Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Amanda rubbed her hands together as she nervously waited to play her song at the Christmas program. "I've practiced and practiced," she whispered to her grandma who had come to hear it.

"Are you nervous?" asked Grandma.

"A little," admitted Amanda.

"Well, just do your best," Grandma encouraged her.

At last the program began, and Amanda had the first number. She walked to the piano, took her seat, and began to play a medley of Christmas songs. Each note was played perfectly. When she was finished, she took a bow as the audience applauded.

After a piano lesson the next day, Amanda stopped at her grandma's house. "Yummy!" exclaimed Amanda as she eyed the cookies Grandma was making.

"These are for the after-school Bible Club being held next door," said Grandma as she handed a cookie to Amanda. "I'm so glad I can do this. It's just a small way that I can serve the Lord."

Amanda put down her piano book as she munched the cookie. "My piano teacher, Mrs. Grey, was at the program yesterday," she reported. "She said I played well and that she's sure I'll do just as good at our piano recital next week. I should! I practice my piece over and over every day."

Grandma nodded. "You know what? Some day we'll all be in a recital of sorts-God's recital," she said. "Your piano teacher shows you how to play the piano, and God shows us how to live our lives. You know how He does that, don't you?"

"Sure," agreed Amanda. "It's through the Bible."

"Right," said Grandma. "To prepare for your piano recital, you choose to practice every day. As we wait for the day of 'God's recital,' we choose whether or not to follow His instructions-to faithfully put into practice the things we learn from His Word." She smiled. "If we choose to practice what He teaches, we can look forward to that recital with confidence and joy."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you put into practice what you learn from the Bible? Will God commend you, or will you be ashamed to stand before Him? Use each new day to practice His ways -loving and serving Him in all you say and do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 14:10)
"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (KJV)

[Soldier4Christ]

Four-year-old Adam loved Christmas. "Yummy!" he exclaimed as he enjoyed the special Christmas cookies his mother had made. "Can we put up the 'tivity set today?"

Mom smiled. "It's called a 'nativity' set," she replied, "and yes, you can help me put the pieces in place." She got out a box with the ceramic figures-shepherds and angels, wise men, Mary and Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Together they carefully set them in place on the table next to the tree.

"We've got Jesus at our house," Adam told his friend Timmy a few days later. Timmy didn't believe it. "We do!" Adam insisted. "You can come and see Him if you want to." Together the boys marched into Adam's house. "See!" Adam pointed. "There He is with Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and everything."

"That's not the real Jesus," scoffed Timmy. "The real Jesus is in heaven. He isn't a doll."

"But . . . but . . ." sputtered Adam, "but that's Jesus, too. Isn't it, Mommy?" He appealed to his mother, who had come into the room.

Mom picked up a picture album and took out a baby picture of Adam. "This paper isn't really you, is it?" she asked, holding out the picture.

Adam shook his head. "I'm not paper. I'm real," he said. "And I'm not a baby anymore."

"Jesus, God's Son, is real, too. He's not a picture nor a ceramic figure," said Mom, "and He's not a baby anymore, either. He's the Savior of the world." She held up the picture of Adam. "This picture is a reminder of you as a baby, and the baby in our nativity set is a reminder of when Jesus was born as a baby."

The boys listened as Adam's mother told the story of the birth of Jesus. "He came as a baby because He loves you," she said. "He lives in heaven now, and if you love Him, too, He'll take you to live with Him in heaven some day."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know the real Jesus? When you see pictures or figurines of Jesus, think about who He really is-the Son of God who was born as a baby. He loves you and came to pay the penalty for your sin. If you haven't already asked Him to save you, won't you do it today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 1:15)
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

[Soldier4Christ]

"This is fun," said Darrin as he guided the aluminum fishing boat across the lake. The wind was strong, and the waves were quite high, but Dad had agreed to let Darrin try steering the boat.

"Need a little help?" asked Dad.

Darrin shook his head. "I can do it alone," he said. A few moments later, a rather big wave stood before them, and Darrin turned the boat with a jerk. It began to zigzag back and forth. "Help me, Dad!" yelled Darrin.

Dad quickly placed his hand over Darrin's and guided the fishing craft until things were once again under control.

That evening Darrin excitedly told his mother about their adventure. "Dad could handle it easily," said Darrin. "But not me! I needed help. I guess Dad can handle anything."

Dad smiled. "Not quite," he said, "but when I'm faced with something I can't handle, there's someone to help me, too."

"There is?" asked Darrin. "You don't mean Grandpa, do you?"

Dad smiled. "No," he said. "Grandpa often did help me when I was a boy, but I'm thinking of the Lord. What happened out there on the lake is a good example of what happens in my Christian life."

"It is?" asked Darrin. "What happens?"

"Sometimes-especially when things are going well-I make the mistake of thinking I can handle any problem by myself, and God lets me try," explained Dad. "Sometimes things seem to get completely out of hand before I turn to God and ask for His help. Then He puts His hand over mine-not literally, but when I turn to Him, He helps me and guides me through the situation. Sometimes He uses other people to help me. Other times He just quiets my heart through His Word." Dad paused for a moment. "We all need help-we need God," he added. "Always remember that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When things seem to be going well, do you forget that you need God? Do you think you can handle that math test alone? That you don't need help with your paper route? When you try to get along without God's help, you'll run into trouble sooner or later. God wants to help you. Let Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 31:3)
"For Thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."

[Soldier4Christ]

Luke finished snow-blowing Mr. Abbott's driveway and walks. He parked the snow-blower in the garage while Mr. Abbott inspected his work. "Good job, young man," said Mr. Abbott. "Here you go." He handed Luke some money.

"Thanks," said Luke.

"Now I suppose you'll have to put some of that money in the collection plate at your church," said Mr. Abbott, shaking his head. Luke knew that whenever his parents invited the Abbotts to church, the old gentlemen insisted that he didn't want to get involved with any religious group because God would then require too much of his time and money. "I know how churches are about trying to get money from people," added Mr. Abbott. "That's one reason I want nothing to do with them."

"But, Mr. Abbott," protested Luke, "giving money or anything to God is . . . is . . ." He paused, trying to think of the right thing to say. "It's like a money trade."

"What are you talking about?" asked Mr. Abbott.

"Well, at school some guys do marble trades-they trade their marbles with someone, and neither knows what the other guy has,"explained Luke. "But let's say you make me an offer to trade all your money for all my money."

Mr. Abbott grinned. "Not a chance," he said. "You're just a kid, so you don't have much money. I, on the other hand, have plenty." He shook his head. "Don't hold your breath waiting for that offer."

Luke laughed. "I won't," he said, "but God makes us an even better offer. He asks us to give Him our lives, and then He gives us His own wealth-eternal life and all His promises and His love. No matter how rich you are, God is far richer, and He wants to make a kind of 'trade' deal with you."

Mr. Abbott stared at Luke for a moment. "Young man, I did ask God to save me years ago," Mr. Abbott said at last, "but I've never wanted much to do with the church. I guess I've always been afraid God would want me to be a missionary or something." He nodded. "I'll give what you said some thought."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid that if you give your life wholly to God, He'll ask you to do something you don't want to do? That you'll be giving up all your time, money, and fun? God does want you to give Him your whole life, but He will give you all His resources in return. That's a great deal.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 1:3)
"God . . . hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings."

[Soldier4Christ]

Some of the kids in Shari's neighborhood tried smoking one afternoon, but Shari refused. "You're just scared to try it," Trevor teased when he saw her the next afternoon. He grinned, and Shari watched as he took a cigarette and placed it on the picnic table along with a match. "I'll leave one right here," he said. "Maybe you'll dare to try it when nobody's looking."

Shari watched Trevor go into his house next door, and then she looked again at the cigarette on the table. If I could just show him a partly smoked cigarette, maybe he'd quit bugging me about it, she thought. She picked it up and rolled it around in her fingers. I'll take just one small puff and see what they're like, she decided. Mom's gone to the store, so this would be a good time to try it.

Shari slipped the cigarette and match into her pocket, skipped into the house, and walked briskly into the bathroom. After locking the door, she pulled the cigarette out of her pocket, lit it, and took a short puff. "Ugh! It 's awful!" she exclaimed out loud.

The back door opened and closed. "Shari?" It was her mother's voice. "Where are you?"

Shari was shocked. Mom must have forgotten something, she thought. Oh, no! She'll smell the smoke. "Just a minute," called Shari as she quickly put out the cigarette and sprayed the room with air freshener. At last she opened the door.

Mom was in the kitchen. Shari tried to act natural, but she couldn't face her mother. After a moment, Shari broke into tears. "I . . . I tried smoking," she said between sobs. She explained how Trevor had tempted her and teased her until she gave in. "If he had left me alone, I wouldn't have tried it at all," said Shari.

Mom shook her head. "No, honey, Trevor's teasing isn't why you gave in. You gave in because you didn't run from temptation," she said. "You looked at the cigarette, maybe even picked it up to see how it would feel, and you finally gave in and tried smoking it. If you had turned and left it, the temptation would not have overtaken you. When temptations come, you need to run away from them. The Bible tells us to do that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have friends who coax you to go along to see a dirty movie? To smoke? To lie? To look at indecent pictures? When you're tempted by these or other sins, don't stand around and think about them. Turn away from them. Ask Jesus to help you. He will.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:22)
"Flee . . . youthful lusts."

[Soldier4Christ]

The church storeroom was packed with cans and boxes that had been collected during the food drive for needy families. After the food was sorted and several "care packages" were prepared, various church members were asked to deliver them.

   "I'm going to take food to the Perrys," Sam's dad said. "They live across from the church, but I guess they don't attend anywhere."

   "I know Roy Perry," Sam told his father. "He's in my class at school, and he came to VBS last summer."

   "Come along then," suggested Dad. "You can invite Roy to the youth retreat that's coming up."

"Okay," agreed Sam, so he and Dad loaded the car and drove to the Perry home.

Mrs. Perry met them at the door. "Come in," she said when she saw that they were carrying packages of food for her family. She led them through the living room and into the kitchen. Mr. Perry, who was sprawled on the couch watching TV, got up and followed them.

Sam and his dad put the bags on the table and went to get the rest of the groceries. When they came back, Mr. Perry was complaining because there wasn't enough room for the groceries and his beer in the refrigerator. Roy was there, too, complaining because the church had sent peanut butter cookies. "Yuk! I hate peanut butter," grumbled Roy. "Why didn't you bring chocolate cookies?"

   Sam felt uncomfortable and couldn't wait to leave the Perrys' home. "How can people act that way?" he blurted out when they were back in the car. "We're helping them, but they didn't even say thank you."

   "Sometimes it's hard to understand people," Sam's dad said gently. "You must remember, though, that we're doing this for the Lord, not for man. We didn't do it so the Perrys would like us-or thank us. We did it because they needed it and because God wants us to show His love."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you tried to be friendly or kind to someone only to be rejected? The reason to be kind is to glorify the Lord, not to impress others. Don't be discouraged-God knows your heart. That's what is important.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:6)
"Not . . . as men-pleasers; but . . . doing the will of God from the heart."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Sam as he and Dad drove home after delivering groceries to the Perry family. "It's thawing! We need snow for our winter youth retreat."

"Well," said Dad, "the weatherman said to expect above average temperatures all week." Sam groaned. "They're often wrong, though," encouraged Dad. "Maybe it will snow."

When they got home, Mom had hot chocolate and crackers and cheese waiting for them. Sam frowned. "I wanted popcorn and pop tonight," he said, "but I suppose I'll have to make do with this instead."

"It hits the spot with me!" declared Dad.

"Can I get new cross country skis?" asked Sam as he munched a cracker. "Chuck has new ones, and they slide along a lot better than mine. I want a new jacket, too."

Dad shook his head. "No new skis this year," he said. "About the jacket-check with Mom."

"Your old jacket will make it through the winter," said Mom, "or at least until they go on sale. At the rate you're growing, a jacket you got now probably wouldn't fit you next year."

Sam frowned. "You and Dad never let me get as much stuff as my friends have."

"Is your last name Perry?" asked Dad. Sam looked startled as he shook his head. "You complained because Roy and his dad didn't seem thankful for the groceries we brought," said Dad. "Now you're acting the same way they did. Instead of being thankful for what you have, you're complaining about the weather, food, clothes-and now even about the parents God gave you." He looked at Sam sternly.

"I . . . I'm sorry," said Sam. "I'll do better." He glanced at his mother. "This chocolate is really good-the crackers are, too."

Mom smiled. "And . . ." she prompted.

Sam grinned. "And I love my old coat and skis."

"And . . ." prompted Dad.

"And . . . and . . . oh, yeah!" said Sam. "And the weather-I just love warm winter weather!" They all laughed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you thankful for all you've received, even if it isn't exactly what you hoped for? Do you truly appreciate each and every Christmas gift you got? Learn to be content with what God provides and thank Him for it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 6:
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Just think, Grandpa-we get to stay up till after midnight!" Steve exclaimed as he told his grandfather about the New Year's Eve party his Sunday school class would be having.

"Sounds great," said Grandpa. With a twinkle in his eye, he added, "Have I ever told you about the New Year's Eve celebrations my grandfather had when he was a boy back in Italy?"

Steve shook his head. "Did they have a parade or something?" he asked.

"Yes, and fireworks, too," Grandpa said. "But what happened later that night was the most interesting part of the whole celebration." He grinned at Steve. "My grandfather said that as midnight approached, people gathered up all their junk-boxes, old clothing, worn out tools, and whatever else they wanted to get rid of. There was a New Year's Eve custom of throwing out the old to make way for the new, so they simply tossed the old stuff out the windows."

Steve laughed. "Did they really do that?" he asked. "I guess it would be one way for them to get rid of all their old junk, but I'd sure hate to be the street cleaner the next day."

As the two chuckled at the story, Grandpa began to look thoughtful. "I think Christians, could learn a lesson from that strange custom," he said. "The Bible says we're new creatures when we know Jesus, and that we should have new attitudes and behavior. But we sometimes try to 'put on' Christian habits-like prayer, attending church, or witnessing-without 'putting off' our sinful habits. We can't grow spiritually as we should until we get rid of the 'old junk.'"

Steve looked thoughtful. Then he grinned. "Like . . . even though I've made a resolution to get better grades, God won't help me do it unless I first 'throw out' my sin of laziness?"

"Exactly!" Grandpa smiled. "Let's both make a list of some of the junk we need to get rid of in our lives."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there "junk" in your life-anger, a music collection, that is not pleasing to God, cigarettes, immodest clothing, a bad attitude, envy, questionable magazines or books? Whatever it is, get rid of it. With God's help, make room for spiritual growth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 3:9-10)
"Put off the old man with his deeds; and . . . put on the new man."

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fish Out of Water

As the small rowboat rocked with the gentle motion of the water, Andrew watched his father cast out his fishing line. "Dad," said Andrew, "I don't want to go to the new church tomorrow. All my friends are back at our old church. I know we had to move because of your job, but I'm going to miss Pastor Davis and my friends."

Dad slowly reeled in his line a little and looked at his son. "I'm going to miss everybody, too," he said, "but when we get settled in a new church, we'll make new friends. We still need to worship God and learn more about Him."

"But can't we just have church by ourselves at home?" asked Andrew. "You could play your guitar, and we could sing. Then you and Mom could teach us from the Bible."

"Hold on a minute," said Dad. "I've got a bite." In a few minutes, he held up a small bluegill. "Looks like this one is too small to be of any use to us," he said. "What would happen if we just threw this fish in the boat and left it there?"

"It would die," said Andrew.

"Well, what if, instead of throwing it back, we take the fish to another lake and let it loose?" Dad asked next. "Would it be able to live there?"

Andrew thought a moment. "I think so," he said, "as long as we didn't leave it out of water too long."

"Well," said Dad, "our family is a little like a fish that's been taken from one lake and put into another. We're in a new place, but we have everything we need to go on living-food, clothes, a home." He paused. "There's one more thing we need," he added. "We need to fellowship with other Christians, and church is a good place to do that. If we don't go, we're a little like fish out of water."

"We wouldn't die," protested Andrew.

"No," said Dad, "we wouldn't actually die, but we'd miss an environment where we can be fed and encouraged spiritually and where we can encourage others."

Andrew was silent a few minutes. "Okay, Dad," he said finally. He gave his dad a little grin as he added, "This is one 'fish' you've convinced."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you felt out of place when you had to change churches? If you're a Christian, you're really out of place-like a fish out of water-when you don't attend church. Meeting with other Christians is an important part of worshiping God. When you have to move to a different church, it may take a little time before you feel totally at home there, but with God's help, you can make that transition.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The body (the church) is not one member but many. 1 Corinthians 12:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Your Own Way

"A deer," gasped Daniel, when he saw a quick flash of white through the trees. Carefully picking his way across sticks and fallen branches, Daniel quietly walked toward the deer. Glancing over his shoulder, he could still see his family's campsite, so he went on. When he got a little closer to the deer, it bounded off through the trees. Daniel ran after it, but soon it was lost from his sight. Daniel stopped beside a small stream. "Good-bye, Mr. Deer," he called as he turned his freckled face in the direction of camp, but . . . where was camp? In one quick second Daniel knew he was lost.

Daniel's excitement turned to terror as he recalled the ranger's warning about bears in the area. Dear God, he prayed, I'm scared! I know I wasn't supposed to get out of sight of our camp, but I forgot. I'm sorry! Please help me find my way back. Hearing the gurgle of water, Daniel looked down at the stream. There's a stream running past our campsite! Maybe this is the same one, he thought. If it is, I should be able to follow it back to camp. So he started out.

After walking for a while, Daniel heard a voice. "Daniel!" it called. "Da-a-aniel!"

"Dad!" Daniel called back. He ran excitedly toward the sound of the voice, and moments later, he was in his father's arms.

"Where have you been?" asked Dad. "We told you . . ." But the scolding stopped as Daniel's fears turned to tears. "You're okay, Daniel," Dad said, holding him tightly.

At family devotions around the campfire, Dad talked about following God's directions. "Daniel, what happened when you didn't follow our instructions today?" he asked.

"I got lost," replied Daniel. "I knew I was supposed to stay close to our camp, and I didn't mean to disobey, but I just went my own way without thinking."

Dad nodded. "When we don't follow God's instructions but do what we want instead, we get into trouble, too," he said. "Sometimes we don't mean to disobey the Lord, but we just don't think about what He says in His Word. We plunge ahead with our own plans. We need to know what God teaches in the Bible, and we need to consider what He'd want us to do in any situation. And then we need to do it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you hear God's Word taught in Sunday school and church? Do you read it for yourself? That's good, but here's the most important question: Do you follow the instructions found in the Bible? You may know God says you must not lie, cheat, or fight. You may know He says you must be honest, kind, and forgiving. Knowing these things is not enough. You need to do what God says. By following His instructions, you follow Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Psalm 119:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Broken Watches

Charlie ran into the house and slammed the door. "Mom!" he called. "Allison said Grandpa is coming." He looked around. "Where are you, Mom?"

"Upstairs," Mom answered.

Charlie ran up the stairs and into the bedroom where his mother stood by her dresser, sorting through jewelry. "What are you doing?" asked Charlie.

Mom sighed. "My watch is broken, and I was hoping one of my old ones would still work. Look at these, Charlie." She held three small wristwatches in her hand. "This one was my high school graduation present from Grandpa and Grandma," she said. "The one with the leather strap was my official nurse's watch. And Dad gave me this lovely one on our first wedding anniversary."

Charlie nodded, but he went back to the matter at hand. "Mom, is it true what Allison said? Is Grandpa really coming to visit again?"

"Yes, he is," said Mom. "Dad's going to get him on Saturday morning. You can go along if you like. I'm sure Grandpa would like it if you do."

Charlie frowned. "I really don't want to go along to get Grandpa," he said. "Why does he have to come again? He spills things and talks funny."

"Why, Charlie!" exclaimed Mom. "I thought you loved Grandpa."

"I do," Charlie said, "but . . . he used to do things with me. Now he just sits around most of the time. He's no fun anymore."

Mom looked at the watches she held. "These watches bring back precious memories of happy times, but none of them will run," she said. "I hate to throw them out, but at least they don't have feelings . . . like people do." She gazed at Charlie, and he looked at the floor. He knew she was talking about Grandpa. "My heart is full of memories of growing up with Grandpa and Grandma," added Mom. "Grandma is in heaven now, and age and illness have injured Grandpa. But he's still my wonderful father. I don't want to 'throw him out.' I love him too much."

Charlie hugged his mother. "I really don't want to 'throw him out,' either," he said. "Okay, I'll go with Dad to get him." He looked at the watches. "Keep those," he said. "Don't ever throw them away."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you value old people? Do you show your grandparents that you love them? Do you visit them, give them gifts, and help them with chores? Are you polite and kind to older people in your church or neighborhood? Never "throw away" senior citizens because they can't do all the things they once could. Use every opportunity to show your appreciation for them. As you give of yourself to them, you'll be surprised to find how much you get back in return.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The silver-haired head is a crown of glory. Proverbs 16:31

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Like the Nine

"Mom, may I go to the park and play ball?" asked Andy. He picked up the baseball glove his grandparents had sent for his birthday. His three aunts had each sent money, and he had spent some of it on a shirt with the name of his favorite ball team. Now he could pretend he was in the big league.

"Are your thank-you notes finished?" asked Mom. "It's already a week since your birthday, you know."

"I know." Andy sighed. "Why can't I just send everybody an email?" he asked. "That would be quicker."

"We've been over that," said Mom, "and we agreed that they deserve an actual note, right? They didn't just send emails for your birthday."

"Okay. I'll write them soon," said Andy. "I promise!"

It was a hot day-perfect for ball. Andy's friends were waiting for him at the park. "Andy! Play shortstop," called his friend Pete. Andy quickly got into position.

After playing about an hour, the boys were hot and tired. "Let's go to the drugstore," suggested Andy to three of his friends. "I'll buy you all a can of pop with the birthday money I still have left."

"Great!" they agreed.

The cooler air in the store felt good after the hot sun, and each boy chose a can from the case. As Andy went to pay for them, a fire engine went racing down the street, it's siren blaring. "Let's go see the fire," called one of the boys, and they all ran out the door.

"Wait!" called Andy, but no one listened. He paid for the pop and then walked home and went straight to his room.

His mother found him there a little later. "You're home! And writing thank-you notes?" She was surprised.

Andy explained how his friends had raced after the fire engine without waiting for him. "They didn't even thank me for the pop I bought them," he said. "It made me think about how important it is to thank people."

"You're right, Andy," agreed Mom. "We should not only be thankful for what others do for us-and for all the Lord has done for us-we should also express it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you let others know you appreciate what they've done for you? Do you write thank-you notes? Do you tell people how grateful you are for what they do? Or are you like the nine lepers in today's Scripture who didn't say thank you? Like them, people often fail to show appreciation. Don't assume that those who do things for you know how you feel. Express your gratitude. Let your thankfulness be a testimony to others. Don't be like the nine lepers.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Price to Pay

This is boring! Kayla thought as she trudged behind her mother at the grocery store. Then she had an idea. "Grandma wants us to get some peppermints for her, Mom," said Kayla. "Can I go pick them out while you wait in line at the deli?"

Mom hesitated. "Well, okay," she agreed. "You know our shopping rules. Be sure to follow them."

Delighted with her sense of freedom, Kayla walked toward the candy aisle and picked up the peppermints. She glanced back to the deli and saw that her mother still hadn't been helped. I'll see how many times I can walk up this aisle and down the next one before the number on Mom's ticket is called, she thought. I bet I can do it five times. But as she finished her fourth round, she saw that her mother's number was up next! She increased her speed, forgetting the "no running" rule. As she raced around the bend, her arm swung out, and-SPLAT! Two large jars of applesauce smashed to the floor.

"How did that happen?" demanded Mom as she hurried over.

Kayla tried to explain as a clerk came up and assured them that he'd clean up the mess. Mom nodded, took her daughter by the hand, and led her to the service desk. "You can tell the manager what happened," said Mom.

Tears filled Kayla's eyes, and her voice trembled as she confessed what she had done.

"Kayla will pay for the jars," said Mom firmly. She turned to Kayla. "I'll pay for them now, but you'll have to pay me back from your allowance." Kayla sighed and nodded.

"I wish I had just gone back to the deli or at least been more careful," Kayla said sadly as they left the store. "I wish I could make those jars go back up on the shelf-unsmashed."

"But you can't," said Mom. She put her arm around Kayla. "I know you're sorry and ashamed and I forgive you, but the jars are still broken, and you need to pay for them." Kayla sniffled and nodded. "When we're sorry and confess our sin-to God and to other people-we may be forgiven, but sin still has certain natural consequences," added Mom. "Think about that any time you're tempted to do something wrong."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things you know you shouldn't do? If you're sorry for what you've done, tell God about it. He's ready to forgive and help you. But don't forget that even though you're forgiven, you may still have to pay a price. There may be unpleasant consequences as a result of wrong things you do. Today's Scripture and key verse remind you that you "reap" what you "sow." Always remember that it never pays to break God's laws.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Jon lived in a town only twenty-five miles from the Kennedy Space Center. "Don't forget to wake me up!" he told his dad one night when a launch was to take place. Dad had promised to wake him shortly before the lift-off time, and Jon could think of nothing else as he went to bed.

After tossing and turning for a while, Jon finally drifted off to sleep. The next thing he knew, Dad was bending over him and calling his name. Jon sat up quickly, put on his robe, and followed his father outside to a spot where they'd be able to see the bright light from the launch pad.

"I'm glad they're doing a night launch!" exclaimed Jon. Just then a light appeared, suddenly brightening the entire sky. Jon watched. "Is that it?" he wanted to know, just a little disappointed that it wasn't more striking.

Dad shook his head. "No, just keep looking in that . . ."

Before his father could finish what he was saying, Jon called out, "There she is, Dad! Just like a big ball of fire!" They stood watching as long as the bright spot was in view. When it disappeared into the clouds, they returned to the house. "Wow! I think I'll be an astronaut someday. Just think how great it would be to go up-that would be so exciting!" exclaimed Jon.

"I'm sure it would," agreed Dad. He put an arm around Jon's shoulder as he added, "Being out here and watching the sky reminds me of an even more exciting launch that I don't want either one of us to miss."

"The next launch?" asked Jon. "Will that one be more exciting?"

Dad smiled. "It could be the next one, or it could happen much later than that," he said. "I'm thinking of the time when Jesus will come and take those who love Him to be with Him in heaven. Will you take part in that event, Jon? Are you looking forward to it? It will be the most exciting launch of all!"

Jon nodded. "I accepted Jesus as Savior at camp last
summer," he said, "but I guess I don't look forward to His coming again as much
as I should." He grinned. "I'll try to remember that I'm going to be part of an
exciting launch!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Will you take part in that "most exciting launch" when all those who have believed in Jesus throughout the ages will rise to meet Him in the air? It could happen today! If you haven't already done so, admit that you're a sinner and believe that Jesus took your punishment for you. Trust in Him today. Then you'll be ready when He comes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Revelation 22:20)
(Jesus said) "Surely I am coming quickly."

[Soldier4Christ]

Rico tried not to laugh when Joe made a funny face, but he just couldn't hold it back. Mrs. Smith, their Sunday school teacher, gave them a stern look. Other kids were grinning. Nobody's listening to the Bible story any more, thought Rico, and no wonder. We've all heard this same story so often. Then Mrs. Smith asked, "Do you like fresh berry pie?" The kids nodded. "Well, I brought some blackberry tarts along today," said Mrs. Smith. She pointed to a box she had set on the table. All the kids-even Rico and Joe-were listening now. Mrs. Smith smiled. "I went berry picking last summer," she said. "There didn't seem to be very many on the bushes, but I got a container and began to pick. When I picked a few berries, I saw that there were more hiding under the leaves. I picked those, and then I noticed even more berries. The more I picked, the more I found. There were so many more than I had seen at first! Soon I had enough to make my berry pie."

Mrs. Smith paused and smiled again. "Hearing God's Word is like picking berries," she said. "When you first hear a Bible story, it may seem like just a nice story. But if you think about it and look for lessons you can learn from the story, you find that it helps you know God better. As you get to know Him better, you learn to love Him more." She looked from one to another. "The more time you spend with Bible stories, the more you learn from them," continued Mrs. Smith. "Sunday school is one place you hear them. Maybe you figure you've heard them all before, so you're bored and don't pay much attention." Rico fidgeted and looked down at his hands. "But maybe you haven't really learned all the facts of the stories, and maybe there are more lessons you can learn from them-just like there were hidden berries," suggested Mrs. Smith. "Let's go over today's Bible story again and see how many 'berries,' or lessons, we can find. We'll discuss it as we enjoy a berry tart."

As Mrs. Smith retold the story, Rico and Joe listened
with the others to see what new things they could learn.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get bored when you hear a Bible story you've heard often before? How many lessons are you missing? In this new year, listen carefully and see how many "berries," or meanings, you can find in your Sunday school lessons. Think about how you can apply them to your everyday life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 119:18)
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.