Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Juan stomped into the kitchen and slammed his cap against the table. "I didn't make the school baseball team, Mom," he said.

"Oh, Juan, I'm so sorry." His mother tried to console him. "You can still be on the city recreation team," she reminded him. "That will be fun, too."

Juan pounded his fist into his mitt. "Jason and Matt made the team," he said. "Now they'll be gone all the time, and I won't have anybody to hang out with." He threw himself onto a chair. "I practiced every day for a month. I prayed about it every day, too. God knows how much I wanted to make the team, and He didn't let me. Why, Mom? Doesn't He care?"

Just then the screen door slammed and Juan's new puppy bounded into the room, followed by Juan's dad. Juan had to grin as Smokey's tiny, pink tongue plastered sloppy kisses on his face.

Dad set his briefcase down. "Juan, did you remember that we have an appointment with the veterinarian today?" he asked. "Smokey needs to get his rabies shot."

Juan stared at his puppy's dark trusting eyes. "Does he have to get one?" asked Juan. "That shot will hurt Smokey, and maybe he won't like me anymore."

Dad sat down next to Juan. "Would you rather take a chance on letting Smokey get rabies and die?" Juan solemnly shook his head. "Even though the shot will hurt for a moment, Smokey knows you love him," said Dad. "He'll still like you and trust you."

Juan picked up Smokey and headed for the door. "Okay, Dad. Let's go," he said.

"This reminds me of your question," said Mom. "I know you don't like to have your dog suffer, but sometimes you allow it anyway because you care for him and know it's best for him, right?" Juan nodded. "I'm sure God doesn't like for you to suffer, either," added Mom, "but sometimes He allows it because He loves you and knows it's best for you."

Juan sighed. "Okay," he said. "Then . . . when I get back from the vet, can I go to the park and see if I can get a game going?" Mom smiled and nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're disappointed, do you find it hard to understand why God allows it? Do you wonder if He still cares about you? God does care, and He always knows what's best. Trust Him even when things happen that hurt for a while.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 3:5)
"Trust in the Lord . . . lean not unto thine own understanding."

[Soldier4Christ]

Chad listened as the children's missionary speaker told stories of his ministry in a foreign land. "In that country there are many orphan children," said Mr. Ross. "If we could build a home for them, we would have many more opportunities to teach them about Jesus and to win them to Christ. Boys and girls, will you pray that God will make it possible for us to build this home?" Heads-including Chad's-were nodding all around the room. "Will you do something else, too?" continued Mr. Ross. "Will you give up just one bottle of pop a week, or perhaps one candy bar, and give that amount of money-the price of that item-to the Lord for this home? Are you willing to do that?" Again Chad felt his head nodding, and he saw that his friends Brad and Tate were nodding, too.

A few weeks later, the three boys were biking home after ball practice. "It's so hot," said Tate. "Let's get some pop at the gas station."

As they were getting out their coins, Chad remembered his promise. "I can't get one," he moaned. "I promised to give up one pop a week for the children's home. It's Saturday already, and I haven't given one up yet this week."

"Me, neither," said Brad. "Maybe I'll give up two next week."

"Yeah," agreed Tate. "I'm too thirsty now." Chad felt hurt as the boys drank pop and teased him for not joining them.

That evening Chad was very quiet. "Something wrong?" asked Dad.

"Yeah." Chad nodded. "A lot of broken promises." He told his father about his friends and then added, "I was mad all the way home, but then I remembered something and realized that I'm just as bad as they are. I promised to pray for Mr. Ross and the children's home, but I haven't done it much."

Dad nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for reminding me that promises aren't to be taken lightly," he said. "In the Bible, solemn promises are called vows. God says it's better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it. It's important to keep every promise you make."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you always keep your promises? God always keeps His, and He expects you to do that, too. Be careful about making promises. Ask for God's wisdom in doing that, and then keep all the promises you do make.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ecclesiastes 5:4)
"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Cool!" exclaimed Tyler. ""Look, Mommy! We're in the clouds!"

Mom looked out the window of the airplane. Wispy white strands floated by the window. "We sure are!" she said.

Tyler's happy grin turned into an anxious frown. "We won't get lost, will we?" he asked.

"Get lost?" asked Mom. "Why would we get lost?"

"The pilot can't see where we're going," replied Tyler. "Maybe we'll run into a bad storm."

Mom smiled. "Don't worry, Tyler," she said. "The plane has instruments and a thing called 'radar.' I can't explain how they work, but they guide the pilot-they tell him where he should go and keep him away from bad storms."

"Oh!" Tyler nodded. He was grinning again as he turned back to watch the clouds go by.

Mom returned to what she had been doing. She had a stack of index cards in her hand. On the front of each card was a Bible verse, and on the back was the reference. She would read a card and then try to recite the verse without looking at the words on the card.

"Mommy?" Tyler interrupted her again. "What are you doing?"

"I'm learning Bible verses," answered Mom. She smiled at Tyler. "Knowing verses helps me," she added. "I just told you that this plane has 'radar' so that the pilot can find his way even through clouds and darkness-remember?" she asked. Tyler nodded. "Well, by memorizing Bible verses," said Mom, showing Tyler the cards, "I put parts of God's Word in here." She pointed to her head. "That gives me a sort of 'built-in radar' so that even when things get foggy or dark in my mind or in my life, I can find the right way . . . by using God's Word."

"Oh," said Tyler, but a moment later . . . "Mommy, can your radar find my shoes?" he asked.

Mom looked down at Tyler's feet and saw that both his shoes were gone. She laughed. "I think I can do that without radar," she said. She released her seatbelt, so she could search for Tyler's shoes under the seats.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you memorize Bible verses? When you're in a sad or scary situation, or when you're not sure what is the right thing to do, God will often bring to mind a verse you've learned. Think about what He's saying in that verse. Let Him use it to comfort you and help you make the right decision.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

One Saturday afternoon, the Miller family piled into the car to go visit their grandparents, who lived out in the country. As they drove along, a red light appeared on the dash. "Oh, no!" moaned Dad. "The temperature light is on, and we're miles from anywhere!"

"A temperature light?" asked Brandon. "Can't you just turn it off? The car seems to be running okay."

"This light doesn't operate on a switch," said Dad. "It's a signal that the car needs something-probably water." He pulled to the side of the road.

"Aw, Dad, I want to go to Grandma's," whined Samantha. "Won't it go that far?"

"I don't know," said Dad, "but I'm not going to take a chance on it. I need to find out just what's wrong with it and get it fixed." He got out and opened the hood.

Dad was right. The car did need water, and he was able to get some from a nearby farmhouse. "This will take care of the problem for now," said Dad, "but we're heading back to town."

The next day, Brandon and his sister listened to a program on a Christian radio station. Mom noticed that he listened carefully to the story but squirmed uncomfortably when the invitation to be saved was given. When she asked him about it, he shrugged, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door.

"Don't ignore warning lights, Son," said Mom.

Brandon stopped and looked at her. "What warning light?" he asked.

"Remember the red warning light in the car?" asked Mom. "The car needed something, and I believe you have a need in your life, too. When it bothers you to hear an invitation to accept Jesus, it's like a warning light going on in your mind. Running outside to play is like ignoring it." She paused, then continued. "Dad didn't know how long the car would keep running if he ignored the warning, but he didn't want to take a chance on the engine being ruined. You don't know how much time you'll have, either. Don't just ignore the warning. Deal with the feeling-with the need you have. Settle things with the Lord."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you hear an invitation to accept Jesus, do you feel uncomfortable? Is it as though a red light goes on in your mind telling you that here is something you really need? Don't ignore the warning. You do need Jesus. Trust Him as Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 2:3)
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation."

[Soldier4Christ]

It was time for the county fair, and Lucy's whole 4-H Club went there together! Everyone was excited! Happy screams came from the roller coaster, and pretty colored lights flashed off and on. The smell of hot, buttered popcorn floated through the air.

The kids first visited various exhibitions and saw their own entries. Then they split up into groups, and they were allowed to wander around and try out the rides, have snacks, or play games on the midway. "Let's try some games first," suggested one of the kids in Lucy's group.

Fingering the money in her pocket, Lucy walked through the midway. The people running the games called out to the kids to come and try their luck. Lucy and some others stopped at a booth that displayed lovely prizes-big teddy bears, watches, and radios. Lucy hesitated. Then she decided to try the game just once before she went over to the rides.

The "just once" turned into several times. Lucy couldn't resist trying again and again. Before she knew it, she had spent all her money and had won nothing but a cheap plastic toy. She walked away in a daze. What a rip-off! she thought. All my money's gone, and for what? A worthless hunk of junk! Some of the kids had money left and went on the rides or bought a snack, but she could only watch.

Lucy was still upset when she arrived home and admitted to her parents what had happened. "Boy, was I dumb!" she said. "I didn't mean to spend all my money on that game, but it seemed like it just flew away. All I got out of it was a cheap piece of junk."

"Oh, I don't know," said Mom slowly. "You may have gotten something worth a lot more than that-like a good lesson. What do you think?"

"That's right," agreed Dad. "I hope you've learned that when you buy something without thinking it over, or when greed causes you to try to get things without earning them, your money takes wings and flies away!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about how you spend the money God has given you? First set aside your offering for Him, and then carefully consider how you'll use the rest. Sometimes it helps to get a notebook and write down how you spend your money.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 23:5)
"Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away."

[Soldier4Christ]

The youth pastor at Rick's church had just gotten married. "We're having a surprise party for Pastor Loren and his new wife," the president of the youth group announced. "It will be a food shower. Bring a couple cans of food, but either exchange the label on the can with a different one or leave the label off entirely."

"Cool!" exclaimed one of the girls. "They won't know what they're having to eat until they open the cans!" The kids all agreed that it would be fun-a good joke to pull on the newly married couple.

On the night of the party, Pastor Loren and his wife were given a big basket containing all the cans of food the young people had brought. Some cans had labels; others had none.

Amid much laughter, Pastor Loren thanked the group for their kindness. "You've reminded me of something tonight," he said. "You've reminded me that each of us wears a label, too. If you're born again, your label is 'Christian.' But sometimes Christians are afraid-or ashamed-for others to see that label. They want to be like this can without a label." He held up one of the unlabeled cans. "I hope this doesn't describe you."

Then Pastor Loren picked up a can with a label. "Green beans," he said as he looked at it, and several kids giggled. "I suspect this label doesn't say what's really in this can," said Pastor Loren with a grin. He shook his head. "In that case, I hope you're not like this can, either. It's like people who believe one thing, but let their outward actions show something else. They don't stand up for what they really believe."

Wow! thought Rick. He felt a little guilty. I guess we all better be more careful about what our actions label us to be. I hope people can tell that I'm a Christian, but I know I should speak up more quickly when evolution is discussed in school, or when kids seem to think that everybody is going to heaven. When the activities were ended with prayer, Rick sincerely asked God to help him do a better job of letting others know what he believed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your label "Christian"? Today's Scripture tells some things that should-and shouldn't-be found in the life of a Christian. If you believe that the Bible is God's Word-and if Jesus is your Savior-let others know about it through both words and actions. Stand up for Jesus!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 1:
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Remember those kids I met in town last week?" Tessa asked as she helped her father tie a tarp over the woodpile outside their summer cabin. "May I hang out with them tonight?"

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea if there's no planned activity," said Dad. "We don't know them."

"They seemed really nice, though," said Tessa.

Just then Mom called from the cabin door. "There's a cougar alert. I just heard on the radio that a hungry mother cougar is prowling around. Last month's fire destroyed her home. You two had better come in!" Dad nodded, and he and Tessa went in and closed the door.

Tessa gasped as she looked out a window a little later. "The cougar!" she yelled. "There she is!"

While Dad called the Ranger station, they watched the scrawny cougar prowl around the yard. A squirrel darted by, and the cougar chased it into the woods. "Do cougars eat squirrels?" asked Tessa.

"Right now, she'll eat anything she can catch," said Mom.

"The devil is like that cougar," Dad said thoughtfully as he put down the phone. "He prowls around, looking for someone to devour-or tempt into sin."

"That's scary," said Tessa.

"Yes," said Dad. "When we heard about the cougar, we came inside and closed the door. We need to 'close the door' on Satan, too. By that I mean we have to be careful what we do, where we go, what we watch and listen to, and who we hang out with."

"You mean . . . like those kids in town?" asked Tessa.

"I wasn't thinking of them, but that might be a good example," agreed Dad. "They may be very nice kids, but we don't know them, and I don't know what you all may be tempted to do if you're bored. I just don't want the devil to see an open door and devour you."

"When you put it that way, hanging out in town doesn't sound like much fun," Tessa said. "Do you think we could invite them to come here to roast hotdogs and marshmallows and to play games and stuff?"

"Wise choice," said Dad and Mom together.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you seen how sneaky a prowling animal can be? The devil prowls, too. He looks for someone to devour-to tempt with sin. How does he tempt you? Is it through bad books or magazines? Dirty jokes? Immoral TV programs? Pride? Beware! Go places and choose friends that will help you "close the door" to those temptations.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thess. 5:6)
"Let us watch and be sober."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, what's a falsehood?" asked Katie as she plunked herself into a chair beside her father.

"A falsehood?" Dad asked in surprise. "Well, a falsehood is a lie."

"That's what I thought." Katie nodded. "It's a funny word. Why would a lie be called a falsehood?"

"Good question," said Dad. "One explanation I've heard is that it comes from something done hundreds of years ago-during a time when people wore hoods instead of hats, and they wore cloaks instead of coats."

"Like Little Red Riding Hood?" asked Katie.

Dad smiled. "Sort of," he said. "A person such as a doctor or lawyer-or whatever profession-wore a certain type and color of hood."

"Then if you saw someone, you would know what he was because of the kind of hood he wore?" asked Katie.

"Yes, and that's where the falsehood comes in," Dad answered. "Some dishonest people would go to a town where they weren't known, wear a hood they hadn't earned, and set up a practice. They were living a lie. They were wearing a false hood."

Katie nodded. "I can see how the word came to mean a lie," she said.

"Yes," agreed Dad, "and I think it would still be a good word to use to describe people who pretend to be something they're not."

"Like kids who cheat and swear at school, but pretend to be such good Christians on Sunday," suggested Katie. "It's like they're hiding under a false hood."

"That would be true," answered Dad, "but let's be careful not to put on the hood of 'judge.' Let's leave that to God and just be careful to always be honest before Him and others."

"I will," Katie promised.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you-like the Scribes and Pharisees of the Bible-pretend to be something you're not? Do you pretend to be a Christian? If so, don't wear that "false hood" any longer. Put your trust in Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 7:21)
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."

[Soldier4Christ]

As Adam finished his Sunday school lesson and closed his workbook, Dad looked up from his newspaper. "Done already?" asked Dad. "Have you memorized your verse?"

"Sure," said Adam. "It's an easy one." He quoted it. "I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"

Dad nodded. "Do you understand what it means?"

Adam frowned. "Well . . . not really," he said. He grinned at his little brother who had just toddled into the room and tumbled to the floor.

"Here, Aaron, give me your hand," said Dad. "Let me hold it." As Aaron held out his hand, his father clasped it firmly in his own. "This is an illustration of what your verse means," said Dad, motioning toward Aaron. "When Aaron lets me hold his hand, he's secure. If he starts to fall, I'll help him. God does that for us."

"Yeah," said Adam, "but God can't really hold my hand, can He? Not like you do."

Dad smiled and let go of Aaron's hand. "He doesn't hold it physically, like I do," he agreed, "but when you trust God, it's as though you're allowing Him to hold your hand. That doesn't mean things will always be easy, but you can trust Him to take care of you even through hard times. Does that make sense?" Adam nodded.

"But remember," added Dad, "God doesn't force you to give Him your hand-to trust Him." Dad took hold of Aaron's hand again. "If we see danger ahead for Aaron-like if he wants to dash out into a busy street, for example-we take his hand whether he wants us to or not. If he willingly lets us help him, he's happier than when he tries to pull away. When you choose to trust God, you're happier, too, even while He's helping you through difficult circumstances."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to trust God to take care of you? Will you go where He wants you to go? Will you be what He wants you to be? Yield your life and will to Him-willingly let Him "hold your hand." You couldn't be in better hands!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 41:13)
"I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Maria, it's time for dinner," Mom said as she stuck her head inside Maria's half-opened bedroom door. "Are you still exercising?"

In the middle of a push-up, Maria could only grunt in answer. She finished and plopped to the floor with a sigh. "I want to make the track team this year," she said, "and Coach Ellis says the more you exercise, the stronger you'll be."

"Well, food will help, too," Mom answered with a smile. "Come on! It's ready."

After supper Maria turned the TV on to watch a game show. "Remember, honey-there's enough time for only one program before family devotions," Mom reminded her.

Maria rolled her eyes, but when the show was over, she dutifully turned the TV off. Then she took her Bible from the shelf and gave a long sigh. "Sometimes reading the Bible is . . . well . . . it's boring," complained Maria. "I've heard all of this stuff before. Why do we have to read it again every single night?"

Mom came and sat down beside her. "Do you ever find exercising boring?" she asked.

Maria shrugged. "Sometimes," she said, "but I make myself do it anyway because I know Coach Ellis is right, and it will make me stronger."

"Do you feel stronger right now than you did this morning?" asked Mom.

Maria laughed. "Of course not, Mom!" she said. "It takes a little more time than that!"

Mom took Maria's Bible into her hands. "Reading this book every day helps you grow stronger spiritually in much the same way that exercise helps your body grow stronger physically. You may be bored sometimes-and often you can't feel or see the difference in your life right away. But if you try to read God's Word every day and practice doing what it says, you'll become a stronger Christian." Mom handed Maria her Bible. "I'm glad you're willing to work at doing well on the track team. I hope you'll also be willing to work at doing well on God's team."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find devotions boring? That may happen, but it's not a reason to stop! It takes time and effort to grow closer to Jesus, but as you do, you experience greater peace, joy, and contentment.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 4:
"Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things."

[Soldier4Christ]

"My own phone!" squealed Sara. Grandma had come for Sara's birthday dinner, and her present to Sara was a phone of her own. "I'm going to call Joanna," declared Sara as soon as her grandmother left. She went to her room, and she talked with friends on her new telephone for almost an hour.

"Sara," Dad called, "I need to use the phone line-now! You've been using it long enough."

Sara hung up reluctantly. As soon as her father finished his calls, she quickly dialed another number.

"Quit hogging the line," her brother hollered a little later. "I need to make a call, too."

Sara hung up, grumbling as she did so. "What good is a phone if you can't use it when you want?" she muttered. Soon she was talking on the phone again.

When the phone rang early the next morning, Sara answered it. "Madison!" she squealed when she recognized her cousin's voice. "I tried to call you last night. Did you get the message I left on your answering machine?"

"No," replied Madison. "Dad suddenly had to go on a business trip, and we all got to go along. We came through your town-we had a long layover at the airport there. We tried to let you know we'd be there, but your line was always busy." With dismay, Sara realized that because she had "hogged" the phone line, she had missed seeing her favorite cousin.

Later that morning, a song on the radio caught Sara's attention. It compared prayer to talking on the telephone. The words of the song pointed out that no one gets a "busy buzz" when calling upon the Lord.

"Isn't that great?" said the speaker when the song was finished. "God is always available-we can all talk to Him at the same time, and He hears us. But do you know that there is one thing that could block your 'connection' with God? That thing is sin. Examine your heart. If you're clinging to sin, God still wants to hear from you. He wants you to confess your sin and be forgiven. What a great God we have!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad God is always available, no matter how many people call on Him at one time? But is there a sin interfering in the communication between God and you? Is sin blocking the connection? If so, confess it to the Lord and turn from it. Keep the prayer lines open!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 59:2)
"But your iniquities (sins) have separated between you and your God."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Okay, so I probably shouldn't have done it," admitted Jana as she stood before her mother, "but I really don't see what's so awful about it, either."

Mom sighed. "When you joined your friends in making fun of the way Carter stutters, you hurt Carter, you grieved the Lord, and you hurt your testimony as well," she said. "You owe Carter an apology."

Jana shrugged. After all, Carter's used to it, she thought. As for my testimony-well, really! Why should anyone get upset about one little incident? I do plenty of good things-let them remember that! She knew better than to say all that out loud.

The whole incident slipped from Jana's mind as she curled up with a book, and before she knew it, it was time to get ready for evening church. She decided to wear her favorite light blue sweater.

"You look very nice, dear," commented Mom as Jana entered the kitchen. "Here-would you like this last piece of chocolate pie before we leave?"

"Sure," said Jana. "Yummy!" She enjoyed that pie, but as she took the last delicious bite, her fork slipped and a tiny bit of pie filling landed on her sweater. She tried to wipe it off, but that only made the spot bigger. "Mom!" wailed Jana. "I'll have to go and change."

Mom surveyed the damage. Then she shrugged. "Why get upset about one little smudge?" she asked. "The rest of your outfit looks very nice." She picked up her purse. "Shall we go?"

Jana stared. "But, Mom, the smudge is all you notice when you look at me! I've got to . . ."

Mom smiled. "You're right, of course," she said with a nod. "Now . . . I wonder if you can see that a smudge on your testimony is something like a smudge on your clothes. It's the smudge that stands out, not the clean part."

Jana nodded thoughtfully. Little things do count! she admitted to herself. I'll be sure to apologize to Carter tonight.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that it does matter if you cheat just once? Snub someone? Attend a questionable activity? Don't forget-people are watching. Even one sin can mar your testimony. Confess that sin to God. Determine with His help to live a holy life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:15)
"As He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy."

[Soldier4Christ]

"This was a great birthday!" exclaimed Naomi at the end of the day. "I love my presents-especially my potter's wheel. I can't wait to use it."

The next day, Naomi found that using the wheel was much harder than it looked. The wheel spun very rapidly, and bits of wet clay flew everywhere! But Naomi was patient and persistent. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" she mumbled to herself as she worked.

Things were going quite well when the clay she was shaping into a vase suddenly slipped off the center of the wheel. Her vase instantly became lopsided. Naomi sighed and started over. Her persistence paid off, and this time she successfully formed a small vase. She set it in the sun to dry.

The next day Naomi walked to her grandparents' home to show them the vase. As she darted up the porch steps, she heard Grandma singing. "Have Thine own way, Lord; have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay."

Grandpa and Grandma both exclaimed over Naomi's vase. Then she told them about the problems she had while making it. "The clay acted like it had a mind of its own and didn't want to be molded into a vase," she said, "but I finally got it done."

Grandpa smiled. "Sometimes we're like that clay, Naomi," he observed. "God wants to mold us into something beautiful for His use, but sometimes we fight against His will and don't want to be molded. That's why I like the song Grandma was singing earlier. In that song, we ask God to mold us and make us according to His will."

"It sure would be easier if my clay would want to be molded," Naomi said with a grin.

"Yes," Grandma agreed. "Our lives are much easier, too, if we willingly let God mold us into whatever He wants." She smiled at Naomi. "That's something you can remember every time you use your potter's wheel!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you willingly accept God's leading? He uses parents, teachers, and friends to help mold your life. He uses difficult times and happy times. He is the Potter. Let Him make you into a beautiful vessel that He can use.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 64:
"O Lord . . . we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Good morning, boys and girls," Mrs. Fields greeted her class. "Mason, can you tell us what day it is today?"

Using his communication device, Mason answered, "Today is Thursday."

"Very good," replied Mrs. Fields. "And what special thing are we going to do today?" A new member in the class raised his hand. "Yes, Cody?"

"We're going to Potter's Woods to pick wild flowers," answered Cody, "but how can Mason do that if he can't walk or use his hands?"

Mrs. Fields smiled at Mason. "He can do lots of things, Cody," she replied. "He has a special chair to help him go places and a special device to help him talk. He lets us know if he needs our help."

"I can do everything all by myself," said Cody.

"You can do many things by yourself," agreed Mrs. Fields, "but everyone needs help sometimes, Cody. We all have different abilities because God made each of us special . . . right, Mason?" Mason smiled and nodded.

Mrs. Fields turned to the class. "I want you all to think about the flowers we'll be picking," she said. "Do you suppose they'll all be alike? What do you think, Cody?"

Cody shook his head. "My sister's class had a field trip to the woods yesterday," he said, "and they found all kinds of different flowers-all kinds of colors, too."

Mrs. Fields nodded. "I'm sure they did," she said. "Flowers don't all look the same, and they're not all the same color, but they're all beautiful. That's true of people, too. We're all beautiful in God's eyes. He sees special things in each of us. Cody, like most of the class, you can do some things Mason can't do, but as you get to know him, you'll be surprised to see all he is able to do-and you'll see he can do some things you can't do." Mrs. Fields smiled at Mason. "I'll tell you one thing he's very good at," she added. "He's a good example to all of us with his cheerful and loving attitude."

After a quick glance at the clock, Mrs. Fields moved to the door. "Okay, class," she said, "now lets get ready to see all the beautiful flowers God made for us to enjoy".


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever have trouble doing things as well as someone else? Do you sometimes need help to do a good job? Your differences make you special. Some people are strong physically. Others are great scholars or writers or teachers. Still others are wonderful examples of God's love and patience and generosity. God says you are "wonderfully made." You're created in "His own image" with exactly what you need for your life. Use your special abilities for His glory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God created man in His own image . . . male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sharp Words

Brad jumped up when the phone rang. "Hello," he said. "Oh, hi, Jake. Yeah, I heard what they're saying about Mrs. Simpson-that she comes to school looking all bleary-eyed because she's an alcoholic, right? The kids say she sometimes stumbles over her words in class, and she . . ." Brad paused as he noticed his father motioning for him to hang up. "I've gotta go, Jake," Brad added. "Dad wants me for something. Bye." Brad hung up the phone and looked at his father.

"You'll have to call Jake back and apologize for the gossip I just heard," said Dad. When Brad started to protest, Dad held up a hand. "Do you have any idea why Mrs. Simpson is having a hard time?" he asked.

Brad shook his head. "I don't have her for any classes. I just see her in the hall sometimes, and the kids say she drinks a lot."

"Well," said Dad, "you have no reason to believe that's true. The fact is that Mrs. Simpson's husband is dying. She has to stay up many nights caring for him. No wonder she's tired."

"Oh . . . I didn't know that." Brad looked truly sorry. Then he shrugged. "Okay, I'll call Jake."

"You need to do that, but first come with me to my shop-I want to show you something," said Dad, leading the way. At the shop, he picked up a hammer and some nails. "Pound these nails about halfway into this board," he said. Looking puzzled, Brad pounded the nails. "Okay," said Dad, "now pull them back out." Brad did so. "Look at this board. What do you see?" Dad asked.

Brad glanced at the board. "Nail holes," he said.

Dad nodded. "Brad, words can be as sharp as nails. When you use them in a wrong way, they can cut and hurt people. When that happens, you can-and should-apologize to the people you've hurt. Hopefully, they will forgive you. You can also tell God you're sorry, and He forgives, too. But even then, you can never take back all the harm you've caused."

Brad picked up the board. "I get your point, Dad," he said slowly.

"Good," said Dad. "Now why don't you go put that in your room as a reminder to be more careful with your tongue."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about the way you use your tongue? Or do you carelessly say things that hurt the feelings or reputations of others? Remember that words leave their mark even when you try to take them back by apologizing. Do apologize whenever you should, but also realize that you may never be able to erase all the harm that was done. Ask the Lord to "set a guard" over your mouth. Use words that bring Him glory and are helpful, not hurtful to others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3