awww," they all moaned.

During lunch, Amanda sighed. "Christmas vacation went by so-o-o fast," she said. "Now we're back to school again."

"And this weekend is zooming by, too,"added Jessica.

Grandma nodded. "ife passes quickly,"she agreed, "and I think the older you get, the more you realize that. It reminds me of what God says in James 4:14 -- "'What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.';

"Like the bubbles!" exclaimed Amanda.

"Right," said Grandma. "They were beautiful and fun, but they lasted only a few moments. I'm so glad each of you nows Jesus and will spend eternity with Him. Life is so short compared to eternity, so let's spend out time wisely, working every day to make our lives beautiful for Jesus."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you notice that time goes fast? Are you using it to bring glory and honor to God by obeying your parents, doing good deeds for others, and taking every opportunity to tell your friends about Jesus? Use the time God gives you wisely.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 90:12)
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

After lunch, Amanda and Jessica wanted to blow bubbles again. "Come with us, Grandma," said Amanda as they went outdoors.

After blowing several bubbles, Jessica made a face. "Ugh! Yuck!" She spit and sputtered. "A soap bubble popped in my face, and I got soap in my mouth!" she exclaimed. "It tastes awful!"

Grandma smiled. "It won't hurt you," she said. "Just get some water and rinse your mouth out."

Jessica quickly went into the house and came back with a glass of water. Amanda laughed as Jessica rinsed and sputtered. "Did you say some naughty words, Jessica?" teased Amanda. "I read a story about a girl whose mother washed her mouth out with soap to help her remember not to say bad things again."

"Well, I didn't say anything bad," protested Jessica, "but I know someone who does. I don't like to be around Corey. He uses bad words and makes fun of other kids."

"The bubbles left a bad taste in your mouth, and in a way, he leaves a bad taste in your life," suggested Grandma. "His words and actions leave a bad impression." She looked thoughtful. "People remember the things we say and do," she added. "What are some things we might do that would give them a bad taste when they think of us?"

"Tell lies," Jessica answered.

"Always want to be first," Amanda added.

"Hog the ball when we play games," said Jessica.

Grandma nodded. "The Bible teaches us that we are to have a good name -- a good reputation. In other words, when people think of us, they should remember good things, not bad things. So what are some things we can do to leave a good taste?"

"Help with chores and help kids with their schoolwork," suggested Jessica. "

"Be friendly and kind," said Amanda, "and obey parents and teachers, and share."

"Good," said Grandma. "Those things will leave a good taste in the lives of others. They'll help others remember us with pleasant thoughts."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted God's invitation to heaven, or have you been too busy to think about it? Are you planning to consider it later? Accept God's invitation NOW. "Later" may be too late.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 22:1)
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."

[Soldier4Christ]

"If I turned on anything as violent as that, Dad, you'd make me shut off the TV," observed Jill as her father was watching the evening news before dinner.

"You're right," agreed Dad, and he snapped off the television set. "I do like to keep up on what's happening in the world, but frankly, I think it would be better if they wouldn't SHOW some of those pictures when they give the news. Maybe I should rely more heavily on my newspaper."

"Did I hear someone say he wants a newspaper?" asked Andy as he came in the back door. "Well, I just happen to have one for you. Here you are, Sir." He handed his dad a paper. "I just finished my paper route," added Andy. "Seems like everybody I saw remarked about the number of articles on crime and war these days. I felt like the bearer of bad news!"

"Well, I'm the bearer of good news," announced Mom as she joined them. "Dinner's ready!" Laughing, they trooped to the TABLE and together thanked God for the food they were about to eat.

"This lasagna sure is good news," commented Andy as he took a large portion. "Too bad I can't tell my customers about this."

Dad looked at him thoughtfully. "There is some good news that all of us should be telling," he said. "Who knows what it is?"

Jill and Andy looked puzzled. "Good weather is coming?" guessed Jill. Dad shook his head.

"School's going to be canceled, and all the kids will be given A's," was Andy's suggestion.

Dad laughed. "I'll give you a clue," he said. "This good news is found in the Bible."

"Oh, I know-it's the good news that Jesus came to die for our sins!" exclaimed Jill. "We're supposed to tell everybody about Him."

"Right," agreed Dad. "We're to tell others the Gospel message. Gospel means good news. Perhaps there's so much bad news in the world today because not enough people know the good news of the Gospel. Let's all make an effort to tell it to at least one person tomorrow."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you shared the good news with others? Have you let them know that Jesus died on the cross, that He was buried, and that He rose again so they can have their sins forgiven? It's the responsibility of Christians to share that message. Tell your friends and invite them to trust in Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 16:15)
"Go ye INTO all the world, and preach the Gospel."