Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

As the shades in his classroom were pulled, Rosario settled back in his seat to watch a movie about penguins. He found the film interesting, but he shivered when he saw the penguins swimming in the Antarctic Ocean. Brrr! he thought. I'd sure hate to be there! That's such a cold and lonely place!

Rosario laughed with the other kids as they watched the awkward birds slide and waddle across icy land, searching for a nesting place. How funny they looked! Soon they stopped at a rocky spot, which was called a rookery-a place where the penguins would lay their eggs and raise their young. The rookery was very crowded. Huge numbers of the birds could live in a single rookery, but each penguin had her own nest.

When the lights came on, Rosario had several questions for his teacher. "Mrs. Brown, if thousands of penguins live in one spot, how can a penguin tell which babies are hers?" he asked. "They all look alike to me-they all dress alike, too." The class laughed.

"That's a good question, Rosario," said Mrs. Brown. "Each penguin has a different voice. The parents can pick out their own children from thousands of other penguins, just by the sound of their voices."

That evening Rosario told his parents about the penguins. "Mrs. Brown says they all know their own children even though they look alike to us."

Dad nodded. "That's something like God," he observed. "Millions and millions of people scattered all over the world claim to be Christians. We can't always tell by listening to their words or watching their behavior whether or not they truly have trusted Jesus as Savior, but God knows those who belong to Him. If they stray away, God will call them back to Himself. He knows His own children, and He takes care of them."

"I'm sure glad He knows me!" Rosario said with a
smile.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder how God can keep track of everybody? With so many people in the world-so many praying to Him-do you wonder if He really cares about you-or even knows who you are? He does. If you've trusted Christ as your Savior, you belong to God, and He cares about every detail of your life. The very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:30). Trust Him. He knows and cares for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Timothy 2:19)
"The Lord knows those who are His."

[Soldier4Christ]

Rosario was working on a report about penguins when his dad came into the family room. "Hey, Dad," said Rosario, "did you know that when the penguins search for a nesting place, they march in single file for miles? They don't have any landmarks to guide them, but they never get lost. They use the sun to guide them. Aren't they smart?"

Dad nodded. "God gave them certain instincts when He made them," he said. "He really cares about His creation."

"Listen to this," Rosario continued. "It says here that when the penguin chicks are about three weeks old, they get so hungry that both parents have to go out and hunt for food. Then the chicks gather into groups of fifty or sixty. Each group is called a creche. In bad weather they huddle together to keep warm. They stick together for safety, too. If they wander off alone, a sea bird will try to capture them."

"That's a good illustration of Christians in a local church," said Dad.

"You mean like our church, Dad?" asked Rosario.

"That's right," said Dad. "In churches, Christians band together for fellowship, protection, and the care of one another. By themselves, they're more open to attacks of worldly living and false teaching. The church helps to provide spiritual protection for Christians as they grow in the faith."

"So we're sort of like the penguins I've been learning about, right?" asked Rosario.

"I guess your could say that," replied Dad.

Rosario grinned. "Boy! I'm sure glad God didn't put us
in Antarctica where it's so cold!" he said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you attend a good, Bible-believing church? Do you listen as God's Word is taught? Do you make friends with the people there? They can encourage you as you live for Jesus. They can pray for you. Knowing they're interested in helping you makes it easier to stand up for Jesus in the world.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Hebrews 10:22, 25)
"Let us draw near with a true heart...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together."

[Soldier4Christ]

"We have three new girls in my class," reported Jessica one day. "I really like one of them-Alyssa. May I invite her to my birthday party?"

"Sure," said Mom. "You're inviting all the girls in your class, right? The party will give the new girls a chance to get to know everyone better."

Jessica shrugged. "I suppose, but I don't think the other two will fit in with me and my friends," she said. Jessica jumped up. "Here comes Morgan. I'm glad she can stay overnight." She hurried to let Morgan in.

That afternoon Mom frowned when she overheard the girls agree that they'd like to be friends with Alyssa, but not with the other new girls. They thought Alyssa dressed well and was cool, but the others looked "poor."

"We're hungry," said Jessica a little later. "Is supper almost ready?"

Mom nodded. "Come set the table," she said. "Let's see . . ." Mom looked thoughtful. "What would you think of setting up the folding table? You could use it, Jessica, and Morgan could sit at the dining table with the rest of us."

"Why would we do that?" exclaimed Jessica. " I want to sit with Morgan."

"But you have blonde hair, and the rest of us have brown hair," said Mom.

The girls stared at each other. "I can't help that!" Jessica protested. "Besides, what does that have to do with it?"

"Actually, nothing," said Mom. "I bet the two new girls in your class can't help it, either, if they're poor and don't have such nice clothes, but that should have nothing to do with being friends with them, should it?" Jessica and Morgan knew Jessica's mother must have heard what they had said. "How do you think they'd feel about being left out for that reason?" asked Mom. "And how do you think God feels about that?"

Jessica and Morgan felt ashamed. "I . . . I think they'd all feel really bad," admitted Jessica. "I'll tell them I really want them to come to my birthday party."

"Good," said Mom, "but remember that one cordial
invitation isn't the answer. A genuine, friendly attitude is needed every
day."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you friendly with everyone, or only with those who are considered "popular"? Do you look down on people who may be poor or don't have clothes as nice as yours? Jesus wants you to love others as yourself. Don't leave anyone out because he or she is poor. The Bible says that's sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 2:9)
"If you show partiality, you commit sin."

[Soldier4Christ]

Lan closed her locker and hurried toward the door. Her first day in the new school had been just as she expected. She felt as if everyone stared at her because she looked different from most of the girls in her class. But then, they had not been born in Korea, and she had. She sighed. At least there are a few other Asian girls in my class, she thought.

"Lan," someone called. "Wait for me." Lan turned abruptly and saw a short, blond girl coming toward her. "I was hoping I'd get to meet you," the girl said in a friendly voice. "My Sunday school teacher told me you and your family had just moved next door to her."

Lan nodded. "She wanted me to go to church with her yesterday," she said, "but . . ." She paused.

"My name is Gina Ellers," the other girl said. "I hope you will come to church sometime. How about next week? There are lots of nice people there. You'll like it."

Lan shook her head. "They'll just look at me and see that I'm different."

"No, they won't," Gina replied. "Most of them know nobody is really different."

Lan looked at the blond girl in surprise. "That's silly. You sure look a lot different from me."

"Well, we do all look different on the outside," Gina admitted. "But it doesn't really matter how different each one looks on the outside, because . . . well . . . because God sees our hearts, and He knows that we're all the same inside. We all are born with sinful hearts."

Lan looked at Gina in surprise. "I never heard that before," said Lan.

"It's true-the Bible says so," replied Gina. "The good news is that we can have our sinful hearts changed by trusting in Jesus."

"Will I hear more about that at your church?" asked Lan.
Gina nodded. "Maybe I will come then," decided Lan. "It sounds interesting." Her
eyes twinkled as she added, "And different."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your nationality or background different from others in your school? Such things make no difference to God. Everyone is alike in that everyone has sinned. But God gave His Son for everyone-including you. Have you asked Him to take away your sin and make you His child? If not, do it today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 3:22-23)
"There is no difference; for all have sinned."

[Soldier4Christ]

Gina and Lan became good friends, and Lan became a regular member in Gina's Sunday school class. It wasn't long before she began to feel more at home in her new school, too. "You want to know something?" asked Gina one day. "You've been afraid of being different, and so have I."

Lan looked at her in surprise. "You? Why would you be afraid of anything like that? You look just like all the other kids in school."

Gina nodded. "Maybe I look like most of them," she agreed, "but I've still been afraid of being different because . . . well, I'm a Christian, and Christians are different. At least we're supposed to be. We have different ideas of what is right or wrong." She paused. "I hardly ever talk to kids about church or God or anything like that," she added, "all because I'm afraid they might laugh at me."

"You talked to me," Lan reminded her friend.

"I'm so glad I did," said Gina, "but I don't do it very often. I've been a Christian for three years, and I guess I've just been ashamed to let anyone know about it." She paused for a long time. "I felt terrible yesterday in Sunday school, when Mrs. Barr read those verses about Jesus being ashamed of us if we're ashamed of Him. I don't want Him to be ashamed of me anymore."

Lan wasn't sure she understood everything Gina was
saying-it was still all so new to her. But she did know what it meant to be
different. "Maybe it's good to be different sometimes," she said slowly. "I do
believe the things I've heard in Sunday school, but tell me once again how I can
become a Christian like you." She grinned at her friend. "Let's be different
together."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to let your Christian testimony show for fear that someone will think you are a little different? Being "different" in your actions and speech may be the very thing that will cause someone to see that you're a Christian. Perhaps it will give you the opportunity to share what Jesus did for you. Dare to be "different" for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 9:23)
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . . and follow Me."

[Soldier4Christ]

"All right, class, today we'll begin our study of evolution," announced Miss Pruit. "Of course, most scientists today consider it to be more fact than theory, and so do I." She paused. "Yes, Robert?"

"What does 'theory' mean?" Robert asked.

"A theory is something you believe, but it hasn't been proved," replied Miss Pruit. "As I said, however, there is enough evidence to consider evolution a fact."

"Miss Pruit," said Jordan hesitantly, "the Bible says God created everything."

"Young man," snapped Miss Pruit, "we are getting our information from scientific literature, not some book of fables. We cannot take the Bible seriously."

That evening Jordan told his parents about the class. "What can I do?" he moaned. "I don't believe in evolution, but Miss Pruneface will never give me a passing grade if I just keep telling her what the Bible says about creation. Besides, a lot of the kids think I'm dumb, too, for believing in the Bible."

"Being disrespectful of your teacher won't help," Mom warned sternly. "Call her by her correct name."

"Here's an idea-when you have written work, give the answer Miss Pruit wants along with an explanation of why you don't believe it," suggested Dad. "Stand firm for what you believe-but show respect for Miss Pruit and don't argue. We'll all pray that you'll be a good student in that class and be a testimony for God."

When Jordan took the final exam on the theory of evolution, he quickly put down all the "right" answers. Then he added that he believed the "right" answers were all wrong. He briefly explained that he believed the biblical account of creation.

When the tests were returned, Jordan was surprised to
see that he had gotten an "A" for the section. "Jordan, you know what you
believe, and I'm sure I can't convince you otherwise," said Miss Pruit as she
gave him his test paper. "You're a good student, and you've certainly studied
your material."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you stand up for what you believe? When you stand up for the Lord, you may be laughed at-and as far as you can tell, you may not influence anyone. But you will grow and be blessed through the experience.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 3:15)
"Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I heard the Lord speak to me this morning," Dad said as the family was driving home from church.

"You did?" Four-year-old Jeremy was astonished. "I didn't hear Him. I didn't hear anybody but Pastor Cook. Did you hear the Lord talking, Philip?"

Philip frowned. "No, I didn't," he replied.

"I didn't hear God speak the same way you hear me, but He spoke to my heart," explained Dad. "As Pastor Cook was preaching, I felt that God was telling me to give more to missions."

Mom nodded. "I felt the same way. That certainly was a stirring message. Did you enjoy the part about the wheat harvest in Kansas, Philip?"

Philip looked blank. "Uh-h-h, I . . . well, I . . . ah-h-h, some of it."

Dad glanced back. "Did you hear the sermon?" he asked.

Mom frowned. "Maybe you didn't hear the Lord because you weren't listening," she suggested as they arrived home.

As Mom prepared dinner, Dad watched the news on TV. The boys were sprawled on the living room carpet, and Philip read a Sunday school paper to Jeremy. "Oh-h-h!" Dad gasped. "How terrible!" The boys looked up as the newscaster continued telling about a ten-year-old boy who was injured when he rode his bicycle onto the tracks in front of a train.

"Seems like he should have heard the train coming even if he was looking the wrong way," observed Philip as Dad turned off the TV.

"He was wearing headphones and was listening to his radio," said Dad. "He didn't hear the train because he wasn't listening for it."

"Like Philip didn't hear God speaking in church this morning because he wasn't listening?" Jeremy asked.

Philip scowled. "You didn't hear Him, either."

"But next time I'll be a better listener," Jeremy
answered positively.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you listening for the voice of the Lord? He often speaks to you by simply placing upon your heart and mind what you should-or should not-do. He speaks through sermons, Sunday school lessons, instructions and advice your parents give, and simply through what is written in the Bible. Don't let anything drown out God's voice.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 11:15)
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

[Soldier4Christ]

"Can I have the comics page, Dad?" asked Jacob as he came into the family room.

"The comics page?" asked Dad with a grin. "Don't you want to read the front page news?"

Jacob shook his head. "That's just all bad news," he said. "War, earthquakes, crime-all kinds of rotten things going on in the world." He shrugged. "How can we look forward to the future when it seems as though the world might blow itself up one of these days?"

"Well, things do look pretty bleak for this old sinful world," replied Dad, "but don't forget that God will eventually destroy Satan and his followers who make this world such a scary place."

"Yeah, I know," said Jacob, "but sometimes it's hard to remember that God is still in control of things. Satan seems pretty powerful to me!"

"Satan is powerful," agreed Dad, "but not as powerful as God. Jacob, you remind me of the servant of the prophet Elisha. When a great number of Syrian soldiers were about to attack Elisha, his servant was frightened-until God opened his eyes so that he could see the large number of angels God had sent to guard them."

"I remember that story," said Jacob. "The servant thought the Syrians would surely overpower them, but God was in control." He paused. "I'm sure glad I'm on God's side!" he added.

Dad nodded. "When things look dark, remember that nothing happens unless God permits it. Jesus promised He would never leave us or forsake us. Since He's with us, we don't need to be afraid. We can trust Him no matter what happens."

"Okay, Dad," said Jacob. He grinned. "Now can I have
those comics, please?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do things like hunger, disease, and crime bother you? Do reports of wars, floods, and earthquakes make you worry about the future? You shouldn't close your eyes to the problems of the world, but you should also "open your eyes" to the power and plan of God. He's still in control, and His victory is certain.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 John 4:4)
"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

[Soldier4Christ]

Tears spilled down Sophia's cheeks. "I want Grandpa back," she cried. Sophia knew her grandpa was with Jesus, but she missed him so much. She remembered the times he had spent with her-reading stories, going for walks, or playing her favorite games.

Mom put her arm around Sophia. "It's hard to lose someone we love, and it's okay to cry," Mom said softly, "but let's think about Grandpa in his new home in heaven and how much he's enjoying it. And just think how wonderful it will be when we all join him there someday-more wonderful than we can even imagine."

Sophia nodded. "Yes, I know . . . but he always liked to be with us," she said. "I bet he misses us, too."

Mom was quiet for a moment. "Do you remember the neighborhood where we used to live?" she asked.

"In Indiana?" asked Sophia. "Sure."

"You liked your friends there," said Mom, "but do you wish we could move back?"

"Not really," said Sophia, shaking her head. "I like my new friends here, too. And our house is bigger-I even have a room all to myself. And the weather here is so warm that we can play outside all year. We're not moving back, are we?"

"No, Sophia, we're not moving back, just like Grandpa isn't moving back to earth after experiencing heaven. He has a new body and no sadness or pain."

"So . . . he wouldn't really want to move back, right?" asked Sophia.

Mom shook her head. "Grandpa is in heaven with Jesus.
And because you and I have Jesus as our Savior, we'll go there someday, too.
Then we'll live with Jesus and Grandpa in our heavenly
neighborhood."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died? The Bible says that God is preparing a place for all those who love Jesus-a place that is far better than anything we can imagine. It's okay to miss loved ones and even to cry at times, but isn't it wonderful to know that someday all sorrow and pain will be ended and all who know Jesus will spend eternity with Him?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:2)
Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I still don't see why we had to move," Amy complained to her brother Steve as they headed for school. "Hey! Look what you just did!" she shouted angrily as Steve stepped in a puddle, accidentally splashing her. She pointed to a few small spatters of mud on her pants leg. "I can't believe you did that!" She refused to listen to his apology.

At the end of the day, Amy and Steve walked home together. "I think the kids at this school are pretty nice," said Steve.

Amy scowled. "I don't," she retorted. "Some kids bumped into me at noon and spilled milk on my shirt. It left a spot. I told them what I thought of them!"

Amy's bad mood continued through dinner. She complained about the mud and the milk episodes. Then she looked down at her plate. "Oh, yuck!"

"Now what?" asked Steve.

"I put ketchup on my ham," said Amy. "I meant to use mustard."

"Amy, we've heard enough complaints," said Mom sternly. "This move hasn't been easy for any of us-but you're the only one who's been grumbling."

"Amy, what comes out when you squeeze the ketchup bottle?" asked Dad as he held it up.

"Ketchup," said Amy.

"And what comes out if you squeeze the mustard bottle?" asked Dad.

"Mustard, Dad!" muttered Amy.

Dad nodded and set the mustard and ketchup bottles down in front of his plate. "Whatever is inside comes out," he agreed. "Our whole family was 'squeezed' in this move. How we react says a lot about our relationship with God. The Bible says, 'Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.'" Amy stared at her plate.

"Tomorrow is another day," said Mom. "Ask God to help
you put on a smile, Amy. And to display a better attitude to all your new
classmates."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What comes out of your mouth when you're "squeezed" by a situation you don't like? Remember that what comes out shows what's in your heart. Is it filled with love for God and for others? Talk to God about it. With His help, your heart and your attitude will change so that only good things come out of your mouth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 12:34)
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad," said Ben one day, "I can't think of anything to confess."

Dad looked up from his work.  "You think there's something you need to confess?" he asked.

"Well, my Sunday school teacher says it's important to confess our sins to God every day so that we can have good fellowship with Him," explained Ben, " but some days I don't tell a lie or hit anyone or do anything else really wrong. So how can I confess anything?"

"Oh, I get it," said Dad. He grinned. "I wish I had that problem. I can always think of plenty of sins to confess."

"You, Dad?" asked Ben in surprise. "I didn't think you ever did anything bad."

Dad laughed. "Thanks for the kind words," he said. "Maybe I don't usually have a problem with obvious sins-sins that everyone sees. But I might have sinful thoughts that no one knows about. And then, too, there are actually two kinds of sin."

"Two kinds?" asked Ben in surprise. "I thought all sin was . . . was pretty much alike. Just . . . sin!"

"In a way it is," agreed Dad. "All sin displeases God, and it hurts others and ourselves. However, there are different ways in which we sin. There are sins of 'commission' -wrong things we do. And there are also sins of 'omission'-failure to do things we know we should do. The Bible says that if I know 'to do good,' and don't do it, it's sin."

Ben thought about that. "You mean like . . . if I know I should help Mom with something in the kitchen but I decide to watch TV instead, it's really a sin?" Dad nodded, and Ben shook his head. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "I sure won't have any problem thinking of things to confess anymore!"

Dad smiled. "Confess sin and don't repeat it," he
reminded Ben. "Don't forget that the two go together!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you confess obvious sins such as stealing, swearing, disobeying, or other things God has said you should not do? You also need to be careful to obey all that God tells you to do. Make use of every opportunity to do good. Right now, stop and think about those things that you know you should do. Then determine to do them as soon as you can.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:17)
"To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can hardly believe we're moving back to Thomasville tomorrow!" exclaimed Mallory. "I can't wait!"

Brianna nodded. "It seems like ages instead of only a year since we moved here so Dad could get the special training he needed for his job. It will be so much fun see all my old friends again."

"Until this year, Jorry and I were in the same room in every grade since kindergarten," said Mallory. "Do you think I'll get to be in her room again, Mom?"

"I don't know," said Mom. "Maybe."

"I hope I get a nice teacher like Mrs. Hunt," said Brianna. "I liked her so much! I do hate to leave Jasmine and Nicole from my school here, though. They're good friends, too-but not as good as Kalina and Ellen back home."

Mom laughed at the girls' excited chatter as she thought about her own friends and how good it would be to see them again. "When we're back with all our friends, it will be like a reunion," she said. Then she thought of something else. "A few weeks ago, Pastor Burns talked about a reunion, too. Remember?"

Mallory and Brianna looked at Mom. "Pastor Burns?" asked Mallory. "I don't remember that."

Mom smiled. "He talked about Jesus coming again and about how all Christians will be together in heaven," she reminded the girls.

"I remember now," said Mallory.

Brianna nodded. "It just doesn't seem as . . . as real as getting back together with everybody in Thomasville," she said hesitantly.

"But it is real," said Mom, "and it will actually be a
celebration and reunion much greater than what we'll have in Thomasville.
Christian friends we haven't seen in a long time will be in heaven, and best of
all, we'll get to see our Savior-Jesus."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been excited when you were going to see old friends? Maybe when school was soon to begin in the fall, or when a favorite friend or relative from far away was coming to visit? Meeting loved ones in heaven will be far more wonderful than meeting them here on earth. And meeting Jesus face to face will be the best of all.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
"We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom! May I see the kittens?" called Sam as he arrived home from school. He ran up the porch steps so fast that he almost fell through the doorway.

"Whoa! Slow down, buddy." Sam's mother laughed as she caught him.

Sam's cat, Marty, had appeared during a snow storm and soon became part of the family. When spring came, Sam had noticed Marty getting fatter and fatter. "She's going to have kittens," Sam's mother had predicted-and she was right. Four adorable little fur balls were now nestled in a box on the back porch.

As Sam reached into the box, a sharp pain shot through his arm. Then another. Marty was attacking him, hissing and growling! Sam jumped back in alarm. "Hey, Marty!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing?"

"Marty's afraid you'll hurt the kittens," said Mom.

Sam dabbed at the little spots of blood on his arm. "I need a Bandaid," he said. He and his mother went inside to get one. Then Sam sat on the couch looking glum. "I can't believe my own cat turned against me!" he grumbled. "I just wanted to pet the kittens."

"Marty will calm down soon," Mom assured him. "New mothers are protective of their babies. If she thinks something or someone might hurt them, she's ready to fight to protect them."

Sam glanced at his mother. "What would you do, Mom, if someone tried to hurt me?" he asked.

Mom winked as she replied fiercely, "I would scratch him!" She smiled at Sam's startled expression. "Just kidding, Sam. I pray that never happens, but I guarantee, I would fight hard to keep you safe."

"I know Dad would, too," said Sam solemnly.

"He sure would," agreed Mom. "Fathers are protective, too. But do you know who's the most protective of all? It's God-your heavenly Father."

Sam grinned. "I have a lot of protectors, don't I? I
guess I'll forgive Marty. She's just doing what she's supposed to
do."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry that bad things might happen to you? Thank God for the adults He has provided to protect you. Most of all, thank God that He watches over you Himself. He loves you more than your parents do, and He's caring for you right now. Talk to Him about any fears you have. Ask Him to help you share your fears with responsible adults, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 121:5)
"The Lord is your keeper."

[Soldier4Christ]

Kendra's favorite singer had come to town, and Kendra and her friend Megan excitedly waited in line to purchase tickets for that afternoon's concert. "Wow! These are good seats!" exclaimed Kendra when they finally got their seat numbers. "We're really close to the stage."

"We should be. They cost enough!" grumbled Megan. She grinned as she glanced at her friend. "I know . . . I know! You think they're worth it because now you'll get to see your hero close up! But I'm thirsty. Let's get something to drink before the concert starts."

"I'm afraid I'll miss something," said Kendra. "Would you mind getting lemonade for me, and I'll go down front to our seats."

"Okay," agreed Megan with a smile. "I wouldn't want to be responsible for you missing your hero! I'll be right back."

While Megan was gone, a man started making his way down the aisle toward the row where Kendra was sitting. He greeted people and shook hands with them. He paused when he reached Kendra's row. "Hi, there," he said. "Glad you could make it to the matinee. I hope you enjoy it."

"Thanks," replied Kendra. "I'm sure I will!"

When Megan came with the lemonade, Kendra told her about the friendly man. "I bet he travels with the band and helps backstage," said Kendra.

"Where is he now?" asked Megan.

"He's shaking hands over there," said Kendra pointing toward a row to the left of their seats.

"You're kidding!" gasped Megan. "I don't believe you!"

"Why?" asked Kendra. "What did I say?"

"You just spoke to your hero and didn't even recognize him!" exclaimed Megan. As she spoke, the man left the audience and walked up on the stage.

"I . . . I . . ." stammered Kendra. She was too shocked
to finish her sentence.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever failed to recognize someone you should have known? The Bible clearly shows that Jesus is the Son of God, but many didn't recognize Him as Savior of the world. Do you? Put your trust in Jesus and surrender your life to Him today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:12)
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

[Soldier4Christ]

"How about showing Pastor Lopez to his room, Mike?" suggested Mom when the visiting evangelist arrived for the weekend.

"Sure. You're going to use my room," said Mike as he led the way. "I left some space in the closet for you, and I cleared out the top dresser drawer." He switched on the overhead light in his room. "Oh, I forgot . . ." Mike picked up a lamp from his desk. "This lamp doesn't work," he added, "but Mom said you could use the one from her sewing room. I'll get it."

"Maybe I can repair that one," said Pastor Lopez. "I know a little about fixing electric things. Let's have a look."

Mike watched Pastor Lopez tinker with the lamp. Hearing him mumble something in Spanish, Mike grinned. "I've always wanted to learn Spanish," he said. "Could you please teach me some words while you're here?"

"I'll be glad to," agreed Pastor Lopez. He smiled. "I was just saying 'this doesn't work' in Spanish. The phrase we use for an appliance that doesn't work is 'no sirve.' In my church in Mexico, we have a saying: 'El que no sirve, no sirve.'"

"El que no sirve, no sirve." Mike tried to repeat the phrase. "What does that mean?" he asked.

"Literally translated, it means 'He who doesn't serve, doesn't serve,'" replied Pastor Lopez. "It's a reminder that if a Christian is not being a servant, he's something like this broken lamp." He smiled at Mike and added, "Being a servant is the Christian's job in life, just like giving light is the lamp's job. When a Christian serves God and others . . ." Pastor Lopez flipped the switch and the lamp came on, ". . .he's doing his job."

Mike grinned. "You fixed it!" he exclaimed. "Great! I've
been missing that lamp-and from now on it will remind me that I need to be a
good servant for God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you serving God? You cannot be saved by doing good, but after you become a Christian, God does want you to do good works-often in your own home, school, or neighborhood. When you're asked to do chores around the house or to help in church or school, do you remember that a Christian's job is to serve? Cheerful service honors God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 100:2)
"Serve the Lord with gladness."