Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"What's on your mind, Son?" asked Adam's mother. "You look so serious!"

Adam sighed. "My Bible club teacher says God is three persons in one," he answered. "She tried to explain it, but I still don't get it. She says there's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and they're all separate but still all just one God. How can that be?"

 "I know it seems impossible to us," said Mom, "but that's what the Bible teaches." The ringing of the phone interrupted her, and she went to answer it. "That was your father," she said as she hung up a few minutes later. "He wants me to get his suit from the dry cleaners before they close."

As Mom spoke, the phone rang again. This time Adam answered it. After talking a few minutes, he handed the phone to his mother. "It's Grandma," he told her. "She wants to talk to you."

Mom took the phone. "Hi, Mom." She listened for a moment.
"Sure, I'll take you. No problem," she said. "Okay, I'll be
there by three. See you then."

Adam grinned at his mother. "Grandma wants you to help her, too,
doesn't she?" Mom nodded. "I'm going to have a busy day," she
said. "Grandma needs to go to the doctor, and I have to stop at Aunt
Jan's, too.

 I promised to take care of the baby for her this
afternoon." "Wow! What do people think you are?" asked Adam.
"Triplets?" Mom laughed. "Sometimes it seems that way, but they all
have a right to ask things of me, so I don't mind," she said with a grin.
"I'm Dad's wife, so he asks me to do thinks for him. I'm Grandma's
daughter, so she asks me to help her. I'm Aunt Jan's sister, so she just
asks me to be sisterly."

"You're a wife, a daughter, and a sister - yet
you're only one person," said Adam after a moment. "It's a little like God
being more than one person but still just on God." "Good observation,
Adam," answered Mom, "though there's no perfect example of the Trinity. We
believe some things just because the Bible says they're true - not because we
fully understand them.  That's faith."

"Okay, Mom," agreed Adam,
"but this helps me understand just a little."



HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is the Trinity a new idea to you?  The Bible is the Word of God.  What it says is true, and it says God is a Trinity - He is three in one.  Each person of the Trinity is fully God.  It's one of those things you can't totally understand.  That's because you think with a human mind, but God is far greater than that.  So even if you can't understand it perfectly, you can believe because God said it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jared sighed as he climbed the steps, unlocked the door, and entered the apartment. He looked at the note his mother had left taped to the refrigerator. "Please unload the dishwasher and set the table for dinner. And don't forget to do your homework," he read. Jared slammed his books on the table. "I hate being home alone!" he muttered. Life sure was difficult since his dad had deserted their family. Mom had to work long hours, and still they barely could pay their bills! Jared continued to grumble as he did his chores.

Soon he heard his mother at the door. "Hi, honey, how was school?" she asked as she entered the room. He heard her sigh and turned to see her rub her forehead. At that moment, he realized that life was hard for her, too.

Jared hesitated. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Does your head hurt?"

Mom tried to smile. "I'm all right. This just hasn't been a very good day," she explained. "Life seems so complicated at times. I'm afraid I get overwhelmed once in a while, and then I begin to feel angry and sorry for myself."

"I was feeling pretty angry, too," said Jared. "I hate being alone. I hate that Dad walked out on us. I hate that you have to work so hard."

Suddenly Mom chuckled. "We sound pathetic," she said. "I think we need a change of attitude." She took a sheet of Jared's notebook paper and his pen. "Maybe we should start thinking about things we're thankful for. Let's write a list to remind ourselves of all God's blessings." She began to write. "I'm thankful for . . . the dishwasher."

"That's 'cuz I always unload it," Jared mumbled.

"I'm thankful we have a place to live, and that I have a job," Mom continued.

"I'm glad for the microwave. Can we eat now?" asked Jared.

Mom laughed, then she said seriously, "I'm thankful that you and I have a heavenly Father who will never leave us."

"Me, too, Mom," whispered Jared. "I'm sorry I grumbled. I guess I forgot that God has taken care of us. We really do have everything we need."

Mom hugged Jared. "Difficult circumstances made us both
forget," she confessed. "I'm thankful we have each other. We can encourage each
other to count our blessings."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged, lonely, or angry about difficult things in your life? Do you forget to give thanks for the many good things you have? Instead of grumbling about the hard circumstances you have to deal with, try writing a list of all the blessings God has given you.  You may discover you have more to give thanks for than you realized.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

[Soldier4Christ]

"I get so tired of Joe Simpson!" grumbled Noah one evening. "He always borrows paper, pencils, pens-you name it-and I never get them back!"

"Maybe you should just ask him for them instead of getting angry about it," suggested Dad.

"Well, besides that," added Noah, "he's plays so rough. But if he gets bumped, he tattles! My friends and I aren't going to hang around with him anymore."

Dad's brow furrowed in concern. "I think you know that Joe's father doesn't live at home, don't you?" he asked. Noah nodded. "And I believe his mother has to work long hours," continued Dad. "Things must be pretty tough around his house."

"And remember . . . Joe's a brand-new Christian," added Mom.

Noah scowled. "Why are you making excuses for him?" he grumbled.

The doorbell interrupted their discussion. It was their neighbor, Mr. Crane. "Sorry to bother you, but my car won't start," he said. "The battery isn't totally dead, but it's weak and doesn't seem strong enough to start the engine. Could you give me a jump?"

Dad went to get his booster cables. He drove his car next door, and Noah watched as his father first attached the cables to the battery under the hood of his own car and then to the battery in Mr. Crane's car. Mr. Crane tried to start his car again, and they all cheered when the engine jumped to life.

Dad put his hand on Noah's shoulder as they returned home and went into the house. "Son, your classmate Joe is like Mr. Crane's battery," said Dad. "Joe's a Christian, but he gets drained emotionally and spiritually by his home situation. He needs someone stronger to give him a boost-he's too weak to function on his own. The Bible tells us to bear the burdens of the weak and to encourage them. In other words, Christians should help one another."

Noah frowned. "So . . . you're saying the other guys and I should try to think of some ways to help Joe, right?"

   Dad nodded. "It won't be as easy as jump-starting a
car," he said, "but I'm sure you'll think of something to help Joe bear his
burden."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you irritated by some Christians you know? Do you feel like not playing with them anymore? Don't be quick to "write them off." Instead, see if you can find a way to help. Maybe they need a listening ear, a little help with schoolwork, or a friendly smile to help "jump-start" their spiritual "batteries." Perhaps you can think of other ways to offer encouragement. It may make it easier if you remember there may be times when you're the one who needs some help.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

[Soldier4Christ]

"How did your dentist appointment go?" Dad asked as Kristen bounded in the door.

"Good," replied Kristen. "No cavities! And guess what? Dr. Cranston's office is moving. It will be right across from my school."

Mom nodded. "His business is growing so fast they need a bigger place."

"That's great," said Dad. He held out a plate. "How about a fresh blueberry muffin to celebrate?"

"Yummy! My favorite," said Kristen. "Still warm, too!" She took a muffin and poured a glass of milk. "Dad, what does 'word-of-mouth' mean?"

"I'd say it means to communicate orally-by talking," said Dad. " Why?"

"The receptionist at the dentist's office thanked one of his patients for referring a friend to Dr. Cranston," replied Kristen. "Then she said something like, 'We advertise only by word-of-mouth.'"

"So . . . the patient told someone else that Dr. Cranston is a good dentist," said Dad. "That explains why he needs a bigger office. Satisfied customers are great advertisements." He reached for another muffin and buttered it. "You know, in a way, we're all in the advertising business," added Dad.

"You mean because we tell other people about stuff we like?" asked Kristen.

"Yes," agreed Dad, "but I'd also like to suggest that we should be advertising for Jesus."

Karen was thoughtful. "We do that by the way we live, don't we?" she asked.

"We surely do," agreed Dad. "Our attitudes and the things we do should reflect the fact that we love God and His Word and His people. But we should also talk about Him. We should tell people how great and good He is and that they can know Him, too."

Karen nodded slowly. "1t never occurred to me that I was
an advertisement," she said. " From now on I'm going to pay extra attention to
the message I'm giving out. I definitely want to recommend
Jesus!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your behavior and your speech cause others to want to come to Jesus? Are you cheerful and helpful? Are you patient and kind? Do you tell other kids about Jesus? Or do you grumble and complain a lot? Do you fail to talk about Jesus or invite kids to Sunday school? If you have discovered how good God is and how wonderful salvation through faith in Jesus is, don't keep it all to yourself. Be willing to spread the good news so other people will want to know Jesus, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psalm 107:2

[Soldier4Christ]

"Is this okay, Grandma?" asked Sara. She held up a knitting needle with several rows of knitted yarn on it.

Grandma examined Sara's work. "That looks good," she approved.

"This is fun!" said Sara enthusiastically. "Now what do I do?"

"Make the next row exactly the same . . . like it says here." Grandma pointed to the page of instructions for the slippers. "When I go to stay with your Aunt Denise and cousin Darci next week, you should be able to follow the pattern by yourself."

"I wish you could stay with us," remarked Sara as she looped the yarn over the needle. "Do you like going there, Grandma? I wouldn't! Darci is so stuck-up. She acts like she's better than we are because she has more money. She's a spoiled brat! She tells lies to get what she wants, and she . . ."

"Sara Renae! That's enough," said Grandma sternly. "I think you're forgetting that Darci is my granddaughter-just like you are-and I don't want to hear any more of that kind of talk. I love her just like I love you, honey."

"Dinner is ready!" Mom's call from the kitchen interrupted their conversation.

After dinner, Sara and Grandma returned to the family room. "Oh, no!" Sara cried in dismay, pointing at the cat playing with a mass of tangled yarn. " Look, Grandma! Mittens has unraveled the slipper I'm knitting! I'll have to start all over."

Grandma smiled sympathetically. "It takes time and thought to knit a slipper, but anyone-even a cat-can unravel it," she said. She looked at Sara solemnly. "It always takes more effort to build up than to tear down. For example, it's generally easier to find fault with people and put them down than it is to find their good points and build them up."

Sara blushed. She knew Grandma was reminding her of the
unkind things she had said about her cousin. "I . . . I guess I was just being
nasty when I was talking about Darci," she admitted. "I'm sorry, Grandma." Sara
tried to untangle the yarn, but the cat kept batting at it, so she scooped him
up and headed for the basement door. "Mittens! I'll never get this straightened
out if you stay around," she said as she placed the cat on the top step and
firmly shut the door.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to find good things to say about others? Do you remember it's important to build them up instead of running them down? There's an old saying-"If you can't say something good about someone, it's better not to say anything at all." That's true, but God wants you to do more. He wants you to build up-to encourage-others. Think of ways you can do that, and then see how much "building up" you can do today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Edify one another just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"Shall we go see if Dad's busy?" suggested Sandy as she and her brother started home from school. Their father was a gate guard at a factory in their town. Brett nodded, so they took the route that led past the place where Dad worked.

Their father saw them coming and greeted them as they approached. "Sorry, but you can't get through here without a badge," he said sternly.

Sandy giggled. "Daddy, quit teasing," she protested.

"Everyone needs to have a badge before you'll let him inside the factory, right?" asked Brett. He grinned. "Except maybe Mr. Sanders, who owns the place."

Sandy laughed. "Why do people need badges?" she wondered. "Not all factories have them, do they?"

"No, but we have some classified stuff in this building, so it's strict company policy for everyone going in to wear a badge to show he belongs here," replied Dad. "It keeps outsiders from hindering our production, and it also protects them-it keeps them from getting hurt by wandering into the wrong place."

"Does anybody ever try to get in without one?" asked Brett.

Dad nodded. "Once in a while," he said. "I've gotten to know a lot of the people who work here, but not all of them. When I see their badges, I know it's okay to let them come on in. If they don't have one, I find out why they've come. I give them a badge if they have legitimate business here, but if not . . . well, I just have to disappoint them." He smiled as he added, "Here come some people now, so I'll see what they need. I'll see you two at supper."

"Okay. 'Bye, Dad," said Sandy, and she and Brett went on home.

After supper that evening, Dad reached for his Bible and read from First John. (See today's verse.) "This reminds me of our discussion about badges," he said when he finished. "In a sense, we need a 'badge' to get into heaven, too. Do you know what that would be?"

"We have to have Jesus," said Brett promptly. "We have to have faith in Him."

"Good." Dad nodded. "People will try to get in by doing
good works, or they'll claim God knows them, but they won't get in. Receiving
Jesus is the only way into heaven."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to go to heaven? You can go there, but you can't make it on your own good works. Today's Bible reading refers to people who think they may enter heaven because of good things they did-and they even used Jesus' name in doing them-but He says, "I never knew you." They were trusting in what they did instead of trusting in Jesus. Do you trust in Him as your personal Savior? Put your faith and trust in Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:12

[Soldier4Christ]

With only three weeks left before his class trip to Funland, Brandon was worried. He knew his parents didn't have money for the trip. But when he came in from school one day, his mother met him with a smile. "Mr. Walsh, next door, wants you to take care of his dogs," she said. "He's going to the hospital for surgery." She handed Brandon some money. "He's paying in advance." When Brandon counted the money, he let out a whoop of delight. He was halfway to Funland!

A week later, Brandon's family was sorry to hear that Mr. Walsh had died. His son picked up the dogs and took them to his farm.

Brandon tried to find another job to earn the rest of the money he needed for the class trip, but he was unable to do so. Then, just a couple of days before they were to leave for Funland, a letter came for Brandon. "Look, Mom!" he squealed as a check fell out of the envelope. "It's from Mr. Walsh's son. He says he's sorry he forgot to pay me when he picked up the dogs."

"But Mr. Walsh had already paid you," Mom reminded him.

"I guess his son didn't know that," Brandon replied. "Now I've got my money for Funland."

"Will you keep that money?" Mom asked softly.

Brandon looked at the floor. "Well, I asked the Lord to give me the money so I could go," he said, "and here it is!"

"But do you honestly think the Lord sent it to you, Brandon?" asked Mom. "Don't you think it would be dishonest to keep Mr. Walsh's money?"

Tears filled Brandon's eyes, and he nodded. "Yeah, I guess it would," he admitted. "I'll have to give this back."

Mom hugged him. "I know it's hard, Son," she said, "but you know, money gotten dishonorably won't bring happiness. You never lose by being honest."

Brandon felt a little sad when he woke up on the morning
his class left on their trip. But as the day passed, he was surprised at the
peace and contentment in his heart in spite of his disappointment. There would
be other trips to Funland, and then he could enjoy himself with a clear
conscience.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes want to keep things that don't belong to you? Little things can play an important role in your future. One wrong choice, one lie, one instance of shoplifting can start you on the wrong road. On the other hand, a right choice results in peace and satisfaction. Always be honest-it's what God commands.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do what is honorable. 2 Corinthians 13:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Staci came home in tears. "I still don't have a friend at school," she wailed. "I wish we had never moved here!"

"I'm sorry, honey," sympathized Mom. "I know you miss your old friends, and I've been praying about the problem. Let's talk about what you can do to change that."

"I can't do anything! Everyone just stares at me and walks right on by," sobbed Staci. "I'm so lonely."

The door flew open, and Staci's brother Tim blew in like a whirlwind. "Hey, Mom, is it all right if I go over to Jesse's house for a couple of hours?" he asked. "He needs help with his science project."

Mom nodded. "Just be home by five-thirty," she said.

"Right!" agreed Tim, and the door slammed behind him.

Staci blew her nose loudly. "You and Dad and Tim seem to know all kinds of people already. Why aren't they friendly to me like they are to all of you?"

Mom frowned. "Staci, you've been looking for someone to be a friend to you, and you haven't found anyone. But Tim and Dad and I have found people who need a friend. Stop looking for a friend, and start trying to be one instead."

"But I don't know how," murmured Staci.

"Well . . . how about by putting others first and doing what you can to make them comfortable?" suggested Mom. "Last month, we all memorized the love chapter-First Corinthians 13, right? We talked about what it meant." Mom hugged Staci gently, then picked up a casserole dish. She handed it to Staci. "While you think about how you can put what we learned into practice, I want you to take this to Mrs. Carson next door. She just came home from the hospital today," added Mom. "When you get back, we'll talk again." Staci sighed but took the casserole and left.

Half an hour later, Staci came skipping into the
apartment. "Guess what, Mom?" She was beaming. "I found someone who needs a
friend. Her name is Tara, and she's Mrs. Carson's granddaughter. May I go over
there after dinner and help her clean her grandma's
apartment?"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you lonely? Stop looking at yourself and look around you. There are many lonely people-including lonely kids. You most likely see some of them every day. God's way for making a friend is to be one. If you notice someone who is often alone, talk with that person. If you see someone who's having trouble with schoolwork, check to see if you can help. When you see kids at the playground, smile at them. Try making friends God's way. It works.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A man who has friends must himself be friendly. Proverbs 18:24

[Soldier4Christ]

As she sat in the old porch swing with her grandmother, Robin watched the first stars appear in the sky. "I love spending the weekend here," said Robin.

Grandma smiled. "I'm so glad you do," she said. "I enjoy having you visit. In a little while we'll go in for hot cocoa and a Bible story."

Robin frowned. "I like the Bible stories," she said, "but Mom makes me learn a lot of Bible verses, and I don't like that. What's the point of learning so many?"

"Memorizing God's Word gives you a source of wisdom, encouragement, and strength to handle your daily struggles and challenges," Grandma explained. "It helps you know how to please God and to make the right decisions."

Robin sighed. "I still think it takes too much time," she insisted.

As Robin settled into bed that night, she thought about what Grandma had said. I don't see how knowing all those verses does me any good, she thought.

Soon after drifting off to sleep, Robin was awakened by Muffy, Grandma's cat, crying at the front door. I guess Muffy wasn't around when Grandma went to bed, thought Robin. I'll go let him in. She crept quietly out of bed and into the dark hall. Feeling her way along the wall toward the front door, she stubbed her toe hard on the coat rack. "Ouch!" she exclaimed loudly. Robin was still holding her toe when Grandma opened her door and turned on the light. "Oh, Grandma," said Robin, "Muffy's crying to come in. I didn't want to wake you, but I stubbed my toe!"

"I'm sorry, honey," said Grandma. "I'll let Muffy in. But are you okay?" Robin nodded.

After breakfast the next morning, Grandma picked up her Bible. "We're going to learn a verse today," she announced with a twinkle in her eye. "It's Psalm 119, verse 105. Maybe you already know it, but it will be good to review it anyway." Grandma read the verse aloud.

Robin laughed. "Okay, Grandma," she said. "I do know
that verse already, but I know why you picked it, and I get the message." She
rubbed her sore toe. "I found out how painful it can be to stumble in the dark,
so I'll remember God's Word is like a lamp that shows me the way to go in life.
I'll do my best to memorize other verses, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is memorizing God's Word a priority in your life? The verses you learn will help you when temptation comes your way. They will comfort you through troubled times. They will remind you of how you can please God in your daily life. They are like a light in a dark place. Let God's Word light the way for you in the darkness of today's culture.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Drill Them Out!

Jim clenched the arms of the dentist's chair, hoping Dr. Jones was nearly finished drilling out a cavity. It was a relief when the buzzing of the drill stopped and Dr. Jones checked the tooth. "Are you finished yet?" Jim asked anxiously.

"Almost. Just a little more drilling, Jim," replied Dr. Jones. "We want to make sure the tooth won't continue to decay underneath the new filling." He began drilling again. "This is a little like drilling sin out of our lives, isn't it?" he added. Jim was glad he couldn't talk while Dr. Jones was working. I'm not sure I like having my Sunday school teacher for my dentist, he thought. I suppose I should just agree with what he says, but I hope he doesn't ask any embarrassing questions.

"If we don't get every bit of the decay out of this tooth, it will get worse and cause problems later on," continued Dr. Jones. "It's that way in our lives, too. If we don't completely get rid of a sin, it will also cause problems later on." Jim's mouth was still wide open, so he just nodded numbly. "For example, if I find myself telling what is often called a 'little lie,' I try to correct it," said Dr. Jones. "I ask God to forgive me and help me to always tell only the truth." The buzzing stopped again, and Dr. Jones grinned at Jim. "That should take care of drilling this tooth," he said. "If there are any cavities of sin in your life, be sure to get them drilled out, too. In fact, it's a good idea to drill them out every day."

Jim felt more relaxed now that the drilling was finished, and he thought about what Dr. Jones had said. I'm glad Dr. Jones doesn't know Mom and Dad have been after me to get my work done on time, he thought. I've been doing better, but once in a while I still tell Mom my chores are done before they're really finished. It's almost true, though-but not entirely true. Jim remembered what Dr. Jones had said about so-called "little lies." Good thing he doesn't know about that, thought Jim. But as the dentist put in the new filling, Jim realized something important. God knows about my bad habits, he thought. Like Dr. Jones says, I better do some "drilling" in my life.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things in your life that you know aren't quite right? Maybe just a little lying, a little cheating, or a little talking back to parents or teachers? God does not refer to "big" sins and "little" ones. Sin is simply sin, and God hates it all. The longer you wait to correct bad habits, the harder it will be to change. Confess your sin to God and ask for His forgiveness and help to drill it out of your life. Get rid of it completely before it causes more trouble.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let no iniquity (sin) have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom never has time for me anymore," complained Ashley in a low voice as she and her brother Jeremy cleared the table. "It makes me so mad!"

"Well, she's had to work long hours since Dad died," said Jeremy.

"I know that," admitted Ashley, "but it seems like she could spend a little more time with us."

 "Why don't you tell her how you feel?" suggested Jeremy. "Tell her what you'd like her to help you with or to do with you. See if she can work it out."

Ashley shook her head as she put leftover fish on a plate and gave it to Oliver, the cat. "If she really loved me, she'd know without my having to spell it out."

Later that evening, Ashley noticed her cat making choking sounds and frantically pawing at its face. "Mom!" she called urgently. "Something's wrong with Oliver! Come quick!" Her voice was choked with tears.

Mom hurried to investigate. "He seems to be choking on something," she said. "We'd better get him to the vet. Let's go!" Soon they were on their way.

About an hour later, they arrived back home. Oliver had been choking on a fish bone. The veterinarian was able to pull it out and said the cat would be fine, but Ashley was still upset. "It's my fault," she said tearfully. "I gave him the fish bones."

"It's okay, honey," comforted Mom. "You had no way of knowing what was wrong with Oliver. I'm sure he knows you love him and didn't intend for him to get hurt." Mom looked at her watch. "I think you kids should get to bed," she added. "It's late, and you have school tomorrow."

At the door of his room, Jeremy hesitated. "Ashley, remember you said that if Mom really loves you, she should know how you feel without you having to explain it to her?" he asked. "Well, you love Oliver, but you didn't know how he felt, because he couldn't tell you. Why is Mom any different from you?"

Ashley stood still. "Maybe you're right," she said
thoughtfully. "Ollie couldn't tell me what was wrong, but since I can tell Mom
about my problem, I should." She turned toward the den. "Goodnight, Jeremy," she
said. "I'm going to have a talk with Mom."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you upset with someone? It's natural to get angry sometimes, and there are times when anger may even be justified. But the Bible says you shouldn't sin by letting the sun set while you're angry. Don't hold a grudge-grudges generally get worse and often turn to hate if you don't stop them. Follow God's command by talking about the problem and settling it before you go to sleep.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be angry, and do not sin Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Ephesians 4:26

[Soldier4Christ]

"Paul, you forgot to pray for Carter today," said Lizzy after her older brother finished his prayer at the breakfast table.

"You're not supposed to criticize other people's prayers," grumbled Paul. "Anyhow, I gave up praying for Carter. It wasn't working. He's not interested in coming to Sunday school or Bible Club or anything."

As Mom put bread into the toaster, Lizzy looked at her brother. "You prayed for Carter for only three days," she said accusingly.

"So? God could save him in three seconds if He wanted to," Paul answered smugly. "Remember the story of Saul? God came to him in a blinding light, and he repented right away!" Mom frowned as Paul spoke. Then she leaned over and popped the bread out of the toaster. "Is my toast done already?" Paul asked.

Mom took a piece and held it out. It was as white as when she had put it in the toaster. "It doesn't look like the toaster is working, does it?" she asked.

"You didn't leave it in long enough," Paul complained. "It takes more time!"

Lizzy smiled knowingly. "So does prayer," she told him. "Right, Mom?"

Mom nodded. "Sometimes . . . but you're right about one thing, Paul," she said. "God can save Carter in a second-and He will, as soon as Carter responds to His invitation." She held up the limp piece of bread. "If this bread were thin, it would toast quickly. If it were frozen, it would take quite a long time to toast. We need to leave it in the toaster for as long as it takes to make it as dark as we want it. If it doesn't get toasted enough the first time we put it down, we have to put it down again." She paused as she put the bread back into the toaster. "It's an illustration of how we need to pray for people."

"Because some people don't respond as quickly as others?" murmured Paul.

"That's right," said Mom. "Our job is to pray and pray again and again if we don't see results right away." As she spoke, the toast popped up.

Lizzy reached for a piece. "It's done now." She grinned at her brother. "See? It pays to be patient-when you're toasting and when you're praying."

Soon they were all eating warm, brown toast . . . and Paul
again added Carter to his prayers.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you prayed for somebody who doesn't know God? Does it seem like nothing is happening? Keep praying anyway. All people are different. Sometimes you may see answers to prayer quickly. Sometimes it may be a long time-even years-before you see any results. But God hears every prayer, and He will be faithful to answer-when His time is right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Adam was not in a very good mood. His father had just come home with the news Adam dreaded most. They were going to move again. "Doesn't the Army know we've moved enough already?" he grumbled.

"I know how you feel," said Mom. "I used to feel just like you do about moving so often."

"But you don't anymore?" asked Adam. "Now you like moving?" His face indicated that he definitely did not like it.

Mom shook her head. "No, I can't really say I like to move so often, but Dad and I have decided that each move means a new mission field for us."

"A mission field?" asked Adam. "It seems to me that moving just means giving up my friends and trying to make new ones and going to a new school and church and not knowing anybody-stuff like that."

Mom nodded. "I know . . . it does mean those things, and that's the part of moving I still don't like. But do you remember when we moved here and Mrs. Evans visited us the very day we moved in?" Adam remembered . . . mostly because she had brought a great big plateful of chocolate chip cookies. "When I got to know her better, I was able to invite her to church and later lead her to the Lord." Adam remembered that, too. The whole Evans family attended church now.

After a moment, Mom added softly, "Now the Lord is evidently sending us to another field of work. I wonder who He'll send our way this time."

As Adam thought about his mother's words, he remembered
a missionary conference when he had told God he'd serve Him wherever God wanted
him. But somehow it had always seemed like that was for some future work God
would have for him. Now he sat back in his chair and thought about all the moves
they had made through the years. Maybe God is sending me from place to place to
get me ready to serve Him, he thought. I'd better start thinking about each move
as a new mission field, too! Maybe moving isn't so bad after
all.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think God may want you to serve Him on a mission field some day? How about right now? Have you thought of your school and your neighborhood as a mission field? The people there need Jesus, too. Perhaps God wants you to be the one to tell them about Him. Let God use you wherever you are-at school, at church, at the neighborhood playground, at home. Witness for Him by living a life pleasing to Him and by telling others about Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall be witnesses to Me . . . to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"I know you don't care for peas, Josh, but the rest of us do, so I want you to take a few, too," said Mom, handing him the bowl. Joshua frowned and reluctantly dropped a few peas on his plate. He knew better than to argue.

"Pretend they're something else," suggested Shelly. "Pretend you're a missionary-like in the book I'm reading. Make believe the natives invited you to dinner. They offered you that food. You've never seen it before, but if you want them to accept you, you have to eat it. Otherwise you'll hurt their feelings."

"You mean they don't have peas in some countries? I'll go there!" Joshua grinned, entering into the game. "What do I pretend these are if they're not peas?"

Shelly laughed. "Bugs!" she said. As Joshua made a face, Shelly turned to her mother. "Some night, let's pretend we're in one of the countries where our church has a missionary, Mom," she suggested. "Like Japan. We could sit on the floor and eat with chopsticks."

"Yeah!" Joshua nodded. "Only I vote for Italy. We could have pizza!"

"I like the idea!" approved Dad. "Let's choose one country each month We could find out about the climate in that country, the kind of work people do there, and the kind of money they use."

"All right," said Mom. "I have an international cookbook. Shelly and I can figure out the menu and do the cooking."

"You won't make us eat bugs, will you?" asked little Danny with a frown.

Shelly laughed. "No bugs," she promised. "You can decorate placemats, Danny,"

"I'll help you," offered Joshua. "I'll draw a map on one and pictures showing the country's products and trees or flowers on others. You can color them, okay?"

Dad leaned back in his chair. "And I'll find out what kind of work our missionary does there-whether it's starting churches, working in hospitals, translating the Bible, or whatever. Why don't we have our first 'missionary dinner' a week from today."

"Good," agreed Mom. "Now, Joshua, since you're still in
the United States, you need to finish your peas." Joshua nodded as he stabbed a
single pea with his fork and put it into his mouth.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Could your family plan a "missions night"? If preparing a whole foreign dinner seems too difficult, perhaps Mom could prepare one special dish or dessert. In any case, find out where the missionaries from your church live and what kind of ministries they have. Learn something about their countries. Doing this will help you to pray intelligently for them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Rachel stumbled into her aunt's house and collapsed on the couch, sobbing. Aunt Karen knelt beside her. "What's the matter, honey?"

"I'm so fat and ugly," wailed Rachel. "The kids call me Tootsie Roll." She choked on the words.

Aunt Karen ached for Rachel. "I know exactly how you feel, honey," she said solemnly. "The kids used to call me Tugboat."

Rachel stared at her lovely, slender aunt. "You? But Aunt Karen! Why would they call you that?"

Aunt Karen smiled. "When I was your age, I was a great deal overweight, too," she said. "Time and a well balanced diet have made a lot of changes-but it didn't happen overnight."

Rachel sat up as Aunt Karen continued. "I often felt hurt when my classmates teased me. Then one day I realized it wasn't what was on the outside that mattered the most. It was the inside that counted."

"You sound like my mom," said Rachel. "She always says, 'Pretty is as pretty does.'"

"That's true." Aunt Karen nodded. "I decided I would do my best to become pretty on the outside, but even if I didn't succeed, I was going to be beautiful inside."

"How did you do that?" Rachel asked.

"I prayed about it a lot, and God helped me," answered Aunt Karen. "He showed me that the ugliest thing inside me was selfishness. So I made up my mind to quit thinking so much about myself. I decided to reach out to others with love and kindness. I did that, and one day a friend said to me, 'Karen, you're different lately. You smile a lot more than you used to, and your eyes sparkle. You're getting prettier all the time.' I was so pleased!"

Aunt Karen stood up. "It's important to take good care of
the bodies God gave us," she said, "and if you like, I'll help figure out a good
diet and exercise program for you to follow. I know your mom will help, too. But
if you want to be really beautiful, Rachel, you have to let Jesus' love shine
through you. That's true beauty."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you unhappy about your appearance? Follow rules that lead to good health. Learn to enjoy healthy snacks, and get the rest your body needs. Keep neat and clean, and try to look your best.Then quit worrying about your weight, face, or hair. Think less about yourself and more about others and God. Ask Him to help you get rid of any ugliness inside and to fill you with His joy. Soon the beauty of Jesus will shine through you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30