Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wow, Dad! This radio sure has a lot of stations," said Nate as he turned the dial of the radio he had just received for his birthday. They heard snatches of a lot of different people talking on various radio stations.

"How do people get inside radios?" asked Nate's little brother, Cody.

"There aren't actually people inside the radio, silly," replied Nate. "It just picks up sound waves from all over. It's like . . ." He paused. "You explain it, Dad."

Dad smiled. "I'm not sure I can explain it so you'll understand, Cody," he said. "I don't really understand much about it myself. I can just tell you that sound waves from the various stations are right here in this room. The radio is simply a 'receiver.' It picks out the various sound waves and then makes it possible for you to hear them."

"The man who invented the radio must have been pretty smart," said Nate.

"Yes," agreed Dad, "but I'm thinking of another 'receiver,' and the one who made it is even smarter."

"You mean like . . . whoever invented TV?" asked Nate. "So we can both see and hear the people who are talking?"

"Even better than that," said Dad. "God is the one who made both your eyes and your ears. We talked about the eyes yesterday. (See the May 21 story.) Now think about the ear and how wonderfully it works. It receives sound waves, and since you have two ears, you can even tell what direction a sound is coming from-and also about how far away it is!"

"So the ear is something like a radio," said Nate.

Dad nodded. "We talked about the importance of seeing
wholesome things," he said, "and we need to be sure to listen to wholesome
things as well. Be sure you don't allow the sounds of the world to drown out
God's voice. Listen carefully to what He has to say. It's always very
important."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use your ears to listen to the right kinds of things? Does the music you choose honor God? Do the jokes, stories, and programs you listen to please Him? Things you see should cause you to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely, and things you hear should, too. Thank God right now for your hearing, and use your ears to listen to good things!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both." Proverbs 20:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Katie rubbed her stomach as she eyed the cake Mom had just finished frosting. "Christy and I sure are hungry!" said Katie. Her friend Christy had come to spend the night, and the girls were looking for an after-school snack.

Mom laughed. "Help yourself," she invited.

As the girls began to eat their cake, Katie looked at Christy in surprise. "Christy, are you just going to eat the frosting?" asked Katie. "The cake itself is yummy-it's the best part! It's a special cake Mom makes with nuts and chocolate chunks in it. I like it even better than the frosting!"

"The frosting is all I ever eat," Christy replied. She glanced at Katie's mother. "I guess I shouldn't have taken a piece. I hope you don't mind too much," added Christy.

"Well," said Mom, "dinner won't be ready for a while, and I'm afraid you won't find the frosting very satisfying. Like Katie says, you're really leaving the best part. Why don't you take one taste and see if you like it?"

Christy wrinkled her nose, but she took a tiny bite. "It is good!" she said in surprise. "I think I'll eat the rest."

That evening the girls were in the middle of a game when Dad called them for family devotions. "Can we just read the story in the devotional book tonight and skip the rest so we have time to finish our game?" suggested Katie.

Dad frowned. "Skip the Bible reading and prayer?" he asked.

"Well, just this once," Katie murmured.

"That would be like eating the frosting and leaving the cake, wouldn't it?" asked Mom. "We'd be missing the best part. If we don't have time for both the Scripture and the story, we had better read the Scripture."

"I . . . I see what you mean," Katie admitted. She
grinned. "Okay, let's just 'eat' the whole thing. It's all
good!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you read the suggested Scripture passage for today? Are you tempted to skip the Bible reading and read only the story in Keys for Kids? Don't do it. The Scripture is the most important part of this devotional. "Eat" the whole thing, and enjoy every bite.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalm 119:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Anna flopped down onto the sofa. She sighed as her mind replayed the events of the last hour. "Hi, Mom," she said as her mother came into the room.

 "Hi, honey," replied Mom. "How did it go at youth group today?"

"Awful," mumbled Anna. "We're going to do a play-a short musical-for part of the special Easter program. Mrs. Kroll is directing it."

"Sounds good," said Mom, "but you don't look very happy about it."

"Oh, Mom! I wanted to be in it, but I got assigned to moving props around and sweeping the stage-stuff like that." Anna looked as though she might cry. "Marissa got chosen for the lead singing part-she always does! I know she's the best singer in our group, but . . . well, my best friend gets to be the star of the show while I get to stay behind the curtain. I felt like saying I'd just skip the whole thing!"

Mom raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, honey," she said. She shook her head and then asked softly, "Why doesn't Mrs. Kroll let the two of you share that part? Or better yet, all of the kids could share it. I'm sure more of them were hoping for the main role."

"We can't all have the same part," objected Anna. "Then there wouldn't be a cast or a stage crew . . . or even a play! It would be a . . . a choir number."

Mom smiled and nodded. "You're right," she said. "Together, the group makes up the whole play. Someone is needed for each job, right?"

"Yeah, but . . . I just wish I could get one of the important parts for once," replied Anna.

"Who says one part is more important than another?" asked Mom. "People often tend to think that way, but in God's sight, it's not so. He's the one who's given us all different talents, and He points out that each one is needed. That means no one is either more or less important than any other."

"I suppose," admitted Anna reluctantly.

"It's like that in all areas of life," added Mom. "Take
church work, for example. Imagine what our church would be like if everyone were
a preacher. Who would listen? Or if everyone were a choir member, who would hear
our music? We all have different gifts or abilities, and they're all needed.
Each person is valuable-both those in front and those behind the scenes. We
simply need to do our best with the talent and task God has given
us."

[Soldier4Christ]

Anna flopped down onto the sofa. She sighed as her mind replayed the events of the last hour. "Hi, Mom," she said as her mother came into the room.

 "Hi, honey," replied Mom. "How did it go at youth group today?"

"Awful," mumbled Anna. "We're going to do a play-a short musical-for part of the special Easter program. Mrs. Kroll is directing it."

"Sounds good," said Mom, "but you don't look very happy about it."

"Oh, Mom! I wanted to be in it, but I got assigned to moving props around and sweeping the stage-stuff like that." Anna looked as though she might cry. "Marissa got chosen for the lead singing part-she always does! I know she's the best singer in our group, but . . . well, my best friend gets to be the star of the show while I get to stay behind the curtain. I felt like saying I'd just skip the whole thing!"

Mom raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, honey," she said. She shook her head and then asked softly, "Why doesn't Mrs. Kroll let the two of you share that part? Or better yet, all of the kids could share it. I'm sure more of them were hoping for the main role."

"We can't all have the same part," objected Anna. "Then there wouldn't be a cast or a stage crew . . . or even a play! It would be a . . . a choir number."

Mom smiled and nodded. "You're right," she said. "Together, the group makes up the whole play. Someone is needed for each job, right?"

"Yeah, but . . . I just wish I could get one of the important parts for once," replied Anna.

"Who says one part is more important than another?" asked Mom. "People often tend to think that way, but in God's sight, it's not so. He's the one who's given us all different talents, and He points out that each one is needed. That means no one is either more or less important than any other."

"I suppose," admitted Anna reluctantly.

"It's like that in all areas of life," added Mom. "Take
church work, for example. Imagine what our church would be like if everyone were
a preacher. Who would listen? Or if everyone were a choir member, who would hear
our music? We all have different gifts or abilities, and they're all needed.
Each person is valuable-both those in front and those behind the scenes. We
simply need to do our best with the talent and task God has given
us."

[Soldier4Christ]

Part of Rick and Brittany's job was to take the trash out to the big bin behind their father's store, so together they carried out empty boxes and wastepaper. Rick lifted the trash bin cover, but he slammed it back down quickly. "Brittany, there's something in there," he gasped. "I saw it move!"

Brittany laughed. "Yeah, right," she said. "You're just trying to scare me."

"I'm telling the truth," persisted Rick. Bravely, he pulled up the lid and poked at the rubbish with a stick. A loud sound jarred the air, and Brittany let out a scream as Rick dropped his stick and the trash bin cover.

Dad rushed outside. "What's wrong?" he asked in alarm.

"There's something in there," gasped Brittany, pointing to the trash bin.

Looking doubtful, Dad approached it and looked inside. "Why, it's a puppy!" he exclaimed. "Let's see if we can help him." He lifted the little dog from the bin. "How did you get in there, fella?"

"A puppy! Cool! Can we take him home, Dad?" Rick begged.

"Ugh!" Brittany pulled a face. "He smells! Mom won't want him in the house."

"He's a mess all right," agreed Dad. "We'll clean him up-I think she'll let him in then-and we'll see if we can find him a home."

When Mom saw the puppy, she took pity on him, too. At her suggestion, they called him Ragamuffin. "You know, kids," said Mom as she looked at the wet, dirty pup, "Ragamuffin will make a good illustration for my Sunday school lesson tomorrow. What you did for him, God did for us-and even more! God found us spiritually dirty, lost, and trapped in our sins. Yet, He reached down to rescue us. He loved us when there was nothing lovable about us."

Ragamuffin barked, and Brittany laughed. "He agrees with
you, Mom. I think Ragamuffin is glad he's been found!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been "found"? Sinful though you are, God loves you. He sent Jesus to rescue you from the penalty of sin-but you remain lost in sin unless you repent and trust Jesus as Savior. Have you done that?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Rick and Brittany were relieved when Mom and Dad said they could keep Ragamuffin, the puppy they had found. They enjoyed romping with him. They taught him tricks, and took him on walks. "Good dog!" exclaimed Brittany when Ragamuffin fetched a stick she threw. "Now if only you'd learn not to track mud into the house or knock things over and break them!"

"Yeah . . . or not to chew slippers and hide shoes," added Rick. "Are we always going to have to scold and punish you for doing that stuff?"

Brittany sighed. "I'm afraid he'll stop liking us if we scold him so much."

Rick nodded. "Me, too," he agreed.

Their fears were groundless-Ragamuffin was always loyal. He ran to meet them, wagging his tail and jumping up and down with excitement. He followed them around and constantly wanted to be with them. He treated them as if they were the best thing that ever happened to him. "Ragamuffin makes us feel like we're really important to him," observed Rick one day.

"Well, you are," Mom said. "You rescued him, and you take good care of him. Ragamuffin knows that, and he loves you in return."

"I think we could take a lesson from him," observed Dad. "Our Heavenly Father loves us, He saved us, and He provides for us. Sometimes we sin, and He has to discipline us so we'll want to obey. But I wonder if we praise Him enough or show Him much admiration for all He's done for us. Do we show God He's important to us?"

"I'm afraid we don't," said Mom, "at least not as often
as we should. We need to learn to give God the kind of devotion that Ragamuffin
gives to you kids. We should show our appreciation and love for Him no matter
what is going on in our lives."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you appreciate God? Do you praise Him with your lips and your life, even when things don't go your way? Accept His answers when you pray-even if they're not the answers you hoped for. Accept the discipline He sends your way and learn from it. Show Him how important He is to you by giving Him your time, your love and service, and your obedience.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"There! My homework's done," said Jasmine, closing her math book. "You finished with yours, Em? Let's go outside-it's so nice out tonight."

"Okay," agreed Emily. "I'm done, too."

The girls went out to the porch and looked up at the sky, which was filled with stars that glistened and twinkled like distant diamonds. The moon was very bright, and as Emily gazed at it, she thought about the things she wanted to do and to have some day. After a few minutes, she turned to her sister. "What do you dream of doing when you're older, Jasmine?"

"Oh, let's see . . ." Jasmine grinned. "I dream of . . . of becoming a rich and famous singer or author," she said. "You know-the kind of person people wait in line to see."

"I'd rather win a gold medal in the Olympics," replied Emily. "That should make me rich and famous, too."

"Heard you," said Dad as he came up the steps. "Well, whatever you achieve, don't forget who deserves the credit," he added.

Emily grinned at her dad. "You figure you should be in on it because you'd pay for my education, right?" she asked. "Well, okay, I'll share with you, but if I work hard to win a medal and get lots of money, I think I should get most of the credit." She pointed toward the sky. "I'd shine like that moon up there."

Dad smiled. "You may shine like the moon," he said, "because even though that moon seems so bright, it really can't take the credit for its brilliance."

"Why not?" asked Emily, looking surprised.

"Oh . . . I know," said Jasmine. "We learned in science class that the moon has no light of its own. It shines because it reflects the light of the sun."

Dad nodded. "So we can shine like the moon," he said.
"We reflect a light that is not our own-but God's. He made you and gave you any
abilities you have. Remember to give the glory to God for anything you ever
accomplish."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What have you accomplished? Or what do you hope to accomplish some day? Do you think success in anything is from your hard work alone? You should work hard toward your goals, but never forget that the ability you have to accomplish anything is a gift from God, your Maker. Any success or wealth you acquire on earth is a reflection of the goodness of God shining upon you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name." Psalm 29:2

[Soldier4Christ]

As Caleb listened to the TV newscaster talk about the fire at a local restaurant, he shuddered. Two people had died in the fire! "Dad," said Caleb, "it's one thing to picture in my mind Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days, but I just can't see how bodies that have been burned, or have been dead a long time, could ever be raised up and be alive again."

Dad nodded. "God says we'll be resurrected just like Jesus was," he said, "but He also left another example of the resurrection for us to see. Come with me." Caleb followed Dad out to the garage and to the corner where Mom kept her garden tools. "Hand me that jar over there," instructed Dad.

Caleb took a jar from one of the garage shelves and shook it. "Aren't these the marigold seeds Mom saved from the old, dried up flowers last fall?" he asked as he passed the jar to Dad.

"That's right," said Dad. "Let's plant a few. Fill one of those flower pots with this stuff." He nudged a bag of potting soil toward Caleb, who scooped out some dirt and filled a pot. Then Dad dropped some seeds into the dirt. "Here. Cover them up with a little soil," said Dad. "Bury them."

Caleb smiled as it suddenly occurred to him just what his father was trying to tell him. "Bury them, just like bodies are buried, right?" asked Caleb.

Dad nodded. "Now we'll watch to see what happens in the next few days."

"I know what will happen," said Caleb. "They'll start to grow."

"Yes," said Dad. "God can take those shriveled, dead-looking, brown seeds and 'resurrect' them-make them alive again. He'll turn them into something beautiful-and it's just as easy for Him to do that with bodies as with seeds."

Several weeks later, a pot full of bright yellow
marigolds stood on a patio table. I don't know how those dried up, dead-looking,
little seeds turned into such pretty flowers, Caleb thought to himself, but I'm
sure it wasn't any problem to God!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder how dead bodies could possibly live again? Raising them from the dead is no greater problem to God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it's no problem to Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead and He'll raise us, too. He'll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those they had before. We can't understand it, but God can do it, and He will!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:54

[Soldier4Christ]

I wonder if Mom will ever be well again, thought Maria as she got out of the car and walked with her aunt and uncle toward the church. She had been sent to stay with them while Dad took Mom to a special doctor in a distant city. Everybody says God knows best, but I sure can't see how Mom's illness is best for anybody!

Maria's thoughts were interrupted by her aunt's voice. "Look at that window, Maria," said Aunt Laura, pointing to a stained glass window. "I never cease to marvel at the skill of the man who created that."

Maria looked up, but she wasn't impressed. "It's just a lot of little, dark pieces of glass," she said with a frown.

"Yes, but wait till we get inside, and then look again," replied Aunt Laura.

"Then tell me what you think of it, okay?" Numbly, Maria nodded.

They went in, and as they took their seats, Aunt Laura nudged Maria. "Look!" she murmured, and Maria looked up at the stained glass window. It looked much different from this side! The sun shone brightly through the colored glass, revealing a picture of Jesus with the children. Maria nodded and tried to smile at her aunt.

As they were leaving their seats at the end of the service, Aunt Laura again motioned toward the window. "You know, that window looks so different when the sun shines through it, and that reminds me of life. From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we're going through bad times-like your mom's illness. But from God's point of view, each little part fits together just right to make a beautiful picture." Maria stared at the window. She saw that even the dark pieces had a beautiful gleam. "The artist knew what he was doing when he used each piece," added Aunt Laura. "Can you trust God to know what He's doing, too?"

Slowly, Maria nodded and gave a small smile. "I'll try,"
she promised. "I'll really try."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does life look dull and dreary to you? Perhaps there's sickness or there's been a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend has left. If you could see as God does, you'd find there is a reason and a purpose for those hard things. You may not understand, but God truly is working for your best. Trust Him to make something beautiful out of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Chad burst into the room. "Mom, guess what happened at Bible Club!" he exclaimed. "Marc accepted Jesus as his Savior!"

"That's wonderful!" responded. Mom.

"His parents aren't Christians, though," said Chad solemnly. "He told me his dad drinks all the time and told him he should forget all about God and the church."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Mom. "Let's be sure to ask God to help Marc be a testimony to His parents."

Chad nodded. "I will," he promised, "and I'll help Marc anytime I can."

A few weeks later, Chad was quite annoyed at his friend. "I asked Marc to go with me to play pool at Don's house, but you know what he did? He said, 'Chad, I thought you were a Christian!' Then he walked away!" Chad frowned. "What's wrong with playing pool?"

"Maybe Marc's father plays pool in the bars where he drinks," replied Mom, "so Marc associates the game with drinking, wasting money, and being away from home. He probably doesn't understand that a game of pool in somebody's basement can be okay." As Chad thought that over, Mom added, "Chad, maybe you should give up playing pool for a while."

"Give it up!" exclaimed Chad. "Why?"

As Chad spoke, Baby Joey, who was sitting on Mom's lap, reached for an apple from a bowl on the table. "No, no, Joey," said Mom. "You're too little for that." She moved the apples to a place out of his reach. "You know, Chad, there's nothing wrong with apples," she said thoughtfully. "It would be fine for you to have one, but Joey is too little. They're a temptation to him, so we put them out of the way, right?" Chad nodded. "Well," continued Mom, "Marc's a baby Christian. He may not understand that the game of pool can be separated from the bad things he associates with it. Right now, pool playing is a problem for him, so your 'right' to play pool might become what the Bible refers to as a 'stumbling block.' If Marc sees you do something he considers wrong, it might tempt him to do it, too-and that might hurt him spiritually."

Chad sighed "We had a Sunday school lesson about that,
too," he said. "I didn't think anything I did would ever make anybody stumble in
his faith, but it looks like maybe I was wrong."

[Soldier4Christ]

Chad burst into the room. "Mom, guess what happened at Bible Club!" he exclaimed. "Marc accepted Jesus as his Savior!"

"That's wonderful!" responded Mom.

"His parents aren't Christians, though," said Chad solemnly. "He told me his dad drinks all the time and told him he should forget all about God and the church."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Mom. "Let's be sure to ask God to help Marc be a testimony to His parents."

Chad nodded. "I will," he promised, "and I'll help Marc anytime I can."

A few weeks later, Chad was quite annoyed at his friend. "I asked Marc to go with me to play pool at Don's house, but you know what he did? He said, 'Chad, I thought you were a Christian!' Then he walked away!" Chad frowned. "What's wrong with playing pool?"

"Maybe Marc's father plays pool in the bars where he drinks," replied Mom, "so Marc associates the game with drinking, wasting money, and being away from home. He probably doesn't understand that a game of pool in somebody's basement can be okay." As Chad thought that over, Mom added, "Chad, maybe you should give up playing pool for a while."

"Give it up!" exclaimed Chad. "Why?"

As Chad spoke, Baby Joey, who was sitting on Mom's lap, reached for an apple from a bowl on the table. "No, no, Joey," said Mom. "You're too little for that." She moved the apples to a place out of his reach. "You know, Chad, there's nothing wrong with apples," she said thoughtfully. "It would be fine for you to have one, but Joey is too little. They're a temptation to him, so we put them out of the way, right?" Chad nodded. "Well," continued Mom, "Marc's a baby Christian. He may not understand that the game of pool can be separated from the bad things he associates with it. Right now, pool playing is a problem for him, so your 'right' to play pool might become what the Bible refers to as a 'stumbling block.' If Marc sees you do something he considers wrong, it might tempt him to do it, too-and that might hurt him spiritually."

Chad sighed "We had a Sunday school lesson about that,
too," he said. "I didn't think anything I did would ever make anybody stumble in
his faith, but it looks like maybe I was wrong."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Do you think Barney will be okay?" Ryan turned to his Mom anxiously.

   "I think so, but we'll just have to wait and see," Mom replied. Their dog had broken his leg, and the veterinarian was setting it.

"I'll help pay for the vet," offered Ryan. "You can use all the money I've saved."

Mom smiled. "Thank you, Son. You can contribute a little if you want to, but we'll take care of the bulk of the bill," she said. "I appreciate your willing heart, though." Mom was thoughtful as she put an arm across Ryan's shoulders. "Remember when we talked a few days ago about giving money for God's work?"

"Yeah. Mr. Pete had just paid me for shoveling his walks, and you reminded me to keep some of the money for the church offering," said Ryan with a frown. "That didn't leave enough for a game I wanted to get that day. Now I'm glad I didn't get it. I'd rather use the money to help Barney."

Mom nodded. "It was a little hard for you to be a cheerful giver right then, but just now you didn't hesitate to offer your whole savings to pay the vet."

Ryan swallowed. "No, but Barney is . . . I'd give anything to make him all right, Mom. Besides, I know things have been pretty tough on the farm lately and this doctor will be expensive-and you and Dad do so much for me."

 "You love Barney-and Dad and me, too-and . . ." Mom leaned over and gave Ryan a hug, ". . . when we really love someone, we give eagerly. That's how God wants us to give to Him-not because we have to, but because we love Him so much . . . especially when we remember all He's done for us."

Ryan nodded. "Sometimes it's hard, though," he said.

"That's true, but God will help you," replied Mom. "Think often of all He's done for you, and ask Him to give you a willing heart."

The vet came into the waiting room. "Your dog will be fine," he said with a smile. "It was a clean break, and he'll heal in no time."

"All right!" exclaimed Ryan. "God heard our prayers, didn't He, Mom?"

Smiling, Mom nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you receive money, do you give part of it to God? Did you know He wants you to do that? But He wants you to do it willingly. It's easy to say you love God, but it's harder to prove it by giving cheerfully! If you know you haven't done that but would like to, stop and think about all God has done for you. Ask Him to help you be a cheerful giver.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ice Cream and Wisdom

"Whew! It's so hot!" Kyle wiped a hand across his forehead. "I absolutely hate picking green beans, don't you?" he asked his brother Mike, who was bending over the row next to him.

"Yeah," groaned Mike. "You almost have to stand on your head to find some of them." He waved his arms wildly around his head. "And when you have a pesky deer fly buzzing around you, it's worse yet."

"Those deer flies love sweaty people," said Kyle, "and under this scorching sun, we're sweaty!"

Their grandfather, who was picking tomatoes, had been listening to the boys. "Hey, guys!" he called to them. "Listen!"

The boys paused from their work and then suddenly cheered up. "It's the ice cream truck!" they squealed, running and jumping over rows of carrots and onions to reach Grandpa. "Can we get something?"

Grandpa pulled out his wallet and handed them some money. "Here you go, you poor little slaves," he teased. "Get yourselves what you want, and get me a fudge bar."

When the boys came back to the garden, they all sat down under a nearby tree to enjoy their treats. "You know," said Grandpa as he unwrapped his fudge bar, "hearing the musical call of that ice cream truck reminds me of a verse in Proverbs that says wisdom 'calls aloud outside.'"

"Wisdom?" asked Mike. He grinned. "Does that mean you think the ice cream truck is wise?"

Kyle grinned, too. "I sure think it was wise of us to get this ice cream," he said. He took a big bite.

Grandpa laughed. "I agree," he replied. "Like I said, that ice cream truck 'calling out' with something refreshing for you brings to mind the verse that says wisdom calls out to you. It's something even better for you. I hope you're just as eager to get wisdom as you were to get ice cream."

Mike frowned. "How do we do that? Go to school?"

Grandpa nodded. "To God's school-to God's Word, the Bible," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know what wisdom is? God says the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Another verse-Proverbs 3:13-says, "Happy is the man that finds wisdom." Do you want to be happy? Then fear God-honor and respect Him and do what He teaches in His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Are you as smart as a donkey?" asked Mr. Jim, the leader of the children's church. The kids laughed, and Mr. Jim continued. "If you are, you can serve Jesus. The donkey in today's lesson did."

"I don't get  it," said Trevor. "Jesus rode on the donkey's back, didn't He? (See today's Scripture reading.) You mean we're supposed to give people rides on our backs?" Trevor liked to ask questions that might make the kids laugh.

Mr. Jim smiled. "No," he said, "but the donkey gives us a great picture of a servant. First of all, he was where God wanted him to be-he was available. We should ask ourselves, 'Am I in a place where God can use me? Am I available to Him?'"

Trevor shrugged. "I am," he said. "I'm here all the time-whether I want to be or not." Some of the kids laughed, and he looked pleased with himself. "But I'm not good at singing or speaking," he added, "and I don't have any money to give, either."

 "I've sat in front of you in church, Trevor," said Mr. Jim. "I happen to know you actually have a very good singing voice." He smiled as he added, "The donkey had to be untied. Maybe you need to let Jesus untie your fears-maybe you're afraid to try to serve Him."

Trevor frowned. He couldn't think of any smart reply, and Mr. Jim continued the lesson. "Also, the donkey was willing to let Jesus control him," said Mr. Jim, and he explained that even though the donkey had never been ridden before, he did what Jesus wanted him to do. "Have you truly let Jesus control you, or have you been stubborn?" asked Mr. Jim. Trevor began to feel more uncomfortable.

"How about it, class?" asked Mr. Jim at the end of the
lesson. "Will you ask God to take control of your life, to loosen your tongue
and untie your fears? Will you be a servant just like the little donkey
was?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to sing or play an instrument to serve Jesus? Do you think kids will laugh if you make a mistake? Are you willing to give a testimony or share a Scripture verse if you sense God wants you to do that? Take a lesson from the donkey. Be available for whatever task, great or small, God has for you. Ask Him to remove your fear. Let Jesus control your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God." Romans 12:1

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hello, Austin," said Grandpa Thompson. "Is everything copacetic with my grandson today?"

"Co . . . pa . . . cetic? What does that mean, Grandpa?" asked Austin, but even as he asked, he was sure his grandfather wouldn't tell him. He'd make Austin look it up in the dictionary.

Austin was right. Grandpa smiled and said, "Look it up. You know that's what dictionaries are for!"

Austin quickly looked up the word "copacetic" and read that it meant "very satisfying." He was just closing the dictionary when his older brother walked in the door. Bruce is in high school and thinks he's  pretty smart, thought Austin. I'll try this word on him.

"Hi, Bruce," said Austin. "Everything copacetic?"

Bruce looked at Austin. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "What does that word mean anyway?"

Austin looked at his grandfather and winked. "Look it up, Bruce," he said. "That's what dictionaries are for!"

While Bruce flipped through the dictionary, Austin sat down on the couch next to his grandfather. "You sure like using new words, don't you, Grandpa?"

Grandpa put an arm around Austin. "Yes, I do," he agreed. "The way I look at it, the use of words is a gift from God. He has given man the ability to develop languages and to write words that express ideas and inventions. Communication is a vital part of life. Man can take that God-given ability and abuse it, or he can use it for good."

"I never thought about that," said Austin. "I guess that
means we should be careful to use good words, right?" Austin got up to go to his
room. "See you later, Grandpa," he added, "and I hope you have a copacetic
day!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought about the importance of words? They're used every day in books, on radio and TV programs, and in conversations with your friends! Are the words that come from your mouth pleasing to God? They should be. Thank God for the ability to communicate through language. Make sure whatever you say is acceptable to God and for the good of others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good." Ephesians 4:29