Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Zach enjoyed visiting his grandparents in Florida each winter. It was fun to wear shorts and sandals on the warm beach while his friends wore coats and boots and tromped through the snow and cold in Minnesota.

As Zach and his grandfather walked down toward the ocean one day, Zach could still see a lot of destruction left after a hurricane had come through the area months before. In some yards, broken tree limbs and pieces of buildings were piled up. In other places, homes were being repaired. Some houses looked empty with big holes in roofs open to the sky. "It must cost a lot of money to repair all these houses," said Zach. "I guess people should prepare for hurricanes and be careful where they build."

"Most people did prepare for the storm, but perhaps some houses were built too close to the ocean," agreed Grandpa, "and others weren't built strong enough. There are some disasters-like the hurricane-that are too big to adequately prepare for. Many houses were destroyed by the storm surge-the fierce waves that the hurricane winds blew in."

When they reached the shore, Zach was amazed. "Wow! The waves are huge today, too!" he exclaimed.

Grandpa nodded. "Yet these waves are small and not very destructive compared to those in the storm surge." He paused. "This morning I read in my Bible about another kind of waves," he added.

"What kind were they?" asked Zach.

"I was reading the book of Jude. It says people who teach false doctrine are like waves," Grandpa explained. "They twist and change what is written in the Bible like the raging waves changed this beach. The storm surge from the hurricane destroyed the property of some of the people who lived here, but false teachers destroy the people who believe what they say."

"Whew!" exclaimed Zach. "I guess it's even more important to listen to people who teach exactly what the Bible says than it is to be prepared for hurricanes, right?"

"Right," approved Grandpa. He looked around. "It takes
time, effort, and money to rebuild after a hurricane. Only God can rebuild the
life of someone swept away by false teaching."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you watched waves beat against the shore? They're interesting to see, aren't they? But they can do a lot of damage. False teachers are like that. They may be interesting when they speak and may even quote Bible verses sometimes, but they're preaching their own doctrine, not God's. Remember that anyone who says Jesus isn't God is a false teacher. A true teacher of God's Word admits that we're all sinners and must trust in Jesus for salvation. It's the only way to get to heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Jude 1:12-13)
These (false teachers) are . . . raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame.

[Soldier4Christ]

"One, one-thousand, two, one-thousand, three, one-thousand, four . . ." Garret counted as lightning streaked across the sky. He cringed a little as a loud crash of thunder split the air. "I'm counting to see how many seconds there are between the lightning and the thunder," Garret told his sister. "My science teacher says you can figure out about how far away the storm is because sound travels slower than light. Every second is about a quarter of a mile. So . . . that lightning was less than a mile away."

FLASH! An extra brilliant streak of lightning seemed to cut the sky in two. BOOM! BaBOOM! A loud crash of thunder immediately shook the windows. Suddenly it was pitch dark in the house. "The storm got here," Garret announced.

"Oh, Garret," Melissa grumbled. "Ouch!" She stumbled over a footstool in the dark. "Mom!" she called. "Where are you? Please come here!"

Mom came into the room and set a lighted candle on the table. "The lightning must have knocked out the electricity," she said. "We'll have to see by candlelight for a while-just like they did years ago."

Before long, the storm was over, but the electricity was not back on. "I'm surprised at how much light that one little flame gives," said Melissa as they looked at the flickering light of the candle.

 "You are the light of the world," Garret suddenly blurted out. He grinned. "Last week's Sunday school verse just popped into my mind because of that candle!"

"I've learned that one, too," said Melissa, "and the one I learned last week says we're supposed to let our lights shine before men. Our teacher says we do that when we do things that please God."

"I always thought the little bit I could do didn't amount to much," said Garret, "but look what a lot of difference one small candle makes."

"I'm glad you noticed that," said Mom. "The things we do
may seem small to us, but everything we do for Jesus is important to Him. We
never know who may see Jesus in us because of the way we live." Just then the
house lights came back on. "It's good to have electricity again," she added,
"but I'm glad it went out for a while. I think it reminded us of some important
things!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you letting your light shine for Jesus? Do you feel as though there's not much you can do to let it shine? That isn't true! Remember, it only takes one small flame to chase away the darkness. Obeying parents and teachers, being helpful and kind, showing love, forgiving others, being patient-these are just a few of the many ways to let your light shine. Anything you are able to do for Jesus is worthwhile.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

[Soldier4Christ]

"Which do you like best, Grandma," asked Missy, "your dog or your cat? Mom says I can get either one, and I'm trying to decide which I'd rather have."

"I'll have to think about that," said Grandma. She picked up Ashes, the cat, and sat down with her pet on her lap. Ashes immediately jumped back down.

"I guess she doesn't want to be petted," observed Missy.

"Not right now anyway," said Grandma. She picked up a tennis ball and showed it to the little dog lying at her feet. "Dusty! Fetch!" she ordered as she rolled it down the hall. Immediately, Dusty chased after the ball, brought it back, and laid it down. "She wants to do what pleases me," observed Grandma. "She always likes to spend time with me."

"I think I'd rather have a dog then," Missy decided.

"Both animals have good points," said Grandma. She smiled. "Each can teach us lessons about ourselves and our relationship to God."

"So . . . Dusty teaches us to spend time with God and please Him, right?" asked Missy. Just then a ball of gray fur landed on Grandma's lap. "What do you learn from Ashes?"

Grandma reached out and stroked the cat's head as Ashes settled down. "When Ashes does jump on my lap, it's special because it's her choice to come to me, and I like that," said Grandma. She smiled. "Do you remember the robots we saw at the science fair? They did whatever they were commanded to do. Do you think you'd like a hug from a robot?"

"No." Missy giggled. "It would feel stiff and hard. A hug from a robot wouldn't mean much because a robot wouldn't really care about me."

Grandma shook her head. "God created us with a free will, and He's pleased when we come to Him-not as robots, but because we want to."

Missy nodded. "But I still don't know which you like best," she said. "Come on, Grandma. Tell me whether I should get a dog or a cat."

Grandma laughed. "God created each one special in its
own way, and I like them both," she said. "You'll just have to make up your own
mind as to which you would rather have."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a pet or know someone who does? What kind of animal is it? God made all the animals, and He often teaches us lessons through them. Can you think of something you might learn from a gerbil? How about from a horse? Or a lion? Even if you can't think of a specific lesson they teach, you can enjoy seeing and learning about the various animals God has created.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"It's not fair!" stormed Karen angrily. "Kim lied, and Mrs. Edwards punished me! She made me stay inside during recess, and all the kids laughed. They thought it was funny, but I was so embarrassed!"

"But what happened, Karen?" prodded Mom.

"Kim told Mrs. Edwards that I was the one who scribbled on everyone's test papers. It wasn't me, Mom," cried Karen. "Kim did it because she thought she had failed, and she was just mad at everybody who didn't."

"Are you sure Kim did it, honey?" asked Mom. "How do you know that?"

"I saw her. Mrs. Edwards was on duty on the playground, and I hadn't gone outside yet," Karen explained. "But Mrs. Edwards believed Kim and not me! Why should I be punished for her bad behavior?"

Mom put an arm around Karen and handed her a tissue. "I'm sorry about this, honey." Mom spoke softly. After a moment she added, "When something like this happens to me, it makes me think of Jesus."

"Jesus?" Karen sounded surprised. "Why?"

"Jesus did nothing wrong His entire life," explained Mom, "yet He took the punishment for our sins. How do you suppose He felt?"

Karen shrugged, "A lot like me, maybe?"

"Maybe," said Mom, "but even though He was humiliated and wasn't treated fairly, He didn't complain. And He forgave those who treated Him so badly." Mom hugged Karen. "I've found that when I go through even a little bit of the kind of treatment Jesus experienced, it helps me understand a little better what He went through and what He did for me. That makes me feel closer to Him. Can you understand what I'm saying, honey?"

Karen nodded and attempted a smile. "I feel like getting even with Kim, but I understand that I shouldn't," she said.

"The Bible says we should forgive one another like God forgave us," added Mom, "so why don't we stop a minute right now and ask Him to help you forgive her?"

"Okay," agreed Karen, and she bowed her
head.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever punished when it's not your fault? Do you try to get even and make the guilty person pay? Next time this happens, pause a moment and think about Jesus. Try to behave the way He would. Remember that He forgave those who mistreated Him, and He asks you to follow His example. Will you do that today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

[Soldier4Christ]

Ricky felt so heavy inside. He sat slumped on the steps as he watched Uncle Bob help his mother carry the furniture from the house. If God cared, He wouldn't have let this happen, Ricky told himself. His dad had moved out and filed for a divorce. Now Ricky and his mother were moving to a smaller, cheaper house. He had cried and begged and raged, but nothing had changed-except him. Ricky felt bitter and angry. He didn't even try to pray anymore. God doesn't care anyway, he reasoned, so why bother talking to Him? But he felt terribly lonely. Not only did he miss his dad, he missed his heavenly Father, too.

Mom patted Ricky's shoulder and smiled as she and Uncle Bob came up the steps. She must not care, either, or she couldn't smile, Ricky thought angrily. Maybe it's her fault Dad left. Maybe she asked him to go.

"Ricky," called Mom, "please come and help us with this heavy dresser."

Scowling and grumbling, Ricky went to help. As he stooped over to help lift one end, Uncle Bob exclaimed, "No! No! That's not the way to lift it, Ricky. You'll hurt your back that way. Watch me, and do it this way." Uncle Bob bent his knees and lifted his end of the dresser and then put it back down. "Lift your load with your knees, not your back."

Mom sighed deeply. "You know, that's just what I've been doing, Bob."

"Good." Uncle Bob nodded. "You don't need a backache on top of your heartache."

Mom gave Uncle Bob a little smile. "I'm not talking about lifting the furniture,"she said. "I'm talking about my heavy heart. I've been lifting it to God on my knees in prayer. It's the only way I can manage to keep going."

"Good for you, Sis," approved Uncle Bob.

"I've found it's not the load that can hurt you, it's how you carry it," added Mom. "I don't want to get bitter. I want to keep trusting God."

Uncle Bob turned to Ricky. "How about you, Ricky?" he asked. He put a hand on Ricky's shoulder. "How are you carrying your heartache? You need to lift that load with your knees, too. Let your heavenly Father help you carry it."

   Tears blinded Ricky, but he managed a smile. "I will,
Uncle Bob," he promised. Then he bent his knees and lifted his end of the
dresser.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you carrying a heavy load? Does it seem you have more than your share of troubles? Has someone you love left you? Is a friend or relative desperately ill? Are there problems with friends or with schoolwork? No matter what your problems are, don't try to carry them alone. Get on your knees and lift your load to the Lord in prayer. As you look to Him and trust in Him, He'll help you carry it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Casting all your care upon Him (God), for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, Sam! I hate to see all these boxes in your house!" Alex exclaimed.

Sam's eyes filled with tears, but he quickly wiped them away, hoping nobody noticed. His voice trembled a little as he spoke. "I know. I wish we didn't have to move so far away, but Dad lost his job, you know, and he has a new one waiting in another city."

Alex sat down on the floor. This can't be real, he thought. This all has to be just a bad dream. My best friend can't be leaving. But Alex knew it was true.

"I don't want to move, but we have to," said Sam. He sat down next to Alex. "I'm going to miss all the guys-especially you!" Alex just nodded his head.

On the day Sam's family left town, Alex went to see them off. When he returned home, he sat on his bed, staring out the window and trying not to cry. God, what am I supposed to do? his heart cried out. None of the other guys seem interested in the stuff I like! Sam and I hit it off so good, and now he's gone!

"Honey," Alex's mother spoke from the doorway, "I know this is a very hard day for you. It's okay to hurt-and to cry."

Alex sniffled. "Oh, Mom! Sam and I spent so much time together. What am I going to do now?" he asked.

Mom wrapped her arms around Alex. "Well, for starters, you could let out all those tears you're holding in," she said gently.

"But crying is for babies," protested Alex. "I'm not a baby!"

"Crying doesn't mean you're a baby," said Mom. "It's something that helps us heal. Even Jesus cried."

"I remember reading that," said Alex. He paused. "Jesus wept," he quoted. "That's the shortest verse in the Bible, isn't it? It happened when his friend Lazarus died." For a few minutes Alex and his mother were silent. "If I cry, will it make me feel better?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Mom smoothed Alex's hair. "I think so," she said. "It usually does."

Alex nodded as tears slipped down his cheeks. After
allowing himself a good cry, he gave his mom a little smile. "I'm glad it isn't
just babies who cry," he said. "I feel better, but I'm still going to miss Sam
an awful lot."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel ashamed about crying? When you're injured and it hurts a lot, or when you learn someone you love is ill, you may think you should blink away the tears. But remember, it's okay to cry-for boys as well as for girls! It's one way God provided for you to find relief when you're sad or hurt. He sees all your tears, and He cares. And a day is coming-in heaven-when God will wipe all tears away!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book? Psalm 56:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look out!" yelled Cindy as Caleb, a neighbor boy, turned his bike right in front of her. When Cindy tried to stop quickly, her tires skidded, and she toppled onto the hard gravel. After a moment of stunned fright, she stood up and slowly limped home. "Look at my knee, Mom! It hurts so bad," she whimpered, trying not to cry as she told her mother what had happened.

"I'm sure it hurts," sympathized Mom as she examined the knee. "Small pieces of gravel are imbedded in that cut. We'll have to get them all out or the sore could become infected." She got some tweezers, sterilized them, and carefully dislodged each tiny piece of gravel. Cindy winced and felt her eyes fill with tears, but she clenched her teeth and didn't complain. "Your knee may be sore for a few days," said Mom when the cut was cleaned and bandaged, "but it should heal just fine."

"That Caleb! I'll never play with him again," stormed Cindy. "It's all his fault."

"Whoa!" cautioned Mom. "Be careful! God is not pleased with anger or bitterness. Don't let them stay in your heart, honey. They're like gravel. Remember what could have happened if gravel were left in your knee?"

"You said it could get infected," replied Cindy.

Mom nodded. "Yes, and if sin-such as anger and bitterness-is allowed to remain in our hearts, it can lead to trouble, too," she said. "So what should we do about it?"

"Get rid of it by asking Jesus for forgiveness," said Cindy promptly.

"That's right," agreed Mom. "We should also ask forgiveness of anyone who's been hurt by our sin."

"I shouldn't stay mad at Caleb, should I?" Cindy looked thoughtful. "I think he was scared-he just hurried home. I'll let him know it's okay. But last Saturday, I . . . ah . . . I said I felt sick because I didn't feel like helping Grandma wash windows," Cindy confessed. "I wasn't really sick, and it's bothered me all week."

   "So how can you get rid of that 'gravel'?" Mom asked gently.

   "Well . . . I did tell God I was sorry, and I guess . .
. Oh, I know! I'll call Grandma and tell her I'm sorry for not helping," said
Cindy. "And first thing Saturday morning, I'll go wash her
windows."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a sin that you're allowing to remain in your heart? Are you angry with someone? Jealous of somebody? Been unkind toward a family member? Maybe you can ignore that sin right now, but doing so won't bring you happiness. In fact, it may cause an "infection"-it may cause additional trouble and unhappiness. Don't let sin control your life and thoughts. Confess it to God and make things right with anyone who may have been hurt by your holding on to it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

[Soldier4Christ]

Lindy lay on her bed, her eyes filled with tears. "Go away!" she snapped when her father tapped on her door.

"Don't you want to go fishing with me?" asked Dad.

"I didn't know it was you," said Lindy, quickly jumping to her feet. She brushed at the tears with her fingers. "Wait for me! I want to go with you."

Soon Dad and Lindy were sitting on the riverbank, hoping the fish would bite. "What's bothering you, honey?" asked Dad. "You spend a lot of time in your room lately . . . and I haven't seen many smiles on your face."

"Oh, Daddy," wailed Lindy, "nobody wants to be my friend. When I ask kids to play or to come over, they all make excuses. They're selfish and hateful!"

"Everybody?" Dad raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, everybody!" Linda declared crossly. "I . . . Oh! Get away! Get away from me!" Lindy dropped her fishing pole as she jumped to her feet and pointed to a large turtle a few feet from her. It was glaring at her and snapping furiously.

"Not a very friendly fellow, is he?" asked Dad with a smile. "Leave him alone, and he won't hurt you."

Lindy shuddered. "I'll be glad to leave him alone," she declared. "Let's find another spot for fishing. They aren't biting here anyway."

"Lindy," said Dad when they were settled in a new place, "when that turtle started snapping, what did we do?"

Lindy looked at her father in surprise. "What do you mean, what did we do?" she grumbled. "We got out of his way, of course."

Dad nodded, "Do you think it could be that everyone leaves you alone because you've been acting like that turtle-glaring and snapping at those who cross your path?" he suggested. Lindy scowled. "That snapping turtle wasn't very friendly, was he?" continued Dad. "You aren't very friendly, either, when you snap at anyone who speaks to you."

"Well, I . . . I . . ." Lindy sighed.

"How about telling me what's really been making you
'snappy,' honey?" suggested Dad. "Let's see if we can find a solution. 
Okay?"  Lindy slowly nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have people been avoiding you?  Is it because you've been snapping at them?  If something in particular is bothering you, why not discuss it with Mom or Dad or some other godly person, and ask the Lord to help you settle it, too.  God's Word is filled with practical wisdom, and one thing it teaches is that your tongue can cause you all kinds of trouble.  Check your attitude - and the way you use your tongue.  Ask God to take control of it.  Use it in ways that please him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Scott came into the living room carrying Snowflake, who purred and snuggled comfortably in his arms. "I'm so glad you let me keep this kitten, even though we already had two cats," he told his parents. "Snowflake is the only one that will let me pick her up and carry her anywhere I go." He sat down on the sofa, and Snowflake curled beside him. "See? She'll just rest here, nice and quiet beside me, as long as I want her to."

Mom smiled at them. "Well, Scott," she said, "I guess that's because you've been so gentle with her ever since she was tiny."

"I know," answered Scott, "but I treat Jemimah the same way, and if I pick her up, she howls and cries the whole time I hold her. She's so nervous and jittery. She just waits for a chance to run off."

Dad nodded. "She's that way with all of us," he said.

"Maybe that's because she had a deprived 'kittenhood' before we got her," suggested Mom. "She wasn't treated well when she was little, and I don't think she ever got over it. We've taken good care of her all the years we've had her, but she's never learned to trust us completely."

"And that Tangerine!" added Scott. "I never even try to pick him up! I don't want to be scratched!"

Dad put his newspaper down. "These three cats remind me of the ways people react to God's 'picking them up' and placing them where He wants them," he said slowly. "Think about it-which one do you think you're like?"

Scott looked at Snowflake, still lying peacefully beside him, and grinned. "I hope I'm like Snowflake," he decided, "content to be wherever God puts me."

Mom nodded. "That's how we should be, but I'm afraid that, once in a while, we're more like Jemimah-nervous about everything that happens. Or like Tangerine-too full of our own plans."

"We can all pray for grace to be content where God has
placed us," said Dad with a smile. "We're happy as we trust Him in both the
pleasant periods of our lives and in the difficult circumstances we must
face."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has God placed you in a difficult spot-such as a broken home, a new school, or a class you don't enjoy? Don't be nervous and jittery about your circumstances, waiting for a chance to go a different way. And don't be so full of your own plans that you can't trust God. Learn to be content with His plan. God loves you, and He knows best. Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Thus says the Lord God . . . "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"How was Mrs. Forsyth today?" asked Mom when Alyssa returned from her weekly visit with their elderly neighbor.

"As always," Alyssa answered. "She was reading her Bible as usual."

"I'm so glad she can still read," said Mom as she dried her hands.

"But why does she always read the Bible?" asked Alyssa. "I like to read, too, but I don't want to read the same book all the time."

"Well, Mrs. Forsyth is eager to know all God has to say," explained Mom.

"She's read the Bible so often, she ought to know it by heart," said Alyssa as her older sister came in. "Hi, Kara," Alyssa greeted her. "I thought you'd be at Holly's house all morning." As Kara headed for the closet, Alyssa followed her. "Did Holly hear from Jordan? When's he coming home? Are they engaged yet? Does she have a ring?" asked Alyssa excitedly.

"Yes, she got a letter from him. He should be home some time next week. And no, they're not engaged as far as I know," replied Kara with a grin. "Any more questions?"

"Jordan's through college now, and I should think they'd get engaged-they've been going together for so long," said Alyssa. "What did he say in his letter?"

"I wouldn't know. Holly never read it," answered Kara. "She said the letter her mother handed her was from Jordan, and then she put it on her dresser." Kara frowned. "That's kind of odd, isn't it? She hardly ever mentions him unless I ask about him."

"Doesn't she love him? If she does, why wouldn't she read his letter? I should think she'd read it over and over!" exclaimed Alyssa. She shook her head sadly. "Poor Jordan," she said. "If he loves Holly, he must feel really bad that she doesn't seem to care about hearing from him."

"That's interesting, honey," said Mom, "and I think it
answers your question about why Mrs. Forsyth would read her Bible over and over.
It's because the Bible is God's love letter to her-and to everyone, actually-and
Mrs. Forsyth loves to hear from God. We should, too. Imagine how God must feel
when people don't care to hear from Him!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read the Bible-God's letter to you? It tells you how much He loves you and that He is willing and able to help you anytime, anywhere. It teaches you how He wants you to live. It will help you make right and wise choices. If you love God, open His letter and see what He has to say. You don't need to read huge portions at a time, but read a little every day. Enjoy the blessings He gives as you learn what a great and awesome God He is.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason watched as his father stamped several letters with an embosser. "What are you doing, Dad?" he asked. Jason ran his fingers over the raised design. "This seal makes all these papers look important and official."

"This is my company's seal, Jason. It displays our trademark and our motto," explained Dad. "The raised marks make it impossible for anyone to erase it."

"Do all companies have seals like that?" asked Jason.

"Not all, but many do," answered Dad. "This seal identifies both ownership and a promise. First of all, it indicates that these documents officially belong to me and have my approval-that shows ownership. It also guarantees the people who get this letter that I will keep my word to them and provide them with the resources and privileges indicated in this document. So every time I stamp a letter, I'm making a promise."

"Cool!" exclaimed Jason.

"Did you know that God talks about a special seal He gives?" asked Dad.

"He does?" Jason was surprised. "Does He have a motto that goes with it, too?"

Dad smiled. "Get your Bible, Jason, and look it up," he said. "Actually, several verses refer to it. Look up Ephesians 1:13 and 2 Timothy 2:19 and find the parts that tell about the seal God has given."

Jason got his Bible and quickly found the verses. "Ephesians 1:13," he read. "'Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.' And . . . 2 Timothy 2:19 . . . 'The foundation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are His.'"

Dad nodded. "So the Bible says we're sealed with the Holy Spirit when we become Christians," he said, "and I guess we could say that second verse you read gives us the 'motto' of that seal. 'The Lord knows those who are His.'"

Jason thought about that. "It's kind of like your company's seal," he decided.

"I think so, too," said Dad. "It shows ownership when God says He knows those who are His. And in Ephesians, it goes on to say the Holy Spirit is the 'guarantee of our inheritance.' He promises us an inheritance."

Jason grinned. "Awesome!" he said.

Dad laughed and nodded. "Much more awesome than my
company seal!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you seen a raised seal on a letter or envelope? Such a seal can't be erased or changed. If you trusted in Jesus as Savior, you have been "sealed" by the Holy Spirit. No one can ever take that away or change that, either. Thank God for that and for His promise of the inheritance you'll receive some day in heaven. Until then, let your life be an example to others as you live to serve the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus; just to take Him at His Word . . ." The words of the song floated up the stairs, invading Danny's slumber. He yawned and rolled over with a groan. Grandma was singing, just like any other morning. As her quavering voice rang out, tears escaped Danny's eyes and trickled onto his pillow. How can Grandma sing? he wondered. Isn't she sad that Grandpa died?

As Danny ate breakfast a little later, he asked her about it. "Grannie, how can you sing this morning? I don't feel at all like singing. I miss Grandpa."

Grandma smiled. "Honey, I miss Grandpa, too," she said, "but singing about the Lord comforts my heart. It's like a spiritual exercise that strengthens my faith, even in the difficult times."

"But Grandpa died," Danny blurted out. "We had his funeral yesterday."

"I know," Grandma answered gently, "but I also know he wouldn't want me to stop singing. Grandpa's death was just a door into eternity with his Lord."

Danny's mother nodded, "Right now, Grandpa is probably singing in the presence of God," she said. "We miss him, but we also rejoice in the memories we have of him. Remember how much Grandpa loved having us gather as a family to sing about the Lord Jesus?"

"That's right. He knew that singing hymns and choruses eases heartaches," Grandma added wisely. "It helps me remember that God is truly good and that He is in control. He does all things well. I grieve because I feel lonely and miss Grandpa. Singing helps me focus on the fact that God is still with me, so I am never alone."

Danny pushed away from the table. "I think I want to take a walk. I need to think about what you've said, Grandma." Before he left, Mom and Grandma each gave him a hug.

Later that morning, Danny sat out in the field on his
grandfather's old tractor. "When we all get to heaven," he sang softly, "what a
day of rejoicing that will be. . . ." Tears trickled down his cheeks, but he no
longer felt quite so sad. "Dear God," he prayed aloud, "please tell Grandpa I'm
still singing."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sad? Worried? Afraid? Discontented? Have you tried singing? You may not feel much like singing, but give it a try. When you sing unto the Lord, He will be pleased and you will feel better. It will comfort you, strengthen your heart, and produce joy as you focus on the words of the hymns or Gospel songs and realize that, in spite of your difficulties, God is good and in control.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things. Psalm 98:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Blake, Tammy, and their parents strolled through the museum and peered into each display case, observing artifacts from the Revolutionary War period. "Check out this wig," Tammy exclaimed. "I've seen pictures of George Washington wearing a wig like that." She grinned at her brother. "Wouldn't you look cute in a wig, Blake?" she teased.

"No way!" protested Blake. He pointed to a gun display. "Cool!" he exclaimed.

Tammy shuddered. "To me, they look horrid, not cool!" she declared. She looked at a picture on another window and read the caption. "Many of those who fought for liberty were ordinary farmers and tradesmen," she read aloud. "Some belonged to a special group called minutemen-a small, hand-picked force that had to be able to assemble quickly. Those early soldiers had to be ready and willing to leave businesses and possessions and families at a moment's notice. They were generally the first to go and engage in a battle."

"Wow!" exclaimed Tammy when she finished reading. "That must have been hard. Aren't you glad, Blake, that there aren't any minutemen today? We'd probably have to decide if we'd be willing to be part of a group like that."

"Actually, you do have to make that kind of choice," Dad mused.

"You mean because we decide whether or not to join the army?" asked Blake.

"No, I meant because we belong to Jesus, and God uses ordinary people to serve in His battle," replied Dad. "We should be ready to immediately follow Him wherever He leads-even if it means leaving our homes, family, friends, occupations, or our material possessions."

"Missionaries do that when they go to foreign countries," observed Tammy.

"Yes," Dad agreed, "and they tell us the joy of serving Jesus far outweighs the sacrifices they make. But it isn't just missionaries who need to be ready to serve the Lord. The Bible teaches that we should all be ready to share the Gospel."

Blake grinned. "We can be minutemen for Jesus," he said.

"And minute women," Tammy added with a
giggle.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to follow Jesus and be a "soldier" for Him? It isn't always easy. For example, you may have to skip a TV program you enjoy and take part in a service activity with your Sunday school class. You may have to ignore the taunts of some kids in order to be friendly with an unpopular classmate. You may have to skip a ball game to help your mom at home. Ask God to give you courage and strength to serve Him in whatever way He shows you. You'll find it brings real joy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me. John 12:26

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom! Guess what? Band practice is cancelled for today," announced Julie one Saturday. "Can I go to the pool and practice for next week's swim meet?"

Mom shook her head. "How about helping Grandpa with his garden?" she suggested. So Julie headed for Grandpa's house instead of the pool.

Julie wiped her hand across her brow as she followed Grandpa out to the garden. "The roses and honeysuckle smell so good!" she exclaimed. "I used to pick bouquets for you and Mom, remember?"

Grandpa smiled and nodded. "I sure do," he said.

Julie sighed. "I feel bad about not doing that lately," she said. "I'm just so busy! There's school and band and Bible club and swimming and choir and the church quiz team. And now my friends want me to join a drama club." Julie frowned. "Mom says I don't spend enough time helping around the house or seeing the people I care about, and she's right!"

"Do you think you should cut down on your activities?" asked Grandpa as he knelt beside a row of tiny plants. "Maybe give up a few of them?

Julie shrugged. "They're all such good things!" she protested as Grandpa began to weed out plants that were crowded together. "What's wrong with those plants you're pulling out?" she asked.

"Nothing. They're just growing too close together," explained Grandpa. He smiled at Julie. "Plants don't do well when they're crowded for space, and people don't do well when they're crowded for time," he added gently.

Julie bit her lip. "You mean . . . my activities are like those crowded plants?" she asked. "There's nothing wrong with them, but my life is so crowded I can't do any of them as well as I should, right?"

Grandpa nodded. "God says we're to do everything for His glory," he reminded her. "We should use wisely the time He has given us."

Julie sighed. "I think I'd better 'weed out' some of my
activities so I'll have time for the things that matter most-like school work
and spending time with my family and friends," she decided. She felt better
already. "And," she added, "I'm going to pick roses for both you and Mom
today!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your life too crowded with activities? Do you find you don't have time for things that really matter? Even good activities can take too much time. Check to see if you should do some "thinning out" to make room for family, friends, schoolwork, or time spent with God. Ask Him to help you know which things will bring the most glory to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, Mom, what smells so good?" asked Christy as she put her school books on the kitchen table. "It smells like . . ." She sniffed the air. ". . . like Grandma's backyard when the lilacs are blooming."

Mom smiled. "You're right, Christy," she said. "Aunt Lisa gave me a bottle of perfume for my birthday. It's called Lilac Love. It's over there on the table."

Christy picked up the bottle. "Can I try some?"

"Sure," agreed Mom, so Christy took off the cap and sprayed some on her arm.

Every now and then during the next few weeks, Christy would smell lilacs and know her mother had been using the new perfume. "That smells so nice!" Christy often remarked. "May I use some, too?"

"Help yourself," Mom would invite with a smile.

When Christy and her mother were shopping at a department store one day, they passed the perfume counter. Christy tugged on her mother's sleeve. "Mom, look," said Christy "There's a bottle of Lilac Love. It's just like yours." Then she gasped as they stopped to look at the display. "Oh, look at this!" Christy exclaimed, pointing to the price tag. "It's expensive! Aunt Lisa must have got it at a discount since Uncle Joe works at that cosmetic company. But I bet you didn't know it cost this much, did you?"

"I certainly didn't! I've been using it just about every day, and it's almost gone!" exclaimed Mom in dismay. "If I had known how expensive it was, I would have saved it for special occasions."

Christy smiled. "It's just like my Sunday school teacher said about the Bible," she commented.

"The Bible?" asked Mom in surprise. "What did your teacher say?"

"She said most people have a Bible, and it's full of treasure. But many people don't understand how valuable it is," Christy replied. "See? It's just like you and the perfume. You had no idea it was so valuable."

"You're right, Christy," agreed Mom. "The Bible is even
more valuable than a bottle of expensive perfume! And the wonderful thing about
the Bible is that even if we use it every day - as we should - we'll never run
out of its treasure!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize how valuable the Bible is?  It explains how you can have eternal life.  It gives you guidelines for living so you may have a happy life.  It tells of God's precious promises, His constant care, and the perfect peace He offers.  People often refer to the Bible as the "Good Book," but they don't know it's the inspired Word of God.  Thank the Lord of giving you the Bible.  Find the many treasures it contains as you study it and put it into practice.