Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Ed, your mom said we had to pay for the soap and sponges we use," said Martin as the boys got ready to set up a car wash sign in the large vacant side yard at Eddie's house, "so how much do I owe you?"

"Nothing," said Eddie. "Mom will never miss the stuff. Let's go." Martin hesitated, but Eddie was already carrying the sign outside.

"How's business?" asked Martin's father that evening. "Did you make enough to cover the cost of your cleaning supplies?"

"Yes . . . No . . . Well, we didn't have any expenses. Eddie took supplies from his house," mumbled Martin as he looked for a bandage to put on a cut on his hand. "He said it was okay, but . . . I don't know."

"You don't?" asked Dad.

"I . . . I guess I do," replied Martin. "His mom said we had to pay for them, so we should have done that, but . . . when I reminded Eddie, he just shrugged it off, so what can I do? Go buy supplies myself?"

"That would be a start," said Dad, "but that's only a bandage solution. You may have to do more-like give up the car wash."

"But, Dad!" protested Martin. "Why would I have to do that?"

Dad pointed to Martin's hand. "Your bandage covers that cut," said Dad, "but it doesn't take it away or prevent you from getting another one. And buying supplies yourself won't take away or prevent dishonest actions from happening again. Obviously Eddie has different standards than you do. He's a nice guy, but if the two of you can't agree to do honest work, you may have to stop working together."

Martin sighed. "This project would be easier if Eddie were a Christian."

Dad nodded. "Christians have guidelines and beliefs that others don't always understand," he said. "When you can't meet the expectations of both God and your friends, you have to choose. It's important to take your beliefs seriously."

"I know," agreed Martin. "Tomorrow I'll insist that we
pay his mom. I'll let him know I can't work with him unless we
do."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your friends have the same standards for living as you do? Do you have friends who aren't Christians? Jesus was a friend to unbelievers, too, but He was never friends with "the world." That means He always did things God's way, not the world's way. Make sure you do things God's way, too. It's okay to be friends with kids who don't know Jesus, but your closest companions should be those who understand your beliefs and encourage you to live by God's standards.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Lori and her brother Ron liked riddles! "How's your math?" asked Lori.

"Got an 'A' on my report card," Ron answered proudly.

"Well, let's see if you can figure out this riddle," suggested Lori. "Listen carefully now, okay? A bus with ten people on it stopped and picked up five more. It went two blocks where it let off three people and picked up four. Then it went another block and let off four passengers. Finally, it made one more stop and picked up two guys." Lori grinned. "Now if you listened carefully, you should be able to tell me how many times the bus stopped."

"Fourteen!" Ron promptly shouted. Then his triumphant grin faded as he realized he had been fooled. "Hey! I thought you were going to ask how many people were on the bus at the end. I was keeping track of that in my head, but I don't remember how many times the bus stopped."

Lori laughed. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed.

Mom overheard the conversation and grinned. "I have a riddle for both of you," she said. "Remember the people who came to the door yesterday selling religious literature?" Lori and Ron nodded. "Okay . . . in what way are those people like Ron?" asked Mom. She smiled at their puzzled expressions. "Guess I'll have to tell you," she said. "Ron and those people are guilty of hearing only what they want to hear."

"I know what you mean about Ron," said Lori. "He heard only the numbers he was listening for. He didn't pay attention to the rest of the story."

"Right." Mom nodded. "And that's not so serious-it was just a riddle. But the people who were in our neighborhood yesterday claim to base their beliefs on what the Bible says-only they don't 'hear' the whole story. They pick out isolated verses or passages but don't study the meaning in light of the whole Bible."

Ron nodded slowly. "So we shouldn't believe someone just because he tells us the Bible says it," he observed. "We should look it up and make sure it agrees with what the rest of the Bible says."

"Right," agreed Mom. "Listen to everything God says on
the subject."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you "hear" what God says in His Word-or do you hear only what you want to hear? Don't be fooled by those who claim to believe the Bible but refuse to believe all of it. People use the Bible to "prove" all kinds of things, so pay careful attention to what it really says on any particular subject. Pay special attention to what it says about Jesus. Remember-anyone who denies that Jesus is God, or says you can get to heaven by any means other than faith in Jesus, is a false teacher.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. 2 John 1:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Helping Hands

"Hey, Laura, wait up!" Laura turned at the door of her Sunday school classroom and saw Christy hurrying down the hall toward her. "You have nursery duty with me today, don't you?" asked Christy. "Let's go."

Laura dropped her gaze. "Well . . . ah . . . Jessie is going to take my place," she said.

Christy's forehead creased in a frown. "Why?" she demanded. "You and I always work in the nursery together. Why aren't you helping today?"

"I . . . well . . ." Laura squirmed uncomfortably. "I just don't feel like helping in the nursery anymore."

Christy eyed her suspiciously. "Laura McIntyre," she said firmly, "there is something funny about all this. I've never met anyone in my whole life who likes babies more than you do. What's up?"

Laura sighed. She knew it was no use trying to hide the real reason she had decided to quit working in the nursery. "Well . . . kids have so many contagious diseases," she said, "and I just don't want to come down with them myself. There's always somebody with a cold or something. The day after I was in the nursery last month, the Jamison's baby came down with chicken pox! And now . . . well, there's the Wilson's adopted baby who has AIDS."

"So that's it!" exclaimed Christy. She was silent for a moment before she spoke again. "Laura, the nursery staff uses special safety precautions with little Peter," she said. "That only makes sense. But he needs our love and care just as much as any of the other babies. Maybe more." She paused, and added gently, "Remember the lesson we had in Sunday school last week? Whatever would have happened to the leper, if Jesus hadn't been willing to help him?"

Laura stood silently. In her mind's eye, she could see the sick, hopeless man kneeling before Jesus, pleading for His help. And then she seemed to see the Savior with His out-stretched hand. There was love in His face and in His touch. Thinking about it, Laura made a decision. She looked up and met Christy's gaze with a smile. "I'll tell Jessie she can go to the worship service, after all," she said. "Meet you in the nursery in a few minutes!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been avoiding someone God wants you to help-or something He wants you to do? Maybe you've been too busy to get involved. Maybe you've been too proud. Or perhaps, like Laura, you're just plain scared. God has chosen to use people like you to show His love to others. Let God's love flow through you into the lives of those who need His touch today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Shoes Needed

"Is Poppy wearing his shoes?" asked seven-year-old Lisa. Mom patted Lisa's arm and went on talking. The funeral home was full of people talking quietly. The room was filled with the smell of flowers. Lisa stood beside her mother, who was greeting the people who had come to show their sympathy. Lisa's great-grandfather lay in the casket-a long box lined with satin-with his eyes closed and his hands folded. He looked like he was sleeping, but somehow he didn't quite look like the kind man Lisa knew. She felt strange and out of place.

Lisa felt a hand on her shoulder. "Come, honey. I'll take you home now," said her daddy.

Lisa tried to smile, but her lips trembled. "Does Poppy have his shoes on?" she asked again.

"No, honey, he doesn't need them anymore," said Daddy.

"But, Daddy," Lisa protested, "how will he be able to walk around heaven? He always put his shoes on first thing when he wanted to go for a walk."

Daddy smiled but didn't answer her question right away. "Honey, do you remember when you helped me plant carrots in the garden last spring?" he asked after a moment. Lisa nodded. "Each seed we planted had new life inside that couldn't grow until the seed died. The carrots grew, and the husk of the dead seed was left in the ground. That's a little like what has happened to Poppy. He was a Christian. When he died, he left his old body here with his shoes and clothes, just like the old seed husk. His spirit went to be with Jesus. Now he has new life in heaven. And someday, something really special is going to happen. When Jesus comes again, God will raise Poppy's body-He'll make it all new and perfect."

Lisa thought about it. "So Poppy doesn't need his cane in heaven, either?"

Daddy shook his head. "No, and he never will need it again. Heaven is a perfect place and Poppy has everything he needs."

Lisa felt better as she looked toward the casket where Poppy's body lay. "I'm glad he's in heaven," she said simply.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you visited a funeral home or has someone you love died? Did it give you a strange feeling? Did it make you sad? Death is hard to understand, but it helps to remember that it's only the body that has died. The real person, the soul, lives on. For a Christian, the soul goes to heaven to live with Jesus. And when Jesus comes again, that person will be given a new and perfect body.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears. Isaiah 25:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Bethany," said Mom, "please entertain Danny for a little while so I can get something done. He's been so cranky today."

Bethany frowned as she glanced at her baby brother. "But, Mom, I'm reading!" she whined, turning her attention back to her book.

"Reading will have to wait," said Mom. "Isn't Jody coming over today? I thought maybe the two of you could take Danny for a walk."

"Jody had to baby-sit, too," Bethany said. "I feel sorry for her. She has to take care of her little sister all the time." Bethany shook her head. After a moment she added. "Mom, sometimes Jody's mother calls her 'Miriam.' I wonder if she wishes she'd named her that instead of Jody."

Mom smiled, "You remember the Bible story about the birth of Moses, don't you?" she asked. "The king of Egypt was afraid the Israelite slaves would outnumber his people and take over his kingdom. He gave orders that all boy babies be killed. But Moses' mother trusted God to save Baby Moses."

Bethany nodded. "I remember. She put him in a little basket in the river, didn't she?"

"Right," said Mom. "And do you remember who watched to see what would happen?"

 "Yep. His sister Miriam," said Bethany, "and when the king's daughter found Moses, Miriam got his own mother to take care of him." She grinned. "So that's why Jody's mother calls her 'Miriam,' right? It's because Jody helps her mom take care of her baby sister just like Miriam helped her mother take care of Moses."

"That's right," agreed Mom, "and when Moses led God's people out of slavery in Egypt, I'm sure Miriam was really glad she had a part in taking care of him."

"Who knows-maybe Danny will grow up to be somebody famous, too," said Bethany with a grin. "But it won't matter. I'll help you take care of him anyway, Mom. I promise!"

Mom smiled. "Thank you, Miriam," she said.

Bethany looked at her mother in surprise. "Oh," she said, "so now I'm your 'Miriam.'" She laughed as she looked over at Danny. "Well, that's okay, but I hope Danny just stays Danny. I don't want you to put him on the river in a basket."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you willingly agree when your parents ask for help? God gives specific instructions regarding the parent/child relationship. Your part in this is to honor your parents. That includes respect, love, and obedience. It includes doing what you can to help them. If you keep in mind how much they do for you, it will help you not to grumble when they need help in return.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise. Ephesians 6:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Patti set her books on the table when she arrived home after school. "Can I stay home tomorrow?" she asked her mother.

Mom looked surprised. "Stay home?" she asked. "Are you sick?"

Patti shook her head. "No, but I . . . I have a problem," she replied. "If I don't go to school, I won't have to worry about it." Mom waited, so Patti went on to explain. "Marianne wants me to let her see the answers on our math test tomorrow. Of course, I won't do it, but I don't want her to be mad at me."

Mom raised her brows. "So if you stay home tomorrow you won't have to face the unpleasantness of telling her that you believe cheating is wrong?" Patti nodded, looking hopeful. Just then, little Lynda awoke from her nap and began to cry. "Would you go get her, please?" said Mom.

Patti hurried to her baby sister's room and lifted her from the crib. Lynda grinned and wiggled, trying to get down. "Are you ready to practice walking again, Lynnie?" asked Patti as she returned to the kitchen. She bent to set the baby down on the floor.

"Don't put her down," said Mom quickly. "She might fall and get hurt. Let's wait till she's older to teach her to walk." Patti gave Mom a puzzled look. "It's too hard for her now," added Mom.

Patti hesitated. "You're just kidding," she said. "Right, Mom?"

Mom smiled. "Yes, but I'm hoping you'll learn a little lesson from this. Learning how to walk is part of a baby's growth process, so Lynda needs to practice that. You need to grow a little, too. You need to learn to face your problem and speak up about what you believe."

Patti was thoughtful, "You mean I should go to school tomorrow and tell Marianne that cheating is wrong," she said.

"Why wait till tomorrow? Why not call her right now?" suggested Mom.

"But I . . . I don't know what to tell her," murmured Patti. "She'll think I'm being . . . critical of her. That I think I'm better than she is."

"Ask God for wisdom to know what to say," said Mom. "Maybe you could let her know you won't help her cheat, but that you'll help her study." She gave Patti a hug. "You'll become stronger spiritually as you stand up for what you believe."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you face problems immediately or do you like to put it off? Do you try to avoid them altogether? Facing your problems may take courage, but overcoming them builds strength and character. Ask God for wisdom in knowing how to handle challenges that require you to take a stand for the principles found in His Word. Then with His help, stand up for what you believe to be right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach. James 1:5

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad took one hand off the steering wheel and clicked off the radio. "The old saying 'no news is good news' is so often true," he commented.

"Who kidnapped that little girl?" Krystal asked fearfully.

"Are those escaped convicts still in this area?" Allan peered anxiously out the car window.

"I'm scared," stated Krystal. "I'm going to . . ."

"Look! Look! There's a fire over there!" Allan interrupted her and pointed ahead. "Wow! First we hear about escaped convicts in this area, and now we see a fire! It looks like it covers a huge area. I bet it's a prairie fire."

"It looks like we may be passing close to where it's burning," observed Dad. He was right, and soon they could see what was happening. "That's a controlled fire," said Dad. "It looks like a farmer set it to make a firebreak."

"We learned about those in history class at school," said Allan.

"I didn't," said Krystal. "What's a firebreak?" Allan was eager to tell her.

"A firebreak is a wide strip of plowed or burned-off ground around the buildings," explained Allen.

"That's right," agreed Mom. "When a fire that's raging across the prairie reaches the firebreak, it dies because there's nothing to feed it."

"Is there a fire coming this way?" asked Krystal.

"Not that we know of," replied Dad. "Maybe the farmer just wants to be prepared because it's a dry season. If a fire should come, his property would be protected." After a moment he added, "The farmer fights fire with fire, and we can overcome fear with fear. Fear of the Lord drives other fear's out of our hearts. We could say it builds a 'fearbreak' around us."

"But we shouldn't be scared of God, should we?" asked Allan. "He loves us."

"The kind of fear Dad's talking about is respect and honor," explained Mom. "It's more a matter of trusting God than being afraid of Him."

"You mean like . . . when there are kidnappers around?" asked Krystal.

Dad nodded. "We need to do all we can to be careful, but there's only so much we can do. Beyond that, we need to simply trust God and know He'll take care of us, no matter what happens."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What are you afraid of? The dark? Being kidnapped? Losing someone you love? Terrorists? Try fighting fear with fear. Build a "fearbreak" around your heart now as you "fear" your heavenly Father-as you honor, respect, and obey Him. Trust Him in all circumstances, knowing He's the one who is in control of everything.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. Psalm 112:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Silas eagerly jumped out of bed one Saturday morning. This was the day he had been waiting for-the day his Cub Scout group was going to the zoo. Quickly, he made his bed and got dressed. After breakfast, he cleaned his room and changed the water in the fish bowl without waiting to be told. He wanted to make sure there'd be no possibility that he'd have to miss the outing because his work wasn't done. Then he proudly put on his Cub Scout shirt. He was ready early!

"Can I go out and play while I wait?" Silas asked his mother.

"Sure," agreed Mom, "but there's not much time. Be ready to leave."

When Silas went outdoors, he heard sounds of shouting and cheering coming from an empty lot down the street. I wonder what's going on, he thought, and he started off to find out. Several neighborhood boys were playing baseball. It looked like fun, so Silas stayed to watch. It was quite a while before he remembered Mom's warning to be ready to leave. He hurried home. "When are we going, Mom?" he asked as ran into the house.

"We're not," replied Mom. "I went out and called and called for you. I even honked the horn, but you didn't come. Mr. Jim, next door, finally came over and told me he'd seen you head for the ball game-he thought you were playing. By then, it was already past time to leave."

"But I want to go to the zoo," wailed Silas. "I didn't think you'd call so soon."

"I'm sorry," said Mom, "but it's too late now." Silas was heartbroken!

That evening when Dad asked Silas how he enjoyed the zoo, Silas told him what had happened. "So you were all dressed up in your uniform and thought you were ready to go, but you missed Mom's call?" asked Dad. "That's too bad." A moment later he added. "This reminds me that many people are 'all dressed up' in good works-thinking they're ready for heaven-but they still won't be ready when Jesus returns."

 Silas nodded. "Missing His call would be a lot worse than missing the zoo!" he said soberly.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you all "dressed up" in good works? You can go to church and Sunday school and do all sorts of good things, but none of them make you ready for Jesus' return. The only way to be ready for heaven is to put your faith in Jesus Christ. Then you'll hear His call when He comes to take His children to be with Him. Get ready by trusting in Jesus now!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be ready, for the Son of Man (Jesus) is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:44

[Soldier4Christ]

As the sun went down, two tired boys stretched out beside the campfire. "We sure had fun today," observed Jeremy, who was on a week-long camping trip with his Uncle Bob and cousin Eric. "That was the best fish I ever ate. I hope we catch lots more tomorrow."

Uncle Bob nodded in agreement. "Now let's have some spiritual food before we turn in," he said. "I hope you boys remembered your Bibles."

Eric nodded, but Jeremy shook his head. "My dad says the Bible is for weak people who can't think for themselves. He says we don't need it."

Uncle Bob frowned. "I need it," he said. "The Word of God is a very important part of my life." Taking his Bible, Uncle Bob turned to Psalm 119. "Listen to what God says about it-He calls it a light." The boys listened quietly while Uncle Bob read several verses and then led in prayer.

As the boys unrolled their sleeping bags, Jeremy slapped at a mosquito. "I think I better use some insect repellent," he said. "Where is it?"

"It's in the glove compartment of the car," said Uncle Bob. "We should have known we'd need it."

"We'll get it," said Jeremy quickly. "Come on, Eric. Maybe we'll see a bear!"

As the boys headed into the darkness, Jeremy stumbled over a log, and down he went. He stood up and saw Eric bump into an overhanging branch. "Wow! It's dark in the woods. Let's get a flashlight," said Eric, and they turned back.

"I bet you came back for this," observed Uncle Bob when he saw them. He started to hand his flashlight to Jeremy. Then he drew it back. "Hey," he said with a grin, "are you sure these aren't just for weak people who can't see in the dark?"

"What do you mean?" asked Jeremy. "Nobody can see in the dark."

"True," agreed Uncle Bob, "not in the woods, nor in life. So . . . why not use the light that can help you through life as well as the one that can help you through the woods?"

"What . . ." began Jeremy. Then he chuckled. "Okay, Uncle Bob, I get the point. You're saying we need the Bible to give us light in our lives. I'll tell Dad about that, but now may we please have that flashlight?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Wouldn't it be foolish to stumble along in the dark if a light is available? There is a light that can help you see what you should do as you go through each day. It's the light of God's Word, the Bible. Do you use it? Do you read it regularly? When you desire to follow God and seek His help each day, He'll use His Word to show you what is right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

[Soldier4Christ]

"All right, boys!" called Mr. Charles. "The tents are all up, so how about a hike up one of the mountain trails before dinner?" Nathan was eager to go. He loved the outdoors and had been looking forward to this camping trip with his Sunday school class.

The boys had hiked quite a while when they came across a spring of fresh water. Nathan took a long, satisfying drink, but Mr. Charles stopped the other thirsty boys. "Are you sure you want to drink this?" he asked. "It might be salty."

Nathan gave Mr. Charles a peculiar look. "No way!" exclaimed Nathan. "This is a fresh-water spring. I just had some of the water."

"I know what you had was good," said Mr. Charles, "but how can we be sure the next person to try it will get fresh water?"

Nathan frowned. "A spring doesn't give two kinds of water," he said. "Besides, whoever heard of a spring that had salty water?"

Mr. Charles smiled. "Good point," he said. "The Bible makes that point, too, when it speaks about controlling our tongues. Salty water can't come from a pure spring, and unkind words can't come from a heart filled with love for Jesus."

Nathan was startled. He remembered some angry words he had exchanged with Chad just that morning. I invited him to come to camp with me, and I even told him about Jesus, thought Nathan, but what I said today sure didn't show Jesus' love. He silently prayed, asking God to forgive him.

"Always remember that words can sound very cruel," continued Mr. Charles. "Be careful about what you say-even when you're teasing. If you've been careless in that area, ask God and anyone you've hurt to forgive you. Ask God to help you make sure your words come from a pure source, not a sarcastic, 'salty' one." Mr. Charles grinned as he glanced around the group of boys. "Now, who would like a drink from this spring? Believe me, it's not salty! Right, Nathan?"

"Right!" exclaimed Nathan. And in his heart, he determined to find an opportunity to ask Chad's forgiveness before they got back to camp.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do people frequently become offended by something you say? Does your "joking around" often sound biting and cruel? Ask God to help you be sensitive to the way other people feel. When you're tempted to make a sarcastic or critical remark-even if you're just teasing-examine it. Will it hurt someone who hears you? If so, think of something nice to say instead-and say it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oo-ran-os," seventeen-year-old Brad muttered, then frowned.

"Whoa!" exclaimed his younger brother Alex, coming into the kitchen. "What language is that? Swahili?"

"Oo-ran-os," Brad repeated, pronouncing it slowly. "It's Greek for heaven."

"Mom's teaching you Greek this semester?" asked Alex. "She can't speak Greek!"

Brad held up a book. "No," he said, "but she got me this book so I can gear up for when I'm in Bible College and seminary. I know I won't get it all, even with the help of the book. Greek is tough, and I'm sure I'll be studying it for years, but I figure I can get a little bit of a head start by working on it now."

"Sounds like complete gibberish," commented Alex. He pointed to a funny looking symbol. "What is that?"

"Lambda. It's the Greek letter 'L,'" explained Brad. "I know that because the author of this book says so. He's a Greek teacher."

"I couldn't help but overhear," said Mom as she came into the room. "Your Greek language study reminds me of Bible study."

"Why is that?" asked Alex.

Mom leaned over the table and flipped to the end of Brad's text book. "What does this mean?" she asked him, pointing to some writing.

Brad looked at the page. "I don't have a clue," he said. "I didn't get anywhere near that far yet."

Mom nodded. "Like you said, studying Greek will take a long time. Well, we study the Bible for years and years, too-in fact, for our entire lives," she said. "You need someone to teach you Greek and help you understand it. And we need someone to teach us and help us understand the Bible."

"Like pastors and Sunday school teachers?" asked Alex.

"Yep," said Mom, "but we can also call on the Holy Spirit to guide us. He's the one who prompted 'holy men of God'-as Second Peter 1:21 calls them-to write the Scriptures. Without the Holy Spirit helping me understand the Bible . . . well . . . it's Greek to me!" Mom laughed at her own joke.

Brad laughed with her. "Sounds familiar," he said. "Now I'd better ask God to help me make English out of this Greek."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it difficult for you to understand the Bible? Is it hard to make sense of the strange events, customs, and ideas? That's why you need the Holy Spirit. He's on call 24/7. Like a good teacher, He's there to to guide you. Sometimes He may direct you to get help from a book, a parent, or some other adult. Sometimes He may open your mind to understand a verse or passage as you spend time thinking about it on your own. Above all, the Holy Spirit is there to help you use what you've learned.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. John 14:26

[Soldier4Christ]

Erin slammed the door behind her. "Oh, that Trina is so . . . so horrid lately!" she exclaimed. A tear slipped down her cheek.

"That's too bad," sympathized Mom, "but try to remember that God wants us to be patient with one another."

"I know, but I'm getting sick of it," said Erin. "If she doesn't stop snapping at me, I'm going to . . ." The squeal of tires and the loud yipping of a dog sent Erin and her mother running out to the yard. "Oh, Mom!" exclaimed Erin. "It's Buffy. Someone left the gate open, and he got into the street!" They ran to the curb where a young man was bending over the puppy.

"I'm very sorry," he told them. "The dog ran right out in front of me. I swerved, but I couldn't miss him."

Mom knelt beside the whimpering puppy. As she reached out to touch him, Buffy snapped at her hand. "It's okay, Buffy," she said softly. Once more she reached for him, and again Buffy snapped. Erin and her mother had a difficult time, but they finally managed to get the cross little dog to the vet, who treated his cuts and bruises.

By the time they got home with a stiff and sore puppy, Dad was home, too. "I'm so thankful Buffy's okay," Erin told her father when she explained what had happened, "but he's still kind of snappy."

"That's because he's still hurting," Dad told her. "He'll need some extra love and care for a little while." Erin nodded. "By the way, honey," continued Dad, "I heard some sad news today. Trina's mother works in our office, you know, and she told me she's filing for a divorce. I thought you should know, so that you can pray for Trina and her family. She may need some extra love and care, too."

"Oh, no!" Erin took a deep breath. "I didn't know that."

"Like Buffy, Trina is hurting," said Mom. "No wonder she's been snapping a lot lately."

Erin nodded. "I'm so glad I didn't snap back at her," she said.

"I am, too," agreed Mom. "God knows what He's doing when He asks us to be patient and kind, even to those who upset us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone who's been snapping at you? Have you thought about why he or she might be acting that way? Ask yourself,  "Is this person hurting?" Maybe you won't know the answer to that question, but don't snap back. He may be facing problems he doesn't feel he can share with anyone. Such a person needs to know that God cares and wants to help him. He needs your love and kindness, your patience and your prayers, to ease the pain.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

[Soldier4Christ]

As Max and his sister, Laura, entered the big circus tent with their dad one Saturday afternoon, they saw their neighbor, Mr. Roberts. "Dad, Mr. Roberts is a policeman, so why isn't he wearing his uniform?" asked Max.

"Because he's off duty," said Dad.

"Off duty?" asked Laura. "What does that mean?"

"It means he's not working at his job today," explained Dad as the action in the rings started. "I'm off duty, too, since I'm not working at the office."

Max and Laura watched breathlessly as one of the men on the trapeze bars swung through space to be caught by another. Laura clapped her hands. "Good thing that man on the trapeze wasn't off duty!" she exclaimed.

Max laughed. "Right!" he agreed. "If he hadn't been on the job, the guy he was supposed to catch would have been in trouble big time!"

At the intermission, Dad let Max and Laura go to the refreshment stand. When they got back to their seats, Laura broke her hot dog in two. "While we waited to get a drink, a boy tried to get in front of Max and bumped him. It made Max drop his hot dog," she reported as she gave one piece to her brother, "so we're sharing mine." She grinned. "Max said, 'Excuse me,' just as though it was his fault! I couldn't believe it!"

"Well, good for you-both of you," approved Dad. "Your kind actions and sharing show you're 'on duty' for Jesus today. You never know when what you do and say may be a witness for Him."

As Max and Laura drove home from church with their parents the next day, they had news. "We had a new kid in our department," said Laura, "and guess what? It was the boy who bumped into Max at the circus yesterday!"

Max nodded. "He was in my class. He said he never went to Sunday school before. His family moved in next door to my teacher's house."

"Now I'm doubly glad you were 'on duty' for Jesus yesterday!" exclaimed Dad. "That boy probably remembers you, too. If you had been rude to him-in either what you did or said-it would have been a poor testimony for Jesus. But you were kind, so your actions were a good witness for Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember that you should always be "on duty" for Jesus? Do you watch for opportunities to witness for the Lord? Are you alert and eager to respond to others with kindness, patience, and friendliness? Are you polite at all times and everywhere-even if others are rude to you? Don't be an off-duty Christian. Be on duty for Jesus wherever you are.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

[Soldier4Christ]

"Our class is going to put on a play," Tony told his parents one evening. "There's a scene with the devil in it, and Miss Clark gave me that part, but I really don't want to do it."

"Did you tell her?" asked Mom as she picked up a casserole to pass.

"I was going to, but . . ." Tony's explanation was interrupted by his sister.

"What's in that casserole?" asked Carrie with a frown. "I'm not eating that!"

"You need to eat a little," insisted Mom. She put a spoonful on Carrie's plate and on Beth's, too.

"I was going to tell Miss Clark," Tony spoke again, "but Christi was talking to her. Christi was supposed to be a witch in the play, and I heard her tell Miss Clark she wouldn't do it. Miss Clark got mad, so I was afraid . . ."

This time Tony was interrupted by Beth. "Mommy, is it okay if I eat extra vegetables instead of this casserole, please?" she asked.

Mom hesitated. "I guess so," she agreed, "but take two more bites of that first."

"What can I do about the play?" asked Tony.

He sighed as Carrie took over the conversation again. "I'm not eating another bite of this," she announced. "Why should I if Beth doesn't have to?"

"Because your attitude is bad," Dad spoke sternly. "Beth asked politely if she could have a substitute. You declared rebelliously that you were not going to eat yours."

Mom turned to Tony. "Maybe that's your answer," she said. "Did Christi politely explain why she didn't want the part. Did she ask to be excused, or did she just stubbornly declare that she wasn't going to do it?"

"She just said she wouldn't do it," replied Tony. "In fact, she was pretty nasty about it. I guess that might be why Miss Clark got mad."

"Attitude doesn't always seem to make a difference, but whether or not our requests are granted often depends more on how we ask than on what we ask," Dad said, as much to Carrie as to Tony.

The next day Tony came in from school wearing a big grin. "Guess what? I asked Miss Clark if I could be excused from the play, and she said, 'Certainly.' A right attitude does make a difference, doesn't it?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you're asked to do something you feel is wrong, do you say no? You should, but say it in the right way. Daniel "purposed in his heart" (made up his mind ahead of time) that he would not do wrong. You need to do that, too, but don't do it with a proud or rebellious attitude. Honor God in the way you speak and act. Be respectful but firm, as Daniel was. The result may depend more on your attitude than on what you say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

As Peter picked up a bowl of warm, buttery popcorn, he scowled at his sister. "Hey, Mandy! Get out of my chair!" he ordered.

"You always get to sit by the window," complained Mandy. "I want to sit here for a change."

"It's my place," said Peter angrily, but Mandy just stuck out her tongue. "Dad! Make Mandy get out of my chair!" whined Peter, as he tugged at his sister's arm.

"It seems to me you kids have been doing a lot of fighting lately," said Dad. "Just sit down over there, Peter, so we can all enjoy our snack."

Still grumbling, Peter sat down, and soon they were crunching their popcorn and sipping glasses of Mom's freshly squeezed lemonade. "I believe you were fighting over chairs last night, too," said Dad when he noticed that Peter continued to scowl, "only then, wasn't it Peter who wanted to sit in the chair Mandy usually has?" Mandy just shrugged, and Peter nodded sheepishly.

Mom smiled. "I think it's time you kids learn to take a lemon and make lemonade," she declared.

"Make lemonade? What do you mean, Mom?" asked Mandy curiously.

Dad laughed. "She's referring to an old saying-when you get a lemon, make lemonade," he explained. "You see, this good lemonade we're enjoying started out as sour lemons. Mom didn't sit around moaning about how sour they were. She took them and made something good out of them. And instead of complaining about what happens in our lives, we should learn to make the best of every situation. The Apostle Paul said he had learned to be content in 'whatever state'-or situation-he was in. We should learn that, too."

"Maybe Mandy and I should say, in 'whatever chair' we're in," suggested Peter with a grin. "I guess I really don't mind sitting over here by the register once in a while. It's nice and warm."

"I like it, too," agreed Mandy, "but it's nice to sit here by the window sometimes. It really doesn't matter that much, does it, Peter?"

"Good." Mom smiled. "Now, how about some more lemonade?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you learned to "make lemonade" in life-to make the best of any situation? Or do you complain when you don't get what you want? The next time things don't go the way you hoped they would, please God by looking for-and finding-something good in what's happening. Get rid of your "sour" attitude and enjoy the "lemonade"!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11