Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Julie stared at the television set, mouth ajar. Those pictures are terrible-they're wicked! she thought, but she didn't turn the TV off. I'll watch it just a few more seconds. Before she knew it, the show was over, and she'd watched it all. Oops! Julie felt a little guilty. Oh, well. I won't watch it again.

As Julie turned off the TV, her mother came into the room. "I'm glad you shut that off," said Mom with a smile. "So much stuff on TV has a bad influence on us, whether we realize it or not." As Julie nodded, the back door slammed, and little Benny came in crying. "What's wrong, Benny Boy?" asked Mom.

Benny raised his chubby little hand and showed a his mother a large red welt. "I got stinged by a bimblebee," he sobbed. "I was playing with my twuck, and the bee stinged me."

"Come on-we'll go take care of that," said Mom putting an arm around Benny.

Julie watched as Mom checked to make sure the stinger was out and gently washed the sore spot. "My science book says bees put a little poison in your skin when they sting you," Julie told her.

"If it's just a wittle poison, why does it hurt so lot?" Benny asked.

"So much," Julie corrected him, then answered his question. "I guess a little poison goes a long way."

Benny went out to play, but every now and then, he came back in to say the sting still hurt.

Julie sighed. She was having problems, too-problems of a different kind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase from her mind the images she had seen on TV. They stayed with her when she went to play outside, when she did her chores, and when she sat down to read.

Benny scowled as he came back in. "That bee had wots of poison," he announced, "not just a wittle."

Mom smiled and gave him a hug as she spoke to Julie.
"That reminds me of what we were saying about TV programs," said Mom. "The
poison in a bee's stinger is like the influence of the world on a Christian.
Just a little bad language or a few wrong pictures can go a long way to have a
bad effect on a person's thoughts." Julie nodded. She'd found out how true that
was.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about what you see on TV? Be smart and turn the television off if there's nothing worth watching. But it's not only TV that influences your thoughts. Books, magazines, and movies do, too. If they cause you to have bad or unwholesome thoughts, put them away or throw them in the trash. Satan likes to "sting" you-to fill your thoughts with "poison." Don't let him do that. Ask Jesus to help you keep your mind and thoughts pure.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will set nothing wicked before my eyes. Psalm 101:3

[Soldier4Christ]

Jeff dribbled the ball past Eric and shot it toward the basket. He winced as it hit the rim and bounced off. "Missed it again!" he exclaimed.

"Maybe your two-week vacation got you out of practice," said Eric.

"I guess so," agreed Jeff. "I meant to practice while we were gone, but you don't find many basketball courts at motels."

When Jeff arrived home, he talked with his mother while he enjoyed a snack of milk and cookies. "I missed way too many baskets, Mom, " he said. "I'm all out of practice. I think I'll see if Eric will go to the gym with me for a while after supper."

Mom frowned. "Don't you have Bible Club tonight?" she asked.

Jeff shrugged. "It won't hurt if I miss one more time," he said.

Mom wiped up a spill of milk. "You know what happened when you let up on basketball practice," she said. "You lost some of your skill." Jeff looked puzzled. "We can get 'out of practice' when it comes to spiritual things, too," continued Mom. "One way to keep 'in practice' spiritually is to study God's Word-and then, of course, also practice what we learn from it. If we don't do that, we're apt to find ourselves doing and saying things that are not pleasing to God."

Jeff nodded. "But . . . can't I practice spiritual things without going to Bible Club tonight?" he asked. "I mean . . . well . . . I go to church and Sunday school and we have devotions every day, so why would it hurt to skip Bible Club just one more time?"

"One more time might not hurt so much," Mom said, "but then again, it might be the beginning of a habit. Before we left on our trip, you said you meant to practice basketball while we were gone, but it didn't work out that way, did it? You may mean to skip Bible Club just once more and to study God's Word in other places, but as you know, what we mean to do doesn't always get done. So . . ."

"So I'd better get to Bible Club before I get as out of
practice with that, too," said Jeff. "Okay. I'll wait till tomorrow to work at
basketball again."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you work hard at things like school work, music, or sports? It's good to work on these things-it takes practice to become good at them. It also takes "practice" to become a strong Christian. Be faithful in doing the things that build your faith-things such as studying the Bible, following God's commands, spending time with other Christians, and praying. Practice them-make them a frequent and regular part of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." Luke 8:21

[Soldier4Christ]

"Do we have to leave already?" moaned Becky as she and her family prepared to go home. They had spent the last few days with Grandpa and Grandma Smythe and had enjoyed long talks, jokes, and good fellowship with one another. Now the time had come to say good-bye-a long "good-bye" because in less than a week, Becky's family was leaving for Peru to serve as missionaries.

Grandma put an arm around Becky. "Grandpa and I hate to have you go, too," she said, "but we'll be in touch. I'm so glad we can talk by phone and through email letters. We'll be praying for each other, too. Time goes fast, and before you know it, we'll be together again."

"Oh, dear," said Mom as she looked out the window. "I think we should have left earlier. It looks like fog is settling in. I don't care much for driving through fog." Since they had brought several items to store in their grandparents' attic, Mom had driven the family car while Dad drove a truck they had borrowed.

"The fog lights on this truck will pierce through the mist pretty well, so I'll lead the way," said Dad. "Just follow me and keep your eyes on my taillights. I won't go very fast. Just trust me, and I'm sure you'll do fine."

When they left, Mom nervously gripped the steering wheel, but as the children sang choruses and Scripture songs, she gradually relaxed. It was tiring, however, and everyone was glad when they finally arrived home safely.

"As I was driving, I couldn't help but think that God was using this fog to prepare us for the work He's called us to do in Peru," said Dad after he had led in prayer to thank God for their safe arrival home. "Because we're going to an unfamiliar country, the future seems 'foggy' to us. The people, customs, and language are unknown to us. We don't know just what's ahead, but God knows all about it. He'll take care of us."

"You're right," agreed Mom. "I couldn't see very far
ahead in the fog, but I had your taillights to guide me, and we have God's Word
and the Lord Himself to guide us as we go to Peru. We can trust Him to see us
through any 'foggy' times that come our way."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does an unknown future upset you? Do you worry about going to a different school or an unfamiliar town, living with a new stepparent, or handling some other new situation? God knows your fear and He knows your future. Read His Word for instruction and encouragement. Pray for wisdom. There will be both fun times and difficult times in life, but God-and only God-knows just what the future holds. As you trust Him, He will guide you and help you with any challenge you face.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
This is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death. Psalm 48:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Okay, I'll try again," said Chelsea. Turning, she jumped into the pool with a huge splash and swam for only a short distance. Then she grabbed the side of the pool and gasped for air. She looked at her father in dismay as she climbed out. "I'm beginning to think it's hopeless, Dad."

"You're doing better, Sweetie," Dad assured her as he offered her a towel. "Don't give up. But come on. Let's take a break."

Chelsea and her father went to the concession stand, and Dad bought hot dogs, chips, and drinks. After they sat down and he thanked God for the food, Chelsea took a bite of her hot dog. "Dad, you know my friend Latisha?" she asked. Dad nodded. "She's going to Vacation Bible School with me," said Chelsea, "and Miss Amy always gives an invitation for kids who want to be saved. Latisha says she thinks she'll be okay. She says she knows she's not good enough yet, but she's trying hard to do better and thinks she's improving. I've tried to explain that we're not saved by being good, but I don't know how to convince her."

"Wow! Let's think about it a bit," said Dad. A moment later he asked, "Does Latisha swim?"

Chelsea laughed heartily. "About as good as I do, and that's not very good."

Dad smiled. "Maybe you could ask her if she could swim all the way from California to Hawaii?"

"To Hawaii!" exclaimed Chelsea. "Neither of us can swim even halfway across the pool!"

"How about Olympic swimmers?" asked Dad. "Could they swim from California to Hawaii?"

"Well, no," replied Chelsea. "They couldn't swim that far. Even an Olympic swimmer would get too tired after a while."

"Exactly," said Dad. "Even the best swimmer in the world isn't good enough to swim from here to Hawaii. If someone tried, he'd have to be rescued-or saved. Similarly, even the best person in the world is never 'good enough' to get to heaven on his own. Everyone has sinned, and no sin can enter heaven. Only Jesus can rescue us-save us-from our sins."

Chelsea nodded. "I'll tell Latisha again." She smiled.
"I'm sure she'll agree nobody's good enough to swim to Hawaii, and maybe this
time she'll understand that nobody's ever good enough to get to heaven, either.
We all need Jesus."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize you'll never be "good enough" to get to heaven on your own? You may try very hard to be good-you may even be improving-but it's not enough. It's great if you're helping with chores at home, offering friendship to kids at school, doing what you can to help hurricane victims-in general, doing all the nice things you can. But none of your good deeds can take away your sin. That's why you need Jesus to save you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. Titus 3:5

[Soldier4Christ]

"Today was Pastor Wilson's birthday, and our Sunday school department had a party for him," announced Jonathan on the way home from church. "It would be fun to be a minister. That's what I'm going to be when I grow up."

Dad smiled. "I don't know how much 'fun' it would be," he said, "but I'm sure it's rewarding."

"Could we stop at Grannie Nelson's and check on her before we go home?" asked Mom. Dad nodded.

"Do we have to?" Jonathan groaned. "I'm starved, and you know how she talks and talks and talks."

"She's lonely," replied Mom, "and she needs somebody to minister to her."

"If she needs a preacher, shouldn't you tell Pastor Wilson?" asked Jonathan.

"I didn't say she needed a 'preacher,'" said Mom with a smile. "What I said was that Grannie Nelson needs a 'minister.' Not all of us can be preachers, but we can all be ministers-even you, Jonathan! You just said you want to be one."

"That's what I want to be when I grow up," said  Jonathan. "That is, if I don't starve to death first-I'm hungry." He frowned. "But I'm not old enough to be a minister now."

"Sure you are," said Mom. "One definition of 'minister' is 'servant.' So today you can minister to Grannie Nelson-you can serve her."

"Aw-w-w," Jonathan growled. "You're just kidding, aren't you? Pastor Wilson isn't a servant."

"He certainly is," Dad corrected. "He is a servant of God, and he serves other people."

"If you're not willing to serve others, Jonathan, you cannot be a minister," added Mom.

"You learned about Samuel and how he ministered unto the Lord, even when he was a child, didn't you?" Dad asked as they turned into Grannie Nelson's driveway. "He did that by serving Eli. He probably did such things as light the lamp in the tabernacle, sweep the floors, and run errands."

Jonathan took a deep breath, "Well, that isn't exactly
how I had it pictured, but . . . okay, I guess I'd better start now. Maybe
Grannie Nelson needs her sidewalk swept."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that you can be a "minister" of God right now? You're His minister when you serve Him by serving others. Look around you. Find one person today to whom you can be a minister. You may be surprised how much fun it is! And as you serve people, you are actually ministering to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Matthew 20:26

[Soldier4Christ]

"Man, have I got a hard assignment tonight!" complained Cody as he and his brother and sister pulled up chairs around the kitchen table to do their homework. Cody dug his history book from his backpack. "I have to memorize a bunch of dates about the Civil War. We're being tested on them tomorrow."

Austin opened his history book, too. "Well, I'm learning about Revolutionary War battles," he said. "They're not so easy to keep straight, either."

Armed with newspapers, scissors, paper, and a glue stick, Sara smiled at her brothers. "All I have to do is to cut out articles for our current events project," she said. "That doesn't sound too hard compared to what you guys have to do."

Cody grinned. "Well, don't cut out anything important-like the comics."

The three children worked quietly for a while. Then Sara sighed. "This paper is full of articles about things like hurricanes and wars and crimes. It would be nice to find something good to report."

Austin looked puzzled. "There must be something good in there."   

"Yeah," agreed Cody. "After all, politicians on TV always talk about how they're gonna make the world a better place!"

Mom, who was preparing dinner, listened to the children as she coated chicken pieces in crumbs, arranged them in a pan, and slipped them into the oven along with potatoes. She nodded. "What you say is true," she agreed, "but we really shouldn't be surprised to find things getting worse."

"We shouldn't? Why not?" Cody asked.

"Well, world leaders talk about peace, but they often leave God completely out of the picture, and without Him, there will never be permanent peace on earth," explained Mom. "The Bible says there will always be wars and rumors of war."

Sara shivered and pulled her sweater closer. "That's kind of scary," she said. "Who knows what awful things might be happening by the time we're grown up!"

"We can have peace of mind no matter what happens," said
Mom as she tore pieces of lettuce for a salad. "God is in control, and He's
working out His perfect plan. The best part is that someday He will come back to
take us to be with Him forever." She smiled at Sara. "Now that's good
news!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder why the world isn't getting better as many politicians promise? Do you feel afraid when you hear of bombings and huge storms and terrorists? Remember that God is still in control. Trust Him-not promises made by people-and enjoy peace in your heart in spite of the dreadful things that go on in the world. Look forward to the time Jesus will come again to take those who love Him to heaven where they'll be with Him forever.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

[Soldier4Christ]

When Nick's friend Darien came to play, Nick proudly showed him his new chameleon. "He eats bugs," said Nick, dropping a few into the terrarium.

   Darien watched. "Hey!" he exclaimed after a few minutes. "Where did those bugs go? One minute I saw them, and the next . . . they're gone!"

   "He ate them," said Nick.

   "No, he didn't," Darien replied. "I was watching him."

   "Yes, but a chameleon's tongue is fast-Dad says it's as fast as lightning," said Nick. "Photographers use slow motion cameras to learn their eating habits." He grinned at his father, who had entered the room. "A chameleon's tongue is longer than its body," added Nick. "It's shaped like a tube, and it's sticky on the end. It's like a weapon that can easily whip out and capture its prey. Right, Dad?" Dad nodded as he grinned back at the boys.

   That evening, a song Nick's grandmother had taught him popped into his head. "Oh, how I love Jesus," he sang. "Oh, how I love . . ." Nick stopped right in the middle of a sentence. "Leave him be, Tara," he ordered his little sister. She was wiggling her fingers around in the chameleon's terrarium home. "He's my pet, not yours! Leave him alone!" Nick reached over to pull Tara's chubby hand from the container. "Don't ever play with my chameleon again, you hear?" The next moment . . . CRASH! The terrarium plunged to the floor. "Now look what you've done!" yelled Nick angrily. "Tara, you are so clumsy! Why do I have to have such a dumb sister?" He quickly put the chameleon back in its home and began to pick up twigs and leaves that had spilled onto the floor.

   Dad, who saw and heard what happened, frowned. He spoke sternly to Nick as Tara ran toward her bedroom, sobbing. "Nick," said Dad, "your tongue and words attacked your sister like your chameleon's tongue attacks his lunch. His tongue sticks to bugs, and I'm afraid your hateful words have stuck to Tara like glue. One minute you were singing about loving Jesus, and the next you were spitting out hateful words. How do you think Jesus feels about that?"

   "But, Dad . . ." began Nick. Then he lowered his eyes. "I
. . . I'm sorry," he murmured. He hesitated, then added, "I'll go
apologize."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use your tongue like a weapon and say hurtful things? For example, if you get angry, do you call your brothers and sisters or your friends ugly names? Do you say unkind things to them? The old saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is not true. What you say can hurt others-sometimes for a long time. Be careful to always speak kindly and say things God is pleased to hear. If you really love Him, it should show in your speech.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
One . .. speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 12:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Colton waited in his seat until every student in his classroom had lined up at the door to go to the cafeteria for lunch. He was very nervous. It was his first day at Jefferson School, and he didn't know anyone. Some of the boys and girls in Colton's class had smiled at him when he had first come into the classroom, but now they ignored him as they lined up with their friends.

Lord, help me make a friend! Colton prayed silently as he walked down the unfamiliar hallway to the cafeteria. He followed the students through the lunch line and walked to the tables reserved for fifth graders, looking for a place to sit. Laughing and talking went on all around him. He heard a group of boys at one table talk about how they were going to "teach someone a lesson" during recess. At another table a girl was talking about a TV show Colton's parents didn't allow him to watch. Colton hesitated. He wasn't sure he wanted to sit down at either one of those tables. He was very discouraged.

Then Colton noticed something, One boy was praying! Right there in the cafeteria, he had bowed his head and closed his eyes to pray. Maybe he's a Christian, thought Colton. He walked over to the table. "Hi," said Colton timidly. "Can I sit here?"

"Sure," agreed the boy. "My name is Seth."

Colton sat down. "Thanks. I'm Colton, and I'm new here. I thought maybe . . . ah . . . were you praying just now?"

Seth nodded. He looked at Colton, then added hesitantly, "I . . . um . . . I'm a Christian."

"So am I!" exclaimed Colton. "We just moved to town, and I don't really know any kids, yet. I . . . I've been praying that God would help me meet a new friend."

Seth grinned at Colton. "There are other Christian kids around, too," he said. "You can meet them at recess. You'll like it here."

Before he ate his lunch, Colton bowed his head. Thank
you, Lord, he prayed silently. Thank you for the food you gave me to eat. Thank
you very much that Seth prayed at lunchtime. Help me always dare to let other
kids know I belong to you.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you brave enough to pray in public? Or are you sometimes embarrassed to talk to the Lord in front of your friends? Talking to God is a very special privilege, and it may be an encouragement to other Christian kids. It will also be a testimony to those who don't know Jesus. Sometimes it's easier to pray publicly if two or more pray together. Do you know another Christian in your school? Talk about this with him or her. Then you can eat-and pray-together.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Be) continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, Mom," said Luke as he helped her in the kitchen after dinner, "you know Mr. Hahn always assigns Bible verses for us to read each week. This week they're from First Corinthians. I already read them, but . . . I don't get it! The Apostle Paul says he has to talk to the people like they're babies and feed them milk. That doesn't actually mean milk like we drink, does it?"

"No, but many of those people were acting like baby Christians," explained Mom as she stacked dishes in the cupboard. "It's something like . . . Wait! " She smiled. "Let's listen to a cassette I came across this week. I think you'll enjoy hearing it." She got the tape, put it into the cassette player, and turned it on.

As Luke and his mother sat down to listen, he heard giggles and then Dad's voice. "Welcome to the Browns. It's September 16, and Luke is three years old. He's going to tell us what he did in Sunday school today."

They heard more giggles and then, "I played with toys, and builded with blocks, and . . . and we sanged, and I sanged loud, and my teacher telled a story."

Luke laughed. "Is that really me talking?" he asked as the babyish voice went on to recite the ABCs. "I sound so little!"

"You were little," agreed Mom. "You don't sound like that or talk that way now, do you?"

Luke grinned. "I sure hope not!"

Mom smiled. "It was cute then, but if you talked like that now, it wouldn't be cute anymore," she said. "Just like it's important to grow physically, it's important to grow spiritually. Many people in Corinth had been Christians for quite a long time, but they still were acting and talking as though Christianity were something new to them." Mom sat back in her chair. "They had accepted Christ as Savior, but instead of obeying what God was teaching them, they argued over things-such as whether Paul or Apollos was the best preacher." She paused, then added, "We need to be careful not to be like that ourselves. It's a good idea for us to check and see how our spiritual growth is coming along."

Luke nodded. "I wouldn't like to sound like a
three-year-old all my life-like I sounded on that tape," he said with smile,
"and I wouldn't like to sound like a baby Christian all my life,
either!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been growing spiritually, or do you still act like a baby Christian? Here are some ways to measure your growth:  Do you know more about God this year than you did last year? Can you quote more Bible verses this month than last month? Are you obeying God's commands and serving Him more quickly than you did before? Spiritual growth comes through talking to God, reading your Bible, learning more about the Lord, and serving Him. Make sure these things are part of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word (the Bible), that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad looked up from his workbench as Jeremy pedaled his bike into the garage. "Hi, Jeremy. Did you have a good time at Ben's house?" asked Dad.

Jeremy frowned. "Not really," he said, looking upset. He swallowed a sob.

Dad's brows went up. "Why don't you get a snack and then put on some old clothes and come help me?" he suggested. "While we paint the lawn furniture, maybe you can tell me what happened."

Soon Jeremy appeared in old jeans and T-shirt. "Okay, what do we do?"

"Here are the paint and brushes," Dad said, "and now I'll show you how to paint these chairs."

As they got to work, Jeremy poured out his worries. "Brian Parker's mom is sick, Dad, and some kids say she's going to die. I'm his best friend, and I guess I should go see him, but I wouldn't know what to say." Jeremy sniffed loudly.

Dad dipped his brush in white paint and stroked it on a chair arm. "I understand how you feel, but I'm sure Brian needs you now. In situations like this, you often don't have to say much. Just be there and listen. I think you should go."

"I can't do it, Dad. I'm just a kid," choked Jeremy.

Dad nodded. "I know. That's what the prophet Jeremiah said when God told him to preach, but God said it was no excuse. God said He'd give Jeremiah the words to say." Dad motioned toward the chair Jeremy was painting. "When I asked you to help me paint, I supplied the tools and the paint to do the job. When God has a job for us, He also supplies whatever is needed to get the job done. And He gives us the grace to do it. He'll give you the right words to say to Brian-and He'll show you when it's time to just listen."

Jeremy still looked doubtful. Dad put an arm around his son. "Will it help if Mom and I go with you after dinner? I think Brian's family needs us, too. Okay?"

Jeremy nodded. "Having you come along sure would help," he said.

That evening, Jeremy and his parents called on the
Parkers, and Mom took along a loaf of fresh, homemade bread. After a short
visit, they headed back home.  Jeremy smiled as he looked at the moon
peeking through the trees.  "You were right, Dad.  Brian needed me,
and his folks needed you.  I'm glad we went."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something you feel God wants you to do- like visit a sick person or tell a friend about the Lord?  Have you been saying, "But I'm just a kid.  I can't do that"?  If God asks you to do a job, He'll give you the "tools" you need to handle it.  He'll give you the right words and show you what to do.  So stop making excuses.  Truest God, and just do it.  You'll feel a lot better after you do, and you'll have the joy of knowing you helped someone.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bob closed his door, threw himself on his bed, and pounded his fist into his pillow again and again. "It's not fair!" he growled out loud. "I use a few words that Dad says all the time, and I get sent to my room! No one punishes him."

"What do you say we have another break?" asked a loud voice. Startled, Bob glanced out his open window. Three men were working on the road in front of his house.

"Good idea," answered the tallest one, and two of the men walked to a nearby tree and flopped down in the shade. The third, a dark-haired man, kept working. Soon one of the others came back and tried to persuade him to join them.

The dark-haired man shook his head. "No, Pete. I've already had my break this afternoon," he said as he pushed his shovel.

"Haven't we all?" replied the other man. "So what's to keep us from taking another one? Harry's gone for the day, so who's to know or care? Besides, George over there has been with the company a long time-way longer than us, so he's kinda like our boss now that Harry left."

"Well, Mr. Grant wants this job finished today, and we'll have to push to get it done," replied the third man.

The other one laughed. "You're crazy to turn down a chance to loaf on the job-especially when the boss does."   

"Maybe you think it's foolish," the dark-haired man said, "but I wouldn't feel right taking what isn't mine-time or anything else. Besides, I work for Mr. Grant. He's the real boss on this job."

Wow! That guy's really honest! Bob thought as he turned
from the window. He keeps working even when the other guys set a bad example for
him. I . . . I guess I shouldn't follow bad examples, either. I'm a Christian,
and-like my Sunday school verse said-I'm supposed to be serving God. I guess
it's like He's my boss, so . . . well, even though my own dad uses bad words, I
should do what God wants. He sighed. I'll have to apologize to Mom, too. Then a
new thought came to his mind. Instead of following Dad's example in this, I
should be an example to him if he's ever going to accept Jesus like I
have.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of example do you set? Perhaps people you love and generally respect set poor examples for you. You may hear them say bad words or see them cheat or do other things that are not right. When that happens, it's probably hard for you to do what you should. But if you're a Christian, you serve Christ. Do and say what He approves of, not what others are doing or saying-even if they're parents, teachers, or other adults. Set a good example for anyone who may be watching you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24

[Soldier4Christ]

Brad cut doors and windows in a refrigerator carton, put an old throw rug in it, and climbed inside. His little brother scooted in, too, but before long, Mom heard little Joey crying. "Mommy!" he sobbed. "Brad won't let me play in his castle anymore!"

"He keeps messing up the rug and jumping around inside," complained Brad. "I'm afraid he'll wreck it." So Mom persuaded Joey to play with a new truck in his own room.

Things were peaceful for a while, but then Mom again heard Joey crying. When she went to investigate, she was surprised to see him crouched inside the big box in Brad's room, crying as he peered out the window. "Brad won't let me out of the cage!" he sobbed.

"Brad!" scolded Mom. "Take that chair away from the door and let Joey out." Brad sheepishly moved the chair, and his little brother scrambled out quickly. "What were you thinking, Brad?" asked Mom sternly. "You know that's no way to treat your brother!"

"He kept trying to get in, so I thought if I made him stay in there for a while, he'd get tired of it," explained Brad.

Joey scowled. "Brad said I was a monkey in a cage," he protested. "I don't wanna be a monkey."

Brad grinned. "An hour ago, Joey was crying to get into my box," he said, "and now he couldn't wait to get out!"

As Mom hugged Joey, she couldn't help smiling, too. "That's because you turned your castle into a cage," she said. "It's still the same box, but Joey didn't see it as the same." Mom looked thoughtfully at the castle-turned-cage. "You know, that's a little like the way people view the will of God," she added.

"It is?" asked Brad. "How so?"

"Some people see His will as a 'cage.' They think doing
God's will would keep them from ever being happy because they wouldn't get to do
what they want to do," explained Mom. "But those who know the Lord well consider
His will to be the happiest 'castle' on earth. They want to obey Him, because
they know being in His will is the best place to be. It all depends on how you
look at it!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you really enjoy serving the Lord and doing His will? Or do you do your chores, work in the nursery, sing in the choir, or witness to your friends halfheartedly, out of duty or habit? The place God wants you to serve Him may seem like a "cage" or a "castle," depending on how you look at it. It's the only place where you can find lasting happiness.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I delight to do Your will, O my God. Psalm 40:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Science is really fascinating," marveled Karl, as he painted a model fish for his science fair project. "Did you know that fish can live in deep water, because the pressure inside their bodies is as strong as the pressure of all the water?"

"That is incredible," Dad agreed.

"My teacher calls it a wonder of nature," said Karl. "He says Mother Nature has done wonderful things."

Dad raised an eyebrow. "Nature is wonderful," he said, "but I hope your teacher doesn't mean that anything in nature creates itself or has power of its own. God,not Mother Nature, is the Creator of nature. He's the one who designed fish that way." Dad paused. "For part of your project, maybe you can find a way to demonstrate that nature is made by Intelligent Design-by God."

"How would I do that?" asked Karl.

Dad thought for a moment, then picked up a bucket of blocks from the floor and handed it to Karl. "Here . . . dump these out," he instructed.

Karl looked at the blocks. "Dump out Patsy's blocks?" he asked. When Dad nodded, Karl shrugged. "Okay," he agreed, and he dumped the blocks into a pile on the floor.

Dad looked at the blocks. "No good," he said, putting them back into the bucket. "Do it again."

Karl frowned, but he did it again . . . and again. When Dad picked them up the third time and told Karl to dump them, Karl became annoyed. "Why? How long are we going to do this?" he asked.

Dad smiled. "I want the blocks to land in a perfect castle," he replied. "I don't know how long it will take for that to happen."

"Dad!" protested Karl. "Count me out on that project. It won't happen. Blocks can't put themselves in place and create a castle!"

Dad smiled. "You're right, of course," he agreed. "Nothing in nature has power to create and put itself in place, either. God is the Creator of all things."

"Even fish, right? I get the point." Karl chuckled. "May
I take these blocks to school tomorrow? I'll show this illustration to my
teacher, and then I think I'll include it in my science fair
project."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who doesn't believe God is the Creator of all things? Is the theory of evolution taught in your school? Have you ever taken the opportunity to present the truth of creation? Perhaps you could go to your church library or to your pastor for help in finding a way to share that truth effectively with others. And don't forget to praise God for His great creative power! It's truly awesome!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, can I make some lemonade?" asked Joanna.

"Can you? It does seem questionable," teased her brother Trent. "After all, it takes a certain amount of ability to make lemonade."

"Oh, hush," scolded Joanna with grin. "May I make some lemonade, Mom?"

Mom laughed. "You can and you may," she said. "I bought some packages of fruit drinks yesterday. Just add the sugar and water, and be sure to stir it well."

"I will," agreed Joanna. She went to the cupboard and took out the box containing fruit drink mixes.

"Stick with lemonade," advised Trent. "It's my favorite."

Joanna made a face at her brother, but she took out an envelope showing a bright yellow lemon. After carefully measuring sugar into a pitcher, she picked up the lemonade packet. She was going to tear it open, but then she held it up and inspected it closely instead. She ran her fingers up and down both sides. Then she took a different packet from the box and compared the two-shaking them and feeling them with her fingers.

"Oh, brother," said Trent as he rolled his eyes. "I think I was right. I'm not sure she can make it."

Joanna ignored him. "Mom," she said, "I don't think this packet has a thing in it. It feels empty."

"Well, find out," advised Trent. "Rip it open and let's see if there's anything in there."

"No! Wait!" exclaimed Mom. She took the packet and checked it. "You're right, Joanna. It's empty, but don't tear it open. I want to use it as an object lesson for my Sunday school class."

"An object lesson?" asked Joanna. "An object lesson of what?"

"It reminds me of people who pretend to be Christians," replied Mom. "Like this packet, they look fine on the outside-they're faithful in church, they memorize verses, they're generous and kind. Other people are often fooled by what they see."

"Just like you were fooled by this packet when you bought it," said Trent.

Mom nodded. "But God isn't fooled by anyone. He sees the
heart of each person, and He knows which ones truly trust Jesus as Savior. Those
who don't are really empty."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to be pleasant, helpful, kind, and faithful in church so people will think you're a good person? Are you aware that none of the good things you do can save you? You may fool people-you may even fool yourself-into thinking you're a Christian because you're a nice person, but you're not fooling God. He can see whether Jesus is living in you or if you're really empty inside. Trust in Jesus as your personal Savior today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:8-9)
By grace you have been saved . . . it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

[Soldier4Christ]

Todd's father looked over at him as Sooki yelped and whined to be let off her chain. "Why don't you bring Sooki in for the night?" suggested Dad.

"Okay," agreed Todd. He went out, released the puppy from the chain, and brought her in. He patted her fondly as he sat down on the floor beside her. "Silly dog," he said. "We have a nice fence so you can run all around the yard and still not get hit by any nasty old cars, but do you appreciate it? No. You dig out, so then we have to chain you even though you hate it. It's your own fault, see?"

Todd's sister Carrie nodded. "If Sooki could understand how much we love her and want her to be safe and happy, I bet she wouldn't try to get loose," observed Carrie.

"She's a lot like us, isn't she?" said Dad with a smile. Everyone turned and looked at him. "God loves us, so He has put up a 'fence' for us, too-He has set limits for us," he explained. "He does this so we'll be safe and still have all the room we need for our activities. But sometimes we feel sure there must be something better outside the 'fence.' We think God's laws limit and restrict us too much, though they actually give us freedom."

"I bet the Ten Commandments are the 'fence' God has set for us, right?" asked Carrie.

"The Ten Commandments along with all the other principles for living found in God's Word," replied Dad. "They provide a guideline for us, and we ought to pay attention to them."

"Right," said Mom, "and don't forget-obeying parents' rules is part of following God's laws, too."

Dad nodded. "When we realize how good God is to us and how much He loves us, we find we want to live to please Him because we love Him, too," he added. "Then the 'fence' God gave doesn't feel like something that hinders us in any way, but rather as something that keeps us safe."

 "Well," said Todd thoughtfully, "whenever I start to feel like God's laws, or your rules, are too strict, I'll think about Sooki and how fences keep dogs-and me-safe."

"Me, too." Carrie nodded and gave the dog a pat. "You're
a good teacher, Sooki," she told him.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do God's guidelines for living sometimes seem too strict to you? All the blessings He has given you, and all Jesus has done for you, show that He loves you very much. He doesn't want to spoil your fun, but He wants to keep you safe. He knows the dangers you face if you leave the protection of His "fence." Believe His laws are for your good, and ask Him to help you stay within His boundaries so that you may live a happy life of service.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. 1 John 5:3