Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Paul and his dad got up early to hike the valley below the Grand Tetons, where they were spending a week of vacation. As Paul looked at the snowcapped mountains glistening in the rising sun, Dad paused on the trail and took a photo of the towering peaks. "What a wonderful God we have! He created all this beauty for us to see!" exclaimed Dad.

Paul was quiet a moment. Then he said, "I wish my friend Ben were here. Since we can't see God, Ben says he doesn't think God even exists."

"When we get back, show him some pictures of us here in the mountains," suggested Dad. "I'm sure he'll understand that even though he doesn't see the actual mountains, it doesn't mean they don't exist. And . . ."

"And it's the same with God, right?" interrupted Paul eagerly.

"Right," agreed Dad. "Physical removal does not change the fact of existence. The mountains are here even when I can't see them. Jesus is alive even though we can't see Him."

Paul pointed to the camera. "But we'll have pictures to remind us of the mountains," he said. "We don't have pictures of Jesus."

"No," agreed Dad, "but we have the Bible, and we have faith in God and in His Word-we believe it. It tells how Jesus came to earth in human form long ago. He was crucified and buried, but He rose again. After He arose, His disciples saw Him. Since He returned to heaven, people on earth can't physically see Him anymore, but we have the accounts from those who did see Him."

Paul nodded. "I know what I'll tell Ben when we get
home," he said thoughtfully. "I'll tell him he can learn about our trip from
looking at our pictures and listening to me, because I've seen these mountains.
And he can learn about Jesus from looking at the Bible and reading what people
who did see Jesus say about Him. We can't see Him, but we know He still
exists."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that even though we can't see Him with human eyes, Jesus is as alive today as He was when He walked the earth? His disciples and many other people saw Him after He arose. His truth and teaching are just as real now as ever. Choose to believe and to live by faith.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 11:1 (NIV))
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I've got bad news for you," announced Mom one morning when Kim and her brother Darrin came down to breakfast. Mom tried to look sad, but her eyes were twinkling. "I was listening to the radio, and they're canceling school for the day-the roads are all blocked."

"All right!" squealed Kim. "Now we can play in the snow. Let's go get dressed." She jumped up. "Come on, Darrin!" But after breakfast, it started to storm even harder, and Kim and Darrin had to stay in the house.

There still was no school the next morning, although the blizzard had stopped. Soon Kim and Darrin were making snow angels, jumping in the drifts, and having snowball fights. Then they decided to join several children playing in big snowdrifts at a nearby empty lot. They laughed as they made their way through the deep snow on the unplowed sidewalk.

They had been playing with the other children only a few minutes when they heard a small voice. "Hi, Kim! I play, too."

Turning, they saw the little girl who lived next door to them. "Oh, no!" groaned Kim. "Shelly must have followed us. I'll have to take her back home."

When they arrived at Shelly's home, her mother was looking for her. Kim explained what had happened. "I step where Kim steps," said Shelly happily. She giggled as she demonstrated, taking long steps in order to step in Kim's footprints. "It's fun."

At noon Darrin and Kim told their parents about Shelly. Dad nodded. "One way or another, someone is generally following us," he said. "That's a good thing to remember."

"What do you mean?" asked Kim. "Shelly never followed us before."

Dad smiled. "Shelly followed your footsteps in the snow, and others will follow your footsteps in your Christian walk," he explained. "Your example may lead others to follow God-or to do things that will displease God."

Darrin nodded thoughtfully. "So we'd better be careful
where we walk, right?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? If you tell a lie or are always late, someone will notice. If you're helpful and wear a smile, someone will notice those things, too. You are being watched. Ask God to help you be the right kind of example.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Titus 2:7 (NIV))
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good."

[Soldier4Christ]

The holidays were officially over. Several Christmas trees with a few forgotten strands of tinsel cluttered the sidewalks, waiting to be picked up and hauled away. On the way home from their grandparents' house, Lucinda and her brother Michael were counting them. "Eight," Lucinda announced.

"Nine," Michael corrected her. "A man just tossed out another one." Lucinda glanced back and nodded.

"You know what, Mom?" asked Lucinda. "Mandy says her family doesn't believe in Christmas or in God."

"That's too bad!" exclaimed Mom. "I feel sorry for her."

"Don't!" Michael blurted out. "She's rich!"

Lucinda nodded. "She has ten times more clothes than I do, and Mandy has all kinds of toys and other stuff, too," she said with a twinge of jealousy.

"Maybe so," said Mom, "but she reminds me of a withering Christmas tree."

Lucinda couldn't believe her ears. "Don't you think Mandy's pretty?"

"Sure I do," said Mom. "Our Christmas tree looked pretty, too, but it was actually dying-it began to die the moment it was cut off from its roots. From what you say, it appears that Mandy's family have cut themselves off from God." Mom turned into the driveway. "Unbelievers are something like Christmas trees," she added. "Their lives may look great, but life on earth lasts only a little while. Believers, on the other hand, are like sturdy trees that keep growing year after year and then spend eternity with the Lord." As she got out of the car, she added, "Let's pray that Mandy's family will learn to love God, too."

Michael nodded. "I'd rather be like a Christian tree than a Christmas tree."

"Me, too," agreed Lucinda. She shook her head thoughtfully. "I was too busy being jealous of Mandy to feel bad for her," she admitted.

Mom opened the door. "We should never be envious because
of things unbelievers have," she said. "Instead, they should want what we
have-God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know unbelievers who seem to have many good things? Does this make you think it's possible to do well without God? Don't be deceived. There is no lasting prosperity or happiness apart from God. Don't envy those who cut themselves off from Him. Pray for them instead.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 92:12)
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come on, Derek. Step on it!" Blake urged his older brother. "You can make the light."

Derek grinned. "Okay. Hang on!" With a burst of speed, they went through the traffic light just after it turned red.

Derek groaned as he noticed a police car in his rear view mirror. Blake turned and saw it, too. He felt guilty as he remembered how he had urged Derek to go through the changing light.

They pulled to the side of the road in response to the flashing police signal, and the officer approached their car. Soon the policeman was driving away, leaving the boys staring at the traffic ticket in Derek's hand.

When the boys' parents learned about the ticket, Derek made excuses. "I don't see why that policeman couldn't have just overlooked it," he said. "If the light was red, it had only just turned! Besides, all I did was go through that one little red light when no cars were coming anyway! It's not like I robbed a bank or murdered somebody."

Mom shook her head. "It was foolish and dangerous and wrong to go through a changing light," she said. "You broke the law, and now you have to pay."

"That's right," agreed Dad. He looked at the ticket. "Your excuses remind me of Walt Greene-one of the guys at the office," he added.

"Did he get a ticket, too?" asked Blake.

Dad shook his head. "No, but he doesn't think he's bad
enough to go to hell," replied Dad. "He doesn't think he needs to be saved from
his sins. But everyone who is honest has to admit he's done at least one wrong
thing. So he's a lawbreaker, and the fine must be paid." Dad handed the ticket
back to Derek. "You'll have to pay this fine yourself-but, thank God, Jesus
already has paid the penalty for our sins. I pray that Walt will soon understand
that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you're good enough to go to heaven? Have you ever told one lie? Disobeyed just once? Had one bad thought? Done just one wrong thing? Of course you have, and God says you're guilty-you've broken His law. Only Jesus could pay the "fine" and make it possible for you to go to heaven. Accept Him as your Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 2:10)
"Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ameera walked briskly into the house, slamming the door. "I'm never going to talk to Jaelyn again," she declared. "Never!"

Her mother looked up. "I thought Jaelyn was your best friend," she said.

"That's right," Ameera retorted. "She was my best friend, but not anymore! She's been going around telling all kinds of stories about me."

"What kind of stories?" asked Mom. "And are any of them true?"

"No, they're not true!" snapped Ameera. "Jaelyn's just being mean and hateful, that's all." She told her mother some of the things Jaelyn had said about her. "I told her off good," she finished, "and I'm not going to have anything to do with her ever again!"

Mom sighed. "If Jaelyn said those things, it does sound as though she wasn't very nice," she agreed. "I can understand why you feel hurt. But you're a Christian, honey, and your reactions should reflect that. Have you thought about how God would want you to handle this? The Bible tells us to be loving and forgiving. Perhaps you should start by calling her and asking if she did say those things, and if so, why."

Ameera shrugged. "I'm sure she said them, and I don't even want to talk to her," she said. "I can't forgive her, either."

"No, not in your own strength," Mom agreed. "But if you'll ask the Lord for help, He'll give you strength to do what's right."

"But, Mom . . ." began Ameera. She stopped, unable to think of any acceptable objection. She knew what the Bible said about loving and forgiving-even enemies-so she knew Mom was right.

"Jaelyn's been a friend for a long time," Mom reminded her.

Ameera sighed. "Okay, I'll call her," she agreed at last,
"after l ask Jesus to help me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone who has been mean to you? Said unkind things about you? Turned friends against you? God says those who love Him should show love to everyone-even their enemies. Give the person who hurt you a smile the next time you see him or her. Be nice to your "enemy." Trust God to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:35 (NIV))
"Love your enemies, do good to them."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I hate this ugly nose!" wailed Lana as she looked in the mirror. "Why can't I have a nose like Sara's? Hers is just perfect!"

"Oh, honey, your nose looks just fine!" said Mom. "But let's not worry about noses right now. We've got to get going if we want to stop at the zoo today."

It was a beautiful, sunny day. Lana and her mother enjoyed a leisurely stroll, looking at all the animals. "The elephants have such long trunks," commented Mom as they stopped to watch the great beasts. "I'm glad my nose isn't that long."

"It wouldn't look so good on you," agreed Lana, "but I like it on the elephants. That's what makes an elephant an elephant!"

At the rhinoceros' cage, Mom laughed as she pointed to the horns on their noses. "Oh, dear! That kind of nose would be even worse!" Lana laughed, too.

When Mom continued to make comments about almost every animal's nose, it began to irritate Lana. She gave her mother a curious look. When they reached the baboons, Mom turned to her. "Their noses are much too stubby, don't you think?" asked Mom. "Wouldn't they look better if their noses were more like the tigers'?"

Lana was annoyed. "No, they wouldn't," she snapped. "I like them just the way they are. Besides, you've told me yourself that God made everything. He knows how they should look."

"Exactly." Mom nodded. "And who made you, Lana? And your nose?"

"Oh!" exclaimed Lana as she clapped her hand over her nose. "God did. I get your message, Mom. I guess I shouldn't compare or complain."

Mom smiled. "I think you're right," she said. "I think we
often worry too much about the way we look. Perhaps we should be more concerned
about the way we act. I'm afraid our attitudes often stick out a lot more than
our noses do-so let's make sure our attitudes and actions are pleasing to other
people, and especially to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you happy with the way you look? Or do you wish you looked like someone else? It has been said that looks are only "skin deep." In other words, the way you look is not as important as the way you act. Besides, God made you special, and He loves you just the way you are.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Job 33:4)
"The Spirit of God has made me, and thebreath of the Almighty gives me life."

[Soldier4Christ]

It was late as Dave and Jordan walked home from their youth meeting. Their country home wasn't far from the church, but the last several yards were rather lonely with only one other house besides theirs. "It sure is dark, and I don't like going past the woods just before we get to our yard," said Jordan nervously. "Let's run!" As the boys ran toward home, they heard a loud rustling in the underbrush at the edge of their driveway. "R-r-run, D-D-Dave!" stuttered Jordan. "S-something's trying to get us."

The boys raced into the house, slammed the door, and locked it. "Whoa, boys!" exclaimed Dad as they rushed into the family room with a look of panic on their faces. "What's the problem?"

"You know those trees at the edge of our yard?" asked Jordan excitedly. "We heard something there. It was coming after us!"

Dad put his book down. "Some of the neighbor's chickens got out earlier tonight," he said, "and the kids were rounding them up. Maybe I'd better go see if they missed any. Where's my flashlight? Want to come along?"

Dad headed out the door with two scared boys cowering behind him. Reaching the trees, they stopped and listened. "That's it!" exclaimed Dave when a rustling sound reached their ears. Dad turned the light toward the sound, and they saw a small animal scampering away.

"That's probably the mysterious 'something' that was after you!" said Dad.

"I wouldn't have been so scared if you'd been walking home with us," said Dave as the trio headed home. "Jordan wasn't much help."

Dad put an arm around each boy. "I'll sure do everything
I can to protect you," he said, "but I want you to remember that it's God who
can keep you truly safe. A Christian doesn't need to have the terrible fear some
people experience. We should always be careful, of course, but we don't need to
be fearful! Even if something we would call 'bad' does happen to us, we can
still trust the Lord, because He knows what's best for us."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there times when you're afraid? Maybe dogs, the dark, strange sounds, or bullies in the neighborhood frighten you. God is greater than anyone or anything. He can help you to be careful and to trust in Him when you feel afraid.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 4:
"You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

[Soldier4Christ]

The bobber on Cameron's fishing line dipped into the water. "Dad! I've got a bite!" he shouted, and he began reeling in the line. Soon a little sunfish was lying on the sand, but it was too small to keep. Cameron reluctantly put it back into the water. It flipped its tail, and in a moment it had disappeared.

"Whoa!" said Dad as Cameron tossed his line back into the lake. "Aren't you forgetting something?" Cameron looked at him with a question in his eyes. "The bait," Dad explained.

Cameron laughed. "Oh, yeah," he said pulling his line back in. "I guess no fish would be dumb enough to bite on the bare hook, would he?"

Dad grinned. "Not likely," he said. "Disguise the hook with a nice juicy worm and make it look good."

"Yeah," said Cameron. With a grin he put fresh bait on his hook and returned the line to the water once more.

"The bait makes the hook look good to the fish and hides the danger," mused Dad. "That's the way Satan works, too."

Cameron was curious. "What do you mean, Dad?"

"Well, you're trying to make the hook look attractive, and Satan tries to make sin look attractive," explained Dad. "Sometimes we're uneasy about something. Maybe we've been warned that it's wrong, but it still looks good to us. Or it feels good. Or our friends are doing it, and we don't see any danger in trying it, too. Have you ever had that experience?"

Cameron made a face and nodded. "It happens," he said.

"Satan is a master at disguising sin," Dad told him. "He
knows how to make bad things look good to us. So when you're tempted by a
questionable activity, remember the fish. He wouldn't have gotten caught if he
had stayed away from the attractive looking hook."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does Satan use TV to get you accustomed to hearing bad language? Does he cause you to become careless about what you watch by allowing just a few immoral standards to be part of a "good" movie? What other methods does he use on you? Be careful. Ask God daily to help you stay away from the attractive bait Satan uses to lure you away from God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 11:14 (NASB))
"Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

[Soldier4Christ]

Lauren was annoyed. A missionary family was visiting their pastor for a week. Their daughter Ashley was Lauren's age, and Lauren's mother had invited Ashley to eat with them and then come with them to the school talent show.

What a bother, thought Lauren. I just know I'll be embarrassed to have her with me tonight. After spending all that time in Africa, I bet she doesn't have the foggiest idea of what she should wear here. "Mom, what will I talk about with a strange girl from a strange place?" whined Lauren.

"Don't worry about it," said Mom. "She's just an ordinary girl like you." Lauren doubted that. Missionary kids must be . . . well . . . different, she thought.

   When Ashley arrived, Lauren had to admit that Ashley's outfit didn't look "different." In fact, it was really cool! And she didn't act "different," either. When Mom explained that they'd be eating at a fast food place before the talent show, Ashley smiled. "That's my favorite. We have one of those near where we live in Nairobi," she said. "In some ways, our town is a lot like yours!"

While they were eating, Mom and Dad asked Ashley about her school and her life in Africa. Soon Lauren found herself eagerly joining in. It was fun to hear about a new place and another way of living. Lauren was surprised to find that Ashley's thoughts and reactions were much like her own. Mom had been right when she had said that Ashley was a girl "just like you."

"That was fun," Lauren said when they got home after dropping Ashley off. "You know what, Mom? When Ashley goes back to Africa, she and I are going to be pen pals."

Mom smiled. "Great!" she approved. "Then the next time
she comes to our church, it won't be as a stranger, but as your
friend."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you friendly to missionaries when they visit your church? If there are children your age, talk to them as you would to a friend. Why not write to them when they go back to the mission field? They're ordinary but interesting people. Thank the Lord for missionary friends.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:10 (NIV))
"As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

[Soldier4Christ]

Carrie's wiggly tooth finally came out, and she could hardly wait for the visit of the tooth fairy. "Pfff," scoffed Jeffrey, the boy next door. "I put a tooth under my pillow more than once. Sometimes I get something. Sometimes I don't."

"The tooth fairy always comes to our house," Carrie declared, "and she's coming tonight!" She jumped up and down in excitement.

Carrie was so excited as she put the tooth under her pillow, and she was still awake when her tired mother checked on her around eleven o'clock. "You know the tooth fairy can't come until you're asleep," Mom reminded her.

Early the next morning, Carrie was at her mother's bedside, all smiles. "I didn't look under my pillow yet," said Carrie. "Come watch, Mommy, while I look to see what 'you-know-who' brought me!"

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Mom. "Carrie, you stayed awake so long last night that I thought you'd sleep late like you usually do. I thought the tooth fairy could visit you this morning, but since you're up so early, I didn't get a chance to . . ." She paused. "Oh, Carrie, I'm sorry!"

Carrie couldn't believe her ears. She knew who her tooth fairy was-that was why she was so certain she would come. She thought her parents would never let her down, but now she felt like crying.

Mom saw how disappointed Carrie was and tried to comfort her. "You know I'm only a person, and no person is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes," said Mom. She put her arm around Carrie. "The only one you can always count on is God. He never fails those who depend on Him. I simply can't say that about myself, honey," admitted Mom, "but why don't you put the tooth under your pillow again tonight? I have a feeling the 'tooth fairy' will come this time."

"Well . . ." Carrie hesitated. She wasn't sure it would
be the same. Then she smiled and nodded. "Okay! But I think I'll go to sleep
early tonight!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been disappointed in someone? Maybe a teacher judged you unfairly. Perhaps Mom or Dad punished you for something that wasn't your fault. Your best friend may have ignored you. You don't expect those you trust to act like that, do you? Remember, they-like you-make mistakes. God does not. You can depend on Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Deuteronomy 32:4)
"He (God) is the Rock, His work is perfect . . .righteous and upright is He."

[Soldier4Christ]

Dana was angry with her father. He's way too strict! she thought. Why can't he just trust me? Dana had asked if she could go to an overnight party with several kids from school. When Dad heard who would be there, his answer was a definite no. In Dana's opinion, his reasons were not very good ones.

As Dana settled down on the back steps, she saw Elsa sitting out on the steps of her home next door. Dana jumped up and made her way over there. Elsa will understand, she thought. I know her dad can be unreasonable, too. But when Dana sat down next to her friend, she forgot all about her own problem. "What happened to your eye?" Dana asked, staring at Elsa.

Elsa covered her eye hastily. "I . . . I bumped into a door," she murmured, somewhat upset. "It happened last night."

"Bumped into a door?" Dana repeated. "Then how'd you get scratches on the other side of your face?" As soon as she had spoken, Dana knew what must have happened. "Did your father hit you again?" she asked.

At first Elsa didn't answer. Finally she nodded. "But he didn't mean to," she said defensively. "He was drunk, and he didn't know what he was doing."

"And you don't hate him for it?" Dana asked in wonder.

"No," Elsa replied. "He's my dad." She swallowed hard. "Please don't tell anyone. I don't want them to hate him."

A surge of guilt flooded through Dana. Here I am-mad at Dad for doing what he feels is right, she thought, but Elsa defends her dad even though he beat her! Dana felt very ashamed. She quietly breathed a prayer of thanks for Christian parents, and she asked God to show her how to help Elsa.

"Oh, Elsa," said Dana, "I know you love your dad, but he
needs help. Let's go talk to my parents about it, okay? They won't hate him, and
they'll know how to get help for him and for you." She waited breathlessly for
Elsa's answer, knowing she must somehow persuade her to tell.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you honor your parents? If you're truly mistreated, you need to tell someone so you can all get help. If you're simply annoyed that they don't let you have your way about something, you need to remember that God has given you the responsibility of honoring and obeying your parents-even when you think they don't understand your world.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Exodus 20:12)
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I wish Grandpa could come back," said Mateo a few weeks after his grandfather had died. "I miss him."

His mother put an arm around him. "I know, honey," she said. "We all do. It's natural for us to miss him, but Grandpa is in heaven with the Lord, so we can be happy for him, too." Mateo nodded. He knew everyone would die someday-unless Jesus came back first. And he knew that when Christians die, they go to be with Jesus.

Dad sniffed the air. "Mateo, do you smell something?" he asked.

Mateo grinned. "I still smell the apple pie Mom made for supper," he said.

Dad nodded. "The pie is gone," he said, "but the wonderful aroma remains. Our lives are something like that. After we're gone, we leave an 'aroma'-memories-behind. What do you remember most about Grandpa?"

Mateo thought for a minute. "I remember how much fun he was to be with and all the stuff we did together, and how he helped other people and . . ." Mateo paused, then added, "And the way he prayed for me."

Dad nodded. "Grandpa would be so pleased to know he was remembered for those things," he said with a smile. "When the time comes for me to die, I want to leave a 'good aroma,' too-I want others to have good memories of me."

Mom nodded. "We can be thankful for the wonderful memories we have of Grandpa," she added.

Mateo recalled how he and Grandpa went fishing together and how Grandpa had taught him to recognize many wild animals and birds. He smiled to himself as he remembered that Grandpa had taught him how to do a few "magic" tricks. And he remembered how eager Grandpa always was to hear him recite Bible club verses.

When Mateo went to bed, he thanked God for the years he'd
had with a godly grandfather, and he asked Jesus to help him be the kind of
Christian who would leave good memories when his life was
over.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When God calls you home, what kind of memories will you leave behind? More importantly, what will be written in God's "book of remembrance"? Will it say you were honest, kind, helpful, and loving? That you prayed for others and served the Lord? Live in such a way that you will be happy to have your deeds remembered by others and by God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Malachi 3:16)
"A book of remembrance was written before Him (God) for those who fear the Lord."

[Soldier4Christ]

Janet hurried to her Girl Scout leader's home. Her troop was going to make submarine sandwiches for the sale they were having that afternoon.

When Janet arrived, the leader greeted her. "Hi, Jan," said Mrs. Powers with a smile. She pointed to the table where ham, salami, cheese and submarine buns waited. "I have everything ready, but I have to pick up one of the girls. Would you let the others in for me?"

"Sure," agreed Janet, and Mrs. Powers left.

I might as well start, thought Janet. She put several sandwiches together and wrapped each one in plastic. This is fun, she thought.

When the other girls began to arrive, Janet had several sandwiches finished. Mrs. Powers looked pleased when she returned. "How nice that you . . ." she began. Then her expression changed. "Oh, oh," she said. "Janet, you should have washed your hands before you started working."

Janet looked at her hands and blushed. They were really dirty! "I . . . I'll go wash them right now," she stammered.

"Good," agreed Mrs. Powers, "but we'll have to set aside the sandwiches you made while your hands were dirty. It wouldn't be fair to sell them to the public."

When Janet returned home, she told her mother about it. "I was so embarrassed," said Janet. "I'll never forget to wash my hands again!"

Mom smiled. "Wasn't your Sunday school lesson last week about serving the Lord with 'unwashed hands'?" she asked.

Janet nodded. Her teacher had told them that when she was
a kid, she had quarreled with her brother and disobeyed her mother one Sunday
morning. Then at Sunday school, she had sweetly offered to help teach a new
song. "That was like trying to serve God with unwashed hands," Mrs. Burns had
said. "It's no good. We need to prepare to serve Him by first getting rid of the
dirt-the sin-in our lives."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you serve the Lord by singing in the choir, helping in junior church, or working in the nursery? That's good. Do you first "wash your hands" spiritually by confessing anger, disobedience, lying-or whatever sin you know you've committed? Yield completely to God-serve Him with "clean hands."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:
"Wash your hands, you sinners,and purify your hearts."

[Soldier4Christ]

Tim scuffed the toe of his shoe in the playground dirt. He didn't feel very good inside. He knew the jokes some of the boys were telling did not honor God. He really didn't think they were funny, but he was afraid the other boys might call him a sissy or a baby if he walked away. Tim wanted those boys to like him, so he stood in a small circle with them and laughed at the jokes when the other boys laughed.

Tim usually read a few verses from his Bible before going to bed, and one of the verses he read that night said, "They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." That's just like me today, thought Tim. I cared more about what the other guys thought than I did about what God thought. Tim felt bad as he knelt down beside his bed. "Dear God, I'm sorry for laughing at words and jokes that are wrong," he whispered. "Help me to walk away the next time the kids talk that way, no matter what they say about me."

The next day the boys again gathered in a corner of the playground. "My old man would throw a fit if he heard me tell this story," began one of the boys, "but here goes. There was this hot girl . . ."

Tim quickly turned and began to walk away. "Hey, where you goin', Tim?" someone called. "Looking for your mommy?"

Tim continued to walk away, each step becoming a little easier. He heard footsteps behind him, and then Bob was walking along with him. "I don't really like that kind of joke, either," said Bob.

"Really?" asked Tim. "Hey, do you collect baseball cards?"

"Sure do," answered Bob, pulling some out of his pocket, and soon the boys were comparing and exchanging cards. They had a great time together.

I sure feel better today than I did when I was trying so
hard to make the other guys like me, thought Tim. I guess that when we please
God, we please ourselves, too!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Whose praise do you seek? Do you care more about what God will say than about what the kids at school will say? Do you dare to be a friend to an odd person? To not laugh at dirty jokes? To pray before you eat? Honor God and trust Him for strength in everyday situations like these.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 12:43)
"They loved the praise of men morethan the praise of God."

[Soldier4Christ]

As Rachel stood and looked around her at the mall, she cried as if her heart would break. "Are you lost?" someone asked her.

"Y-yes." Rachel sobbed as she nodded her head.

She knew the man talking to her was a security guard-her mother had pointed him out to her. "If you ever get lost," her mother had said, "ask a security guard for help. Don't go with anyone else!"

"Will you take me to the lost and found?" asked Rachel through her tears.

"Something like that," said the guard with a smile. Rachel bravely brushed away her tears. Then she clung tightly to the guard's hand as they walked together down the wide hall. When they reached the information center, Rachel's description was given over the loudspeaker.

Her mother soon came hurrying down the hallway, tears in her eyes. "Oh, honey," said Mom as she knelt down to hug her daughter, "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"I'm just like the lost sheep you read about in my Bible storybook last night," decided Rachel as they drove home. "We both got lost. I was so scared all by myself."

Mom nodded. "I know . . . and everyone is a little like you. Until they know Jesus, everyone is lost from God," she replied. "The sheep went astray and got lost, and the Bible says all people have gone astray from God-they all do wrong things. But like the shepherd went to search for the lost sheep, Jesus came to earth to find and save lost boys and girls and men and women."

"After Sunday school one day, I told Jesus I was sorry I was naughty and asked Him to save me," said Rachel soberly, "and He did, didn't He?"

"That's right," agreed Mom.

"And He was glad, wasn't He?" asked Rachel with a smile. "Just like you were glad when you found me!"

Mom nodded. "There's joy in heaven whenever a 'lost
sheep' is found."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you still "lost"? Jesus will save you if you will sincerely confess your sin and trust in Him. Then you will be "found forever," and God will never leave you. Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 19:10)
"The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."