Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

David sat on the bench and waited for his turn at bat. His team was losing by a couple of runs, and it was the last inning-their last opportunity to catch up with the other team. God can help me get a hit, he thought, so he bowed his head and silently whispered a prayer, asking God to let him hit a home run.

There was a runner on third base, but there were already two out when it was David's turn to bat. Confidently, he walked to home plate. The pitcher threw the ball, and David took a big swing at it-but he missed. The pitcher threw the ball again, and this time David hit it. To his dismay, the ball popped up and went right to the third baseman, who caught it for an easy "out" to end the game! In disgust, David flung the bat toward the dugout.

"I don't understand it," complained David as he and his parents drove home. "I prayed that God would give me a home run, but I didn't even get a hit!"

"No . . . but the Johnson boys are on the other team-one is the pitcher," said Dad thoughtfully. "They're Christians, too. I wonder what they prayed for."

David frowned. "I . . . I . . ." he muttered. He didn't know what to say.

"You know, David," continued Dad, "our prayers are sometimes selfish. We want what we want, and we want it now. That's not the purpose of prayer."

"But is a ball game too small a thing to pray about?" David asked. "Doesn't God care about it?"

"Nothing is too small to pray about," said Dad, "and yes, God does care. He cares that you have a good, Christian attitude, whether you win or lose. He wants you to remember that your actions should be a testimony for Him, even in baseball games. We sometimes make winning or losing too important."

"So . . . you're saying I should ask God to help me be a good sport whether I get a hit or not?" asked David with a sigh. "Okay, but I still hope it's His will for me to get a hit at least some of the time! Is that wrong?"

"No," said Dad with a smile, "and you can even pray
about it. But remember that sometimes it may be God's will for you to get a hit.
Other times, it may be His will for the opposing pitcher to get a 'strike out.'
Pray for His will to be done, and honor Him in all you do and say, no matter
what happens."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember to pray for God's will to be done? Or do you sometimes pray selfishly? It's okay to pray that you'll do well on a test you've studied for, that you'll get a new bike, or that you'll be really good in some sport if those things are God's will. Be assured that He loves you and knows what is best for you. Accept His answers, and ask Him to help you be a testimony by what you do and say, no matter what happens.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If we ask anything according to His (God's) will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, Mom! Why did I have to get freckles?" Brianne complained as she studied her face in the mirror.

"Be glad you don't have warts," consoled her brother Jon. "Besides, what's wrong with freckles? Mom has freckles, and she's pretty."

"That's different," answered Brianne. "She's a mother, and nobody cares if she has freckles."

"I'm not really surprised that you're getting freckles," said Mom. "After all, as Jon pointed out, I have them, and your grandma and great grandma had them, too. They're one of the hereditary characteristics we passed on to you."

"What does that mean, Mom?" Jon asked.

"It means there's no hope for me," moaned Brianne.

"Children often have some of the same characteristics as their parents," explained Mom with a smile. "Grandma and I have freckles, and now Brianne has freckles. Curly hair runs in our family-you inherited that characteristic, Jon. Your dad and I both have blue eyes, and our parents did, too. Now the two of you have blue eyes as well. People often mention that Brianne looks very much like me, and that they see a lot of your dad in you. In other words, what you and Brianne are is a reflection of Daddy and me."

Jon nodded. "So . . . we're a lot like you and Daddy because we were born into your family, right?" he asked.

Mom nodded. "Brianne may not appreciate all the traits she inherited, but she has so many of them and looks so much like us, that it's obvious she's part of our family."

"Freckles and all!" said Brianne with a grin.

"You know, kids," mused Mom, "since we've trusted Jesus
as Savior, we're part of another family, too-God's family. As we read and obey
His Word, we become more and more like Him so that others are able to see we
belong to Him. It should also be obvious that we're His children by the way our
words and actions reflect the character and love of Jesus."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you belong to God's family? Do others see Jesus and His love in you? Do the things you do and say reflect His character? As you trust in Jesus and depend on Him, there will be less disobedience in your life, less laziness, and fewer angry words. There will be more friendliness, more helpfulness, and more kind deeds. In other words, you'll be growing more like Jesus every day and demonstrating His love to one another.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Alan's little sister reached up. "Hold my hand, Alan," she said, but her brother ignored her. "Mommy always holds my hand when . . . oh! I 'most falled!" exclaimed Amber as she tripped over a crack in the walk.

 "If you'd look where you're going, you wouldn't trip!" scolded Alan as he grabbed her hand. "Now hurry up!" Amber chattered happily, but her big brother wasn't listening. He was annoyed because Mom hadn't let him go to the mall with his friends. Instead she had insisted he take Amber to play in the park. Mom just doesn't like the guys I hang around with lately, thought Alan. Why does she have to be so bossy? I'm old enough to choose my own friends! Just because Steve and Klynt get into trouble at school doesn't mean they should be treated like they have something contagious, like . . . like chicken pox!

When Alan and Amber returned home, Mom was in the yard. Amber dashed ahead. As she ran through the gate, she tripped on the water hose and fell. "She never looks where she's going," Alan said in disgust. He looked hopefully at Mom. "Can I go to the mall now?"

Mom shook her head. "Amber isn't the only one who needs to watch where she's going. You need to open your eyes, too, and look where you're headed, Son," she said. "Grandma just called-she was wondering where you were. She was returning something at a store in the mall this morning, and she saw a store security guard escorting your friends, Steve and Klynt, into the store offices. She's afraid the boys were caught shoplifting."

"Wow!" exclaimed Alan. "I'm glad I wasn't there."

"I am, too," said Mom soberly, "but if you keep hanging around those two, Alan, you'll probably find yourself in a similar situation someday. You may be headed for a big fall."

Amber reached up toward her big brother. "I'll hold your hand, Alan, so you won't fall."

Mom smiled at Amber. "I'm afraid you can't keep Alan from falling, honey, but Jesus can," she said. "Alan better let God hold his hand."

Alan nodded soberly. He knew what his mother
meant.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of friends do you hang around with? Are they kids who encourage you to do the things that are right? Do they honor God, as you do? If you're a Christian and they are not, you may be tempted to do what they do, whether it's right or wrong. God says you cannot have real fellowship with unbelievers. In other words, your closest friends should love Jesus, too. They should help you walk close to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Jim sat at the kitchen table turning the pages of his Bible. "What are you doing?" asked his older sister, Beth.

"Our Sunday school teacher gave us some homework," explained Jim. "He's going to give a reward to the one who finds the most names or titles for God, but I haven't found very many." Suddenly he brightened. "Hey, maybe you can help me. Don't you learn that kind of stuff in Bible college?" Jim looked hopefully at his sister as he added, "Mr. Benson doesn't care where we get our information, just so we learn."

Beth smiled. "How about 'Good Shepherd?'" she asked. "Do you have that?"

"Nope!" Jim eagerly wrote it down. "Can you think of any more?"

"Well," said Beth, "the book of John talks about Jesus being the True Vine and the Door."

"Oh, yeah! Thanks, Beth!" exclaimed Jim. "I've already got some others from the book of John. Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

"Right! Isaiah 9:6 gives a lot of names for God, too," said Beth. "In that verse He's called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace."

Jim was writing the names down as fast as he could. "You're a big help," he said with a grin.

"Thanks." Beth nodded. "How about Alpha and Omega?"

"Alpha and Omega?" Jim asked doubtfully. He frowned. "As Mom would say, that 'sounds like Greek to me!'" He quoted the expression their mother often used to show she didn't understand something that was said.

Beth laughed. "Those words are Greek, Jim! Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. Used as names for God, they mean He's the beginning and the end of everything. He always was and always will be."

"Cool!" said Jim as he wrote "Alpha and Omega" on his paper.

Beth nodded. "It is cool!" she agreed. "And it's cool
that He's everything else each name suggests, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know God has many, many names and titles? Why not see how many you can find-you can start with those in the puzzle on the next page. After you've made your list, write down what each title represents. For instance . . . Counselor-someone who can help you when you're faced with a difficult situation; the Door-the way in (when referring of Jesus, it's the way into heaven). Studying the names of God and what they mean will help you realize how great He is.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is none like You, O Lord. (You are great, and Your name is great in might.) Jeremiah 10:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Dan was delighted when his friend Trent agreed to go with the church youth group to the amusement park. If he has fun, maybe he'll come with me to church sometime, thought Dan.

Trent did have fun, and all too soon the group was back on the bus and headed home. They discussed their favorite rides. "Just give me the ferris wheel," Kirsten said firmly. "You'll never catch me on that roller coaster!"

"Why not?" asked Trent. "You don't know what you're missing."

"I sure do," said Kirsten. "I'm missing an upset stomach and a scary ride. What if something would break, and the whole thing fell down?"

"Aw, it's just as safe as the ferris wheel, Kirsten. You'd have a mighty long fall if that thing fell over when you were at the top," Trent teased. He turned to the youth leader. "The roller coaster is perfectly safe. Isn't that right, Mr. Kirk?"

"Well, all these rides are tested for safety," said Mr. Kirk, "but nothing is foolproof, of course. News reports occasionally tell of a ride breaking down and someone getting hurt, but that's unusual."

 "Right, and if something goes bad, it could just as well be the ferris wheel that has a problem as the the roller coaster," said Trent.

"Probably," agreed Mr. Kirk. "Any one of the rides could break down." Trent nodded and grinned at Kirsten. "When people are on a ride that breaks down, it's an example of putting one's faith in the wrong thing," added Mr. Kirk after a moment. "No matter how much faith they had that the ride was safe, it didn't help. It shows that it doesn't matter how much faith a person has. What counts is where his faith is placed."

"Yeah, I guess so," agreed Trent. "There's nothing and nobody a person can really trust all the time, is there? I mean, everything and everybody fails some time or other." He laughed. "Well, so much for faith!"

"Ah, but there's one exception-the Lord Jesus," said Mr. Kirk. "Put your trust in Him. He alone will never fail you."

As Dan leaned back in his seat, he noticed that although
Trent looked a bit doubtful, he was listening. Maybe my prayers for Trent will
be answered on the way home! thought Dan.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Where have you put your faith? In good works? In baptism? In church attendance? In Christian parents? All those things will fail you if you're trusting in them to get you into heaven some day. You will be allowed into heaven only if you place your faith in Jesus Christ. Do that today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Scott sat on the porch steps, his chin propped up in his hand. All he could think about was Bobby Jonas! Just the week before, he and Bobby had played together and taken a hike around the park. How can Bobby be so sick now? wondered Scott. His mother told Mom the doctors say he might not get well again!

The screen door opened, and Scott's mother brought out a glass of lemonade. "I thought you might be thirsty," she said.

Scott took the glass and drank the lemonade without even noticing how good it was. "Mom, why do people have to get sick and . . . and die?" he asked.

"Well, honey, sickness and death are a result of sin entering the world," she said. "Death will come to all of us sooner or later-sometimes through sickness, sometimes through car accidents, and sometimes in other ways. Through it all, God cares about us, and about Bobby, too."

"I'm going to pray for Bobby to get well again," said Scott. "Is that okay?"

"We'll all pray for him," said Mom. "Pray that God will give him comfort and peace, and that he'll be able to trust God, no matter what happens."

A few days later, Scott's mom again talked to Mrs. Jonas. "Bobby's feeling a little better and would like some company," Mom told Scott. "Would you like to go to the hospital to see him?"

Scott hesitated. "But, Mom, what would I say?"

"Talk about the things you usually talk about, like baseball, school, or hiking," suggested Mom.

Scott still looked worried. "What if Bobby wants to talk about being sick?"

"Let him," Mom advised. "Sometimes the kindest thing to do for those in the hospital is to listen-to let them talk about how they're feeling. Don't pretend to understand what Bobby is going through-you've never been faced with a serious illness. But you can remind Bobby that Jesus understands, and loves him very much."

Scott got his jacket. He was still scared to go, but he
knew he should do it. He was so glad he knew Jesus as His personal Savior and
that Bobby did, too. He knew that only God could help him know what to say when
he visited his friend. And only God could give Bobby real comfort and
peace.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has there been a time when one of your friends or relatives was very sick?  When someone you loved died, did you wonder why it happened? Sickness and death are a result of sin entering the world. They cause sorrow, but God gives comfort to Christians! He promises them an eternal home in heaven-a place where there is no sickness or death. Through Him you can have peace, even in the most difficult times.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"This is the life," said Bryan as he sat with his back propped against an old log. He and his cousin Steve were on a camping trip with their grandfather.

Grandpa smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," he said. "I feel close to God out here in nature. How about you?"

Steve nodded. "I've been thinking about something our youth leader said about God," he said thoughtfully.

"What's that?" asked Bryan.

"He said there's just one God, but He's three persons. There's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit," replied Steve. "That's so hard to understand."

Bryan shrugged. "I don't understand it, either . . . but I'm getting hungry! Let's start dinner, Grandpa. Shall we get water from the spring?"

Grandpa walked over to the ice chest. "This time let's use ice for our cooking water," he said, dropping several ice cubes into a pan. "I think it might help you understand something." He set the pan on a rack over the campfire.

"What would that be?" asked Bryan as the ice began melting into water.

"Watch," said Grandpa. Soon the water was steaming hot. "Did you notice that first there was ice, then it melted into water, and then some of that water turned into steam?" Grandpa asked. "It's the same substance, but in three different forms. Does that remind you of anything?"

Steve shrugged. "Not really," he said. "It's . . . Oh! I get it! That's a little like God, isn't it? He's one God, but He has three different forms!"

"Yes," said Grandpa. "It's not a perfect example because God is all three of His forms at once. He's much greater than water. He made it-and He made the freezing and boiling point laws, too. So don't get too hung up on trying to understand God in three persons. Just thank God that He's so great you can't understand everything about Him. Simply accept it and trust Him."

"Okay Grandpa," said Bryan. He grinned. "Now can we
change some hot dogs or hamburger to a different form-from raw to cooked? I'm
still hungry!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find the Trinity hard to understand? Did you notice that today's Scripture passage refers to the "name"-not "names"-of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost? God doesn't ask you to perfectly understand the Trinity. Just remember that you serve one God, not three-but He does have three forms. Give thanks for a great God-a God whose knowledge and understanding is far greater than your own.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The grace of . . . Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Diane was excited! Her family was going on an all-day excursion to the city zoo. "I love watching all the animals, but the penguins are my favorites," she said. "They look so funny strutting around on land, and it's even more fun to watch them swim. They look like they're flying underwater!" Whenever she went swimming herself, Diane would try to imitate the smooth, flowing motions of the funny birds.

At the zoo, a guide explained how the zoo keepers kept the penguin room cold so the birds would be comfortable. "Otherwise," said the guide, "the birds will get sick and possibly die from the change of climate." Diane listened eagerly as he described a number of other special things that were done to keep the penguins comfortable and healthy.

That evening, Dad turned to Psalm 121 for their family devotions. "Do these verses remind you of those penguins?" he asked after reading the Psalm. "Remember how careful the zoo keepers are in taking care of them?"

Diane nodded. "They make sure they get certain foods," she replied, "and the right temperature and even special lights! The guys who take care of them- the zoo keepers-know how to keep the conditions just right so the penguins won't get sick."

 "Yes, and this Psalm reminds me that God does the same thing for us," said Dad. "Just think of what would happen if it hailed all the time, or if it suddenly got as hot as an oven. God knows the conditions we need in life, and He's the one who controls our environment."

"So we have a 'keeper,' just like the penguins do. God is our keeper, right?" asked Diane. "I think one of the verses in that Psalm says that, doesn't it?"

Dad nodded. "God not only controls our physical environment, but also all the situations and circumstances that affect our lives. He is our keeper, and He does a perfect job, allowing only what is good for us-whether it seems good to us or not."

"Yeah," said Diane thoughtfully. A twinkle came to her
eye. "Hey, Dad, I think we should go to the zoo real often, so I'll be reminded
of that!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that it's God who keeps you day by day? He's the one who provides the air you breathe, the food and water you need, and the type of environment in which you can survive. He also provides for your spiritual needs. All the things He allows in your life work together to make you the person you should be. Thank Him for being your keeper.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who keeps you . . . shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. Psalm 121:3, 5

[Soldier4Christ]

Matt came in after school, dropped his books on the kitchen table, and then slumped down in a chair. "You must have had a bad day," said Mom. "You look like you have all the problems of the world on your mind."

"Actually, I had a pretty good day," replied Matt, "but . . . I do have a problem." He frowned. "You sure you won't get mad if I tell you?"

"That sounds serious. What have you done, Matt?" asked Mom.

"Nothing much, but . . . well, it's just that so many of the kids at school swear," replied Matt.

"And . . . ?" prompted Mom.

"And once in a while, one of those swear words slips out of my mouth," admitted Matt. "I don't mean to say them, honest! But I guess I just hear them so often that I say them without thinking."

"Why not stay away from the kids who use bad words?" suggested Mom.

Matt shook his head. "Can't. I'm likely to hear bad language in gym class, at recess, in the lunchroom-everywhere, really. I can't stay away from those places."

Mom nodded. "I know how you feel," she said. "On the afternoons I work at the store, customers sometimes throw a couple of swear words into an otherwise normal conversation."

"Do they stick in your mind, too?" asked Matt.

"Sometimes they do," replied Mom.

"So what do you do about it?" Matt asked.

"Well, I do a couple of things," Mom told him. "First of all, I silently pray and ask the Lord to help me put improper words or thoughts out of my mind. And then to help me do that, I work at concentrating on something other than what I just heard. Sometimes I think about a Scripture verse I've learned, or I start humming a chorus. If someone continually uses bad language in my presence, I politely ask him not to do that."

Matt nodded. "Good idea!" he said. "Thanks, Mom. Next
time I hear someone swear, I'll do those things, too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you often hear people using bad language? Is it impossible to avoid hearing it from time to time? Perhaps you've found yourself unintentionally saying one of those words without thinking. Try the suggestions mentioned in the above story. Deliberately think about something else. Learn to concentrate on good things.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. Psalm 19:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Garret felt a little guilty as he got ready for bed. At a friend's house, he and some other boys had watched a TV program that he was forbidden to see at home. Then he and his friends had told each other jokes, including some that were not very nice. I haven't read my Bible today, but I really don't feel like it, thought Garret when his eyes fell on the Bible on his desk. I guess I should pray, too, but I bet God's mad at me. So he jumped into bed and went to sleep instead.

After school the next day, Garret idly bounced a ball against the wall of the family room. Good thing Mom and Dad can't see me, he thought. They said I'd be grounded for a week if I didn't stop throwing the ball in the house, but I don't see how it hurts anything. He tossed the ball again. CRASH! His father's glass-bottled model ship lay shattered on the floor! "Oh, no!" cried Garret. No one else was in the house, so he quickly swept up the pieces and threw them out.

That evening, Garret tried to avoid his father's eyes. "How about a game of chess tonight?" Dad asked. Garret shook his head and picked up a magazine.

After Dad suggested a couple of other activities, Garret couldn't keep quiet any longer. "You won't want to play with me when you know what I did," he said, his voice trembling. Then he told Dad how he had bounced the ball and broken the ship.

"I'm disappointed and hurt that you disobeyed," Dad said, "but I'm glad you told me."

"I . . . I thought you'd be really mad," Garret said through tears.

"I'm not exactly happy about it," replied Dad, "but our heavenly Father set an example for us. He wants our fellowship, and when we repent of our sin-when we're truly sorry-He forgives us. I can see you're sorry, and I forgive you, too." Dad reached out and gave Garret a hug. "You know you're going to be grounded now. Even though that's unpleasant for you, I hope you'll always come to me, no matter what you've done, so that we can enjoy being together again."

Garret thought about how his guilt had caused him to
avoid Dad's company. He knew that guilt over what he'd done with his friends had
caused him to avoid God's fellowship, too. I want to make things right, he
thought. He realized he had a great dad, and an even greater
God!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes avoid a person you've wronged? Has your sin also caused you to lose interest in things of the Lord? Does it cause uneasy, guilty feelings? It should. Don't ignore those feelings, and don't let them keep you from going to God because you think He's angry with you and won't want to hear from you. Instead, confess and turn from your sin. God will always forgive you and restore your fellowship with Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Come boldly to the throne of grace . . . and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Morgan sighed as he dropped his books on the kitchen counter. His friend Jeff couldn't seem to accept that salvation was a gift, not something you bargained for. "It doesn't make sense," Jeff argued. "Why would God create us to be totally dependent on Him? I still think He'd be glad for us to take responsibility for our mistakes."

"Yeah, but Jeff, there's a difference between admitting you're a sinner and trying to save yourself," said Morgan.

 Jeff frowned. "Doesn't God want us to think for ourselves and . . ." He paused at the sound of a loud, thumping noise. "What's that?" When the boys hurried to the next room, they could hear something scratching frantically behind the fireplace doors. Morgan groaned. "What is it?" Jeff asked again.

"A bird," said Morgan. "There's a nest up there, and they keep falling through. Dad says they can't fly straight up, so we'll have to catch it and take it outside. We have a net in the garage that we can use." He started back toward the kitchen. "You want a snack while we wait?"

Jeff looked confused. "Wait? Why don't we catch it and take it out right now?"

"If we open the fireplace doors now, that bird will fly all over the house and we'll have a terrible time trying to get it," replied Morgan. "Believe me, we've tried before. We'll have to wait till it's tired out. Then it will be much easier to catch."

"Well, why don't you explain to the bird that it can't make it out on its own?" joked Jeff with a grin. "Then maybe it would let us help it sooner!"

"Yeah, right!" said Morgan. He looked at his friend thoughtfully. Thanks, Lord, he prayed silently. "You know, Jeff," said Morgan quietly, "that's a lot like us and God."

Jeff looked at Morgan curiously. "What are you talking about?"

"The bird has to stop trying to get out on its own before we can help it," said Morgan, "and we have to stop trying to be save ourselves before God can help us."

Jeff was quiet for a long moment. "If we have to wait anyway," he said finally, "you can run all that by me one more time. I'll have to think about it."

Morgan grinned. "I'll get my Bible," he
said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you depending fully on God for your salvation? It's human nature to want to get to heaven in your own way, but eternal life in heaven is God's precious gift to those who trust in Jesus. Stop trying to be good enough or to do enough good things to earn your way into heaven. You can never make it on your own. Simply depend on Jesus and what He did for you. Trust in Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

The Hansen family was at the airport, saying good-bye to seventeen-year-old Sammi. Along with other young people from her church, she was going to spend time helping missionaries in Mexico teach vacation Bible school. "I wish I could go, too," said Sammi's brother Justin as he stood thoughtfully watching the airplane taxi down the runway.

As Justin's family headed home, he was very quiet. "What's wrong, Son?" Dad asked. "Do you miss Sammi already?"

"No, but . . . I wish I could have gone to Mexico, too," answered Justin. "I just wish I could . . . could be a missionary. I think maybe I will be one someday, but I wish I could be one now, too."

"Well, Justin, when we speak of missionaries, we generally mean people who take the Gospel to other countries or cultures-or to an area in our country where there aren't many Christian influences," said Dad. "In a broader sense of the word, a missionary is a person who is on a mission, generally to spread the Gospel. In that sense, you are a missionary already. You bring your friend Dan to church and Sunday school. He's even going to Bible camp with you this summer."

"Well, yes, but . . ." Justin was uncertain.

"And how about the kids that just moved in next door?" added Mom. "I heard you telling them about the Lord just yesterday."

Justin sighed. "I know, but I want to be a real missionary," he said.

"Son," Dad said gently, "you'll almost certainly have the opportunity to go to another country someday. But missionaries are to share the Gospel of Christ with those around them, no matter where they are. That's the important thing, and in that way, you are a real missionary already."

Justin smiled. "Really?" he asked.

Dad nodded. "Sammi is going to serve God in Mexico for a
couple of weeks, and you're serving Him on South Street!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever wish you could go to another country and be a missionary? Do you listen to the stories missionaries tell when they visit your church and wish that such adventures happened to you? Don't wait until you're grown to share the Gospel with those around you. You can do that on your own street. And think of all the good training you will have had if you do become a full-time missionary in another country someday!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. 2 Timothy 4:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Andrew's face looked thoughtful as he stirred his soup. "Does everybody have to tithe?" he asked after a moment. "Do we have to give God ten cents out of every dollar?"

"Well, in the New Testament, God says we should give as we are able, and often that would mean giving even more than a tenth of what we have," replied Dad. "Many people believe the Bible suggests that giving a tenth is the least we should do. It seems to me it is, too."

"But if I give that much, I'll have hardly anything left!" Andrew complained. "Besides, the little bit I'd add to the collection wouldn't really make much difference, would it? If I just kept it, I don't think it would be missed at all."

"You've heard the phrase 'every little bit counts,' haven't you?" asked Dad.

Andrew shrugged. "Seems like they'd have enough without mine," he insisted. "I know the money is used to support our missionaries and pays the salaries of the pastor and the people who work in the office. And . . . uh . . . what else? Sunday school papers, maybe? But that shouldn't take so much."

"How about the upkeep of the church?" asked Dad. "Things like electricity and janitor's supplies and insurance for the building and the church bus?"

"Right, and sometimes it's used to buy food for needy people," put in Mom. "And how about your scholarship to camp? Then there's the . . ."

"Okay! Okay!" Andrew interrupted with a grin. "But I'm still not so sure my small offering would be missed."

"Every penny is needed," Dad assured him. "We've listed only a part of what the Lord's money is used for. And remember, if you don't give to the Lord as you should, you are the one who loses. The Lord promises to bless those who cheerfully give to Him."

"That ten percent is very little compared to what God has done for us," added Mom. "He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins."

Andrew nodded soberly. "Mom, what would happen if I gave
one hundred per cent?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think tithing would cut too deeply into your allowance?  Have you thought about all God has given you? Discover the joy of giving back to Him. As you grow older-both physically and spiritually-you'll probably find you want to give even more than ten per cent. The blessings God gives you when you give freely to Him are worth far more than any money you might be tempted to keep for yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who sows . . . bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6

[Soldier4Christ]

As the Martin family gathered for devotions, Dad smiled at Michelle. "I believe it's your turn to be the first to say today's Bible verse," he said.

"Okay," agreed Michelle. "It's Psalm 119:72. 'The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.'"

"Very good." Dad nodded. "Now it's your turn, Aaron."

"The law of Your . . . ah-h . . . of Your words . . . ah-h-h," Aaron stammered. "Oh, I don't know it. I haven't had time to think about it. I don't know why we have to memorize a verse every day anyway!"

"Aaron, it's the Word of God," said Dad. "It's important." He smiled. "I must admit, though, that when my mother insisted I memorize Bible verses, I used to feel the same way you do."

"Then why make me do it?" Aaron demanded.

"Because I'm older and wiser now," Dad replied. "Let me tell you a little story my mother used to tell me to show me the importance of learning Bible verses." Dad cleared his throat and began the story. "A young man was walking down a country road when he met a strange-looking old man. After they exchanged greetings, the old man said, 'Pick up some of these stones beside the road and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both glad and sad.' Curious as to how that could be, the young man picked up some stones and put them in his pocket. He didn't take many, because stones are heavy and he didn't want to carry the extra weight. Then he bid the old man good-bye.

"When the young man reached into his pocket the next day, he discovered that the stones had turned into precious jewels. There were diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. And so the young man was both glad and sad-glad for the jewels he had, but sad he had not picked up more stones."

Aaron grinned. "Cool, Dad," he said, "but what does that story have to do with me learning verses?"

"Learning them may seem like an unnecessary weight to you
now, Aaron," explained Dad, "but each verse you learn will become a precious
'jewel' to you one day. You'll be glad you learned them. You'll only be sorry
you didn't learn more."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you realized the importance of memorizing God's Word? Whenever you learn a verse, you're gaining something very valuable. Do you memorize a Bible verse every day? How about at least one a week? If not, start today to collect "jewels" from God's Word. You can begin with today's key verse.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver. Psalm 119:72

[Soldier4Christ]

When the phone rang, Jody was quick to answer it. But when she heard who it was, she made a face. "Ah . . . no, I . . . ah . . . I have plans for Saturday," she stammered. "Maybe another time." As she hung up the phone, she noticed her mother looking at her questioningly. "Erica wanted me to come over on Saturday morning," explained Jody, "but I have other things I want to do."

"Well, that's a surprise," said Mom. "I thought you always spent as much time with Erica as possible. I thought you two were best friends."

"We were, but . . . well . . . there's a new girl at school-her name is Nora," said Jody. "I really want to be her friend, but she doesn't like Erica much. She lives on Erica's street, and I don't want her to see me over there."

"And why doesn't she like Erica?" asked Mom.

"Well . . . Erica's family doesn't have much money, you know. They drive an old car and she doesn't dress very well." Jody felt ashamed as she answered.

Mom frowned. "I didn't think that bothered you."

"It . . . it kinda does now that we're in middle school," replied Jody. She grabbed a book from the table and settled down on the couch to read. " I love this old book," she told her mom. "Maybe I like it so much because it's the same one Grandma read when she was young. It's still in pretty good shape for being so old."

Mom looked at the book Jody held. "That is an old book!" exclaimed Mom. "Why don't you read one of your newer ones? They have much prettier covers, and you like those stories, too, don't you?"

"Sure, but this one is my favorite," said Jody. She frowned. "I don't think this book looks so bad. Besides, what it looks like on the outside isn't so important."

Mom raised her brows. "Don't you think that's true of
people, too?" she asked. Jody knew her mother was thinking of Erica. "New books
are nice, but old ones may be even nicer, and that could be true of friends,
too," added Mom. "An old song says, 'Make new friends but keep the old. One is
silver and the other gold.' Make sure you don't throw away the 'gold.' Don't
judge either old or new friends by outward appearance. Follow God's example. Try
to see what people are like inside by the way they act and by what they
say."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you judge others by their appearance? If you choose to be friends only with kids who dress well, live in a nice house, or have a lot of the things money can buy, you may be overlooking many good friends. What a person is like on the inside is what matters to God. Let that be what matters to you, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7