Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can't see! I can't see!" Nick sobbed as he grabbed for the doorknob-eyes tightly shut. Mom hurried to let him in. "Adam threw d-d-dirt in my f-face!"

   Talking calmly, Mom washed the dirt from his eyes. "I'll get even with Adam if it's the last thing I do," declared Nick when the last speck was finally out.

   Dad had arrived home in time to hear Nick's remark. "Adam was wrong, but getting even won't help," said Dad when he heard what had happened.

   "It'll teach him not to throw dirt in other people's eyes," argued Nick.

   "I think Mom has dinner ready, so let's eat, and then there are some Bible verses we should look at," replied Dad. And after dinner, Dad opened his Bible to Romans 12:17-21. (See today's Scripture.) He read the verses aloud.

 Nick scowled. "I get even by being nice to Adam so he'll be ashamed?"

   Dad shook his head. "You don't get even. The nineteenth verse says, 'Avenge not yourselves . . . vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"

   "Well, I hope God gets him good!" grumbled Nick.

"Maybe He knows Adam has already suffered enough," suggested Dad.

   "Adam!" Nick echoed. "I'm the one who got hurt."

   "Adam may be feeling a big load of guilt and worry," Dad explained. "He's probably one really scared guy, wondering how badly you were hurt."

   "But what if he isn't even sorry?" asked Nick. "I could make him sorry."

   "Then you'd be allowing the bad thing he did to dictate your actions-you'd be letting evil overcome you," Dad explained. "That's not what God wants for you. He wants you to forgive Adam and do good to him-even if he isn't sorry. Then Adam may see how wrong he was. That's overcoming evil with good instead of letting evil overcome you."

   "That sounds hard," grumbled Nick.

   Dad nodded. "Yes, but when you depend on Jesus to help you, you can do it. Besides, wouldn't you really prefer to have Adam for a friend than an enemy?"

   Nick sighed. "Not right now, but . . . okay. I won't try to get even."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone mistreated you? Are you planning to "get even"? Instead, ask God to give you a forgiving spirit and to help you start overcoming evil with good. Ask Him to show you some nice thing you could do for that person-and then do it. You may be surprised at the results.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

[Soldier4Christ]

"Joel, will you please help me with this computer?" called Mom, so Joel went to see what she needed. "I've typed my document, but I can't get it to print," Mom told him. Joel grinned and tapped a few buttons. Soon the printer was whirring away. "Thank you!" exclaimed Mom. "You're a big help."

Later that evening, Joel came home from playing ball with his friends. "Mom, can I talk to you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Sure, Joel," said Mom. "What is it?"

"Well, after the game, some of the kids wanted Tim and Aiden and me to go with them and look at a bad web site they had found," replied Joel. "Tim and Aiden said no, like it wasn't a big deal to them. I said no, too, Mom, but I really wanted to go. The other guys called us chickens and babies." Joel cleared his throat. "It wasn't that I wanted to see that stuff, but I don't like having the kids make fun of me." He sighed. "Why is it so easy for Tim and Aiden to say no, but not for me?"

Mom gave Joel a hug. "I'm really proud that you didn't go in spite of how you felt," she said. "As for Tim and Aiden-well, let's be glad they didn't seem to be bothered by peer pressure as much as you are. They probably have other temptations that are as hard for them to deal with as this is for you."

"So . . . something else might be a bigger deal to them than to me?" asked Joel.

"Perhaps." Mom nodded. "Remember when you helped me with the computer? You knew which buttons to push to get it to print. Well, Satan knows which 'buttons' to push to tempt you-he knows your weaknesses. Just like you push different buttons on the computer to have it perform different functions, Satan pushes different weakness-buttons to tempt different people."

"That makes sense." Joel nodded.

"God also knows our weaknesses," added Mom. "Let's trust Him to help all of you continue following Him and resisting temptation."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you some sins seem to tempt you more than they tempt other kids? That's normal. Every person has different weaknesses and different strengths. The key is to totally depend on God to help you through any temptation you're facing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Maggie and her younger sister Rachel looked curiously at Dad as he cleared his throat. "Your mother and I have a surprise for you," he told them. Maggie hoped this meant a new wide-screen TV, while Rachel envisioned a trip to Disneyland.

Mom clasped Dad's hand. "We're going to have a baby," she said smiling.

"Really?" six-year-old Rachel jumped up and down excitedly.

"You've got to be kidding!" wailed Maggie.

Mom and Dad were surprised by her response. "We thought you'd be happy," said Mom. "You enjoy the babies in the families of our friends."

"That's different!" exclaimed Maggie. "They're not around all the time to get into my stuff. Will I have to to change diapers? And baby-sit all the time? Everything will be different with a baby around!"

"That's true," said Mom, "but I'm sure we all have plenty of love to share."

Princess, one of the family's two cats, jumped up into Maggie's lap and purred happily as the girl stroked her fur. Rodney, the older cat, lay napping nearby, curled into a ball. Looking at his daughter and the kitten, Dad smiled. "Do you remember when Princess became our pet?" he asked. "And do you remember how Rodney acted when we brought Princess into the house?"

"Well . . . sure," said Maggie slowly. "Rodney didn't like it much at first because she invaded his territory, but before long they became good friends." Maggie hesitated as she understood her father's meaning. "So you think I'll like having a new brother or sister once the baby gets here?" she asked.

Mom and Dad nodded. "You'll have several months to get used to the idea," said Dad. "We'll ask God to help us all look forward to the birth with joy."

"Well, okay," agreed Maggie doubtfully. "What will we name it? I hope it's a boy." She grinned a little when she noticed her parents' smiles. "I guess I'm getting a little used to the idea already," she admitted.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does a baby brother or sister need your love? Or maybe an older brother or sister? Or a new person at school? Jesus loved everyone. He even took time to hold and speak with little children. He knows that children are a gift from God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 19:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Tiffany, may I borrow five dollars?" pleaded her younger brother. Sam had been asking the same question of everyone in the family.

"No, Sam," replied Tiffany. "Mom said if you want that video game, you have to earn the money first."

"But I need that game now," whined Sam. "How can I earn money fast?" He watched as Tiffany's cat strolled into the room and jumped up on her lap. "Maybe I can sell Patches or something."

Tiffany laughed. "Hey! You are not going to sell my cat," she said. A moment later she added, "My Sunday school teacher told us a way to get rich quick. I could tell you, but you wouldn't like it."

"I'd like it! I'd love it!" shouted Sam, tugging her arm. "I need that game!"

"Calm down!" exclaimed Tiffany. "I'll tell you. The way you can get rich quick is . . . count your blessings. Make a list of everything you're thankful for. Then you'll see how rich you are."

"Huh?" Sam scrunched up his face.

"See?" said Tiffany. "I knew you wouldn't like it."

"But . . . but . . ." stuttered Sam.

"Go ahead," urged Tiffany. "Try it."

"Okay," agreed Sam doubtfully. He sighed as he left the room.

After a while Sam retuned with a notebook. "You were right, Tiffany-I didn't like your suggestion at first, but now I think I do."

"Let me see what you wrote," said Tiffany, taking the notebook. She began to read the list: "God, Jesus, parents, Tiffany, home, Patches, friends . . . the list goes on for three pages, Sam. Wow! You've worked hard on this."

"Yeah, and I learned something, too," said Sam. "With all the stuff I already have, it doesn't matter so much how long it takes me to get that game."

"Or if you never get it, right?" asked Tiffany.

"Never? Well . . ." Sam hesitated, then he nodded. "I'm rich enough already!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever feel you absolutely must have some new toy or game or article of clothing to be happy? Sometimes we don't get things when we want them; other times we don't get them at all. The Bible says to be thankful, no matter what. God wants us to be content with what we have.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'm going to do some pruning in the vineyard," said Grandpa when Tony was visiting one day. "Want to come along?"

"Pruning? You mean . . . pick prunes?" asked Tony as they started out.

Grandpa chuckled. "No," he said. "Prunes are dried plums, and plums grow on trees. The grapevines need pruning. That means some of their branches need to be cut off."

When they reached the vineyard, Grandpa got out a long-handled clipper and began working. Soon there was a pile of cut vines on the ground. "How do you know which branches to cut?" Tony asked as he watched.

"I leave those that are attached to the main vine," answered Grandpa. "They're the strongest and will grow nice, big grapes. The branches that grow only from other branches won't have such good grapes, so I cut those off." Grandpa showed Tony how he followed a branch to its beginning to see whether or not it was attached to the main vine. "Whenever I prune the grapevines, I'm reminded of what Jesus said about them," said Grandpa.

"Jesus talked about grapevines?" Tony asked.

Grandpa nodded. "Jesus compared Himself to the main vine, and He said people are like the branches. We who know Him need to depend on Him for everything we do." After a moment Grandpa added, "I think we can apply His illustration to people in general, too. Some are like the branches attached to the main vine-to Jesus. Others are like secondary branches to be cut off."

"Which people are like secondary branches?" asked Tony.

"Those who try to get to heaven on their own instead of trusting in Jesus as the way to heaven," answered Grandpa. "People who trust only in Jesus are attached to Him-the main vine."

Tony was thoughtful. "I've asked Jesus to forgive my sins, and I love Him. So I'm attached to Him and won't be cut off, right?" he asked.

"Right," said Grandpa as he cut another branch. "And I'm attached, too!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you attached to Jesus, the true Vine? Or are you attached to church membership, baptism, or good works? There's only one way to get to heaven, and that's through Jesus Christ. If you've never trusted Him to forgive your sins, do it now. Don't be cast away like an unfruitful branch.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered." John 15:6

[Soldier4Christ]

The family room of the Martin home was covered with sleeping bags, pillows, and giggling girls. Lindsey had waited eagerly for the night of her pajama party. Everyone was having fun, and the evening seemed perfect. When Lindsey went to the kitchen to get a second batch of popcorn, Mom reminded her that it was almost time for family devotions. "Be ready at nine o'clock," said Mom.

"Oh, Mom, can't we skip it tonight? Some of the girls don't even go to church-they'll be uncomfortable. Please, Mom," begged Lindsey. "Tonight's supposed to be fun."

Mom shook her head. "Lindsey, we have devotions every night," she said, "and tonight isn't any different. It's an opportunity to share our faith with some of your friends." So Lindsey reluctantly told the girls that her family was joining them for devotions.

Mom read a story about an orphan boy who had been unloved all his life. Through a missionary, he discovered God's love for him. Lindsey noticed that two of her friends seemed very interested-they were listening closely. Then Dad read some Scripture and prayed-he prayed for each of the girls by name.

As the girls were leaving the next day, they thanked Lindsey for the good time they'd had. "This was so much fun," said Natalie. "It was all great-the food, games, jokes and stories." She looked almost tearful as she added, "I don't think anybody ever prayed for me before! And your mom's story was the best one of all."

"Why don't you come to church with us?" urged Lindsey. "In Sunday school we hear lots of good stories and learn lessons from the Bible."

"Cool," said Natalie. "I'll ask Mom if I can come."

Oh, God, prayed Lindsey silently as she watched Natalie leave, I'm sorry for being embarrassed to share You with my friends. Please help me be a better witness for You.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid of what your friends will think if you witness to them about your faith? You might be surprised to find they're interested. God wants to use you to help others find Him! Without Him, they cannot have eternal life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

[Soldier4Christ]

"What impressed you most about this place?" asked Dad after their family vacation travel had just taken them through a large city.

"The tall buildings!" answered John promptly.

"The kids playing in the streets back there. Did you see them?" asked Mandy. "They had such dirty clothes and tangled hair and dirty faces. They looked like they hadn't washed for days. I should think they'd want to go and get cleaned up."

 Dad chuckled. "I can think of a time when you didn't want to come in and get cleaned up," he said, "and you looked a bit like those kids."

 Mom laughed. "I can think of several times like that," she agreed, "but do you know what those kids made me think of?" She reached into a tote bag, took out a small Bible and opened it "Who wants to read Psalm 119, verse nine for us?"

"I do!" offered Mandy. She took the Bible. "It says, 'How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.'"

"Right," said Mom. "We know we need to wash every day in order to keep our bodies clean, but sometimes we forget that daily cleansing inside is important, too."

Dad nodded. "Those kids on the street back there needed to use some soap and water, but we often need something even more powerful," he said. "Did you notice that the verse Mandy read doesn't just say we should read God's Word? What does it say?"

John answered quickly. "Not 'read' it, but 'heed' it. That means to pay attention to what it says, doesn't it? And to obey it?"

"That's right," agreed Dad. "That's one reason we have daily devotions. When we read God's Word, we see how He wants us to live. As we obey Him and change our way of living, our lives are cleansed and refreshed."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use soap and water each day? Do you also use God's Word daily? The way you live should be checked regularly. Are the things you do and the attitudes you display pleasing to God? Live a "clean" life as you read God's Word each day and do what it says.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Psalm 119:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Paige sat at the table with her half-finished jig-saw puzzle. Instead of working the puzzle, she stared sadly into space. "You don't look very happy," observed Mom. "Something wrong?"

Paige shrugged. "It's just that I'm tired of moving! Sometimes I wish Dad weren't in the Army. We've moved so often in the last few years, and now we have to move again. It doesn't seem fair."

"I know, honey, but Dad feels the Army is the place God wants him to be right now," said Mom. "He believes-and I do, too-that God knows what's best for us, even when it includes moving a lot."

"Well, I can't see how leaving my friends could be best for me," replied Paige.

Mom picked up a puzzle piece and put it in place. She pointed to the rest of the scrambled pieces lying on the table. "This puzzle isn't very pretty, is it?"

Paige frowned. "It's not finished yet."

"Exactly!" agreed Mom. "When you start a puzzle, you can't see the whole picture, and it may not look very pretty. But the pieces will fit together, and they will make a beautiful picture when it's finished. That's how God works with changes in our lives. At first we may not see how they'll fit or work out for good." Mom smiled. "Do you remember how you met Christy?"

"Sure," said Paige. "It was when we first moved here. I lost my wallet, and all the money I'd saved was in it."

"You didn't think that was a good thing at the time, did you?" asked Mom.

Paige shook her head. "I thought it was awful, but now I'm glad it happened. Otherwise, I might never have met Christy. She found it and called me, and now we're best friends."

Mom nodded. "God knew just how to put the right pieces together, didn't He?"

Paige smiled. "And if He did it once, He can do it again," she decided. "I wonder what kind of puzzle He's going to put together this time."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you worried and upset over changes that are coming? Remember, you're not seeing the "whole picture" of your life. Like a puzzle, it's made up of many "pieces." God knows just where each piece should go and when to put it in place. Wait for Him to work, and trust Him to know what is best for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"All things work together for good to those who love God." Romans 8:28

[Soldier4Christ]

"I hate you!" yelled Julie as she ran out of the house. She was glad to see the school bus coming around the corner, and she climbed on quickly before her mother had a chance to call her back. I suppose I'll get grounded or something when I get home from school, she thought, but I don't care!

Whenever Julie's anger began to fade throughout the day, she would feed it bitter thoughts-she didn't want to lose it. Why does Mom always say no to fun things? she grumbled to herself when she felt her anger weakening. Why can't she be like Amy's mother? Her mom lets her do anything.

At lunch time Julie scowled. Thanking God for her food didn't fit her mood, so she skipped it. Frowning, she pulled her favorite sandwich from her lunchbox. Tucked in the sandwich bag was a note, "Julie, I love you. Mom." Julie felt a bit ashamed-but not too much. Mom just wrote that because she feels guilty for not letting me go to Kelly's party, she reminded herself.

By the time school was dismissed, Julie had written a long list of complaints to present to her mother. She had to have something to justify her angry words that morning. She was looking at the list when the school bus approached her street and slowed to a stop.

As Julie stood up to leave, she heard sirens scream, and a fire engine roared past the bus. It turned onto Julie's street, and a few minutes later she saw that its lights were flashing in front of her house. Terror gripped her, and she stumbled a little as she ran wildly up the street. Is our house on fire? Where's Mom? she wondered frantically.

Julie's eyes searched the group of people who were gathering there. Oh, there's Mom, she thought with relief. Her mother was standing on the edge of the lawn, watching the firemen pour water onto the burning storage building behind the house. Sobbing, Julie ran into her mother's arms. "Oh, Mom," she whispered, "I'm sorry for the way I acted! I love you!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you left home with sharp words and anger between you and someone in your family? Do you feed those feelings with bitter thoughts? That's what Satan wants you to do. With God's help, make up your mind to say only words you wouldn't regret if they were the last words you'd ever say to someone. When the words you use please God, you'll be happier, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Proverbs 21:23

[Soldier4Christ]

Whitney couldn't believe what was in the grass under the bench at the bus stop-a cell phone. No one was in sight, so she picked it up and slid it into her backpack. Her thoughts were tumbling all over. This is to-o-o exciting! Mom and Dad said I couldn't have one of these, but now I do! I can call my friends anytime I want!

All day Whitney put on a big effort to act normal, but her thoughts often were on the cell phone. They were troubling thoughts. I wonder if my friends will think I shouldn't keep the phone? What will I say if Mom or Dad sees it? Worst of all was, Why am I doing something God says is absolutely wrong?

Whitney didn't show the phone to her friends. After school, she took it home, hid it in her room, and tried to do her homework. But her conscience kept bothering her. Finally, she gave up, got the phone, and put it on the kitchen table.

When her mother came into the kitchen, Whitney pointed to the phone. "I found this at the bus stop this morning," she said. " She looked at Mom hopefully. "I don't know who it belongs to, but . . . if no one claims it, can I keep it?"

"Did you turn it on to see if someone would call this number?" asked Mom.

Whitney shook her head. "I didn't think of that," she said.

"Let's try it," said Mom. She turned the phone on, and before long, it rang. "Want to answer it?" asked Mom. Whitney took the phone.

"Oh-h-h, hello," said a voice full of relief. "I've been calling all day to see if someone picked up my cell phone. Thanks!" His voice was hopeful. "I'd like to come get it. Can you tell me where you live?"

"My mom will give you directions," said Whitney, handing the phone to her mother. I'm glad the owner called. I know I could never have enjoyed the phone anyway. I'd always know it wasn't really mine-that 'finders keepers' isn't God's way, she thought. She smiled to herself. Besides, when I get my own phone someday, I want it to be pink!


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you find something you really want, what do you do? There are two ways to get things: the right way and the wrong way. The wrong way may be faster or cost less, but it doesn't result in true happiness, pride, and contentment. God's way-the honest way-is the only honorable way to go. When you find something, try to find the owner and return it to him or her.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." 2 Corinthians 8:21

[Soldier4Christ]

The Moore family members were all gathered in the den when the lights blinked and everything went black. "Oh, wow!" Garrett exclaimed. "The storm knocked out our power. What do we do now, Dad?"

"Don't move," Dad instructed. "I'll get us some light."

"I'll come, too," offered Garrett. He jumped up, took one step, and tripped over something on the floor. Down he went! "Ow!" He moaned and sank back into his seat. "It's darker in here than I thought!"

Soon Dad came back carrying a candle in each hand. A warm circle of light filled the room. "There . . . how's that?" asked Dad as he carefully set the candles down on the coffee table. "Now we can see again."

"This is much better!" exclaimed Sarah, who had been reading.

Mom leaned back in her chair. "I like candlelight!" she said.

"Well, it's a little dim," said Garrett, "but it's better than the dark, isn't it?" He rubbed his knee. "Now I see what I fell over-Bobby's truck."

Sarah leaned toward the candles to see better, but she soon put down her book. "It's still pretty dark for reading," she said. "I'm glad we don't have to use candlelight all the time-like they did years ago."

"That wouldn't be much fun," agreed Dad. After a moment he added, "But some people still live in the dark all the time-the darkness of sin. Sadly, they often think everything in their lives is okay, but it isn't. Darkness keeps them from seeing clearly."

"Like tonight," said Garrett. "I didn't see anything on the floor, but I fell over it."

Mom nodded. "The good news is that they don't have to stay in the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world, and He offers His light to anyone who will trust in Him. His light is much more powerful than this candlelight."

As she spoke, the lights suddenly came back on. "All right!" exclaimed Garrett. "No more darkness here tonight!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has the "light" of Jesus entered your life? Do you realize you're a sinner and need Him to forgive you? Do you trust Him to do that and to be your Savior? He wants to come into your life and take away the darkness of sin. Invite Him in today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said)"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Erin and her cousin Ava loved to paint pictures. "I think this is my best painting yet," said Erin as the girls painted after school one day. She held up her picture of a bright red cardinal perched on a branch.

"That is good!" exclaimed Ava. She studied it a moment. "I think that wing should be a just a little darker, don't you?" Without thinking, she touched the wing with her wet brush, and the color ran. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Ava in distress. The girls tried to repair the picture, but the more they daubed and wiped, the worse it looked. Ava was devastated. "Can you ever forgive me?" she asked through her tears. "I'm just so sorry!"

Erin was very disappointed-but bravely, with a little smile, she said, "Don't worry about it. It's okay." She looked at the ruined picture. "I'll do it over," she decided. "I'll make it even better next time." She could tell that Ava wasn't convinced. "Really, Ava. It's okay." Erin tried to reassure her cousin. But Ava seemed to feel even worse than Erin did.

That evening Erin related the incident to her family. "I'm proud of you for your good attitude and forgiving spirit, honey," said Mom.

"But Ava still feels so bad about it," said Erin sadly. "It's like she doesn't believe me when I tell her it's okay. That makes me feel almost worse than having my picture ruined."

Dad nodded. "Be patient with her-after all, we're all like that sometimes." Erin looked at her father with a puzzled expression. "I'm remembering a certain young lady who caused a stain on the carpet after she was told not to take red juice into the living room," explained Dad. Erin knew he was talking about her. "She confessed it to us-we knew she was sorry and forgave her," continued Dad. "I heard her also confess it to God-several times in her evening prayers. He forgave her the first time she sincerely asked Him to." Dad smiled at Erin. "We want people to believe us when we say they're forgiven, and God wants people to believe Him, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe God when He says He forgives you? Have you recently lied, disobeyed, said something unkind? Have you confessed to God one of these-or some other sin you've recently committed? If you're truly sorry for your sin, God has promised to forgive you. He says He doesn't even remember those sins anymore. Believe Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25

[Soldier4Christ]

David's father generally whistled when he was busy at his workbench in the garage. Today his face wore a frown, and David knew Dad still felt bad about not receiving a promotion on his job. I wish I knew how to make Dad feel better, thought David. He had even asked God for an idea of how to help.

Just as Dad turned off his power saw, a bird flew into the garage. "Go away," Dad said. "This is no place for you." Dad tried to shoo the bird outside, but it flew to the ceiling. When Dad tried to chase it out with a broom, the bird darted under the workbench.

"I think he's trying to find a place to hide," said David.

"Maybe if you open the door wider, the outdoor space will attract him," suggested Dad. But as soon as David opened the door, the bird flew up into the attic of the garage. "Oh, no," said Dad. "I should have closed the door to the attic. I'm afraid we'll never get him out now."

David and Dad went up into the attic, but they couldn't even find the bird. "He must be hiding somewhere in the rafters," said Dad as he returned to his workbench. "Too bad he doesn't know we just want to help him!"

An idea began to form in David's mind, but he wasn't sure how to express it. He finally decided to do the best he could. Clearing his throat, he began. "Dad, you just said you wished the bird could know we wanted to help him, but . . . well, we must just seem like strange creatures to him. Maybe God wishes you knew how much He wants to help you feel better about your job. I know it makes me feel better when I know you want to help me with stuff. God's your heavenly Father, so . . ." David's voice trailed off. "I don't know how to say it right."

Dad finished drawing a line on a piece of lumber and then turned his full attention to David. "You said it very well, Son," he said. "Thank you for reminding me that help is available."

A few minutes later, David grinned as he saw the bird fly out of the garage. He grinned even more when he heard Dad whistling.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who is hurting? Why don't you remind him or her of God's great love? Don't pretend that trusting God will miraculously make all the pain go away, but let the person know that God wants to share the pain. He cares.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Casting all your care upon Him (God), for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jamal!" called Dad. "Want to go with me on a bike ride?"

"Sure, in a minute," Jamal called back. "I'm just getting out of the shower."

A few minutes later, Dad walked toward Jamal's room. "Let's go," Dad called again.

Jamal opened the bathroom door. "Like this?" he asked with a grin as he hugged his bathrobe tightly around him. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll quick get dressed."

Soon Jamal hurried out to the garage where Dad was waiting. "Oh, no," said Jamal. "I forgot my helmet." He ran into the house and grabbed his bike helmet. "Okay, Dad. Let's go," he said when he came back outside.

Dad leaned on his bike. "You're sure you're finally ready?" he teased. "Properly dressed for biking?"

"I think so," replied Jamal. "I've got my biking shorts on, and my shoes. And I've got my helmet, so my head will be protected in case of an accident. I think I'm all set."

"All right!" said Dad. He grinned at Jamal. "It's a little like the Scripture we read last night, isn't it?"

"Scripture?" asked Jamal, thinking. "Oh . . . yeah. I remember. It was about putting on the armor of God, right? It even mentioned a helmet. You said we need to always put on God's armor every day."

"That's right," agreed Dad. "We need God's armor each day to be properly prepared for all the experiences we'll have. That's more important than being properly dressed for a bike ride." He wheeled his bike out of the garage. "Let's go," he said. "As we ride, maybe we should review the pieces of the armor God provides and make sure we've also put them on today."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you put on the armor of God every day? As you work the puzzle on the next page, think about the various pieces that make up the armor of God. Thank Him for providing complete protection for you as you face the experiences of life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can't get my new locker open." Amber frowned at the paper in her hand. "Here, take this paper and read the numbers to me, okay, Tonya?"

"Sure," agreed Tonya. She read the directions slowly. "You go right to 3, left two rounds to 8, and right to 4."

"All right!" exclaimed Amber as the door opened. "Thanks."

"You'd better memorize that combination," suggested Tonya.

At the breakfast table the next morning, Amber's brother Joey turned to Mom. "I'm ready to recite my Bible verse for today," he said cheerfully. The verse had been assigned the night before, and each family member was expected to learn it. "It's Colossians 3:16," continued Joey. "It says, 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.'" He grinned at his sister as he repeated the verse. He knew she hated memorizing. "Your turn, Amber."

"I don't know it yet-I'll learn it tonight." Amber glared at her brother, then quickly changed the subject. "We have new combination lockers at school."

"What's your combination?" asked Mom.

"I don't remember, but I put it in my notebook." Amber reached for a piece of toast. "All I have to do is . . ." Her mouth dropped open. "All I have to do . . ." she repeated slowly, "is look in my notebook." She shoved back her chair and stood up. "And my notebook is in my locker!" she wailed. "What am I going to do?"

"I'm sure you can get the number at the office," Mom suggested calmly.

"But I'll be late if I have to go to the office before school. Oh, why didn't I memorize it like Tonya said? Hey, maybe she remembers it." Amber dashed for the phone. A few minutes later she returned smiling. "Tonya knew it. I've written it down now, and I'll memorize it on the way to school."

"Good," said Mom. "But right now, how about learning Colossians 3:16? It's not a good idea to delay memorizing important things, right?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you complain about memorizing Bible verses? The Word of God is something like a "combination" that will unlock many doors in life for you. Memorize Bible verses now so that you'll know the combination when you need it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Colossians 3:16