Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Liz," crooned Shana into the phone. She was using her sweetest voice. "I was wondering if you'd like to come to my birthday party on Saturday. It's at one o'clock. . . . Okay, see you there!"

Mom smiled as Shana hung up the phone and headed out the door to play with her friend Gina. But the smile faded when she overheard the conversation that took place between Shana and Gina. "Is she coming?" Gina asked. Shana grinned and nodded. "Good," continued Gina. "When she gives you something as nice as the bracelet she gave me, you'll be glad you invited her even though she is weird. You'll even thank me for telling you about it." Giggling, the girls linked arms and headed for the swing set.

That evening Mom sat on the edge of Shana's bed. "Shana, I couldn't help but overhear you and Gina talking this afternoon," she said. "I was sorry to learn you had an ulterior motive when you invited Liz to your birthday party."

"Ulterior motive? What's that?" Shana wanted to know.

"Well, when you have an ulterior motive, it means you have a reason other than the obvious one for doing something. It looked like you invited Liz to your party because you wanted her to be your friend. However, your real reason was to get a nice gift from her. People may not see the real reason for what you do, but God always does. The Bible says God searches every heart and understands all our motives, or reasons, for doing things."

Shana's face turned red. "I . . . I didn't mean any harm, but . . . should I call her and tell her not to come?"

Mom looked solemn. "How do you think that would make her feel? I think you can find a better solution."

"I . . . maybe I could tell her not to bring a present?"
suggested Shana. Mom shook her head, and Shana thought about it some more. "You
mean I should be a friend to her all the time," she said at last. She nodded.
"I'll try harder."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your motives please God? He knows all your thoughts-He knows why you do the things you do and say the things you say. In Psalm 139, David prayed, "See if there be any wicked way in me." Will you ask God, as David did, to show you when your motives are wrong?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts." 1 Chronicles 28:9

[Soldier4Christ]

When Alexis was honest with herself, she had to admit that family devotions didn't mean much to her. She especially wished they could skip them on days when she was late getting downstairs and had to wait till after devotions to eat breakfast. "How come we have to do this every single day?" she asked when Dad ended his prayer one morning. "Emma's family never has devotions."

Ignoring her question, Dad picked up the cereal box and held it toward her. Then he pulled it back. "Oh . . . maybe you don't want breakfast," he said.

"Of course I want breakfast!" Alexis exclaimed. "I'm starving! Besides, our nutrition teacher says it's the most important meal of the day."

"I see." Dad handed her the cereal. "Well, I don't suppose you'll be eating lunch today, will you?" he asked.

Alexis looked at him in surprise. "Why wouldn't I? You know I always take a sack lunch to school."

"What about supper?" asked Dad. "Are you planning to eat supper?"

Alexis was beginning to get irritated. "Dad, I always eat supper."

Dad nodded. "I know you always have," he said, "but I wondered if you were thinking of giving up eating on busy days."

Alexis looked first at her mother and then at her dad. "Give up eating," she repeated. "I'm not that dumb!" Suddenly she stopped. "Oh," she added slowly, "you're trying to tell me that it would be just as 'dumb' for us to quit having devotions, right?"

"Right," agreed Dad with a smile. "I think of daily
Bible reading as getting spiritual food every day. In fact, I think it's good to
start the day with God's Word-just like it's important to have a good breakfast.
Don't you agree?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How smart are you? You wouldn't go very long without food for your body, would you? How about food for your soul? It's important to feed upon God's Word each and every day. Read it, think about it, and apply to your life the principles and teachings you learn through daily Bible study.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable." 2 Timothy 3:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Lindsay and Morgan were helping their dad pick peaches in the family's orchard. "We've got lots of peaches," observed Morgan. "Wouldn't it be nice to have some plums, too?" She grinned mischievously and turned toward her sister. "Maybe you can find some plums on this tree, Lindsay."

"Don't be silly," cried Lindsay. "This is a peach tree!"

"No plums from this tree?" asked Dad. "How about some bananas, then?" Morgan grinned.

"Daddy!" exclaimed Lindsay, rolling her eyes. "You're as silly as Morgan."

Dad looked thoughtful. "God has designed all trees and plants to produce their own kind of fruit," he stated. "A peach tree will produce peaches, a plum tree will produce plums, and a banana tree will produce bananas."

"Right, Dad. That's pretty obvious," remarked Morgan dryly.

"Yes, it it," agreed Dad. "We don't seem to ever forget that, but what we do often forget is that we should be 'fruit trees' for God. He designed Christians to produce . . ."

"Christians!" exclaimed Lindsay.

"Christians?" asked Morgan. "We can't produce Christians. Only God can save a person and make him a Christian."

Dad nodded. "That's true," he said, "but one meaning for the word 'Christian' is 'like Christ,' or 'Christ-like.' If the things we do and the words we say are like things Christ would do and say, we'll be doing our part to bring others to Him."

"And we'd be displaying the 'fruit of the Spirit,' like we read in our devotion time this morning, wouldn't we?" asked Morgan.

"Very good thought!" said Dad. "Very
good."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of "fruit" do people see in your life? Do they see love? Joy? Peace? All the other things listed as "fruit of the Spirit"? When you submit-or yield yourself-to the Holy Spirit, you can do and say what Jesus would do and say. When you allow Him to live His life through you, people will see the right kind of "fruit."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."  Galatians 5:22-23

[Soldier4Christ]

"We read a cool story about a Great Pyrenees dog," Jeremy reported one evening. "They're huge dogs with mounds of fluffy white hair. I want one some day!" And when his birthday came, Jeremy got a wonderful surprise.

"You may have a dog for your birthday," said Jeremy's dad. "We can't afford a purebred Great Pyrenees, but you can watch to see if a Great Pyrenees mix comes in at one of the area animal shelters."

For weeks Jeremy checked the animal shelter websites, and finally, there it was! A picture of the cutest puppy he'd ever seen-a ball of white fur with flashing eyes. "Predominately a Great Pyrenees," the caption said. They went to see the dog, and Jeremy could scarcely contain his excitement when Dad handed him the official certificate of ownership-Great Pyrenees mix-owner Jeremy Clark. "I'll name him Snowball," Jeremy announced.

As Snowball grew, he looked-and acted-less and less like a Great Pyrenees and more and more like a yellow lab. When they took him for some shots, Jeremy asked the vet about it. "Well, he's a mix, you know," said the vet, "and you're right. He is more like a yellow lab than a Great Pyrenees. But he's a good dog." Jeremy nodded.

"What do you think?" asked Dad as they drove home. "Do you want to give up Snowball and look for a Great Pyrenees?"

"No way!" exclaimed Jeremy. "I wouldn't give him up. He's my friend."

"He reminds me of some people I've known," said Dad thoughtfully. "When you first meet them, you think they're Christians. They go to church and use many of the same phrases Christians do, but as you get to know them, you realize they don't seem at all concerned with pleasing God in the way they live. When you talk with them you find they don't really believe in Jesus as Savior."

"They're impostors," Jeremy said, "just like you,
Snowball." He grinned when Snowball "woofed" his agreement.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a really a Christian? Or have you never truly trusted Christ as Savior even though you know the words to say and the way to act to make people think you have? Even though you might be fooling them, you can't fool God. Make sure you don't just put on a good show to impress others. Make sure you are a Christian.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." 1 John 1:6

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look! Here comes that girl on her three-wheeler," said Colton. "She's not very smart. Let's pretend we're going to run into her and see what she does."

Colton and Zach steered their bikes toward the girl. Fear spread across her face as they came closer. "Stop!" she shouted.

"Retard! Retard!" chanted Colton, and Zach joined in. Laughing loudly, they steered away before actually running into the frightened girl.

Just then Colton saw Mrs. Brown, his Sunday School teacher, coming out of her house. Feeling guilty, he looked the other way, and before he realized what was happening, he had run into Zach. Down they went-a tangle of boys and bikes! Colton felt a sharp pain where his arm was badly skinned, and Zach was limping when he got up.

Mrs. Brown hurried to help them. She went back into her house to get bandages. "Do you like to get hurt?" she asked when she returned. The boys shook their heads. "How would you have felt," she continued, "if I had come out and pushed you over and then laughed when you got hurt?"

The boys looked at her in wonder. "That would have been mean," Colton answered finally.

Mrs. Brown nodded. "Yet that's something like what you did to that little girl."

"We didn't touch her," protested Zach. "We just teased her a little. We didn't hurt her."

"Oh, but you did," corrected Mrs. Brown. "It hurts her to be made fun of because of her disability." In his heart, Colton knew that, and he truly felt sorry. "Jesus taught us to treat others kindly," continued Mrs. Brown. "He treated everyone with love, and He wants us to do that, too."

Both boys looked ashamed. "I'm sorry," said Zach.

"Me, too," said Colton. "We won't do that again. We
promise." Zach nodded- and they both really meant what they
said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you kind to those who are different, or do you sometimes tease them? Teasing can be very painful. Jesus was kind to everyone, and He wants you to follow His example. Be a friend-don't tease when it hurts, and don't be a bully.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted." Ephesians 4:32

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom," said Amiya one evening, "you know Carter Grayson? I thought he was a Christian, but I'm beginning to wonder about him. He's in my class at school, and when we're outside at recess, he's always swearing and saying bad words." Amiya shrugged. "Do you think he really isn't a Christian at all?"

"That's not for us to judge," said Mom.

 "All the guys he runs around with talk like that, too. Maybe that's why he does it," suggested Amiya.

"So you think it's a case of 'garbage in-garbage out'?" asked Mom. "You told me you learned in school that if you program wrong information-which computer people refer to as 'garbage'-into the computer, you get wrong information back out."

"Yeah, but . . . ?" Amiya wasn't sure what Mom was getting at.

"It's like that with your mind, too," explained Mom. "What you program into your mind is what eventually comes out through your speech and actions." Amiya still looked puzzled. "In other words, if you read the wrong kind of literature, watch TV programs with foul language or immoral ideas, and run around with kids who swear or use drugs, that's the 'program' going into your mind," continued Mom. "It will show in what you say and do."

"O-o-oh," said Amiya thoughtfully. "Well, I'm sure the kids Carter hangs with are bad for him-and he probably reads and watches bad stuff, too."

"Let's not assume anything about what he reads or watches," said Mom, "but we can pray that he'll learn to feed his mind with good things. Most of all, let's be careful to program good things into our own minds."

"By listening to good programs and reading good books, and running around with Christian friends?" asked Amiya.

Mom nodded. "And by keeping in close fellowship with
God," she said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever find yourself saying bad words when you really don't want to? Do you catch yourself thinking or doing things you know are wrong? Maybe it's because you're programming your mind with the wrong things. Check and see if there are some changes you should make in what you read, watch, and listen to. Make sure they're the things God wants you to have in your heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." Matthew 12:35

[Soldier4Christ]

As Chase and Josiah walked along, they saw a penny on the sidewalk. Chase picked it up. "You can't buy much with a penny," he said, "but at least I won't have bad luck today."

"What does a penny have to do with luck?" asked Josiah.

"You know that poem," answered Chase. "See a penny, leave it lay-have bad luck all the day. See a penny, pick it up-all day long you'll have good luck."

"Hah!" scoffed Josiah. "I don't believe in luck. I believe God controls what happens in our lives."

"God?" Chase shrugged. "I suppose He thinks about big things like wars and earthquakes and floods-stuff like that," he agreed, "but I'm sure He can't bother about all the details in all the lives of the millions of people down here on earth."

"He's watching everything," insisted Josiah. "He even watches over little birds."

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Chase. "Where did you hear that?"

"In church," replied Josiah. "It says in the Bible that Jesus knows when every sparrow falls. Hey! Want to come with me to Sunday school this week and hear more about God? You'll like our teacher-he's really nice. We sing some cool songs and have a Bible lesson. Sometimes we play a Bible game-and we have parties and fun times, too."

"Well . . . okay," agreed Chase as they reached his
house. "If Mom will let me. And here . . ." He tossed the coin. "Have a
penny!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think "luck" controls your life? Or do you put complete faith in God and trust Him to take care of you? God made the earth and everything in it, including you. He controls all things. He sees and knows about everything, even the little birds. And He cares much more about you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31

[Soldier4Christ]

Mike twirled the knob on the padlock for what seemed like the fiftieth time and silently prayed his locker would open. He hoped nobody noticed how long he'd been trying to get it open. This is a great way to start middle school, he thought. "Fifteen, thirty-five, twenty-two," Mike muttered under his breath as he stopped at each number. "Here goes." He tugged on the handle, but nothing happened. In frustration, he tugged harder. He was startled by a voice behind him.

"What's wrong, Mike?" It was Tanner, a friend from Sunday school.

Mike leaned against the locker. "This thing won't open," he said.

"Let me try," offered Tanner. "Tell me the numbers." Mike called out the numbers, and Tanner flipped the dial this way and that way. When he pulled on the handle, the door opened!

"How'd you do that?" Mike was astonished.

"You try-and let me watch you," said Tanner. So Mike turned the knob to the right and stopped at fifteen. Then he turned it left and stopped at thirty-five. "Whoa," said Tanner. "That's your problem. You have to go past that number and stop at it on the second time around." Tanner took the knob and demonstrated for Mike.

"Oh, right! Mrs. Gray told us that." Mike laughed. "Boy, do I feel stupid!"

Tanner laughed, too. "It's just like Mr. Boynton said," he agreed.

"Mr. Boynton?" asked Mike. "You mean in Sunday school?"

Tanner nodded. "He said it wasn't much use to memorize if we don't know how to use what we've learned. You memorized your locker combination, but a lot of good those numbers did you! You didn't know how to use them. Of course, Mr. Boynton was talking about Bible verses we learn."

"Yeah . . . well, I know how to use my combination now,"
said Mike. "Next time I learn a Bible verse I'll make sure I know how to use it,
too." He tried the lock one more time and gave Tanner a "thumbs-up" when it
opened right away.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you understand Bible verses you've learned? Can you use them in your daily life, or are they only words without meaning? If you don't understand a verse you're asked to learn, get help. Then ask God to bring it to your mind when you face a situation where that verse would be useful-where it would be a comfort to you, a warning, or perhaps a guide to show you what to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works." Psalm 119:27

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, there aren't any mistakes in the Bible, are there?" asked Stephen. "I mean . . . I was reading in the book of John this morning, and it says if somebody believes in God, he'll never die. But people who are Christians die. Like Grandpa Potter-he loved God, but last year he died anyway." Dad smiled. Then he reached over and pinched Stephen lightly on his arm. "Ouch!" exclaimed Stephen. "Why did you pinch me?"

"I didn't," said Dad. "I only pinched the house you live in."

"House?" Stephen asked. He looked at the walls around him. "You didn't pinch the house," he objected. "You pinched me!"

Dad laughed and shook his head. "You're more than a body. God made you with a mind to think and a spirit and soul to know Him," he explained. "He gave your mind and soul a house to live in on earth-your body. The real you lives inside the body-house God provided for you."

"Oh . . . I get it," said Stephen thoughtfully.

"Stephen, when you believed on Jesus Christ and asked Him to forgive your sins, He gave eternal life to your soul-to the real you," explained Dad. "Will something that is eternal die?"

"No," Stephen quickly replied, "it lasts forever and ever."

"That's right," agreed Dad, "but your body wasn't made to last forever. At the very moment your body dies, God will take you out of your body-house and into His home in heaven."

"So . . . the real me won't ever die, right?" asked Stephen. "But if I weren't a Christian, I-the real me-would die someday?"

"Then not only would your body-house die, but your soul would suffer spiritual death, which means eternal separation from God," explained Dad.

"In hell?" asked Stephen.

Dad nodded. "That's why it's so important to trust Jesus
as Savior."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where will you-the real you-spend eternity? Do you believe Jesus took the punishment you deserve? Have you trusted Him as your Savior from sin? If you have, God has given you everlasting life, and the real you will live forever in heaven! If you haven't yet accepted Jesus, do so today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." John 11:26

[Soldier4Christ]

Marcie put the last plate in the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen sink. "I'm tired of doing all this work," she grumbled. "Dishes, making the beds, straightening up the place, picking up the newspapers-there's no end, and . . ." Marcie paused to catch a breath.

"Well, hey," her brother Eric interjected, "you're not the only one who works around here. Dad and I made supper tonight-and, I might add, without griping about it, either."

"Well, I don't know why Mom had to go and get a job," complained Marcie.

"You oughta know," said Eric. "You're one of the reasons she went to work."

"Me?" Marcie asked. "I didn't ask her to go out and find a job!"

"Well, you know how much sickness we've had around here lately, and with Dad laid off part of the time, money's been tight," said Eric. "You know we've been praying about it, so when the chance came for Mom to take this job, she felt she had to do it. It will pay for things we need for school-and even for food. Mom's making all kinds of sacrifices for you. Can't you make a couple for her?" With that Eric left the room.

Marcie thought about Eric's words. Am I an ungrateful, spoiled brat-grumbling just because I have to do extra chores? she asked herself. I don't mean to be, but I . . . I am. She felt ashamed. Dear Jesus, prayed Marcie silently, forgive me for being so grumpy. Please help me have a better attitude from now on-and thank You for all the good things You give us.

When Mom arrived home a little later, Marcie and Eric greeted her. "Hi, Mom," said Marcie with a big smile. Eric looked at her in surprise.

"Hi, kids," said Mom. "How was school?"

"Good," replied Marcie. "Want me to make you a cup of
coffee? Or is there anything else we should do?" She giggled at Eric's puzzled
expression. So far, only she and God knew she had a changed
heart!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do both your parents have jobs outside the home? Do you find it all too easy to complain if you have to do a few extra chores around the house? They're working to provide for you. Thank God for them and for the work He has given them. Cheerfully do your share to make things run smoothly at home.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do all things without complaining and disputing." Philippians 2:14

[Soldier4Christ]

The mailman delivered a package addressed to Juanita and Pablo. It came from Grandma and contained two huge puzzles-one for each of them. There was also a small envelope for each of them. The envelopes were taped shut, and on them were printed the words "Don't open till you've worked the puzzles!"

Juanita and Pablo dumped their puzzles on the floor and began putting them together. "I'm missing a piece," said Pablo when he finally added the last piece he had to his puzzle.

"Me, too," said Juanita. "There's a hole in my puzzle."

Juanita looked all over the floor while Pablo searched the wrapping paper and boxes, but they couldn't find the missing pieces. "Check the envelopes," suggested their mother. They opened them quickly and read, "I'm missing something, too! I miss each of you and feel like there's a hole in my life! I'm coming to visit next week. Love, Grandma."

When Grandma came, she handed Juanita a tiny package. Opening it, Juanita found the missing puzzle piece and a bead bracelet. Grandma gave Pablo a package containing his missing piece and a key chain. "All right! Now when we finish our puzzles they won't have any holes in them," said Juanita.

Grandma nodded. "Just don't forget," she said, "that I miss you when I don't see you or hear from you." She gave them each a hug. "Do you know who else wants to hear from you regularly?" she asked.

"Our friends?" asked Juanita.

Grandma nodded. "I'm sure they do," she agreed, "but I was thinking of Jesus. He wants to hear from you, and He has a special message for you, too."

"So . . . we should pray and read the Bible, right?" asked Pablo.

"Yes, and think of Him often as you go through your
day," replied Grandma. "Thank Him for your daily blessings. Think about what He
would do or say in your situation, and follow His example."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has anyone promised to play with you and then forgot? Are you sometimes the one who forgets to keep in touch with a friend? Don't be the "hole"-the missing piece. Be faithful to your friends. Above all, be faithful in spending time with the Lord-reading the Bible, talking with Him, thinking about Him, and following His example.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands." Proverbs 3:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Princess purred loudly as the four tiny kittens nestled beside her. But when Kim leaned over the box, Princess hissed and swatted the air. Kim jumped back. "I only wanted to touch your babies, Princess. What's wrong with that?" she asked. Of course, Princess didn't answer with words, but her look said, "Don't try that again!"

When Kim checked on the kittens later, they were gone! Princess had moved them to the linen closet. "Hi, Princess," said Kim soothingly when she found them. "You have such a nice family. Can I hold one?" As she reached for a kitten, Princess hissed and swatted at Kim again. "I'm your friend," cried Kim. "I won't hurt them." But Princess glared at Kim until she went away.

It happened again-Princess moved the kittens. "What's wrong with her?" Kim asked her mother. "I only want to pet them, and she won't let me."

"Princess is just being a good mother," Mom told her. "She's protective of her kittens right now. She knows they're fragile and weak."

"I suppose so," said Kim reluctantly, "but I thought I could convince her that she can trust me."

"Honey, this reminds me of something I want to talk to you about," said Mom. "Princess has a responsibility to protect her kittens, so she won't let anyone touch them. You have a special responsibility, too-that of protecting your body. Usually there's nothing wrong with a light touch, a little kiss, or a gentle hug. But I want to make sure you realize that certain parts of our bodies should be clothed and kept private to us. They shouldn't be handled or touched by anyone else outside of marriage, except perhaps by a doctor. If anyone-anyone at all-ever tries to touch your body in an improper way, say no! No matter what is said, don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Okay?"

"Okay." Kim nodded. "I've heard of that kind of thing at
school," she said soberly. "I won't forget. I'll quit buggin' Princess, too. I
guess I'd deserve it if she scratched me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you protecting your body? If someone treats you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or guilty, tell him or her to stop immediately. Tell God about the problem. Then go to your mom or dad or some other trusted adult and tell that person, too. They will help you handle the situation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20

[Soldier4Christ]

The dining room at Camp Macoma rang with singing as the youth group gathered for bedtime devotions. A storm had been brewing over the lake, and soon thunder and lightening interrupted the singing. Suddenly the dining hall was enveloped in darkness.

"Sit tight," Mr. Paul advised. "Mr. Dave will see about getting the lights back on."

At first the kids huddled where they were, but soon they got accustomed to the darkness and became braver. Ignoring Mr. Paul's warning, they started moving around. "Anna, there's a mouse on your leg," Dylan called out.

Anna laughed. "Even if there were one, you wouldn't be able to see it."

As the kids moved around, something brushed against Grace's leg. "What's that?" screamed Grace as she jumped back, bruising her knee on a table.

"Calm down before someone gets hurt worse!" Mr. Paul warned. The group reluctantly, settled down. "Think about what happened tonight," continued Mr. Paul. "How did you feel when the lights first went out?"

"The girls were scared," said Dylan teasingly.

"I think you all were a bit uncertain and uncomfortable," said Mr. Paul. "But then you got used to the darkness-you actually delighted in it and enjoyed scaring each other. Was that a good thing?"

"Well . . . not really, but until Grace bumped her leg, we forgot it could be dangerous," replied Anna.

"Right," agreed Mr. Paul. "Wandering in darkness can be
dangerous-and it's especially dangerous to wander in what we refer to as the
'darkness of sin.' Like in physical darkness, we sometimes get so used to it-to
a particular sin-that we actually like it. We don't realize the danger until we
get hurt. Stay close to Jesus-He's our light." As he paused, the lights suddenly
came back on. Mr. Paul nodded. "We also tend to forget," he added, "that some
day everything will be brought to light. Let's ask God to help us live in such a
way that His light brings joy, not embarrassment."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Would you like people to know everything you do? Would it be embarrassing for you? Don't stumble in the darkness of sin when you can walk in the light by following Jesus and doing the things that please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." 1 John 1:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Amy's science teacher didn't believe in the biblical record of creation. He told the class all animals evolved from lower forms of life. Amy asked where the lower forms of life had come from. "We can't go into all the details," said Mr. Matthews. "They . . . just happened. What I want you to remember at this time is that all life evolved from them."

 Amy was frustrated. "Well, why did fish become fish? And birds become birds rather than something else?" she asked.

Mr. Matthews shrugged. "That's just the way it happened," he said. "Some of you have been taught a lot of nonsense about a creator. You need to accept that life came about in the natural order of things-without any creator."

I know God created everything, but how can I convince Mr. Matthews? wondered Amy. Then she had an idea.

After school Amy hurried home. She went to her room, took an exquisitely carved cardinal her uncle had made for her, and carefully wrapped the wooden bird in several layers of paper. The next day she took it to school.

When it was time for science class, Amy set the cardinal on her desk. The other students admired it, and even Mr. Matthews came back to where she was sitting and looked at the cardinal. "Whoever carved this bird certainly knew what he was doing," he observed. "This is beautiful! Who did it?"

Amy shrugged her shoulders. "What would you say if I told you I woke up this morning, and there it was? It just happened?"

Mr. Matthews frowned. "I'd say if you can get anybody to believe that, you should go into salesmanship. Don't you know who made it?"

Amy grinned at him. "Mr. Matthews, you'd think I was
silly if I really believed no one made this wooden cardinal, yet you told me
that no one made the real cardinals," she said. "Isn't that even sillier?" Mr.
Matthews gave her a thoughtful look. Amy knew she hadn't convinced him that God
created the world, but she silently thanked the Lord that she had at least made
her teacher think about it.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
At your school, are you taught things contrary to God's Word? The Bible says God created all things, including all life. You can see His handiwork in the beautiful world around you. It took the Master Designer-God-to create the awesome world in which you live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I (God) have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by My great power." Jeremiah 27:5

[Soldier4Christ]

Alex sat on the beach and watched big waves come in and go out. His friend Jared had teased him about going to church and Sunday school and had asked some difficult questions. "What makes you so sure you'll go to heaven?" Jared had wanted to know. "You sing a song about your sins having 'rolled away.' Aren't you afraid they'll roll right back again? Like when my dad was moving logs the other day-he rolled one up onto the wagon, and when he turned his back, the old log rolled back down. It rolled right into him and knocked him over! Maybe your sins will roll back like that." Jared had laughed, and Alex hadn't been quite sure how to answer.

Alex turned and saw his grandfather coming to sit down beside him. "As I look out over those waves," said Grandpa, "I'm reminded of how God has forgiven my sins." He smiled at Alex. "God says He's buried them in the depths of the sea. And another thing-can you see where the ocean ends?"

Alex cupped his hands over his eyes and looked into the distance. "I see where it looks like it ends," he said, "but I know it goes farther."

Grandpa nodded. "When we were out on that fishing boat yesterday, we were so far out we could see only sky and water in every direction," he said. "It seemed a long, long way from one 'edge of the sky' to the other. But that's nothing compared to the distance God has removed the sins of those who trust in Him. One description He gives says they're removed from us as far as the east is from the west."

"Our sins can't come back again, either, can they?" asked Alex.

"Sure can't," Grandpa answered firmly. "If we try to
remove them ourselves, it doesn't work-we'll still have them. But the Bible says
God has removed them. You can be sure He's done a good job. You won't see those
sins again!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you wondered if you are really a Christian? Satan likes to make you doubt it. Remember, if you've accepted Jesus as Savior, God's Word says He has removed your sins far from you. Depend on Him, not on yourself, to have your sins removed. You can count on Him. Aren't you glad?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions (sins) from us." Psalm 103:12