Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Maura was trying on her new school clothes when her mother looked into her room. "This shirt is my favorite of all my new clothes," Maura said, "and these new shoes are exactly what all the girls are wearing."

Mom smiled. "I'm glad you like them," she said. "Now come on. It's almost Joey's bedtime, and we haven't had our family prayer time yet." So Maura set her things aside and joined her family in the den.

When Dad asked for prayer requests, Maura thought of something. "This afternoon I was playing with Sheryl next door," she said. "I noticed that her shoes are worn out-there's actually a hole in the toe of one of them! She's worn those same old shoes all summer, and I know they're the only ones she has. Let's pray that Sheryl will get some new shoes."

"We'll do that," agreed Dad, "and let's pray that her dad will soon be well again and able to find a new job."

As Maura prayed for Sheryl, she had a funny feeling that she was forgetting something. She still felt that way as she put her new clothes and shoes in the closet. Even when she crawled into bed, the feeling stayed with her.

What am I forgetting? she wondered as she wrinkled her forehead and stared into the dark. She reviewed the day, starting with breakfast. I had bacon and toast and jam, she thought. She shrugged. Next, they'd had their daily Bible reading. Dad read something about people who need clothes or food, and about telling them to be warm and full, but not giving them anyth . . . Maura sat right up and almost laughed out loud. That's it! she thought. Sheryl needs shoes and I . . . She hesitated. Then she jumped out of bed and ran into the living room. "Guess what!" she exclaimed. "I think God wants me to help answer my own prayer and buy Sheryl a pair of shoes with my baby-sitting money."

Mom and Dad looked surprised. Then Dad nodded and smiled
as Mom said, "Why, Maura, what a generous idea! We'll go shopping
tomorrow."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you asking God to do something you can do yourself? He often uses people to answer prayers, and He may even use you to answer your own prayers. Are you praying for someone who is lonely, someone who needs help with chores, or a missionary who needs support? Be ready to obey if God prompts you to do something about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Nate and Chris went into the house to get Nate's mitt. As usual, they stopped in the kitchen for a few cookies. "That Colin is so stupid!" Nate remarked as they ate. "I bet he's failed every math test we've had all year."

"Yeah," agreed Chris, "and when we laughed and asked if he could help us with our math, he started crying. What a baby! He can't even take a joke." The boys laughed together, but when they saw Nate's mother looking at them, they quickly changed the subject and hurried out to go to the ball park.

The next day, Nate worked on his bird house. He was hammering away at a nail, when . . . "OUCH!" he yelled. Nate dropped the hammer and began hopping around, holding his finger, moaning and groaning.

Nate looked up when he heard someone laughing. "You look so funny!" howled his sister Denise.

"It's not funny! It hurts!" Nate wailed. He hurried into the house.

"I'm sure that does hurt," murmured Mom as she put ice on Nate's finger a few minutes later. "And it didn't help at all when Denise teased you about it, did it?"

"That was mean," grumbled Nate. "I think it made it worse. She owes me an apology."

"Yes . . . and that reminds me," said Mom. "I'm afraid Colin felt worse, too, when you and Chris laughed at him yesterday."

"But we were just teasing!" protested Nate.

"Sometimes teasing is very painful," said Mom, "especially when you're teased about something that hurts already. God never laughs at us when we feel bad, and He doesn't want us to laugh others, either, if it makes them feel bad."

Nate looked away, ashamed. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Good." Mom nodded. "I wonder if Colin knows that?" There was a question in her tone.

Nate frowned. "Do I have to tell him?" he asked.

"Well . . . you thought Denise should apologize," Mom reminded him.

Nate sighed. "Okay," he murmured. He looked up at his
mother. "Hey . . . can I invite him over to help me with my birdhouse?" he
asked. "Maybe that would make him feel better." Mom gladly
agreed.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes mock people and laugh at them? Teasing can be fun, but remember that jokes can hurt, too. Be sensitive to the feelings of others. God says to rejoice with those who are happy and to weep with those who are sad. He says to love your neighbor as yourself and to love one another as He loved you. If you do that, you won't want to tease them in a "hurting" way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A new commandment I give to you . . . as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

[Soldier4Christ]

 Birds and Flies

"Look, there's a ladybird!" cried Olivia.

Jenna dropped her doll on the grass and looked up at the sky. "Where?" she demanded. "I don't see any birds or any lady, either. Besides Mom, I mean." Jenna smiled at her mother.

Olivia squealed with laughter. "Jenna, you're such a baby! A ladybird isn't a bird-nor a lady." She pointed to a small red and black creature crawling its way up the stem of a plant. "That's a ladybird."

Jenna stared. "Well!" she exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips. "How was I to know that? Why is it called a ladybird when it's not a bird at all? It's a bug." She tossed her head and picked up her doll again.

"Some people refer to it as a 'ladybug,'" said Mom. "That name really does fit it better, doesn't it?" She smiled. "I can think of another creature with a name that doesn't really fit. What did Dad show you last night?"

"Fireflies!" replied Olivia. "He said they aren't flies at all. They're beetles."

"That's right," said Mom. After a moment she added, "Sometimes people use names that don't match what they really are, either. For example, we can call ourselves 'Christian,' but that doesn't make us Christians."

"But we are Christians," insisted Jenna.

"How do you know?" asked Mom. "Does saying so make you one?"

"No. I'm a Christian because Jesus died for me. I told Him I'm sorry for my sin and asked Him to save me, and He did," said Jenna confidently.

"I get it!" said Olivia. "Calling this insect a 'ladybird' doesn't make it a bird, and calling that beetle a 'firefly' doesn't turn it into a fly. In the same way, calling myself a Christian doesn't make me one! The only way we can become Christians, is by trusting in Jesus."

   Mom nodded. "We need to examine our hearts and make sure we're not among those who call Jesus their Lord but don't really know Him at all."

   Jenna touched the ladybird gently with one finger. "I'm not like you!" she declared. "You go by a name that isn't what you are. I don't just go by the name Christian. I really am one."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian? If you answered "yes," try these questions: Have you recognized that you're a sinner and can be saved only through Jesus and what He's done for you? Or are you a Christian only by name? Jesus doesn't want you to just be called a Christian. He wants you to be a Christian-a follower of Himself. He gives that privilege to those who receive Him as Savior. Have you done that? (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Chad had spent most of August with his Uncle Robert and Aunt Kate at their log cabin on Pine Mountain. "We'll go up to the freshwater spring today," said Uncle Robert as they took an early morning walk on Chad's last day in the mountains. "Shall we tackle the steep trail up the mountainside, or shall we go the longer way around on the road?"

"Let's take the trail," said Chad eagerly, and they started out. They had not gone far before Chad had trouble walking. Rain during the night had made the path slippery. "My feet keep sliding," he complained.

Uncle Robert nodded. "Follow in my steps," he suggested. So Chad placed his feet into the big footprints Uncle Robert made in the soft earth.

"Hey! This works good!" exclaimed Chad. "I hardly slip back at all now."

When they neared the spring, they saw a mother deer and her fawns drinking from the water. Chad and his uncle watched quietly. "Wow!" exclaimed Chad after the deer had gone. "It's great being here-I think I could stay forever." He sighed. "I'd much rather stay here than go to junior high!" he added.

"I thought you were excited about starting junior high," said Uncle Robert.

"I am . . . sort of," Chad replied weakly, "but I've heard that math in junior high is really hard. They say the older kids laugh at you, too. They think they're so big and important."

Uncle Robert nodded sympathetically. "New situations can be scary," he agreed. "But . . . think of our walk up the trail. You had trouble making it on your own, but when you walked in my footsteps, it was much easier, right?"

"Yeah," said Chad uncertainly. It almost sounded like a question.

"David says in one of the Psalms that God kept his feet from slipping. Maybe it was kind of like God was going before him, making big footprints for him to walk in. Remember that God will be with you, too, and He knows all about junior high and what it's like. You don't have to make it through on your own."

"I know, but . . ." Chad hesitated. "I guess I sometimes forget."

Uncle Robert smiled as they headed back to the cabin.
"Well, we'll pray that you won't forget. Now let's go see what Aunt Kate has
fixed for breakfast."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry about new situations you'll have to face? Will you be going to high school or junior high this year for the first time? Or will you have a different teacher and different classmates than you've had before? God doesn't want you to face new situations alone-He's with you and He understands just what you're going through. Ask Him for wisdom and courage. Trust Him day by day to help you adjust to new circumstances.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:36

[Soldier4Christ]

As Amy sat in Mrs. Steiner's living room and listened to the cheerful voices singing choruses at Bible club, she wished she could stay there forever. It was there she had heard about Jesus and trusted Him as her Savior.

After Bible club, Amy lingered to help Mrs. Steiner straighten the room. "Thanks, Amy," said Mrs. Steiner as they finished. "How about a nice dish of peaches before you go? Would you like to call your parents and make sure it's all right with them?"

"It'll be okay," Amy answered. "Mom works late, and Dad will be . . . ah . . . sleeping on the couch."

"Well, then would you get a jar of my home-canned peaches from the basement?" Mrs. Steiner asked. She told Amy where to find the fruit. "It's dark in that room of the basement-we call it the fruit cellar," added Mrs. Steiner. "Be sure to turn on the light. The switch is just inside the door."

Amy was limping a little when she returned with the peaches. "What happened?" Mrs. Steiner asked. "Did you bump into something?"

"The light didn't go on in the fruit cellar. I guess the bulb is burned out," Amy explained. "I couldn't see very well and ran into a ladder. I bumped my knee a little, but I'm fine."

"Oh, I'm sorry you got hurt!" exclaimed Mrs. Steiner. "I'm surprised you were able to find the peaches. A light is needed in a dark place like that." She opened the jar and dished up the golden fruit. "How are things going at home?" she asked.

"Mom usually has to work late," replied Amy, "and my dad . . . well, you know how he is. He admits he's an alcoholic, but he doesn't seem to care." Amy sighed. "I've tried to tell them about Jesus, but it seems so hopeless."

"I know it's hard for you, Amy," sympathized Mrs.
Steiner, "but just like the fruit cellar needs a light, your home does, too-and
right now, that light is you! I think God has given you the task of helping your
parents find Jesus as Savior." She put an arm around Amy's shoulder. "Be a good
light in a dark place, honey," she said. "I'll be praying for you-and for
them."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you the only Christian in your home or in your classroom? Or the only Christian kid in your neighborhood? It's difficult to stand alone, but it's in the dark that a light is needed the most. Your witness may be the only one your family or friends hear and see. When there are no other Christians to shine for Jesus, be sure to let your light shine brightly.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'll believe it when I see it!" scoffed Kurt, reaching for a drumstick.

"Oh, Kurt!" exclaimed Lisa. "I really did see a squirrel without a tail! You never believe anything!"

"We believe quite a few things we can't see," said Mom thoughtfully.

"I know . . . I know," muttered Kurt. "Like wind and electricity, right?"

 "Yes, and lots of other things, too," replied Mom as she passed the potatoes. "Many important things in life can't be seen. Take love, for example. We see evidence-or results-of love, but we can't see the love itself."

"Or friendship," suggested Lisa. "You can't tell by looking at a picture that someone is your best friend."

"You can't know if a person is honest just by looking at him, either," added Dad. "All these things we've mentioned are seen only by knowing the person."

"What about believing in God?" asked Lisa. "You can't actually see Him."

"That's true. Remember Thomas in the Bible?" asked Dad. "He insisted he had to see Jesus before he could believe in the resurrection. Thomas was allowed to see Him, but Jesus said those who believe without seeing Him are blessed. We believe through faith, and God blesses that."

"If we didn't believe without having seen Him, no one would become a Christian," observed Mom.

"That's right," agreed Dad. "And did you hear who became a Christian just last Sunday? Pastor Baker told me today that Nick Pratt accepted Christ after the evening service."

"Nick Pratt!" exclaimed Kurt in surprise. "I'll believe that when I see it." He spoke the phrase automatically, a doubtful look on his face. "You know what he's like!"

"You just wait, Kurt," said Lisa. "You'll see the evidence of Jesus in Nick Pratt's life, too. You just wait!"

Kurt was silent-thinking. Suddenly he grinned. "Okay,"
he said. "I know God can change him, too. Tell you what . . . from now on my
motto will be 'I'll see it when I believe it'! Do you like that better?" He
noticed there were smiles all around the table.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Would you say that you believe only in what you can see? You believe in air, sound, and fun, don't you? These are among the many things that can't be seen-you only see the evidence of them. You can't see Jesus today, either, but you can see the evidence of His life in the lives of Christians. Put away your doubts and put your faith in Him-He's real. Accept Him as your Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whom having not seen you love. 1 Peter 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Tuffy! Stop barking!" yelled Brian as he scooped the feisty terrier into his arms and hurried to the window. "Maybe James is home!" Brian peered out and then shook his head in disappointment. "It's just the mailman," he reported.

"Your brother will be here soon," Mom assured him as she put finishing touches on a chocolate cake. "Right now, would you please go and get the mail?"

As Brian went down the driveway to the mailbox, his sister Jennie set the last two plates on the dining room table. "Mom," she said with a sigh, "I feel kind of strange. I'm sad and happy at the same time! I'm excited about seeing James, but I'm sad because the reason he's coming home from college is to go to Grandma's funeral." Fresh tears glistened in her eyes.

Mom came to put her arm around Jennie. "I understand, honey," said Mom. "I loved Grandma so much, and I'm going to miss her terribly! But like you, I'm eager to see James walk through that door and say hello."

"'Hello' is a much happier word than 'goodbye,' isn't it?" observed Jennie.

Mom nodded. "Just think, Jennie," she said, "years ago Grandma trusted in Jesus as her Savior, so now while we're saying good-bye to her, she's saying hello to Jesus in heaven. And she's saying hello to Grandpa and to other relatives and friends who've gone to heaven before her." Mom paused and wiped away a tear. "Whenever I'm missing Grandma terribly, it comforts me to think of her in heaven, celebrating with Jesus."

Jennie's face broke into a little smile as, in her mind, she pictured Grandma in heaven. "We'll join them someday, won't we?" she said. "Then we'll be saying hello to them again."

Mom nodded. "Yes, we will," she replied. "That comforts me so much, too."

"Hey, Mom!" Brian burst through the door. "I didn't have
to get the mail. James got to the mailbox just before I did!" His grinning
brother stepped into the room as Mom and Jennie rushed to envelop James in a big
hug.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
It's sad for you when someone you love dies, isn't it? That's natural-you'll miss him or her. But even while you're sad, you can also be happy because for those who love Jesus, death means more than saying goodbye to loved ones left behind. It also means saying hello to Jesus and to all who've gone to heaven before them. You can be happy knowing that if you love Jesus, too, you'll someday be saying hello to your loved one again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Robby took a bite of his drumstick. "Yum! Dis is good," he declared.

"Not 'dis,' Robby-that isn't a word. It's 'this,'" his brother Sid corrected. "Look. Put the tip of your tongue on the edge of your upper teeth. Now say 'th-h-h-h.'" Robby did as suggested. "Good," approved Sid. "Now say 'th-h-his."

Obediently, Robby did as he was told. "Th-h-h-h-dis," he said, beaming.

Sid laughed, along with Mom and Dad. "That's okay, Robby," Sid told his brother. "You'll get it soon."

"You know, 'dis' may not be a word, but it's a syllable that we put in front of a lot of words, often making the meaning the exact opposite of what we started out with," said Dad. "For example, put 'dis' before obey, and what do you have?"

"Disobey," replied Sid.

"Right," agreed Dad. Looking serious, he added, "I think we all need to get rid of a 'dis' or two. For example, we're all guilty of disobeying now and then."

"But who do you and Mom have to obey?" Sid asked in surprise.

"For one thing, we have to obey the laws of our country," replied Dad. "Like many adults, I find it easy to go over the speed limit." After a moment, he asked, "What other 'dis' can you think of?"

Mom spoke up quickly. "Long ago someone lied about me. Ever since then, I've disliked her," she said. "I'm going to ask God to take away that 'dis' and help me love her."

"All right! What else?" asked Dad. "Any others?"

"How about being dishonest?" suggested Sid. "Or being discontented?"

"Sometimes we're disagreeable," said Mom, "or discouraged."

Dad nodded. "Good thinking," he said.

"So we should discard some of the 'dises' in our lives, right?" asked Sid with a grin. "Well, I'm glad it's 'dis'-not 'des'-that we need to get rid of. It's time for dessert, isn't it?"

Dad laughed. "I think you're right," he said. "Lets
enjoy it, but let's not forget to ask God to help us do away with the 'dises'
that turn a good word into a bad one."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a "dis" that you should discard? So many words beginning with the syllable "dis" are what we call "negative" words. They're not words that encourage us in our walk with God. Think about it. Perhaps you'd like to make a list of those that find their way into your life. Ask the Lord to help you you get rid of them and to help you develop a positive, joyful outlook and attitude toward Him and His Word and toward other people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason tossed his basketball at the hoop. It sailed through the net. "Hi, Son," Dad called as he came out to the garage. "Are you ready to go with me to serve the evening meal at the homeless shelter? We need to leave in about ten minutes." Every third Tuesday, Jason's father went to the shelter to help serve a meal and tell people about Christ, and Jason often went with him.

"I decided not to go anymore, Dad," Jason said. He threw the ball again.

"I thought you liked helping there," said Dad in surprise. "What made you change your mind?"

"Well . . . Brett Thompson says it's a waste of time because those people could help themselves if they really wanted to," replied Jason. "Then they wouldn't be poor and homeless anymore."

"I see," said Dad. "But is it up to us to decide who deserves help and who doesn't? Don't you think serving others is a way to serve God?"

Instead of answering the question, Jason threw the ball to his father and challenged him to see who could shoot the most baskets in the next five minutes. Dad answered the challenge by grabbing the ball and making the first basket. They took turns shooting, and Jason soon scored more baskets than his dad. "You've sure improved!" observed Dad. "It was nice of your coach to spend so much time helping you this year."

"Yeah!" agreed Jason. "I didn't know what I was doing wrong." He grinned. "Some of the guys wanted me off the team," he added. "They said I wasn't trying hard enough. They even told Coach not to waste his time trying to help me, but Coach Perkins didn't listen to them."

"He didn't let those kids decide who deserved help and who didn't?" asked Dad.

"No, and I'm glad of that," said Jason, "otherwise, I'd still be . . ." Jason froze, and the ball rolled down the driveway. When I needed help, Coach gave it to me, he thought. He didn't listen to the guys who thought I'd never learn. Jason looked at his father. "I guess you're right, Dad," he admitted. "It's not up to me to decide who deserves help and who doesn't. Can you wait till I change my shirt so I can go to the shelter with you?"

"Sure, Son," said Dad, smiling as Jason ran after the
ball.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know people who are poor? Do you think it's their own fault they have so little? That may be true for some, but remember that not everyone is given the same opportunities to advance in work or education. Poor health may be an added problem. You are not responsible for how much or little you have, are you? Neither are any of the kids you meet. Don't judge them or try to decide if they're worth helping. Simply serve God by serving someone else.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. Proverbs 14:21

[Soldier4Christ]

As Todd headed for the door after dinner, Dad reminded him to finish cleaning the garage before bedtime. "You were supposed to move things when you swept it last Saturday, but I think you forgot," said Dad, "so you'll have to do it tonight."

"I didn't hear you tell me I should move things," complained Todd. "I was busy watching TV, and I just didn't hear you."

"Well, you need to listen when I speak to you," Dad told him. "Anyway, you hear me now, so you can do it now."

The next day, Todd got a "D" on his history test. "Why, Todd! History is one of your best subjects!" exclaimed his mother when she learned about it. "What happened?"

"I didn't hear Miss Mikels say we were having the test," Todd explained, "so I didn't study for it. I'll do better next time."

That evening, Todd wanted a snack before getting ready for bed. "I told you to get one a while ago," said Mom. "I'm sorry, but it's too late, now."

"But, Mom! I didn't hear you," protested Todd. "I was busy playing with my cars." He scowled. "It isn't fair!"

"What isn't fair is the fact that you waste people's time by not listening when they speak," said Mom.

Dad nodded. "From now on," he said, "when someone speaks to you, I want you to put down what you're doing and listen-listen carefully." He paused for a moment, then continued thoughtfully, "You know, sometimes I wonder how much people really listen to God."

Todd looked at him. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, I know I'm sometimes guilty of letting my mind wander when I should be listening-for example, on Sundays during the sermon," confessed Dad.

"I do that too," admitted Mom. "Even when I'm having personal devotions, I sometimes want to hurry up and get done so I can go on to other activities."

Dad nodded. "I think all of us need to be better
listeners-both to others and to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How well do you listen to others? How well do you listen to God? It's important to pay close attention to what your parents or teachers say so you don't waste their time as well as your own. It's even more important to pay attention to lessons from God's Word-both when you read it for yourself and when you hear it from pastors, parents, or teachers. Really listen and learn what God wants you to learn. Then trust Him and do what He says.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will hear what God the Lord will speak. Psalm 85:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, we're having so much fun camping!" exclaimed Brad as he roasted a marshmallow over the campfire. "I'm glad you're not making us go back home early just so we can go to church." He checked his marshmallow. "I don't see why it's so important to go every week anyway," he added.

"Hm-m-m," murmured Dad, "let's see if I can show you." Brad watched as his dad took a long stick and pushed a burning piece of wood away from the crackling fire. "Keep an eye on that for a while," Dad advised.

A little later, Brad noticed that the wood was no longer burning. He pointed it out to his father. Dad nodded. "When you remove an ember from a fire, it loses its glow and its warmth," explained Dad. "The same thing can happen to a Christian who doesn't meet with other believers. He may lose his glow and warmth-his interest in God and his desire to worship and serve God."

"But lots of people are sick and can't go to church," put in Brad's sister Jasmine. "Does that mean they lose their glow and warmth?"

Dad smiled. "That's a good question," he said, "but always remember that there's a great deal of difference between being unable to attend church and choosing not to go. I think the Lord provides other ways to keep the 'embers glowing' for those who can't go. Can you think of some?"

"Well, I guess hearing sermons on television or the radio might help," suggested Brad.

"Yeah, or reading the Bible and thinking about it-wouldn't that help, too?" asked Jasmine.

"Sure." Dad nodded. "It also helps to talk with other Christians and to read Christian magazines or books," he said. "Now, what do you think will happen if we put that piece of wood back in the fire?"

"It will burn again," said Brad confidently.

Dad nodded and pushed the ember into the fire. Soon it
was glowing brightly. Dad smiled. "The real danger in skipping church is that
it's easy to make a habit of it," he said. "Since I don't have to be back to
work till Thursday, we'll have our own Sunday services this week. But do you
understand the importance of church and of being there regularly?" Brad and
Jasmine both nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is attendance at church and Sunday school important to you? It should be. It's one of the places you learn more about God and what pleases Him. It's where Christians encourage one another in their faith and pray for one another. Worshipping God with other Christians helps you stay strong in your faith in Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 10:25

[Soldier4Christ]

Jack and his friend, Tom, crept into Mr. Brown's garden. "You really think we should do this?" whispered Tom.

"Sure," Jack replied. "It's no big deal. We're not robbing a bank, you know. We're just going to have a little fun." As he spoke, Jack grabbed the biggest cantaloupe he saw, stuffed it under his shirt and ran in a bent-over position to the path leading to his home. Tom was right behind him, also keeping low. When the boys reached Jack's yard, they ducked into some bushes near the back fence. Tom handed a pocketknife to Jack, who cut through the juicy melon.

"Um-m-m-m-m! This is good! We must have gotten the best one in Mr. Brown's whole garden," declared Jack as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

After dinner that evening, Dad asked Jack to help him clear out a patch of poison ivy. They both put on shirts with long sleeves, and got shovels. "We'd better wear boots, and here-put these on," said Dad, handing Jack a pair of work gloves. "We've got to be careful not to touch any of the poison ivy." Then, to Jack's surprise, Dad headed straight for the bushes where the boys had eaten the melon! "Look!" Dad pointed to the ground. "Someone's been eating cantaloupe here!"

Just then Mr. Brown came up. "Someone stole my best cantaloupe this afternoon," he said.

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that," Jack's father replied. "It looks like the remains of your cantaloupe are right here."

Mr. Brown's eyes grew wide when he saw the rinds and seeds on the ground. "That makes me so mad!" he exclaimed angrily. "If anyone had asked me, I'd have been glad to give away a different cantaloupe. I was going to enter that big one in the fair this weekend. I'm sure it would have won a prize."

Jack's heart was pounding as he began to help clear out
the poison ivy. We were just having some fun, he thought to himself, but I . . .
I hope Dad doesn't find out. Somehow, he was quite sure the cantaloupe episode
wasn't over yet.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever taken something that belonged to someone else, just to tease that person or just to see if you could get away with it? It may seem to you like you're only having a little fun, especially if someone else joins you in the prank. But it's never fun for the person from whom you steal. It isn't "fun" in God's sight, either. He doesn't say, "You shall not steal big things," or "You shall not steal, except for fun." He says, "You shall not steal." Honor Him by obeying His command.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Jack tossed and turned in bed, unable to get to sleep. He kept remembering Mr. Brown's disappointment over the loss of the melon he'd intended to enter in the fair. I was just having a little fun, but . . . oh, if only I hadn't taken that cantaloupe! thought Jack, recalling how he and his friend had taken it and eaten it-right in the middle of a patch of poison ivy! I wish I could give it back! His mind felt tortured with guilt. He knew that taking the melon was not just "having a little fun." It was stealing. Jack jumped up. This is awful. I'm gonna tell Mom and Dad about it. Even being punished will be better than feeling like this! he decided.

Jack knocked on his parents' bedroom door. "Dad . . . Mom . . . may I talk to you?" he asked. Soon he was telling them what he had done.

"Son, I'm sorry you took Mr. Brown's melon," said Dad, "but I'm very glad you've admitted it. Now you need to tell God you're sorry, and tomorrow you'll have to tell Mr. Brown, too-and ask how you can pay for the melon. Maybe you can help with his yard work or garden this fall, or shovel snow for him next winter."

"Tell Mr. Brown! But I . . . I . . . okay, Dad, I'll do it," agreed Jack reluctantly.

After Jack and his parents prayed together, they gave him a hug. He squirmed uncomfortably as he started to leave the room. "I thought I'd feel better now," he said, "but I . . ." Jack reached down and rubbed his ankle. "My skin feels like it's on fire," he added. "It itches something awful!"

Mom took a closer look. "That's poison ivy!" she exclaimed, and she hurried away to get some soothing medication.

"You know, Jack, sin can hurt in more ways than one," said Dad. "It hurts your conscience, making you feel apart from God. You can remedy that by confessing your sin and receiving God's forgiveness. But sin can hurt you in other ways, too. In this case . . . well, we don't know yet what Mr. Brown will say, but in addition, you'll have to suffer with poison ivy."

Jack nodded. "I gotta admit I'm getting just what I
deserve," he said sadly. "I think I'll remember this lesson for a long
time!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you suffering as a result of sin in your life? Sin must be confessed to God and to those you've wronged. It's the way to find forgiveness and peace of mind. But you may still have to suffer as a result of your sin-perhaps physically, or perhaps through the loss of something. If that's the case, accept it and learn from it. With God's help, never repeat that sin again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Joel watched as his mother took a bag of birdseed out to the patio and emptied the contents into the feeder. When she returned to the house, she stood at the glass doors for several minutes, staring out at the bird feeder.

"Are you looking for all the birds to come get their dinners?" Joel asked, leaving his chair and joining his mother at the door.

"Well, yes, in a way," replied Mom. "Actually, I'm looking for one special bird right now."

"One bird?" asked Joel. "He must be special if all that food is for him!"             

"Oh, I'm hoping for a whole flock of birds," answered Mom, "but right now, I'm just watching for one bird in particular to arrive. Witness. That's what I call him-Witness."

"Witness?" asked Joel. "A bird named Witness. What a funny name!"

His mother laughed. "The last few days, I've noticed that only one bird shows up when I first fill the feeder. He eats a little and then flies away. In just a short time, many more birds come to eat," she explained. "I let my imagination go to work, and I see this little bird going back to his family and friends, telling them the good news that there's food at our house."

"And that's why you named him Witness," Joel said knowingly.

Mom nodded. "He reminds me that you and I should be witnesses, too," she said. "We have the good news of the Bread of Life, Joel, and we should share that news with others."

Joel nodded. "How do you know it's the same bird that comes first every day?" he asked. "Maybe different ones come."

"I never thought of that!" admitted Mom with a smile. "I don't know one sparrow from another, so there actually could be several little bird-witnesses."

"Just like us," Joel added. "Lots of people are
Christians, so there should be lots of people-witnesses, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a witness to your friends and family? Do they know Jesus loves them and has made a way for them to live with Him in heaven? If birds can share with other birds the good news of food, shouldn't you be willing to share with those around you the good news of eternal life? Be God's witness today by telling others about Him-the "Bread of Life".


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall be witnesses to Me. Acts 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"I like walking in the rain," said Becky as she and her dad headed for the store to get a few groceries. Dad held an umbrella, and Becky crowded close to him. Together they sauntered along, comfortable and dry underneath Dad's umbrella.

 Upon reaching the store, Becky and her dad met some former neighbors. Becky greeted her friend Lana, while Dad talked with Lana's parents. Lana wore a frown as she returned Becky's greeting. "Is something wrong?" asked Becky.

Lana sighed. "Haven't you heard?" she asked. "My brother Jeff is in jail. The police caught him stealing."

"Oh, how awful!" cried Becky. "I'm really sorry."

"Jeff always hated to do what he was told," said Lana sadly. "First he disobeyed Mom and Dad, and then teachers-and now the law." The girls talked a little longer before Lana and her parents left.

As Becky and her father started home, Becky carried some of the groceries and Dad held the umbrella over both of them again. "I feel sad about the Wendells," said Becky.

"I do, too," said Dad. He shook his head. "Bad things happen when people disobey God's laws." As he spoke, he moved away from Becky to walk around a puddle.

"Dad!" exclaimed Becky. "I'm getting wet!" She hurried to catch up with her father.

 "Sorry, honey," said Dad as she reached his side. "Tell me . . . Why did you get wet when you were away from me?"

"Because it's raining," replied Becky.

"True-but you're not getting wet now, and it's still raining," said Dad.

Becky smiled. "That's because I'm under your umbrella, of course," she said.

Dad nodded. "God's laws are like an umbrella-they protect us from trouble," he said. "When Jeff disobeyed God's laws, he stepped out from under the umbrella of God's protection-and trouble rained down on him."

"I get it," replied Becky. "One of God's laws is for children to obey their parents, isn't it? According to Lana, that's one Jeff broke first."

"Yes." Dad nodded. "Disobeying parents is often one of
the first steps kids take when they leave the safety of God's
umbrella."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you walking under God's "umbrella"? Do you obey your parents, teachers, and other people in authority? God knows that one of the most important lessons kids need to learn is that of obeying those He has put over them. When you submit to those in authority, you are also submitting to God. When you obey His laws, you receive the protection He offers-even through troubled times.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil. Proverbs 1:33