Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Kara chewed the end of her pencil as she tried to think of something to write next. "Whatcha doin'?" asked her brother, Josh. "Is that your homework?"

Kara shook her head. "No, I'm writing a letter to Mr. Sandborn," she said. "You know . . . he's the missionary to South America who came and spoke at our church last fall."

"You remember him, but I bet he doesn't remember you," said Josh.

"I know," replied Kara, "but I thought he might like to get a letter since he doesn't have any family and works all alone in that village."

"Send him an email," suggested Josh. "That's much quicker."

Kara shrugged. "I guess so, but I don't have his email address. I'll do it this way."

Far away in South America, Mr. Sandborn sighed as he sat down at a table some days later. It was sweltering hot, and he was tired and discouraged. The work progressed so slowly. Sometimes I feel like I might just as well give up missionary work and go back home, he thought. He looked at the mail in his hand. Who could this be from? he wondered as he looked at a long envelope addressed in a child's unfamiliar handwriting. He opened it and took out a single page.

"Dear Mr. Sandborn," he read, "I just wanted to tell you I've been thinking about you and praying for you. I liked it when you came to our church last fall. I hope you're having a good time." The missionary smiled as he continued reading. "I remember the things you told us about having faith in God. I will try to have more faith. Because of you, I think I would like to be a missionary some day. Thank you for the help you have been to me. Love, Kara."

Mr. Sandborn sat quietly for a few moments, and then he breathed a prayer of thanks for the encouragement of that simple letter. Perhaps this is God's way of letting me know He intends to use my ministry here, he thought. Maybe I need more faith, too.

He smiled as he looked out the window at the village
children playing in the sand. Then he took out a piece of paper. He had to write
a thank-you letter to a very important person.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How could you encourage the missionaries you know? Even a child can pray for them. Missionaries often say that's the most important way you can help them. How about also letting them know you're thinking of them or have been blessed by their ministry? You can write a simple letter to a missionary-either by email or by regular mail. You may never know just how much it means to someone far away. Why not write a letter this week?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hi, Mom. We had fun at Boy Scouts today," said Ryan as he hung his jacket on a hook in the closet. "We're working on our bird badge. Did you know that a mockingbird has been known to change its tune eighty-seven times in seven minutes? What a strange bird!"

"That's amazing," agreed Mom. "Amazing and rather wonderful."

While waiting for Ryan after his basketball game the next day, Mom overheard two conversations. Jayme, one of Ryan's teammates, approached him first. "Hey, Ryan, I snitched a pack of my dad's cigarettes," said Jayme after looking around cautiously. "Wanna meet me at that old empty warehouse near my place for a smoke after dinner?"

"Sounds like fun," said Ryan, "but I can't tonight."

"Suit yourself," said Jayme, and he ran off to find someone else to join him.

As Ryan turned, he bumped into Blake, another teammate. "Hey, Ryan," said Blake, "did you hear? Jayme stole a pack of his dad's cigarettes. Isn't that awful? They're gonna . . ."

"I know," interrupted Ryan. "That's not my idea of fun!" He grinned. "Gotta go. See you tomorrow."

On the way home, Mom looked at Ryan. "How's my 'strange bird' doing today?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" Ryan looked confused.

"You told me about the mockingbird changing its tune so often. You called it a 'strange bird,' right?" asked Mom. "Well, I heard a 'little bird' change his tune pretty quickly a few minutes ago. 'Sounds like fun,' he said to Jayme one minute. The next minute he told Blake, 'That's not my idea of fun.'"

"Oh, that," replied Ryan sheepishly as he slid down in his seat a little.

Mom frowned. "I'm really pleased that you didn't agree to meet Jayme tonight," she added, "but I'm disappointed in the way you answered him."

As they neared home, Ryan said, "I should have told Jayme right out why I wouldn't join him, shouldn't I?"

Mom nodded. "But it's not too late," she said. "You could call him as soon as we get home."

"But . . ." began Ryan. Then he sat up a little
straighter. "Okay," he said. "I will!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you change your tune like a mockingbird-depending on what other "birds" are near you? It's difficult to take a stand for what you really believe to be right when your friends don't agree, but with God's help, it is possible. Daniel did it, and with God's help, you can, too.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"This year I'm going to have a garden of my own," Breanna announced when her Aunt Joy was visiting. She scowled at her younger sister Diane. "Are you biting your nails again, Diane?" she asked. "I can't stand it when you do that!" Aunt Joy frowned. She had noticed that Breanna was often scolding Diane about one thing or another.

Breanna's garden grew well, but the weeds annoyed her. "They grow faster than the plants," she complained one day as she showed Aunt Joy the garden.

"But the flowers are so beautiful!" Aunt Joy exclaimed. "And look! Your sweet corn already has ears."

"Yeah, but look at all the weeds," grumbled Breanna. She turned to Diane who had followed them. "Hey! Get your big feet out of here," she commanded. "You stepped on a plant the last time you came to see my garden!" As Diane turned and walked slowly toward the house, Breanna turned her attention back to the garden and Aunt Joy. "I do hate the weeds," Breanna added with a sigh. "I hoe and hoe, but there are always more of them."

"It's good to watch for weeds and get rid of them," replied Aunt Joy, "but I'm afraid you become so irritated about each little weed, that you hardly notice the good plants. It keeps you from enjoying your garden."

"But I do enjoy my garden," protested Breanna.

"Maybe so, but I think you could enjoy it more," said Aunt Joy. "And one other thing . . . I think you have the same problem with your sister. Don't you think you'd enjoy Diane more if you didn't look for all her faults? The Lord has given you a sister to love, and He's given her many good qualities that you could enjoy. But you keep seeing all the little things she does wrong, and you let them irritate you. Instead of thinking of those things, think of all the good qualities Diane has and enjoy your relationship with her."

Breanna didn't want to admit it, but she knew her aunt
was right. I . . . I'm going to really look for things I like about Diane, she
decided.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jake pulled a brightly colored paper from his desk drawer. What's this? he wondered, looking at it. Oh-h-h! It's my coupon for a free candy bar. I forgot all about it! He had cut the coupon out of a magazine some weeks before. Eager now to get the candy, he hurried to the store.

Jake quickly found one of his favorite candy bars. He picked it up and handed the coupon to the sales clerk. She smiled and looked at the paper he had given her. "Oh, I'm sorry, but this isn't good any more," she said. "It's expired-it's past the date printed on it." She showed him the expiration date.

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Jake. He sighed. "I never thought to look at that!" Disappointed, he put the candy back.

On the way home, Jake stopped at his grandmother's house and told her about the expired coupon. "It's too bad you didn't cash it in on time," sympathized Grandma, "but how does a glass of lemonade sound instead?"

"Sounds good," agreed Jake. He was quite sure a cookie would accompany the lemonade.

"What happened to you reminds me of a story I read about a young man," said Grandma as she filled a glass and handed it to Jake. "It was called 'Now Is the Time.'"

"It was time for him to cash in a coupon for a free candy bar, too?" asked Jake with a grin.

"No." Grandma shook her head. "That young man had often heard God's offer of eternal life to all who trust in Jesus," she explained, "but he always put off making a commitment. First he said he was too young to worry about it. When he got older, he was too busy to think about it. Then he died in an accident. As far as anyone knew, he never did receive Christ as his Savior." Grandma set a plate of cookies on the table.

"That's sad," said Jake, taking a cookie.

"It certainly is," Grandma agreed solemnly. "Your expired coupon reminds me that we never know when God's offer of salvation will expire, too."

Jake nodded. "I'm glad I already cashed in on that by trusting in Jesus," he said. "I'm glad I have the eternal life He promises."

Grandma smiled. "I am, too," she said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you "cashed in" on God's offer of salvation? Or have you been putting it off, figuring you'll have plenty of time to think about it later? Felix, who you read about in Acts, decided to wait for a "more convenient" time to trust Jesus. As far as we know, that time never came-just like it didn't come for the man in today's story. God is offering you eternal life now. Accept His gift before the opportunity "expires"-before it's too late. Receive Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

[Soldier4Christ]

"Well, Alex, what's on your schedule for tomorrow?" asked Dad as he sat down in an easy chair. "And could I have that newspaper when you're done with it, please?"

Alex grinned. "Sure, Dad," he said. "I'm finished with the comic page-you can read it now." He handed his father the paper and picked up a sports magazine. "Tomorrow afternoon we have a youth group party," added Alex. "We're having a Bible quiz at the beginning, so maybe I'll just go late."

"Oh? Why is that?" asked Dad. "You used to enjoy quizzes. Why don't you like them now?"

Alex leafed through his magazine. "Because Joel always wins, that's why. They're no fun anymore."

"I see," murmured Dad. "Do you know what chapters the quiz will cover?"

"Yeah," replied Alex, "but it doesn't matter what chapters they are. Joel will know everything in them. That guy really knows his Bible!" Alex shook his head. "The other day in science class, Joel and our teacher got into quite a discussion about creation, and Joel did really good. He quoted verses from the Bible and talked about why he believed it was true. He really knows what he's talking about."

"Good for Joel!" cheered Dad.

Alex nodded reluctantly. "I've heard him do the same kind of thing in history class," he said. "I wish I knew the Bible like that." He sighed and began reading an article about a baseball player.

Dad watched Alex for a moment. "How do you suppose Joel learned so much?" Dad asked. Alex shrugged. "Well," said Dad, "I don't think it came from reading magazines or newspapers or watching TV. If you want to know the Bible, you have to study the Bible."

Alex looked at Dad thoughtfully. He looked at his
magazine. Then, putting it down, he got to his feet. "Excuse me, please." He
grinned at his dad. "I have to go study a couple of chapters in my Bible. Old
Joel's gonna get some competition tomorrow!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wish you had more Bible knowledge? Maybe some day you'd like to know the Bible as well as your pastor or your Sunday school teacher does. Maybe you'd like as much Bible knowledge as one of your friends. It's available to you, but it won't come instantly or automatically. Listen carefully when God's Word is taught in church and Sunday school. Study it by yourself, too. That's the way to learn.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Present yourself approved to God . . . rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2 :15

[Soldier4Christ]

Jon propped his chin in his hand as he watched his grandmother mix shortening and sugar. "I'm making your favorite cake-chocolate," she said. As Jon smiled faintly, Grandma added, "Why so quiet, Jon? Something wrong?"

Jon grunted. "Everything's wrong!" he complained. "Dad's being transferred, so we have to move and I have to leave all my friends. Mom says we can't take my dog Midget-at least not until we find a place where we can keep him. Doctor Murphy says I have to wear a brace on my leg for two years. How can I make new friends wearing a metal monster like that? If God loved me, why would He let all this happen?" Jon slammed his fist on the table. "It's not fair!"

Grandma murmured sympathetically, then handed Jon a spoonful of cocoa. "Here, have a taste," she said.

"Yuk!" Jon drew back.

"How about this?" Grandma dipped a spoon into the oil and sugar mixture and held it out to him. Again Jon pulled back. "Well, then how about some flour?" suggested Grandma. "Or try this baking powder . . . or this beat up egg."

Jon frowned. "No way am I going to taste that stuff!" he declared. Grandma raised her eyebrows, and Jon grinned. "Aw-w-w, Grandma," he said, "you're teasing me."

Grandma smiled. "I am teasing you a little," she agreed, "but I hope you'll see something special. Cocoa and raw eggs and baking powder don't taste good by themselves, but when I mix all the ingredients together . . ."

"They'll end up chocolate cake!" exclaimed Jon. "Yummy! It's super good!"

"It's like that in life, too," said Grandma as she added flour to the bowl. "Remember the Bible verse that says all things work together for good in the life of a Christian? When God gets through mixing a Christian's experiences-the bitter, the sweet, the happy, the sad-life comes out good. Moving and wearing a brace are bitter experiences for you, but trust God, Jon. He'll add 'sugar' and 'flavoring,' and in the end it will be good-even better than my cake."

"Well . . . maybe," said Jon hesitantly. Then he grinned.
"When you're done mixing, Grandma, may I lick the beater?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you had to "swallow" bitter experiences? Perhaps you've had to move, you've faced illness, or your parents have separated. Maybe school is hard, you strike out in baseball games, or you often mess up on your responsibilities. Be patient. All the bitter or sour "ingredients" mix with the sweet ones-the good times you have, the good scores you make in school or sports, the praise you receive for a job well done. Trust God to take all that happens and use it for your good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
All things work together for good to those who love God. Romans 8:28

[Soldier4Christ]

Joanna skipped up the walk and rang the doorbell. Then she burst into the house. "Grammie! Guess what? Daddy's coming to get us. He'll be here tomorrow, and we'll leave next week!" Joanna spun around on tiptoes.

Grammie sighed as she hobbled into the room. "I thought he was going to wait until school was out before he moved you to the coast."

"Daddy said he couldn't wait any longer! He has to have his family with him." Joanna stopped short. "I wish you were really my grandma and could move there with us."

Grammie smiled. "Well, I'll miss you, honey, but you and your family need to be with your father," she said. "Maybe I can visit you someday."

That evening, as Mom and Joanna were busily getting some things packed for their trip, the telephone rang. After talking to someone a few minutes, Mom sank into a chair and closed her eyes. As she turned to Joanna, she wiped a tear from her eye. "I have to tell you some sad news, honey," she said. "That call was from Grammie Wilson's neighbor. They just found Grammie. She was sitting in her rocking chair, looking as if she were asleep, but they couldn't rouse her. She apparently died from a heart attack."

"Oh no, Mom! That can't be," Joanna cried out. "I just saw her a few hours ago, and she was fine."

"I know," said Mom, wrapping her arms around Joanna, "but the Lord took her home to heaven. She's happy now with Him."

Joanna sighed sadly as Mom tucked her into bed that night. "Try to sleep," said Mom. "Tomorrow Dad will be here."

"I guess Grammie's heavenly Father just couldn't wait any longer to have her with Him," said Joanna. "It was time for her to move to His house." She looked at Mom thoughtfully. "Do you think Grammie was as glad to see her heavenly Father as I will be to see my daddy?"

"I'm sure of it," Mom replied. "Yes, I'm sure of
it!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love moved to heaven lately? Of course, you will miss that person, but try not to be too sad. Remember that when a Christian dies, he is simply moving to a better place. Think of the joy he is experiencing by being with his heavenly Father. And if you are a child of God, some day you'll move to your heavenly Father's "house," too-you'll move to heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1

[Soldier4Christ]

The boys outside Paul's Sunday school room were talking and laughing loudly,
but when he approached, it got quiet. "What's up?" Paul asked.


"Nothing, since you got here," muttered Kurt. "We gotta be careful what we
say or do around a PK;a preacher's kid. Right, guys?" The boys laughed, but Paul
was embarrassed.


The following day, Paul and some friends went sliding. "Ouch!" yelled Paul
when he took a nasty tumble. "Oh-h-h-h! My leg! It hurts! I think it's broke!"
The other boys ran for help.


Paul was right. His leg was broke, and it required surgery. By the second day
of his hospital stay, his bedside table was filled with cards, games, and books
from people in the church. He also enjoyed having many visitors.


"You sure get a lot of attention," observed his roommate, Kyle.


"A lot of people know me because I'm a PK," said Paul. "That stands for
'preacher's kid.' My dad's a preacher."


"Yeah?" grunted Kyle. "Well, I think PK stands for 'privileged kid.'"


Paul grinned. "There's a new thought!" he said. He was quiet for a few
minutes. "I've complained a lot about being a preacher's kid, especially when
other guys made a big deal about it," confessed Paul, "but maybe you're right. I
guess I do have a lot of privileges I've taken for granted."


When Paul's dad stopped in later that afternoon, Paul grinned at him. "I used
to complain to you about being teased because you're a preacher," said Paul. "I
even wished you had some other job. But guess what? I decided being a PK is a
good thing!" He pointed to his roommate. "Kyle, here, says it should stand for
privileged kid."


Dad looked over at Kyle. "That's great," he said, "and you know what? With
that meaning, you don't have to be a preacher's kid to be a PK. Any kid who
knows Jesus as Savior is a PK;a privileged kid. And any kid can be one." Dad
paused, and looking at Paul's roommate with a smile, he added, "You can be a PK,
too, Kyle. May I explain?"



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a PK; a privileged kid? You are if you're a Christian. Maybe you feel left out when you see some of the things other kids do. Maybe you sometimes think being a Christian is almost a trial, especially if kids make fun of you. Don't fret over the world's reaction to your faith, and don't envy the world's goods and pleasures. You are richly blessed. Your sins are forgiven, you're on your way to heaven, your heavenly Father cares for you, and He answers prayer. He's all you need.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You (Christians) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . . His (God's) own special people.

1 Peter 2:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Jody stared at the bulletin on her lap as her classmate Laura walked to the piano. After reading a few lines, Jody took out her Sunday school paper. I'll see if there are any good stories in here, she thought as Laura began to play a piano solo. Jody didn't want to hear it. After church everyone would talk about how Laura had mastered the piano, and Jody didn't want to hear that, either. Laura's no older than me. Why can she play so good? wondered Jody. I wish I could play in church like she does.

That week, the annual all-school track meet was held at Jody's school. "Jody, you're the fastest runner in the class," her gym teacher had announced a few weeks earlier. "We'll sign you up to run the cross-country race. I know you'll do a good job for our school." Jody had been excited when all the other students had clapped in approval. Now she confidently waited on the sidelines for her race to begin.

"Hey, Jody! Are you ready to go beat 'em all?" Hearing the question, Jody turned to see Laura walking toward her. "I know you can do it," added Laura.

"I hope so," mumbled Jody. "I'll do my best."

"I wish I could run as fast as you do," said Laura. She sighed. "But I probably wouldn't even beat a turtle."

Jody looked at Laura in surprise. After a moment, she laughed. "That's funny," she said. "I always wish I could play the piano as well as you, and you wish you could run as fast as me."

Laura grinned. "I guess we're both pretty silly."

"I guess so. I even tried to keep from hearing your piano solo last Sunday," confessed Jody, "but I heard you anyway. You did a great job."

"Thanks," said Laura, just as the gym teacher came to get Jody for the next race. "I hope you win, Jody!"

When Jody got home that afternoon, she told her mother
about her conversation with Laura. Mom smiled. "I think you and Laura both
learned an important lesson," she said. "We shouldn't waste our time wishing we
could do something someone else is doing. Our job is to use the abilities God
gave us the best way we know how."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever wished you could do something as well as someone else-write, play an instrument, or draw? Have you even disliked someone because of his or her abilities? Today's Scripture gives an example of terrible sin that was committed because of envy. Remember, God made each person unique and gave each one different abilities. Don't be jealous of someone else's talent or the attention he may be getting. Instead, be happy with the talent God gave you, and use it to serve Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. 1 Corinthians 13:4

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jason," called Mom. "I heard that our new neighbors have a boy about your age. Have you met him?"

"Yeah," mumbled Jason. "His name is Mark. He's in my class, but I don't want to hang around with him. He looks weird, and I don't want the other kids making fun of me."

"He looks weird?" asked Mom. "What do you mean?"

"He wears odd clothes," replied Jason, "and his hair looks like it was cut with a weed chopper. He's really strange, Mom." Seeing his mother's frown, Jason headed for his room. "I'll change my clothes and start mowing the lawn," he said before she could object to his remarks. When he was out of hearing, he scowled. "I can be friends with whoever I want!" he muttered to himself.

At dinner that evening, Mom set a bowl on the table. "I thought we'd try a new kind of fruit," she said, pointing to green, knobby balls in the bowl. "Jason, you're the fruit lover in this family. Try one of these."

Jason laughed. "You've got to be kidding!" he said. "That's the strangest fruit I've ever seen!"

"I know. It's called ugli fruit," said Mom, "but I've been told it's very good. I'll cut one." She took one of the green balls and sliced into it, revealing a juicy, pink fruit. "I was told it tastes something like a tangerine."

"Okay, I'll try it," said Jason, "but don't expect me to like it." Picking up a slice, he took a small bite. "Hey! It's good!" he exclaimed in surprise.

"I'll try some, too," decided Jason's sister Meg. She popped a piece into her mouth. "Yummy!" she said, taking another piece.

 "You'd never guess that something so ugly on the outside would be this good," said Jason.

Mom looked thoughtful. "What's on the outside doesn't always match what's on the inside," she said. "That's true of people as well as fruit."

Seeing his mother looking directly at him, Jason
remembered his comments regarding the new neighbor boy. "All right, I know what
you're telling me," he admitted. "I'll talk to Mark tomorrow and get to know him
better."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you judge kids by their looks and how they dress and fix their hair? Or do you get to know them before you decide how much time you'd like to spend with them? God cares about what's inside a person. You can't see as He can, but remember that kids' physical appearance and clothes are not of greatest importance. Get to know people. Choose Christians for best friends, but be friendly to all-no matter how they look.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Olivia had always liked to hear how her parents fell in love with her when they first saw her at the adoption agency. But as she approached her twelfth birthday, the fact that she was adopted didn't seem so entertaining any more. I don't really belong to anybody, she thought one day as she picked wild berries in a field near her home. Sure, my folks have taken care of me since I was six weeks old, but they just took me in. I'm not really part of their family.

Olivia was feeling quite sorry for herself, when a rather dirty, very skinny little dog timidly approached her. "Hi, little guy," Olivia send gently. "You look like you haven't had a bath or a meal for a long time. I'll bet someone dumped you along the road. Why don't you come live with me?" It didn't take much coaxing before Olivia got the hungry puppy to follow her home. I wonder if Mom will let me keep him, she thought. Nice word- 'mom.' Too bad it isn't true.

Olivia's mother saw them approaching the house and went out to meet them. "Did you bring company for supper?" she 'asked, dropping to her knees and stroking the little dog. "I wonder if he has a name? He doesn't look like he's got a home."

"Can I keep him?" Olivia asked eagerly. "Let's call him 'Bingo.'" She was delighted when her parents decided she could keep the dog unless his owner was found. It wasn't long before Olivia felt as though she'd had Bingo all her life.

"Well," said Dad one morning, "it looks as if your adopted dog is happy here with you, Olivia."

"Adopted!" Olivia exclaimed. "Dad, he's not adopted. He's my very own dog!"

"Of course he is," replied Dad, "but he wasn't always your dog, you know."

A slow smile crossed Olivia's face as the truth sank in. That's right! she thought. Bingo and I really belong together, even if it wasn't always that way-and Mom and Dad and I belong together, too. Bingo wouldn't want to be any place else in the world, and neither would I!

 "Being adopted isn't a bad thing, you know," continued Dad. "In fact, all of us who are Christians are adopted, too. We're adopted into God's family."

Olivia giggled and gave her dad a big hug, "We're one
big, happy family of 'adoptees'-even Bingo," she said.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you adopted? To be adopted is a wonderful thing-it makes you part of a family. You may or may not have been adopted into your physical family, but if you're a Christian, you've been adopted into God's family. When you trust Jesus as Savior, you become a child of God. Have you put your trust in Him? If not, do so today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 4:4-5)
God sent forth His Son . . . that we might receive the adoption as sons.

[Soldier4Christ]

Christopher buried his face deep into his pillow and cried softly. He did not hear anyone come into his room, but a gentle touch caused him to look up from his bed and see his mom. "What's the matter, honey?" she asked as she sat down beside him. "Is there some problem I can help with?"

Christopher felt a warm blush color his face. He didn't really want to tell his mother what was bothering him. "S-something happened at s-school," he stammered finally. "I . . ." Christopher paused. "I lied to Aaron, and now he won't talk to me," he blurted out. "He knows I lied."

"Why did you do that?" Mom asked gently.

"I . . . I don't know," mumbled Christopher. He sniffed. "I told him I was sorry, but I don't think he believes me. I don't blame him."

"Are you really sorry?" asked Mom. Christopher nodded. "Then give your friend time to learn to trust you again," advised Mom.

"I don't think he'll ever believe me again," said Christopher sadly.

"Honey, do you remember when your Dad and I used to give you piggyback rides?" asked Mom. Christopher nodded, wondering why Mom had brought that up. "You thought it was so much fun until you slipped off one day and hit your head on a chair," said Mom. "After that it took you a while to trust us enough to try it again."

"But I finally did!" Christopher said eagerly. He thought he knew what his mother was getting at.

"Yes, and I'm sure Aaron will trust you again, too," said Mom. She patted Christopher's back. "It takes time for people to trust one another again," she said, "but let me tell you something wonderful." She smiled. "When you're truly sorry for the wrong you've done and confess it to God, He forgives you right away. There may still be sad consequences for what you've done-like a friend who won't speak to you for a while. But you need to believe God when He says He forgives you. Accept the fact that Aaron needs time to get over what happened. Meanwhile, be a good friend to him and help him learn to trust you again. Do you think you can do that?"

Christopher nodded. "I'll be a great friend!" he
promised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever felt you might never be forgiven for something you did? If you're really sorry and confess your sin, God will forgive you right away. That doesn't mean you won't be punished or suffer any consequences for what you did, but God will forgive you, and He'll help you make things right with others, too. Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive. Psalm 86:5

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'm the only girl in my class who has to ride a bicycle everywhere I go!" stormed Kim as she picked up her library book. "The other girls' parents take them whenever they have to go somewhere!" She glared at her mom and dad.

"Kim, we've been through all this before, but I don't think you've really listened," said Mom. "Shall we go over it again?"

Kim scowled and headed for the door. "I have to get to the library," she grumbled. She hurried out to the garage, slamming the door behind her.

Mom sighed. "Well, we might as well enjoy a few minutes of quiet," she said. "Tony's taking a nap."

Dad nodded. "Might be a good time to clean the garage," he suggested, and the two of them went out and got busy.   

Just as Kim, who was still angry, returned from the library, a voice rang out from the house. "Mommy?"

Mom grinned at Dad. "Peace and quiet just went out the door," she said. She lifted her voice. "Tony, we're . . ."

"Mommy!" The little boy's anxious cry drowned out her words.

Mom tried again. "Tony," she called, "we're out here in . . ."

"MOMMY!" A terrified wail split the air. Dad and Mom, followed by Kim, flew into the house. Tony stood in the kitchen, sobbing. "I . . . I . . . I thought you left m-m-me," he whimpered.

"If you'd listened for a minute, you'd have heard Mom calling," Kim scolded crossly as Mom gathered Tony into her arms. "She answered you, but you were yelling so loud that you couldn't hear her."

Dad nodded. "That may be true," he said, "but Kim, honey,
before you scold Tony for not listening, I think you need to ask yourself how
well you've been listening to Mom and me lately." Kim blushed. "We ask the Lord
daily to help us make the right decisions concerning things involving you,"
continued Dad, "and it's time you learned to listen. Let's sit down and talk
about the things that are bothering you."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think your parents don't understand you? Have you tried to understand them? Have you really listened to them? God has given them the responsibility of using their experience and wisdom in guiding you. He has given you the responsibility of listening to them and obeying them. Use the ears He gave you to hear what they have to say.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Proverbs 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom frowned when she heard Noah's bedroom door close with a bang. She headed for his room. "Noah, you know better than to slam doors," she said. Mom paused as she noticed tears in his eyes. "What's the trouble?" she asked as she sat down beside him on the edge of the bed.

Noah sniffed. "I had a rotten day," he told her. "I got a 'D' on my English test-the one I spent an hour studying for. The guys in gym class always make fun of me because I miss the basket so often. And now it's raining, and I've got to bag all my papers before I deliver them!"

"Well, honey, I'm sorry you've had a tough time." Mom put an arm around his shoulder. "Tell you what . . . I'll help you study for your next test. English was my favorite subject, so we'll see if we can bring that grade up. And why not ask Dad to play basketball with you on weekends? After school, you can practice what he teaches you. Just do your best, and you'll gradually improve. As for your paper route, I can help you bag your papers tonight-I'll even drive you this time. And remember that Dad and I love you, and God does too." She stood up. "Come on, honey. Let's get started with those papers."

Before climbing into bed that night, Noah knelt and began to recite the little rhyming prayer he had learned when he was small. He stopped in the middle of it. That's not what I really want to say, he thought. As he remembered the events of the day, he recalled the suggestions his mother had made to help him with his problems. It had helped a lot to talk with her about his problems. He also thought about the help she and Dad had already given him. Then another thought struck him. I guess I can talk to God just like I talk to Mom and Dad.

Before he knew it, Noah was telling God about his bad grade and the guys teasing him in gym. Please help me do better in schoolwork and in basketball, he prayed silently. Thanks for listening, and thank You for parents who love me. Thank You that You for caring about all the stuff I do, too.

Noah finished praying, got into bed, and pulled up the
covers. I'm going to talk with God more often, he decided.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you having problems in school or with your friends? Would you like to pray about your problems, but you're not sure how to do that? How about just talking to God as you would to your parents or to your closest friend? Tell Him about your problems and ask for His help in handling them. Tell Him about the pleasant things that happen to you, too, and thank Him for them. God loves and cares for you. He wants you to talk with Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Trust in Him (God) at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him. Psalm 62:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Megan and Matt sat together at the kitchen table and studied a new catalog that had come in the mail. Megan pointed to a picture. "Look at this cute outfit, Mom. I want one like this,"

"It is nice," agreed Mom, "but we won't be ordering anything just now."

"Aw, Mom! Can't I get it?" whined Megan. "All my friends would just love it!"

"And I want one of these talking robots," said Matt, turning several pages. "It's voice-activated and everything! See? Couldn't you get one for me? Please? It's not all that expensive!"

Just then, they heard a noise coming from the window. "Meowr-r-r!" whined Fluffy, their cat.

"Look at him!" Matt laughed. "He's watching those birds out in the front yard again."

Megan joined in the laughter. "You're so silly, Fluffy," she said. "You keep watching those birds all the time. Don't you know by now that you can't get them through the window?"

Mom looked at Fluffy. The cat's tail twitched in frustration as he stared intently at the birds he couldn't reach. "Fluffy is silly, isn't he?" she agreed. "Almost as silly as two children I know."

"Us? We're not silly," protested Matt. "He looked at his sister. "Well, I'm not anyway."

Mom smiled as Megan playfully gave her brother a shove. "Fluffy is making himself miserable by longing for something he can't have," explained Mom. "I think both you and Megan have the same problem. You know we're not going to be buying anything new right now, yet you persist in thinking about the things you can't have instead of enjoying all the things God has allowed you to have. I'd say you're at least as silly as Fluffy."

The children were silent for a moment. Then Matt put the
catalog down. "I guess you could be right," he admitted. "Come on, Megan. Let's
go play that new game we got for Christmas." Matt looked back toward the window.
"Hey, Fluffy!" he added. "You'd better come along, too!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things you'd like, but you know you can't have them right now? Do you spend time daydreaming about how nice it would be to have them and wishing you could get them? Don't allow your mind to dwell on what you can't have. Instead, enjoy all the things God has given you. As an old song puts it, "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. " You'll be surprised at how many blessings you have. Learn to appreciate them and be content.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be content with such things as you have. Hebrews 13:5