Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"We've been here a week, Mom, and I still don't know anyone," Paige complained. "I'm so lonely! Why did we have to move here?" She sighed. "All the kids here already have friends."

"Perhaps the problem is you're not being friendly," suggested Mom gently.

"You just don't understand," whined Paige.

"Honey, I do understand. I'm having a problem making friends, too." Mom sighed. "Let's try an experiment. Let's put Proverbs 18:24 into practice." She handed Paige a Bible.

After finding the verse Mom referred to, Paige read aloud, "A man who has friends must himself be friendly."

"Because we're the newcomers, we think others should make us welcome-but let's not think that way anymore. Let's go out of our way to be friendly to them," Mom suggested. "It will be fun! Every evening we can talk about it and see how we're doing."

"Well . . . okay." Paige was doubtful, but she agreed to give it a try.

When she came home from school the next day, Paige was smiling. "I loaned a pencil to the girl who sits next to me," she reported. "She asked me to play with her at recess time."

"Great!" exclaimed Mom. "And I saw Mrs. Gates raking leaves, so I offered to help. When we were finished, she invited me in for coffee."

Paige and her mother continued their efforts to be friendly. Mom was becoming involved in church and school activities, and Paige had several new friends.

"People here aren't like we thought they were when we
first came," Paige remarked a couple of weeks later. "A few are not as friendly
as I'd like, but most of them have changed." When Mom laughed, Paige was
puzzled. Then she realized who had really changed-she and her mother. Her frown
turned into a grin, and she began laughing, too.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you lonely? Do you need friends? Do you think others are unfriendly? Maybe the problem is that you're not friendly yourself. Ask God for courage to smile at others and speak to them. Look for ways to help them. When you show God's love in your words and actions, you're being the best kind of friend you can be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly." Proverbs 18:24

[Soldier4Christ]

Amanda smiled as she shook the coins out of her piggy bank. There's more here than I expected! Oh, good! I can give more for the special missionary offering at Sunday school than I thought-I'll put half of this in the offering and use the other half for some things I've been wanting, she decided happily.

When Amanda arrived at Sunday school, she sat with her friend Lindsay. "Did you remember your offering, Amanda?" Lindsay asked. "I almost forgot mine!" She took some money out of her pocket. "My aunt gave me a nice big check for my birthday," she added with a grin, "and I'm going to put this amount in the offering." She had brought twice as much as Amanda had.

"I've got that much, too!" said Elijah proudly.

"How about you, Amanda?" asked Lindsay. "What did you bring?"

Amanda blushed. What she had planned to give didn't seem like much anymore, so she showed them all the money she had brought-including what she had planned to use for things for herself. And when the offering was taken, she reluctantly dropped it all in.

Amanda sat glumly as she rode home with her parents that day. "Why such a sad face, honey?" asked Mom.

Amanda sighed and told about the discussion in her Sunday school class. "I don't understand," she said. "I gave more than I had planned to give, so I should feel good about it, right?"

"Not necessarily," said Mom. "The money you planned to give was of your own free will-a love gift to God. The extra money was given to impress your friends. God isn't pleased when we give with an unwilling spirit."

"That's right." Dad nodded. "It's best to decide what
you believe the Lord wants you to give. Don't discuss it with your friends. Keep
it between you and the Lord. Then give it joyfully and cheerfully, 'as unto
Him,' not just to impress others."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you give some of your own money to the Lord's work? Do you pray about how much you should give? Decide what God wants you to do, and then give with a cheerful, willing heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Ryan walked slowly up to home plate when it was his turn to bat. The pitcher threw the ball. "Strike one!" the umpire called. Ryan watched the next pitch sail over home plate. "Strike two!" the umpire shouted. On the third pitch, Ryan tapped the ball lightly. He was out before he got halfway to first base.

"Another out!" Bob moaned. "It was a mistake to let Ryan play with us."

"He's a mistake," grumbled Ethan loudly.

Luke laughed. "That's for sure," he agreed.

"Give him a break," urged Adam. "He doesn't have a father to teach him."

"And whose mistake is that?" jeered Luke.

Ethan snickered. "Yeah! Didn't I tell you he was a mistake?"

Red-faced, Ryan picked up his gear and ran toward home. He was in such a hurry, he didn't see his neighbor, Mr. Radcliffe, walking away from his mailbox. They collided, and the mail scattered. As they bent over to pick it up, Mr. Radcliffe noticed the tears in Ryan's eyes. "Whoa! You seem a bit shaken," Mr. Radcliffe said. "It's a hot day. I was just going to have some lemonade out here on the porch. How about joining me?"

Ryan hesitated, but he agreed, and soon the incident on the ball field spilled out. "And it's true-I am a mistake," Ryan blurted. "I never should have been born! My mother wasn't married when she had me."

"Ryan, you're not a mistake!" Mr. Radcliffe said positively. "Your mother may not have planned your birth. But God is the one who creates life, and He created you. Psalm 139 says God made you and scheduled your days before you were born. He made you a very special person."

"Really?" asked Ryan hopefully.

"Really," Mr. Radcliffe said as he poured another glass
of lemonade. "God made all of us for a purpose, and you're no different. He
loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life-no matter what anyone says.
There's no mistake about that!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever thought of yourself as a "mistake"? Your birth was no surprise to God. You are very special! You aren't responsible for anyone else's actions, but you are responsible for the way you live your life. Make it a life pleasing to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Your eyes (God's) saw my substance, being yet unformed . . . the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." Psalm 139:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Aaron clutched Dad's hand as they quietly walked into the church for the funeral. Mr. Connors, who had lived right down the street from them, had died. Aaron had often helped the elderly man with work around the house or yard. In fact, just last Saturday the two of them had cut wood for the winter. But now Mr. Connors wouldn't need the wood. He was in heaven.

Only the soft tones of the organ broke the silence as the family walked past the casket. Mr. Connors looked strange amongst all the flowers, and Aaron was glad when his dad led him to a seat. A lady sang, and then Pastor Brown spoke. Aaron listened closely as the pastor talked about the things Mr. Connors had done for the church and for the Lord. Pastor Brown also talked about God's promise that all Christians would some day be reunited in heaven.

Aaron was thoughtful as the family drove to the cemetery. "Dad," he said finally, "what does a pastor say if the person who dies isn't a Christian?"

"That's a sad occasion," Dad told him, "but we must remember it's not for us to judge who is saved and who isn't saved. Only the Lord knows. When a person hasn't made a public commitment to Christ, all the pastor-or any of us-can do is leave it with God. We should make sure those still living know the way to heaven. We can warn them to be ready when the time comes for them to die."

Aaron nodded. Thank you, Lord, he prayed silently, that
Mr. Connors did know You as his Savior. I'm so glad You're my Savior, too. And .
. . if some of Mr. Conners' relatives and friends don't know You, please help
them think about getting ready to meet You when they die, too.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you wondered what the pastor would say at the funeral of someone who wasn't a Christian? It's a sad time if a person has rejected the Lord, for he will not receive eternal life in heaven. Make sure you have taken the step of faith-believing Jesus died for your sins, and trusting Him as Savior.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many." Hebrews 9:27-28

[Soldier4Christ]

"I got a letter from Rocio," said Celeste as she brought in the mail. Rocio was the pen pal Celeste had been assigned through a social studies program at school. Celeste eagerly read the letter, then put it in a box where she kept special things. Picking up her new Bible, she flipped through the pages. She frowned. "Look, Mom," she said holding it up. "My Bible has pictures in it. I think this is supposed to be Jesus, but it doesn't look like other pictures I've seen of Him."

"There were no cameras when Jesus was on earth," said Mom. "All the pictures we have are ideas of how the artists think Jesus may have looked."

"I wish I knew what He really looked like," said Celeste. "I think that would make it easier to read the Bible and pray."

"You don't need to know how Jesus looks in order to know Him and talk to Him," said Mom. "This morning you read that letter from Rocio. You've talked to her quite often on the telephone, too, but you've never seen her-or even a picture of her."

"No, but she's going to send me her school picture as soon as she gets them," replied Celeste.

"But you haven't seen it, yet," said Mom. "You don't know what she looks like, so why do you like to read her letters and talk with her?"

"She tells me lots about herself and what she likes to do," replied Celeste. "Her letters and our calls make me feel like I really do know her."

"That's a little like the kind of relationship we have with Jesus," said Mom. "We can talk with Him in prayer and read His Word, the Bible." After a moment, she added, "Suppose your pen pal sends a picture and you don't think she's very pretty. Will you be disappointed?"

Celeste shrugged. "It doesn't matter," she said, "and I guess it doesn't matter how Jesus looked here on earth, either, does it?"

"No," said Mom, "it doesn't. The important thing is that
you know He cares for you and talks to you through His Word, and that you care
for Him, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder what Jesus looked like? Get to know Him by reading His letter to you-the Bible-and by talking with Him through prayer. The better you get to know Him, the more you'll see how much He loves you-and you'll love Him more, too. Learn to love Him for Who He is-your Lord and Savior. When you truly love someone, you want to please him in all you do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Who having not seen you love." 1 Peter 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why can't you take me with you?" Paul wailed when his father was ready to leave.

Dad, who had recently found a new job in a different city, rested his heavy suitcase at the door and sat down next to Paul. "I've been trying to explain that to you," said Dad. "I have to start work at my new job tomorrow. I need you to stay here and help Mom pack up all of our things."

"Aunt Kate said she'd help Mom pack," replied Paul. "I want to go with you!"

Dad put his arm around Paul's shoulders and held him close. "I understand how you feel," said Dad. "I wish you could come with me, too, but if you came with me right now, I wouldn't have a place for you to live. My new employer is paying for me to stay in a hotel until I can find a house for us, but I can't take you to work with me, and you couldn't stay in the room by yourself. There's no one to watch over you during the day."

Paul started to pull away from his father. "Paul," said Dad, "you know how much I love you and Mom. The first thing I'm going to do after work tomorrow is start looking for a new house for us. As soon as I find a place, you and Mom will come and join me."

"But it's going to take too long," moaned Paul.

Dad unbuckled his watch. "Here," he said. "How about if I leave this with you until we're together again? It not only tells the time, it has a calendar, too. You can use it to keep track of the days until it's time for you to come to our new house. It will remind you that we'll be together soon."

Paul looked at his father in surprise as Dad held out
his special watch-the one Mom had given him for their first wedding anniversary!
Paul slowly took it and buckled it tightly around his thin wrist. "Cool!" he
said with a small smile as he hugged his dad. "But I hope you can find us a new
house real soon!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that Jesus went to prepare a special place for everyone who loves Him? If you trust Him as your Savior, He'll have a wonderful new home in heaven ready for you when you get there-and He'll be waiting to greet you. In the meantime, He gave you His Word, the Bible, and His Holy Spirit to remind you that you'll be with Him soon.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Pete kicked the soccer ball across the field, scarcely hearing the crowd cheering him on. The shouting erupted into laughing just as he dodged an opponent, maintaining control of the ball. Pete gave the ball one last kick, scoring a goal as the ball zoomed right past the goalie's head.

Only then did Pete notice the laughter of the spectators. Squinting, he turned to see what was happening and discovered a cat had run onto the playing field. Everyone watched as the officials began to chase it.

That evening Pete talked excitedly about the game and the goal he had made. "The goalie paid attention to the cat instead of the game," said Pete, "so we made a point."

Dad nodded. "But you kept your mind totally on the game," he said. "Good for you, Son." After a moment he added, "When we have a job to do, it's important for all of us to stay focused and not be distracted by other things."

"Like cats?" asked Pete.

Dad smiled. "Yes, or by anything else," he replied. "Some distractions aren't bad things, but they use up time and energy that should be devoted to something else. This is especially serious when we're distracted from what God wants us to do."

Pointing to Pete's history book lying unopened on the table, Dad added, "Right now, a part of God's work for you, Pete, is to not be distracted from doing your schoolwork."

Pete groaned, but he picked up the book and opened it. "Okay, Dad," he said. "I'll read my lesson for tomorrow. Then can I watch the soccer game on TV?"

Smiling, Dad nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get distracted from doing school work? Sunday school lessons? Service projects? Daily devotions? Household chores? Satan wants to distract you and get you to focus on less important things. Ask God to help you tune out distractions. Set your focus on whatever job He has given you at this point in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10

[Soldier4Christ]

At the weekend family retreat, the kids and teens went to their own special meetings each morning while Mom and Dad were at a Bible study. Just as Andrea was going to tell Mom what fun she'd had playing Bible memory games, her older brother Mark spoke up. "The speaker for the teens is great!" he said. "He challenged us to give some of our own money for the Lord's work. When we get back home, one tenth of all the money I make at odd jobs is going to the Lord." Andrea could see that her parents were pleased.

Once again Andrea opened her mouth to speak, but this time Julie, her college-age sister, spoke first. "After hearing our missionary speaker, I'm wondering if the Lord may want me in some kind of full-time service," said Julie. "When I get back to school, I may change my major." Andrea's parents both gave Julie a big hug.

Andrea quietly left the room and went to the lake. Her own announcement didn't seem very important now. She sat on a stump and skipped stones on the water. "Hi, there! Why so glum?" The voice belonged to Uncle Max, the children's evangelist.

Uncle Max listened sympathetically as Andrea told him about her brother and sister. "I'd like to do something for Jesus, too," she said, "but I'm too little."

"Are you sure?" asked Uncle Max. "I can think of some children in the Bible who served God."

Andrea thought about that. Then she smiled. "Like Naaman's servant girl?" she asked. "I remember that story. And like Miriam? She watched over Moses when he was a baby."

Uncle Max nodded. "I can tell you're busy learning God's
Word," he said. "I think that's exactly what God wants you to be doing at this
time. And I dare say you can find ways to serve Him, too-maybe by inviting your
friends to church. Or by helping your mom at home. Or maybe by being a Christian
example at school."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel too young to do anything for Jesus? Regardless of your age, the Lord can use you. Learn all you can from His Word. Ask Him to help you be bold enough to speak out for Him at every opportunity. Be willing to serve Him by helping with chores. Show His love to others by being friendly and helpful. He accepts all acts of love and service, whether large or small.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears.'" 1 Samuel 3:10

[Soldier4Christ]

It had been a lonely, miserable day for Nina. In fact, she had felt lonely and miserable ever since Sydney had moved to her town. Before that, she and Melody had done everything together, but now Melody always wanted Sydney included. "So who cares?" muttered Nina as she picked some roses for her mother. "I'll find a new friend. I'll . . . ouch!" A thorn from the roses had pricked her thumb. As she rubbed the injured spot, Nina could feel the thorn under her skin, but she couldn't see it.

"Nina!" Mom called. "Telephone for you!"

"Coming!" Nina picked up the roses and went into the house. "Hello . . . Oh, hi, Melody . . . To your house? Now? Is Sydney there, too? . . . Well, I don't think so. Not today-I'm busy. Maybe some other time. 'Bye." Nina slammed the receiver onto the hook. "Sydney . . . Sydney . . . Sydney," she muttered. "It's always 'Sydney.' Since Sydney moved to town . . ." Nina stopped talking when she noticed her mother glancing at her. "Where shall I put these roses, Mom?" she asked quickly, hoping Mom hadn't heard what she'd been saying.

The next day, Nina's thumb was very sore. It seemed to throb with every pulse beat. It's that thorn, she remembered. I forgot to get it out. Nina showed it to her mother, and after considerable digging and probing, Mom held up a tiny sliver. Nina was startled by Mom's comments. "Reminds me of Sydney," Mom said. "Like a thorn, she 'gets under your skin'-and you know, honey, if you don't do something about the resentment and bitterness you feel toward her, the hurt will become worse."

 "But . . . I can't help it," murmured Nina. She rubbed her thumb. With the sliver removed, the pain was already less-but the dull ache in her heart remained. "How can I change the way I feel?"

"Ask the Lord to help you," advised Mom. "Pray about
Sydney-and pray for her. Treat her the way you know God wants you to, and ask
Him to give you acceptance and love for her in place of the
bitterness."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you harboring bitter thoughts? Does someone get "under your skin"? Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing? Begin with prayer. Ask God right now to show you how to dig out any resentment and bitterness. Pray for the person with whom you have a problem. Then with God's help, replace unkind thoughts and actions with sincere friendliness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4:31

[Soldier4Christ]

"In music class today, Miss Gaines taught us a silly song about a man who tried to go to heaven in a hot air balloon. When that didn't work, he tried a kite," Tayshaun told his family one night. "I felt bad singing that song-it seemed like it was making fun of the Bible."

"It doesn't sound like a good song," agreed Dad.

"That's not all," added Tayshaun. "After we were done singing, Yolanda raised her hand and asked Miss Gaines how to really get to heaven. Miss Gaines didn't answer, so Ben piped up and said you had to die to go to heaven. Kaitlyn said you had to do good deeds, and then Blythe said her minister told her she had to be a member of their church to go to heaven. So I raised my hand, and when Miss Gaines called on me, I said I knew the real way to heaven. I started to tell them that you have to believe Jesus died for your sins and that He rose again, and you have to trust Him as Savior."

"Good for you! What did Miss Gaines say then?" asked Mom.

"Before I could finish, she said it was time to end the discussion because we weren't allowed to talk about religion in school!" replied Tayshaun. "She taught us that song, and she let the other kids talk, but when I wanted to tell what the Bible said, she interrupted me and changed the subject!"

"That's too bad! Quite often that's often the way it goes." Dad shook his head. "People just refuse to listen to the truth."

"They like to think they can get to heaven on their own-they've been trying to do that for a long time," added Mom.

"Well, I'm sure glad I know the Bible is true, and that
I know the real way to get to heaven!" Tayshaun exclaimed. "And you know what
else? Tomorrow I'm going to talk to Yolanda and give her the right answer to her
question."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know the one, true way to heaven? God's Word says the only way is by trusting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you don't have the assurance of going to heaven, look to Jesus to save you today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

[Soldier4Christ]

As the cheerleaders at the pep rally waved their pompoms, they chanted loudly, "Jon, Jon, he's our man! If he can't do it, no one can! V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! VICTORY!" Jon was the first person from his small, Christian school to have qualified for the state track meet, and everyone was sure he'd win.

After the rally, Jon and his friend Brad talked as they got their things together and prepared to leave the building. "Let's go and celebrate with a banana split," suggested Brad. "On me."

"No, I'd better not." Jon shook his head. "I'm watching my fats. You have to do that when you're a runner. Besides, I haven't won yet."

"Listen to you!" Brad exclaimed. "You're the one who always used to like to stuff your mouth and just sit and read."

"I was like that," Jon admitted, "but I've changed."

"You sure have. I'm glad I'm not a runner. You have to make too big a sacrifice," commented Brad. "I don't think I'd like that."

"Running is hard work," Jon agreed, "but it feels good to stretch my legs, and it's kinda peaceful and fun being out in God's creation."

"You sound like a cross between a preacher and a health nut," teased Brad. "But that's okay if it makes you a champion for our school! Give it all you've got, Jon."

"I will," Jon promised. He glanced at his watch. "I'd better go."

"Okay. See you later, Champ," said Brad as Jon hurried off.

As Jon drifted off to sleep that night, his mind was on
the coming track meet. He thought the kids might be right-maybe he would win the
race. He had done his best preparing for it. As his eyes closed in sleep, he
could almost hear the shouts of victory.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that God compares life to a race? (See today's Scripture.) Athletes sacrifice and work hard to win trophies. Christians should be willing to do the same to win the reward God gives. Has He asked you to give up a worldly pleasure? To witness to a friend? To attend church? To be kind and helpful? Do whatever the Lord asks as you "run" for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1

[Soldier4Christ]

The starter's shot split the air! Jon and the other runners charged off at a steady pace, but by the second lap, some had dropped far behind. Marvin Johnson from Hillsdale had the lead. Logan Parker from Lakeview was in second place, and Jon was in third place. Soon he edged ahead of Logan and pulled into second place. With an added spurt of power, he surged ahead again and took first place from Marvin. One more lap to go, but now Logan was moving with new speed. As he pulled alongside, Jon gave it all he had. Sweat poured down his face! Pain stabbed his muscles! He gasped for air! Just inches to go! Jon pushed ahead, but Logan kept coming!

"He's done it!" the announcer shouted as the tape at the finish line broke. "Our new state champion for this event is Logan Parker!" The crowd cheered.

A disappointed Jon joined his parents after the closing ceremonies. "Good race," his dad greeted him.

"Who are you kidding?" burst out Jon. "I lost." He was almost in tears.

"You did your best, Jon. I call that winning even if you didn't get the championship," said Dad. "And you came in second! I'm proud of you."

"I let everyone down! I'm a failure," moaned Jon. "I'll never run again."

"Failing to win first place doesn't make you a failure," said Dad, giving Jon's shoulder a squeeze, "but giving up and quitting might. That would really be letting everyone down-including the Lord. Quitting because you lost would be a poor testimony. On the other hand, learning from your experience, being thankful for doing as well as you did, and continuing with God's help to do your best would be a fine Christian example to your friends."

Jon still dreaded facing his friends. But when he got to
his school, he was surprised to see a large banner on the front of the building.
"Welcome home, Jon! We're proud of you!" he read. Jon was relieved. He wasn't
the state champion, but his friends knew he had done his best. He thanked the
Lord they understood.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you doing your best in your Christian race? Perhaps you think you've failed in witnessing. Maybe you know you should be trying harder for good grades, but you don't feel like it. Or maybe you'd like to break the commitment you've made to a team. With your parents' help, decide what God wants you to do. With His help, do the very best you can. That's all He asks of you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal." Philippians 3:13-14

[Soldier4Christ]

The basketball bounced into Stephanie's outstretched hands. This was her first season on the junior high team, and her heart pounded with excitement as she scooted around the other team's players. She heard someone yell, "Play number five!" Stephanie recognized the voice of Coach Howard and remembered the play they had practiced. But the game was almost over, and the basket was so close! With a quick pivot turn, she threw the ball hard towards the basket-but the defense had closed in, and her shot missed the basket. The crowd groaned as a tall girl on the other team grabbed the ball and started dribbling fast toward the opposite end of the court.

After the game, Coach Howard sat down on the bench beside Stephanie. "Did you hear me call the play number?" Coach asked gently.

"Yes, I did," admitted Stephanie tearfully, "but I . . . I thought I had the perfect chance to make some points! I'm sorry."

Coach Howard nodded. "I think you've learned a good lesson," he said. "Next time I'm sure you'll listen."

Stephanie went to the locker room, changed her clothes, and ran out to ride home with her dad. "Good game, Steph," he said.

"I shouldn't have tried for the basket," Stephanie replied sadly. "I feel awful. I heard Coach Howard call a play, and I should have done what he said."

Dad was quiet for a moment. "Steph, I think I know how you feel," he said. "I'm afraid I don't always listen to my coach, either." Stephanie gave Dad a puzzled glance. "Sometimes when I see something I want, my desires become more important to me than God's voice-I seem to think I have a better plan than He may have for me," explained Dad. "Other times, I know of something God wants me to do, but I really want to do something else, so I go my own way."

Stephanie sighed. "I guess I'm like that, too," she
said. Then she smiled and added, "I'm glad Coach Howard let me stay in the game,
though. I learned a lesson I'll never forget!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you hear God's voice through His Word and through wise people? Do you listen to God and obey Him, or do you go your own way instead? He knows what's best for you, and His plan is much better than yours. Think of one thing He wants you to do today-perhaps it's to do chores cheerfully, be a friend to someone, or give some of your money to God's work. Whatever it is, do it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!" Joshua 24:24

[Soldier4Christ]

When her grandmother died, Bella felt very sad. "But Grandma's with Jesus now, isn't she?" she asked her mother. "And she's happy?" Mom assured her that was true, and Bella felt much better. She learned to be happy, too, as she thought about her grandma.

 But now it was different. Bella herself had a serious disease. Her parents were honest with her when she asked about it. They told her that unless God worked a miracle, the disease could not be cured, but doctors would do their best to help her keep it under control so that she could live a happy life.

"I . . . I could die, though, couldn't I, Mom?" Bella asked one day. "I'm not really afraid. I know I'm a Christian and I'll go to be with Jesus, but I don't want to leave you and Daddy. And . . . I wonder what it's like to die-how does it feel?"

Mom held her close. "Honey," said Mom after a time, "do you remember when you were a very little girl and would sometimes crawl into bed with Daddy and me?" Bella nodded. When she had been afraid in the night, she had climbed into bed with her parents and had felt safe again. "And where would you find yourself in the morning?" Mom asked.

Bella thought about it for a moment. "Why . . . I'd be back in my own bed," she said, remembering.

"That's right." Mom smiled. "After you went to sleep, Daddy would pick you up in his strong arms and move you to your own bed." Bella's mother spoke softly. "I think that must be what death is like," she added. "We go to sleep here on earth and wake up immediately in heaven."

As Bella thought about that explanation, she smiled. It
was a beautiful thought. At the right time she would be taken to heaven to be
with her Lord forever. When she thought of it that way, it definitely was not
something to fear. It was something to look forward to.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid of death? If you're a Christian, you don't need to be afraid, for someday you, too, will be moved from earth to God's beautiful heaven. The most important thing is to be sure you are a child of God. Then you can know that at just the right time, God will take you to your new home in heaven. Won't that be wonderful?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"All right! Fudge!" Steven grinned as he came into the kitchen.

"Have a piece," offered Mom. "I'm just leaving to take some to Aunt Edna. While I'm gone, you could clean your room and get your homework done."

Mom left, and Steven was just ready to start his work when the doorbell rang. His friend Nate was at the door. "I'll beat you at a one-on-one basketball game," challenged Nate.

"Bet you won't!" exclaimed Steven with a grin-and when Mom returned, they were playing basketball on the driveway.

At dinner time, Steven's little brother Aden pushed his food around his plate. "What's the matter, Son?" asked Dad. "Aren't you hungry?"

"He couldn't be." Mom spoke up. "He got into the fudge while I was gone and ate far too much."

"Oh, no fair!" exclaimed Steven.

Aden pushed his chair back from the table. "I don't feel good," he whined.

After dinner, Mom turned to Steven. "I noticed your room still needs cleaning," she said. "And is your homework done?"

"I was going to do it, but Nate wanted to play basketball," Steven mumbled.

"You remind me of Aden," said Mom. "A little candy is good, but too much is bad news. A little play is also fine, but too much hurts. It hurts your character, your disposition, and your report card."

Trevor, Steven's older brother, spoke up. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," he said with a grin, "but all play and no work makes Jack-or Steven-a foolish boy." Steven looked down at the floor.

"Run along, Trevor. I'll handle this," Mom said mildly. She turned to Steven. "The Bible teaches us to use self-control," she continued. "It helps us to not go overboard on things-to keep a good balance between candy and healthy food, or between work and play." Mom stood to clear the table.

"I think I'll go do my homework and clean my room,"
decided Steven.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you balance work and play? Are you as careful to get chores done as you are to find time to play with your friends? Do you finish homework before spending time watching TV? God made boys and girls with a desire to play, but He knows work is also needed in a well-balanced life. When you balance your play with work, life will actually be more enjoyable.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." Proverbs 25:28