Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Allowance time!" said Dad as he entered his son's room. Mark looked up and shrugged. "What's wrong?" Dad asked. "You don't seem very interested. Does that mean you don't need any money today?"

"Even if you gave me way more than my allowance, I wouldn't be able to buy anything for myself," said Mark sadly.

"Tell me about it," suggested Dad.

So Mark explained. "A few weeks ago, I was at the video arcade with Scott. I ran out of money, so he loaned me some. I meant to pay him back the next day, but they had a sale on CDs at the music store. The manager knows me, and he said if I wanted to buy some, I could pay half then and the other half later. I figured it would be only a week till I could pay the rest." He sighed. "But the next Saturday all the guys were going out for pizza, and I really wanted to go, too, so . . ."

"So you spent your money on pizza," finished Dad.

Mark nodded. "Yeah, and on some other stuff we saw at the mall," he said glumly. "I even borrowed a little more, and now everybody wants to be paid right away. It'll be weeks before I have anything to spend on myself!"

"It's generally best to just go without something until you have the money to pay for it," said Dad solemnly. "That's a biblical principle, too. The Bible warns that borrowers are servants to those they borrow from."

"What should I do now?" asked Mark. "Any chance you could raise my allowance?" He saw Dad frown. "No, I guess not," continued Mark. "Do you think I could skip putting money in the church offering for a while?"

"You mean borrow some of God's money?" asked Dad. He shook his head. "Divide the remainder of your allowance between those you owe," Dad suggested. "Tell each one you'll be paying a little every week. I think they'll be agreeable about waiting for the rest. After this, try not to borrow any money. Instead wait patiently until you can pay for what you want."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How often do you borrow money-a quarter here, or a dollar there? Do you borrow other things-pencils, books, clothes? As soon as possible, pay back any money and return anything you've borrowed. God says it's wrong to borrow and not pay back. You'll be a happier person if you learn to work and wait for the things you want.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Owe no one anything except to love one another." Romans 13:8

[Soldier4Christ]

DeAjah examined the bird's nest her dad found in the back yard. It was empty now, but it had once held four chirping baby robins. "Cool!" exclaimed DeAjah. "Can I have it?"

Dad nodded, and Mom stopped to examine the nest more closely. She looked thoughtful. "What are you thinking about?" Dad asked. He grinned. "Do you want a robin's nest, too?"

"No." Mom smiled. "I was just thinking about you and DeAjah and the twins and the lovely nest God has provided for us."

"Nest?" DeAjah asked with surprise.

"Our home could be compared to a nest," explained Mom. "Like the baby robins, you and the other kids will leave our nest, DeAjah. You'll go to college or get married or find a job."

"Not right away, I hope," said Dad, giving DeAjah a hug.

"No." Mom laughed. "But growing up and leaving home is generally part of God's plan for children." She smiled at DeAjah. "When you kids leave, we'll miss you."

DeAjah looked at the nest again. "I'll miss you, too," she said. "It sounds kind of exciting all right, but I'm glad I'm not leaving for a while. Who would take care of me?"

"Always remember, you won't ever have to leave God's 'nest'-His care," advised Dad. "Genesis 28:15 is a good verse to remember. If you put your name in place of the word 'you,' it will have a special meaning for you." He smiled. "It would read, 'I am with DeAjah, and will keep DeAjah wherever DeAjah goes.'"

"That's a good verse for all of us to remember," said Mom. "God will keep you while you're here in our 'nest' and also when the time comes for you to leave."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder if you'll ever be able to get along without your parents? Most people look forward to being on their own, but it's a scary idea, too, isn't it? Have you put your trust in God? Then as you read Genesis 28:15, you can put your name in it, too. Remember, you never have to leave God's "nest"-His care.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I am with you and will keep you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Heather watched her brother tie his new shoes. "Pretty cool, huh, Heather?" Tom asked with a grin. "Everybody's wearing shoes like these."

Heather nodded. Then she ran upstairs to her grandmother, who was staying with them for a couple of months. Perched on the arm of Grandma's chair, she began eagerly. "Grandma, will you buy me a new pair of shoes?" Everybody wears this certain kind. Tommy's got . . ."

". . . what Tommy needed," Grandma finished.

"I need some, too," whined Heather. She scowled. "Tommy always gets what he wants, and I never do. I need new capris and a shirt, too."

Grandma shook her head. "If it would make you happy for even a few months, I might consider buying you an outfit, but I dare say you wouldn't be content for a week. Besides, you have plenty of clothes."

"They're so old," objected Heather. "They're out of style!"

"Oh, I doubt that," replied Grandma, "but even the latest fashions wouldn't look good on you today."

"What do you mean?" exclaimed Heather, startled.

"Pouting, scowling, and grumbling are never attractive," Grandma told her. "You're a Christian, honey, and you need to learn to be thankful for all God has given you. Even the best fashion designers can't make a grouch look attractive."

Heather sighed and shrugged. "Oh, well," she said, "I bet Mom wouldn't be happy if you bought me another outfit anyway. She says you spoil us." Suddenly Heather grinned at Grandma and gave her a hug. "I gotta admit she's right-but I like being spoiled." She got up to leave. "Okay, Grandma, I'll just go on wearing my old fuddy-duddy rags," she added teasingly.

"Ah! Now I see a truly pretty girl!" exclaimed Grandma with a smile. "With that beautiful smile and a thankful spirit, you'll feel great . . ." Grandma's eyes twinkled, "even in those old-fashioned, worn out things."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you more concerned about the style of the clothes you're wearing than about the expression on your face? Your attitude reveals the kind of person you are, and it cannot be hidden by fine clothing. The Bible says to be content with the things you have. A thankful heart and a happy attitude are more important than what you wear-and they make a person most attractive, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation." Isaiah 61:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Sara felt lonely. I wish Mommy would play a game with me, she thought, but she's always so busy with our new baby. Maybe she can leave Gracie alone for a while. So Sara picked out a game and went to find her mother. "Please, Mommy," begged Sara, "will you play this game with me?"

"I can't right now, honey," answered Mom. "I'm giving Grace her bath. Just play with your new doll until I get finished, okay? Then I'll play with you."

"Okay," agreed Sara. She loved her doll and played with it every day, pretending it was a real baby. "Shall I rock you, Dolly?" she asked. Of course, the doll couldn't answer her, and as she sat and rocked it, she felt so alone. She wanted someone to talk with her.

It seemed like a long time before Mom finished taking care of the baby. Finally Mom said, "Ready, Sara?" Together they sat down on the floor and began the game. Sara was happy now. It felt so good to be able to talk and laugh with her mother. She gave a contented sigh.

Mom put her arms around Sara. "You were feeling lonely, weren't you, honey?" she asked.

"Yes, I was. But I'm not now," answered Sara. "I like playing games with you."

"But don't you love your doll anymore?" asked Mom.

"Oh, yes!" Sara nodded. "I still love her as much as I ever did-but I needed someone to love me back."

"Oh, Sara," said Mom, "I love you very much." She gave her little daughter a kiss. "You know," added Mom, " I think God must feel the way you do. He could have made us like dolls, moving us around in whatever way He chose. But He made us to be real people who have feelings and who are able to love Him back. Let's tell God we're glad He loves us, and let's tell Him we love Him, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you tell God you love Him? Do your actions show Him you do? The daily blessings He gives indicate how much He loves you. One way to show you return His love is to obey His commands. Another is to tell Him in prayer. If you love God, take a moment to tell Him right now. Then throughout the day, show by your actions that you really do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

[Soldier4Christ]

Tyler looked up somewhat fearfully when he heard the back door slam. He knew his father had come into the house. Dad used to come home in a good mood, eager to talk with his family. But lately he had been so short-tempered and grumpy that Tyler didn't know what to expect. Tyler was almost afraid to be around Dad now, and it made him sad. He felt as if he'd lost his wonderful father and had gotten a bad one in his place.

Sighing, Tyler gathered his homework from the coffee table and headed for his bedroom. I'll get out of the way before Dad blows up at me, he thought. He could hear Mom and Dad talking in the kitchen.

When his homework was finished, Tyler went to see if he could help his mom fix supper. To his surprise, his parents were sitting at the kitchen table, holding hands! He could tell they had both been crying. He felt embarrassed and turned quickly to leave.

Dad called him back. "Don't go, Son," said Dad. "Please sit down. I need to talk to you." Nervously, Tyler sat down. "I know I haven't been a very pleasant person to be around lately," continued Dad, "and I'm really sorry. I've had an awful lot of pressure at work, and I'm afraid I've been taking it out on the ones I love the most. I'm so sorry! I know that's a poor excuse for my behavior, and I know God isn't pleased with the way I've been acting. I've asked Him to forgive me, and He has. Mom has forgiven me, too-and now I'm asking you to forgive me and to pray for me, Son. With God's help I'm going to do better. I want to be a real father to you again."

With tears in his eyes, Tyler jumped up from his chair and hugged his dad. He was so happy to have Dad back again, and he would be glad to pray for him. I should have been doing that sooner, he thought.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you expect your parents to be perfect? They're human just like you, and they deal with problems you're not even aware of. When they act in ways you don't understand, be sure to pray for them. Even when everything seems to be going well, they need your prayer support. Will you give it? Pray for your parents regularly.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
"I exhort ... that ... prayers ... be made ... for all who are in authority."

[Soldier4Christ]

After Sunday school, Angela and Kelsey caught up with Madison in the hall. The three girls had just been appointed to be the food committee for the class picnic. "When shall we meet?" asked Kelsey.

"Not today," said Madison, turning away and hurrying out the door.

Later that week, the girls finally got together. "I don't have time for this-I can't stay," said Madison hurriedly. "What shall we eat anyway? Got any ideas?"

Kelsey and Angela had been thinking about it, and Kelsey handed Madison a list of the things they had planned. Madison glanced at it. "Looks okay to me," she said. "Anyway, I don't have time to plan a better menu. Who brings what?"

Angela handed her another paper. After glancing at it, Madison gave it back. "I'd better keep the first list-I'll show it to Miss Wilson," said Madison. "Now I've got to rush. See you later."

Madison never seemed to have time to help the other girls get things ready for the picnic, but it all went well. "We didn't forget a thing," Angela remarked as she and Kelsey cleared the table after they ate. Madison was off playing games.

As everyone prepared to leave, Kelsey saw Miss Wilson pat Madison's shoulder. "You did a great job," said the teacher. "It's so nice to have someone I can depend on to help me."

Madison smiled sweetly. "I enjoyed helping, Miss Wilson," she said.

"Did you hear that?" sputtered Kelsey. "Madison didn't do a thing, and she's taking all the credit for our hard work! I feel like telling her off." Angela nodded.

 When Angela's mother came to pick them up, Angela told her how they felt about Madison. "I understand," said Mom, "but you know who really did the work, and so does God. In fact, I'm sure most of the kids know who did it, too." She smiled at the girls. "Don't let Madison's attitude spoil your day," she said. "I know you had fun working on the picnic, and you did a good job. That's the important thing. Besides, as your dad always says, Angela-God doesn't always settle His accounts immediately, but payday is coming."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone else gotten credit for your hard work? Did it make you angry? The reward for a job well done isn't always praise and honor from others. The satisfaction of knowing you've done your best and God is pleased with your effort is more important than praise. His approval is most important of all-it's what brings real rewards.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!" 2 Chronicles 15:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"How can you believe there's only one way to heaven?" Devon asked Peter. "There are lots of good people following different ways to get there. My dad says nobody has all the truth and a person will go to heaven if he does what he sincerely believes is right. Like . . . well, like some people worship Buddha or Allah. If they're sincere, God will let them into heaven."

Peter shook his head. "My pastor says they may be sincere, but they're sincerely wrong," he answered. "We can be saved only through Jesus. He's the only door to heaven. He said so Himself."

Devon wasn't convinced. "Let's forget it," he said. "How about going over to school with me? I left my trumpet there, and I need it so I can practice."

"Okay," agreed Peter, "but I doubt we can get in. The whole school will be locked up by now."

"Some doors should be open," replied Devon. "Let's go see."

Just as Peter expected, the main entrance to the school was locked. The boys tried other doors, but they were locked, too. As they turned to leave, they saw a janitor. They appealed to him, and he allowed them get the trumpet.

"Hey, Devon," said Peter as they headed home, "you really thought some of the doors at school would be open, didn't you?"

"Sure I did," answered Devon. "So what?"

"So you sincerely thought you could get in by yourself, but you were sincerely wrong," said Peter. "In a way, the janitor was 'the door' for you to get into school. It was only through him that you could go in. Does this remind you of something we were talking about earlier?"

Devon frowned. "You're saying there's only one way to get into heaven, just like there was only one way to get into school-that being sincere doesn't help if what you believe is wrong." He paused. "I get your point," he admitted. "I'll have to think about it. You might be right after all."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe you'll get to heaven by being good? Do you think anyone who sincerely does his best will be okay? Satan wants you to believe that, but Jesus says He is the door-not a door, but the door. Doing your best won't work, no matter how sincere you are. Trust in Jesus, the only door into heaven.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I am the door (to heaven). If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." John 10:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Katie and Zachary grinned as their family rode the elevator to the observation deck of the Sears Tower in Chicago. Their ears "popped" as they whizzed by floor after floor, going higher and higher. When they got off the elevator, they hurried to the window to see the view below. "Everything looks so tiny!" Katie exclaimed. "The cars look like toys."

Zachary laughed. "The highways look like black snakes sneaking in and out of the city."

"You certainly can see a long way from here," agreed Mom. "What a lot of boats on the lake!"

Zachary pointed. "See that red car right below us?" he asked. "It keeps changing lanes, trying to get ahead of everyone else."

Dad nodded. "He's foolishly and dangerously passing everyone! But look way up ahead of him. The traffic is stopped, and he'll have to stop, too."

"Too bad he can't see the road ahead like we can," said Katie. "Then he'd know he might as well take it easy."

"He reminds me of myself," murmured Dad.

"Of yourself?" asked Zachary, and the others looked at Dad curiously, too. "You don't pass everybody on the road."

Dad smiled. "No. No, I was just thinking about how I'm not always patient when things don't go just the way I'd like them to. I know God has a plan for my life, but I sometimes try to hurry ahead and work things out my own way," he explained. "I complain when I have to wait, and I don't stop to think that God must have a purpose for the delay."

"I'm afraid we're all guilty of being impatient," said Mom. "We need to remember that God's ways-and timing-are best. He knows what's up ahead."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remain cheerful if an activity is cancelled because the weather is bad or someone got sick? Have you kept a good attitude when you had to move? Changes aren't always pleasant, but God knows what's ahead of you in life. Because of His perfect love for you, trust Him to work things out for your good. His way is always best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Aden and his friend Mike were having a great time playing with Aden's battery-powered car. One of them would push the lever and steer the car, and the other would retrieve it when it went off the sidewalk. As they took turns, Griffen, a bigger boy, came along and stopped to watch. When Aden went to pick up his car, the bigger boy pushed him aside. "Let's see this car spin out in the sand," Griffen said, reaching for the car.

"No!" answered Aden, trying to get it back. "That will clog the gears."

"So what? I want to see what happens," announced Griffen. Aden didn't know what to do. Griffen was so much bigger and stronger than he was.

Just then a new voice spoke behind them. "Any trouble here?"

Aden turned around and saw his older brother. "Hi, Simon," he said in relief. "Mike and I were running my car on the sidewalk. Griffen wants to run it in the sand, but that would wreck it!"

Simon glanced at the car in Griffen's hand. "How about giving my brother's car back to him," he said.

"Sure." Griffen quickly handed Aden the car. "I don't wanna play with a dumb car like that anyway," mumbled Griffen as he shuffled off down the street.

"Thanks a lot, Simon," said Aden.

"Anytime, little brother," replied Simon. He playfully mussed Aden's hair and went off whistling.

"Good thing Simon came along," said Mike. "I wish I had an older brother to watch out for me."

Aden placed the car on the sidewalk and pressed the lever. "My Sunday school teacher says all Christians are like brothers and sisters because we're all born into God's family-we're all children of God. She says Jesus even calls Christians His brothers."

Mike grinned. "I learned that, too," he said, "but I forgot. I'm a Christian, so I guess I have lots of brothers-and Jesus is the best one of all to have."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever thought of Jesus as your brother? If you've trusted Him as Savior, you're a child of God. Although you can't see Him, God's Son, Jesus, refers to Himself as your brother. A human brother can't always be around, but Jesus is. He cares very much for you. You can talk to Him at any time. Share your joys with Him, and ask Him for help when you need it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"He (Jesus) cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Jill and Cathy were sprawled on the living room floor, reading comic books. "Girls," called Mom, "how about doing a little weeding in the garden?"

"It's too hot to work," Jill complained with a scowl.

"Yeah!" agreed Cathy. "Besides, this is summer vacation. Who wants to work in the summertime?"

"I know some who do," said Mom mysteriously. "They're out on the driveway now. Maybe you could learn something from them."

Surprised, Jill and Cathy jumped up and ran to the window. "There's nobody out there," said Cathy with a frown.

"Go outside and look closely," Mom replied.

The girls went out and looked around curiously. "I don't see anybody," said Jill. "Maybe Mom was . . ." Then she stopped. "Hey, look! See the ant hill in this crack in the pavement? I bet these ants are what she meant!"

The girls sat down on the warm cement to watch the little creatures. "Look at them scurry," said Jill. "The heat doesn't seem to bother them."

"They do work hard," agreed Cathy. " Look at that one! He's dragging a twig ten times bigger than he is!"

Jill nodded. "Yeah, ants are strong. We studied about them in school. Some ant hills stretch out for miles underground. And ants are our friends-they get rid of dead animals and plants."

Cathy laughed. "Maybe so, but Mom doesn't act very friendly toward them if she finds them around her cupboard," she said. She stood up. "They sure do rush around," she added. "They're as busy as bees."

Jill giggled. "No-as busy as ants," she corrected. "They're all so hard-working and . . ." She stopped and looked at her sister. "That must be the lesson Mom wanted us to learn!"

"I think you're right!" replied Cathy. "Okay . . . let's go weed the garden. After all, we can't let ourselves be outdone by a bunch of ants!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you work hard? Or do you put off work because it's too difficult, the weather is too hot, or maybe you just don't feel like doing it? God doesn't approve of laziness. Have you seen how ants all work together? That's what God intends for families, too. Find a chore or project you can do to be helpful.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise." Proverbs 6:6

[Soldier4Christ]

As they passed the mall at the edge of town, Andrea leaned forward from the back seat of the car. "Can we stop so I can get that CD I told you about?" she asked.

"We don't have extra money for those things right now, honey," replied her mother. "Besides, you don't really need more CDs."

Andrea sighed. "I wish we were rich and didn't have to worry about money!"

"Having a lot of money or things doesn't bring happiness," said Dad as he turned onto the highway. "A few weeks ago, you wanted some bracelets. When you got them, you were happy for about a week. Then you thought you needed matching earrings. Remember?" Dad glanced at her in the rear-view mirror.

"Look!" exclaimed Andrea's brother Caleb. "Did it rain? There's water on the road up there."

"That's just a mirage," said Dad. "It's caused by the way heated air bends light rays. It looks like water, but it isn't." Caleb wasn't convinced until he realized that the "water" was always just ahead of them.

"That's a good example of what happens when we expect money to solve our problems," said Mom. "The mirage up ahead seems to promise water, but there's never any water at all. Money seems to promise happiness, but it doesn't produce it. Genuine happiness doesn't come from money or things."

"Yeah, Andrea," said Caleb. "If you had a new CD, you'd want a new player. Then you'd want new headphones, and then . . ." Caleb laughed and ducked as Andrea aimed a playful swat at him.

"I can think of a number of people who have less money than we do," observed Dad, "but they're happy because they love Jesus and have learned to trust Him. He gives a happiness that lasts."

"But people who love Jesus get discouraged sometimes, too," said Caleb.

"Sure," agreed Dad, "but Jesus is there to help. When we trust Him, He can turn sadness into joy."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you'd be happier if you had money to buy a new bike or CD or item of clothing? Almost everyone has had that thought at one time or another. But having new or different things will never make you happy for long. Only Jesus can bring lasting happiness. Trust Him and enjoy your relationship with Him each day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whom having not seen you love . . . believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Adam had asked a simple enough question, but Brandon was stumped for an answer. "Why do I always go to church?" Brandon repeated the question, stalling for time to think of a good answer to give his friend.

"Yeah." Adam sounded as though he really wanted to know. "Why do you and your family always go to church?"

"Because . . . because . . ." Brandon hesitated. He wasn't sure what his answer should be. "Because it's Sunday," he said at last.

Adam looked at him quizzically. "That's a stupid answer," he said, a smirk playing on the corners of his mouth. "It's like saying, 'I go to school because it's Monday or Friday.'"

Brandon laughed. "That's true, too," he said, but he knew his answer had not been a good one. He thought about it as he headed for home. Why do I go to church? Is it because Mom and Dad took me there ever since I was a baby, so I just keep going? Or is it because it's part of our family life, and they make me go?

Brandon talked with his father about it when he reached home. "That's a question we all need to answer for ourselves," said Dad. "One reason I go is to worship the Lord, and to . . ."

"You can worship Him at home or out in the woods," interrupted Brandon.

Dad nodded. "Yes, you can worship the Lord any time and any place, but the Bible says we should assemble together with others who believe like we do. Fellowship with other Christians-singing together, sharing blessings and problems, and learning together-is important. It's something you really need."

Brandon nodded. It's cool to sing together at church, he thought, and I almost always learn something new from Pastor Joe's sermon-something I probably couldn't learn from the Bible by myself. It wouldn't be easy to be a Christian alone. He grinned at his dad. "I'll talk with Adam again tomorrow," Brandon told Dad. "I think I can give him a better answer now."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Why do you attend church? Is it just "because it's Sunday"? Do you go out of habit? Attending church is a good habit to have, but you should also go to fellowship with other Christians and to worship the Lord as you hear His Word and sing praises to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" Psalm 122:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Hannah enjoyed cooking, but she didn't care much about cleaning and dusting. Still, there was a certain feeling of pride in making the house look nice. "I really appreciate the way you help me," said Mom after Hannah had helped with some of the housework one day.

Hannah smiled and glanced around the newly cleaned living room. The sun shone brightly through the window. "Oh no!" she exclaimed as she looked at the lamp table. "I missed a spot when I dusted this morning. It took the sun to show it up." She ran to get the dust cloth.

"You know something?" asked Mom. "That's a good illustration of what often happens in our spiritual lives. We may think we're doing well-living a good life-and that everything is all right. Then all at once, the Son-God's Son-points out some sin that needs to be cleaned away."

Hannah grinned and waved the dust rag at her mother. "Want me to dust you, too?" she asked.

Mom laughed. "No, thanks," she said. "You can dust away the spot on the table, but only Jesus can take away the sin in our lives."

Hannah gave the table one last swipe. "There!" she said. "No more dust."

"You've freed the table from dust," said Mom, "and Jesus frees us from sin." She grinned. "I guess that's a rather 'homely' illustration," she admitted, "but I hope you get the point."

"I get it," agreed Hannah. "One of my memory verses says, 'If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'"

"Good!" exclaimed Mom. "God frees us from both the penalty of sin-which is death-and also from the power of sin. I'm glad His Spirit lives within me so I don't have to give in to sin."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has the "Son" revealed something that needs to be changed in your life-a lack of kindness, a need for more immediate obedience, a tendency to tell half-truths? Whatever it is, ask Jesus to "dust it" away-to free you from it. With His power, live as though you're "dead" to it. Live the way He wants you to live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36

[Soldier4Christ]

Juan raced into the house after school, slamming the door behind him. "Mom! Where are you? Mom!" he called excitedly, running from room to room. When she answered from the basement, Juan ran down the steps, two at a time. "Chris asked me to go fishing with him and his dad this weekend. Can I go, please?" he asked eagerly. "We'll leave after school on Friday and be back Sunday afternoon."

Mom looked up as she took clothes from the dryer. "Sounds like fun. But I'd feel better about it if it didn't involve Sunday. I hate for you to miss church."

Juan shrugged. "Well . . . I . . . can't I skip just once?"

Mom hesitated. "Does Chris know you usually go-and that you're a Christian?" Looking embarrassed, Juan shrugged. "Does that mean you haven't told him?" asked Mom.

"Aw, the kids don't talk about church and stuff," murmured Juan. "If I do, they'll just make fun of me!"

"I remember hearing you tell your youth leader that you think God wants you to be a missionary or preacher some day," Mom reminded Juan, "but if you're ashamed to tell your friends about Christ, how will you be able to tell other people?"

"But, Mom," protested Juan, "it'll be different when I'm older."

   Mom shook her head. "At your old school, your friend Jeffrey told you about Jesus, and that didn't harm your friendship," she reminded him. "What if he had been too scared to tell anyone? Perhaps you never would have been saved, and Jeff's mother never would have talked with me and led me to the Lord." She paused. "Now . . . about this weekend, I think we'd better wait until Dad gets home and see what he says. We can check with Chris' family, too. This might give us both an opportunity to share Jesus with others."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your friends know you're a Christian? Have you told them about Jesus? Do you think it will be easier to witness for Him when you're older? The time to start witnessing is now. Depend on God's Spirit for the words and power and love to do it. Think of all Jesus did for you, and with joy, tell your friends how they can know Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." 2 Timothy 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Where did my wallet go? wondered Abe as he got ready to leave school. He checked his pockets and looked all through his desk. I'm sure it was in my pocket last time I was up to bat at recess. Maybe it fell out when I had to slide into third base.

Abe's friend Tony was waiting to walk home with him, so the two went out and searched all around the ball diamond. No wallet. They looked in the area where the kids at school hung their coats. It wasn't there. They asked other kids if they had seen it. They had not. When Abe got home, he looked all through the house, even though he was sure it wouldn't be there. He was right.

When Abe went to school the next day, he checked the Lost and Found box! "There it is!" he exclaimed in delight.

When Abe told his parents about his wallet, Dad smiled. "Your lost and found wallet reminds me of a woman in the Bible who lost a coin and searched until she found it. Then she was so happy! She called her friends to let them know her coin was found."

Abe grinned. "Did they have a party?" he asked. "I think we should have one, too. I could call and tell my friends my wallet is found and invite them over."

Mom laughed. "We'll skip the party, but you can have some cake," she said, getting it out. "Do you know who else is happy when something is found?"

"Ah . . . I guess it depends on what it is that's found," said Abe.

"That's true," agreed Mom. "I'm thinking of sinners."

"Sinners are happy?" asked Abe. He was puzzled, so Dad helped him out.

"No," Dad shook his head. "The Bible says the angels rejoice when a sinner repents and turns to Jesus."

"So . . . when I accepted Jesus as Savior, the angels were happy?" asked Abe.

Dad nodded. "Yes, but I'm sure Jesus is the happiest of all when someone comes to Him. The Bible says He came to 'seek and save' lost sinners. He loves us all so much!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever lost a wallet, toy, or book and searched for a long time before finding it? Jesus is seeking those who are lost-He wants to save them. Has He "found" you? Do you believe He died on the cross for your sin? Even the angels in heaven will rejoice if you'll trust in Jesus as Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10