Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Making Pearls

"I hate my new school," complained Courtney bitterly. "The kids have cliques and exclude me. My teacher always seems to be grouchy and gives ridiculous assignments. I miss my old friends. Why did we have to move here?" She collapsed wearily onto a sofa. Picking up a book that was lying on the coffee table, Courtney absentmindedly flipped through the pages. Her father glanced up. Just as he was going to speak, Courtney held up the book and pointed to a picture. "Look at this," she said. "It's an oyster. They're not very pretty, are they? But they can make such beautiful pearls."

Dad looked more closely at the picture. "That's true," he agreed. "Do you know how oysters make pearls?"

"Sure. We studied that in school," replied Courtney. "The oysters have a strong, hard shell outside, but they're soft and fleshy on the inside. Sometimes, a grain of sand or something like that gets inside the oyster's shell. The sand irritates and causes the oyster discomfort."

"Right," said Dad, "What happens next?"

"The oyster oozes a liquid onto the grain of sand to ease the irritation," replied Courtney. "He goes on doing that, layer upon layer. Eventually the liquid hardens into a smooth pearl."

 "A small irritation that created discomfort and pain eventually produced a beautiful object of great value," observed Dad. "Honey, we can have the same thing happen in our lives."

Courtney looked confused. "I'd love to make pearls, Dad," she said, "but I'm no oyster!"

"No, you're not!" Dad chuckled. "When suffering, pain, and other problems creep into our lives-like irritating grains of sand-we can't always get rid of them. God often uses these irritations to create beauty. If you accept them without bitterness and ask for God's strength and wisdom to learn from them, you can produce pearls of another kind."

 "What kind of pearls could I make?" asked Courtney curiously.

"Pearls of patience, endurance, trust, faith, and hope. They are far more precious than the oyster's pearls," replied Dad. "Think about it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you react to difficulties? Do you get angry and bitter? Do you grumble and complain? Or do you depend on God for help in learning to use your struggles and trials to produce beautiful "pearls" in your life? As you submit to God, the irritations of life can build opportunities for you to glorify Him. Try making some "pearls" today.

[Soldier4Christ]

 More Than Sand

On a hot afternoon, Lori and Brandon's father took them to the beach. They had a refreshing swim, toweled off, applied sun-screen lotion, and stretched out on a blanket under an umbrella. Dad began reading a book, and Brandon fiddled with a waterproof watch he'd brought along. Lori sat up and took a handful of sand. She brushed most of it away, and then tried to separate the grains in the small amount that was left. "What are you doing?" asked Brandon.

"My Sunday school teacher said our next lesson is going to include something about sand. She asked if we ever tried counting the grains," replied Lori. "That's what I'm doing." She went on counting-or trying to count-the tiny grains of sand.

"That's impossible!" said Brandon after watching her a moment. He rolled his eyes, picked up his raft, and headed for the water again.

Lori sat on the blanket, staring at the sand, and Dad looked up from his book. "How's the counting coming? Do you think you'll be able to finish the whole beach this afternoon?" he teased.

Lori sprinkled the sand she held over her feet. "I give up!" she said. "I can't even count one handful."

"No," said Dad. "This is a big beach and the sand goes down deep, too. And this is only one of the many beaches in the world." He laughed. "Isn't it wonderful that we can't count the grains of sand?"

Lori looked puzzled. "Why is that wonderful?"

Dad reached into the tote bag packed with books, towels, and lotion. He took out a small Bible and turned to Psalm 139, verse 18. "It says here that God's thoughts about us are 'more in number than the sand.' It probably means more than all the grains of sand in the whole world," said Dad. "Just think of that!" He scooped up a handful of sand and let it run through his fingers. "God's thoughts and love for us are endless."

Lori filled her bucket to the top with sand. Then she tipped it over and watched the millions and zillions of grains pour out. "Wow!" she exclaimed. "That's an awful lot, isn't it? Wow!" She jumped up and ran toward the lake. "I'm going to tell Brandon," she called back as she splashed into the water.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that God thinks about you? Do you feel like nobody cares when siblings, parents, classmates, or teachers say things that make you feel worthless? Do you wonder if anybody notices when you do something well? The great, awesome, wonderful God who created the whole universe does. When you wonder if you matter, think about how much sand there is. Then thank God that you're so special to Him that His thoughts for you are more than all the sand in the whole world.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your thoughts toward us . . . are more than can be numbered. Psalm 40:5

[Soldier4Christ]

Janie was eating breakfast when the announcement came on the radio. "The following school closings have been reported due to the freezing temperatures and the icy condition of the roads. Springfield Public Schools . . ."

"All right!" exclaimed Dylan. "I can play with my new trucks all day!"

Janie didn't share his joy. "I planned to go home with Madelyn after school. Now I won't be able to," she moaned. "Besides, what's there to do at home? It's too cold to go outside, and there's nothing fun to do!" She watched sullenly as her little brother got busy with his toys. "Why don't you play with the beanbags and game board I made for you?" Janie asked him.

Dylan shrugged. "They're more fun when there's somebody to play with me." He looked at his sister. "Do you want to play?"

"No!" snapped Janie. She continued to pout while Dylan enjoyed himself pushing his trucks on imaginary roads. "I spent a lot of time working on those things for Dylan, but he hardly ever uses them," grumbled Janie when she noticed her mother watching. "See if I ever make anything for him again!"

 Mom raised her brows. "Are you so different from Dylan?" asked Mom. "Someone made something for you, too, and you just grumble about it."

"For me?" asked Janie in surprise. "What did somebody make for me?"

"This day," replied Mom. "Each day is a gift from God. I
believe He wants us to take our days, rejoice in them, and use them in a way
that brings glory to Him-whether they're school days, work days, or play days.
And whether they're sunny days, rainy days, or snowy days." Mom smiled. "Since
there's nothing particular that you want to do today, why don't you dedicate the
day to helping others?" she encouraged. "You like to bake, so why not make
cookies for Aunt Barb? And maybe you could write a letter or two. I know Grandma
loves to get letters from her only granddaughter." Mom nodded toward Dylan.
"Maybe you could even play the beanbag game with Dylan. What do you think?"
Janie slowly nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you recognize that each day you live is a gift God has given you? Are you glad for each day-even when you can't spend it in exactly the way you'd like to? Thank God for the days He gives you and use them for His glory-use them to help others, to enjoy the blessings He gives, to witness for Him, and to praise Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 118:24)
"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I wish I could live up here," said Emma with a sigh. "It's so peaceful."

Grandpa grinned. "After living with five little brothers, you might think that even an erupting volcano seems peaceful," he said.

Emma laughed. "Sometimes the boys do just about drive me crazy," she agreed, "but Mom needs me to help since she's been sick so much." Just then Emma spotted a patch of green and yellow in the snow-covered clearing ahead. "Look, Grandpa!" she exclaimed as she ran ahead and crouched down to take a closer look at the yellow flowers poking through the snow. "Flowers are growing right out of the snow."

"Those are called glacier lilies," explained Grandpa. "Buried underground, they survive the cold. Then when the sun penetrates the snow and it begins to melt, they warm up enough to sprout." He leaned over and touched one of the long pointed leaves. "God designed these sharp leaves to cut right through the snow so they can make their way out into the sunshine."

"Cool!" exclaimed Emma. "They're pretty little things."

"They're rather special," said Grandpa, "and God designed you special, too, Emma. He may send 'snow' to cover you, but He also designed you to cut through it."

"Snow to cover me! What do you mean?" asked Emma.

Grandpa smiled. "The difficulty of caring for your brothers might be compared to 'snow' in your life," he explained. "You cut through it by using the creative mind God gave you to think of ways to keep the boys busy. Use your Bible to learn how to love them. Ask God to warm you with wisdom and patience and love. Use your patient heart to teach them how to cooperate." Grandpa gave her a hug as he added, "Then you'll be even prettier than the flowers-you'll have an inner beauty."

Emma smiled, too, as she reached down to pick a glacier
lily.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel "snowed under"? Do problems that have piled up seem ready to smother you? God designed you, and He has given you what you need to get through any situation He allows you to face. Ask Him to show you your special abilities. Ask Him for wisdom to handle your problems and to help you grow.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Today's the day," breathed Mai Li . She tossed aside her thin blanket and climbed out of the narrow cot. Early morning sunlight streamed through a small window high on the dormitory wall.

Today's the day! she thought as she hurried through her morning meal-a small bowl of rice.

"Today's the day!" she sang softly to herself as she scrubbed her face and hands in cold water, combed her hair, and went to sit on the front steps of the orphanage.

Mai Li could feel the comforting presence of a photograph in her pocket-a picture of a mother, a father, and two children just a little bit older than Mai Li. In the family's midst was a small, empty chair. The mother, father, and children were all smiling and pointing at the chair. It didn't matter that the family in the picture spoke only English and Mai Li spoke only Chinese. Mai Li had understood immediately. The family had an extra place in it-an empty place that Mai Li could fill. The mother and father had visited the orphanage several times, and she had been told that papers had been filled out and all arrangements had finally been completed for them to adopt her.

Today her new mother and father would come. In a few days, they would all drive to the airport. Together they would board the airplane that would carry them across the ocean to America. Mai Li would be their daughter forever. Mai Li would have a new family, a new home, and even a new name-Mai Li Murphy.

"Moor-fee," she said aloud, giggling at the strangeness of the last name.

A car arrived and Mai Li's mother and father stepped out. Moments later, Mai Li felt herself lifted up in a father's strong arms. She heard the soft voice of a mother murmuring her name.

"Today's the day," Mai Li whispered. "Thank you,
God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that on the very day you receive Christ as your Savior, God adopts you as His own child forever? You have a new name-"Christian" or "Child of God." Someday you will have a new home in heaven. Have you trusted Jesus as Savior and been adopted into His family? You can be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 6:18)
"You shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, Owen splashed mud on my new outfit!" complained Anna when she came home from school. "I got off the bus first, and when he got off, he jumped down and splashed mud all over me."

"That's too bad," said Mom, "but it will wash out. I'm sure he didn't mean to get mud on you."

"Maybe not, but he didn't have to laugh about it," grumbled Anna. "And he said it was my fault-that I shouldn't have been standing so close to the puddle. I'll never understand boys!" Turning, Anna went to change clothes.

A few days later, Anna came home from school looking upset. Without saying a word, she handed her mother a note from Mrs. Kirby, her teacher. Mom opened the note and read aloud, "I'm sorry to report that Anna was involved in a disturbance in the lunch room. This has happened more than once, so I am asking her and the others involved to stay after school tomorrow."

Mom frowned. "What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?" she asked.

"Mom, I didn't do anything," whined Anna. "It's the girls I sit with-they're always goofing off. Sometimes I can't help myself and have to laugh, but I don't start anything. Can't you write a note to Mrs. Kirby and tell her I can't stay after school?" Anna looked hopefully at her mother.

Mom thought a moment before replying. "Anna, do you remember when Owen splashed mud on you the other day?" she asked. Anna nodded. "Well, just like the mud splashed on you because you were close to Owen and the puddle, the actions of your friends 'splashed over' on you, too. Even if you didn't start anything, you became part of the problem by sitting and laughing with them. That's called being guilty by association."

"So I have to stay after school tomorrow?" asked Anna.

Mom nodded. "You chose to sit with those girls. Their
actions splashed over to include you, so now you have to share the
consequences," she said. "The Bible teaches us to choose friends wisely. It
looks to me like you didn't do that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of friends do you have? Do you encourage each other to do the things that please God? Or do you encourage their misbehavior and participate in it by laughing with them when they do things they shouldn't do? Be careful who you choose to follow-and even who you have close fellowship with. Choose friends carefully.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 1:1)
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly."

[Soldier4Christ]

Loud, angry words were flying back and forth between Celina and her brother when the doorbell rang. Celina went to answer it, and her brother stomped off to his room.

Celina's Sunday school teacher was at the door, and Celina quickly invited her in. She realized that Mrs. Perry had probably heard their loud voices. "I was kind of tied up in . . . in a family discussion," murmured Celina. She paused. "Actually, it . . . ah . . . it was a fight with my brother," she admitted with a sigh.

"I know. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help overhearing," said Mrs. Perry.

Celina shook her head. "I don't know why Ryan and I can't get along," she said. "We're both Christians, but I guess we don't act like it sometimes. I don't think either of us likes fighting, but we just seem to bug each other." Mrs. Perry was about to speak when there was the sound of squealing brakes followed by a loud thud. "What happened?" wondered Celina. "Let's go see."

Celina and her teacher went out to investigate. They saw that a car had stopped right in front of Celina's house, and the car following it had bumped into it. The drivers got out and looked the cars over carefully. "I'm sorry," said the driver of the second car. "I didn't notice that you were stopping."

The other driver smiled. "Well, I don't see any damage," he said. "My bumper cushioned the impact." The men parted on friendly terms.

As Celina and Mrs. Perry walked back toward the house, Mrs. Perry spoke thoughtfully. "That man's bumper worked like a cushion, so no damage was done," she said. "Maybe you need to be like a bumper-or cushion-whenever Ryan annoys you. The Bible says that a gentle answer turns away anger. If you answer softly and kindly, it will help you get along with your brother." Celina looked a little doubtful. "Give it a try," encouraged Mrs. Perry. "Okay?"

Slowly, Celina nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When someone is cross with you or says things that annoy you, do you control your temper and answer quietly and patiently? It's sometimes easier to give a sharp reply, isn't it? God knows that your response can make a difference-in your home and in your whole life. Follow His advice, and respond to anger with a gentle answer.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 15:1)
"A soft answer turns away wrath."

[Soldier4Christ]

"One hundred . . . two hundred . . . three hundred," counted the dark-haired man as he placed green bills on the table in front of Ernie's father. "I'll pick up the car on Thursday," he said as he left, and Ernie's father put the money away.

Ernie was curious. "Dad," he said, "that man is buying our old car, isn't he?" Dad nodded. "You let him have it for only three hundred dollars?" asked Ernie. "Is that all it's worth?"

Dad smiled. "The money Mr. Taylor gave me isn't the total price of the car," he explained. "It's a down payment. He'll bring the rest when he gets the car."

Ernie nodded thoughtfully. "But what if he changes his mind and decides not to buy it?"

"Then he'd lose the $300," replied Dad, "and I'm sure he wouldn't want to do that. A down payment shows proof of a person's sincerity when he says he wants to buy something. It's like a guarantee that he's really going to buy it." Dad grinned at Ernie. "Do you know that God has given all of us who accept Jesus as Savior a 'down payment' on our inheritance-on heaven and all that it holds? The Bible calls the Holy Spirit the guarantee of our inheritance." Dad grinned at Ernie. "In old English, it's something like your name," added Dad. "People used to call a down payment 'ernest money.'"

"Cool, Dad," said Ernie. Thoughtfully, he added, "But what if you change your mind about selling the car to Mr. Taylor?"

"That wouldn't be honest. When I accepted the down payment from Mr. Taylor, I gave up my right to own the car," replied Dad. "I'm afraid we're not always that honest with God, though. Even after we've given ourselves to Jesus and received His Holy Spirit, we sometimes try to take our lives back and have our own way."

Ernie nodded. "I'm like that sometimes," he admitted.
"From now on, I'm going to let my name remind me of the guarantee God gave me,
and I'll be honest with Him." He grinned. "Just call me 'Honest Earnest,'" he
added.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? If so, God has given you His Holy Spirit as a "down payment" until you receive the rest of His wonderful blessings in heaven. God won't back out on His promise to you. Be honest with Him, too! After you've given your life to Him, don't try to take over the control of it again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 1:13-14)
"You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance."

[Soldier4Christ]

Mr. and Mrs. Hart, missionaries home on furlough, brought greetings and gave a brief report about their work in far-off India. They thanked the church for supporting them and praying for the people they were reaching with the Gospel. Jenny was especially interested when Mr. Hart told of the large number of boys and girls who were attracted to their Bible clubs when they heard Mrs. Hart playing her accordion. He said the Indian children loved to sing . They also loved colorful pictures, and the missionaries needed more of them to use in telling Bible stories. I wish I could help them, but there's nothing I could do even if I lived in that country, thought Jenny sadly.

Then Jenny's pastor brought a message about the Apostle Paul, who traveled all over the world serving Jesus. "We who know Jesus should all be busy working for Him," said Pastor Allen. Jenny's heart felt heavier and heavier. What could a little kid like me do for Jesus? she wondered. I can't preach or teach or even sing very well.

When the service was over, Jenny went to the coat rack at the church entrance. Before putting on her own coat, she helped Kim, her little sister, with hers. Then she took Kim's hand and helped her across the street to the car.

"Change your dress, Jenny," said her mother when they got home. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." Jenny quickly obeyed.

Jenny was very quiet as she helped her mother clear the table after dinner. "What are you thinking about, honey?" asked Mom.

"Just that I . . . I can't think of any way to serve Jesus," Jenny blurted out.

Mom looked surprised. "But, Jenny, I often see you serving Jesus," she said. "I see you serving Jesus when you're kind and thoughtful to your little sister. When you obey me and Daddy, you're serving Jesus here at home. Last week you invited Patty to Bible Club. You serve Him in many ways."

Jenny's face brightened. "Is that really serving Jesus?"
she asked. "Wow! I bet I can find even more ways to serve
Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think about serving Jesus some day in the future? He doesn't expect you to go out and preach or teach like an adult, but you can serve Him by obeying your parents, helping others, being kind, and inviting friends to Sunday school or Bible club. Begin serving Jesus today by treating others as you want to be treated.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 9:19)
"I have made myself a servant to all."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ravi wound up for the pitch and let the ball go, but it was too high. It sailed through the air over Logan's head, and there was the awful sound of tinkling glass as it made contact with Benjamin Ward's store window! Logan gave a quick backward look over his shoulder. "Come on, Ravi!" he urged. "We've got to get out of here!" Almost before he knew it, Ravi was trailing after Logan, who was tearing across the playground and down the street as fast as he could go. "Whew!" Logan gasped when they were far away from Mr. Ward's store. "That was close, but we're safe now."

"Yeah," Ravi replied. He hesitated. "But shouldn't we go and own up to breaking the window?"

Logan looked at him sharply. "Are you crazy, Ravi? I'm going home."

"Okay," Ravi mumbled, still very much disturbed. Telling Mr. Ward that I broke the window is the right thing to do, he thought. It's what God wants me to do. So instead of going home, Ravi headed back to Mr. Ward's store. He found Mr. Ward outside, looking at the damage. "Uh . . . Mr. Ward . . . I . . . uh . . . I was the one who . . . who broke your store window," stuttered Ravi. "I . . . was trying to pitch curves, and . . ."

From beneath bushy eyebrows, Mr. Ward looked sternly at Ravi. "There's only one thing to do," said Mr. Ward, and Ravi trembled. "Learn to pitch straight!" Mr. Ward's chin was quivering, his eyebrows were raised, and he was chuckling! When he held out his hand, Ravi suddenly realized that Mr. Ward was joking with him!

"I know you're a Christian, Ravi," said Mr. Ward. He
chuckled again. "When you pitch curves, make sure they're always part of your
baseball games. With the Lord's help, make sure your life is always as
straightforward and honest as you were today. Then you'll be a strong Christian.
Now . . . about the window-do you think you could come and do some sweeping and
cleaning for me and work off the cost of replacing it?" Ravi gladly
nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you face your problems honestly? Or do you make excuses when you do things that are not pleasing to God or to your parents and friends? Do you try to throw "curves" in your lifestyle-to hide your sins? Confess any sin you're aware of, and with God's help, stop doing it. Be honest in all you do. Make sure your actions are a testimony for the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 12:22)
"Those who deal truthfully are His (God's) delight."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I do, too!" exclaimed Toby.

"No, you don't," declared Meg. "I do." Dad, who had just come into the room, frowned. "I know more Bible verses than Toby does," Meg informed him.

"Are you in some kind of contest?" asked Dad.

"I wish we were!" said Meg. "I'd win all the prizes!"

"Would not! I won prizes in our contest last year," boasted Toby.

"So?" sneered Meg. "I did too. I won more . . ."

"Hold it!" said Dad. "Let's see if you've really won anything important. Can you quote Psalm 133:1?"

Toby and Meg hesitated. "How good and . . ." began Toby, and Meg quickly joined in, ". . . how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Each tried to finish first.

Dad nodded. "But it doesn't sound as if you won anything by learning that verse-there doesn't seem to be much unity here this afternoon," he said. "You really win when the verses you memorize help you behave in the way God wants you to-at school, at home, and at play." Meg blushed and Toby looked at the floor. "Can you think of some verses that have helped you?" asked Dad.

"Well . . . when we had that bad storm the other night, I remembered that even storms obey Jesus," said Meg. "That made me less afraid."

"I was thinking of ways to get even with Rick after he was mean to me the other day," said Toby, "and then I remembered the verse that says God repays, so I just let it go. And when a nasty story the guys told popped into my mind, I remembered the verse that says to think on good things, so I did."

"There's a new girl in my class," said Meg. "I wasn't sure what to say to her, but a verse I learned says we should be kind, so I invited her to play with us."

Dad nodded. "I think you've won something important by
memorizing verses after all," he said. "Great! When you use the verses, you're
pleasing God and really winning." He grinned as he added, "And don't forget
Psalm 133:1!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you learn Bible verses just so you'll know the most or win a prize? Or do you memorize them to hide God's Word in your heart and mind and to obey them? Do you use these verses in your everyday activities? You'll please God if you know His Word "by heart" and use it to glorify Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 1:10)
"Walk worthy of the Lord . . . increasing in the knowledge of God."

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeff looked up from his book when his mother walked into his room and turned off his radio. "Why did you do that?" he asked.

"I think you need to be more selective with your music," said Mom.

"That was just a local radio station," replied Jeff. "I like the catchy tunes, but I change the station if a bad song comes on."

"And how do you decide a song is bad?" asked Mom.

"If it's about drugs or . . . or killing-stuff like that-then I turn it off," said Jeff. Hoping to change the subject, he showed his mother a picture in his book. "Look at this sinking ship," he said. "It hit an iceberg in the arctic."

"That's dreadful!" exclaimed Mom.

"We learned about icebergs in school," said Jeff. "Only the tip of the iceberg shows. Ships can steer around the tip, but most of the iceberg is hidden under the water. It can be really wide, and ship captains don't know where it starts or stops. It's the part under water that they hit."

Mom nodded. "I know-and that's where the expression 'It's just the tip of the iceberg' comes from," she said. "You seem to be steering clear of music about drugs and violence, but do you realize that they're just the tip of a dangerous iceberg, too? It's easy to keep away from obvious dangers, but there's a lot of music with more subtle messages."

Jeff frowned. "Like what?" he asked.

"Catchy songs that promote rebellion or suggest that anything that feels good is good," said Mom. "Or how about songs that urge you to go after what you want, no matter who gets hurt by it? Or songs that use God's name in a disrespectful way?"

"Well . . . I guess maybe some of the songs are kinda like that," admitted Jeff.

"Yes, and they can do more damage than you think,"
warned Mom. She tossed Jeff a CD from his shelf. "Try this one," she suggested.
"You'd better sail in tropical waters from now on."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you pay attention to what's going into your mind through the songs you hear? Do you avoid those that have obvious bad words? Listen carefully to the message of the words. What is it teaching you? Is it pleasing to God? If not, turn the music off.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:
"Whatever things are true...noble...just...pure...lovely...of good report...meditate on these things."

[Soldier4Christ]

"You're okay, Puff. I'm right here. Quiet down," said Rebecca soothingly. She reached down and lovingly patted the lid of the cat carrier that was on the floor of the car. "Why is Puff crying so much, Mom?" she asked. "The vet didn't hurt him." Rebecca looked over at her mother, who was driving.

"I think Puff is probably scared about being in the car and being in the carrier all by himself," said Mom.

"But he's not really by himself-we're right here," said Rebecca. "I keep talking to him."

"Maybe he can't hear you over all his yowling," said Mom.

"Maybe not," agreed Rebecca. "Are you scared, Puff?" she asked. "I know how you feel. I remember how scared I was last summer when I went to camp for the first time." Rebecca continued to talk soothingly to the kitten. "I cried myself to sleep the first night-I felt so scared and alone. My counselor and the other girls were there, but I didn't know them-but somebody I did know was with me, too. And I'm right here with you, Puff."

Mom glanced over at Rebecca and smiled. "Who else was with you, honey?" she asked.

Rebecca smiled, too. "Jesus was," she said. "I knew the Bible verse where He says, 'I am with you always.' I'm sure He wanted to tell me, but I guess I couldn't hear him over my crying. When my counselor talked with me the next morning, she reminded me that God was there with me all the time-and I had to keep reminding myself of that, too. Then I had fun at camp."

"Good," said Mom as she pulled the car into the driveway and parked.

Rebecca took the carrier into the house. She gently
lifted the tiny kitten out and gave him a hug. "See, Puff, you're okay," she
said, smoothing his soft fur. "You couldn't see me, but I was with you, watching
out for you the whole time."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you're scared, do you remember that the Lord promises to be with you and take care of 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: (Isaiah 41:10)
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God...I will help you."

[Soldier4Christ]

Tyler dragged his feet as he approached the small white house where Mr. Grant lived. He wouldn't be visiting the gray-haired old man from his church if he hadn't been asked to do it as a "Christian work assignment" for his youth group.

"Uh . . . I'm Tyler Harper from church. I came to visit," he managed to say when the elderly man finally came to the door. Mr. Grant swung the door open and invited Tyler in.

Soon the two were munching on chocolate cookies and drinking milk. When Mr. Grant started to talk about his past, Tyler learned that the old man had helped start the church they now attended. "That was back in the old days, when I was just saved," said Mr. Grant. "How well I remember going door to door, inviting people to come to our new church. My! My! How much energy and enthusiasm I had then! Oh to be young again! That's when a person can really serve the Lord."

Tyler laughed. "I never thought of it that way," he said. "I guess I figure that a kid like me can't do very much for God. I keep thinking that when I'm older I'll be able to do something really worthwhile."

Mr. Grant shook his finger. "Don't think that way, Son," he said. "Young people can do a great deal for the Lord-they're so energetic and excited about life! Already you've done me a service by coming here today. You've made me realize that I ought to start serving God again like I used to. But I'll have to work pretty hard to keep up with a young fellow like you!"

Tyler grinned. "Thanks, Mr. Grant!" he said. "You've
helped me, too. Next time I won't be so afraid to visit someone just because
he's got a few gray hairs!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you made friends with someone much older than yourself? You can do a lot for elderly people by visiting, by helping with shopping or yard work, and by being enthusiastic about God and your church. They need you-and you'll find that you need them! They have much to offer-much to teach you about your walk with the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 4:12)
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Castles and Coasters-here we come!" exclaimed Miranda as she and her friend Julia buckled their seat belts and Mom started the car. "I can't believe we saved enough money and are actually on our way! And, Julia-we wouldn't be going yet if you hadn't found this coupon for half-price tickets."

Soon they reached the park. The lady at the ticket booth looked at the coupon Miranda gave her. "I'm sorry, dear," said lady, "but this coupon has expired. l have to charge you the full amount."

"Expired?" asked Miranda. "I didn't notice that." She looked at the coupon. Sure enough-it had expired quite some time ago.

Miranda's mother shook her head. "I'm sorry, too, honey, "she said. "I should have asked to see the coupon and checked it for you. Since I didn't, I'll pay half of the extra amount you need, and I'll loan you the other half if you're willing to pay me back soon. Does that sound fair?"

"Oh, yes!" agreed Miranda, nodding her head. "I have to clean Mrs. McCurdy's house on Tuesday, so I can pay you back this week."

"I can help, too," added Julia eagerly, and the tickets were purchased.

At lunchtime the three sat at a table and enjoyed hamburgers. "I didn't mean to give you an expired coupon," Julia said with a sigh. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Brown, for letting us owe you the rest."

Miranda's mother smiled. "I was just thinking about something that never expires," she said.

"What's that?" asked Miranda.

"God's promises," replied Mom. "They're so much better than any coupon, and they never expire!" She smiled and asked, "Can you think of any of them?"

"Ah . . . we learned a verse that says God will never leave us," said Julia.

Miranda nodded. "And God promises eternal life when we believe in Jesus."

"Good," said Mom. "God also promises to hear our
prayers. These are just a few of His promises, and I'm so glad that none of them
ever expire."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that God has made many promises? For example, He promises to save you from your sin when you trust in Jesus, to hear His children when they pray, to give joy, and to supply all your needs. You can find more of His promises in His Word-the Bible. Remember-His promises will not expire. They will last forever.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 2:25)
"This is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life."