Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lindsey!" called Mom. "Come in and do your Sunday school lesson. You've been working with King for almost an hour!"

Lindsey frowned. "If I don't train King every chance I get, he won't be ready for the dog show next week," she told her mother. "Besides, I already looked at my lesson. It's just the story about Daniel and the lions. I don't need to study that-I've heard it a million times!"

Mom laughed. "I don't think it's been quite that many," she said. "Just get to it. You may be surprised-you might learn something new."

"I doubt that!" Lindsey grumbled to herself as she went in and plunked down at the table with her Sunday school book and her Bible. Fifteen minutes later, she was out the door yelling, "I'm done, Mom! I'll be working King!"

That evening, Lindsey couldn't stop talking about her dog and how well he was learning. "I've been teaching King to obey ever since he was just a little puppy," she said thoughtfully, "and I've made him do things over and over until he got them right."

"Yes," agreed Mom. She smiled and added, "You know, like King, you've been taught many things since you were very young-lessons from the Bible to help you grow into a fine, mature Christian. Like King, you had to hear your lessons more than once in order for them to soak in. You've heard over and over that God made the world and that He loves you. You've heard a lot of the well-known Bible stories many times, and you'll probably hear them again in Sunday school and church. That's a good thing. It helps you remember the stories and the lessons they teach."

"So . . . you're saying it doesn't really matter if I have the same lesson lots of times?" asked Lindsey.

"You give King the same lessons day after day," Mom pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right," said Lindsey thoughtfully.

Mom smiled. "You did your Sunday school lesson pretty fast this afternoon," she said. "Maybe you should go over it once again this evening."

"I had a feeling you were getting to that," said Lindsey
with a grin. "Okay. I might have missed something or forgotten some of it. I'll
look it over again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of hearing the same Bible stories over and over? Remember, you seldom learn all there is to know by hearing them only once. Thank God for parents and teachers and pastors who patiently tell you what God says in His Word. The knowledge you're gaining now will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you learn your lessons well, you'll be rewarded by being able to apply them to your life in later years as well as right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Kim looked at the planter hanging from the porch ceiling. "What's the matter with your plant, Mom?" she asked.

"My plant?" asked Mom, turning to look at it. "Wow! It doesn't look very happy!" she exclaimed. "I've been so busy with all the company we've had lately that I forgot to water it! I'll do it right now."

The next day, Kim noticed that the plant's leaves were no longer droopy and it looked healthy once again. "Mom, look at your plant now!" Kim exclaimed. "I guess it just needed to be watered."

Mom, smiled. "Yes, after I watered it, it perked right up," she said, looking fondly at her plant. "I enjoy tending plants," she added. "Maybe that's because they're something like Christians."

"Like Christians!" exclaimed Kim. She laughed. "You make the funniest comparisons, Mom! How are plants like Christians?"

"Well, they both need a good root system," said Mom, "and they need proper care and food."

Kim grinned. "Everybody needs food, of course, but roots? Plants have roots, but if Christians had them, wouldn't they be stuck in one spot?"

 "The Bible says Christians are to be rooted and grounded in Jesus," Mom explained with a smile. "Plants get food from the soil they grow in, and sometimes we put plant food in the water we give them, too-I did that yesterday. As for Christians, besides physical food-which everyone needs-Christians need spiritual nourishment from God's Word and from Christian fellowship."

"And will they get droopy and unhappy looking, like the plant did, if they don't get spiritual food?" asked Kim.

"I believe they often do," answered Mom. "They may be
unhappy and impatient, and their lives may lose the evidence that God is in
control." She looked at the plant. "If we see this plant drooping again, maybe
it will remind us that we must not let that happen in our spiritual
lives."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel "droopy" when it comes to spiritual things? Think about your life-is it a shining testimony for Christ? Maybe it's been too long since you received spiritual nourishment. Spend time with other Christians, enjoying their fellowship and learning from them. Read God's Word daily, and spend time in prayer. It will help you become well established in your Christian life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Key Verse: (Be)rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Colossians 2:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Fetch, Trevor!" yelled Adam as he threw the ball across the yard. A hairy, rust-colored object streaked past him as Trevor raced after the ball. He caught it after only one bounce and returned to Adam, dropping the ball at his feet. "Great job, Trevor," said Adam as he knelt down and rubbed the dog's ears. "Ready? Here goes another one!" Adam threw the ball again and watched as Trevor dashed after it. This time the dog caught it in midair and proudly brought it back to Adam.

"Wow!" exclaimed Dad, who was watching from the patio. "Maybe Trevor could join a major league baseball team. How is he at batting?"

Adam chuckled as the thought of a dog joining his favorite team. "He'd make a great fielder, Dad, but he's not so good at batting or throwing," replied Adam.

Dad laughed, too. "You've taught him well, Son," he said.

Adam grinned. "It was easy," he replied. "I love baseball so much that it seemed only natural to teach Trevor to catch. After all, I don't want him to be a sissy dog who walks around with ribbons in his hair-like Mrs. Gibbons' poodle."

Dad smiled. "They say dogs begin to look and act like their masters after they've been together for quite a while," he said. "Take Mrs. Gibbons and her dog, for example. They both go around with their hair perfectly in place, dressed up fancy, and head held high."

"Yeah!" agreed Adam. "And how about Matt Brant and his dog? Matt's a great big bully, and his dog is the meanest thing I've ever seen. He's always snarling and snapping at anything that comes near him." Adam grinned as he added, "And then, of course, there's Trevor here. He's a cool dog who obeys and loves people."

"Like his master, right?" Dad smiled. "I hope we resemble our Master, too."

"Our master?" asked Adam. "What do you mean?"

"I mean Jesus," replied Dad. "Christians belong to Him,
and we should act like it. We should follow in His ways. In any situation, I
hope our actions reflect our answer to the question: 'WWJD-What would Jesus
do?'"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions show the world that you belong to Jesus? People realized from Peter and John's words and actions that they had been with Jesus. Can that be said of you, too? When you're not sure what your action or attitude should be, think about what Jesus would do in your place. Then follow His example. If you're a Christian, your friends and neighbors should be able to see Jesus in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
They realized that they (Peter and John) had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"We need some help cleaning up," Mr. Trenton told his sixth grade Sunday school class as their pizza party came to a close. "When we planned this party, you all agreed to help with the dishes and with setting the chairs back in order. We need to pick up all the paper and sweep the floor, too." He motioned toward the disarray in the church basement. "We're counting on you," he added as he went to the kitchen. Several of the kids nodded.

Although the kids fully intended to help, they continued to talk and "goof around," and one by one, they disappeared as their parents came to pick them up. Many had already left when Cindy went into the kitchen and helped Mrs. Trenton for a few minutes. "Hey, Cindy," someone called, "have you seen the new magic trick Jack does?"

"Magic?" asked Cindy, going back into the youth room. "Show me." She was again laughing and talking with her friends when her dad came to pick her up. He had agreed to deliver several of Cindy's friends to their homes, so they all piled in the car and started out.

After they had driven to all the corners of town, Dad grinned at Cindy. "I feel like a bus driver," he said good-naturedly as they passed the church on the way to their own street. "Whoa!" he added slowing down. "The lights are still on in the church basement! I guess the Trentons haven't left yet. I hope there's nothing wrong." He turned around and drove into the parking lot.

Cindy and her dad hurried into the church and went down to the youth room where the party had been held. Oh, no! thought Cindy when she saw Mr. Trenton setting chairs in place while Mrs. Trenton put the kitchen in order. I forgot all about helping with the cleanup!

"I-I'm so sorry," Cindy apologized as she and Dad both
got busy. "I should have stayed to help in the first place. I-I wasn't
thinking!" She shook her head. "You'll probably find it hard to believe," she
added, "but you can count on me to help clean up next time. I
promise!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you enjoy parties? Have you ever thought about all the work involved in planning a party? What do you do to help? Today's Scripture says that those who won't work shouldn't eat, either. That's true about parties as well as about daily life. Next time adults plan a special event for you, tell them thank you, and show them you mean it by doing what you can to help. That's what the Lord would want you to do!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Dad, I saw the eye doctor today, and he said my vision is 20/20," announced David at dinner. "That means I have perfect vision, you know!"

"That's right," agreed Mom. "I think . . ." Loud voices, slamming doors, and squealing tires next door interrupted her. "Poor Mrs. Miller," she murmured when it was quiet again.

Dad nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid Chad is worrying her to death," he said.

"I don't know why everybody's on Chad's case," protested David. "I like him! When I was walking to school today, he stopped and gave me a ride on his cycle."

"Well, you are not to get on his motorcycle again," Dad ordered sternly.

"Aw, Dad, he's okay," argued David. "He's really nice to me."

"Maybe so, but we certainly can't approve of his behavior lately," said Mom.

Dad shook his head. "As I said, you're not to ride with him again, David. He's had several tickets for reckless driving-and for drunk driving, too."

"I heard him call his mother a stupid old woman the other day," little Cheri reported. "That's not nice at all, is it?"

"It certainly isn't," replied Dad. "It's disgraceful!" After a moment he added, "It's too bad Chad doesn't have 20/20 vision. He appears to be blind."

"Blind!" David was horrified. "Chad can't be blind! If he was, he couldn't drive his motorcycle!"

"He's not physically blind," agreed Dad, "but there's an even worse kind of blindness. In Second Corinthians, the Bible teaches that the 'god of this world'-that's Satan-blinds the minds of those who don't believe on Jesus. That refers to spiritual blindness-a lack of understanding who God is and their need of Him."

"We need to pray for Chad," observed Mom.

Dad nodded. "Let's all pray for a big change in his
'spiritual sight,'" he said. "Let's ask God to open the 'eyes' of Chad's mind
and show that he needs a Savior."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How is your spiritual sight? Unless you know Jesus, it's not very good-you're spiritually blind. You don't need to remain in that condition. The man quoted in today's Key Verse was talking about his physical sight.Those who trust Jesus as Savior, can also use those words to describe their spiritual sight. Accept Him as your Savior today, and this verse can be your testimony.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. John 9:25

[Soldier4Christ]

"This is ridiculous!" exclaimed Andy. He tapped his pencil impatiently on the paper in front of him. "Whoever thought up this assignment for Sunday school sure doesn't know you, Jenny!" he teased. "I have to write down ten reasons why I like my sister, and I can't even think of one!"

"Thanks a lot!" exclaimed Jenny. She picked up a pillow from the couch and threw it at her brother. "See if I ever bake cookies for you again!"

"Oops! I forgot about them." Andy grinned and wrote it down.

Mom smiled. "I think you better hurry and apologize, Andy," she said. "I remember the time last year when you were sick, and Jenny helped you with your homework."

"Yeah, and how about the umpteen times I've played catch with you before a ball game?" Jenny asked. "Or last week when I let you ride my bike because yours was broken?" She flung another pillow his way.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Andy ducked. "I forgot all those things, too-just for a moment, of course. I would have thought of them in another minute. You really are a nice sister!"

"That's better," said Jenny, "and you promise that you'll never again call me names or bother my stuff or be a nuisance in general, right?"

"Right!" agreed Andy. "Unless I forget what a nice sister you are. Of course, a few fresh cookies this evening-or maybe some popcorn-will help me remember." Jenny didn't respond. "Because," added Andy, "I really do like you loads and loads." He paused. "Seriously, I'm kinda glad we had this assignment. It's made me appreciate my sister more than before!"

Jenny laughed. "I can't believe I heard you say that and even sound like you mean it!" she exclaimed. "In fact, I think it calls for a celebration. Wonderful sister that I am, I'll make some popcorn after all."

"Great!" exclaimed Andy.

Jenny got up to make the popcorn while Andy finished his
paper. When she announced that it was ready, he wrote down one more thing: She
makes delicious popcorn!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you appreciate the brothers or sisters God has given you? Sometimes brothers and sisters overlook the good qualities in each other and pick on one another for no good reason. On the other hand, they frequently become one another's best friends. Ask God to help you develop that kind of relationship with your brothers and sisters.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A brother is born for (or: to help in times of) adversity. Proverbs 17:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Josh walked slowly as he headed home. He scowled as Spunky, a neighbor's dog,
dashed over to greet him. The puppy raced around Josh and danced in front of him
until Josh almost tripped over him.


"Go away, you dumb dog!" yelled Josh. He kicked at Spunky, and the dog yelped
and ran up the driveway.


Mr. Edwards, who owned the dog, was raking leaves and saw what had happened.
"Josh," he


called, "what has gotten into you? It isn't at all like you to kick Spunky."
Josh was embarrassed that Mr. Edwards had seen his actions. "What put you in
such a bad mood?" asked Mr. Edwards,


walking over to Josh.


"Teachers," growled Josh.


"Teachers?" asked Mr. Edwards. "Or report cards?"


Josh was surprised. "How'd you know that?" he asked.<BR>


"Well, I know it's about time for them to come


out," replied Mr. Edwards.


"They're being mailed to our parents this year, so I can't even just throw it
away," muttered Josh, "'Course I'd never get away with that, anyhow."


"It's not so good, huh?" asked Mr. Edwards.


Josh shook his head. "Mom and Dad say I'm not doing my best."


"Are you?" Mr. Edwards asked.


Josh blushed. "I guess not." He paused, then added, "But I wish adults got
report cards, too. Then I bet they'd be more understanding."


Mr. Edwards smiled. "Well, we were kids once, and do know a little about
grades," he said. "In a way, we probably should still be working on getting good
grades."


"You should?" asked Josh in surprise. "Who gives you grades?"


"I was thinking of God," replied Mr. Edwards. "Christians aren't saved by
works, but we should be concerned about having His approval in such things as
obedience, faith, and love, even though God doesn't actually give report
cards."


"Hey, maybe I could remind my folks of that," said Josh with a grin. Then he
shook his head. "On the other hand, I guess I'd better not. They'd say it
applies to me, too." He reached toward the dog. "Sorry about the kick, Spunky,"
he said. "Well . . . I guess I'd better get home and face the music. Thanks, Mr.
Edwards."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you were actually given "grades" in your Christian life, what would they be? Some day you'll stand before the Lord and give an account. Would you be pleased if He handed out "report cards"?

Would yours indicate that you love God with all your heart and that you treat your neighbors the way you'd like to be treated? Would it show that you do your best to be helpful, kind, and loving
toward others? That you do your best in whatever task is before you? Think about it!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Each of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Ryan could see that his mother was very upset when she came to pick him up at school after receiving a call from the principal. "I could hardly believe it when Mr. Jacobs called and said you had gotten into a fight," she told Ryan.

"Wasn't my fault," muttered Ryan, too ashamed to look her in the eye. "Cameron started it. What was I supposed to do? I had to fight him."

"Mr. Jacobs didn't seem to think so," replied Mom. "Well, let's go-we'll talk about it later. I'm sure Dad will want to know why you thought you had to fight."

As they rode home in silence, rain pelted down. The car slipped and skidded when they turned off the main road and started up the muddy hill toward their house. Road repairs had been started some time ago, and the street was a mess! "Be careful, Mom," began Ryan nervously, "or we'll wind up in the di . . ." Before he finished speaking, the car skidded again and slid into a ditch.

Mom shifted gears and rocked the car, but it was useless. She looked at the pouring rain and muddy street. "We'll have to walk home and call a wrecker," she said with a sigh.

That evening, Ryan did his best to keep Dad's attention on the matter of the car in the ditch. "Walking home on that steep, slippery ground was awful!" said Ryan. "We almost fell lots of times."

 Dad seemed more interested in the fight Ryan had gotten into. "Who started it?" he asked.

"Not me," insisted Ryan, "but I had to fight. The other guys would have thought I was a baby if I didn't-especially Nick and Buzz. They're tough!"

Dad frowned. "Then why do you hang around with them?" he asked. "You just said you don't like walking on slippery ground."

Ryan looked at him, puzzled. "What's that got to do with Nick and Buzz?"

"When you spend a lot of time with the wrong crowd-like those 'tough' boys-it's kind of like being on steep, slippery ground, and you're in danger of sliding," replied Dad. "In fact, I'd say you slid quite badly at school today, wouldn't you?" He shook his head. "You're a Christian, yet you've chosen friends who pressure you into doing things that are not pleasing to Christ," he added. "With the right kind of friends, life would be a lot smoother."

Ryan looked at the floor. He knew Dad was right-he needed
different friends.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of friends do you have? Are they kids who will be a help, not a hindrance, in living for Christ? Or do they encourage you to do things you know in your heart to be wrong? If so, you could be headed for a lot of trouble. Choose friends who love God and value the same kinds of things you do. If you're a Christian, hang around with kids who behave in a way that pleases God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

[Soldier4Christ]

Lindsey bounced into the kitchen with a list of girls she wanted to invite to her birthday party. Mom glanced at the names. "I don't see Melanie's name," said Mom. "Since she lives next door, I'm sure she'll be hurt if she sees that you have a party and didn't invite her." Mom frowned. "Why would you leave her out?"

"She 's kind of . . . plain," said Lindsey. "Not very popular. Nobody invites her."

Mom frowned. "That's not a good reason," she said.

Lindsey sighed. "Okay, put her on the list . . . but everybody will think I'm dumb for asking her," she grumbled. "Especially Trish." Lindsey hurried away to avoid the "lecture" she was sure her mother was about to give.

On the day of the party, Melanie admired Lindsey's chocolate birthday cake with pink roses, but Trish just tossed her head. "You should have seen my last birthday cake," said Trish. "It was much prettier." When Lindsay opened her presents, Melanie exclaimed in delight over each one, but Trish looked bored. When they played games, Melanie eagerly took part. Trish sighed. "I wish we could play the games we had at my party," she said.

After all the kids had left, Mom brought in two more gifts. One was wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with a bow. The other was wrapped in a wrinkled brown paper bag that had been cut open. "These are from me and Dad," said Mom.

When Lindsey eagerly tore open the beautifully wrapped gift, she was disappointed to find only a cheap yo-yo inside. She opened the other package and found a lovely porcelain doll. "She's beautiful! I love her!" declared Lindsey. She grinned. "She sure looks better than her wrapping paper! Did you run out?"

"No, I just wanted to show you how misleading appearances can be," explained Mom. "One of these packages was pretty, yet it contained little inside. The other was plain, but when you opened it, you found a beautiful gift." Mom paused. "People can be like that, too." she added.

Like Melanie and Trish, thought Lindsey.

"God doesn't judge by outer appearance," continued Mom,
"and we shouldn't, either." Thoughtfully, Lindsey nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What impresses you most, good looks or good behavior? Kids who dress well, or those who behave well? Those who honor and respect authority, or those who cleverly get away with disobeying? God judges by what's in the heart. You can't see into hearts like God can, but you can tell something about them by what the person says and does. Helpfulness, thoughtfulness, and loving treatment of others are some things to look for and admire.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Katie crossed her arms defiantly and scowled angrily at her mother. "How could you?" she demanded. "I've never been so humiliated in my life! Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your mother come and drag you home?"

"Katie, that's enough!" said Mom quietly, but firmly. "What has come over you? You deliberately broke the guidelines we set for you-not just one of them, but two! Not only were you out past your curfew, but you did not have permission to be at the mall in the first place!" Mom sighed deeply and sat on the edge of Katie's bed. "What has been going on the last couple of months? I don't think you just suddenly decided to rebel."

Katie began to cry. "I . . . I don't know. A lot of the girls don't have very strict rules, and they always want me to do stuff with them. I felt bad about disobeying you, but . . . after a while, some things that had seemed so wrong didn't seem so bad anymore," she admitted. "I don't know how it happened."

"Katie," said Mom, "do you remember when you first started playing the cello?" Katie nodded. "Do you remember how, if you played very long, it hurt your fingers terribly?" asked Mom. "Why was that?"

Katie looked at her hand. "You know why! My fingers weren't used to being used that way," she said, "but now I have calluses on them, so they don't hurt anymore."

Mom nodded. "Did your calluses magically appear one day, or did they build up gradually?"

"They built up gradually, of course," said Katie. "My fingers slowly got used to the pressure of the strings, and then they hurt less and less until the pain disappeared completely."

"Yes," said Mom, "and that's a picture of what happens
when you practice doing something wrong. At first, it pricks your conscience and
you feel guilty, but after a while, you get used to it and your conscience
doesn't bother you anymore. That's not a good situation to be in! God has given
you the Holy Spirit, and He often talks to you through your conscience. First
Thessalonians 5:19 says we are not to 'quench' Him. In other words, we're not to
stop listening to what He tells us." Mom stood up and walked to the door. "Think
about that, and we'll discuss it more in the morning. Right now you need to get
to bed."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you getting "callused" toward sin? Are some things you know to be wrong starting to seem "not so bad" now? Don't "harden your heart." In other words, when your conscience makes you feel guilty, don't stubbornly ignore what God is telling you. Don't take part in an activity if the Holy Spirit reminds you that it's wrong.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 3:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mom." Nick greeted his mother, who was sitting on a stool in the garage. "What are you going to do with all those carrots?" he asked.

"I'm going to freeze them," replied Mom. She grinned. "I'm glad you're home. You can help me wash and peel them and cut them up," she added as she tossed the top of a carrot into a bucket. "How was school today?"

"Terrible! I don't fit in!" grumbled Nick. "I'm so different from the other guys. I'm not smart or cool or good at sports. The kids think I'm weird, and they're right."

"Nick! That's not true-and I don't believe the kids think so, either!" exclaimed Mom. "You may have different interests than most of them, but that's okay." She picked up a carrot. "I planted a new kind of carrot," she said, "but I think I should have stuck with the old kind. These are supposed to be especially sweet, but they're odd-looking. So many are twisted, and they're harder to peel." She tossed the whole carrot into the basket with the carrot tops and picked up another one. "This one's crooked, too . . . most of them are, but I guess I can't throw them all out."   

"Don't they taste good?" asked Nick.

"I haven't actually tried one," admitted Mom.

"I'll eat one," said Nick. "I like carrots."

"Okay," agreed Mom, "but wash it first."

Nick went to wash the carrot. "This is good!" he declared when he returned. "These really are sweet. I can't believe you wanted to throw them away just because they're different! Here . . . try it."

Mom took the carrot he held out. "You're right," she said after taking a bite. "These taste good, though I wish they were a little easier to peel." She smiled at Nick. "These carrots remind me of you, honey. You feel inferior-like you're not worth much-because you think you don't fit in at school. Don't forget that different doesn't mean bad. God has different plans for everybody. He has a special plan for you, Nick. He gave you abilities and talents that are different from everyone else's. Find ways to serve Him with your gifts. Living out God's purpose for your life will bring you more joy than 'fitting in' would!"

Nick grinned. "Want to share another carrot?" he
asked.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worry because you don't seem to fit in with other kids? You don't need to feel that way. If the things that interest you are different from what interests most of the kids, that's okay. God has a great plan for every life . . . including yours! Maybe He gave you a special ability in the area of music, sports, working with younger children, studying, or helping others. Find ways to develop your talents, and serve God in whatever area He has gifted you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Charlie came in from school and plopped his books onto the kitchen counter. "Mom, our Sunday school verse yesterday was 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,' but I can't do it," he said, sounding very discouraged. "I thought I could be perfect for just one day, but I can't."

"What happened?" asked Mom. "What did you do wrong?"

"Everything," mumbled Charlie. "Cody said something mean to me at recess. I lost my temper and said something just as mean. Then some of the guys teased Melissa about her new haircut, so I did, too. She started to cry, and Mr. Jones made us stay after class."

"Were you sorry about those things?" asked Mom.

"Well, sure," replied Charlie.

Mom nodded. "It's a good thing that being perfect isn't the way to get to heaven, isn't it?"

"It sure is," said Charlie. "I still do so many things wrong." He held up his hand as Mom started to speak. "I know . . . I know," he said as he started for his room. "God wants us to be sorry and confess what we've done. I know He forgives us, but I should think He'd get awful impatient with us sometimes."

 When Mom came to his door a little later, Charlie was getting fresh water for Snowball, his hamster. "Snowball bit your finger yesterday, didn't he?" asked Mom. "How is it?"

Charlie held up his finger. "It's okay," he said.

Mom frowned. "He makes such a mess in his cage, and he bites your finger," she said. "Why don't you get rid of him?"

Charlie stroked Snowball's back. "He's mine!" he said simply.

Mom smiled. "And you love him, right?" she asked. Charlie nodded. "Snowball doesn't deserve your care," continued Mom, "but he's yours, and you care for him and forgive him because you love him-even when he bites your finger. We don't deserve God's care, but we're His. He cares for us and forgives us because He loves us-much more than you love Snowball."

"Even when we do something wrong," Charlie said
thoughtfully. "I'm glad God loves me. I'll keep on trying to please Him, even if
I mess up sometimes."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize how much God loves you? He already paid the ultimate price for your sins. He sent the Lord Jesus to take the punishment you deserve. Accept the forgiveness He offers (see the ABCs at the end of this book), and then do your best to please Him in everything. When you fail, don't give up. God's still loves you and His Spirit lives in you. Confess your sin to God, and accept His love and forgiveness. As you depend on Him, the Holy Spirit will help you become more like Jesus each day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins. 1 John 4:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"I didn't make the basketball team, Mom." Jon slumped down in a chair after
school one day. "I'm not bragging or anything, but I am a good basketball
player."


"Yes, you are, Son," agreed Mom, "but there were only two openings on the
team, and the coach had to choose, didn't he? Who did make it?"


"Kevin did. We all expected thatÑhe's good! Then they chose Randy for the
other opening. In the tryouts, I made lots more baskets than Randy, and I
dribbled the ball longer, too. But his dad is a teacher at school, and I think
that's why he made it. It's not fair!" Jon concluded bitterly.


Mom was quiet for a few minutes. She knew there had been other times when it
seemed that Randy was chosen for something because his dad was a teacher. She
sighed. "I suppose that may be possible. If you really believe that, perhaps you
should ask the coach about it," she suggested, "but do be careful not to make
accusations you can't prove. It may simply be that Randy has some qualities
needed on the team. And, Jon, you must learn that, from our point of view, life
isn't always fair. You need to have a Christ-like attitude no matter what
happens."


"Aw, Mom . . ." whined Jon.


"Remember the verse you learned a few weeks ago from the Book of James?"
asked Mom. "It says we should 'count it all joy' when we face trials."


Jon frowned. "Easy for him to say," he muttered.


"Think so?" asked Mom. "I'm sure you've read and heard that the early church
faced a lot of persecution. Scholars tell us that many, if not all, of the
apostles were martyrs. James was one of them."


Jon frowned. "Well, then I guess it wasn't so easy for him," he admitted.


"I guess not," agreed Mom. "When you think someone is being unfair, you can
let their actions get you down, or you can think of the situation as a challenge
and ask God to help you handle it. Trust Him, and you'll become a stronger and
more mature Christian. It's up to you!"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes treated unfairly? Everyone is occasionally faced with what seems to be an unfair situation. Paul and Silas were thrown in jail for helping someone (see today's Scripture). That wasn't fair, but instead of complaining, they sang! God used them through that experience, and He can also use you. Sometimes it may help to discuss the situation with others involved, but maintain a good attitude, and grow through all that happens.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2

[Soldier4Christ]

As Todd climbed into bed, he thought about the discussion during family devotions that evening. Dad had suggested that even the children would be surprised at what they could learn if they'd try taking notes in church the next day. I doubt I'd learn anything from it, thought Todd as he drifted off to sleep . . . Todd sighed as he sat in church, dreading the long hour ahead. He pulled out his Sunday school paper and opened it. As he began to read, he chomped down hard on his gum, making it crackle softly between his teeth. When he finished reading, he took a pencil and drew little pictures in the margins of the bulletin. He sighed again and looked toward the pulpit. "Oh!" he gasped out loud. Pastor Smith was sitting there, reading the sports section of the local newspaper and chewing gum! "Can you believe that?" Todd whispered to his sister. At the same time, the pastor turned and whispered loudly to the organist who was playing softly.

When it was time to preach, Pastor Smith stood up with a grin. "There's a reason for what I was doing," he announced. "Every Sunday I see boys and girls, and even a few adults, hide their faces behind Sunday school papers as soon as the sermon begins. I see them chewing gum and writing notes. The way I looked to you is the way you look to me."

Todd quickly stuffed his paper into his Bible. Pastor Smith was leaving the platform and coming down the aisle. He stopped beside Todd. "The way I looked to you is the way you look to me," he repeated loudly. He shook his finger in Todd's face. "The way I looked to you is the way you look to me!" Pastor Smith was shouting now.

Red-faced, Todd squirmed in his seat. "I'm sorry," he gasped. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Todd was shouting, too, and . . .

"Todd! Todd! Wake up!" Someone was shaking him. Todd quickly sat up, surprised-but glad-to find himself in his own bed! "You must have been dreaming," said Mom, "but it's time to wake up and get ready for church."

Todd jumped out of bed. "Right, Mom!" he agreed. As he
dressed for church, he knew he was going to listen more carefully than
usual!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you look to your pastor? More important, how do you look to God? Are you bored in church? Do you complain that the sermon is hard to understand? Take a pad and pencil along next Sunday. Write down the Bible text, the title of the sermon, and one or two important thoughts given in the message. You may be surprised at how much you can learn from the teaching of God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look, Dylan! See what I bought," said Olivia as she took a magic slate out of a sack. She began scribbling on it as they drove home. "Now watch," she said as she lifted the top plastic sheet. "The writing is all gone." As Olivia talked, her brother simply stared out the window.

"Is something wrong, Son?" asked Mom when he said nothing for several blocks.

"No." Dylan lapsed into silence again. Now you've told another lie, his conscience said. That makes two. Dylan sighed deeply. It doesn't matter. It was such a little lie, he argued with his conscience-but he couldn't win the argument. "I . . . I told Dad a lie yesterday," he blurted out. "I . . . I'm the one who dropped his drill and broke it. Dad had said Jason could borrow it, and I was handing it to him when it slipped and dropped. I said Jason did it."

Mom was silent for a moment. Then she nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly. "What are you going to do about it?"

Olivia was busy with her magic slate and wasn't paying any attention to the conversation. "Look what I did!" she said. "I put a cat's tail on a rabbit!" She chuckled. "Oh, well! I'll erase it and start over." Again she lifted the top plastic sheet, and like magic, her picture of the rabbit with a long tail disappeared.

Mom smiled and spoke to Dylan again. "We've all committed sin, and that's something like writing the wrong thing on a magic slate," she said. "When we trust in Jesus as Savior, he erases our sin. But when we sin again, it seems to us as though our slates-our hearts-are no longer clean. Our fellowship with God, and sometimes with other people-in this case, your dad-is broken. Tell both Dad and the Lord what you told me. Let them know you're sorry, and thank God for making the 'slate' clean."

"Okay," agreed Dylan with a sigh, "but Dad warned me about lying. I'm sure he won't just say it's all okay."

"No, but he'll forgive you, and you'll have a clear conscience," said Mom. "Accept his discipline and learn from it."

Olivia smoothed the plastic sheet. "This time I'm going to do it right," she said.

"Me, too, Olivia," echoed Dylan. "Me,
too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you told a lie? Disobeyed? Been "sassy"? Cheated? Right now, confess to God whatever sin you're aware of in your life. If what you did affects someone else, tell that person you're sorry, too. Thank God for a clean slate-a clean heart-and for His Holy Spirit, who convicts your conscience when you do wrong. Thank Him that fellowship with Him is restored when you're sorry for your sin and confess it to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. Psalm 32:5