Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Nathan had a busy and happy summer. He spent a few weeks in the mountains with his grandparents, followed by a couple weeks of camp. While at camp, he received several letters, and each one always included a sentence saying, "We have a big surprise for you when you get home."

Nathan wondered about the surprise. It must be a puppy, he decided. But when he arrived home from camp, no small dog greeted him at the door. Instead, his little brothers jumped up and down with excitement as they pulled him toward the basement steps. "Come on, Nathan!" they squealed. "Come, see your surprise." His dad and mom just smiled.

Nathan couldn't figure it out. What surprise could be in the basement? he wondered as he and his parents followed his brothers downstairs. Right away he noticed a wall and door that hadn't been there before. His dad opened the door. "Ta da!" exclaimed Nathan's brother Peter.

Nathan walked into the room. "Whoa!" he exclaimed. He could not believe it! "My very own bedroom!" No longer would he have to share space with his two little brothers. "You've even built me a desk-and book shelves!" His books were already in place. The room had been painted a pale shade of his favorite color-green-and a dark green carpet covered the floor.

"Do you like it?" asked Mom.

"Like it? Wow! This is the best surprise ever!" exclaimed Nathan. "It's kinda like heaven!"

Dad grinned. "We're glad you like it," he said, "but it's not quite that good."

Nathan laughed. "No, but our chapel speaker at camp talked about heaven. He told us Jesus is there right now preparing a place for us, "he explained. "That's like what you did for me while I was at camp. You know I like green, and you know I need a lot of shelves. Our speaker said God knows exactly what we'll need in heaven, too! You made me a 'just-right place' here on earth and Jesus is making me a 'just-right place' in heaven!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is Jesus preparing a place in heaven for you? He is if you've trusted Him as Savior. Have you thought about life in heaven? No beds will be needed (no night there). Hospitals and doctors won't be needed (no sickness there.) Locks and keys won't be needed (no dishonesty or any other sin there). Thank Jesus for preparing a perfect place for those who know and love Him.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, remember I told you about Emily-a new girl in my class at school? I think she's really nice," reported Heidi one evening. "We had art class today, and when I was looking at the picture she was painting, my brush accidentally swept across the corner of it. I was sure she'd be mad because I'd ruined it, but she was so nice. She said not to worry-that she'd paint over it with another color."

"Did that work?" asked Mom.

Heidi nodded. "It covered the smudge right up."

The next morning, Heidi was eating breakfast when her little brother bumped his glass of milk. It tipped over, and before Heidi could get out of the way, it reached the edge of the table in front of her and flowed down onto her lap. She was furious! "How can Jonathan be so careless?" she stormed. "These are my brand new jeans, and now there's milk all over them. Leave it to my dumb brother to spill his milk on everything!"

Jonathan was tearful. "I'm sorry, Heidi," he whimpered. "I didn't mean to get your clothes dirty."   Heidi scowled and turned away.

"Heidi, don't you think you're being a bit harsh with Jonathan?" asked Mom. "He did apologize."

Heidi stormed up to her room. "Being sorry doesn't make my jeans clean," she muttered as she changed her clothes. But she felt guilty.

When Heidi returned to the kitchen, her mother reminded her of the spot she had made on Emily's picture the day before. "Emily covered that smudge with paint," said Mom, "but there's something that effectively covers more serious spots. Proverbs 10:12 says, 'Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.' I believe you love your brother, but it didn't show this morning when Jonathan spilled his milk, did it?" Soberly, Heidi shook her head. "God says we are to forgive as He does," added Mom. "When we remember how much He loves us and how much He's forgiven, it's a little easier for us to forgive others, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it difficult for you to forgive others? Even when you love them, as God says you should, it's sometimes hard, isn't it? But think about how often you do something wrong yourself-and about how much God has forgiven you. Ask Him to increase your love for Him and for others, and to help you be forgiving as He is.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" 1 Peter 4:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, may I have an apple?" asked Jodi.

"No, honey," replied Mom. "It's nearly time for lunch. You can have one then."

"But I'm hungry now!" whined Jodi.

"If you eat now, you won't be hungry for lunch," said Mom. "Why don't you go play while I finish vacuuming?"

Jodi pouted and climbed onto a stool at the counter. She sat and stared at the basket of apples right in front of her. I don't know why I can't have one, she thought. They're good for me! After a while, she reached out and touched a shiny, red apple-then took it in her hand. She smelled it. The next thing she knew, she was biting into the apple. "Mm-m-m," she murmured. It was juicy and sweet.

"Jodi! What are you doing?" Mom asked sternly as she returned to the kitchen.

Jodi stopped chewing. She could not make her eyes meet her mother's. "Oh, Mom, I meant to just look at the apples," wailed Jodi. "Then all of a sudden, I was eating one! I couldn't help myself!"

"No, you couldn't help yourself-you needed God's help. When you want to obey, Jodi, God will always give you the power to do so," said Mom. "One of the things He teaches in His Word is that we should get away from the things that tempt us. What do you think would have happened if you had gone out to play like I suggested?"

"I . . . I probably would have forgotten about the apple, right?" asked Jodi.

Mom nodded. "It's a good idea to run away from temptation whenever possible," she said as she took the apple from Jodi. "You can finish this at lunchtime."

"It will turn brown by then," objected Jodi.

"Probably," agreed Mom, "but you'll have to finish it anyway. And right now, I want you to go outside and play."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you running away from things you know are wrong? Are you depending on God for strength as you struggle against temptation? He's ready and waiting to help you. When the next temptation comes, follow His instruction-get away from the thing that tempts you. Trust God for wisdom and courage to avoid situations where temptation is strong.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Flee also youthful lusts." 2 Timothy 2:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Collin walked into the house and headed straight for the telephone. The guys on his baseball team had told him something Jeremy Carlson was saying about him. They had encouraged Collin to phone Jeremy. "Get into his face and tell him off!" a couple of them had advised. "It's the only way you'll get him to stop saying stuff like that." Collin was sure the boys were right.

But one thing bothered Collin. Jeremy's not a Christian, he thought. He said he'd come to Sunday school with me this week. I hope this won't make him change his mind. Collin hesitated as he looked at the phone. Oh, well, he thought, I can't help it. He's gotta be told. He picked up the phone and dialed the number, but no one answered.

Collin slammed down the phone and went into the family room. His sister Julia was watching a news report. Collin listened and watched as the newscaster told about a tornado that had hit a town in another state, doing a great deal of damage. "Wow!" exclaimed Collin. "Just think! All that damage was done in just a few minutes. And I guess it will take years to rebuild the damaged area."

"Yeah," agreed Julia, "and you know what? Last week my Sunday school teacher said our tongues can do damage in a matter of seconds, too-and it also can take years to correct the damage they do. I guess they're just like tornadoes."

Collin was startled. He knew what Julia had said was true. Good thing Jeremy wasn't home, he thought. I probably would have done all kinds of damage that would take years to correct. Collin sighed. Well, if God can tame my tongue, maybe he'll do the same with Jeremy. Right then and there, Collin prayed for God to work in Jeremy's life.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you control your tongue when you're angry, or do you "tell kids off" when they provoke you-when they "make you mad"? Do you think about the great damage a few words can do? Some people say you should count to ten before saying anything when you're angry. A better idea is to talk to God for a moment and ask Him to help you say only what will please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Mom," said Mike after his family had enjoyed a meal at the home of his aunt and uncle, "those sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top were so good! Will you fix them that way sometime?"

"I guess so," agreed Mom. Then she added, "Since we haven't found a church we really like in this town yet, we're going with Aunt Mary and Uncle Andrew next Sunday."

"But I like the one we went to last Sunday," protested Mike. "The pastor told lots of stories and jokes. Can't we go to that church?"

"Well, we didn't hear much from the Bible there," said Dad.

Mike frowned. "Aw, Dad!" he grumbled. "I liked it anyway. It sounds like they have lots of parties and fun. There's nothing wrong with having fun, is there?"

"No," said Dad, "but there's more to the Christian life than fun!"

The next Sunday, they attended church with Mike's aunt and uncle. Mom and Dad seemed pleased, but Mike still insisted the other church was better.

When Mike saw what his mother was putting on the table at dinnertime, he grinned. "All right!" he exclaimed. "You made that sweet potato dish!" Mom smiled and nodded thoughtfully.

After they prayed, Mom scooped out a big helping of sweet potatoes for Mike. She gave him mostly marshmallow topping, and he took the first few bites with enthusiasm. Then he stopped and looked at her. "You gave me all marshmallows," he complained. "There aren't any sweet potatoes in here!"

"There are a few," said Mom. "Besides, I thought you liked marshmallows."

"Well, I do," replied Mike, "but you gave me too many."

Mom smiled at him. "That's how Dad and I feel about the church you like," she explained. "It seems like it's all 'marshmallows' with no real nourishment. A church needs to be more than just a place of amusement for Christians. It needs good, sound Bible teaching that makes us want to live holy lives. All other things are just the 'marshmallows' on top!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you participate only in the "fun things" at your church? Fun is fine, but take part in the serious activities at church as well. Be there to help with service projects. Sing in your kids' choir. Memorize the verses assigned for Sunday school. Listen when the Word of God is taught. It's fine to enjoy the "marshmallows"-the fun times-but don't neglect the teaching of God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God . . . rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"When are we going to eat?" asked Alec for the third time as he hiked with his Sunday school class. "My stomach has been growling for an hour."

"Mine, too," agreed Todd. "I hope we stop soon."

"It won't be too long now," Mr. Larson assured them. For weeks his class of sixth-grade boys had been planning this outing. They were backpacking in the mountains, and they were going to make camp and sleep under the stars before heading home in the morning.

Just like Mr. Larson promised, they soon came to the place where they were going to set up camp. "When do we eat?" Alec asked again when Mr. Larson told them they had reached their destination.

"We'll start a fire right away, and then we'll fix supper," Mr. Larson answered. So they quickly gathered wood for their campfire, and soon the boys were eating beef stew from their tin mugs. How good it tasted! Then they played games, told stories, and settled in for the evening around the fire.

"I'm hungry again!" exclaimed Alec after a while. "Do we have any more food?" The other boys thought food sounded like a good idea, too.

Mr. Larson smiled and got out his Bible. "Let's first have a time of devotions," he suggested, "and then we'll have a snack before we turn in. Who knows the Bible verses we studied in class the last few months?"

The boys began to recite the seven "I Am's" of John's Gospel. They were doing fine till someone quoted, "I am the Bread of Life." Everyone moaned in hunger.

"Okay, okay!" Mr. Larson laughed as he instructed the boys to get out fruit, cookies, and crackers. "We'll eat. But while you enjoy eating your food, I want you to think about how soon you'll get hungry again. The food we eat satisfies us for only a short time. When Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life, He means He can satisfy our spiritual needs forever."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're hungry, you eat, right? When you're hungry again, you eat again. Do you ever feel "hungry"-empty-deep down inside? Not for food but for something to satisfy a restless spirit? Do you try to fill up with TV, parties, friends, maybe even church-but you still feel empty? Jesus is the Bread of Life. Accept Him as Savior. He can satisfy that empty feeling.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Jesus said . . . 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger.'" John 6:35

[Soldier4Christ]

Joseph put a quarter into the grocery store's gumball machine. The balls inside the machine shifted around-then Joseph heard the "plunk'" as a yellow gumball fell into the slot. Picking it up, he popped it into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully as he and his mother walked to their car. "I keep praying and praying for Grandma, but nothing happens," he complained with a sigh. "I wish God would just heal her!"

Mom put her arm around him. "I know it's hard, honey, but God doesn't always answer prayers the way we want Him to," she said. "We have to trust Him."

 As Joseph helped his mom load the groceries into the trunk, he kept thinking about his grandmother. "But why doesn't God answer prayers the way we want Him to?" asked Joseph as they started home. "I don't even feel like praying anymore. He doesn't do what I ask, so why should I bother?"

"You mean He's not like the gumball machine?" asked Mom. "You can't just give Him a quarter-or say a prayer-and He automatically gives out a gumball? Or the answer you want?"

Joseph smiled at the idea of God handing out gumballs. "We must not think of God as a prayer-answering machine," Mom continued. "He's the One who is God, not us. He is in charge. We must put our trust in Him-in His love for us. He won't always answer our prayers our way. But He will always answer our prayers in a way that shows us He loves us. We need to remember He's the only one who really knows what's best for all of us."

For a few moments, Joseph quietly thought about what his mother had said. Then he nodded. "Thanks, Mom. I'll keep on praying for Grandma," he promised, "and I will trust God. I know He loves her-and me, too-no matter what He decides to do."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been praying for something for a long time with no results? Or maybe the results aren't what you wanted? God loves you. Trust Him to do what He knows is best even when it's not what you hoped for-even when it doesn't seem best to you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right." Psalm 119:75

[Soldier4Christ]

Marissa slammed her books on the table. "Miss Rogers is on the war path," she stormed, "just because the kids cheated a little when she left the room."

"If you cheat, you deserve to be punished," said Mom. "Did you cheat, Marissa?"

"Well . . . on one question," admitted Marissa. "All the kids did-even Tonya, and you know what a good Christian everyone says she is." Marissa looked at an assortment of craft supplies on the table. "What are you making? May I help?" she asked, glad to change the subject.

"I'm getting materials ready for our craft class at the nursing home," answered Mom. "You may cut this ribbon into one-yard lengths while I get some other things from the basement. I need twenty ribbons."

Marissa took the materials and set to work. "Did you say twenty?" she asked when her mother returned. Mom nodded. "But there's not enough ribbon!" Marissa exclaimed. "I have nineteen, and the piece left is too short."

"I didn't realize there was so little ribbon," said Mom. She looked at the pieces Marissa had cut. "These aren't all the same length," she said. "It doesn't really matter . . . but how did you measure them?"

"I used the yardstick on the first one," replied Marissa, "and then measured them by each other. I don't know why they didn't end up the same length."

"When you measure one ribbon by another, it's just natural to cut it a little bit longer. If you had used the yardstick for each one, you probably would have measured them more accurately," said Mom. She frowned. "I'm afraid you've used the wrong measure more than once today." Marissa looked at her curiously. "Just like you shouldn't measure ribbon by ribbon, you shouldn't measure yourself by other people," explained Mom. "You excused your cheating because Tonya cheated, and she's considered to be a 'good' Christian." Marissa blushed. She knew her excuse for cheating was a poor one. "The Apostle Paul says not to measure what you do with what others do," added Mom. "Jesus is our example to live by. We can measure our actions by what He would do."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you compared your actions with that of others to determine whether or not you are doing right? That's the wrong measure, and using it will often get you into trouble. When you're in doubt about what to do, ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Follow His example and trust His Spirit to help you live up to His standards.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

[Soldier4Christ]

Angela checked the mailbox in front of her house for the third time one morning, "Our mail carrier isn't here yet!" she complained to her mother who had come out to cut a few roses. "He should have been here long ago. I think I'll get a letter from Grace today, and I can't wait to hear from her!" Angela scowled. "Mail carriers ought to be more prompt."

"Try to be patient," urged Mom as Angela sat down on the front steps. "You know, this reminds me of the story Pastor Blaine told during the missionary conference last month." Mom sat down beside Angela. "He compared Christians to mail carriers, remember? We have the most important message ever given, and God expects us to deliver it to all the people of the world. But some of us aren't in any particular hurry to do our job. We don't take it seriously enough." As she spoke, a car rounded the corner.

"There he is," squealed Angela, running to the road.

The postman waved. "Sorry I'm so late," he apologized. "I had car trouble. I can see you've been waiting for me." He grinned as he handed her the letter she was expecting.

As she returned to the house, Angela was quiet and thoughtful. At last she spoke. "The missionaries at our conference said people in other lands are waiting for us to come and give them God's message. Do you think many of them are waiting and waiting, but nobody is on their way to tell them?"

"Perhaps." Mom nodded. "In other lands and here at home," she said with a sigh. "There are so many waiting and so few to go. I'm glad you've dedicated your life to the Lord, honey. I wonder where He'll choose to send you." She smiled. "Wherever it is, it's a real honor to serve Him and carry His message, whether it's here in our own neighborhood or in some far-off part of the world."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you delivered God's message to someone? You may be too young now to go to a foreign land with the message, but what about sharing with your friends? Do it faithfully. Perhaps some day God will allow you the privilege of taking His Word to far away places as well. Be alert and ready to go wherever He wants to send you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Who's this beautiful young lady in the second row?" asked Dad as he pointed to one of the girls in Ashley's class picture.

Ashley giggled. "You know that's me."

"Let me see, too." Three-year-old Lance pulled at his father's leg, and Dad lifted him onto his lap. "Who's that?" Lance pointed to a girl in the picture.

"That's Stephanie. Her family is rich. She's so stuck-up." Ashley pointed to another girl. "This is Melissa. I think her family's really poor. She's so dumb."

Lance continued pointing to various kids in the picture and asking, "Who's this?" Or, "Who's that?" And Ashley answered, "That's Sergio. He's a foreigner-he's strange!" Or, "That one's Kevin. He's the smartest kid in our class, but he's so weird. He's a bookworm."

"Don't you like anyone in your class?" asked Dad.

Ashley looked shocked. "Of course! I like all of them . . . well, almost all."

"I sure couldn't tell it by the way you were talking," said Dad.

Mom, who had started dinner, interrupted them with a startled exclamation. She held up two shiny cans. "Lance, did you take the labels off these?" she asked.

"I needed 'em," said Lance solemnly. "I needed the pichers."

Dad chuckled softly, then louder. Soon they were all laughing. "There are more without labels," said Mom, "so I guess we'll have surprise meals for a few days. I planned to have applesauce for supper, but . . ." she held up a can, "we'll have whatever is in here. And it's . . . green beans." She looked at Lance, "And you, young man, are going to eat your share with no complaints!"

When they sat down to eat a little later, Dad put some beans on his plate. "We have a tendency to label people like we do cans," he said. "We say the rich are stuck-up, the poor are dumb, the smart are weird, and foreigners are strange." He paused, then added, "Labels on cans are helpful, but not on people. Ashley, I think you need to take the labels off your classmates. You need to remember it's what's inside that counts."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful not to label kids at school? Or anyone else? God doesn't put labels on people because they're smart or rich or homely or for any other reason. Do you? That's judging-something the Bible warns against. Don't label people. Get to know them and accept them for who they are.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Who are you to judge another?" James 4:12

[Soldier4Christ]

On their vacation trip, Garret and Madison passed time by watching for signs and slogans beginning with each letter of the alphabet. "I got one for 'h,'" Madison shouted. "See-that bumper sticker says, 'Honk if you love Jesus.'"

As Garret glanced at the car, its driver angrily blasted his horn at another driver. "That man better change his slogan," observed Garret. "His actions don't show love."

A little later, they stopped at a country store. "Service with a smile," Garret read on a sign in the window. "That's an 's' for me." But they had to wait a long time for service, and then the attendant did a lot of grumbling about the heat. "He forgot the smile," declared Garret as they drove away.

The next day was Sunday, so they attended a church in the town where they'd spent the night. The sign out in front said, "Friendly Gospel Church." No one greeted them, but they enjoyed the song service, especially the choir number-which included the words "They will know we are Christians by our love." The pastor shook hands with them as they left, but no one else did.

As they ate lunch, they talked about the fun they were having on their trip and the things they had seen. "Now let's think of something we learned while we traveled," said Dad.

"Well . . . one thing is that we better live up to what we say," suggested Garret. "Nobody seemed to do what it said on so many of the signs and slogans we saw. Even at that church we went to-their sign says they're friendly, but they really weren't."

Mom nodded. "And what things do we say that we need to live up to?"

"Well, um . . . that we're Christians," suggested Madison. "The choir song said people should be able to tell by the way we love each other."

Dad nodded. "That's what Jesus said, too. Love is also the first thing listed in the 'fruit of the Spirit.' All the characteristics mentioned there should be evident in our lives. Let's see how many of them we can remember."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can people tell you're a Christian? Do they see you displaying love to other Christians-and to people in general? Are you friendly? Faithful to the Lord? Firm in your beliefs? Quick to serve Jesus and others? Do they see the fruit of the Spirit in your life? Can they tell you "have been with Jesus"?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

[Soldier4Christ]

"When are we going to buy an electric ice cream freezer?" Ryan asked as he and Dad took turns cranking the old freezer.

"Not until 'Old Faithful' quits doing the job," said Dad with a grin. "To me, all this work is part of making ice cream. Guess I'm a little old-fashioned."

"You sure are-in more ways than one," teased Ryan.

Dad laughed. "If that's the worst I'm ever called, I'll be happy," he said.

As Ryan took a turn at the crank, he remembered remarks made by one of the boys at school. "Dad, when you were a kid, were you ever laughed at for being a Christian?" asked Ryan.

"Sometimes," replied Dad. "Kids are laughed at for lots of reasons. Like being too fat-or too skinny. Some are laughed at because they're smart-others because they're 'dumb'. When you're laughed at for being a Christian, at least you're ridiculed for a worthy cause. My dad taught me to rejoice in persecution."

"You mean . . . be glad?" asked Ryan. "Even when kids laugh at you?"

Dad nodded. "Real joy doesn't depend on outward things," he said. "It's an inner feeling God gives when we trust Him."

"That's hard," Ryan complained. "Even harder than turning this crank."

"Sometimes," agreed Dad, "but with God's help, you can do it. Now . . . I think the ice cream is ready. Let's call Mom and the girls."

After calling the others, Ryan eagerly took a spoonful of ice cream. "Yummy! It's . . ." he began, but then he frowned. "It isn't quite as good as usual," he said.

Ryan's sister tasted her ice cream. "It's not bad, but it tastes kinda . . . kinda empty," she decided.

Mom tried it. "Oh, no! I forgot the flavoring!" she moaned. "Vanilla ice cream without vanilla is, like you said, 'kinda empty.'"

"Like a Christian without joy," Dad added.

"Yes . . . well, the Lord can restore joy, but the best I can do for this ice cream is offer some chocolate syrup," said Mom with a smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a joyful Christian? Or does life seem "kinda empty"? Do you try to find satisfaction in toys, clothes, or games? Real joy comes from the Lord Jesus. Read the promises He's given in His Word and trust Him in all areas of your life. He wants you to live a "flavorful," joyful life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Adele sighed. Her father's work had made it necessary for the family to move to a different part of the country, and Adele missed her friends and the happy times they'd had together. I'll never be happy here, she thought. There's no use to even try. And so she didn't. Instead, she pouted every day. She didn't go out to play with the neighbor kids. In Sunday school she sat with her head down. When friendly adults spoke to her, she just looked at the ground.

One day the family took a trip to the beach and went swimming. They all had a great time-except Adele, who refused to admit it was fun.

While hunting for shells on the beach, Adele found a starfish at the edge of the water. She scowled when she saw that two of its arms were broken off. "Let me see it," said Dad just as Adele was about to throw it away. Dad held out his hand, and she handed the starfish to him. Dad turned it over. "See those little moving 'feet'?" he asked.

"You mean it's alive?" asked Adele in surprise. Dad nodded. "Well, it's gonna die," she said. "It has only three arms instead of five."

"It will live," said Dad. "Starfish can regenerate."

"Regenerate? What does that mean?" asked Adele.

"In time, the starfish will grow new arms to replace the old ones," Dad explained.

"Really? I didn't know that," said Adele.

"It's a miracle from God that a wounded starfish can begin a new life," said Dad, "and I think it has a lesson for you, honey. Right now you're something like this starfish. Your old friends and associations have been cut out of your life, and you're hurting. You need to regenerate, too. It's scary to begin again, but with God's help, you can make new friends and develop new interests."

Adele looked at the starfish. She hesitated, but then she smiled. "If a starfish can begin again, I guess I can, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you accept new situations as a challenge to learn and grow? Or do you refuse to try to adjust? Perhaps a loved one has died, a friend has moved away, or you've gained a new step-parent and things seem uncertain to you. Look to God for comfort and strength to accept your new situation. Then look for ways you can reach out and be helpful in your new place.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Philippians 4:11

[Soldier4Christ]

When Staci heard her mother's footsteps, she hurriedly stuffed the magazine she was reading under her pillow. Mom opened the door just a little. "Turn out your light, Staci," she said. "We're going to Grandpa's farm tomorrow, you know, so you'll have to get up early."

At her grandparents' farm the next day, time passed quickly. Just before they left, Grandma Walker handed Staci's father a sack. "Fill this with potatoes from the storage shed," she said. "Get yourself some onions, too. But be careful. Last week Grandpa killed a black widow spider out there."

The following week, Staci spent more and more time in her room, reading magazines her friend Tosha had loaned her. She knew her parents would not approve of them, so she was very careful to keep them hidden in her notebook. Just as she reached for a magazine one afternoon, her mother screamed. Staci dropped her notebook and ran to the kitchen. "What's wrong? What happened, Mom?" she asked.

Mom's hands were shaking. "There's a black widow spider in there!" She pointed at the open potato bin. "I was reaching in to get potatoes for dinner when I saw it!"

At that moment, Dad walked through the door. How glad they were to see him! When the spider was dead and the potato bin emptied, searched, and refilled, Mom took a deep breath. "Just think, I've put my hand in there several times this week," she said.

Dad grinned wryly. "And I put the potatoes, spider and all, in the sack."

Staci went back to her room, hoping she wouldn't dream of spiders. She reached for the magazine in her notebook-but, remembering the hidden spider, she quickly drew back her hand. That magazine is bad-it's as dangerous as a black widow spider, she thought. No one had said a word, but Staci knew the Spirit of the Lord was convicting her. She knew she wouldn't be comfortable reading those magazines anymore.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there hidden sin in your life? Do you tell "little white lies"? Sneak things when nobody's around? Disobey when parents or teachers don't see you? Do you think you're getting away with doing something wrong? It may be hidden to people, but God knows all about it. Get rid of it quickly. Sin is far more dangerous than black widow spiders. Don't play with it. Sooner or later it will bring sorrow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do not let sin reign in your mortal body." Romans 6:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Zoe threw her books down on the kitchen counter. "I'm home, Mom!" she called. She ran into the living room and then to the stairway. "Mom?" A quick glance through the rooms showed that neither her baby brother nor her mother were home. That's funny, Zoe thought. Mom is always here when I get home from school. I hope everything is okay!

Zoe walked slowly into the kitchen again. There on the table was half a cup of warm tea and a partially eaten cookie. Ben's bottle was under the high chair . . . and his favorite old blanket was on the floor! Ben never went anywhere without his "blanky"!

Zoe shivered. Where were they? Oh, no! she thought. What if Jesus came back and took them up to heaven, and I've been left behind? Why did I want to wait till I was older before asking Him to save me? She sat down and put her head on the table. "Oh, God," she whispered, "please don't let it be too late! I know I'm a sinner-I'm sorry. I do believe that Jesus died on the cross to save me. Please forgive my sins and come into my life. I do . . ."

"Zoe?" There in the doorway stood Mom with little Ben in her arms. "Hi, honey," Mom said. "I'm so sorry we weren't here when you got home. Mrs. Henderson was locked out of her apartment across the street and needed someone tall to reach the spare key, so I . . . Zoe, are you okay?"

Zoe threw herself into her mother's arms. "Oh, Mom!" she cried. "I thought Jesus had come back and I was left behind! I'm so glad it's not too late! I just prayed and asked Him to forgive my sins and be my Savior!"

Mom held Zoe tightly. "Oh, Zoe, what an awful scare!" she said. Zoe wiped her eyes. "Did you really mean it when you called on Jesus to save you, honey?" asked Mom. "Or were you just reacting to the scare you had?"

"I meant it, Mom," said Zoe. "I want to live for Jesus."

Mom's eyes glistened. "Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I'm so happy-and Dad will be so excited to hear the good news, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
If Jesus comes today, will you be left behind? He will be coming soon, but if you trust Him as your Savior, you don't have to be afraid! He'll take you to heaven. What joy! If you're not one-hundred per cent sure you know Him, make sure today. Be ready when He comes again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Be ready, for the Son of Man (Jesus) is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:44