Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"What are you doing, Grandma?" asked Jessica when she stopped to see her grandparents on the way home from school.

"Oh, I'm getting things together for the object lesson I'm giving in Bible Club tomorrow," replied Grandma. "Want to try it?"

"Sure," agreed Jessica.

"Good! Then fill a cup with water," instructed Grandma. Jessica got a cup and filled it. "Next, sprinkle this pepper all over the water, and then stick your finger in the cup," continued Grandma.

"Oh-h-h-h!" exclaimed Jessica after following Grandma's instructions. "The pepper is all over my finger!"

Grandma nodded. "Clean you finger, and then rub this dish washing soap on it," she said. Jessica carefully wiped the pepper off her finger and rubbed soap all over it. "Now stick your finger into the cup again," said Grandma.

When Jessica stuck her finger into the water this time, the pepper rushed away from it and clung to the sides of the cup. "Cool!" she exclaimed. "But . . . you said this was an object lesson, so what does it teach us?"

"Let's pretend the pepper is sin," said Grandma, "and let the water represent our lives. They're peppered with sin. For example, even though we try to be good, we sometimes say things we shouldn't say, don't we?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah, and do things we shouldn't do . . . and I don't always do things right away when I'm told to do them."

"But the Bible verses we learn are like . . . " began Grandma.

"Like the soap!" Jessica interrupted. "I get it! Memorizing verses helps keep sin away from us. A Bible verse I learned long ago says, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.'"

Grandma smiled. "Be sure to notice that the verse says
God's Word needs to be hidden in our hearts," she said. "Just putting Bible
verses in our heads by memorizing them isn't enough. When they're truly in our
hearts-when we think about what they say and follow their teaching-we can use
them, like Jesus did, to keep sin away."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have Bible verses hidden in your heart? Do you think about the verses you memorize and consider what they mean? Do you apply them to your life? You live in the world, so sin is all around you. When you're tempted to look at something you shouldn't, to disobey your parents, to use a "not-so-nice" word, or to sin in some other way, let the verses in your heart help you choose to obey God and send sin away.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

[Soldier4Christ]

Cody sighed and turned toward his father. "What should I write about, Dad?" he asked. "I've never written to a missionary before, but for a Sunday school assignment, we're each sending an email letter to one of the missionary kids our age. I'm writing one, but it's so boring! "

Dad looked up from his newspaper. "What would you like to hear about if you were spending four years in another country?" he asked.

"I'd want to know how the teams were doing in baseball or soccer or whatever," said Cody with a grin. "And I'd like to know what new model planes are out. But I'm just a normal kid, not a missionary kid!"

Dad raised his eyebrows. "And you think a 'missionary kid' wouldn't be interested in those things?"

Cody shrugged his shoulders. "When I think of missionaries, I picture grass huts, wild animals, and people who don't talk the way we do or have TVs and video games. I don't even know if missionaries know how to play baseball."

"Well . . . maybe you better wait with that letter until later," Dad suggested. "We're scheduled to hear from a missionary family in church tomorrow. They have a son about your age, and you can get to know him because they'll be here for dinner."

On Sunday, Cody enjoyed playing with Colton, who had grown up in South America where his parents were missionaries. The following week, Cody often talked about his new friend. "Colton goes to a big school with other missionary kids," Cody told his dad. "They have a baseball team, and Colton likes to play shortstop, just like me. He said they have a really good soccer team, too. I have model airplanes, and he has a model ship collection. And we both like caramel candy."

"It sounds like the two of you have a lot of the same interests," said Dad.

Cody nodded. "When they go back to South America, we're
going to write to each other," he said. With a grin, he added, "Missionary kids
are a lot like me!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever written to, or gotten to know, a missionary family? Why not write to one and maybe exchange pictures and share hobbies? Paul, who was the first missionary sent out by the Christian church, was encouraged when he heard good reports about his Christian friends. (See today's Scripture.) A letter from you could really brighten someone's day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

[Soldier4Christ]

As Angela turned over a rock in the yard, she drew back. "Yuck! Look at all the icky bugs hiding under this rock, Mom!" she exclaimed. "They look like they're wearing armor. And they don't seem to like the light. I think they're looking for a dark place to hide."

Mom watched the bugs scurry around. "Those are sow bugs-or pill bugs, and I think you're right," she agreed. "The leader of my Bible study group used these bugs as an illustration a few weeks ago, and here they are!"

Angela glanced at her mother in surprise. "An illustration of what?"

"The lesson was on how we sometimes like to hold on to certain sins, and Mrs. Denton said we scramble to find hiding places for the sin in our hearts just like these bugs are scurrying around, looking for hiding places," explained Mom. "We try to keep our sin in the dark, but God sees it."

"You know what? My Sunday school teacher told us there are two kinds of sin," said Angela. "She said we commit sins of com . . . ah . . . commission and sins of omission." Angela was rather pleased with herself as she used the big words.

"And do you know what that means?" asked Mom with a smile.

Angela nodded. "Miss Laura explained the difference to us. The sins of commission are the sins we commit-the bad things we think or do," answered Angela. "Like . . . it's a sin to fight, or lie, or say something to hurt somebody."

"That's exactly right!" agreed Mom. "And what are the sins of omission?"

"That's when we don't do things we should do," answered Angela, "like not telling someone about Jesus when we feel God wants us to, or not helping somebody when we know we should."

"Good for you!" Mom smiled. "You remembered that lesson very well."

Angela nodded as she watched the last of the insects
disappear. "I'll think of these guys as 'sin bugs' from now on," she said.
"They'll be a reminder that I don't want either of those kinds of sin hiding in
my heart."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are "sins of commission" and "sins of omission" new terms to you? Doing wrong is obviously sin, but failing to do what you should is sin, too. Check your life. Are you trying to hide some wrong thing you've done? Are you hoping no one will notice you haven't done something you should do? You may hide sin from people, but never from God. Confess all sin, and trust God to help you do the things you should do and say no to things you shouldn't do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

[Soldier4Christ]

"What is 'time'?" asked Scott. He put his Bible down on the table.

Mom looked up from the pie crust she was making. "Watch out for the flour," she said. "You don't want to ruin your Bible."

"No," agreed Scott, snatching it up. "But what is 'time'?"

"Is this a joke?" asked Mom. "You know what time is . . . like from one o'clock to two o'clock."

"Well, then . . . how can you redeem a number?" asked Scott.

Mom stared at her son. "Redeem a number?" she asked.

"Yeah," said Scott. "I know we say we're 'redeemed'-or saved-when we trust Jesus, but it says right here . . ." Scott held up his Bible. "It says, 'Redeeming the time because the days are evil.'"

"Oh," responded Mom, "I see what you mean, Scott. The word 'redeeming' there isn't the same as Jesus saving us."

"What then?" asked Scott, feeling confused. "I figured you'd know."

Mom thought for a moment. "Well, when I was a girl on the farm, we grew hay for the cows every summer. Cutting and stacking the hay was hot work-and I mean hot! When we grumbled, Dad would say, 'Hurry! We have to make hay while the sun shines.'"

Scott laughed, and Mom smiled. "You can laugh, but it was no joke," she said. "You have to mow hay, let it dry, and then get it into the barn quickly before it rains. Damp hay rots and can even start a barn on fire."

"I've read about that," said Scott. "It's call spontaneous combustion."

"Right," said Mom. "By telling us to 'make hay while the sun shines,' my dad was telling us to make the best use of our time to get that hay in. That's what 'redeeming the time' means, too-making good use of your time."

"Like . . . use it to serve God and tell people about Jesus," said Scott.

"Exactly. That verse says, the 'days are evil,'" replied
Mom, "and a lot of people will go to hell if they don't learn about Jesus and
trust Him. They need someone to take the time to tell them about
Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you "redeem" your time? Do you make good use of it? Today's Scripture reading includes the words Jesus said about doing God's work while it is day-meaning before the end of time on this earth. Do you serve God by being helpful at home and school-or wherever you are? Do you tell people about the Lord Jesus Christ? Many Christians don't-and that's a shame. Get busy and serve the Lord "while the sun shines."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Seth frowned as he walked the last few blocks to his home. He was thinking over his day. It had been his turn to stack breakfast dishes that morning. His mother usually thanked him for his help, but this time she didn't say anything even though he did a good job.

On the way to school, Seth had stopped to help a younger child who had fallen and dropped several books. The child had grabbed the books and run off without even looking at Seth. What an ungrateful kid! thought Seth.

At recess, Seth had offered to help his teacher pass out papers. Up and down the rows he went, putting the papers on the desks. When he was finished, his teacher glanced up. "You can go now," she said absently. Seth looked at her curiously. Doesn't she even appreciate my help? he wondered.

On Seth's paper route, there was an old man who was crippled with arthritis. Since it was hard for him to bend over, Seth always rang his doorbell and handed the paper to him. Today the man had scowled at Seth and grumbled, "I've been watching for you. You're late!"

I don't mind the extra trouble of waiting for him to answer his door, Seth thought, but it sure would be nice to know he likes what I do for him. Seth felt a little discouraged.

"Why the sad face, Seth?" asked Mrs. Brown, a lady who lived next door to Seth's family.

"Oh, nothing big-but it just seems as though everyone takes me for granted," complained Seth.

"I've felt that way myself." Mrs. Brown nodded sympathetically. "And it seems to me God must sometimes feel that way, too, don't you think?"

Seth's head jerked up. "Why would He feel that way?"

"Well, I appreciate all He does for me," said Mrs. Brown, "but so often I neglect to tell Him. And I want to tell you, Seth, I appreciate having you for a friend and neighbor." Seth smiled and felt better, but he was thoughtful as he turned up his driveway.

As he ate dinner that night, Seth looked at his mother.
"This chicken is super good! Thanks, Mom," he said. And that evening, he took
extra time to thank God for all the blessings He provided.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you like to be thanked for the nice things you do? Other people do, too. Do you remember to thank them for helping you, buying things for you, teaching you? How about God? He, above all, deserves your thanksgiving and praise. Do you thank Him for your family and friends? For your home, school, clothes, and toys? Do you thank God-and others-in your own words for all they do for you? If not, begin doing so today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

[Soldier4Christ]

Luke squatted behind the batter and watched the ball sail toward him. As he raised his mitt to catch it, the batter swung wildly and lost his grip on the bat. It hit the bottom of Luke's mask, causing him to fall backward.

Several people rushed forward to see if Luke was okay. Someone lifted the mask, and he heard his mother's voice. "Luke, are you all right?"

Luke rubbed his chin. "I think so," he said. "My chin is just a little sore." He got up and put his mask back on. "I'm fine," he assured everyone. The game went on, and Luke's team won.

After supper the next Wednesday, Luke hesitantly approached his mother. "Can I . . . ah . . . can I skip my Bible study group tonight?"

"Skip Bible study?" repeated Mom. "Why?"

"Well, I . . ." Luke hesitated. "It seems like I'm always studying lessons and memorizing verses," he said. "Why do I have to do that so much? I'm a Christian, and that's what's really important anyway, isn't it?"

"Accepting Jesus is most important," agreed Mom, "but Bible study is important, too." She paused, then asked, "Remember when you got hit on the head with a bat?"

Luke rubbed his chin. "I sure do."

"You don't want to quit wearing your catcher's mask now, do you?" asked Mom.

"Of course not," said Luke. "But what does that have to do with Bible study?"

"The catcher's mask offers protection, and Bible study does, too," said Mom. "Actually, God compares His Word to a sword. It offers protection in your everyday life."

Luke frowned. "I don't get it," he said.

"As you grow up-and even now-people may question your faith, and if you don't have a solid belief in God and knowledge of what He says in His Word, you may begin to doubt," explained Mom. "Knowing and understanding God's Word is protection for your faith."

"So . . . I keep wearing my catcher's mask to protect my
head, and I keep going to Wednesday night Bible study to protect my faith,
right?" asked Luke. He rubbed his sore chin again. "Okay," he agreed. "I'm on my
way."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you wondered why you should study the Bible so much? Why you need to learn so many verses? If you're familiar with many Bible verses and with the principles God teaches in His Word, you will often recall them when troubles or temptations come your way. They can bring comfort and peace. They can help you resist temptation. They help you know what to say when others question you. They're a form of protection as you face the challenges of everyday living.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12

[Soldier4Christ]

All the way home from school, Caleb worried about how he'd get into the house. Maybe Mom will be home from work early today, he thought, and then she'll let me in. But when he reached home, Mom's car wasn't in the driveway. Oh, well. Sarah will be here in a minute, thought Caleb, and as he expected, his sister soon arrived. Caleb greeted her eagerly. "Do you have your house key with you?" he asked. "I forgot mine."

Sarah shook her head. "I forgot mine, too! Isn't Mom home?"

Caleb shook his head. "Come on," he said with a sigh. "Let's check the basement windows." To their disappointment, they were all locked. Next they decided to try a window at the back of the house. Caleb locked his hands together and held them out. "Here," he said. "The window is too high to reach from the ground, but this will make a step for you." So Sarah put her foot in Caleb's hands, but when she tried to step up, his hands gave way and they both fell. Sarah plunged head first into a bush and Caleb landed on his knees. As they got to their feet, Mom's car pulled into the driveway.

"Oh, good! Here's Mom," said Sarah, but Mom didn't get out of the car. As Caleb and Sarah brushed themselves off, a man walked to the side door and knocked. He waved to them as he waited, and they recognized Jerry, the mechanic from a nearby service station where Mom often took her car when it had a problem.

To the kids' surprise, Mom opened the door. "Thanks, Jerry," she said as he handed her the car keys. "You seem to have a way with that car." She turned to Sarah and Caleb, who had hurried up. "Hi, kids. You're home a little late today. What have you been up to?" she asked.

Caleb and Sarah looked at one another and began to laugh. "Neither of us had a key, so we were trying to break in because we thought nobody was home!" explained Caleb. "It didn't occur to us to knock and find out for sure."

Mom smiled as they went into the house. "That reminds me of the verse at the end of the devotional story we read this morning," she said. "Remember it?"

"Sure. It says, 'Knock and it shall be opened unto you,'"
quoted Caleb promptly. "Too bad we didn't think to knock."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thought to "knock"? That's a word Jesus used when He was talking about asking God for what you need. Perhaps there's something you'd like help with, someone you're concerned about, some problem at school or with a friend. Have you taken it to God in prayer? Jesus invites you to talk with Him about it. Do that, knowing He cares for you and trusting Him to give you the best possible answer.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let's go on the Blue Streak next," called Matt. So he and his brothers hurried over to the line of people waiting for a turn on the big roller coaster. They talked excitedly about the ride as they were making their way through the turnstile. But then a lady stopped them. "Hold on, young man. Let's see how tall you are," she said, smiling at Matt as she motioned to a mark on a post near the ticket gate. Matt looked nervously at his older brothers as he went to the post and stood as tall as he could while the lady checked his height. "I'm sorry," she said, "but you're about an inch too short to go on this ride."

"But, ma'am, it's so close! Can't you just let him on?" pleaded Bryan.

Matt smiled weakly as the lady looked down at him once more. "I'm sorry," she said, shaking her head, "but it's not close enough. For safety reasons, every rider must be at least forty-eight inches tall."

Matt was very disappointed, but he urged his brothers to go on the ride without him. "I'll just wait here," he said. "You can tell me about it."

"You're sure?" asked Bryan. Matt nodded, so the boys went on. "I wish you could have come, too," said Bryan when they got off the ride. "But c'mon. Let's try the ferris wheel. It's a high one! I'll beat you there." Laughing, they dashed off.

That evening, the boys told their parents about the fun they'd had. "But don't you think they should have let me on the Blue Streak?" Matt asked. "I mean . . . only one inch too short! That should be close enough!"

Dad shook his head. "Close doesn't count in a lot of things. Math answers have to be exactly right . . . and words on spelling tests can't have a single wrong letter. And I'm thinking of another very important thing."

"What?" asked Matt.

"People who live a good life according to man's standards and think that's good enough-that it will get them to heaven," said Dad. "God says they're still sinners and must be born again." Dad smiled at Matt. "Aren't you glad you meet God's requirement and don't just come close on that important issue?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah," he agreed. "Next to that, the Blue
Streak doesn't seem like a very big deal. I guess I can wait till next year to
ride on it."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do lots of good things? Do you obey your parents, help around the house, respect your teachers and others in authority, treat other people well, and in general, live a "good" life? That's great-people may even think you're close to being perfect. But God says you're still a sinner and that unless you are "born again" by trusting Jesus as Savior, you cannot enter heaven.  Meet God's requirement-trust in Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Jesus said, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

[Soldier4Christ]

The Wilsons had watched the progress on their new house from the very start and were eager for it to be finished. "I think the bricklayers were at the house today," said Dad one evening. "Who wants to go see how much is done?"

"I do!" exclaimed Tom.

Mom smiled. "I do, too," she said, "but I can't. I have to take Maggie for her piano lesson." So just Dad and Tom went to inspect the work.

"Wow! They've got a lot done already!" exclaimed Tom when they got there.

Dad nodded. "It looks great, doesn't it? Notice how perfectly straight they've placed those bricks," he said. "It always amazes me." He pointed to a string that was stretched from one corner to another. "I'm surprised to see these men are still using the old string method to make sure the bricks lie straight."

"The bricks are in line with the string, aren't they?" observed Tom. "Cool! I'd like to watch those guys work sometime." He pointed to a corner of the house. "I've heard of cornerstones," he added. "Will our new house have one?"

Dad smiled. "No. They used to serve as guides for the builder, but they're really not needed anymore," he said. "Tom, did you know the bricks can be compared to us-to Christians? The Bible calls us 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house. It says Jesus is the chief cornerstone."

"Because He's the one who guides us?" asked Tom. "You said cornerstones were used as guides."

"That's right," said Dad. "The rest of the building had to be in line with the cornerstone, and our lives should be in line with Jesus and His teaching." After a moment, he added, "What do you suppose would happen if some stones-in the case of our house, bricks-were left out of the wall?"

Tom thought for a minute. "The wall would look bad, and I guess it would be weaker, too, wouldn't it?"

"Right." Dad nodded. He grinned at Tom. "Every brick is
important, and each Christian is special and important, too. In the book of
Peter, God says we're His special people and we're to 'proclaim His praises.' We
all have a part to play in giving God's message to the world."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize you are important? Or do you feel like you're sometimes just in somebody's way? Always remember that you're very special to God. If you're a Christian, Jesus is the cornerstone of your life-He is the guide for you to follow-and you are a "living stone." You're an important part of the Christian community as you do what you can to spread God's Word-perhaps through prayer, music, talking about Him, or being a friend to someone.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You are . . . His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you. 1 Peter 2:9

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come along, Mike. We have to clean the basement now," called Dad. At the sound of Dad's voice, Mike glanced up from the book he was reading. Then with a sigh, he slowly put it down and went to the basement. Dad handed him a broom, and Mike began dusting cobwebs out of corners, while Dad cleaned a shelf. "That must be a good book you were reading," Dad said.

"Yeah! It's about some guys who pretend to be spies on a 'search and destroy' mission," replied Mike, reaching into a dusty corner with the broom. He stopped working while he described some of the adventures the kids in the story got into.

Dad smiled. "Well, you'd better get on with your own 'search and destroy' mission," he said. "The sooner you finish this job, the sooner you can get back to your book."

"Right, Dad," said Mike. He grinned and waved the broom. "Watch out, you old spiders! I'm coming after you!"

Dad dumped some trash in a container. "Are you aware that you're battling someone who's on a 'search and destroy' mission against you?" asked Dad. Mike looked a bit startled. "Satan is the enemy of every Christian," explained Dad. "His goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. He tries to steal your love for God, kill your desire to serve Him, and destroy your witness for Him."

Mike was thoughtful. "Like the time I wanted to stay home and watch TV instead of going to Bible Club?" he asked. "Or the time I didn't want to go with my Sunday school class to pass out tracts. I didn't feel like serving God or witnessing." He frowned. "That's kinda scary," added Mike. "Satan is pretty powerful, isn't he?"

"That's true. He is," agreed Dad, "but not as powerful as
God. Jesus already defeated Satan at the cross." Dad gave the basement an
approving glance. "When you know and live by the truth from God's Word, Jesus
gives you power to do what's right," added Dad, "and now . . . I think we're
finished here and you can go back to your book and see how it turns
out."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware of Satan's search and destroy mission against you? Are you on guard against it? He knows just what might turn you away from loving God fully, but you can resist him successfully. When you want to disobey Mom, skip church, tell a lie, or do any wrong thing, resist Satan's attack and depend on Jesus to help you follow Him. He's stronger than Satan and will help you do the right thing.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

[Soldier4Christ]

When Miss Steward asked Jason a review question from the lesson on evolution, he gave the answer she wanted. "That's what our science book says, but I don't believe it," he added. "I believe God made everything-like the Bible says."

Miss Steward raised her eyebrows in surprise, but she smiled. "There are many theories-or ideas-as to how the world began," she said, "and I suppose it doesn't matter too much which one you believe. However, scientists have put much time and study into this one, and I expect you to know it thoroughly."

"But creation isn't just an idea," Jason declared. "God said it, and it's a fact."

Miss Steward frowned. "As I said, you can believe whatever you want. It's not that important," she replied. "I believe in evolution. That's what scientists believe, too, and it's what we're studying right now." Just then the dismissal bell rang, and the students gathered their things and went out.

Conner joined Jason and they started home. "I don't think Miss Steward liked what you said," Conner remarked. "Sounded to me like she was annoyed."

"Could be," replied Jason, "but what she's teaching is all wrong."

"But why say anything?" asked Conner. "Is is really that important?'

"Important? Of course it's important!" exclaimed Jason. "If the very first verse in the Bible is a lie, how can we believe any . . ."

Jason was interrupted by another classmate. "Hey, guys, how about loaning me fifty cents?" asked Bart. "I lost some of the money Mom gave me for a loaf of bread. I'll pay you back tomorrow."

"Sure you will," said Conner. "Just like you paid me the other times I loaned you money, right? Forget it!" Without another word, Bart scowled and left.

 Jason turned to Conner. "That's it! Because Bart lied to you before, you don't believe him now," said Jason. "And if God lied in the first verse of the Bible-and in other verses about creation-why would we believe any of what He says?"

"Well, I . . . ah . . . you've got something there,"
Conner admitted. "I guess it is important to believe that God created
everything."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe everything was created by God? Although some scientists believe in evolution, many others believe in God's work of creation. Even common sense will tell you that creation is more believable than evolution. God says the world and everything in it was created by Him. The first chapter of Genesis gives an account of creation, and throughout the Bible there are verses referring to it. God's Word is true regarding creation and everything else He says.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Lori stood in front of the mirror and carefully arranged her hair. Then she stepped back to see better how her clothes looked. It was picture day at school, and Lori wanted the picture to be perfect. "You look so pretty," said her little sister with a smile. "I want to look pretty, too. What shall I wear?"

"I don't have time to help you," replied Lori crossly. "I still have to find a necklace to go with this shirt."

Allison looked disappointed. "Can I borrow a necklace?" she asked.

Lori shook her head. "No way! You'd lose it."

Allison's eyes filled with tears. "No, I wouldn't," she said. "I'll be careful."

Lori frowned. "I don't have time for this," she snapped. "Quit pestering me!"

When Lori went to the kitchen, she saw a vase of flowers standing on the table. "Oh-roses!" exclaimed Lori. "Where did they come from?"

"Mrs. Green just brought them over," said Mom. "They're from her rose garden. They're beautiful, aren't they?"

"They sure are!" Lori exclaimed. But when she reached for a flower, she pricked her finger on a sharp thorn. "Ouch!" she cried as a bright drop of blood appeared on her finger. "The roses are pretty but the thorns are too sharp," she complained as she held a tissue to the sore spot.

"I think that also describes people now and then," Mom said thoughtfully. "Pretty, but too sharp. Actually . . . I'm thinking of you, honey."

"Me?" asked Lori in surprise. "Why me?"

"Like the roses, you look very pretty this morning. But I overheard you talking to your sister-you were very sharp with her," explained Mom. "I know you've learned a verse in which God gives the principle we call the Golden Rule. Do you remember what it teaches?"

"To treat others the way we want to be treated," Lori answered slowly.

"Yes, and would you like to be treated the way you treated Allison?" Mom asked.

"I . . . I . . ." stammered Lori. She sighed. "You're right," she admitted. "I wasn't very nice. I'll go tell Allison I'm sorry."

"Good." Mom nodded. "Maybe you could still help her
decide what to wear. I made a suggestion, but I think she really values the
opinion of her big sister."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you think about most-your looks or your actions? It's important to keep a good appearance-it's fine to look your best. It's even more important to be Christ-like in your actions. Use today's Scripture as a check-list to see how you're doing. And remember to follow the "Golden Rule" God has given. Treat others the way you want to be treated.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 6:31

[Soldier4Christ]

"Don and Jack asked me to go to Ski Valley with them tomorrow, Uncle Bill," said Aaron. "The snow is just right!" Uncle Bill didn't say anything as he opened the hood of his truck, but Aaron was sure he knew what his uncle was thinking-tomorrow was Sunday. "I'd miss Sunday school just this once!" Aaron added. "That wouldn't hurt, would it?"

"You've already missed more than once." Uncle Bill spoke kindly to his nephew. The two were especially close since Aaron's parents didn't have much interest in church.

Aaron's face fell. "Yeah, I guess," he muttered. "There were a few times when my parents had special plans. But there haven't been many good ski days this winter, and I'd sure like to go! What can it hurt to miss once more?"

"What can it hurt?" repeated Uncle Bill. "Well, I think your teacher and classmates will be disappointed if you're absent. It's an encouragement to them for you to be there. But . . . most of all, missing Sunday school would hurt    you, Aaron."

"Me?" Aaron shrugged. "I don't think it would hurt me," he said as Uncle Bill pulled out the dipstick to measure the oil.

Uncle Bill whistled. "This old truck has been taking oil lately-it's pretty low," he said, picking up the oil can. Then he put the can down again. He shrugged and scratched his head. "Oh, well," he added, "it still runs." He closed the hood.

"Uncle Bill!" exclaimed Aaron. "You taught me that if the truck gets too low on oil, it could ruin the motor!" He was a little proud of his knowledge of cars-and more than a little glad that his uncle had changed the subject.

"That's true, Aaron. A car without oil can't go far without running into trouble," agreed Uncle Bill. Then he returned to the previous subject. "A Christian who is low on 'spiritual oil'-spiritual instruction and knowledge- can't go very far without trouble, either. One of the best places for you to get that spiritual help is in church and Sunday school."

"Oh . . . right." Aaron was startled, but he grinned
good-naturedly. "You got me, Uncle Bill. I'll be in church tomorrow," he
promised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there times you'd like to skip church or Sunday school? Sickness, bad weather, or other unusual circumstances may keep you from attending. But when you want to skip church for some fun thing, stop and think about it. Don't let your "spiritual oil" get low.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Know the love of Christ . . . (and)be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

[Soldier4Christ]

The junior high Sunday school class was getting geared up for it's annual "Spring Cleaning Give-Away." Each year, members of the class brought books, games, and other articles in like-new condition to be given to the Pine Crest Children's Home.

"What should I give this year?" Paul asked as he fumbled through       his things.

Mom smiled. "How about some of your Legos?" she asked. "Or maybe some puzzles. You don't use them much anymore." Paul looked at the things Mom had suggested, but he wasn't sure he wanted to give up any of them.

The next day, Paul decided to clean out his locker at school. Old papers, broken pencils, and even a dirty pair of gym socks were soon piled up on the floor. Then he spied a baseball he had borrowed from Randy months before. Randy's probably forgotten about this-he's got more baseballs than anyone I know, Paul thought, pulling the ball from the back of his locker. He tucked it in    his jacket pocket, threw out the trash, and    headed home.

That evening Paul showed the ball to his dad. "I'm gonna help old Randy do a good deed," he told Dad. "I'm gonna give this to the kids at the home. Randy will never miss it."

Dad frowned. "Whoa!" he said. "You can't give something that isn't yours."

"But Randy wouldn't care," insisted Paul, "and it's for a good cause."

"Doing something wrong can't be justified by saying that you're doing it for God," Dad told him. "King Saul, in the Bible, tried to do that. God had told him to destroy all the cattle and sheep in a certain city, but King Saul kept some of the best animals. He said he wanted to sacrifice them to God, but God was not pleased. He'd rather have Saul obey Him than offer sacrifices. And God would rather have you obey His command to not steal than to keep that ball-even for a good cause!"

Paul looked at the ball. He knew Dad was right-he needed
to return the ball to Randy, not give it to anyone else. "Okay," he agreed
reluctantly. "I'll give this back. I guess I'll donate some Legos and puzzles to
the children's home."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever tempted to do something wrong in order to do something good? God doesn't want you to decide whether or not to obey His commands depending on your situation. When He says, "Don't steal," that's exactly what He means. When he says, "Be kind," He means be kind. When He says, "keep yourself pure," that's what He wants you to do. Always obey God in everything!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
To obey is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

[Soldier4Christ]

The Murrays concluded their family devotions each day by reading a chapter from a missionary book. They were currently reading about a mission work in South America. "The jungle closed in around Pedro," read Dad. "Ever since he had become a Christian, other members of his tribe were determined to kill him. Even now, several men were not far behind on the jungle trail. There seemed no escape. Pedro prayed as he ran."

"This is so scary," Mary whispered.

Dad continued reading. "Suddenly a dark-skinned man stepped out of the bushes just ahead. He motioned for Pedro to follow him and started moving deeper into the jungle. Should I follow him? Pedro wondered. Is this man a friend? I've never seen him before. Pedro didn't know what to do." Dad looked up, put a marker in the book and closed it. "End of chapter," he said.

"Oh, no!" groaned Kurt. "Just one more page?"

Mom shook her head. "There's school tomorrow and you need to get to bed."

Kurt stretched. "Some people live such exciting lives, and mine is so . . . well, it's so ordinary. It's mostly school, practicing trumpet, studying, eating, sleeping, and school again."

"I wouldn't want the excitement of having someone try to kill me because I'm a Christian!" exclaimed his sister Alexis.

Kurt laughed. "Well, no . . . but I still think my days are pretty dull."

"God knows we need ordinary days to grow and learn about Him," said Dad. "Even great men of the Bible had ordinary days. Take Daniel, for example. He had to . . ."

"His life was exciting!" Kurt interrupted. "He got thrown into a den of lions."

"Another bit of excitement I'm glad to do without," observed Alexis.

Dad smiled. "Daniel didn't face lions every day," he said. "He also did many ordinary jobs in the king's court. And the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker. He must have spent many days sewing, measuring, and cutting. We need to see all our days as gifts from God. Do your best every day He gives you."

With a yawn Kurt stood up. "Yeah. Okay, I better get to
bed then, so I can be rested for . . . ah . . . another ordinary
day."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do exciting things seem to happen to everyone but you? Your days of going to school, eating, playing, sleeping, and more school are part of God's plan to prepare you for the future. If you see each day as a gift from God, it will be easier to perform the "ordinary" jobs like homework, practicing your instrument, and washing dishes or mowing the lawn.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1