Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Sandy's bed shook as she sobbed into her pillow. It isn't fair! It isn't fair! she kept telling herself. All winter long she had helped shovel the walks and driveway for Grandma Atkins. As a reward, Grandma was going to take her on a special weekend trip for her birthday. And now, just a week before the outing, Grandma was suffering with a broken leg. Sandy's mother stayed with Grandma at night, and Sandy helped take care of her after school each day. It just isn't fair, Sandy thought again.

"Sandy, are you okay?" Dad's concerned voice came from the doorway. "I thought I heard you moving around. Why aren't you sleeping? You'll be too tired to help Grandma tomorrow." Sandy squirmed with anger. Didn't anyone care about her? "What's troubling you, honey?" asked Dad when he saw she was crying.

"How . . . how would you feel if you worked and worked all winter to earn something and then you didn't get it anyway and . . . and nobody even . . . even c-c-cared?" Sandy's voice rose to a loud wail. "It just isn't fair!"

"So that's it," Dad answered softly. "Sandy, we do care-we all care. How do you think Grandma feels about not being able to take you on that trip this weekend?"

Sandy wiped her eyes. "I . . . I guess I never thought about how she feels."

"When we get hurt, we often forget about others," said Dad.  He put an arm around Sandy's shoulder. "When I talked to your mother on the phone this evening, she told me Grandma is terribly upset."

"I-I'm sorry," murmured Sandy. "I guess Grandma wanted to go on our trip just as much as I did. I didn't think about that."

"I think you're right," said Dad. "I know she plans to try to make it up to you later, but for right now, will you think of her and help her all you can?"

Sandy nodded. "I will," she agreed. "I love Grandma. I'll tell her it's okay, and I'll do everything I can to help her get well quick. I promise!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When things go wrong, do you remember that others are hurting, too? Perhaps you know the Bible story of David and Jonathan, King Saul's son. Jonathan may have expected to be the next king of Israel, but God chose David to rule instead. Jonathan must have been disappointed, but he loved David and risked his life to help him. Are you that kind of friend? Do you put aside your own hurts as you remember that others also suffer? Honor God as you put others ahead of yourself.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

[Soldier4Christ]

"If you should die today, or if Jesus comes back today, do you know for a fact that you'll go to heaven to be with Him?" Pastor Burns asked the congregation. Alyssa wriggled uncomfortably as she remembered he had said those who were not ready would be sent to the lake of fire forever. It was a scary thought.

Alyssa recalled a story her mother had read to her about a naughty boy named Tony. When he learned that Jesus had taken the punishment for all his naughtiness, he trusted Jesus as Savior and asked Him to forgive his sin. After that, Tony was changed. He wasn't so naughty anymore. Alyssa remembered how guilty she had felt because she knew she was naughty-she had sinned. She wanted Jesus to forgive her, too. She had talked to Mom about it, and they had prayed together. But now Alyssa was scared. Have I changed? she wondered. I believe in Jesus, but I still sin sometimes. Maybe I'm not really a Christian.

That afternoon, Alyssa took the dog for a walk. When they returned, it was quiet in the house. "Mom," she called, "where are you?" There was no answer. "Mom?" she called again. "Dad?" Alyssa had a horrible thought. Maybe Jesus came and I'm the only one left! She looked through the house and found no one. She ran outside. How relieved she was to see her parents talking to the neighbors!

When Mom and Dad came home, Alyssa decided to talk with her mother again. "Mom, I really meant it when I asked Jesus to be my Savior last summer," said Alyssa. Her voice trembled. "But I . . . do you think I've really changed? I still do wrong things. How can I know if I really do belong to Jesus?"

Mom thought for a moment. "Honey, how do you know you're really my child?" she asked.

Alyssa was startled. "Why, I . . . ah . . . you told me so," she replied.

Mom nodded. "And you believe me, don't you? You trust me to tell you the truth," she said. "Well, you can trust God, too. He says in the Bible that whoever sincerely calls upon Jesus' name is saved. Remember . . . it's God who says that, and His word is even better than mine!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes worry that you might not be a Christian? That Jesus might come back and you won't be ready? If you haven't received Him as your Savior, you have good cause to be afraid. Settle those fears. Trust in Jesus as your personal Savior today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) Then memorize a verse-perhaps today's key verse-and say it to yourself whenever you have doubts about your salvation. Believe God's Word and trust Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(God says) Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Roman 10:13

[Soldier4Christ]

Kevin opened the car door and settled into the front seat. "How was your day?" Mom asked.

"Pretty good," replied Kevin. "We had an interesting chapter in health class today. What do you think is the most amazing muscle in your body?"

"The heart," said Mom as they started home.

Kevin grinned. "The heart is a good answer, but not the right one," he said. "Want to guess again?"

"Ah . . . I give up," Mom said. "What is the most amazing muscle in the body?"

"The tongue," replied Kevin. "That's what Mr. Jamison thinks anyway. We don't even have to think about the tongue or tell it what to do. It just does it."

"Like tasting?" asked Mom. "That seems to be one of your favorite activities."

Kevin laughed. "I learned that the tongue has more than 3,000 taste buds," he said, "and I think I should exercise them on some cookies when we get home. But that's not all the tongue does. It helps move food around in our mouths, and it helps form words when we talk."

Mom nodded. "Good," she said, "but did you know the tongue is also the part of the body that we probably sin with the most?" Kevin looked surprised to hear that. "It's something like the steering wheel of this car," said Mom.

"Aw, Mom! The tongue isn't anything like a steering wheel," objected Kevin.

"In a way, it is," Mom told him. "I have control of this steering wheel, and I have to use it wisely. When I do, I guide the car in the direction I want to go. If I lose control, the car won't turn into the driveway like I want it to right now. It might go off in most any direction." She turned in and drove up to the garage. "We can control our tongues, too," she added. "We can use them wisely to praise and worship God, or to give a kind word to someone. Or we can use the tongue unwisely by using God's name in vain, saying unkind things in anger, or gossiping about others. The tongue can be used for good or for evil. The choice is ours."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you use your tongue? Do you use it to thank God for the privilege of tasting, eating, and speaking? Do you use it to praise and worship Him? Do you use it to comfort people, to help and encourage them, and to thank them for all they do for you? Or do you sometimes speak without thinking and say unkind, harmful things? Today's Scripture points out that the tongue can do a great deal of damage. It's important to keep control of it. Make today's key verse your daily prayer.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"Duke is such a smart dog," said Ken at dinner one evening. "He carries messages for me and Laura. If I want to tell Laura something, I fasten a note on Duke's collar and say, 'Go to Laura.' He trots right down the hall to her room. If she wants to send an answer, she puts it on his collar and says, 'Duke, go to Ken.' Then he comes to my room."

Laura nodded. "He makes a great messenger," she agreed.

As Ken was doing homework in his room that evening, he began to get hungry. Maybe Laura's got some candy, he thought. I'll ask her. So Ken wrote a note and fastened it on Duke's collar. "Duke, go to Laura," he said, and Duke trotted out of the room. Ken's waited and waited. When Duke didn't come back, Ken decided to go check on his messenger. He stuck his head into his sister's room. "I sent Duke with a message," he said. "Did you read it?"

Laura looked up from her desk. "He never got here," she replied.

Ken went to see if Duke had gone to the kitchen. "Yes, he was here," said Mom. "I let him outside." Ken's messenger was running around the backyard in pursuit of a rabbit!

Ken laughed. "Duke really messed up," he said.

"I hope we make better messengers than that, don't you?" Mom asked with a smile.

Ken frowned. "But I'm not a messenger for anybody," he said.

"Christians are to be God's messengers," Mom told him. "We're to tell others about Him and to show them His love by the way we live and by our service for Him. But sometimes we get distracted."

"Like when you were supposed to play your trumpet in church, Ken, but you didn't practice because you were always playing baseball," said Laura, who had come to see what had happened to Duke.

"Or when you were supposed to write a letter to a missionary for your Sunday school project, but you ended up writing to your friends from camp instead," retorted Ken.

"Those are the kinds of things I'm talking about," agreed Mom, "but I would suggest that you each look at your own life. See what the Lord wants you to do to deliver his message! And then do it!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of messenger are you? Is there someone God might want you to tell about Him? Should you invite a kid you know to Sunday school? Does the Lord have a task for you to do to help a grandparent or a neighbor? Don't get distracted by other activities. Don't be so busy watching TV, reading books, or playing that you "don't have time" to take part in service projects for the Lord. Be a good messenger for Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dan," called Rodney to his older brother, "will you let me wear your school shirt to the basketball game tonight?"

"No," Dan answered firmly.

"Aw, please," begged Rodney. "All the other guys are wearing school shirts, but mine is dirty. Why can't I wear yours?"

"Because you'd ruin it," replied Dan. "I said 'no,' and that's final."

"Oh, Mom," wailed Rodney, "why does Dan have to be so mean? Why can't I wear his shirt this one time?"

"You know why Dan won't let you wear it, Rod," said Mom. "You have no one but yourself to blame."

"But I'd be careful with it," protested Rodney. "Honest!"

"Dan has no reason to believe that," Mom pointed out.

Dan nodded. "I've loaned you things before, and you were careless with them. Why would I think you'd be any different now?" he asked.

"When you borrowed my bike, you got it all muddy, and I didn't get mad," murmured Rodney.

"I hosed it off and shined it up before I put it away, right?" Dan reminded him. "Come on! Admit it!" Reluctantly, Rodney nodded.

"You need to learn to show respect for other people's things," said Mom. "You really should be extra careful of anything you borrow, and be sure to return it in good shape." Rodney sighed but didn't argue any more.

"Mom," said Dan after a moment, "I heard somebody say we're all living on 'borrowed time.' Why do they say that? And does it mean we need to be extra careful with our time, too?"

"Wow!" said Mom. "I never really thought about that before! I'm not sure where that expression came from, but . . . yes, we should be careful how we spend our time. It really belongs to the Lord-He just allows us to live here for a while. We should use our time in ways that bring glory to our God." She looked at Rodney as she added, "One of those ways is being careful with all the things we borrow!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful when you use other people's property? Do you return borrowed items as soon as possible? Do you make sure they're in good condition when you return them? Follow God's principle regarding borrowed things, and return them as soon as possible. Respecting what belongs to someone else shows respect for that person, and it's important to your testimony for the Lord. And don't forget-you should also make very good use of the time the Lord gives you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Key Verse: The wicked borrows and does not repay. Psalm 37:21

[Soldier4Christ]

Jill loved the Apple Blossom Festival held each spring in her town. She looked forward to the games, especially the races, because she was a fast runner. I hope I win a first place ribbon this year! she thought. She had tried before, but hadn't won anything. I'm sure I'll do better this year. I've been running all winter.

Jill did do well. She came in second in the very first event. "Good for you!" encouraged her brother Seth, but Jill wasn't satisfied.

Then, in the third event, it happened! She came in first! She skipped happily to the judge's platform. The mayor gave her a blue ribbon and placed a wreath of apple blossoms on her head. She even posed for a picture for the paper!

But the excitement of the festival didn't last very long. The next day, the booths were taken down, and Jill's wreath was wilted and limp. "Oh-h-h-h!" wailed Jill. "Look at my wreath. It's already dead! I bet nobody in town even remembers I won that race! And I practiced so hard and so long, too."

"Some will remember," said Seth, "and you had the fun of winning."

"Maybe you could let your wreath dry out," said Dad, "and then keep it as a reminder that it's more important to win crowns that last forever."

Jill frowned. "Nothing lasts forever," she said sadly.

Dad smiled. "Some things do. The Apostle Paul wrote about running races and receiving prizes," he said. "He compares living our lives to running a race." Dad took a Bible and opened it to the ninth chapter of First Corinthians. "Why don't you read it for yourself, Jill? Start here." He pointed to the twenty-fourth verse.

Jill read the verses, then looked up. "The wreath I won is what Paul calls a 'perishable crown,' right?" she asked. "What's an 'imperishable' one, and how do we get it?"

 "It's one that lasts forever, and it's given by the Lord as a reward for things we do for Him," said Dad. He smiled at Jill. "If you work as hard for the Lord as you practiced for the foot race, honey, you will be a winner."

"There won't be just one winner, either, will there?" asked Seth.

Dad shook his head. "No," he agreed. "We can all be winners. The race we run as we live our lives is the most important race of all."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you won a ribbon or a trophy? Perhaps that award is now hanging on your wall or standing on your bookshelf. It's fun and exciting to win something, especially if you have put a lot of time and effort into it. But don't forget that you're running another kind of race, too. God will reward you according to how you have lived for Him. Serve Him faithfully so that you can look forward to the lasting reward He will give you. What an exciting time that will be!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Every morning when he first got up, Michael read a chapter of the Bible and prayed. This chapter is kind of different, he thought to himself when he read Romans sixteen one morning. It gives a list of the people Paul appreciated. I wonder why that's in the Bible? Michael looked at the verses again. Maybe it's to show us we should let people know how much we appreciate them, he thought. I'll do that today! I wonder what they'll think? They'll probably be surprised.

For breakfast, Michael had eggs and toast. He smiled at his mother. "Thanks for cooking these eggs for me, Mom," he said as his brother Steve came into the kitchen. Michael turned to Steve. "Thanks, Steve," he added, "for letting me use your markers for my report." Both Mom and Steve looked a little surprised, but they gave Michael big smiles. He grinned and decided to keep on telling people they were appreciated.

At school, Michael found his friend Owen. "Thanks for sticking up for me when those guys teased me yesterday," said Michael. "I appreciate that."

"Hey, no problem," Owen responded with a grin. "That's what friends are for."

After class Michael went up to his teacher, who was grading papers at her desk. "It's cool the way you've been teaching Civil War lessons," he said. "All those stories you've been telling us about it make studying so much more interesting." He could see that his teacher was pleased.

On the way home from school, Michael passed his church. Pastor Grey was standing in the parking lot, talking to the organist. "Hi, Pastor Grey," said Michael as he got near. "Thanks for the sermon about the commandments last Sunday. You explained them in a way I could understand. And . . . ah . . . Mrs. Bell, thanks for the good music every week. I really liked the song you played for the offering Sunday morning." Michael received two more big smiles.

That night as Michael was getting ready for bed, he recalled all the smiles he'd gotten that day. "People appreciate being appreciated," he murmured aloud. He grinned at the sound of that phrase, and he repeated it to himself again. Then Michael thought of something else. I haven't told God how much I appreciate Him today. I need to do that before I go to sleep. And he did.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there a lot of people you appreciate? How many have you told? There are probably many people who do things for you, and you're glad for them, but do you let them know? Make a list of five people you appreciate, and then tell them. You'll feel good because you will be helping others feel good. And don't forget to include Jesus on your list. He deserves the most appreciation of all.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"You're home early," said Mom when Susan came in after school. "I thought you were going to stay and try out for your class play today."

Susan's eyes filled with tears as she set her books on the kitchen table. "I changed my mind," she said. "I told you about couple of girls in my class who make fun of everything I do and say. They're trying out, and I just don't feel like being in a play with them."

"I'm sorry, honey," said Mom. "Have you been praying about that problem?"

"Praying?" Susan shook her head. "Not really." She hesitated. "I really don't understand prayer," she told her mother. "I mean . . . I don't know . . . it just seems like I ought to try and solve my own problems."

Before Mom could answer, Susan saw her cat rolling on the floor, tugging at her collar. "Look, Mom! I think something's wrong with Muffy," said Susan. Mom and Susan bent down to examine the fluffy white cat.

"Her claw is stuck in a slit on her bell," said Mom. She reached down to help the cat, but Muffy rolled away from her.

Susan moved toward the cat. "Come on, Muffy," she coaxed, "we only want to help. Please be still."

But Muffy would not be still. She jerked her caught paw pitifully, and scooted away on three legs every time Mom or Susan came close.

"I think we'll have to wait until she tires out from her own efforts," said Mom. So they stayed near, watching Muffy struggle as she tried to free her paw.

"Maybe she'll let us help now," Mom said at last. This time, Muffy allowed Susan to pick her up. Susan held the cat while Mom lifted Muffy's paw and carefully slid the claw out of the slit in the bell.

"Wow!" said Susan as she cuddled the tired cat. "I'm glad she finally let us help. We'll have to get her a different kind of bell."

"Yes," agreed Mom. After a moment she added, "I think Muffy's a lot like you."

"Like me?" asked Susan in surprise.

Mom nodded. "She tried so hard to solve her problem by herself," she said. "You've been doing that with the difficult situation you face at school. You need to let Jesus help you with it. Ask Him to show you how to handle that problem."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you struggle with problems that you haven't brought to God? Problems such as a brother or sister who won't do his or her share of the work? Or perhaps a bully at school or in the neighborhood? A teacher who you think picks on you? God wants to help you. Start by talking to Him about these or any other problems. Then relax and trust Him to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

[Soldier4Christ]

"You won't believe what I saw at Kelsey's!" Sharlene was almost in tears. "She's selling my doll at her garage sale!"

"Your doll?" asked Mom.

"Yes! My doll!" answered Sharlene. "The one Grandma gave me. I know it's mine . . . it has a scribble mark on one arm, and an eye that sticks shut."

"How did Kelsey get it?" asked Mom.

Sharlene shrugged. "I don't know if I left it over there or what. When I said it was mine, Kelsey grabbed it and said it was hers and she was going to sell it." Mom frowned when she heard how much Kelsey wanted for the doll.

"I'll check it out," offered Carla, Sharlene's older sister. She headed down the street. When she returned a few minutes later, Carla nodded. "That's Sharlene's doll all right," she said. "I told her mother it was. She said it was just too bad if Sharlene lost it, but 'finders are keepers.'"

Sharlene burst into tears. "But it's mine!" she protested. "She can't keep it."

Mom sighed. "Well," she said, "I can talk to Kelsey's mother about it, too, but if she really feels that way, you may have to buy your doll back."

"She shouldn't have to pay for something she owns," protested Carla. But Sharlene ran to her room and began shaking coins out of her bank. She put the money into her pocket and dashed down the street. A few minutes later she came skipping back, the doll hugged tightly in her arms.

Mom smiled. "You redeemed her," she said.

"I what?" asked Sharlene.

"Redeemed her-bought her back. You did for your doll what Jesus did for us," explained Mom. "He made us for Himself, but when Adam and Eve sinned, it put them-and all the people who came after them-under Satan's power. Jesus paid the price so that we can become God's children."

"He did that when He died on the cross, didn't He?" asked Carla.

Mom nodded. "He bought us back with His own blood. When we trust in Him, we no longer have to be afraid of death and eternal punishment."

Sharlene smiled and spoke to her doll. "Now you'll remind me of both Grandma and Jesus!" she said "From now on, I'm taking extra good care of you!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that Jesus paid the price to redeem you-to buy you back from Satan's power? Hebrews 9:22 says that without shedding of blood there is no remission, or forgiveness. Jesus' blood is the only thing that could redeem you. Because He shed His blood for you, He offers you the gift of salvation. Have you accepted it, or does Satan still "own" you? If you haven't received Jesus as your Savior, do so today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"Quick! Get behind that bush," said Grandpa, giving Darian a nudge. "Let's watch this." Screened by the bush, they watched a hawk sweep down from the sky with lightning speed. It pounced on a mouse, gripped it tightly in its powerful feet, and carried it off.

Darian's mouth hung open in surprise. "How could the hawk see that tiny, little mouse?" he asked.

"Hawks have extremely sharp eyesight," explained Grandpa. "That's where the expression 'watching like a hawk' comes from. That hawk could see the little mouse running in the grass, so he caught his dinner."

"He has a terrific aim, too!" exclaimed Darian. He grinned. "I'm sure glad I'm too big for a hawk's dinner."

"Way too big." Grandpa chuckled, then he looked serious. "There is an enemy who is looking for humans, though," he said. "Just like that hawk looks for weaker animals to prey on, Satan looks for weak spots in our lives and attacks us there."

"Weak spots?" Darian asked. "Like what?"

"Any areas in our lives that aren't fully given to God," said Grandpa. "For instance, if a person has a temper and isn't depending on God for help in fighting it, Satan will attack that person through his temper. He'll attack over and over again."

"I guess lying and stealing could be weak spots, too, couldn't they?" asked Darian.

Grandpa nodded. "And grumbling and swearing and disobeying-all kinds of things."

Darian looked at his grandpa. "I don't think you have any weak spots," he said.

"Oh, but I do!" said Grandpa. "Everyone does." He smiled. "I'll even tell you one of my weak spots, Darian. It's that I don't like housework and don't help Grandma enough, especially when her arthritis bothers her. Sometimes I see I'm neglecting her. Then I tell God I'm sorry and ask for His help. When I let Him help me, Satan can't attack me in that weak spot. He can watch me like a hawk, but it won't do any good when I'm relying on God like I should."

Darian thought about it. "I guess fighting with my
sister is a weak spot for me," he said. "I'm going to ask God to help me quit
doing that."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What is your weak spot? Arguing? Laziness? Putting things off till "later"? Think it over and try to discover in what areas and in what ways you often do something wrong. Those are your weak spots. Ask the Lord to help you find them and then to overcome them. You can't do it on your own, but if you know Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him. 1 Peter 5:8-9

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jamie, why don't you invite Brad to come to Sunday school with you this week?" asked Mom as they returned from picking up a puppy at Grandpa's house. Jamie sighed. "Every week you come up with a reason why you can't invite Brad to Sunday school," added Mom. "That's not like you. You've invited lots of kids in the past."

"But they weren't like Brad. He uses bad words and cheats on spelling tests. He even got into trouble for shoplifting a couple of times," explained Jamie. "Brad just isn't the kind of kid I want for a friend."

"I know Brad has some serious problems, Jamie, and I'm not saying you should spend a lot of time with him," agreed Mom. "But that doesn't mean you can't be friendly and invite him to church."

When Jamie didn't answer, Mom motioned toward the puppy Jamie cuddled on his lap. "Why did you pick that puppy, Jamie?" she asked. "Don't you think some of the others were cuter? Grandpa says this one is the runt of the litter."

"But that's just it, Mom!" said Jamie. "Grandpa says lots of people will want the other ones, but this little puppy needs a good home, too! He needs me. Besides, I like him. I think he's cute."

"Well, I do, too, and he reminds me of Brad," observed Mom.

"Of Brad?" asked Jamie in surprise.

Mom nodded. "I think Brad needs you, too," she said. "His father doesn't live at home, and his mom has to work long hours every day. Often there's no one at home to teach Brad what's right and what's wrong. Maybe he feels like nobody wants him, and that's why he acts the way he does. What do you think?"

"Well . . . maybe," acknowledged Jamie.

"In some ways, Brad may not be the most attractive boy, but Jesus died for his sins, too," added Mom. "Jesus loves him just as much as He loves all of us, right?"

"I guess so, but . . ." Jamie knew his mother was right. "Okay. I'll invite him to Sunday school this week," he decided. "If he keeps coming, maybe he'll accept Jesus as his Savior and become the kind of person I'd like for a friend. That would be cool!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you invite only "nice" kids to church? Do you wish those you really don't like much would stay away? Or do you remember that they need Jesus, too? Be friendly with all the kids who come to your Sunday school. If you know some who don't attend anywhere, invite them. Remember that Jesus loves them all. He doesn't play favorites. Wouldn't it be great if someone accepted your invitation and then trusted Jesus as his or her Savior?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If you show partiality, you commit sin. James 2:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Soldier's Story

The somber black wall, engraved with rows and rows of names, filled Paul with awe. He was visiting Washington, D.C. with his family, and he was standing in front of the monument honoring the men and women who had died while serving in the Vietnam war. All their names were listed on the wall.

A soldier stood nearby, dressed in uniform. He seemed to be looking for something as he read the names. Then he placed a finger on one of them and began tracing the letters. Over and over he traced the letters of that name. Curious, Paul edged closer. He was surprised to see tears on the man's cheeks. Paul hadn't imagined that a soldier would cry! The man noticed him, and feeling embarrassed, Paul backed away.

"It's all right, Son," said the soldier. "Let me explain the reason for these tears." He squatted down and looked Paul in the eye. "The name I was tracing belongs to my buddy-a man who fought with me in Vietnam. We were together when a grenade landed right beside us. Glenn threw himself on it and took all the fury of the explosion. He died for me. Because of him, I'm alive today and still serving in the army." The man gave Paul a trembling smile and turned to go. Paul felt tears filling his own eyes as he watched the soldier walk away.

Paul later told his parents what the soldier had said. "It must be a strange feeling, to know that somebody died to save your life," Paul added.

"I'm sure it is," said Dad. He nodded thoughtfully. "Actually, that happened to you, too," he added. "Someone did die to save you."

"Someone died to save my life?" asked Paul in surprise. "Who did that?"

"The Lord Jesus did," replied Dad. "All that He suffered on the cross was for you, Paul. It was to pay for your sins, as well as for the sins of everyone in the whole world."

"Wow!" exclaimed Paul. "I knew that, but it seems more real since that soldier talked to me." He looked thoughtful. "If I see him around here again, maybe I'll get a chance to tell him about that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted the sacrifice Jesus made for you? Unless you accept His death as payment for your sin, you will have to bear the fury of punishment yourself. By His death on the cross, Jesus took that punishment for you. If you've never asked Him to forgive your sins, do it today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

"Happy birthday to you," sang Brian and Megan as their mother brought a cake to the table. "Happy birthday, dear Daddy. Happy birthday to you." Dad beamed as Mom set the cake with several lit candles in front of him.

"Blow out the candles, Dad," said Brian.

"And don't forget to make a wish," added Megan.

"All right!" replied Dad. "Let's see . . ." He closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Then he took a deep breath, puffed out his cheeks, and blew! All around the cake, the little lights went out. But one of them recovered and burned brightly again. "Oops," said Dad. "Looks like I missed one." He tried again. The candle flickered and appeared to go out, but when Dad stopped blowing, the flame came right back. He tried a third time with the same results. "Hey, wait a minute," he said while Brian and Megan roared with laughter. Dad looked at the still burning candle. "That's a trick candle, right? Whose idea was it to pull a trick on your poor old dad?" he growled playfully.

"That's what you get for having your birthday on April one," teased Brian. "Happy birthday, and Happy April Fool's Day!"

"Brian got that candle down at Frye's Party Supplies," reported Megan, giggling. "It's a special kind, and it won't blow out. On the box it says you have to put it under water to get it out."

"I bet I can blow it out," said Brian confidently. He gave it a try with no success. Megan tried, too, and even Mom took a turn, but no one could do it.

"That special candle reminds me of what God has done for us and for all who know Jesus as Savior," said Dad when Mom cut and served the cake. "He's given us the privilege of being lights in this world. When we allow sin to enter our lives, it blows against our lights, causing them to flicker, and it sometimes makes us very ineffective. The Lord may have to discipline us sometimes, but He doesn't allow our lights to completely go out. Let's be sure to thank Him for that, and let's depend on Him to help us keep our lives free from sin so others will see our lights as we shine for Jesus."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad nothing can ever separate God's children from His love? Examine your life, and if there's a sin such as disobedience, a lie, or an unkind act blowing against your "light"-your witness for Him-and making it flicker, confess it to God and ask Him to forgive you. Thank Him that you always belong to Him, and depend on Him daily to help keep your life free from sin. With His help, you can maintain a good testimony for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:39

[Soldier4Christ]

At the sound of the school bell, Tyson pushed past several children and edged in at the front of the long line of kids at the drinking fountain. "No cuts!" called several kids. Tyson ignored them and drank deeply. He shuffled down the hall to the coat rack and muttered when he saw a jacket already hanging on the coat hook nearest to the door. He yanked the offending coat off, threw it across another hook, and hung his own jacket in his favorite spot. Then he hung around the hall so he could be the last one into his classroom.

It was the start of a typical day for Tyson. During class time, he daydreamed instead of studying. When the morning recess bell rang, he was the first one out the door. After recess, he again managed to be the last one in. He glared at his teacher when she made him stay in at noon recess to finish his work.

That evening, Tyson's grandma stayed with him while his mom and dad went to a parent/teacher conference at school. Tyson read a mystery story and then played with his detective set and pretended he was solving mysteries. When his parents returned, Tyson greeted them with a grin. "Hey, Dad, you better be careful what you do and handle," he teased, "because we leave prints on everything we touch."

Dad nodded. "I know. And what kind of prints have you been leaving all day?" he asked.

Tyson frowned. "The same kind as always, of course. People's fingerprints don't change."

"True," agreed Dad, "but wherever we go, we leave other prints, too. Let's call them 'lifeprints.' Everything we do makes an impression-a 'lifeprint'-on other people. What kind of prints did you make today on your teacher and the kids at school?"

Tyson looked at the floor. "Not very good ones, I guess," he admitted.

Dad nodded. "I'm afraid you're right." He put his hand on Tyson's shoulder. "We were sorry to learn about that from the report we got tonight. But unlike fingerprints, you can change the kind of 'lifeprints' you make. I think you need to do that, don't you?" Tyson nodded slowly. "You need to ask God to forgive you for the way you've acted. It isn't easy to change, but with God's help you can do it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of "lifeprints" are you making on others? Do the kids and teachers see kindness, courtesy, and friendliness in your life? Or are you selfish and pushy with your classmates? Do you daydream instead of studying? Do you grumble about your school assignments and jobs at home? If you've acted that way, ask God to forgive you. Ask Him to let others see Jesus in you. Then trust Him to help you leave "lifeprints" that are a good testimony for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We are . . . created in Christ Jesus for good works . . . that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"This trip is so much fun!" declared Amy when they stopped at a motel one Saturday night while on a spring vacation trip.

Her sister Joelle looked up. "Going to that water slide today was really cool!"

"Br-r-r-r!" Amy laughed. "In more ways than one," she said. "What are we going to do tomorrow, Dad?"

"Tomorrow we're going to church," answered Dad, "just like we do when we're at home."

"Do we have to? I'll feel so out of place in a strange church," complained Amy.

Joelle nodded. "Me, too," she agreed.

Dad smiled. "Pastor Burke told me he has friends who attend a church in this town. We'll try it," he said. "I think we'll feel at home there." The girls were not convinced, but they knew better than to argue.

Early Sunday morning, Mom woke Amy and Joelle. They had breakfast at the motel and then headed for the church they had heard about. When they arrived, they were met at the door by a friendly couple who took them to their Sunday school classes.

The girls were a little surprised to find they knew the songs used in their department. "And look at those posters on the wall!" Joelle whispered to Amy. "They have Awana just like we do!"

As the morning passed, the girls discovered many things similar to their own church. The songs used in the church service-and even the pastor's message-sounded like something they might hear in their church at home.

"That wasn't bad after all," admitted Joelle as they got back into their car.

"No," agreed Amy. "Actually, I liked it there. The kids were nice."

Dad smiled. "When we're away from our own church," he said, "we might feel like we're the only Christians in the world, but that's not true. There are people everywhere who love the Lord."

"And it's nice to meet other Christians," added Mom. "After all, we all belong to God's family!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you visited a church when you were on vacation? Was it a lot like the one you regularly attend? Discovering that people in other places truly love the Lord is a pleasant experience. When you're on vacation, you might want to ask your parents if you can attend a church and meet other Christians. Even if the service is much different from what you're used to, it's good to fellowship with God's people and see that Christians have much in common-especially their love for the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You are . . . fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19