Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Following the Leader

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen.  And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18 (NRSV)

Recently I was watching the movie, "Peter Pan." Have you ever watched this movie? In the movie, the children sing a song and play a game called "Following the Leader." (Sing a bit of it, if you can.)

Following the leader, the leader, the leader
We're following the leader wherever he may go.

Have any of you ever played "Follow the Leader?" Of course you have! I played the game when I was a child -- my father played the game when he was a child -- his father played the game when he was a child. Follow the Leader is a game that is played and enjoyed by children all over the world.

The rules are very simple. You choose a leader and you follow him wherever he goes -- and do whatever he does. You stomp through puddles, climb over fences, swing from a tree -- all to stay in the game because nobody wants to be "a quitter."

Follow the Leader is a great game, but in our daily lives we play follow the leader too. In school, in Church, in sports, in any activity we are in, there are always leaders. Every day we are faced with making a choice of which leader we will follow. We must be sure to choose a leader that will lead us in the right direction.

One day Jesus was walking along the sea shore. He saw two fishermen, Peter and Andrew, who were throwing their fishing nets out into the sea. Jesus called out to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." The Bible tells us that they laid down their nets and followed Jesus. Jesus went a little farther and he saw two more men, James and John sitting in their boat mending their nets. Jesus called out to them and the Bible tells us that they left their boat and followed Jesus. (vs. 19-20)

Jesus is still calling people to follow him today. He has called you and me to follow him. Now it's up to us to decide if we will follow the leader.

Dear Jesus, you have called us to follow you. May we, like Peter, Andrew, James, and John say "Yes, Lord, I'll follow you -- wherever you may lead." Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Answering the Call

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-19 (NRSV)

What do you do when there is an an emergency? Let's say, for example, that someone has a serious injury or illness, and if they don't get help right away, they might die. What would you do? Right! You'd pick up the phone and call 9-1-1! (Substitute the appropriate emergency number for your area.)

When you call 9-1-1 and tell the person who answers that you need help right away, it is their job to see that you get help. That person would never say something like, "I'm sorry, we are really busy right now, maybe some other time." No way! They drop whatever they are doing and make sure that you get the help you need.

In our Bible story today, Jesus was walking along beside the sea of Galilee preaching the good news of God when he made a call for help. He saw Peter and Andrew throwing a net into the water, because they were fishermen. He called out to them, "Come, follow me and I will teach you how to fish for people." You see, Jesus wanted Peter and Andrew to help him teach people about God's love for them. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, they didn't say, "Not right now, we are busy fishing. Maybe some other time." No way! The Bible tells us that they left their nets and followed Jesus.

Jesus, Peter, and Andrew had gone a little farther when they saw James and John sitting in a boat mending their nets. When Jesus saw them, he called to them, "Follow me." They didn't say, "Not right now, we're busy mending our nets. Perhaps some other time." No, the Bible says that they left their father sitting in the boat with the hired hands and followed Jesus.

Jesus is still calling for help today. He has called you and me to help him to bring others into God's Kingdom. Is it an emergency? It sure is! It's a matter of life and death! The Bible says, "Unless you repent, you will all perish." (Luke 13:3) Jesus has called us, what will we say? What will we do? I hope and pray that we will drop whatever we are doing and answer the call.

Dear Jesus, we want to be faithful to answer your call. We want to fish for people -- just like Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Made Up These Rules?

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:22 (NIV)

Do you enjoy playing games? I do. I especially enjoy getting together with a group of family or friends and playing games. One of the games I enjoy is called Skip-Bo. Have any of you ever played Skip-Bo? It is very easy to play, but like most games, before you play, you must read the rules so that you will know how to play the game.

Who makes up the rules for a game? The person who makes up the game makes the rules, don't they? The one who created the game, makes rules for the enjoyment of all who play the game. If someone doesn't follow those rules, it takes away from the enjoyment of the game, doesn't it? Have you ever played a game with someone who won't follow the rules? Do you always follow the rules?

There are rules that we must follow in the game of life too. Look, I have the rulebook right here. The Bible is the rulebook we must follow in life. Who wrote the rules? God did. God created life and He wrote the rules. Just as the creator of a game makes rules to ensure the enjoyment of all who play his game, God wrote these rules so that all who live life might enjoy it the way he intended for them to enjoy it.

One day Jesus went into the temple and started teaching. The Bible tells us that the people who heard him were amazed at his teaching. He didn't sound like their regular teachers. He didn't sound like someone who knew about the rules, he sounded like someone who had written the rules. Well, guess what? He did write the rules! Jesus was God -- in human form -- who came to earth to teach us how to live.

God made the rules and He showed us how to follow the rules. Now He wants us to follow the rules so that we will enjoy life the way He intended it to be.

Dear Father, you have taught us how to live. Help us to follow the example of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Jesus' Love Is Stronger

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." Mark 1:27 (NIV)

Most of you probably know how to play the game "Rock, Scissors, Paper." It is a game about who is the stronger. The Rock is strong (make a fist) so it can break scissors (make scissors with two fingers), but scissors can cut paper (hold your hand out flat), and the paper is stronger than the rock because paper can cover rock. Two or three people can play the game. To start the game, put your fist in the palm of your hand and as one of the players counts to three you bring your fist down three times into your hand. On the third count you make rock, paper or scissors. Since each thing is stronger than something else, the stronger one wins. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the winner gets to slap the wrist of the other person. Ouch! That hurts!

"Rock, Scissors, Paper" is only a game, but in real life some boys and girls may try to show that they are stronger than others too. Some children may try to show they are stronger by acting tough. Others may try to show that they are stronger by saying mean things to other children. Some may pick on children that they think are weak. Some may even try to show that they are stronger by beating up on other children. Ouch! That hurts!

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus shows us how strong he is. One Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. There was a man there who was possessed by an evil spirit. When Jesus went near him, the man cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, you are the holy one of God."

"Be quiet!" Jesus said. Then he spoke to the evil spirit, "Come out!" Do you know what happened? The evil spirit did exactly what Jesus told it to do. The evil spirit came out of the man and the people were amazed. They couldn't believe that Jesus was stronger than the evil spirits.

The people looked at one another and asked, "What is this? He gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

Jesus showed that he has power over evil. He showed that he is stronger than our worst enemy. But the best thing about Jesus is that he never uses his strength to hurt people. Instead of a slap on the wrist, or taking what he wants by force, he uses his power to help people. That's because Jesus came to earth to show God's love for us. When you and I follow Jesus' example, we will use our strength in a loving way to help others rather than than to hurt them.

Dear Jesus, help us to show your love as you showed your Father's love. Help us to follow your example and use our strength to help others. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 How Do You Say, "I Love You?"


That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. Mark 1:32-34a (NIV)

There are times when I like to do something special to let my wife know how much I love her. I might give her a gift, take her out to eat, or I might give her some flowers. My wife really likes it when I give her flowers.

Flowers or a gift is a nice way to show someone that you love them, but do you know what is even better? It is better to show our love for someone by the nice things that we do for them each and every day. When someone is sick, a visit from a friend might do them more good than a dose of medicine. When someone is sad or having a bad day, a smile and a friendly "hello" would surely brighten their day. Have you ever seen someone sitting all alone at school who doesn't seem to have very many friends? If you sat down and talked to them, it just might make them feel as if someone cares about them. A simple act of kindness can say a lot more than a gift.

Jesus was always kind and helpful to the people he met. One day he was in the home of Simon Peter. Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went into the room where she was and took her by the hand and helped her out of bed. When Jesus touched her, the fever left her immediately. Later that evening people brought everyone who was sick and those who were demon-possessed so that Jesus could heal them. The Bible says that the whole town was gathered around outside the door. Jesus healed the sick and drove out evil spirits. Jesus showed his love by caring for those who needed his healing touch.

The next time you want to let someone know how much you care for them, remember that we show others we care, not just by sending flowers and gifts, but by showing acts of kindness each and every day -- just like Jesus did.

Dear Jesus, you showed us how to love. May we follow your example and show our love by acts of kindness toward others. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Who Do You Trust?

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

A long, long time ago before any of you were born there was a television game show called "Who Do You Trust?"  Today, we are going to play our own version of the "Who Do You Trust?" game.  Here is how the game is played. First, I will tell you what type of question I am going to ask.  For example, I might tell you that I am going to ask a Bible question.  Then I will say to one of you, "Who do you trust?"  You must then choose another person you trust to answer the question correctly.

Are you ready to play?  Okay, let's play!  I have a Bible question.  Johnny, Who do you trust?  (Johnny then chooses a person to answer the question.  Be sure that the questions are ones that the children can answer so that no one will be embarrassed.)

Here is the question, "What person in the Bible was swallowed by a great big fish?" (Jonah, of course.)

Great job!  Johnny knew that he could trust (name) to answer that question.

Let's try that again.  This time I have a question about television.  Mary, Who do you trust?  (Mary chooses someone that she trusts to answer the question correctly.)

The question is, "Who is green and lives in a trash can on Sesame Street?" (Oscar the Grouch.  Surely you knew that!)

Wow!  You guys are really smart!

Playing the "Who Do You Trust?" game can be a lot of fun, but in real life, it is very important to know whom we can trust.  I know where to find the answer.  We can find the answer to that question in the Bible.  Psalm 23 is one of the best-loved passages in the whole Bible.  When we read the 23rd Psalm, it sounds as if someone may have just asked David the question,"Who do you trust?"  What was his answer?  His answer was, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

David was himself a shepherd and he knew that sheep can trust the shepherd in every situation.  When the sheep are hungry, the shepherd takes them to green pastures where they have plenty to eat.  When the sheep are thirsty, he leads them to a quiet stream where the can drink.  When the sheep are in danger of being eaten by wild animals, the shepherd is their protector.  The sheep can trust the shepherd in every situation.

Each day we find ourselves facing difficult situations and we have difficult choices to make. We often ask ourselves, "Who can I trust?"  The answer is, "Jesus."  The Bible tells us that Jesus is "The Good Shepherd" and we are his sheep. Just like David, we can say, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." We can trust him in every situation.

Dear Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd and we are your sheep.  We put our trust in you.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Looking for Jesus

Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Mark 1:36-37 (NIV)

A few years ago, "Where's Waldo?" books (also known in some places as "Where's Wally?") were very popular. You still see them in bookstores and libraries. How many of you have seen a "Where's Waldo?" book? If you have, you know what Waldo looks like. He always wears a red and white striped ski cap and a matching sweater. Waldo has a rather goofy smile and wears thick, black-rimmed glasses. In these picture books, Waldo is always in every picture, but he is very hard to find. You can spend a lot of time looking for Waldo. Can you find Waldo in this picture? (Allow the children to look for Waldo if time permits.) Look! There he is!

Looking for Waldo can be a lot of fun, but in real life, looking for someone can much more serious. Our Bible lesson today tells about a day when a lot of people were looking for Jesus. They were looking for Jesus because they needed something that only he could give them.

Jesus had been traveling around the countryside teaching, preaching, and healing the sick. He had become very popular, and everywhere he went there were great crowds of people. They came to hear him teach about God's love and to be healed of their diseases.

One day Jesus went to visit in the home of Simon Peter. When he got there, Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, so they told Jesus about her right away. Jesus took her by the hand and helped her up. Immediatedly the fever left her. She was healed and went in and began to fix dinner for everyone. When the people heard that Jesus was at Peter's house, a large crowd of people began to gather outside the door. People brought their sick friends to Jesus, and he healed many people who had all different kinds of diseases.

The next morning, Jesus woke up before anyone else. He went outside to spend some time alone with his Father in prayer. Later, Peter and the other disciples went looking for Jesus. When they found him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you."

Jesus answered and said, "Let's go to the nearby towns and villages so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come." So Jesus traveled all around Galilee teaching, preaching, and healing people.

People today are still looking for Jesus. They are looking for Jesus because they need something that only he can give them -- forgiveness for sin and everlasting life. Are you looking for Jesus? The Bible says "If you search for him with all your heart and soul, you can find him." (Deut. 4:29) You will find him right here -- in the Bible.

Dear Father, many people today are searching for Jesus. We pray that today will be the day that they find him. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Hope for the Hopeless

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Mark 1:40-42

Do you know what this is? It is a bottle of medicine called calamine lotion. Calamine is a medicine that is sometimes used to help stop itching. Have you have ever had the chicken pox? When you have chicken pox, it starts out like a cold -- you feel lousy, have a runny nose, and run a fever. Then, all of a sudden, itchy red bumps start to break out all over your body. The itching drives you crazy, but you can't scratch, because that just makes it worse. It is a very uncomfortable feeling, but it isn't hopeless. Rubbing on some calamine lotion may help to ease the itching. In a few days, the sores go away, the itching stops, and life is back to normal again.

During the time when Jesus lived upon the earth, leprosy was very wide-spread and was a dreaded disease. When someone had leprosy, they were covered with sores all over their bodies. Unlike chicken pox, these sores didn't just go away. When someone had leprosy, it was hopeless, because there was no cure. To make matters worse, other people considered them to be unclean and were not allowed to touch them. Many people believed that people who had leprosy got the disease because of some terrible sin they had committed.

One day a man with leprosy came to Jesus. The man knelt down before Jesus and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." Jesus looked at the man and he felt love and compassion for him. He reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "I am willing, be clean." Immediately, the leprosy left the man and he was cured.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are uncomfortable, like when we had the chicken pox. But there may come a time in our lives when we find ourselves in a situation that is truly hopeless. When that happens, where can we turn? How do we find hope in a hopeless situation? We can turn to Jesus. When the situation is hopeless, Jesus is our only hope.

Dear Jesus, you came to bring hope to the hopeless. When we find ourselves in a hopeless situation, we put our hope and trust in you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grab a Corner of the Blanket

Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3-5

This morning I have a blanket. I am going to spread the blanket out on the floor and ask "Johnny" to lie down on the blanket. Next I will ask a child to stand at each of the four corners of the blanket. (Choose children to take their positions as described.)

Our friend "Johnny" has broken his leg and we need to get him to the doctor. If I were to ask the children who are standing at the corners of the blanket to grab a corner of the blanket and carry "Johnny" out the door, down the street and into the doctor's office, that would be pretty difficult, wouldn't it? Do you think you could do it? Would you be willing to try?

Well, let us suppose that you can do it, but when you get to the doctor's office, there are so many people waiting to get in to see the doctor, that you can't even get up to the door, much less get into the office. Then you notice that the doctor's office has some stairs that lead up to the roof. If you could carry "Johnny" up to the roof, perhaps you could make a hole in the roof and lower him down into the doctor's office. Do you think you could do it? Would you be willing to try?

Did you know that this is almost exactly what happened when a group of men wanted to take a friend to Jesus? The Bible tells us that four men were carrying a paralyzed man to Jesus. They knew that if they could just get him to Jesus that Jesus could heal him, but they couldn't get to where Jesus was because of the large crowd. The four men carried their friend up to the roof and made an opening in the roof. Then they lowered the man down through the roof to where Jesus was. When Jesus saw how much faith these four men had, he not only healed the paralyzed man, he even forgave him of all his sins.

You and I have friends who need to come to Jesus. It may not be easy, but if each of us will do our part, together we can succeed. We may meet obstacles, but we must never give up. We must hold on to our corner of the blanket and carry on until we bring them to Jesus.

Dear Jesus, we all have friends who need your healing and your forgiveness. May we be faithful to grab a corner of the blanket and bring them to you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 On the Mountain Top

Theme: Mountain top experiences prepare us for the valleys of every day life.

Object: Some beautiful pictures of mountains.

Scripture: After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Mark 9:2-9

I have some beautiful pictures to show you this morning. They are pictures taken of some of the most beautiful mountain peaks you can imagine. Have you ever taken a vacation in the mountains? Of all the vacations that I have ever taken, the ones that I enjoyed the most were the ones that I took in the mountains.

Why do you think people enjoy vacationing in the mountains? One reason I enjoy the mountains is that I want to get away from the heat we so often have in West Texas. In the summer months, the heat can become almost unbearable at times and it feels good to get up into the cool mountain air.

Another reason I enjoy vacationing in the mountains is for the beautiful view. When you are down in the valley, it is often difficult to see and appreciate the beauty around you, but from the mountain top, you can clearly see all of the beauty of the world below.

One more reason that I enjoy vacationing in the mountains is to get away from hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is good to get away from the pressure of work and busy schedules, and just sit back and relax.

Did you know that even Jesus enjoyed getting away for a mountain retreat? The Bible tells us that one day Jesus took Peter, James and John high up into the mountains so that they could be alone. While on the mountain top, Jesus' appearance was changed and his clothes became a dazzling white. Then the disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus. Peter became so excited that he told Jesus that he thought they should just stay up on the mountain.

Did Jesus and the disciples stay up on the mountain? No, Jesus knew that the purpose of their experience on the mountain top was to renew their strength for the difficult days that were ahead of them, so he led the disciples back down into the valley.

You and I sometimes need a vacation in the mountains to help us cope with the heat and stress of our every day life. We also need mountain top experiences in our daily walk with Jesus. We need those experiences to renew our strength for the difficult tasks that we face as we follow Jesus each day.

Dear Jesus, we are thankful for the wonderful mountain top experiences you give us to renew our strength for our daily walk with you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sunshine Mountain

Theme:    The transfiguration of Jesus
Object:    Song - "Climb Up Sunshine Mountain"
Scripture:    After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:2-4 (NIV)

When I was a child, one of my favorite songs was "Climb Sunshine Mountain." Some of you may have heard it. Perhaps some of you have even sung it. It goes like this: (sing the song)

Climb, climb up sunshine mountain
Heavenly breezes blow
Climb, climb up sunshine mountain
Faces all aglow

Turn, turn from sin and sorrow
Look to God on high
Climb, climb up sunshine mountain
You and I

Isn't that a great song? It reminds me of a day when Jesus and some of his disciples decided to climb a mountain. The Bible tells us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mountain. When they were alone on the mountain, Jesus' appearance began to change and his clothes became dazzling white and shone as bright as the sun. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking to Jesus.

The disciples became very excited, but as you can imagine, they were also a little bit afraid. As usual, Peter was the first to speak. He told Jesus that they should stay up there on the mountain and build three tabernacles. One for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden, a cloud appeared and the voice of God came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Then Moses and Elijah disappeared and the disciples were alone again with Jesus.

You and I may never have an experience on the mountain top like the one that Peter, James, and John had, but we can "Climb Sunshine Mountain" if we will stay close to Jesus and walk with him each and every day.

Dear Father, we want to walk with Jesus and let his light shine on us. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15

There was a time when you could walk the streets of a city and hear the voice of a newspaper boy crying out, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it." He called out to get the attention of people who were passing by so that they would come to him and buy a newspaper. That was the way the news was spread in those days.

How do people get their news today? People get their news in many different ways. For some, the newspaper is still their main source for news and they read it from cover to cover. Some may get their news from the radio. Probably the main way that people get the news today is from television. No matter how we get our news, it is important for us to know what is going on in the world around us.

Did you know that Jesus himself was in the news business? The Bible says that Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. Listen to what he said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news." Jesus wanted everyone to know the good news of God's love for them.

How do people get the good news of God's love today? Some may get it from newspapers, radio or television. Some may come to church and hear about God's love. But the best way to spread the good news of God's love is the same today as it was in Jesus' day. The best way is for you and me to tell others about it!

You and I should be like the newsboy standing on the street corner crying out, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news -- God loves you!"

Dear Jesus, may we follow your example and share the good news of God's love with everyone we meet. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

What to Do with the Leftovers

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."  So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12 (NIV)

Do you see all of these bowls?  At my house, we use these to store leftovers in the refrigerator.  Do you ever have leftovers at your house?  We often cook more food than we can eat at one meal, so we have leftovers again the next night, and the next, and maybe even the next.  I must confess, I sometimes get tired of leftovers before they are all gone.

We once had a neighbor who told me, "My family will not eat leftovers.  If we have any food left over, I just have to throw it out."  What a waste!  I remember one time they cooked some steaks on the grill. When they had finished their dinner, my neighbor came over to our house and said, "We had this steak left over and since my family won't eat leftovers, I thought you might like to have it for your dog."

"Oh yes, I'm sure my dog would love to have it," I answered.  Well, guess what I had for dinner the next night.  That's right, I had steak!  There is nothing wrong with leftover steak!

Our Bible story today tells us about a time when Jesus and his disciples had some leftovers.  It is a familiar story -- one that probably all of you have heard.  It is the story about the time Jesus fed 5000 people.

You probably remember that Jesus had been teaching a large crowd of people.  It was getting close to dinner time, and as he looked out over the crowd, Jesus turned to one of his disciples whose name was Philip and asked, "Where are we going to buy the bread for these people to eat?"

Philip said, "You've got to be kidding!"  No, he didn't really say that, but I imagine he probably thought it. What he did say to Jesus was, "Even eight month's wages would not buy enough bread for each of these people to have one bite!"

Andrew, another of Jesus' disciples spoke up, "There is a small boy over here who has five small pieces of bread and two small fish, but that is not enough to feed all of these people."

"Bring it to me," Jesus said.  Then he gave thanks, blessed it, and began breaking it into pieces to pass around to the people.  When they had all had enough to eat, Jesus said, "Gather the pieces that are left over.  Let nothing be wasted."  They gathered up twelve baskets full!

There are a couple of very important lessons we can learn from this story.  All of us could learn a lesson from the little boy.  He didn't have very much -- only five pieces of bread and two small fish -- but he was willing to share what he had and Jesus used it to feed a huge crowd of people.

Another lesson we can learn is that God often blesses us with much more than we need.  When that happens, what do we do with the leftovers?  Jesus told the disciples to gather up the leftovers so that nothing would be wasted.  The Bible doesn't tell us what they did with the leftovers, but my guess is that they probably used them to feed more hungry people.

Some of us may only have a little.  Some of us have been blessed with much more than we need. Either way, God is pleased when we share with others.

Dear Father, we thank you for all of your blessings.  Help us to be generous in sharing it with others.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Our Daily Bread

When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. Exodus 16:15 (NIV)

I have something under this cover this morning that I think you are going to like. When you see it, some of you may ask, "What is it?" because you have not seen it before. Are you ready to see it? Okay, here it is. (Remove the cover.)

Do any of you know what this is called? It is called Monkey Bread. I don't really know why it is called Monkey Bread, but I have heard some people say that it is called Monkey Bread because when you eat it, you pull it off and eat it one piece at a time much the same way that a monkey eats his food. Would you like to try some? It is really good! (Let all of the children eat a piece.)

When I said that some of you might say, "What is it?" when you saw the Monkey Bread, it reminded me of a story in the Bible. It is a story about something that happened to the Israelites when Moses was leading them out of Egypt. The Israelites had been wandering around in the desert for many years. Things were difficult and the people began to grumble and complain to Moses that they didn't have enough to eat. Moses told God about their complaining and God said, "I am going to rain down bread from heaven for you, and each day the people can go out and gather enough bread for one day."

The next morning when the people went outside their tents, the ground was covered with a fine, flaky substance. When they saw it, they asked, "What is it?" Moses answered them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."

God told the people to gather only enough bread for one day. Do you know why he told them that? He said that because He wanted them to trust Him to send the bread that they needed each and every day.

God still provides what we need for each and every day, doesn't He? That is why Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread."

Dear Father, just as you provided daily bread for your children in the time of Moses, you provide all our needs each and every day. For all of your goodness, we give thanks. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "The Bread of Life"

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever." John 6:51 (NIV)

I see them every day as I drive to and from work. Dirty people in ragged clothes standing on a busy street corner holding up a sign like this one that says, "Will Work for Food." You've seen them, haven't you? What do you think when you see them? I must be honest and admit that some of the things that come to my mind are, "I wonder if they would really be willing to work, or are they just looking for a handout?" Or I might think to myself, "If I gave them money, would they buy food, or would they just spend it on drugs and alcohol?"

What do you think Jesus might want us to do when we see these people? Perhaps he might want us to pull into the McDonald's across the street and buy them a Big Mac® and a Coke.® Jesus was always concerned about the physical needs of people. That is why he spent so much of his time healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and feeding the hungry. Don't you think he wants us to do the same?

Jesus wasn't just concerned about empty stomachs -- he was even more concerned about empty hearts. One day, after filling the empty stomachs of over 5,000 people, Jesus said to them, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever." Jesus was telling them that he came to give his life so that they could have everlasting life -- if they would believe and trust in him.

Jesus wants us to be concerned about empty stomachs, but he also wants us to be concerned about empty hearts. As we share our bread with the hungry, let us also share the story of Jesus, the Bread of Life, so that they may eat and never die.

Dear Father, we thank you for sending Jesus, the Bread of Life, so that we may eat and never die. Help us to share the story of Jesus with others. Amen.