Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Blake had tried to be a good friend to Ho. When kids poked fun at Ho's name because it was so different from theirs, it was Blake who came to his aid. When the kids at church failed to include Ho in their plans, Blake was the one who stood up for him. But now that the kids had finally accepted Ho, he spent his spare time with them and seemed to forget that Blake even existed.

"I'm through helping him," Blake told his dad. "I'll give him a taste of his own medicine. I'm going to ignore him!"

Just then the phone rang, and Blake went to answer it. "Hi, Blake," came a familiar voice. "This is Ho."

Blake wanted to hang up, but he thought he'd better not be quite that rude. "Yeah, Ho," he said. "You calling about something special?" After listening a few minutes, Blake said shortly, "I'll see. Can't promise." Then he hung up.

"So Ho called you," remarked Dad. "Just when you were about to give up on him, too."

Blake frowned. "He wants me to help him get on the volleyball team," he muttered. "Well, he can just forget that idea. He's what I call a 'sometimes friend.' He only calls when he needs something. Otherwise I don't even exist as far as he's concerned."

Blake's father didn't say anything for a few minutes. Finally he spoke. "Frankly, I can't blame you for feeling as you do," he said, "but I find myself wondering if God ever feels that way about us. I believe God likes us to come and simply have a friendly talk with Him now and then, but we often seem to call on Him only when we need something." Blake was thoughtful as Dad continued. "I'm thankful that God is always there to hear us, no matter how much He's been ignored, aren't you?"

Blake nodded. "I never thought about that before," he said.

"Let's be careful to not be 'sometimes friends,'" added
Dad, "not to other people nor to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever a "sometimes" friend? Are there those you talk to only when you want something? Do you treat God that way? Don't try to "use" people-or God-just to get things you want. Be friendly with others every day-and be sure to talk to God every day, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 3:18)
"Let us love . . . in deed and in truth."

[Soldier4Christ]

"You know Kevin Jones, right?" asked Juan as he helped his dad get the garden ready for planting.

"Sure," said Dad. "He seems to be a nice kid-he always memorized lots of verses when I had him in my Sunday school class last year. He led in devotions, too."

"Yeah." Juan nodded. "He's 'Kevin the Christian' at home and church, but at school, he's 'Kevin the Kool Kid.' He laughs at dirty jokes and uses swear words and never admits that he goes to church and Sunday school," said Juan as he dug deeply into the freshly turned earth. "Look here, Dad!" he exclaimed. "I just dug up a toad!" He poked at the flabby mass. The toad offered no resistance. "Is it dead?"

"No," said Dad, looking at the toad. "Just sleepy. He's been hibernating. The ground isn't warm enough yet to wake him up. His blood is cold, and he's sluggish."

"Wake up, silly toad." Juan pushed it with his foot. "I could cut you in two, and you'd just lie still and let me do it."

"That toad reminds me of some Christians I know," said Dad as he leaned on his hoe. Kevin was puzzled, but he grinned as he thought, He does look a little like old Mr. Powell. He knew better than to say that out loud! "To a large degree, a toad's behavior is affected by his surroundings," continued Dad, "and the behavior of some people is like that, too. They act like Christians only when they're with Christians. When they're in the world, surrounded by sin, they 'hibernate' spiritually."

"Like Kevin!" exclaimed Juan.

"Perhaps," said Dad, "but instead of judging him, let's pray for him and let's examine ourselves. God intended for toads to be cold-blooded-for their blood temperature to be the same as their surroundings, but He did not intend for His children to be cold-blooded. We are not to be controlled by our surroundings."

Juan nodded. "You don't know what a close call you had, Mr. Toad," he said as he dug a hole and put the drowsy toad in it to continue its nap.

"Like the toad, hibernating Christians are unaware of
their danger," added Dad, "and are often easy prey for Satan."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a "warm-blooded, wide awake" Christian, or is your walk with the Lord controlled by those around you? Don't live a double life. No matter what is going on in the world around you, "wake up" and live the way you know a person who loves Jesus should live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 13:11)
"It is high time to awake out of sleep."

[Soldier4Christ]

Nate felt awful-so awful that his mother took him to see the doctor. On the way home, they picked up the medicine Dr. Moore prescribed for Nate, and as soon as they reached home, Nate took his first dose. "Dr. Moore says you should be feeling better by morning," Mom told him encouragingly.

The doctor was right. Nate did feel better by the next morning, and a couple of days later, he was back in school. "I had fun at school today," said Nate when he got home. "I'm glad I'm better."

"I am, too," said Mom, "but right now it's time for you to take your afternoon dose of medicine."

"Right," said Nate, and he went to get it. "This stuff must be pretty powerful," he said as he got out a spoon. "It sure took care of me in a hurry." Then he grinned. "There oughta be medicine to take care of the bad things kids do," he said. "Garth and Jake are in trouble at school again."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," said Mom. "What happened?"

"They were bullying the little kids at recess time," said Nate, "and they got caught. Wouldn't it be handy if they could just take a spoonful of something and that would take care of it?"

"A 'sin medicine,' huh?" said Mom. After a moment she added, "You know what? There's something better than a sin medicine. We could call it the Son's medicine."

"The sun?" Nate asked. "You think a good suntan would help?"

"Son," Mom repeated. "S-o-n-God's Son. He gave His only Son to take away our sin."

"Oh, you mean Jesus!" exclaimed Nate. He nodded. "That's what they need, isn't it? I suppose I should try to tell them that, but I don't think they'll listen," he said slowly.

"You have a Bible club party coming up," Mom reminded him. "Maybe they'd come to that."

"That's right!" exclaimed Nate. "Then maybe they'd get
interested and keep coming. I'll ask them!" Mom nodded
approvingly.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has the sin in your heart been taken care of? You need the right medicine to cure sickness, and you need to go to the right person to take away your sin. That person is Jesus. Only He can save you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:29)
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, why do you have that old twig in your bucket?" asked Joe, pointing to the pail his friend Trent was holding.

"It's an apple tree," said Trent.

"No kidding?" Joe was skeptical. "Looks like an old dead stick to me." He changed the subject. "I'm going to the park to play with my new skateboard." Holding up a well-worn skateboard, he added, "Well, it's not exactly new, but it's new to me. Want to come along?"

"Can't," mumbled Trent. "I'd sure rather play than plant trees, but I have to go plant this thing. My uncle gave it to me and said to plant it right away."

Joe looked with interest at the twig in the bucket. "You're not kidding me, are you? That really is an apple tree? How long before there will be apples on it?"

"Years and years," said Trent with a sigh. "Uncle Bob told me how long it would take, but I've forgotten." Trent looked at Joe's skateboard. "Where'd you get your skateboard?"

"Mom got it at a garage sale," answered Joe. "Hey . . . you want to trade with me?"

Trent's eyes widened. "You mean you'd trade your skateboard for this old apple tree?"

Joe held out the skateboard. "Try me and see."

Trent quickly reached out and took the skateboard. "All right!" he said with a grin. "Now I'll go play while you work." Then he was off to the park, whistling and thinking he had gotten the best end of the deal.

When Joe got home, he showed his mother the tree in the bucket. "I traded my skateboard for this. You don't mind, do you?" he asked anxiously.

Mom smiled. "I don't mind," she said, "but don't plant
the tree quite yet. Trent's parents may mind, and if they do, you'll have to
give that tree back." She grinned at Joe. "You made a good trade today. You gave
up a little fun right now for a lot of fruit in the future. It reminds me of
Moses in the Bible. He gave up the temporary pleasures of sin in order to do and
be the person God wanted him to be. I hope and pray you'll follow that example
in the more serious decisions you'll have to make throughout your
lifetime."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you interested only in having fun -or do you give up play time to pray? To read the Bible? To help with a church project? To help someone with chores? Those things require work now, but doing them will pay off in the future.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 11:25)
"Choosing rather to suffer affliction . . . than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I learned about germs that cause sickness," announced Dawn when her parents asked what she had learned at school that day. "Germs are so small, you can't see them unless you're looking through a microscope."

Dawn's little brother, Peter, frowned. "If they're that small, how can they make you feel so awful?" he asked. He remembered how terrible he'd felt when he was sick the week before.

"Once the germs get into your system, they multiply and fight you, and if they win, you get sick," Dawn told him. "That was all part of our health lesson today." She grinned at her brother. "The moral-or lesson-to be learned is: Beware of little germs!" she added dramatically.

"Maybe I'll use that in my Sunday school lesson this week," said Dad. "It's a good illustration of the way sin works in our lives."

"What do you mean?" asked Dawn.

"Well, when we become careless and forget to spend time with God or to think about Him and how He wants us to live, it's easy to allow sin to get in and take control," explained Dad. "At first, we hardly know it's there-or we figure that it's just a little sin and isn't really very important."

Mom nodded. "That's why it's so important to confess our sin when we know we've done something that is not pleasing to God," she added. "We need to ask for His forgiveness and help before we get used to the sin and it becomes easier to do other sinful things."

"So the lesson you're teaching is: Beware of little sins!" said Dawn.

"So-called 'little' sins," corrected Dad. "All sins need
to be confessed and dealt with."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you told any "little" lies lately? Sneaked a couple of cookies? Used unkind words-or thoughts? Confess those things to God and receive His forgiveness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 1:9)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us."

[Soldier4Christ]

Paula was not happy about her father's new wife, and she allowed those feelings to show. "I wish you would try to accept your stepmother for who she is," suggested Dad. "I think you'll find her kind and loving."

"I've never said she wasn't nice," Paula protested. "It's just that she isn't my mother, so I don't know why I have to treat her as if she is."

Dad shook his head. "No, honey, she's not your mother," he agreed, "and you don't have to treat her as if she is. Your mother is gone. We certainly miss her, but we have to accept her death-it's a fact, even though it's very painful to us. Tina is a different person, but she's still one who cares about you and deserves your respect."

"But why did you have to bring her here?" Paula asked, choking back tears. "And just before Mother's Day!"

Dad nodded understandingly. "Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for Tina, too," he reminded her.

   "Difficult for Tina!" Paula snapped. "Why should it be a hard day for her? You and Zac both act like you've forgotten all about Mom. Zac even bought Tina a Mother's Day card!"

"Don't you plan to do that, too?" asked Dad.

Paula shook her head. "They don't make stepmother cards," she said sarcastically.

Just then Tina appeared in the doorway. She was smiling and carrying a small plant. "Look what was just delivered," she said. "Isn't it lovely? It's signed, 'Your new family.' Thank you!" The card was signed in Zac's handwriting.

Paula bit her lip and slipped out the door. She felt
anger build up inside of her, and she also felt guilty because she knew she
should accept Tina. She is part of our family now, she admitted to herself. Then
she scowled. But she's not my real mother!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone you are not accepting? God has brought that person into your life for a purpose. Ask Him to help see the good in the situation. Accept it, and learn to get along with whoever God has put in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:28)
"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God."

[Soldier4Christ]

Paula went outside and called loudly for her brother. "What a really dumb idea," she scolded, "sending a plant to Tina!"

"Well, I like her, and I thought our new mom should get flowers for Mother's Day," explained Zac.

"She's not our mom," Paula retorted, "and you didn't have any right putting my name on that card."

"I didn't put your name on the card," said Zac. "I just wrote that it was from her new family."

"Well, she thinks I'm in on it," grumbled Paula.

"I wanted her to," Zac admitted. "You should stop treating her like a servant. I . . . I heard her and Dad praying last night. She asked God to help you love her like she loves you."

Anger welled up in Paula. This . . . this person has lived with us for only a few weeks, and she already hopes to be accepted like a mother, she thought. Well, I'll show her! I'll get a card, cross out the word "mother," and scribble in "step-person." That oughta make it clear how I feel.

At the store, every card Paula looked at expressed a note of love. None of these are what I want, she thought grumpily, and she left without buying a card.

As Paula walked back home, she thought about the situation. Before Dad had married, he had talked it over with her and Zac. They had both agreed that Tina was nice, and Paula had even said it would be pleasant to have someone around to do the cooking again. Zac's right, she admitted to herself. I treat Tina like someone who's been hired to clean and cook and do the laundry. Suddenly Paula felt ashamed-terribly ashamed! "I'm sorry, Lord," she whispered. "Help me to change the way I think about her and treat her."

Paula walked briskly down the street. I still don't think I can call Tina "Mom"-at least not right away-but with God's help, I'm going to be more like a . . . a Christian daughter.

When she got home, she found her brother. "Here, Zac,"
she said, pulling some money from her pocket. "If the new family is going to
send flowers, I'd better pitch in and pay my share." Suddenly Paula felt good
inside.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you know your attitude is wrong, are you willing to change? If not, it makes you unhappy, doesn't it? Do you need help to admit when you are wrong? Remember, God is there to forgive you and help you to make changes and correct wrong words, actions, and attitudes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 121:2)
"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

[Soldier4Christ]

Josh frowned when his little brother asked if he could take some eggs to school for "Show and Tell" time. "You mean eggs from my Araucanas hens?" Josh asked. "I'm selling those to earn money for Wilderness Camp."

"But the kids don't believe me when I tell them about your green eggs," said Nathan. "I have to show them."

"Well . . . okay," agreed Josh. "Green eggs are unusual. I guess you can take a couple."

After school, Josh walked home with his friend Lon. "Going to the football game tonight?" asked Lon.

"Can't. I have Bible club at church tonight," replied Josh. "Why don't you come with me?"

"No way! I can't see that church really makes any difference anyway," said Lon. "Well . . . see ya."

That night, Josh's leader reminded the kids of the collection they would be taking in a couple of weeks to buy shoes for needy children in another country. "When their needs are met, they often are willing to listen to the Gospel, too," said Mr. Lee. "We all have something we can give. Think about it."

Josh did think about it, but he was quite sure he had nothing to give. Suddenly he remembered his eggs! I can't give those up! he thought. That's my camp money! He thought about the fun he could have at camp, but he also thought about the children with no shoes, and he knew what he had to do. Wilderness Camp will have to wait another year, he decided. I'm giving my egg money.

When Lon learned about Josh's decision, he could hardly believe it. "Why would you do a crazy thing like that?" Lon asked.

"I guess it's kind of like my little brother's 'Show and Tell' last week," Josh said slowly. "Nathan told the kids there were green eggs, and then he showed them. Well, I always say I love God, but I decided it was time to show Him that I really mean it. So . . . I gave money to help those who have less than I do."

Lon was quiet. Finally he said, "You've always talked about church and God and stuff, but now you've shown me that it really does make a difference. Guess maybe I'll go to church with you sometime."

"Great!" Josh grinned. "You're welcome any
time!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you just say you love God, or do you also show it? By obeying His Word, doing things with a right attitude, and helping others, you show your love for God-and you show the world that He's real!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 2:18)
"Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

[Soldier4Christ]

With his broken leg propped up on a chair, Jon sat at the table and watched his friends play baseball in the vacant lot next door. "I'm tired of sitting around," he complained. "I want to play ball with the guys."

"Why don't you go outdoors and cheer them on?" suggested his mother.

"I'm not a cheerleader," snapped Jon, "and I'm tired of dragging this heavy cast around. I'm sick of these dumb crutches, too!" With those words, Jon grabbed one of his crutches and threw it across the room.

Mom shook her head. "I'm sorry about your leg, Jon," she said sternly, "but it doesn't excuse that display of temper!"

"Well, if it weren't for these stupid things, I could be out there playing just like everyone else," grumbled Jon.

"Really? I disagree. Instead of being grateful for the things that are helping you, you're blaming them," Mom told him. Jon frowned, not sure what she was getting at. "It's not the cast or crutches that keep you from playing ball-it's the broken leg," continued Mom. "The cast protects your leg-it holds things together and assists in the healing process. And the crutches help you get around while the leg is mending. They don't hinder you. They help you."

Jon's sister Beth breezed into the room. "Hey, Jon, you should have seen what Andrea and I did! We sneaked out of a boring safety lecture at school this afternoon and hung out in the girls' restroom." She chuckled. "Our teacher never even missed us!" Just then she noticed her mother. "But she . . . ah . . . she wouldn't have cared much anyway," stammered Beth.

Mom looked stern. "What does God say about obeying those in authority?" she asked.

Beth sighed. "Sometimes I wish the Bible didn't give so many rules," she murmured.

"They're like Jon's cast and crutches," said Mom. "They're to protect and help you-not to hinder you."

Jon grinned at his sister. "Hand me my crutch, will
you?" he said. Beth did so, and Jon stood up. Waving a crutch, he added, "My
friends here will help me go out to cheer the guys on to
victory."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel angry because you think the Bible keeps you from activities that you'd enjoy? Actually, it helps you. It shows you how to avoid things that harm you. Obedience to God brings lasting joy and peace in your heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:11)
"By them (God's laws) is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I need a volunteer to stay and help me after school," said Mrs. Harris one day. She looked from one student to another. Erin looked down-she wanted to go to the mall after school. I'd rather go home and finish the book I'm reading, thought Gina. I'll help another time. Tony's elbow bent as his hand started up, but a sharp kick from Ricky reminded him that they had talked about playing ball after school.

Only Patti raised her hand. "I'll help," she offered. Mrs. Harris smiled and nodded.

 "We've talked about ideas to improve our community by helping one another," said Mrs. Harris the next day. "Here are a few of the things we mentioned." She listed some projects on the board-mow the lawn for a neighbor, help a smaller child with some work, set the table for your mother. She asked for suggestions for other practical ways to be helpful. "You're not required to do these things, but if you decide to take part, have your neighbor or a parent sign a slip telling what you've done." Erin, Tony, and Ricky decided they wouldn't have time to do any of the projects. Gina looked at the board and sighed. She simply didn't feel like doing extra work. Patti quickly copied the list and slipped it into her pocket.

And so it went. Time after time, Patti did the little, extra things while many of the other kids made excuses.

"Class, the local TV station is planning a special program in honor of National Educational Week," Mrs. Harris announced one day. "Each teacher has been asked to choose one student to be interviewed." She smiled as the students suddenly looked alert. She had everyone's undivided attention-each wanted to be selected. "I have chosen Patti Vernon," continued Mrs. Harris. She smiled at Patti. "I'd like to meet with you after school, Patti. We'll discuss it then."

At lunch time, Patti was met with jealous glares and
"catty" remarks from some of the students. "Teacher's pet!" and "Apple
polisher!" were some of the taunts she heard. They had forgotten the little
extras Patti always did-but Mrs. Harris had not, and now Patti could enjoy her
reward.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How long has it been since you did a little extra for someone? Like volunteering to help clean up after a church activity? Washing dishes? Taking out the trash without being asked? Including a new classmate in your activities? Go the "second mile." Do a little extra-do it for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:41)
"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain (two)."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Michelle makes me so mad!" stormed Tonya, slamming the door behind her. After telling her mother what it was that Michelle had done, Tonya added, "I'm never going to speak to her again! I told her so, too!"

Mom frowned. "I can understand that you're upset," she said, "but never is a very long time."

"I don't care how long it is," Tonya snapped.

"God wants you to forgive," Mom reminded gently, but Tonya turned and ran down the hall to her room. "Get your sweater," Mom called after her. "We're going to visit my Aunt Meg this afternoon, remember?"

Soon Tonya and her mother were at the nursing home where Aunt Meg lived. As they reached Aunt Meg's room, Tonya's mind was still churning with angry thoughts about Michelle. "Why, Aunt Meg, what's the matter?" Mom's startled cry brought Tonya back to reality. Mom was kneeling beside the old lady's wheelchair.

Aunt Meg held a crumpled letter in her hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Oh, Tess," she sobbed. "It's too late. It's too late."

"Too late for what?" asked Mom.

"Too late to say that I'm sorry." Aunt Meg's voice quavered.

When Tonya and her mother finally headed home, Tonya was wiping her eyes. In the car she turned to her mother. "Your Aunt Meg and Aunt Sarah are sisters, aren't they? And they hadn't spoken to one another for twenty years?" she asked.

Mom nodded sadly. "Yes, and now Aunt Sarah has died. It's so sad. Aunt Meg can't even remember why they quarreled. Each was too proud and too stubborn to say, 'I'm sorry,' so the wall between them grew and grew." She looked at her silent daughter. "One day Aunt Meg told Aunt Sarah she would never speak to her again. Little did she realize what she was saying."

Tonya gulped. "Never is a long time, isn't it? Too
long," she said. "I shouldn't have said that, either." She sighed. "I'll talk to
Michelle when I see her tomorrow."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes say things you don't really mean? Do you need to apologize to someone? It will never be easier than it is right now, and it's what God wants you to do. So do it. You'll always be glad you did.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:13)
"If any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad has to go to Florida on a business trip next week, and we get to go along," Brad told his friend Todd as the boys left to take part in the "Neighborhood Outreach" project their Sunday school was having. "Dad says that's a fringe benefit he gets with his job. We'll get to go to Disneyland."

"What does 'fringe benefit' mean?" asked Todd.

"Fringe benefits are things like paid vacations and insurance that employers provide," said Brad as they walked up the steps and rang Mr. Winters' doorbell. "In this case, it's the chance for Dad to take us with him and work in a little vacation along with business."

The boys looked up as Mr. Winters opened the door, and they offered him a tract and an invitation to come to church. Old Mr. Winters shook his finger at them. "I'll never go to that church!" he growled. "All they ever do is ask for money!"

"What a grouch!" said Brad as he and Todd left.

On Sunday, the boys repeated Mr. Winters' words in Sunday school. "But he was wrong," said Brad. "Our church does a lot for people."

"Yes." Mr. Martin nodded. "We're not only blessed when we come on Sunday, but the church offers many fringe benefits, too. Can you think of any you've received?" Many hands went up.

"When my dad lost his job, the church took an offering for us and brought us groceries," said Todd.

Brenda stood up. "If the church bus didn't pick me up, I wouldn't get to come to Sunday school," she said.

"When our house burned, the church rented an apartment for us and gave us clothes and furniture," offered Jerry.

"The church ladies served dinner for our family when my grandpa died," said Karl.

"When my little sister was in the hospital, the ladies took turns staying with her so my mother could rest. And a lot of the church people prayed for her. I love our church!" Isaac blushed as he sat down.

"We all do," Brad said firmly. "All but Mr. Winters."

"Let's pray for him this week," suggested Mr. Martin.
"He doesn't know what he's missing."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever sent a thank you note to your pastor, Sunday school teacher, church musicians, or someone else who serves in your church? Why not do that today? And don't forget to look for opportunities to help others there.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:10)
"Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come on, Joey," Mark encouraged, as he tugged at his little brother's hand. Mark had seen enough of the zoo. "Let's move on."

"In a minute," Joey said as he pulled his hand loose. "I like to look at these cr-crooked-dials."

Mark laughed. "They're crocodiles, Joey."

"That's what I said," insisted Joey. "Crooked-dials. Hey, Mark, look at that one. He must not like his dinner."

Mark wrinkled his forehead. "Not like his dinner?" he asked. "Why do you say that?"

"He's eating, but he's crying," Joey explained. "Why don't they give him something good for dinner?"

Mark scoffed. "That crocodile isn't crying."

"He is so," argued Joey. "Look at those big tears."

Mark laughed. "Those are just crocodile tears," he said. "We learned about them in school. When crocodiles eat, the food pushes on the tear glands in the top of their mouths, and that makes their eyes water. They're shedding tears, but they really aren't crying. The tears don't mean a thing! He's really okay, Joey."

As Mark explained, he remembered how Joey had begged-and even cried-when he wanted Mark to take him to the zoo. Crocodile tears, thought Mark as he remembered how quickly Joey's tears had stopped when Mark had promised to take him to the zoo. But then Mark remembered something about himself. Because he had been careless with his bike, Mom had said he couldn't ride it for a while. But he and his friend, John, had planned a bike trip for Saturday, so Mark had shed a few "crocodile tears" and begged to be allowed to go. He remembered that Joey had been watching. "Now let's go, Joey," Mark urged again.

"No! No!" Joey screamed. He puckered his face and tears began to roll down his cheeks. "I don't want to go home."

"Dry those crocodile tears, Joey," Mark said firmly. "We're going home."

Joey abruptly stopped crying. "Crooked-dial tears? Did I
really cry crooked-dial tears?" He grinned. "Wait till I tell Mommy what I
learned at the zoo!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you cry crocodile tears-do you pretend to be sorry when you really aren't? True repentance is more than tears. It is being sorry and turning from your sin. Tears might fool people, but they won't fool God. He calls you to repent. Have you done that? (See page 72.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 3:19)
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, wow-a chemistry set!" exclaimed Kyle when he opened his birthday present. "It's just what I wanted!"

His parents chuckled. "We know," said Mom. "How could we help but know, with all the hints you've given?"

"Hints?" asked Kyle innocently.

Dad laughed. "Well, when I was going to shave one day, I found pictures of chemistry sets taped to the mirror," he said. "I kinda took that to be a hint."

"And when I went out to buy your present," Mom added, "I found a note in my purse that said, 'Don't forget the C.S.! Love, Guess Who.'"

Kyle grinned. "I guess I have been kind of a pest," he admitted. "I hope you're not mad at me."

"Of course not," replied his father. "You weren't rude about it, just persistent. Actually, we like it when you let us know what you really want, even though we don't always give it to you right away-or at all."

"I can't wait to show this to Steve. Can I go call him?" Kyle asked eagerly.

"That reminds me-you were praying for a chance to witness to Steve," said Dad. "How did that turn out?"

Kyle looked uncomfortable. "Uh-well, I did pray about it for a while, but nothing seemed to happen, so I kinda forgot about it."

"Speaking of prayer," said Mom, "you also said you were going to pray for ways to earn money to go to the church youth camp this summer. Are you still praying about that? Or have you gotten enough money already?"

Kyle shook his head. "I wasn't getting any jobs-or at least not very many," he said. "I gave up the idea."

"Hmmm," murmured Dad. "You've learned to be persistent
when it comes to asking your earthly parents for birthday presents," he said,
"but apparently you haven't applied that principle to your heavenly Father. Too
often we say a halfhearted prayer about something, and then we forget all about
it. The Bible teaches us that God wants us to pray persistently,
too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something you have prayed about? A friend or relative who is sick? Someone who needs Jesus? Schoolwork? Whatever it is, be sure to keep on praying. In the Bible, God sets down several conditions for effective prayer. One of them is persistence. So keep on asking and believing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thess. 5:17)
"Pray without ceasing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Ouch!" cried Liz as her ankle turned and she fell to her knees.

"Are you all right, honey?" asked Mom as she stepped into the high grass where Liz had fallen. Mom reached down to pull Liz to her feet.

"I'm okay-just a little dirt and some scratches from those brambles," said Liz as she stood up. "I was watching the birds and stepped off the path and into a hole. I didn't even see it."

"It's easy to stumble off the path when you don't watch where you're going," said Mom.

"It sure is," agreed Liz as she brushed dirt off her elbow. She picked up her binoculars. "My Sunday school teacher talked about paths last week. She said God gave us the Bible to show us the path He wants Christians to walk."

"Good thought," said Mom. "Because you weren't paying attention to this path, you wandered off from it and stumbled and fell. When we don't pay attention to what God says in His Word, it's easy to wander off the path He wants us to take and to stumble and fall into sin."

"That's what Mrs. Kent told us," said Liz. "Well . . . something like that anyway. She said that Christians need to study the Bible to learn how to follow the path God has for them."

"Spending time with God helps us to stay focused on Him and to stay on the path of spiritual growth," agreed Mom.

Liz nodded. "Mrs. Kent said that when we wander off that path by disobeying God and insisting on our own way, it can get us into trouble and cause us a lot of pain."

Mom nodded. "That's true," she said, "but we need to
remember that when we step off the path, God is always ready and waiting to
'dust us off' and help us back on track as we again put our trust in
Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you on God's path and walking close to Him? You can be by using the Bible to learn how He wants you to live. You can spend time with Him regularly. If you wander off His path, ask Him to forgive you and to help you do the things that please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 25:4)
"Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths."