Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Holly hesitated when Cecilia suggested that they play together after school. "Well," said Holly, "I'm kinda busy today."

"Aw, come on," begged Cecilia. "What do you have to do? I could help you."

Holly shook her head. "Not really. I have to practice the piano."

"I could just come in and listen," persisted Cecilia.

"Look, Cecilia," said Holly, "we were together last night after school-and Monday night, too. And we spent a lot of time together over the weekend. I like playing with you, but you really can't help with the things I have to do this afternoon."

"Well, okay," agreed Cecilia glumly.

Holly breathed a sigh of relief as she walked up the steps to the house. She found her mother in the kitchen starting supper. "Cecilia wanted to play again today," said Holly, "but I told her I had a lot of things to do. I hope she's not mad."

"Why would she be mad?" asked Mom. "You've been spending most afternoons with her lately."

"I know." Holly sighed. "I really like her, but sometimes I like being alone. Actually, I guess I get a little tired of always playing with Cecilia."

"A verse in the Bible talks about that kind of thing," said Mom.

"What verse?" asked Holly in surprise.

"Proverbs 25:17 says, 'Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you,'" quoted Mom. "The Lord created friendship, and He understands your problem. Friends do need to give each other time to develop different interests."

"Thanks, Mom!" exclaimed Holly. "I feel better about it now! I wish Cecilia could understand that verse, too."

"Be patient with her," advised Mom. "Maybe you can help her learn to enjoy time alone by lending her a good book or a puzzle now and then. Give it a try."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend lots of time with only one friend? It's fine to have a "best friend," but reach out to other people and make new friends, too. Listen to the Lord's advice concerning friendship! Don't wear out your welcome. Enjoy time spent with others, but also spend time alone and do a creative project or read a book. Encourage your friends to do that, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you." Proverbs 25:17

[Soldier4Christ]

"It's so nice and sunny out today. I wish we could go to our cabin at the lake," said Olivia at the breakfast table.

"Good idea!" answered Dad. "Let's do it. Help Mom get ready today, and we'll plan to leave as soon as I get home from work."

"All right!" Olivia gave her dad a big kiss as he left.

It was four o'clock when Dad called from the office. "I'm so sorry," he apologized, "but we have a big project that has to be completed by tomorrow afternoon. It was coming along fine, but there was a computer error, and now all the figures have to be rechecked. We'll have to postpone our trip till another day."

"It's not fair!" stormed Olivia when Mom told her about it. "Dad said we could go."

"Dad's boss asked him to work late," answered Mom. "They need him now."

"But he promised!" wailed Olivia. "And a promise is a promise! Now . . ."

"Hold on there," interrupted Mom. "He didn't exactly promise. He did say we'd plan to go, but you have to realize that sometimes it's difficult, or even impossible, to carry out our plans. We get sick or circumstances change, and there's nothing we can do about it."

Olivia scowled. "But, Mom," she whined, "I've been waiting all day to go to the lake, and now Dad's called it off."

"Are you being fair, Olivia?" asked Mom. "I know you're disappointed, but do you realize that Dad is disappointed, too?"

Olivia was quiet. "I know he'd go if he could," she admitted. "I guess he must feel bad." A minute later she asked, "Hey-may I bake one of his favorite cakes? A chocolate one with chocolate frosting?"

Mom nodded. "That will please him," she said, "and I think it will please the Lord as well."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever accused Mom and Dad of "promising" things when they merely "planned" them? If plans change, do you become upset and whine and cry, or do you try to understand the circumstances? Learn to accept changing circumstances and changing plans. Only God knows what a day will bring. And be sure you don't make any promise you might not be able to keep.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"You ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'" James 4:15

[Soldier4Christ]

When Grace arrived home from school, her mother was changing a light bulb. "I have a new appreciation for light bulbs," said Mom with a grin. "Until the bulb burned out, I didn't realize how dark this hall could be."

Grace nodded and sighed as she put down her books. "Anna's grandma died yesterday," she said.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Mom. "Anna must feel very sad."

"She does-especially since she didn't go to see her grandma for a long time, and now it's too late," replied Grace. Tears welled up in her eyes and she reached for a tissue. "Someday my grandma will die, too," she murmured.

Mom put an arm around her. "We miss our loved ones when they leave us," she said, "but since we know the Lord, we will see them again in heaven."

"I know." Grace nodded. "But I don't want to feel sorry that I didn't spend more time with Grandma. She asked if I'd help clean her attic. I've been meaning to help her, but I've been so busy sorting my music and reading and playing with my friends that I've been putting it off."

"I know what you mean," said Mom. "It's easy to take things for granted-like the light bulb-until they're not there anymore. That's true of people, too."

Grace nodded. "Well, I'm not going to treat people like light bulbs any more," she said.

"What does that mean?" asked Grace's little sister Julia, who had just come in.

"It means I'm not going to take them for granted any longer," declared Grace. "I'm going to spend more time with my family before it's too late."

Mom smiled. "You'll never be sorry for that decision," she said.

"Does that mean you'll play a game with me?" asked Julia hopefully.

"Not now. I want to . . ." Grace clapped a hand over her mouth. "I'll play with you," she said, "but first I want to call Grandma and tell her I'll come over on Saturday to help clean her attic. Okay, Mom?"

"Okay!" agreed Mom. "Tell her we'll all come."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you love and appreciate those God has put in your life? Can you think of ways to show your love for your grandparents? For your parents and brothers and sisters? For your friends? Don't wait until it's too late! Think of a way to show it today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

[Soldier4Christ]

As Mom chopped vegetables for soup, little Timmy dashed into the room. "Mommy! Mommy!" he cried, tugging on her shirt. "Will you tie my shoes for me so I can go outside and play? Please?"

"I can do it in just a minute, Timmy," said Mom.

"Will you do it, Blake?" Timmy appealed to his big brother.

"Sure-as soon as I finish feeding Smokey," agreed Blake as he put food into the dog's dish.

Timmy didn't want to wait. He wanted to go outside right that minute, so he sloppily tied his own shoes and went out to play.

Mom smiled as she watched Timmy leave. "You know, Blake, I think we're all a lot like Timmy," she said.

"What do you mean?" asked Blake.

"Have you noticed that he always insists he can't tie his own shoes when he's going to preschool or to the store?" asked Mom. "But when he wants to go out to play, he manages to do it." Blake laughed, and Mom continued. "We can usually find a way to do something we really want to do." She paused a moment, then added, "So the question is-what do we really want to do?"

"About what, Mom?" asked Blake.

"I was thinking of something that came up in Sunday school," replied Mom. "They need someone to help with calling on shut-ins. I thought I was too busy, but . . ."

As Mom's voice trailed off, Blake thought of something else. The kids in his Sunday school class had been asked to come the following Saturday and help prepare "care boxes" to be sent to missionary kids. At first Blake had thought it sounded like a good idea, but then he remembered that some of the guys were planning to meet at the park and play ball on Saturday morning. What do I really want to do? he asked himself. Play ball or do something to serve God?


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you really want to do? Everyone sometimes has to choose between doing something to serve the Lord and something that seems like more fun. However, when you really want to live for God and serve Him, you'll find a way to do it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"What's the matter, Cojack?" Davy squatted down beside his puppy's basket on the back porch. "Are you lonesome? Maybe I can stay home with you this morning." Even as he spoke, Davy knew that wasn't likely. It was Sunday morning, and his family was getting ready for church.

Dad came out to see what was going on. "What's the problem, Davy?" Dad asked. "Everyone else is almost ready to leave. You'd better hurry."

Davy looked down as he replied. "I don't feel like going to church, Dad. I'm tired of getting dressed up and sitting still for so long. Can't I skip it today?" Before Dad could say anything, Cojack started whining again. "Maybe he wants a drink," said Davy. He hurried to take care of the pup.

"You know," Dad said as Davy returned with some water, "Cojack is really dependent on you. He depends on you to feed him and care for him, and he thrives on your love. He really needs you, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, he does," said Davy. He smiled. It was nice to be needed.

"We're a lot like he is, Davy," continued Dad. "We all depend on somebody. Who do you depend on?"

Davy thought for a moment. "On you and Mom," he answered. "You give me food and clothes and a home and stuff."

Dad smiled and nodded. "Right. We do those things because we love you and want to take care of you. Mom and I depend on each other, too, and also on our church family. We depend on them for love and encouragement, and they depend on us-and we all depend on God." Dad rumpled Davy's hair. "So don't you think we'd better all be there if everyone is depending on us?" he added.

Davy looked up. "Okay," he agreed with a sigh. "Maybe my Sunday school teacher is depending on me to come." Then he grinned. "It's a good thing I can depend on Mom to have everything ready for me, huh?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you faithfully attend church and Sunday school? The fellowship and teaching of mature Christians is valuable in helping you grow in your spiritual life. It's great to have people you can depend on to care for you and pray for you. Be faithful in praying for them, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Hebrews 10:25

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wow! What a lot of people!" Jacob exclaimed. He and his sister Stephanie surveyed the scene before them. Several people were looking at the variety of items arranged on tables along the driveway and on the lawn. Mom sat near the garage with her money box. "I guess yard sales are a big thing."

"You bet!" agreed Stephanie. "Remember the racecar you made for the derby last year? It's already sold."

"Sold!" Jacob frowned. "I didn't want to sell my racecar!"

Stephanie was sympathetic. "You really wanted to keep it?"

Jacob nodded. "I spent hours on that car! I can't believe Mom sold it."

"She told us to go through the boxes," said Stephanie, "to make sure there was nothing . . ."

"Yeah," Jacob interrupted. "I just forgot."

"I know who bought it," said Stephanie. "It was Mrs. Barker. She lives down the street-and do you know what she does with the stuff she buys?" Stephanie didn't wait for an answer. "She has yard sales of her own and resells it at higher prices. She does it often. Just wait-you'll see."

Stephanie was right. The next Saturday there was a huge yard sale at Mrs. Barker's house. Jacob could barely contain his excitement when he found his racecar for sale. "Three dollars," he grumbled, but he quickly handed the money to Mrs. Barker.

When they got home, Jacob ran into the house. "I got my car back," he said with a grin. "I not only made this car, I bought it, too."

Dad smiled. "Yes, you did," he said. "That reminds me of what God has done for us. He created us, so we belonged to Him. But we sinned. The Apostle Paul refers to himself as 'carnal' or unspiritual-'sold under sin.' The punishment for sin is eternal death, which is separation from God forever. To save us from death, God bought us back at an unbelievable price-the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that God created you? Because of sin, He also paid a great price to buy you back to Himself. Jesus, God's Son, had to shed His blood and die for you. Can you imagine how much He must love you to be willing to pay such a price? Do you believe in Jesus-do you trust in Him to save you? If you do, you belong to Him forever.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"You were bought at a price." 1 Corinthians 7:23

[Soldier4Christ]

Haley looked into her parents' bedroom just as her mother pulled a box from the closet shelf. "What's in that box, Mom?" asked Haley.

Mom smiled. "It's full of old keepsakes-letters from your dad, my school albums, report cards, things like that," she said. "A lot of personal stuff."

"May I look?" asked Haley. Mom nodded, and Haley poked around in the box. She pulled out a tattered, old flag. "Look at this!" exclaimed Haley. "This sure is old and beat up. Why don't you throw it away, Mom?"

"That flag was draped over my grandfather's casket when he was shipped home from the war," replied Mom. "He gave his life in service to that flag."

"He died for this old flag?" asked Haley in surprise. "That seems . . . dumb."

Mom smiled. "What I mean is that he died so we would have the right to fly the flag," she replied. "He died because he believed in freedom for our country." She looked at the old flag. "He died before I was born," she said, "but that flag reminds me of him and of what he did for our country and for me. That's why I keep it-why it's valuable to me."

"Lots of soldiers died for the flag, didn't they?" asked Haley solemnly.

"Yes, they did," agreed Mom, "and that should make us more thankful for our country and the freedom we enjoy here."

Haley nodded. "I know something we have that has lots more value than the flag, though," she said. "It's the Bible. My Sunday school teacher told us many Christians died years ago because they believed the Bible."

"That's true," said Mom. "Even today there are places where Christians are persecuted, and some are put to death because of their belief in God and His Word." She picked up the old flag and began folding it. "Remembering that my grandfather was willing to fight for the freedom this flag represents makes me appreciate my country more," she added. "And knowing there are Christians who are willing to give their lives for their belief in God and His Word makes me appreciate my Bible more, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize the value of your Bible? It's content is worth more than dollars and cents. To some people, it was worth their lives. Do you take good care of your Bible, or do you toss it around carelessly? Show respect for what it contains. It holds God's Word-the words of life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver." Psalm 119:72

[Soldier4Christ]

Scott and Sydney were at the cemetery helping Dad place potted flowers on his grandparents' graves. Scott glanced around him. "Look at all the flags waving in the breeze," he said.

Sydney looked up. "Dad, why do only some of the graves have flags flying beside them?" she asked. She pointed to a special section of the cemetery. "All those over there have them."

"Those are graves of servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect the freedom of our country," Dad explained. "Some towns have special services and parades to honor the soldiers, too."

"They paid a big price to keep us free, didn't they?" Scott asked thoughtfully.

"They certainly did," agreed Dad. As they started toward the car, he added, "Someone else paid an even greater price for our spiritual freedom."

"A greater price than dying?" asked Sydney. "Who did that?"

"I know! Jesus did," said Scott quickly. "Right, Dad?"

Dad nodded. "The Lord Jesus didn't just die physically. When He died on the cross, He bore our punishment for sin so that we don't have to suffer it."

"But there's no grave to decorate for Him," observed Sydney.

"No. When the price for sin was fully paid, Jesus rose from the dead and is alive in heaven now, so there's no need to decorate a grave for Him," replied Dad. "There is a special way we remember Him and His sacrifice, though."

"A special way?" asked Scott. "What is it?"

"The communion service at church," said Dad. "It's a way of remembering Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It also shows that we're looking forward to His return. Jesus told His followers to remember Him by taking communion until He comes again." Dad smiled. "That's much better than decorating a grave, don't you think?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your church hold communion services? When you observe such a service, stop for a quiet moment to thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made so you could be saved. Thank God that there's no grave to decorate for Jesus-that He's alive and will some day come back for those who love Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." 1 Corinthians 11:26

[Soldier4Christ]

Ryan sat in the back seat of the car and listened closely as his uncle questioned Mom. As far as Ryan could remember, this was the first time Uncle Jim had gone to church with them. "You don't really believe what that preacher said, do you, Linda?" asked Uncle Jim.

"Yes, Jim," replied Mom. "I do believe what Pastor Grange said."

"How can you?" protested Uncle Jim. "Grandpa Casey used to say stuff like that, too. Way back when we were kids, he was always talking about Jesus returning and the end of the world. Nothing's happened yet."

"A lot has happened," Mom countered. "A great deal of prophecy has been fulfilled."

"Like the prophecy of Ezekiel and Daniel?" Ryan joined the conversation.

Mom looked surprised. "What do you know about Ezekiel and Daniel?"

"Quite a bit," Ryan answered with a smile. "We've been studying the major prophets in Sunday school."

Uncle Jim grinned. "Tell me about it, kid." Ryan knew his uncle was making fun of him, but he didn't care. People had made fun of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel-and even Jesus, too.

"People laughed at Jeremiah," Ryan said. "They called him the 'weeping prophet.' Guess they were the ones weeping when his messages came true."

Ryan's mother nodded. "If you'll read the newspaper, Jim, along with some Bible prophecies, you'll find God's Word is still being fulfilled."

"I'd rather not think about it." Uncle Jim shrugged. "All that talk about people knowing ahead of time what would happen sounds creepy to me."

Ryan started to tell his uncle that the death and resurrection of Jesus had also been foretold, but when Uncle Jim refused to talk about it any more, Ryan decided he had said enough. I gave him God's message as good as I know how. Now I'll just pray for Uncle Jim, he decided, and trust God to change him.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged because people don't like to hear the truths of God's Word? Do you find they don't want you to talk to them about God? Do you feel like you might as well forget witnessing to them and leave it to someone older? Don't give up. Give them God's message just as the prophets did, and leave the results to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak." Jeremiah 1:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wow!" yelled Michael. "Look at the cool offer on this cereal box! A racecar that's so big you can sit in it! Best of all, it's free!"

"Free?" asked Mom. "I doubt it!"

"It is!" insisted Michael. "It says so right here. Listen! 'Send for your life-sized racecar absolutely free!'" He turned to his father. "Can I do it, Dad? Please?"

Dad took the box and read the offer himself. "It may be free," he said, "but you need to send three dollars and fifty cents for postage and handling."

"That's still a bargain, Dad," said Michael. "Where else could I get a racecar for three-fifty?"

"When an offer sounds too good to be true, it generally is," warned Dad, "but if you want to use your own money, you can send for it. I think there might be a lesson here for you." So Michael excitedly sent the money on its way.

Each day, Michael waited eagerly for the mailman. Finally, a package arrived for him. It was surprisingly small for a racecar, and Michael found he'd have to put it together himself. He read the instructions and wrestled with the pieces of cardboard, trying to get each piece to fit. Michael appealed to his dad for help, and they finally had everything in place.

Michael stood and looked at the car sadly. "If this is life-sized, it must be meant for a two-year-old!" he said as he cautiously stepped into it. With one "kerplop," the car collapsed. Michael sighed. "So much for the racecar," he said. "You were right, Dad. Like you said-when an offer sounds too good to be true, it is."

"Usually," agreed Dad.

"I can think of an exception," offered Mom, who had been watching.

"You can?" asked Michael eagerly. "What is it?"

"The Lord offers us the gift of salvation," replied Mom, "and He loves us so much, He gives it to us outright-really free."

"That's right," agreed Dad as he looked at the racecar. "And God's gift of salvation will never disappoint us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been disappointed by a special offer? That will never happen when you're dealing with God. He offers you a gift so valuable that you could never pay for it. The gift He offers is eternal life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have not accepted this gift by trusting in Jesus, do so today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jessica," said Sammi one day, "let's start a Second Mile Club like Mrs. Jenner suggested in Sunday school yesterday. You know-put into action those verses that talk about doing even more for people than they ask. And about being nice to everybody, even those who are mean to us."

Jessica frowned. "You mean . . . if kids or our parents ask us to do something for them, we should do it and then do something extra? Like . . . if my brother asks me to carry his books home, I should, right? And then maybe offer to carry his jacket, too, and hang it up when I get home?"

Sammi nodded. "If Mom asks me to wash dishes, I will, and then I'll sweep the floor. We go the 'first mile'-do the first thing-because we're asked. We go the 'second mile'-do the extra thing-because we want to."

Jessica hesitated. "I'm not sure I do want to."

"It'll be fun. Think how shocked everyone will be!" Sammi grinned. "Besides, Jess, we talk about showing God's love to our families, but what do we do about it? We want them to become Christians, and this is one way we can witness to them-show them that we're different."

Jessica sighed. "Okay," she agreed. "I'll try it."

The following Monday, the girls compared notes. "How did it go, Jess?" asked Sammi. "Do you want to stop?"

Jessica looked shocked. "Stop? No way. I heard my dad say my attitude is better. Mom agreed and actually said she might come to church with me sometime." Jessica grinned. "And my brother Tim-he's so funny. I think he's about to burst with curiosity. I heard him tell Mom he's sure I'm up to something, but he can't figure out what."

Sammi nodded. "My dad told Mom he thinks my 'religion' might be real after all," she said. "Even if I goof up sometimes, I'm going to do my best to show them-not just tell them-that Jesus truly has changed me."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Would you like to belong to the Second Mile Club? All you have to do is "a little bit extra." Even if you don't see results right away, don't quit. "Going the second mile" to help others will make your life happier and richer. It's a great way to show your love for others and for the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Matthew 5:41

[Soldier4Christ]

Alicia hated taking her report card home! Maybe Mom will forget to ask about it, she thought. No-Mom never forgets things like homework or report cards or chores. She's always reminding me of stuff I should be doing. And I sure wish she'd quit asking if I think God is pleased with the way I behave." Alicia frowned. Now she thinks I should cool it with Samantha just because she heard her use a few bad words and tell a bad joke. Big deal!

Alicia was so busy with her thoughts that she almost passed her house. Taking a deep breath, she turned, went slowly up the steps, and opened the door. A "mini-tornado" almost knocked her off her feet. "Alicia, Mommy said you could take me to the park. Will you, please?" four-year-old Jared begged.

Alicia shrugged. "I guess so." She was glad to delay the show-down.

At the park, Jared ran from the swings to the teeter-totter to the merry-go-round and then off to the slide. "Hey! Look at me," he called as he came zooming down with his hands in the air.

"Look out, Jared!" called Alicia. "There's a puddle . . ." But Jared wasn't paying attention. He landed with a big splash in the mud puddle at the bottom of the slide. "Look at you!" Alicia scolded. "What will Mom say? Why didn't you watch where you were going? Oh, come on! Let's go home."

After Jared was cleaned up, they sat at the table with a snack. "Alicia," said Mom, looking at the report card in her hand, "you and Jared are a lot alike. He didn't look ahead as he went down the slide, and I don't think you're looking ahead, either. Your sloppy work habits and poor choice of friends are helping to push you faster and faster in the wrong direction."

"Yeah," said Jared solemnly. "You'll land in the mud, too."

"Ignoring what God teaches in His Word about friendships and personal conduct can lead to something worse than mud," warned Mom. "Jared's few moments of fun ended badly. Don't let that happen to you."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are bad habits and a poor choice of friends pushing you in the wrong direction? Are you neglecting important things like daily devotions, homework, and responsibilities you've been given? Look out! Don't be taken in by temporary pleasures. Now is the time to change directions. Choose friends and develop work habits that honor God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

[Soldier4Christ]

Emma  was always full of questions-questions like:  How many animals were on the ark? How did Jonah keep from drowning in the whale's tummy? How far away are the stars? Can we take a trip to one of them?

One day Emma  came to her mother with another question. "Mommy, who made God?" she asked.

"Nobody," her mother answered.

"Then where did God come from?" asked Emma .

Mom smiled. "He always was," she said. She hesitated. "I'm afraid I can't explain it so that you can understand, honey. As you grow older, you'll understand it a little better, but even then it will be hard. Our minds are not as great as God's mind, and there are some things we just can't understand. When we get to heaven, we'll understand them better, but for now we just have to accept the fact that God has always existed."

"But He had to come from somewhere," insisted Emma .

Mom took off her wedding ring and handed it to Emma . "I want you to tell me where this ring starts and where it stops," said Mom.

Emma  looked at the perfect circle. "It doesn't start or stop anywhere," she replied. "It's a circle-it doesn't have a beginning or an ending."

"And that's like God, honey. God is eternal," said Mom. "He never had a beginning, and He has no ending. You see, we think of our lives in minutes and days and weeks and years. But with God, it isn't like that. The Bible says that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day."

"O-o-oh," said Emma  uncertainly. Then she smiled. "Okay. I'll try to remember that God is like this ring," she said as she handed it back to her mother. "There's no beginning or ending."

"That's right," said Mom, "and His love is like that, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad your God is too great for a human mind to fully understand? That's one of the things that makes Him God! Don't try too hard to understand how He could have no beginning. Simply believe it because God's Word says so, and thank Him for being so great and so wonderful-and for loving you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"From everlasting to everlasting, You are God." Psalm 90:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Luke sneezed. He put down the book he was reading and reached for a tissue. A bad cold had kept him home from Sunday school. "How do you feel?" asked Mom as she came in with a glass of juice.

Luke sneezed again and reached for another tissue. "I keep sneezing," he said. "But I got this cold from Dylan, and he feels okay now, so I guess I'll feel better in a day or two." He frowned. "Something else bothers me, though."

Mom put the juice down and sat beside Luke. "Something I can help with?"

"Well, the other day I asked Dylan to come to Sunday school with me," said Luke. "Dylan says he doesn't believe in things he can't see. He asked how I know there's such a place as heaven-or even that there's a God-since I can't see them. I told him I just know . . . and I do, but . . . how do I know, Mom?"

Mom thought for a moment. "You said Dylan had a cold last week, right?"

Luke nodded. "He even missed school one day," he said.

"I bet Dylan has read about germs that cause colds and diseases," said Mom. "You might ask if he's ever seen those germs."

Luke grinned. "Good idea," he said. "I'm sure he believes they're what made him sick."

Mom nodded. "There are germs around us all the time. Just because we can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. Whenever we get sick, we see evidence that they exist. It's the same with God. We don't see Him, but we see evidence of His existence in all the world around us-and in the witness of His Spirit in our hearts. God describes heaven in the Bible. It's a world we can't see, but that doesn't mean it's not there."

"I'll tell that to Dylan, and I'll ask him again to come to Sunday school with me," said Luke. "Maybe he'll want to learn more about other things he can't see. And someday maybe he'll even see heaven." Luke grinned. "I know I will," he added.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize you believe in lots of things you can't see?Things like TV and radio sound waves, the wind, electricity, germs? You don't see these things-you only see evidence that they exist. Evidence that God exists and that His Word is true is all around you in the world He created. By faith accept what God says in His Word-and He says heaven is real!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18

[Soldier4Christ]

As goalkeeper for the Wildcats, Nathan watched the soccer ball pass from player to player. Suddenly it whizzed over a teammate's head and sailed straight toward the goal. Nathan dove and caught it just in time! He beamed as a cheer went up from his team's side of the field.

That evening  Nathan decided to play a video game a friend had loaned him. Oh, no! he thought as he took it out. Mom and Dad are talking with the Greys next door, and I forgot to ask if I could play this game. I suppose I should go check since I'm supposed to get their approval, but . . . I'll just turn it off if it's bad.

Nathan began playing the game and became so fascinated by it that he didn't hear his father enter the room. "What game is this?" Dad asked sternly as he removed it from the player. "You know our rule about playing video games."

Nathan's face grew hot. "It's one John loaned me," he said. "I would have asked you about it, but you weren't here. It's not a bad one. Honest!"

"We've talked about this before and agreed that until you're a little older, Mom and I would be involved in deciding what's good or bad for you to play with, remember?" asked Dad. Nathan nodded, and Dad sat down next to him. "Nathan, what would happen if the Wildcats had no goalie?"

"No goalie!" exclaimed Nathan. "We'd get beat for sure!"

"Right," agreed Dad. "In a way, God appointed your mother and me to be goalies for you. We do our best to keep bad things out of your mind until you're able to take over that job yourself. Now . . . what did we agree you had to do if you disobeyed us?"

Nathan lowered his head. "Ah . . . I have to apologize-and I am sorry, Dad." He sighed. "And I have to go and write at least five reasons why checking with you is a good thing." He got up to leave.

Dad nodded as he looked at the game's cover. "You know, Pastor Jorge told me the other day that this is a pretty good game for boys your age. When you finish writing, I'll make us some popcorn and we'll play it together."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look at things that displease your parents? Do you watch violent movies? Look at bad pictures? Trust your parents to safeguard your mind. They are like "goalies"-appointed by God to help keep bad things away from you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Honor your father and mother." Ephesians 6:2