Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"My social studies teacher said that for our homework tonight we should watch the TV special about terrorism," said Hannah. "We're going to discuss it tomorrow."

"I'm not sure that's a program I'd choose to watch," Mom replied, "but since it's an assignment, we'll watch it together."

Hannah didn't know much about terrorists, and what she saw was scary. The program showed bombings, hijackings, and people who were training to kill others.

"Why would people want to destroy each other that way?" asked Hannah when the program ended.

"I don't know," Dad replied, "but without Christ, man's heart is evil. He thinks only of himself. He wants to control things and run them his way."

"Wow!" Hannah shuddered. "I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!"

"We need to remember that God is in control of everything," Mom reminded her. "Man can do only what God allows him to do. God has the final say as to when and how the world will end."

"That's right," agreed Dad. "The Bible tells us not to fear those who can kill the body, but rather to fear Him who can destroy both the body and soul."

"I guess I always thought that was a good verse for missionaries," said Hannah.

   "It's a good verse for all of us," Dad replied. "It's a warning to those who are not Christians. They have real cause for fear. If someone kills their bodies, their souls will go to hell where they will be in torment forever-much worse than any form of terrorism. For those of us who are Christians, the verse is a comfort. When we suffer physical death, our souls go to heaven."

"I'm so glad I'm a Christian," said Hannah as she stretched and yawned. "I think I'll be able to sleep after all."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does the thought of terrorism frighten you? Remember that nothing can happen without God's permission. But if you're not a Christian, you should be afraid. After you die, it will be too late to accept Christ. Salvation is for today. Don't put it off.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" Hebrews 2:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"You have entered Bear Country." Matt read the words on the sign posted beside the road. "Bear country!" he exclaimed. "You didn't say anything about bears when you asked me to camp here this weekend, Grandpa."

Grandpa smiled. "It's not likely that we'll see any," he said, "but the authorities want us to be aware of the possibility."

As Matt helped Grandpa pound the tent stakes, he thought about seeing bears. That would make a cool story to tell the guys at school, he thought. But another thought kept climbing on top of the "cool story" thought. This tent looks pretty flimsy . . . a bear could tear it right down.

Matt and Grandpa had a wonderful day-hiking, fishing, cooking the fish over an open fire, telling jokes, and roasting marshmallows. Matt was exhausted when he crawled into his sleeping bag. But . . . he couldn't sleep. A stone poked him from underneath his sleeping bag. He heard people laughing at a nearby campfire. The sound of snapping branches reminded him that there could be bears in the woods.

A lump began to hurt in Matt's throat. He hated to admit it, but he wished he were home. He missed his mom's warm hug, a hot shower, a quiet bedroom-and no bears! Just as Grandpa began to snore, Matt remembered something his dad had said. "This world isn't really our home-we're just travelers here. A traveler sees wonderful things and has fun experiences, but he isn't totally comfortable until he's home. And our real home is in heaven."

Matt hadn't understood that at the time, but now he did. Camping with Grandpa is great, he thought, but I'm glad I'll be going home in a few days.

On the last morning of camping, Matt helped Grandpa pack up the gear. He hated to leave, but at the same time, he couldn't wait to tell his friends about the bear that had wandered into camp the night before. He knew they'd be impressed. He couldn't wait to see his mom and dad, either. Maybe I'll tell them how glad I am to be home, he thought with a grin.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been away from home for several days? What exciting things did you see and do? What did you miss about home? An old song says, "There's no place like home." That's especially true for Christians. Because of God's goodness, you can have some wonderful times here on earth. But if you're a Christian, nothing compares to your final home-heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20

[Soldier4Christ]

"See the world! Travel! Learn a special skill and meet people!" urged the TV announcer excitedly. "All you need to do is join the Navy."

"Wow!" exclaimed Benjamin, watching a jet take off from an aircraft carrier. "That looks like something I'd like to do someday. No more homework, no bed to make, no reports to do for school, no chores, no piano prac . . ." Suddenly he stopped. "Dad, you were in the Navy, weren't you? Was it really as exciting as it sounds on TV?"

"Well, I did get to travel and see several different countries," replied Dad, "but not everything we did was exciting. I even had to make my own bed, and the inspections we had make your mother's inspections look like nothing. I learned about electronics, but that required lots of homework, reading, and on-the-job practice. I also met a lot of people-Navy people, mostly. I especially remember my boss. He was pretty gruff, but we got along."

"Maybe I wouldn't like the Navy after all," decided Benjamin. "It sounds like too much work."

"The Bible tells us that work is a blessing," said Dad. "We often like to find the laziest way to do things, but that's not God's way. The Navy was a good experience for me. God used it to prepare me for the work I do today."

"It doesn't sound very much like what they show on TV, though," said Benjamin.

Dad chuckled. "Those who write ads know that people dream of the easy life-little work and lots of fun-so that's what they use to attract attention." He paused, then added, "That ad shows only a small part of Navy life, and right now you see only a small part of your life, Benjamin. You need to do your best at what you do now-including homework and chores. They're an important part of preparing you for other things God will have for you to do."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do your best at the things God has given you to do now? Do you use the right fingering when you practice your piano lesson? Do you do a good job with your chores at home? Do you take schoolwork seriously? It pleases God when you do your best with the strength and understanding He gives you. He has a purpose for all you're learning.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed." 2 Timothy 2:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Dad, how about going outside for a while and kick the soccer ball around?" suggested Miguel after supper one evening.

"Sure," agreed Dad with a smile. "Let's go!"

Miguel and his father were having a good time, but after one of Dad's passes, the ball ended up in the barberry thorn hedge at the back of their yard. Miguel went after it. "Ouch!" he exclaimed with a frown as a thorn pricked him when he reached for the ball. He scowled. "I hate this hedge," he grumbled. "Why don't we cut it down?"

"That might be a good idea," said Dad. "It makes problems for me, too, especially when I cut the grass near it."

"I wonder why God made thorns," said Miguel. "What are they good for?"

"Well, they're a result of sin," said Dad. "After Adam and Eve sinned, God told Adam the ground was cursed and would bring forth thorns and thistles. They can crowd out and hinder the growth of crops. And they can hurt us, right?" Miguel nodded as he looked at his finger, which had begun to bleed. "I think we can compare thorns to sin," added Dad, "because sin hurts us, too. If we let sinful thoughts and habits crowd our minds, they hinder growth in our Christian lives. Proverbs 15:19 says that the way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns."

"A hedge of thorns?" repeated Miguel. "Wow!" He pointed to the barberry hedge. "One thorn is bad enough, but a whole hedge of them is even worse, right? So I guess that means laziness is really bad."

"Right," said Dad. "Any sin is bad and needs to be admitted and left alone, but laziness often causes us to sin in a lot of ways. When a person is lazy, he often does poor work, leaves things undone, and has bad attitudes."

"I think I get it, Dad," said Miguel, "and I think I'll also get a Band-Aid, okay?"

"Sure," said Dad. He grinned as he added, "You don't mind if I get that ball while you're gone, do you?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you put off doing projects or school work? Do you think it doesn't matter what your room looks like? Is Bible reading and prayer something you plan to do "later," and then you never get around to it? Ask God to help you break lazy habits. They're like thorns in your life that choke out God's blessings and keep you from growing spiritually.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway." Proverbs 15:19

[Soldier4Christ]

"Next we'll have an obstacle race," Mr. Don announced at the Bible Club party.

"Cool!" exclaimed Andy. He bolted for the door. "I'm going to win!"

Drew frowned. "Andy always wins," he muttered. "I never do."

"At some obstacles you'll find directions that you must follow before you can move on," Mr. Don explained when everyone was at the starting point. He blew his whistle, and the kids dashed off.

"I hate crawling," moaned Drew when he reached a tunnel.

 "Me, too," agreed Tamara. "Guess we'll be last together."

"Who-o-oa!" yelled Drew a little later as he slipped off a rail that had to be crossed. "Don't wait for me. I'm used to being last alone," he joked.

Drew finally puffed up to the last obstacle-a wall. "Why is everyone just standing here?" he asked when he saw everyone waiting. "What's the problem?"

Andy frowned and pointed to the directions. "I got here first and have to help everyone over the wall in the opposite order that they got here. You're the last one, so that means you get to go over the wall first," he said.

When Andy finally dropped over the wall, he scowled at Mr. Don. "It's not fair," complained Andy. "I was winning, but now I'm last!"

Mr. Don smiled and pointed. "Have you ever seen Drew so happy?" he asked. "And look at the others rejoicing with him." Mr. Don put his hand on Andy's shoulder. "You did well, Andy," he said. "You did very well."

Mr. Don handed Drew a trophy. Drew read the inscription. "Many who are first will be last, and the last first." He grinned. "Thanks for helping me win, Andy," he said.

Mr. Don pulled another trophy from a box. "For his work at the wall, I have a special trophy for Andy."

As the kids applauded, Andy read the inscription. "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Andy looked at Mr. Don. Then he grinned at Drew. "Thanks for helping me win, too, Drew!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you work hard to be the best or the first at everything? Do you help others win, too? There's something even more important than earthly prizes, and that's the prize-the reward-God will give to those who love and serve Him. Apply today's key verse to your life. Be a genuine servant of others. When you do that, you're serving the Lord, and He will reward you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:35

[Soldier4Christ]

Carrie sighed when she heard her English assignment. "You're all going to give a speech next week," said Miss Hollis. "Pick any topic in which you're interested, and be prepared to talk about it for three minutes."

After class Carrie approached her teacher. "Please don't make me give a speech, Miss Hollis," pleaded Carrie in a shaking voice. "I just can't talk in front of people! I know I'll mess up, and the other kids will laugh at me!"

Her teacher smiled kindly. "Part of being a good speaker is learning to forget about yourself and to concentrate on your subject matter. Don't worry so much about what others will think," she encouraged. Carrie still looked doubtful. "And practice!" added Miss Hollis. "Practice in front of a mirror, and give your speech to your family. I'm sure you'll do fine."

Carrie did practice. She also shared her fears with her mother, and Mom and Carrie prayed about it together.

When Carrie's turn came to speak, she swallowed hard and walked up to the front. "My topic," she began in a nervous, squeaky voice, "is 'Stage Fright.' It's something I really feel like an expert on." The kids laughed-they liked her humor-and Carrie began to feel better. She talked about the causes of stage fright and about some famous people who'd had problems with it. She shared some of what she had learned from Miss Hollis.

"That wasn't so bad after all," Carrie told her mother that evening. "I know God helped me get over my stage fright, and I'm thankful for that."

Mom nodded. "Actually, I suffer from a kind of stage fright, too," she said. "You were concerned about speaking before a group. I don't have to do that, but I frequently feel the Lord wants me to speak about Him to an individual. I get nervous and wonder just what to say and whether the person will think I'm odd. Working and praying with you and hearing you practice reminded me that God will help me as well." She gave Carrie a hug. "He'll help you, too," added Mom, "when there's someone you know you should witness to."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you nervous when you have to talk in front of a group? How about when you have an opportunity to witness for Jesus to one of your friends? Long ago God promised to go with Moses and show him what to say. God hasn't changed. Trust Him to help you find the right words to say when He wants you to speak, and leave the results up to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Exodus 4:12

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Right Road

"Jim, are you sure we're on the right road?" asked Mom, sounding worried. The family was driving through rugged mountains with tall trees on each side. The road was becoming narrower, there were no other cars on the road, and they hadn't seen any houses for quite a while.

"Well, actually, I was sure this was the right road," answered Dad, "but now I'm beginning to wonder. I thought we would be at the campsite by this time. See if you can find the road map in the glove compartment." While Dad stopped the car, Mom turned on the overhead light and found the map. Together, they studied it. "Here's the town where we bought gas," Dad said, pointing to a spot on the map, "and here is where we want to go." He moved his finger along a line on the map. "Oh, no!" he exclaimed as his finger came to a stop. "I thought the camp was on this road, but there's a turnoff here. We'll have to go back."

In the back seat, Jonathan and Stacy looked at each other and groaned. "We're tired!" complained Jonathan. "We've been driving so long already!"

"Yeah," agreed Stacy. "This vacation isn't starting out to be much fun!"

"Oh, come now," said Mom. "We've had a good time today, and it won't take so long to go back."

When they finally reached the campground, Mom made sandwiches and heated soup. How good it tasted! When they were finished, Dad reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a small New Testament. "There's one more thing we need to do before we go to sleep," he said. "I made a big mistake today when I didn't look at the map soon enough. When I did check it, we got back on track. The Bible is our guide through life. If we neglect it, we may find ourselves going in the wrong direction in our lives-and that's a much bigger mistake. Let's make a promise to read the Bible together every day. Agreed?"

Mom, Jonathan, and Stacy all nodded. It was no fun being on the wrong road on a vacation trip. Being on the wrong road in life would be even worse.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you following the "map" God has given? You need God's guidance every day as you go through life. He gives it through His Word, but if you don't open it and read it, you won't know what it says. Make it a habit to read at least a few verses each day. Then think about them and put the directions God gives into practice in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
This is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death. Psalm 48:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, I can't find anything in this kitchen!" complained Abby loudly. "How can I make brownies if I don't know where anything is?"

"Yeah," agreed Adrian. "Why did you change everything around?"

"I told you kids I needed to experiment a little since the kitchen is new," replied Mom. "I didn't like the way the kitchen work flowed, but I had to try it a while before I could figure out how to improve it. I may even have to change it again-after I see how it goes with things this way." Adrian groaned and Abby rolled her eyes. Mom laughed. "You'll find the brownie mix on the bottom shelf of the corner cupboard," she added.

Dad smiled. "I'm glad that some things never change," he said.

"Me, too," said Adrian. "I'm glad Mom doesn't go in and change my room."

"But sometimes changes make things better," said Mom.

"Yeah-so I think she should go and tackle your room," teased Abby.

Adrian protested, and Dad grinned. "Actually, I was thinking of things about God," he said. "For one thing, the Bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Can you think of other things about God that stay the same?"

"I know one," offered Adrian. "The way to become a Christian doesn't change. What if we had to get perfect scores in Bible class to get to heaven? I'd never make it."

Abby laughed. "Me, neither," she said. "Or what if we had to go a whole year-or even a day-without doing anything wrong? We'd never make it."

Dad smiled. "God doesn't change the rules on us," he said.

"No," agreed Mom. "And His love for us never changes."

Dad nodded. "Part of God's greatness is that He's always the same. He's the one unchanging factor in an ever-changing world."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you noticed that everything seems to change? Music, dress styles, friendships-even ideas of right and wrong-don't stay the same year after year. Some changes are good; some aren't. You can count on God to always remain the same. If you know Jesus as Savior, you can be sure that He loves you and will never leave you. His standards of right and wrong don't change, either.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Austin was helping his dad pile firewood in the back yard when their next- door neighbor came over to watch. "Looks like you've got some nice walnut here," remarked Mr. Stevens as he stooped down and picked up a piece of wood that Austin's dad had trimmed from a tree in the woods. "Mind if I borrow this for a week?"

"For a week?" asked Dad. He smiled. "Help yourself-there's no need to return it. If you see anything else you can use, you're welcome to it."

"Thanks," said Mr. Stevens, "but this will do it for now." With a wave, he turned and carried the piece of wood into his garage.

"Why would Mr. Stevens want that old chunk of wood?" wondered Austin.

"I don't know," said Dad. "I should have asked him."

They found out why a week later when Mr. Stevens returned the piece of walnut, except now it wasn't an old chunk of firewood. It was a beautifully carved mallard duck! "I know you said I didn't have to bring this back," he said with a grin, "but I want you to have it."

"It's beautiful!" exclaimed Dad. "Thank you! We'll put this on our fireplace mantle instead of in the fire."

"Wow!" Austin whistled. "Look what you did with just an old piece of wood!"

The older man smiled. "I enjoy carving things," he said. "When I see an old piece of wood change into something beautiful, I'm reminded of what the Lord did for me. I was an unworthy sinner, living a life of pride and selfishness, yet the Lord took me and made me a new creation in Him!"

"I never thought of it like that," said Austin's dad, "but I will from now on. Every time I look at that duck made out of an old piece of firewood, I'll think of how the Lord made the old sinful me into a new creature!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has God changed you? The Bible says He loves the whole world-including you-so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, who gave His life for you. Accept Him as your personal Savior, and He'll make you into a brand new creation!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Micah looked at the pile of bricks his father was going to use to make a walkway from the front door to the driveway. "Mom, can I surprise Dad and make the brick walk before he gets home?" Micah asked eagerly.

Mom smiled. "You may try it if you want to," she said, "but that's a big job. I'm sure Dad will have to help with it."

Micah hurried out and carefully put several bricks in place. Then he sat in the grass and looked at his work. If people use this path, they'll trip, he thought. It's all rough and crooked, but I don't know how to fix it.

"Nice try," approved Dad when he got home late that afternoon.

"But why can't I get the bricks to lie flat?" asked Micah.

"Because the ground underneath the path isn't level," said Dad. "We'll have to fix that first." Together, they picked up the bricks and restacked them. Dad showed Micah how to dig out the dirt where the path would go. Then they smoothed it with a board until it was level. Finally, they carefully replaced the bricks. This time the path had a smooth, even surface.

"Proverbs 4:26 says to 'ponder' the path for our feet," said Dad as he looked at the brick walkway. "One version of the Bible says 'make level' the path."

"What does that mean?" asked Micah. He knew the verse didn't refer to the bricks that now connected his front door to the driveway.

"Physically, we need level paths to walk on, and spiritually, we do, too," explained Dad. "When we pray, read the Bible, and learn about God, it's like preparing the ground under the bricks. Then as we live, we need to think carefully about what we do and say, who we believe, and where we go. We need to be careful to follow God's leading for our lives. When we don't do things God's way, we're liable to stumble and get hurt-and sometimes we cause others to stumble and be hurt spiritually, too."

"We need God's help, just like I needed your help with this path, right?" asked Micah. Smiling, Dad agreed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of path are you following? Ponder-think about-your life and what God wants you to be doing right now. Let the Holy Spirit teach you as you spend time in prayer and Bible reading and as you listen to your parents, pastors, and Sunday school teachers. Obey God, and with His help, follow the path He wants you to take.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established." Proverbs 4:26

[Soldier4Christ]

"Ouch!" exclaimed Laura as she and her sister walked in the desert behind their grandparents' home. "I stepped in a patch of cactus plants. I didn't even see them!" Wincing in pain, she lifted a foot. Very tiny thorns were stuck to her sock and ankle. "Those plants sure have sharp thorns!"

"Hold on to my shoulder," said Elizabeth, "and I'll help you pull them out." Laura nodded, and the girls removed as many thorns as they could. Then they made their way to their grandparents' house-Laura hobbling painfully.

When Grandma learned what had happened, she carefully extracted more of the thorns. Laura's ankle was left with tender, red welts. "I'll never walk in the desert again!" she declared.

"But, Laura, you'll miss a lot of interesting things if you don't go out there at all," said Grandma. "You just have to be careful where you step."

Grandpa nodded. "When I watch out for cacti as I walk in the desert, I'm reminded that in my walk with Jesus, I also need to watch for things that might harm or hinder me," he said. The girls looked at him questioningly. Grandpa smiled. "We all need to watch for anything that might cause us to turn away from God," he explained. "It could be things like drugs or alcohol-or even good things, such as computer games or music. We've got to be careful where we go and what we do with our time."

Laura thought for a minute. "Some things are wrong, but it's kind of hard to see the wrong in good things," she said.

Grandpa nodded. "Cacti are good-they're interesting plants and a nice part of the desert. Enjoy them, but don't get too close to them," he advised. "Even the hard-to-see little ones have thorns. Enjoy the good things in life too, but watch out for their 'thorns'-things such as bad words in music or poor morals in books. Remember, too, that if things take too much of your time or keep you from homework or chores or other responsibilities, they keep you from close fellowship with the Lord. Don't let even good things do that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been stuck by a thorn in a field or by one on a rose? It's smart to avoid things that can hurt you physically. Be even more careful to avoid things that can hurt you spiritually-that may turn your heart away from Jesus. It may be something different for you than for your sister or brother or friend. Anything that keeps you from a close walk with Jesus is wrong for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeff came home from basketball practice to find Dad in the kitchen making their supper-frankfurters with macaroni and cheese. Jeff's favorites! Dad grinned at him. "Mom had a meeting tonight," said Dad, "so we're on our own." He filled two plates with the steaming food. "How was basketball practice?" asked Dad after they had thanked God for their food.

"It was great!" exclaimed Jeff. "I've always wanted to be on a team, and now I am. But . . ." Jeff hesitated, and his face clouded. "The other day you said your company might transfer you to a different city. What if that happens, Dad? I'll have to try out for a new team, and I might not make it."

"That isn't likely to happen," said Dad. "Don't worry about it." He picked up his fork and began to eat, but Jeff poked at his food and stared at his plate. Dad shoved away from the table. "Let's go to the grocery store."

Jeff looked surprised. "Now?" he asked. "We haven't finished eating."

"I know-but we'll want more later, and the store might run out of food," said Dad. He looked thoughtfully at Jeff. "Aren't you worried about that?"

"Of course not," replied Jeff.

"So you're okay with enjoying this meal without worrying about where we'll get more?" asked Dad.

Jeff studied his father. "This isn't about food, is it, Dad?" he asked.

Dad smiled. "No. It's about enjoying what God has given us right now-friends, basketball practice, school-without worrying about the future," he said. "You can relax and enjoy your supper because you know there will be more. And in life, we can enjoy the present-whatever God has given us right now-because we know He'll take care of us, whether we stay here or move away. He knows what we need, and He'll provide it."

After a moment Jeff grinned and took a bite of hot dog. "Sounds good to me, Dad. But maybe you'd better worry about whether I'm going to leave you any hotdogs. I'm pretty hungry!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you worried about something? Perhaps about someone losing a job, or about having to change schools or make new friends? Do you worry that you or someone you love may get sick? Change is part of life, but it doesn't have to be scary. Trust God to take care of you and provide for your needs. Change can be an exciting adventure instead of a time of worry!


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'll never get this map to look like the United States!" exclaimed Brianna, shoving her half-completed project aside. "I'm supposed to have this done by tomorrow, and I'm not even half through yet. I might as well quit!"

"Come now, Brianna. Is that what they teach you at school-to quit when things go wrong?" asked Dad.

"No, but there's just no sense in trying to finish this map," answered Brianna. "I hate making maps. Can't I tell Mrs. Payne I didn't have time to do it?"

"That wouldn't be quite true, would it?" asked Dad. "Besides, I seem to remember that you learned a verse for Sunday school last week that would apply in this situation. Did you forget it already?"

"Last week?" Brianna thought for a moment. "You mean Galatians 6:9? I remember it. 'Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.' But I don't think that's talking about drawing maps."

"Well, I think it can apply to lots of things," said Dad. "It seems to be saying, 'Don't be a quitter.' Don't you think that could include drawing maps?"

"I . . . I don't know," replied Brianna. Then she grinned. "It says to not grow weary when we're doing good. I'm not doing good on this map. I'm doing awful." Brianna looked pleased with herself for thinking of that excuse.

Dad smiled. "You're doing good in some ways. You're doing an assignment your teacher gave-that's good. And you're learning some things-you're learning that . . ."

"That I never want to be an artist or a map-maker," interrupted Brianna.

 Dad laughed. "Among other things," he agreed. "Whether or not you draw a map seems unimportant to you now-but it actually is important. Now is the time you're learning principles that will help you faithfully carry out duties God gives you in years to come. Learn to be persistent. It pays-you'll see."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to quit when things get hard? When you have trouble working a math problem, learning spelling words, or playing an instrument in band, would you like to forget about trying anymore? Whatever task God has given you at this point in your life, it deserves your careful, persistent effort. Don't just quit. Pray about it, and depend on God to help you do your very best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Jake ran into the house, threw his jacket on a chair, and ran to his room without even stopping to greet his mother. It had been an awful day!

To begin with, a boy on the bus had thrown a wad of gum, and it had stuck in Jake's hair. The school principal had to use an ice cube to unstick it! That made Jake late for class, and he got a stern look from his teacher when he plopped angrily into his seat. Before going to lunch, he had to finish the work he'd missed by coming in late. That meant he didn't get to the lunchroom on time to eat with his best friend, Chris. Instead, he had to sit next to Madeline, who watched his every bite and giggled all through the meal. And after school, he was in such a hurry to get home that he forgot a book Chris had lent him. He wanted to read that book, but it was still in his desk.

Jake was very quiet that evening as he sat beside his dad on the couch. "Is something bothering you, Son?" asked Dad.

"It wasn't a very good day at school today," replied Jake.

"Shall I tell you what I do when I have a bad day?" asked Dad.

Jake turned to his dad. "Do you tell Mom?"

Dad smiled. "Yes, that's one of the things I do, and it helps," he said, "so why don't you tell Mom and me what happened to you today?"

"Okay," agreed Jake, and he told them all about his troubles. He felt better after sharing with his parents. "What else do you do when you have a bad day?" he asked Dad.

"Well," said Dad, "sharing your problems with us is a good example of an even better solution-sharing your problems with God. That's the other thing I do. I talk to God about my day. He'd like you to do that, too." He smiled at Jake. "Do you think you could tell Him all the things that happened to you?"

   "I think so," Jake agreed solemnly. "I better start now-I have a lot to tell Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When something doesn't go well for you, do you keep it to yourself? It often helps to share your concerns with a parent or a friend. God wants to hear from you, too. Tell Him what's bothering you. He has promised to listen and help you with your problems. Trust Him to do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me." Psalm 86:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, I forgot to get paper, Dad!" groaned Derek. "I need it to finish my homework. Can I bike down to the convenience store and get some?" Dad agreed, and Derek hurried off.

When he reached the store, Derek was surprised to see his friend Tyler there with some other boys-smoking! "Hi," said Derek. Tyler mumbled a reply and held the cigarette behind his back as Derek walked quickly to the school supply section, bought what he needed, and left.

Derek was just finishing his homework when the phone rang. It was Tyler. "Hey, Derek," said Tyler, "just pretend you didn't see me tonight, okay? I don't usually smoke-just when I'm with those guys. They think you're a punk if you don't smoke!"

"Then don't hang around with them!" protested Derek. "I've heard that those guys smoke marijuana sometimes."

"Yeah, well . . . not much, though. Just promise me you won't tell anyone," urged Tyler. "I'll be all right."

Derek couldn't promise, and he thought about Tyler the rest of the evening. He prayed about him, too. He didn't usually tell secrets when someone asked him not to. But this seems different, thought Derek. Smoking's bad for him. It can cause lung cancer. And those guys he was hanging out with-they're bad news!

The more Derek thought about it, the more convinced he was that he should try to help Tyler. But I don't know how, he thought. He won't listen to me, and he'll get mad if I tell anybody. But . . . Derek hesitated. But I've got to tell someone. I'm going to talk to Dad about it. He'll know what to do. Derek jumped up and headed for the den where Dad was watching the news. Yes, there was a time to not break a confidence, but there was also a time when someone had to reach out and help.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever wondered if you should tell something you were asked to keep a secret? If someone you know is doing something dangerous, pray for that person and encourage him to share the problem with an adult. If that doesn't work, tell a trustworthy person yourself. Don't gossip about it, but do get help for your friend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2