Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Sharla took a deep breath as she closed the porch door behind her. "I smell coconut," she muttered and hurried into the kitchen, her nose twitching like a rabbit's. "May I have a piece, Mom?" Mom looked up from fixing a salad and handed Sharla a carrot. "No, thanks." Sharla laughed. "I don't want a carrot. I want a piece of coconut cake."

A frown wrinkled Mom's forehead. "Coconut cake? I don't have any."

"Coconut pie then?" Sharla opened the oven door. "I smell coconut."

Mom grinned and pointed to a lighted candle on the table. "You smell that coconut candle, Sharla."

"O-o-oh! It's making me hungry," said Sharla. "Well, I guess a carrot will have to do." She sat down at the table and watched her mother slice tomatoes. "Devon witnesses to the kids at school all the time," said Sharla abruptly.

Mom smiled. "That's good."

Sharla frowned. "I don't know if it is or not."

Mom looked up in surprise. "You don't know if it's good or not?" she repeated. "Why is that?"

"It's the way he does it," Sharla explained between bites. "He's such a . . . such a smarty witness-it's like he's bragging because he knows Jesus and other kids don't. I don't think they even like to be around him."

"Well . . . let's give him credit for having the courage to speak up," said Mom. "At the same time, perhaps we can learn something from him." She paused. "A person's witness can be like a floodlight shining in someone's eyes, blinding him. On the other hand, a witness with a sweet spirit is like a scented candle."

Sharla took a deep breath and smiled. "I know what you
mean. Your coconut candle made me hungry, and a 'sweet' witness will cause
people to hunger to know Jesus. Right?" Mom nodded. Sharla's smile turned to a
grin as she added, "And, Mom, could we make a coconut cake after
dinner?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of a witness are you? Are you like a floodlight, or like a scented candle? Do you blind people with a know-it-all attitude? Or do your words and actions cause them be hungry to have Jesus in their lives? Let your attitude, your actions, and your words cause others to want what you have-the Lord Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 For His Glory

"How was the campout?" asked Cole's mom at breakfast the next morning.

"Great!" Cole exclaimed. "I think we ate three pounds of hotdogs."

Ethan laughed. "And two pounds of marshmallows," he said.

"You sure had a beautiful night for sleeping under the stars," Mom added.

"Yeah," agreed Cole. "Made us think about God a lot."

"Thinking about the whole universe made me feel pretty small," said Ethan.

Mom smiled. "I know what you mean," she said. "It's good to think about how great God is, but it's also good to remember that He's interested in little things. Actually, the fact that He's interested in small things as well as big ones really emphasizes His greatness." She turned to Cole. "Have you shown Ethan the microscope you got for your birthday?" she asked.

"Yeah, he did. It's cool!" exclaimed Ethan. "Let's go use it, Cole."

"Okay," agreed Cole, and the boys hurried off.

As Ethan peered through the lens a little later, he saw what appeared to be a giant, horned monster. "Yuck!" he exclaimed. "What's that thing?"

"A flea." Cole laughed. "I got it off my dog."

Ethan took another look. "I didn't know fleas had all those horns and claws," he said. "Let's find some other things to look at." Soon the boys had examined an ant, a leaf stem, a worm, and parts of a flower. "Awesome!" exclaimed Ethan as he looked at a drop of water they had taken from a puddle.

"Wow!" exclaimed Cole when Ethan moved over so he could peer into the lens. The boys were amazed at all the tiny creatures they found swimming in the water. "There must be millions and billions of these microscopic things all over the world, and we never see them," added Cole.

Mom spoke from the doorway. "Even though no one sees those little creatures, each one was created by God in a special way," she said with a smile. "Aren't you glad He's interested in little things as well as in big ones? That means He's interested in us, too. It's nice to know we're important to God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God really cares about every little thing-even those too small for you to see? Do you realize He cares about you? He created you and is interested in every detail of your life. He loves you, protects you, and supplies the things you need. He has a purpose for you and for everything that happens to you. God, the great Creator, loves you so much that He humbled Himself to be your Savior. Won't you join in praising Him and in bringing glory to His name?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord . . . forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

[Soldier4Christ]

Kacie and her mother carried baskets to the flower garden where they worked together, selecting and cutting flowers in the warm sunshine. Kacie enjoyed helping Mom with her home florist business. "Will you teach me to arrange centerpieces?" Kacie asked. "You make such pretty ones. You're so creative, Mom."

Mom smiled. "Thanks," she said, "but I'm not nearly as creative as God is. I really enjoy the huge variety of flowers He created."

"Me, too," agreed Kacie. "There are so many colors, and they're all so pretty!" She looked around at the flower beds. "White and yellow daisies, red and pink dahlias-and look at all the colors of the snapdragons and petunias and lilies."

"Yes," said Mom, "and it's not just the colors that are different. The petals are different, too-lilies are shaped like trumpets, daisy petals are like teardrops, gladiola petals are all ruffly, and baby's breath is like little stars." She smiled. "God made people like that, too," she added.

"Ruffly and like little stars?" teased Kacie.

Mom laughed. "He made people with different colors of skin and hair and eyes," she said. "Even body shapes are different-people can be tall or short, round or thin. Their hair might be straight, wavy, or curly."

Kacie grinned. "That makes people more interesting," she said.

"I think so, too-I'm glad we're not all exactly alike," said Mom. "We gather a variety of flowers for our bouquets, and the Bible says God will gather believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation to worship Him in heaven. Won't that be wonderful, Kacie, to praise the Lord among our fellow-believers from the whole earth?"

Kacie's eyes widened. "Like a human bouquet!" she exclaimed.

Mom smiled. "Now that's a lovely thought, Kacie," she
said. "A human bouquet!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder what it will be like in heaven-worshipping God with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation? What a wonderful time that will be! But don't wait till then to enjoy people who look different than you or speak a different language. God created all of us to be unique and in His image. Learn now to accept and appreciate the huge variety of people He made.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I looked, and behold, a great multitude . . . of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Blake was thoughtful as he helped Mrs. Brown straighten the room after Bible Club. "How about another cookie?" suggested Mrs. Brown, holding out the plate of snacks.

"No thanks," said Blake absentmindedly. He was thinking of what his dad had told him.

"You can go to that old Bible Club if you want to, Blake," Dad had said, "but I don't think much of it. If God is really so kind and loving as those Christians say, why would He send anybody to hell? No, I don't want anything to do with a God like that."

Blake decided to ask his teacher about it. "If God is so kind, wouldn't He . . ." Blake hesitated. "I mean . . . how can He send anyone to hell?"

"Good question, Blake," answered Mrs. Brown. "Let's see-how can I help you understand?" She thought for a moment. "Tell me something . . . if you're hungry when you get home today, will you be angry with me? Will you say, 'Mrs. Brown says she likes us kids, but when I stayed after class and helped her, I didn't even have anything to eat while I worked'?"

"Course not," said Blake in surprise. "You offered me some cookies-and they sure are good, but I just didn't want any more. So why would I be mad?"

Mrs. Brown nodded. "I offered them, but you chose not to accept," she said. "It's a little like that with God. He offers salvation and heaven, but then He allows us to make the choice as to where we spend eternity. Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins, so no one needs to go to hell. However, some people refuse to accept what Jesus has done for them. Some won't even admit they need a Savior. They insist they can get to heaven by their own good works. By doing that, they are choosing to continue on their way to hell. Does that make sense to you?"

Slowly Blake nodded. I'll have to tell Dad about this,
he thought. It's not fair to blame God for a choice you made
yourself!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you chosen to continue on the way to hell? Or have you chosen to follow Jesus? He loves you very much, and He's calling you today to receive Him into your life. Admit your need and ask Him to come in and forgive your sin. When you trust in Him, you have eternal life in heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I (God) have set before you life and death . . . therefore choose life." Deuteronomy 30:19

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'm tired of getting preached at," complained Matt. "It's always 'do this,' or 'don't do that.' 'Love your brother.' 'Obey your mother.' 'Pray every day.' 'Watch what you say.'" He chuckled. "I'm a poet, and didn't even know it."

"Yes, well, those are certainly inspiring rhymes," teased Dad with a grin, "but please remember that God gives teachers and pastors to help you learn."

Matt shrugged. "Maybe, but my teachers and Pastor Ensey aren't perfect, either, so who are they to be always telling everyone how to live?"

"They're simply God's messengers, reminding us of His laws," replied Dad.

"Well, I don't like messengers!" declared Matt. He jumped to his feet. "I'm going to see if Mr. Bentley has any work for me." Mr. Bentley owned the corner grocery store and sometimes paid Matt to do odd jobs there.

The next evening Matt was angry. "Some people make me so mad!" he fumed, throwing his cap on the table. "Mr. Bentley asked me to deliver some stuff to old Mrs. Carr today. He said to tell her she wouldn't be able to charge anything else until she paid her bill. She knows she should pay up, but would you believe that old lady bawled me out? She called me a 'smart-aleck teenager.' She ranted and raved for at least five minutes." Matt scowled. "Why yell at me? Why doesn't she yell at Mr. Bentley? I'm just the delivery boy giving her his message."

Dad smiled. "I guess she's like you," he said calmly. "She doesn't like messengers, and you don't, either, as I recall." Dad paused, then added, "If you don't like the message your pastor and teachers give you, you should complain to God, not to me or to them. Right?"

Matt didn't know what to say. "I . . . I don't want to do that," he mumbled.

"Think about the reason you don't like their messages," suggested Dad. "Is it because the Holy Spirit is convicting you of some sin in your life?"

"I don't know. I . . . I guess it might be," admitted
Matt. "I'll try to think about that more often."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it make you angry when God's message applies to you? Do you wish pastors and teachers-perhaps even parents-would worry about their own lives and leave you alone? When others bring you God's message, don't get angry and grumble at them. Those in authority are simply messengers-God says they're His ministers to you for good. Listen to what they say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls." Hebrews 13:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Dayton tossed his baseball cap on the kitchen table and stormed into the family room where his parents were reading. "That's it!" he blurted out angrily. "I'm through being Mr. Nice Guy!"

Dayton's father looked up from his magazine. ""Whoa! What are you so upset about?" asked Dad.

"I'm beyond upset!" Dayton exclaimed. "I'm mad!" With that he dropped into a chair. "I'm the one who started this whole ball club," he continued. "I'm the one who furnished the bats and balls for that first game, and . . ."

Dad held up his hand. "So what happened now to make you so mad?"

Dayton got to his feet and began to pace across the floor. "What happened is-I was practically dumped from the team! Now that they've got a lot more guys to choose from, they forget I'm the one who got things going. I even got Gem Cleaners to furnish those T-shirts for us." Dayton looked over to see how his father was taking his news.

Dad shook his head. "Are the new guys good players?" he asked. "Are they better than you?"

Dayton whirled and spoke harshly. "Well-they're okay, I guess, but I'm the guy who got things going!"

"Maybe it's not really fair," his father said quietly. "Things in this world aren't always fair. But try to look at this as an opportunity. Maybe if you take it calmly, the other guys will see that being a Christian makes a difference in your life and actions." Dad paused. "Do you think you could do that for the Lord?" he asked. "You know, He's been treated badly by people, too, and He's the One Who got everything in the whole universe started!"

It was hard for Dayton to accept what his father was
saying, and yet he knew it was true. He knew being bitter and angry about what
was happening wouldn't change anything. But handling it calmly might make a
difference.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you act when you feel you're mistreated or when someone does something that really hurts you? What do your friends see in you at a time like that? Do they see that Jesus lives in you? Do you react with love as He would? The Bible tells us how He acted when He was mistreated. Learn from His example. Let your actions be a testimony for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"When He was reviled (insulted), (He) did not revile in return." 1 Peter 2:23

[Soldier4Christ]

"Where's Cindi?" asked Dad as he nodded toward the empty chair at the breakfast table. "It's time for devotions."

"She's washing her hair," Andy replied.

"Her schedule is becoming a problem," said Mom as she set orange juice on the table. "I think we should change our time for devotions. Maybe right after dinner would work well."

"I bet Cindi doesn't have devotions by herself, either," offered Andy. "Bet she . . ." He stopped when he saw Dad was frowning at him.

After school Cindi sat in the family room, chatting  and looking through the email that had come. "This is all junk mail and advertisements," she complained. "I can't understand why Sherry hasn't written me. I always answer her email right away, but she takes weeks and weeks to answer mine. Some friend she is!"

"We have one Friend who might often say the same about us," said Mom.

Cindi looked up. "Who?" she demanded.

"Jesus," Mom replied quietly. "When our schedules get full, it's easy to get too busy to communicate with God-to take time for devotions. Of course, He doesn't have email like we do, but if He did, do you think He'd often shake His head, wondering why He hasn't heard from us?"

"But, Mom . . ." Cindi began.

"When we do take time, I wonder how much of the 'email' we send Him is like ads," Mom continued thoughtfully. "How often do we pray, 'Lord, I want this particular item,' or, 'I sure could use that-please give it to me'? How often do we send Him 'junk mail'-empty, repetitious phrases? I know I want to do better."

"I . . . I know what you mean, Mom. I guess I'm as bad
as Sherry," admitted Cindi with a sigh. "I want to do better,
too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been enjoying "correspondence" with the Lord? Or is He often disappointed because He doesn't hear from you? He loves to communicate with you. He wants to hear all about your day, your feelings, and your thoughts. He has much wisdom to give you through His letter to you-the Bible. Make up your mind right now to communicate with Him daily.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

[Soldier4Christ]

Brian relaxed on the back porch swing. "Hey, Mom! Do you know this rhyme?" he asked. "Here's the church. Here's the steeple. Open the door and see all the people." He moved his fingers to portray the words he quoted.

Mom laughed. "That's an old one, Brian," she said, "but I still like it. Come over here. I have a riddle for you."

Brian slid off of the porch swing and walked down the steps to where his mother was on her knees, working in the flower bed. She wrote in the dirt with her finger. CH _ _ CH. "Do you know what this is?" she asked.

"Yeah, it's C H blank blank C H," replied Brian.

"Think harder," encouraged Mom. "You can figure it out."

Brian scratched his head and studied the letters in the dirt. "It looks like part of the word 'church,'" he said. "Is that what it means?"

"Actually, it doesn't mean anything," said Mom.

"Aw-w-w, Mom," protested Brian.

"That is," added Mom, "it means nothing until U R in it."

"Until U R . . ." began Brian. Then he laughed. "That's a good one," he said.

"It's more than a good one, Brian," said Mom. "U R needed for church to really be church. We all rely on one another for encouragement, for prayer, and for the strengthening of our faith."

"I guess I always knew church was important," said Brian, "but I never thought before about how important U R to church."

Mom smiled and nodded. "We can put aside our busy, everyday lives and meet with God and other members of His family at church. We can find joy in the prayers, music, sermons, lessons, and fellowship." She reached out to pull a weed. "Weeds," she said. "Now that's another lesson. How about helping me weed these flowers, and we can talk about pulling weeds in your life."

Brian grinned. "Sorry, Mom-we already had that lesson in
Sunday school," he said. "But I'll help you anyway."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you attend church regularly? Do you experience the joy of gathering with Christian friends and with God in church? Remember CH _ _ CH means nothing until U R in it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

[Soldier4Christ]

Mateo walked into his father's study and sat down. "I think we made a big mistake coming here," announced Mateo sadly. "Everything's so different. Are you sure God wants us to start a new church in this town?"

Dad walked across the room to sit beside Mateo. "I'm sure," he said. "After much prayer, Mom and I both sensed it was time to move on to a new ministry. We believe this is where He wants us to serve Him now."

Mateo sighed. "Well, then . . . if I didn't know better, I'd say God made a mistake in sending us here," he said. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it."

"Mail call!" Mateo's mother walked into the room and handed several letters to Dad and one to Mateo. "I got a letter, too," she said. "It's from Grandma, and she sent a new cookie recipe. She says they're delicious, and if they're as good as the picture looks, she's right." Mom held out the recipe for them to see.

Mateo grinned as he remembered the last time he had milk and cookies in his grandmother's kitchen. "Let's make some today, Mom," he suggested.

"Hold on a minute, Son." Dad reached up to take the recipe out of Mom's hand. "Are you sure you want any of these? What if Grandma sent us a bad recipe? These might be the worst cookies you've ever eaten."

"They won't be-Grandma says they're good," said Mateo. "She tried the recipe, so she knows."

"Do you think she's more trustworthy than God is?" asked Dad. Seeing that Mateo was puzzled, Dad continued. "Would God guide us to a new ministry if He didn't know it would all work out for His glory-and for our good?"

Mateo was thoughtful. "Oh . . . I get it, Dad," he said
at last. "If I can trust Grandma to send us a good recipe, I can trust God to
send us good things, too, right? Okay. I'll try to do that even if it means
living in this town." He stood up. "I guess it's God's recipe for us right now,"
he added, "but can we please go try Grandma's recipe now, too?" Laughing, Mom
agreed.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think of God as a loving Heavenly Father, or as someone who is harsh and uncaring-someone who ruins your plans? Even when things aren't going as you'd like, remember God loves you and wants the best for you and for all of His children.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"How great is Your goodness . . . which You have prepared for those who trust in You." Psalm 31:19

[Soldier4Christ]

Brad's face was flushed, and he tossed and turned. "I know you hate being sick on Saturday," said Mom sympathetically, "but take these pills-they'll bring down your fever and make you feel better." Brad scowled, and when she wasn't looking he dropped the pills into the wastepaper basket beside his bed.

A little later, Mom came in with the phone. "Justin wants to talk to you," she said, handing him the phone. She touched a cool hand to Brad's forehead. "I don't think your fever's gone down yet. Let's check your temperature again-I'll be back in a minute." When she returned, Brad gave her the phone as she sat on the edge of the bed and stuck the thermometer in his mouth. She frowned when she saw what it read.

"Mom, Justin's parents are getting a divorce," said Brad wearily. "He's pretty upset, and I don't know what to say to him or how to help him. I don't see why God doesn't do something about it! He could make them love each other. Why doesn't He?"

"Well, honey, He . . ." began Mom. Then she stopped and bent over to look in the wastepaper basket. "Do I see what I think I see?" she asked as she picked it up to get a better look. "Brad! How did these pills get in here?" Brad didn't answer, but his guilty expression told her all she needed to know. "No wonder your fever is going up!" she exclaimed. "You didn't take your medicine!"

"I hate swallowing pills!" whined Brad.

"You don't like being sick," said Mom, "and you know how
to get better, but you don't want to take your medicine." She sighed. "In a way,
the world is sick, too, and God has provided a remedy. If everyone would follow
His directions, there wouldn't be family fights or divorce. But people have
chosen to ignore God's laws. They've thrown the 'medicine' in the trash, so the
ills of the world get worse and worse." Mom stood up. "God doesn't force anyone
to take the cure, but He offers it because He cares for the world. And I want
you to take your medicine, Brad, because I love you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a "battle" in your life that could be stopped if you obeyed God? Do you need to take a "dose" of repentance? Do you need to ask someone to forgive you? Are you up-tight and unhappy because you've been refusing to obey God's Word? The cure for "sin-sickness" is obedience to God's instructions. Obey Him and enjoy His fellowship and blessing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You." Psalm 41:4

[Soldier4Christ]

Isabella felt her face burn with embarrassment and anger. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Conner and Alex looking at her and laughing. "All those freckles," she heard Alex whisper, and then they laughed again.

"Alex! Conner!" Mrs. Skinner spoke sternly. "Settle down!"

At recess time, Isabella didn't feel like talking or playing with her friends. She found a grassy spot and plopped down by herself. I hate my stupid freckles, she thought, or maybe I just hate Alex and Conner. I wish I were home. She nibbled on a grape as she watched a butterfly fluttering nearby.

"Mind if I join you?" asked Mrs. Skinner. "It's such a lovely day, I just had to come out, too." Isabella tried to smile as Mrs. Skinner sat down. Neither talked for a little while. They just watched the butterfly. "Isn't it beautiful, Isabella?" asked Mrs. Skinner. Without waiting for an answer, she continued. "God made butterfly wings very delicate but in a special way so water doesn't soak into them. It just sits on top. If the water soaked in, the wings would be so heavy the butterfly wouldn't be free to fly."

"That's interesting," murmured Isabella. She wasn't in the mood for another science lesson, but she didn't want to hurt Mrs. Skinner's feelings.

 "Do you know our hearts are like that, too?" continued Mrs. Skinner. "If we let hurt soak in, the heaviness weighs us down and we can't be happy and free. So God gives us the ability to forgive. When we forgive, it's like our hearts have a special coating that won't let the hurt soak in." Isabella looked at her teacher. She knew Mrs. Skinner must have heard what Conner and Alex said.

Isabella's eyes turned to the fluttering wings of the
butterfly as it danced around their heads. She was struck with the beauty and
joy of its freedom. "Thanks, Mrs. Skinner," said Isabella at last. She stood.
"If it's okay with you, I think I'll play with my friends now." As Isabella ran
to the picnic table, she passed Conner and Alex. "Great job on your drawings in
art today," she called to them. They looked at her in surprise. She felt free as
a butterfly.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone hurt your feelings? Have you allowed the hurt to soak in and weigh you down? God wants you to forgive as He has forgiven you. Then instead of dwelling on your hurt, you can enjoy God's goodness, blessings, and freedom.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Forgiving one another . . . even as Christ forgave you." Colossians 3:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Dad, you should have seen Beth today!" said Zachary when his father got home from work. Zachary laughed loudly, but his sister scowled. "The girls insisted they could play touch football as good as us guys, so we let them play with us at recess," continued Zachary. "Know what Beth did? When she got the ball, she ran toward the wrong goal! Almost made a touchdown, too-for the wrong team. What a riot!"

Beth reluctantly joined in the laughter at her expense. "You're in good company," Dad consoled her. "It's happened before-to professionals! Way back in 1929, a man named Roy Riegels played for the California Golden Bears. One time when he got the ball, he lit out for the wrong goal with 'do-or-die' determination. One of his teammates finally managed to bring him down about a yard from the goal line. But his team still lost the game."

"Good thing it was only a game," observed Mom. "Some people are running hard and long in the game of life, and they don't realize they're running in the wrong direction."

"In life?" asked Zachary. "I don't get it."

"Many people think they're headed for heaven because they're trying really hard and doing their best to live a good life," explained Mom. "In fact, their good deeds sometimes put Christians to shame. But in spite of that, they're still sinners. As long as they refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the only way to heaven, they're headed in the wrong direction."

"That's right," agreed Dad. "When all is said and done, they'll find they went the wrong way. They'll spend eternity in hell instead of in heaven. What a tragedy!"

"So I guess heading the wrong way on a football field
isn't all that bad," said Beth. "At least I know I'm heading the right direction
in life. Toward heaven!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you running the right way in life? You're not if you're trying to get to heaven by any other way than through the blood of Jesus Christ. He is the only way to heaven. Admit your need and trust Christ as Savior.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

[Soldier4Christ]

"Keanon, have you finished your math?" Mom asked.

"Not quite, Mom." Keanon looked up as he added, "I'm almost through."

Mom frowned when she saw his paper covered with drawings. "Dad's taking us to that new buffet for dinner tonight. We leave in about twenty-five minutes. If your homework isn't finished, you stay home," she warned.

When it was time to leave, Keanon dashed out of the house. His hair was uncombed, and he was buttoning his shirt. He slid into the back seat beside Cody as his father started the car. "Made it," gasped Keanon.

"One of these days you're going to waste too much time and be left behind," Dad said.

Cody was first in line at the buffet, followed by Keanon. The boys eagerly chose from various dishes and then found an empty table. Until they were all seated, Mom and Dad didn't notice how much Cody had taken.

"Cody!" Mom exclaimed. "Do you think you can eat all that?"

"Sure," replied Cody, but when the others had finished eating, he still had several untouched items. "I'm full," he muttered, pushing his plate away. Dad looked at the plate and frowned.

"You're wasting food," Keanon accused his brother. "I didn't take so much." Keanon wore a smug look. "Don't you know wasting is sinful?"

Mom nodded. "Yes, it is," she agreed. She looked at each of the boys. "We seem to have two prodigal sons in our family."

The boys looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?" asked Keanon. "Two prodigal sons? We didn't run away from home! We aren't prodigals."

"Mom's right," said Dad. "The word 'prodigal' means 'wasteful.' Cody wastes food, and you waste time, Keanon. One is as bad as the other."

"Now, Cody," said Mom, "I think you've eaten mostly side
dishes, so you finish that meat. And from now on, make sure you take only as
much as you can eat! It's time for these prodigals to change their
ways."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a prodigal? Do you waste time? Money? Food? The son in today's Scripture reading returned to his father, asked forgiveness, and changed his ways. If you're wasteful, you need to change your ways, too. Ask forgiveness of God and of any others affected by your actions. Depend on God to help you use time, money, talents-everything the Lord has given you-for His glory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer." Proverbs 18:9

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look, Dad." Chris handed a book to his father. "Luke loaned me the book they use in his church-it's their Bible. It reads almost like ours, except there are a few things in it that aren't in ours. Lots of things are the same, though."

 Dad frowned as he flipped some pages. "Yes, but dangerous," he warned.

"Dangerous?" asked Chris. "How could it be dangerous? It teaches a lot of the same things our Bible does-things like loving one another and not stealing or lying. Luke showed me verses about stuff like that. If a person followed all the teachings in this book, he would be a good person."

"Good in the sight of man-but being a 'good' person won't save anyone," Dad reminded Luke. "What does this book say about Jesus?"

"Well . . . I don't know." Chris hesitated. "But some people won't read our Bible, so it seems like this would still be a good book for them to read."

Dad thought for a moment. "I saw a chart yesterday that would interest you," he said. "It showed what would happen if a rocket fired at the moon were off course by only a few degrees."

"What did it say?" Anything regarding space exploration fascinated Chris.

"If a rocket fired toward the moon were five degrees off course at blastoff, it would be 13,579 miles off target by the time it reached the moon," said Dad. "In fact, it wouldn't reach the moon-it would bypass it completely."

"Wow!" Chris raised his eyebrows.

"The Holy Bible is our chart to heaven," continued Dad,
"and being just a little bit 'off course' on our journey means missing heaven
completely. That's why other so-called 'bibles' that seem to be 'almost' right
are dangerous." Dad pointed to the book Chris had brought home. "This book is
portrayed as God's revelation to man, yet it doesn't acknowledge Jesus as the
only way to heaven. When people accept it as the Word of God, they're definitely
off course."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your Bible say "Holy Bible" on the cover? The Holy Bible is the book that shows the only way to heaven. Other books, such as Keys For Kids, may help you understand, but they must always agree with what God says in the Bible. If they don't, you must not believe them. Don't allow teachings in other books to get you off course. Stay with the Word of God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89

[Soldier4Christ]

Sam whistled as he rang the door bell of the big house on the hill. The door jerked open, and Mr. Atkins stood there, frowning. "Well . . . what do you want?" he demanded.

"I'm Sam Parker, your new paperboy," Sam replied. "I'd like to collect for the paper, please. The amount due is . . ."

"I know how much it is! It's too much!" the old man snapped. "And I suppose you expect a tip for putting it on the porch. Well, you aren't going to get it!"

Sam gulped down a smart reply and stood quietly as Mr. Atkins counted out the money. "Thank you, Sir," Sam said as the old man slammed the door.

Sam wasn't whistling when he knocked on the door of the little house where Miss Patterson lived. "Yes? Oh, it's the new paperboy." A sweet voice came from a wrinkled face. "Just a minute. I'll get your money." Soon she was back with the money and a plastic bag. "Here are some cookies for you. I do so appreciate having the paper put on my porch."

When Sam got home, he told his mother about Miss Patterson and Mr. Atkins. "Poor old man," was Mom's response.

"Poor?" Sam snorted. "He's probably the richest man in town!"

"He's also one of the poorest men in town," replied Mom. "Mr. Atkins was determined to make lots of money, and he did. But in the process, he turned his back on God and on his friends. As for Miss Patterson . . . well, everyone loves her. She may not have much money, but she's what the Bible would call 'rich in good works.' She's also rich in friends. She's a good example of the way Christians ought to love and care for others."

"So Mr. Atkins is a poor rich man, and Miss Patterson is
a rich poor lady," Sam reasoned. He winked at his mother. "When I grow up, maybe
I can be a rich rich man."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to be rich? There's nothing wrong with having money, but a strong desire for lots of money is dangerous. Don't make the mistake of thinking money brings happiness. There is a better way to be rich. Invest your time and efforts in making friends, in helping others, and in serving the Lord, and you'll be rich in things that count.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Do good . . . be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:18