Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let's go for a hike," suggested Mandy after enjoying a big meal at the family reunion. "Let's take one of those nature trails through the woods." Several of the children agreed, and soon they made their way to the trail, where a large map was posted beside the path. They glanced at it only briefly, and then started off.

The kids walked merrily along until they came to a place where the trail divided. "Let's take the path to the left," said Mandy. "It doesn't look as steep as the other one."

"Sissy! We're going to take the trail that goes up the hill and around the lake," declared George. "Right, guys?" The boys nodded and headed up the trail. After hesitating a few minutes, the girls followed.

"I'm tired!" said Amy after nearly an hour. "How much farther is it to the park?"

"How should we know?" snapped George. "We haven't been here before."

"Didn't you read the map?" asked Mandy.

George frowned. "Well . . . sorta," he replied. "Didn't you?"

Mandy shook her head. "I thought you guys read it."

"We only glanced at it," Len told her, "but I'm sure we'll get to the road-sooner or later."

Mandy stood still. "Well, I'm exhausted," she said. "I'm going back the way we came." Most of the others agreed-even the boys. So although there was some grumbling, they all turned and headed back down the trail.

When they finally got to the map at the beginning of the trail, they stopped to look at it. They saw that if they'd kept on going, they would have soon come out on the road near the park. "It's a little late to read this now," said Mandy. She laughed. "Can't you just imagine what Granny Williams will say when she hears about this?"

Amy pushed her glasses to the end of her nose and shook her finger at the group. "You're just like all those people who try to get through life without reading the Bible," she said in her best "Granny voice."

"Don't depend on someone else to lead you," Mandy added
in quavering tones. "Read the map for yourself." Everyone laughed as they
hurried back to the picnic area. Granny was really very wise!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you studying God's "map"-the Bible-or are you depending on someone else to tell you what God says? Good preachers and teachers who love the Lord can be a great help, but you should read the Bible for yourself, too. God's Word will direct you on the right path for your life. Make up your mind to read a little each day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Psalm 25:4

[Soldier4Christ]

Tears ran down Dedra's cheeks as her father drove off. She pulled away from her mother's gentle hug and ran down the street. She heard her mother call her name, but she ran on furiously. Today was the worst day of her life!

Earlier that morning, her father and mother had sat on the couch, each on opposite ends, and calmly spoke the words that tore her world apart. "We still love you, kitten. We just can't live together anymore," said Dad.

"You'll spend weekends with Daddy and weekdays with me," said Mom.

Dad nodded. "We'll go to special places every weekend, honey. We'll have fun . . . you'll see," he added. The words had pierced her heart.

Dedra finally stopped running and sat on a swing at the neighborhood park. She could no longer cry; she felt empty.

As the weeks went by, Dedra's life fell into a new pattern. After school on weekdays, she and her mother cooked dinner and spent the evenings together. On Fridays, her father picked her up after school, and she went to his apartment for the weekend. They had good times, but it just wasn't the same as having him home.

One Friday Dedra's father called to say he couldn't come. After that, Dad sometimes came, and sometimes he didn't. When he told her she was going to have a new family-he was going to get married, and she would have step-brothers and sisters-she wasn't quite sure where she fit in.

One day, Dedra accepted the invitation of the lady next door to go to church and Sunday school. The lesson was about the love of God. Dedra listened as the teacher talked. Love comes and goes, thought Dedra. One day you're a family, and the next day you can be lost somewhere in the middle. Tears began to well up, and she stayed in her seat, even after the other children left.

"Can I help?" asked Mrs. Mason as she knelt beside Dedra.

"Love's not like what you said," replied Dedra. "Daddy doesn't love us like that."

"God's love is not like human love," said Mrs. Mason gently. "Nothing can separate God's children from His love."

"Are you sure?" asked Dedra. It would be wonderful to
know a love like that, she thought, and she asked Mrs. Mason to explain
more!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been disappointed in friends or family or circumstances? Have they failed you? God will not and cannot fail. He loves you more deeply than friends or family members-even parents-do. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. Do you love Him in return? Have you trusted Him as Savior? You can. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) Take comfort in the fact that nothing can ever separate His children from His love. Unlike people, God never changes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:38-39)
Neither death nor life, nor . . . any . . . thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"What's Laura's problem?" asked Jacob as his sister left the room. "She was acting awful gloomy."

"This is the day her friends leave for summer camp," said Mom with a sigh. "The Lord provided a summer job for Laura, and she felt she should take it and help with school expenses since Dad had to miss work so often this year on account of his health-but she loves camp so much!"

"Let's do something special so she won't feel so bad," said Jacob. He wrinkled his brow. "Let's have a party for her! A surprise family party."

"A 'You're Special to Us' party?" asked Mom. "All right. I'll fix her favorite dinner, and you can decorate the dining room."

"What about a present?" asked Jacob.

Mom thought for a minute. "Why don't we give her 'love coupons'? I'll make one with a promise to make her bed and clean her room every day this week so she can sleep later. You could wash the dishes when it's her turn."

Jacob groaned. "Let's not get carried away," he protested. "We want to make her feel better, but there's a limit!"

Mom laughed and gave Jacob a quick hug. "This is a lovely idea, Son. God says we should show love to one another, and you're doing that today." She stood up. "We'd better get busy. We have a lot to do."   

When Laura came home from work that afternoon, she stood in the doorway and stared. The table was set with the best china, and there were streamers and balloons to welcome her. "Surprise!" exclaimed Jacob.

"Is it somebody's birthday?" asked Laura. "I know it's not mine!"

"Nope, but you're special," Jacob told her, "so we're having a party for you."

After enjoying her favorite meal, Laura read her "love
coupons." She looked around at her family. "I love all of you," she said. Then
looking at the dirty dishes, she winked at Jacob and added, "Especially you,
little brother. I hope you won't be getting wrinkled 'dishpan' hands this
week!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone among your family or friends who needs encouragement? As you remember what God did to show His great love for you, will you go out of your way to show love to a discouraged person? Maybe you can do more than your share of chores at home, help a friend with school work, mow a neighbor's lawn, or help in some other special way. You'll be surprised to find how much it will lift everyone's spirits-including your own!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Jesse sighed as he looked at the unopened boxes stacked against the living room walls. "Tired of opening boxes?" his mother asked, stepping back from the picture she'd just hung up.

"No, it's just that I . . . I wish we hadn't moved," said Jesse glumly.

Mom put down the hammer. "I know it's tough for you," she said.

"I don't know anyone here. I'm a stranger at school and at church and . . . and everywhere," said Jesse as Mom picked up a plant. The leaves of the plant rested on the edge of its pot. It reminded Jesse of the way his dog's ears flopped over the side of his water bowl when he drank. "That plant doesn't look happy, either," he mumbled. "It looks droopy."

"You're right; it does," agreed Mom. "It's an African violet, and I repotted it a few days ago. Right now, it's in a state of shock, but . . ." Mom smiled, ". . . it has me to take care of it. It will soon begin to take root in the new dirt and get the nourishment it needs to survive. With time, it will even start to thrive. Like you."

"Are you saying I need more time to get used to being here?" asked Jesse.

"I'm trying to say that making a new start is difficult, but that, like my plant, you have someone looking after you," said Mom. "Jesus can give you the courage and strength you need to get used to new places and new people."

"I guess I'm still in the 'shocked' stage," said Jesse. He stood up and stretched. "Think I'll take Bailey out for a run."

As Jesse walked with his dog, Bailey's long velvety ears flapped with every step. He seemed as happy to be outdoors as Jesse was. At a corner, a boy about Jesse's age was waiting for the traffic lights to turn. "Hi," said Jesse. "Is there a park somewhere around here?"

"Just a couple of blocks away-I'll show you," answered
the boy. A warm feeling grew inside Jesse. God is taking care of me, he thought.
He's giving me some of that courage and help Mom was talking
about.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you need to adjust to a new situation? Are you shy about meeting new people in your neighborhood, attending a new class, or joining a new sports team? Ask the Lord to give you the courage to be friendly. Ask Him to help you adjust to your new surroundings. Trust Him and thank Him for opportunities to enjoy new people and new things-and that He has put something good into every situation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

[Soldier4Christ]

Erin grinned as Mom put a plate of spaghetti in front of her little brother. Although he loved to eat with the rest of the family, he always made a mess. "You'll have to wash Paul's hair when he's done," said Erin.

Mom smiled. "I know," she said. "I'll have to put him in the tub, but it's worth it. He loves spaghetti."

Sure enough, when he was finished, Paul was a mess. He had spaghetti sauce in his hair and smeared across his cheeks. Mom picked him up and carried him to the bathtub.

After his bath, Mom wrapped little Paul in a fluffy towel. His hair was combed, and it smelled like baby shampoo. "You look better now," said Erin. She kissed his cheek and then went to answer the phone.

Hearing the voice of her friend Anna, Erin frowned. At school the week before, Anna had said something that hurt Erin's feelings. As the girls talked now, Erin tried to be polite, but she soon made an excuse to hang up.

"You didn't sound very friendly," observed Mom, who couldn't help hearing. "Anna did apologize for her remarks, didn't she?"

"Yes, but . . . I know she didn't mean what she said and that I lose my temper too quickly, but I . . . I can't seem to help it," muttered Erin. "I'm still mad!" She handed a toy to her little brother.

Mom raised her brow. "Holding a grudge doesn't make you feel very good, does it?" she asked. Erin sighed and shook her head. "You know, honey, if nobody gave Paul a bath, he'd get to be a worse and worse mess, wouldn't he?" asked Mom. "He'd always have food on his face and hair because cleaning up is something he can't do for himself. He needs help. And we need help, too, when we try to clean up our hearts-our spiritual problems. We can't do it on our own."

"You mean . . . God's help?" asked Erin.

Mom nodded. "Depend on Him to help you when something
happens that causes your temper to flare up," she suggested. "You know Jesus, so
you have the Holy Spirit living within you. As you yield to Him, He'll give you
victory over temptation and sin."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wish you could overcome some sin in your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Or is there a bad habit you need to break? You can't do it on your own. Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom. He'll give you the grace and power you need to overcome temptation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, I can't find my lavender sweater," wailed Cathy. "Where can it be?"

"When was the last time you wore it?" asked Mom.

Cathy wrinkled her brow. "I'm not sure. Last Sunday, I think."

"Maybe you left it at church," suggested Mom. "Call the office and ask if anyone turned it in." Cathy called, but the sweater wasn't there.

"That's my favorite sweater," moaned Cathy. "I want to wear it to our Sunday school party next Friday night."

"Well, you need to go now-it's time for the school bus," Mom said. "We'll keep looking for the sweater-it will probably show up."

But the sweater didn't show up, so on Friday, Cathy chose something else to wear to the party. When she arrived there, she stared in amazement at one of the girls in her class. "Melissa!" whispered Cathy to her best friend. "Look at Marci. That's my sweater she's wearing!"

"Are you sure?" asked Melissa. "Maybe she has one just like yours."

"No way!" hissed Cathy. "She couldn't afford a sweater like that! She must have picked it up at Sunday school and just kept it."

"Ask her about it," suggested Melissa.

Cathy shook her head. "She'd just lie about it," she grumbled.

When Marci walked past, Melissa called her name. "That's a pretty sweater," said Melissa. "It's new, isn't it? Where did you get it?"

"Thanks," said Marci. She grinned. "I like it, too. My mom bought it at a garage sale last week!"

"I'll bet," muttered Cathy. She was very angry, and she told several girls that Marci had stolen her sweater.

When the party ended, Cathy hurried home. She was surprised to find her grandmother there. "You'll be glad to see what Grandma brought you," said Mom, and she handed Cathy her lavender sweater.

"B-b-but where did you find this?" Cathy stammered.

"You left it at my house last Sunday," Grandma told her.

Tears welled up in Cathy's eyes. "I've made a terrible
mistake," she said with a sigh. "I'll tell you about it, but first I have to
make some phone calls."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you falsely accused someone? If you have, be sure to apologize, both to the one you've accused and to anyone else you may have told about it. Remember that hasty conclusions are often wrong. The next time you're tempted to make an accusation, think about God's instructions to be slow to speak and slow to get angry.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!" exclaimed Brandon when he arrived home from the park and saw his mother in the back yard, holding what looked like a large scissors. "What are you doing?" Mom was standing beside a bush, and Brandon saw branches all around it on the grass and in a wheelbarrow. "These are the bushes I helped you plant," continued Brandon. "Don't hurt them!"

Mom laughed. "Don't worry. I'm just pruning them," she replied. After snipping another branch, she stepped back to survey her work. "These bushes are getting tall, Brandon, but they're not filling in near the ground. If I lop off their tops, they'll fill in down low, too-not just grow taller."

"They will?" asked Brandon. He stooped to pick up a couple of branches. "Like those on the other side of the yard?"

"Exactly," Mom agreed. "Those are almost like a wall. They keep your little sisters inside the yard and keep other people out." Mom held up the big scissors. "Haven't you seen me use these before? They're pruning shears."

Brandon glanced at the tool. "Yeah, I think I did see you use them," he said.

"Last Sunday Pastor Hunt talked about pruning," said Mom. "It reminded me that I needed to do some pruning in the yard."

"Pastor Hunt said God prunes us, didn't he?" asked Brandon.

Mom nodded. "Right. I'm glad you were listening," she said. "Sometimes God cuts away attitudes and activities and possessions to help us grow the way we should."

Brandon looked at the shears again. "Do you think that's why I got cut from the baseball team?" he asked. "So I wouldn't have to skip our Friday night youth group because of ball practice?"

"Could be," said Mom. "I know you were disappointed, but God must know it's better for you to be part of youth group this year."

"Well, I've been wanting to invite Tommy, and I couldn't do that if I wasn't going myself," replied Brandon thoughtfully. "Hey . . . may I go over to his house and ask him about it now?"

"Sure," said Mom, "as soon as you empty this wheelbarrow
for me."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is God cutting an activity out of your schedule? Is He using a teacher to remove laziness and disorganization from your life? Has He allowed one of your possessions to be stolen or to wear out? "Pruning" may be painful at times, but submit willingly. God does nothing to hurt you. He wants to help you develop into a happier person as you learn to trust Him in all circumstances.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Jana plopped down on the couch. "I don't know what to think of Sophia," she told her mother. "She's always going to R-rated movies and listening to all those TV shows you won't let me watch. She reads dirty magazines, too, and uses lots of bad words. I've told her what I think of all that, but she just laughs."

"I don't know Sophia. Is she a Christian?" asked Mom. Jana frowned and shook her head. "Well, then she doesn't have the Spirit of the Lord to give her power to overcome sin," added Mom.

"I'm sure she doesn't want to overcome sin," replied Jana. "She enjoys it."

"That's natural," said Mom. "There are pleasures in sin, but living for God is much better. Have you told Sophia how good . . ."

"Buffy! Come back with that!" Brian's cry rang down the hall. "Mommy! Buffy has my crayon!" The puppy dashed into the room and ran under the dining room table.

"Give it to me, Buffy," ordered Mom. Buffy growled softly. "Come on, Buffy. Give it to me," coaxed Mom, reaching for the crayon as she spoke. Buffy growled louder.

Jana laughed. "I'll get it," she said. She got up and took a dog biscuit. Then she knelt beside the table and held out the treat. "Here, Buffy!" she said. "Do you want something good?" The puppy quickly dropped the crayon and snatched the food.

Mom grinned as she picked up the crayon. "Now why didn't I think of that?" she said. As Buffy and Brian went romping down the hall, Mom turned to Jana. "You know, to get the crayon from Buffy, you offered him something better. I wonder . . . You've told Sophia a number of things she shouldn't do, but have you told her that God offers something much better? Have you told her of the wonderful love of Jesus and what He has done for her-and wants to do for her?"

Jana looked surprised. "No, I guess not. I know I
should," she admitted thoughtfully. She smiled. "I think I'll start by inviting
her to my Bible club party next week. After that, maybe she'll start going to
the club meetings with me, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your friends know what a wonderful thing it is to know Jesus as Savior? Don't just tell them what they're doing wrong and what they should give up. Tell them about the blessings of being a Christian. God offers the best life-both now and in the world to come. Let your friends know they can have the assurance of heaven some day, the joy and peace of having sins forgiven, and the fellowship and fun of being with other Christians.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. Psalm 126:3

[Soldier4Christ]

Colby dragged himself out of bed. He frowned as he heard his sister Carin and his parents talking and laughing in the kitchen. Colby had a big scowl on his face when he came to the breakfast table. "Not oatmeal again!" he grumbled as he slid onto a chair.

"Would you rather have eggs?" suggested Mom with a smile.

   The scowl on Colby's face deepened. "I hate eggs, I hate oatmeal, I hate school, and I hate everything," he growled.

The cheerful look left Carin's face. "Well, I hate a few things myself," she announced, "like this shirt. Do I have to wear it, Mom?"

"It's practically new!" exclaimed Mom. "I thought you liked it."

"I like it," said Dad. He turned to Colby. "By the way, Son, do you want to go to a ball game tonight? I have the evening open."   

"Mom, can't we do something for once?" whined Carin. "Like go shopping?"

"What for? To buy another shirt you don't like?" sneered Colby.

Mom sighed, and Carin glared at her brother. "Oh, you big . . ." began Carin.

"Whoa!" called Dad. "Hold on here!" He turned to Colby. "It occurs to me that we were all enjoying ourselves this morning until you came in with that big frown on your face. Your bad attitude has spread over the whole family."

"Yeah, Colby!" exclaimed Carin. "You . . ."

Dad held up his hand. "Colby's frown is not an excuse for our actions," he said. "Each of us must take responsibility for our own attitudes. However, we should remember that the expressions on our faces influence others."

Mom nodded. "Yes," she agreed, "and since our faces affect others a great deal, we should keep them as bright and cheerful as possible."

"You all know the expression 'Smile, God loves you.'
That's really good advice," added Dad. "Before we eat this morning, let's
remember God's love and ask Him to give us happy hearts so we are better able to
influence others with a smile."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spread happiness and good will with a cheerful face? What you feel in your heart usually shows on your face, so examine your heart. Are you thankful God loves you? Do you praise Him for the many blessings He has given you? Does your face reflect joy and gratitude? It's important to keep your heart right with the Lord. Ask God to make you a testimony for Him by the expression you wear on your face.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mrs. Brown," called Jennie when she saw her neighbor take a bag of groceries from her car. "Do you need any help?"

"Hi, Jennie," responded Mrs. Brown. "Why, yes, I could use a little help here today. Thank you." She opened her purse and took out a bunch of keys. "I have more bags of groceries in the trunk, so I'm going to have my arms full when I get them out. Do you think you could unlock the door to my house?" Mrs. Brown held out the keys.

"Sure," agreed Jennie. She took the keys and quickly ran to the back door of the house, but she didn't know which key would unlock it. She tried one of them. It didn't work, so she began trying key after key. She was beginning to think none of them would fit into the lock, but just as Mrs. Brown walked up with a load of groceries, the last key on the chain finally worked. "I sure had a hard time finding the right key," said Jennie. She laughed. "I tried every one of them before I came to the only one that works."

"Oh, dear me!" exclaimed Mrs. Brown. "I should have told you which key to use. I'm glad you found it." She smiled down at Jennie. "And you're right," added Mrs. Brown. "That's the only key you can use to open this door." Then she asked, "Have you also found the only 'key' that will open the door to heaven?"

Jennie looked up at Mrs. Brown in surprise. "The key to heaven?" she asked. "I didn't know you had to have a key to get into heaven." She frowned. "You've told me about Jesus-you said we have to believe in Him to get to heaven, didn't you? Is that what you mean by having a key to get into heaven?"

Mrs. Brown smiled. "That's right," she agreed. "Jesus is
the 'key' to heaven. The only way to open my door is to have just the right key,
and the only way to get through heaven's door is by having the perfect key-the
Lord Jesus-as your Savior."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think the "good person key" will unlock heaven's door for you? Have you thought the "prayer key" or the "generous key" would do it? Sorry, but they won't work. Only one key will work in heaven's door, and God freely offers it to you. Jesus is that "key." Trust Him as Savior today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

[Soldier4Christ]

After her grandmother's funeral, Leah sat on her bed with a photo album on her lap. Tears blurred her vision as she looked at pictures of a teenage Grandma standing by an automobile. There were more recent pictures of Grandma in her flower garden and dressed in her Sunday best.

Leah heard talking and laughter downstairs. Everyone was having a good time-everyone but her. How can they talk and eat and laugh like nothing's happened? she wondered. Leah thought that, even at the funeral, most people-her parents included-did not behave as though they were sorry Grandma had died. I won't be like that, she thought. I loved Grandma too much.

After a while, Leah's mother came looking for her. "Are you all right, honey?" asked Mom. "You've been so quiet today."

Anger bubbled up in Leah. "It sounds like one big party downstairs-I hear you all laughing," she stormed. "It seems like I'm the only one who feels terrible about Grandma's death. Everyone else seems . . . seems happy about it."

Her mother sat on the bed beside her. "We'll all miss Grandma very much," she said, "but we've been remembering the good times we had with her." Mom took Leah's hands. "These last few years, Grandma suffered because of her illness, but that's over now. We've talked about her new life in heaven with no more pain, remember?"

"Well . . . yes, but . . ." Leah wiped her eyes.

"Remember how you missed our dog after we gave him to the Johnsons?" asked Mom. "But he was way too big to be comfortable in our apartment. In fact, he was miserable cooped up here. Would you want to bring him back?"

"No." Leah shook her head. "I still miss him, but I know he's happier on the Johnsons' farm with all the room he has to run and play," she admitted. "He has a much better life there than we could give him here."

"It's a little like that for Grandma," said Mom. "She's no longer suffering, and she's with Grandpa and others who went to heaven before her. Best of all, she's with Jesus."Leah nodded and managed to smile a little.

"I'll come downstairs now," she said as she stood up. "I
miss her, but I am glad she's living in a better place."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died? It's natural to miss that person. It's okay to cry, too. But if your loved one knew Jesus as Savior, he or she has begun a better life with Jesus in heaven, so don't be too sad. Thank God for the time you had with that person, and for the good memories you can still enjoy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

[Soldier4Christ]

"If you give me the rest of your allowance, you can have one of these candy bars," Nathan told his little sister.

Cindy looked longingly at the candy Nathan spread before her. "They didn't cost you nearly that much," she argued.

"Doesn't matter." Nathan shrugged. "You know Mom won't let you go to the store by yourself, so if you want a candy bar, that's the price." Cindy did want candy very much, so she reluctantly gave Nathan the rest of her allowance.

When the ice cream truck came by the next day, Cindy ran to ask Mom if she could buy something. "If you want to spend your own money, you can," Mom said. "You get an allowance for things like that."

Cindy burst into tears. "But my allowance is all gone," she cried. "Nathan took it." Cindy told her mother about the candy bar.

Mom called Nathan into the room. "I don't like the way you treated your sister," said Mom. "You charged her far too much for the candy."

"I didn't make her give me the money," protested Nathan. "She didn't have to buy a candy bar."

"No, but you knew how much she wanted it, so you took unfair advantage of her. Charging too much was a greedy act even though she could have said no," insisted Mom. "God's Word has many warnings about greed. It says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It's what caused you to charge an unfair price for that candy." Nathan squirmed and looked at the floor.

"God doesn't want us to ever mistreat those who are younger, poorer, or weaker than we are-or those who don't have the advantages we do," continued Mom. "He wants us to watch out for them and help them. Taking a fair profit is fine, but we must not love money more than people. Now . . . what can you do to make things right again?"

"I guess I should return Cindy's money, minus what I
paid for the candy bar," admitted Nathan. Then he grinned. "I'll even skip the
'fair profit' for my trouble in getting it." Mom smiled her
approval.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you fair in your dealings with younger brothers or sisters-or with small neighborhood children? It's sometimes a great temptation to charge too much from those who don't know the value of money-or of other things. God tells Christians to "flee" from the temptation to seek the riches of this world. Money and "things" should never be more important than people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"What a beautiful baby," Mom said as she looked through the nursery window at the hospital. "He's just perfect."

"Hold me up so I can see," begged Grace. Robby had been born the day before, and his cousins, Sam and Grace, were eager to see him.

Sam looked at the new baby. "How soon will Robby be able to play ball with me?" he asked doubtfully.

Dad laughed. "It may take him a while to get the hang of baseball," he said. "Robby will have to grow quite a bit first. We have to be patient with babies and give them time to grow."

"Did you know it takes human babies longer than almost any other animal to grow up?" Mom asked as they turned to leave the hospital. "For example, colts can run just a few hours after they're born."

"And remember the puppies Ginger had last year?" added Dad. "Puppies are old enough to leave their mother when they're only six or eight weeks old."

"God made babies to need their parents in a special way," said Mom. "They're pretty helpless."

"I'm glad I'm not a baby anymore," Sam decided. "I'm glad I can play ball and other games."

"You're still not all growed up, though," Grace told him. "You need to get a lot bigger."

Dad smiled. "Did you know that baby Christians also need time to grow?" he asked.

"What's a baby Christian?" asked Grace.

"It's someone who hasn't been saved very long and doesn't know very much about God and the Bible," answered Dad. "When you asked Jesus to save you last year, you were a newborn Christian, Grace, just like Robby is a newborn baby."

"Am I a growed up Christian now?" asked Grace.

"Not quite yet. Actually, Christians should keep growing and learning more about God all their lives," replied Dad. "Baby Christians need someone to teach them. That's where Mom and I come in."

"Yes, and your Sunday school teachers, too, and Pastor
James," added Mom. "God has given us the privilege and responsibility to teach
you many things about Him. You need to listen and learn and grow to be more and
more like Him."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you "growing up" as a Christian? Do you know more about God now than you did when you were first saved? Do you love Him more, and have you learned to depend on His power to obey His Word? Spend time in God's Word and in prayer. Listen and learn from your teachers, pastor, and Christian parents. Be a growing Christian.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Jolene came down the hall, pulling her little brother with her. "If Josh doesn't stay out of my room . . ."

Mom looked up. "Now what?"

"He's been in my stationery again!" Jolene reported.

Mom sighed. "There's a verse in the Bible the two of you should learn. It would stop all this fussing if you'd obey it. If . . ."

Jolene interrupted. "The fussing would stop if he'd . . ."

Mom held up her hand. "If you'd both practice the Golden Rule, it would end the quarrels between you. Why don't you give it a try?"

"What's the Golden Ruler, Mommy?" little Josh asked.

"Not 'ruler,'" his big sister corrected. "It's 'rule.'"

"Yes, and it's a rule that Jesus gave. It tells us to treat others like we want them to treat us," explained Mom. "Josh, would you want Jolene to go into your room and help herself to your toys without asking you?"

"She'd better not!" Josh exploded. "She won't let me have any of her dumb old . . ."

"Enough!" Mom said sternly. "If you don't want Jolene to use your things without asking, you shouldn't use hers without asking, either."

"Yeah, Josh!" muttered Jolene.

Mom turned to her daughter. "I saw you and Carrie in Josh's room yesterday," said Mom. "You were playing with his new game. Had you asked him if that was okay?" Jolene slowly shook her head. "If you would treat each other the way you want to be treated, we'd all be much happier," Mom added with a sigh.

"Okay! We won't fuss anymore." Josh nodded his head and grabbed his sister's hand. "We promise, don't we, Jolene?"

Jolene grinned sheepishly. "Well, we'll try not to," she agreed.   

"I'm going to 'member what the Golden Ruler says every day of my life!" declared Josh.

Mom nodded. "Good," she approved. "It's a good 'ruler'
to use for measuring your actions."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you practice the Golden Rule? When you consider offering candy to a brother or sister, saying something unkind, or sneaking something that belongs to someone else, ask yourself, "Would I want to be treated like that?" If the answer is yes, go ahead. If it's no, don't treat others that way, either. If you follow this biblical principle, you'll be much happier, and so will everyone around you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them. Matthew 7:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Kyle and Devon were having a great time on their afternoon hike at the state park when Kyle glanced at his watch "Wow! Look at the time!" he exclaimed. "We're going to be late getting back." As the cousins hurried down Coyote Trail, they met a park ranger. "Is there a quicker way back to the campground than following this trail?" Kyle asked him. The ranger said no, so they hurried on.

Suddenly Devon stopped. "Hey, look!" he exclaimed, pointing down the hill. "There's our campsite, but the trail goes all the way around those rocks ahead. Let's just cut across here so we won't be so late."

"I don't know, Dev," responded Kyle doubtfully. "The ranger said this trail is the quickest way to get there. Besides, there are signs that say to stick to the trails-no exploring, remember?"

"We're not exploring. Just taking a shortcut," replied Devon.

Kyle stared at the camp down the hill. It does seem silly to go so far around, he thought. Besides, if we're late, Mom and Dad might not let us hike alone again. "Okay," he agreed. "Let's try the shortcut."

The boys were moving quickly down the gentle slope when Devon suddenly stopped short. "Whoa!" he called. "What's this?" A deep crevice, almost hidden by thick brush, stretched across their path. A fence kept them from going closer to it. They had no choice but to climb back up and take the long way around.

Devon and Kyle finally reached the camp site. Embarrassed, the boys explained why they were late getting back. "We were so close, but our 'shortcut' only made the way longer," said Devon.

"Yeah, and it's a good thing the fence was there, or we could have fallen into that crevice!" added Kyle. "I wish the ranger had explained why we shouldn't leave the trail."

"There are generally good reasons for the instructions
you're given," his dad told him. "That's true here in the park and in school and
at home-and most important of all, when God says something. You don't always
need to understand all the whys and wherefores and reasons. Your job is to obey.
I hope you'll remember that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever disobeyed, thinking it would be better to do something your way, only to learn the hard way that there was a good reason for the directions you were given? Parents, teachers, and other authorities don't always fully explain the reasons for what they tell you to do. God doesn't, either, but you can trust His reasons, even though you don't always understand them. Don't forget . . . one of His instructions is to obey those who have authority over you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. Titus 3:1