Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Have you boys cleaned your rooms?" asked Mom. "You know that's your Saturday chore!"

"Okay," replied Mark. He and Brycen reluctantly headed for their separate rooms.

When Mark entered his room, he picked up a model car. "I'll just work on this a few minutes before I clean up this mess," he decided.

Soon Brycen called out that he was finished. "Let's hit the slopes with our sleds!" he said. Mark felt a twinge of guilt as he closed the door on his messy room, but soon he was having such a good time that he forgot about it.

When the boys returned home for lunch, Mom reminded them to feed their pets. Mark's job was to feed the dog, and Brycen had to feed the fish. Brycen did his work immediately, but Mark decided to read the comics first.

"Bongo keeps begging for food!" exclaimed Mom when she prepared dinner. "Didn't you feed him, Mark? Didn't you hear me remind you?"

"Yeah. I just forgot!" Mark exclaimed as he jumped up. "I'll do it now."

Mom went upstairs to put something away later that evening. "Mark!" she called. "Get up here! Didn't you hear me tell you to clean your room today?"

"I'm sorry," Mark replied, going quickly up the stairs. "I meant to do it."

Mom frowned. "Mark, you need to learn to obey me immediately," she told him. "You're what the Bible calls a 'hearer,' but not a 'doer.' And if you're a hearer and not a doer of my word, that means you're a hearer and not a doer of God's Word, too, because He says to obey your parents. I can see that I'll have to help you learn that lesson."

Mark sighed. He knew some discipline was coming his way,
and he knew he deserved whatever punishment his mother was about to give
him.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a "doer" of God's Word? He tells you to obey your parents, be kind, be honest, love others, forgive, and so much more! Do you hear all this-even agree with it-and then forget all about it? Think of one area where you need to improve in being a doer of God's Word, and do it. Immediate obedience is always best!


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

[Soldier4Christ]

A blast of rock music hit Mom's ears. "Matthew! Turn that off!" she called. The blast diminished to a roar. "I said 'off' not 'down'!" Mom waited until she heard the radio click off, then returned to her work. "Matt, I wish you could understand the damage that kind of music is doing to you," she said when he came into the family room.

"Aw, it's not hurting me," objected Matt. "I can think of only one bad word in that whole song, but you make it sound like a big, terrible sin. Can't Christians enjoy life?"

"You know they can," Mom replied, "but they shouldn't enjoy wrong things."

Matt shook his head. "You'll never understand. You belong to a different generation," he whined. "We . . ." The telephone interrupted him, and Mom went to answer it.

"That was Aunt Linda," said Mom when she returned. "Uncle Tom is in the hospital with the West Nile virus!"

"West Nile!" exclaimed Matt. "That can be bad, can't it? Will he be okay?"

"It's too soon to be sure," said Mom. "So far he seems to be doing all right, but that disease can be deadly."

"All on account of such a little thing as a mosquito!" exclaimed Matt.

"Little things can be just as dangerous as big
things-sometimes more so because we tend to overlook them," Mom told him. "We're
much more afraid of a rattlesnake than a mosquito, yet a mosquito bite can be
just as deadly." She paused and looked directly at Matt. "Little things can
cause spiritual sickness, too," she added. "Little things like music with
improper lyrics, magazines with immoral pictures, or programs that use God's
name wrongly. We think we just skip over little things-like one bad word-but
they can have a serious effect on our fellowship with God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are little things that will weaken you spiritually creeping into your life? What about the music you listen to, the books you read, the programs you watch, the words you say? You don't have to rob a bank or commit murder to be in danger of spiritual "sickness." Check your life now for "little" sins that you need to destroy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 7:1)
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit."

[Soldier4Christ]

Mary sat in her usual place in Sunday school, but she was not comfortable. It wasn't that she didn't like Sunday school; she did. But last week the lesson had been about the Good Samaritan, and someone had suggested that each class member try to be a "good Samaritan" by doing something special for someone else in the coming week. Now it was report time. I have nothing to report, thought Mary.

James was the first to tell what he had done. "On my way home from school, I saw an old man trying to shovel the snow off his walk, so I stopped and did it for him," said James.

Then Brenda spoke up. "Our neighbor is in the hospital," she said. "She doesn't have any relatives living in this area, so I went twice to see her."

Mrs. Peters, the Sunday school teacher, nodded at both James and Brenda. "I'd say they certainly were 'good Samaritans' last week, wouldn't you?" she asked. Everyone agreed, and Mrs. Peters turned to Mary. "Did you do something special, Mary?"

Mary shook her head, somewhat embarrassed. "I had to hurry home after school every day," she replied. "My mom was sick all week."

Mrs. Peters smiled sympathetically. "Oh, that's too bad! Who took care of your brother and made meals?"

"I did," Mary said. "I just made sandwiches and salads-easy things like that."

Mrs. Peters nodded. "And did you stack the dishes in the sink to wait until your mother can do them?" she asked.

Mary looked puzzled. "No," she said. "I washed them. It didn't take long."

Mrs. Peters looked around. "All who agree that Mary was a
'good Samaritan,' raise your hand." Every hand was raised. "The things you did
this week, Mary, were every bit as important and special as those done by the
others," Mrs. Peters told her. "You helped in the place that's easiest to
neglect-home. God is pleased when He sees you helping your
family."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it more fun to help a neighbor or a friend than to help at home? Both kinds of help are needed. Think of ways you can be a "good Samaritan" at home. Can you wash the dishes? Shovel snow? Dust? Take out the trash? There are many ways to help. Will you do it as to the Lord?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 25:40)
"Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ten-year-old Albert woke up early one morning during a visit to his grandparents' home. He was excited because they lived up north and snow had been predicted. He could hardly wait to play in it-he'd never seen snow. Albert jumped out of bed and looked out the window. "Grandma!" he yelled. "It snowed! May I go outside?"

"Right after breakfast," replied Grandma, "but you need to dress warmly."

Albert dressed quickly, ate some cereal, and headed for the front yard where Grandpa was shoveling. Snow was piled everywhere. "Want to make a snowman?" asked Grandpa when the walks were cleared. They quickly got to work, and Albert learned how to roll the snow into big balls for the body and head. When they finished, they decided to go in to find something to eat.

Grandma was sitting by the fireplace, reading her Bible. "We're hungry, Grandma," said Albert.

"I'm not surprised," responded Grandma as she got up to fix some food. "Are you cold, too?" Albert shook his head. "Good," said Grandma. She watched as he peeled off his warm winter clothes. "You remind me of something I just read in the Bible."

"What's that?" asked Albert.

"You needed a cap, mittens, coat, and boots to protect yourself from the cold and wind," said Grandma.

Albert grinned. "I didn't know that was in the Bible," he said. Grandpa smiled, too. They both knew she had something else in mind.

Grandma laughed. "You needed plenty of clothing for
protection against the elements outdoors, and Christians need the armor of God
to protect them from the devil," she said. "I just read about that in my Bible."
She put two steaming cups on the table "Here you go," she said. "Think about it
while you drink your hot chocolate and have a snack."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought about what it means to put on the whole armor of God? As you read today's Scripture, think about each item-truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each day, ask God to help you "wear" them-to display them in your life and use them to defeat Satan when he tempts you to do wrong.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:11)
"Put on the whole armor of God."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look at that cool tree house!"

   "Yeah. That's Luke Patterson's. He says he built it all by himself, but I doubt that." Sitting on the carpeted floor of his new hideout, Luke heard the voices floating up from the street. "His dad is a carpenter, so Luke had all the tools and materials he needed." Luke recognized Nick's voice. "I could do twice as good with half as much," Nick bragged.

   Luke shook his fist at the backs of the two boys disappearing down the street. Could not!  he thought. You couldn't do half as good with twice as much!

   When his grandparents came the following week, Luke proudly showed Grandpa Patterson his tree house. "I built it all by myself," Luke told him, "but some of the kids don't believe me. They think I had help-just because Dad's a carpenter."

   "Try not to be too impatient with them," advised Grandpa. "After all, there are very few things we can do entirely alone without assistance from anyone else. In fact, I can't think of any."

   "How about . . . ah . . . driving your truck? You do that by yourself," Luke argued.

   "Oh, I have help with that, too," Grandpa replied. "The company I work for provides the truck for me. God gives me the strength and the ability to drive. The government builds the highways I travel on. So you see, I'm dependent upon a lot of people for my job. I could never do it all by myself."

   "Oh, well . . . when you put it that way," said Luke. He
grinned. "All right, Grandpa, you win. Dad taught me how to build things and
loaned me his tools. God gave me the ability to learn and the strength I needed.
And together we built this tree house."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you thankful to those who help you? King Nebuchadnezzar bragged about his work and refused to give glory to God. He wanted all the credit for himself, and God had to deal harshly with him. Don't make the same mistake. Take time right now to thank God for helping you. And today, be sure to thank some person who has helped you, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Daniel 4:37)
"Praise and extol and honor the King ofheaven . . . those who walk in prideHe is able to put down."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why do I have to go?" Shanna slammed the car door. "Why can't I take care of Timmy at home? Why do I have to baby-sit in a waiting room?"

Mom shook her head. "I've explained that we're going to Grandma's house right after we visit Aunt Ruth at the hospital," she said. "It would take too long to go back home for you."

"I'm concerned about your attitude, Shanna," said Dad as he backed the car out of the drive. Shanna snorted and then sat back and pouted.

In the hospital waiting room, Shanna rummaged through magazines. Someone must have left this one here, she thought when she found one she knew her parents would never allow her to read at home. Well, they shouldn't have brought me here if this is a problem for them, she told herself as she opened it. It wasn't my idea to baby-sit in this place!

Shanna became very engrossed in her reading and paid little attention to her brother. She jumped when a voice at her shoulder said, "Time to go, kids."

"Huh? What?" Shanna asked in confusion. "Oh, time to go to Grandma's. Come on, Timmy." Seeing Mom glance at the magazine, Shanna hastily tried to slip it under the stack on the table. "How is Aunt Ruth?" she asked quickly.

"She has cancer, you know," replied Dad, "but she's doing fine. Because she had a check-up at the first warning symptom, they found it early."

Shanna let out a big sigh. "Oh, that's good."

"Early warnings are important," Mom said as they entered the elevator, "and frankly, I see some danger signals in your life, Shanna. Your attitude recently and that magazine you were reading both tell me that you need a spiritual check-up. Sin is like a dreadful cancer-in fact, it's worse."

"Paying attention to a physical warning symptom may have
saved Aunt Ruth's life," said Dad. "Paying attention to warnings about sin in
your life could save you lots of trouble."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been warned about your attitude or actions lately? Did you resent it? It could be a blessing in disguise. Think about the warnings you receive. Paying attention to an early warning could save you from trouble later. Work on any problem areas in your life today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 19:11)
"Moreover by them (God's Word) Your servant is warned."

[Soldier4Christ]

The missionary speaker at Belicia's church was very enthusiastic as she showed pictures and told about her work with children in Alaska. But as Miss Barr finished her talk, there was a sad note in her voice. "I won't be going back to my mission work," she said. "I have an illness that will force me to stay in a warmer climate." Her voice broke, but she gave the audience a tearful smile as she added, "Perhaps someone here will go to Alaska someday and help in the work that I am not able to complete."

There was a hush over the audience, and Belicia found herself wishing she could go. Just then a young lady stood to her feet. "I'll go!" she said with a smile. "Ever since I graduated from college last month, I've been asking God to show me His will. I believe this is what He wants me to do."

Both the audience and the missionary were deeply touched by this unexpected response.

 "Perhaps there is someone else who will stand to indicate a willingness to prepare for God's work," said Pastor Newton. "If God should call you to replace other missionaries in future years, are you willing to go? Is there anyone who will accept this challenge?"

Belicia had thought she might some day be a missionary, but she had not told anyone. Suddenly she stood. I'm willing, her heart responded. She was glad to see that two of her friends were also standing.

As they drove home that day, Belicia's little brother, Cody, looked at her. "How do you know God wants you to be a missionary?" he asked solemnly.

"I don't," replied Belicia with a smile.

"Then why did you stand?" asked Cody.

"Just to say publicly that I'm willing to go if God shows
me that I should," replied Belicia. "I want to do whatever it is that He wants
of me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to serve God in any place? He may want you here at home. Are you willing to stay? He may want you on a foreign mission field. Are you willing to go? Say "yes" to whatever God asks of you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 6:
"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send . . . ?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'"

[Soldier4Christ]

"What are you doing, Dad?" asked Mandy as she entered the garage where her father was working on the car.

Dad looked up and smiled. "I'm putting antifreeze in the car radiator," he replied.

Mandy leaned against the car as she watched. "Why do you put that stuff in there?" she asked. "What does it do?"

"Antifreeze keeps the water from freezing," Dad explained. "I'm making sure the car is ready for the cold snap the weatherman says is coming."

There was silence as Mandy's father finished working on his car. "You know," Dad said at last, "I'm preparing for cold weather, and I've been thinking-there's something you should prepare for, too."

"I should?" Mandy looked up at him, a question in her eyes. "Like what?" she wanted to know.

"Like the future-eternity," answered Dad gently. "Your mother and I have both given our hearts to Jesus Christ and asked Him to be our Savior, so we're prepared to spend eternity with Him. But what about you, honey?"

Mandy was quiet. She had heard about heaven and eternity almost as long as she could remember. Her parents had talked about it, and so had her pastor and Sunday school teachers. She had even wondered-if she should die, would she go to heaven? Deep in her heart, she wasn't at all sure about that.

"Honey," Dad was saying, "how about preparing for eternity right now?"

Mandy nodded her head. "Will you help me, Daddy?" she asked.

Mandy's father smiled. "You bet I will," he answered.
"Nothing would make Mom and me happier than to know that you will be with us
through all eternity."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard about "eternity" for a long, long time? Are you prepared for it? You prepare for a test, and you prepare for school games. Be sure to prepare for eternity, too. Admit that you have sinned and need a Savior. Accept Jesus as your Savior today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Amos 4:12)
"Prepare to meet your God."

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom was taking chocolate chip cookies out of the oven when Grace came home from school. "Have a cookie and some milk," invited Mom. "And how was school?"

"Okay," Grace answered, picking up a cookie, "except we have to do an oral book report in two weeks. I hate oral reports. I don't see why we can't do a written one instead. It's scary standing up in front of the class."

"You can practice on me," offered Mom. "What book are you reading?"

"Pilgrim's Progress for Children," Grace replied.

"Good choice," said Mom. "John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress was an interesting person. He was a preacher in England. At that time they allowed preaching in only one main church, but he believed everyone should hear the Gospel. He preached wherever he had an audience, even though he was arrested several times."

Grace bit into her cookie. "What did he do then?"

"Preached inside the jail," Mom said. "That frustrated the jailers. They offered to let him go if he would promise not to preach anymore, but of course he couldn't do that. He said, 'God called me to preach, and preach I must.'"

"Wow!" exclaimed Grace. "He was brave, wasn't he?"

"Yes, he was," Mom replied. "His enemies kept him in jail for about twelve years. During that time-more than 300 years ago-he wrote many tracts and books, including Pilgrim's Progress. That book is still being read by many, many people. Mr. Bunyan preached to a greater audience through his books than he did in person."

"Maybe I could pretend I'm him when I give my report," said Grace thoughtfully. "Just think-in a way he'll be preaching again!"

"That's true," agreed Mom. She gave Grace a hug as she
added, "And in a way, you'll be preaching, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you're scared, do you remember that the Lord promises to be with you, or does your crying drown out thoughts of Him? It's okay to cry sometimes-God understands. But the Bible says He is always with His children. He wants to comfort you, and He promises to always watch over you. He is with you right now. When you're afraid, keep reminding yourself of that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Daily . . . they (the disciples) did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."

[Soldier4Christ]

It was lunchtime, and Karen watched in amusement as her little brother Kyle sat stubbornly shaking his head, refusing to eat the strained peas Mom was offering him on a spoon. "Maybe you should give him some applesauce," suggested Karen. "He always likes that."

"No," said Mom, "he has to learn to eat what he needs." She took Kyle out of his high chair and set him on the floor. "Maybe we should let him get good and hungry before we try feeding him again."

A short time later, Karen heard a rustling noise coming from the kitchen. She went to investigate, and there was Kyle, rummaging in the trash bag. Messy paper plates, towels, and napkins were on the floor-and clenched between his teeth was a banana peel. "Oh, Mom!" exclaimed Karen. "Look at this!"

Mom hurried over, and Kyle cried when she took the banana peel out of his mouth. "Shame on you-rooting around in the garbage after refusing the good lunch I made for you!" Mom scolded. But little Kyle just didn't understand. He kept trying to get back into the trash.

"Silly baby," said Karen fondly. "Why don't you eat the good food Mom fixes for you? You don't need to get your food from the trash."

"That's right," said Mom as she picked up Kyle and put
him in his playpen. "I'll give you everything you need." She paused, then added,
"We're too often like Kyle ourselves. We forget that God will supply everything
we need. We neglect the things He has provided for our happiness and growth and
try instead to fulfill our needs through earthly possessions and amusements.
Those things are only garbage compared with the things of the Lord. They're
'peelings,' not 'peas.'"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a need in your life? A need for friends? Spiritual growth? Happiness? A sense of achievement? The things of this world will never satisfy those needs. Turn to God-read His Word, talk to Him, meet with other Christians. Whatever your need is, give God the chance to satisfy it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:19)
"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

[Soldier4Christ]

"No! I don't want to go, and that's final!" exclaimed Megan. She hung up the phone and turned to her mother. "Our Sunday school class is taking cookies to the old folks' home. I wanted to take them to the day care center-but no, we have to do what Amy wants." Megan scowled. "They're going to Mrs. Lee's house afterward to play games-but they play such stupid games! Isobel's always gotta be the leader, and Renee thinks she's so cool because she always has new stuff!" Mom raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything.

A few minutes later, Megan went out to get the newspaper. When she came back, she pointed to an article. "Look! This says, 'Local Boy's Hand Restored.' That's Eddie's picture! I know him, Mom!" Together they read about the accident in which the young boy's hand was severed from his arm. Doctors were able to reattach it, and there was a good chance he'd be able to use it again.

After a restless evening, Megan told her mother goodnight. "Going to bed so early?" asked Mom. Megan nodded miserably. "What's the matter, honey?" Mom asked. "You seemed unhappy all evening. Can I help?"

"I'm s-s-so lonesome," Megan sobbed. "Why can't I get along with anybody?"

Mom thought for a moment. "Well, it seems to me that if the kids don't do things your way, you refuse to play or work with them," she said gently. She pointed to the paper laying on the table. "Maybe you're a little like Eddie's hand after the accident-cut off."

"I feel cut off," agreed Megan. "But Eddie's hand was reattached. How can I get reattached to my friends?"

 "To have friends, you have to be willing to give in
sometimes," said Mom. "You can't have everything your way." Megan sighed but
nodded thoughtfully. "Talk to the kids tomorrow," added Mom. "Let them know you
feel bad about the way you acted-and that you're willing to do things their way,
too." She gave Megan a hug. "Put the 'Golden Rule' into effect-treat the kids
the way you'd like to be treated."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
If things don't go your way, do you refuse to cooperate? Are your actions cutting you off from the fellowship of your friends? Ask God to help you be a true friend who is willing to do things someone else's way. Today's key verse is called the "Golden Rule." Enjoy the friendships God provides as you put it into practice.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:31)
"Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

[Soldier4Christ]

Juan ruffled the collie's ears when he arrived at his grandparents' home in the country. "Shep," said Juan, "we're gonna have fun this summer." Shep barked in agreement. "Anything's better than all the work Dad makes me do in his store," continued Juan. "Whew! This is the life!"

The next morning Juan was awakened by the smell of bacon. "Ummm-I forgot how good Grandma's cooking is," he murmured sleepily, but he complained about getting up so early. And when he heard about the chores he was expected to do, he complained again. He reluctantly helped Grandpa feed the chickens and the animals in the barn. "Work, work, work," he sputtered as he and Shep took the cows out to pasture. "Can't I ever just have fun?"

Grandpa had put on a special hat with a veil when Juan returned. "I'm ready to go and check the beehives," said Grandpa.

"I hate bees!" Juan exclaimed. "All they do is sting!"

"Oh, that's not all," said Grandpa. "They're very busy little creatures. But why don't you just take a rest and play with Shep for a while?" Juan happily agreed.

The supper table that evening was piled with fried chicken, potatoes, and thick slices of homemade bread. "Please pass the honey," Juan said. "I love it!"

"I thought you said all bees do is sting," his grandpa teased.

"Did I say that?" Juan grinned. "I sure was wrong."

Grandpa shook his head. "We all tend to grumble," he said. "We grumble about bees, but we love honey. We grumble about hard work, but we like the food we get from working. The Bible says blessing and cursing shouldn't come from the same mouth."

"I didn't curse!" protested Juan.

Grandpa smiled. "No, but I think we can apply that principle to grumbling, too, don't you? We should be thankful for both difficult and pleasant things."

"Well . . . okay, Grandpa," agreed Juan. He grinned.
"I'll even help you with the bees tomorrow-I'll keep busy as a bee
myself."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you complain about that really is a blessing? Do you enjoy performing at a musical recital, but complain when you have to practice? Are you pleased to tell friends how strong your dad is or how good your mom can cook? That's nice, but do you grumble about them when they correct you? Think about your blessings. Use your mouth to say good things, not bad.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 3:10)
"Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing . . . these things ought not to be so."

[Soldier4Christ]

Grandpa taught Juan many things about bees and how they work together. "There's only one queen bee but many worker bees and drones," Grandpa said. "They all have a special job to do. They need each other to make a hive run smoothly. The workers gather honey, build and guard the hive, and feed the baby bees."

"Look, Grandpa!" Juan shouted. "That bee must be sick. See it sway back and forth."

Grandpa smiled. "She's doing a honey dance," he said.

Juan laughed. "Oh, Grandpa," he said, "quit teasing. I'm serious."

"So am I," answered Grandpa. "That bee has found a large supply of nectar. It's more than she can handle by herself, so she's calling the others to help her. Watch! Soon other bees will follow her."

As Juan watched in fascination, Grandpa spoke again. "Watching the bees reminds me of the lesson I'm preparing to teach in my Sunday school class this week. It's about how God has work for every Christian to do. Some have what we call 'big' tasks-their jobs are the ones that are noticed. Others have tasks that are hidden-like work done inside the hive-and sometimes we think those things aren't really important. That's wrong. The bees need each other. They all have work that needs to be done, and Christians do, too. We need each other for encouragement and to help spread the Gospel-and we also need each other to accomplish the ordinary chores of everyday living. Sometimes we forget that."

"So we should all keep busy as a bee and do our share,
right?" said Juan with a grin. "Okay. I'll try to remember."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What is your attitude toward work? Do you realize that all tasks, big and small, need to be done by someone? Even the ordinary, everyday chores that you're assigned are important. Chores, schoolwork, and practicing are some things God has given you to do at this time. Be faithful in doing them even though you don't understand their value right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 12:22)
"Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I give up!" exclaimed Ellen as she came into the house.

Mom looked up from her work. "Give up on what?" she asked.

"Give up on Janelle," explained Ellen as she tossed her school books on the kitchen table. "I was so glad when she became a Christian a month ago, but now she's getting tiresome! One day she acts like a Christian, and the next day she lies or cheats or uses bad language. She'll never change!"

"I hope you won't really give up on her," said Mom. "Pray that she'll understand more and more about the Lord and learn to trust Him to help her even in daily activities."

"Oh, I don't know," muttered Ellen with a sigh. "I think it's hopeless!"

After supper that evening, Ellen was playing with her baby brother. Suddenly she called out, "Mom! Look at Davie! He wants to walk!" Sure enough, when Ellen stood Davie on his feet, he took a tottering step toward her. "He took his first step by himself!" exclaimed Ellen. "I'm going to teach him to take more."

Ellen spent half an hour trying to teach her brother to walk. Mom smiled as she heard her encourage and help the baby. "Come to Ellen, Davie," coaxed Ellen. "Come on, honey. You can walk!" Ellen put the tottering baby back on his feet over and over, but he was never able to take more than two steps before he tumbled to the floor.

"Better give up," advised Mom. "He'll never be able to walk. He just keeps falling down."

   Ellen looked at her mother in surprise. "Give up? What do you mean?" she asked as she picked up the baby. "He just needs more help and more time. Isn't that right, Davie?" Ellen put him down and patiently started to help him again.

Mom chuckled as she spoke. "You're exactly right, Ellen,"
she agreed. "Davie does need help and more time-and so does Janelle. She's a
'baby' Christian. She's going to need lots of help in learning to walk
spiritually-in learning to live the way God wants her to
live."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know a Christian whose "spiritual walk" is not as good as you think it should be? Perhaps he or she is a "baby" Christian who is learning the first steps of Christian living. Pray for new Christians, encourage them, and help them-and remember that you need the help of more mature Christians, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 15:1 (NIV))
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak."

[Soldier4Christ]

A Miraculous Turnaround

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:14-15 (NIV)

This morning I brought a yellow jersey.  Does anyone know what is so special about a yellow jersey?  In the world of professional bicycle racing, the leader at each stage of the race wears a yellow jersey.  That is so that everyone who is watching can easily spot the leader of the race.  When the race is finally over, the winner is allowed to keep the yellow jersey as a symbol of his victory.  The yellow jersey of the race known as the Tour de France is one of the most prized trophies in all of professional sport.

Lance Armstrong was one of the best cyclists in the world.  He was young and strong and his future looked bright.  Then he found out that he had cancer.  Doctors gave him a 50-50 chance of surviving, but he not only survived, he came back to win the Tour de France a record seven times!  That has to rank as one of the most miraculous turnarounds in sports history.

Our Bible lesson today is about an even more miraculous turnaround.  One day, Jesus and his disciples were walking toward a town called Nain.  As they approached the town gate, a dead man was being carried out.  He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.  She was very sad because she was left with no one to care for her.  When Jesus saw her, his heart was touched and he said to her, "Don't cry."

Then he went up and touched the coffin.  "Young man, I say to you, get up!"  The dead man sat up and began to talk. Jesus gave him back to his mother and the young man and his mother turned around and went back home.  Now, that is what I call a miraculous turnaround!

Jesus wants you and me to experience a miraculous turnaround in our lives too.  Without him, we don't even have a 50-50 chance like the doctors gave Lance Armstrong, but Jesus came to give us eternal life.  He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."  That's the miraculous turnaround that Jesus wants for us.

Father, thank you for sending Jesus, your only Son, to give us the victory.  Amen.