Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Sam watched as his little brother struggled to tie his shoes. Sam tried to help him, but Danny scowled and pulled away. Sam sighed and waited patiently for the little boy to give up. Finally, Danny allowed Sam to help him, and the two of them headed for the park.

"Dad, Danny never wants me to help him tie his shoes," said Sam that evening, "but he can't do it alone. How long will it be till he can tie them by himself?"

Dad smiled. "It won't be long," he said. "He just needs a little more time. I remember when you were learning new things. You were a lot like Danny. You would hardly ever let me help you. If I tried, you'd get angry and say, 'No! By myself, Daddy!' And you'd push at my hands."

"I did?" Sam grinned. "I can hardly believe I was so stubborn," he said. "You're sure you're not mixing me up with somebody else?"

Dad laughed. "It was you all right," he said. "You were very independent. Maybe I should thank you for that, because you taught me something."

"Really?" Sam was surprised. "What did I teach you? Something good, I hope."

"Oh, yes. Very good." Dad nodded. "As I watched you, I saw myself. I was a new Christian-a baby Christian at that time-and I was trying to walk the Christian life all by myself. I hardly ever read my Bible or spent time in prayer. I didn't even go to church very often. I wasn't getting help from my Heavenly Father or from my brothers and sisters in the Lord. As a result, I was having quite a struggle with my temper and other bad habits."

"But you knew you were doing bad stuff?" asked Sam. "You knew you had bad habits that you should get rid of?"

"Yes, I was very much aware of that, and I did struggle with them," said Dad. "Then as I watched you resist my help, I suddenly realized that I was resisting the Lord's help. In my spiritual life, I was saying, 'I don't need any help.' It's a lesson I'll never forget." Dad smiled at Sam. "As you remember that God is patient with you, be patient with Danny," added Dad, "but don't be like him. Accept the help God offers through His Word and through Christian brothers and sisters."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you struggling to "walk" as a Christian should? Are you struggling with fears? Laziness? A temper? Pride? No matter how capable you feel, sooner or later you will "fall" spiritually if you try to walk alone. Study God's Word. Meet regularly with other Christians. Take time to pray. You need your Heavenly Father's help to be the honest, kind, helpful person He wants you to be.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling . . . be glory. Jude 24-25

[Soldier4Christ]

"Do you hear that bird?" asked Matt as he and Trevor were walking through the park. Matt motioned with his hands as he spoke.

Trevor looked at his friend. "I don't hear any bird," he said in sign language, "and you don't, either. You're deaf."

Matt grinned. "He's in those trees." Matt pointed to a group of pine trees. "I saw him a minute ago. He's called an oven bird, and people who study birds say his song sounds like someone saying 'teacher.'"

Trevor looked at Matt in amazement. "I don't understand how you know so much about birds! You're deaf and have to read my lips and watch me sign words in order to know what I'm saying, yet you can tell me about bird songs! Where did you learn all that?"

"Well, I've always liked birds, so I read books about them and study their pictures," Matt explained. "I memorize their colors and shapes and their flight characteristics. You know . . . whether they flap their wings a lot or soar up high or fly in a swooping pattern. Stuff like that."

"Wow! You sure know a lot more about birds than I do. I'm impressed!" exclaimed Trevor.

Matt smiled. "Mom says I study to make up for not being able to hear. She calls it compensation. But you know what? I think you're really the one who's deaf."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Trevor. "I can hear perfectly well."

"Well, it's true that I can't hear with my physical ears, and you can. But it's not true that I can't hear anything," answered Matt. "My dad taught me long ago that if I'll listen to God, I can hear spiritually. A Bible verse I learned says that kind of hearing comes 'by the Word of God.' So I read the Bible and go to church and Sunday school to learn more from it. But you-you've never seemed to care about coming to Sunday school or learning what God says in His Word. I think that must mean you're not hearing spiritually-you're spiritually deaf. That's worse than being deaf like me."

Trevor frowned as he thought about what Matt had said. "Well, I . . . I . . ." he mumbled. He sighed. "Okay," he agreed. "Tell me more. I'll listen."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you hear what God is saying to you? Or are you spiritually deaf? Do you ignore what God says in His Word? It's important that you hear Him. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it's impossible to please God, and as our key verse says, "Faith comes by hearing." So turn right now to the back of this booklet, find the ABC's printed there, and "hear" what God says you must do to be saved. Trust Jesus as your Savior and then ask Him to help you "listen" daily to His Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

[Soldier4Christ]

A cat's loud meow came from the living room-again and again. "Andy," called Mom, "what are you doing to Muffy?" Not waiting for an answer, she left her work in the kitchen and went to investigate. "Why did Muffy yowl like that?" she asked as she walked into the room.

"I was just petting her," replied Andy. "She turned around to face the other way, but I didn't change the direction I was stroking her." He grinned. "When I kept on petting her that way, I was rubbing her fur opposite from the way it naturally lays. That made it all stand up funny, and she didn't like it!"

"I'll bet she didn't!" answered Mom with a smile. "I'm sure it makes a cat feel funny to have its fur rubbed the wrong way. Don't do that anymore!"

When Andy returned home from school the next day, he looked rather unhappy. "How was your day?" asked Mom.

Andy frowned. "Not so good. When my teacher had to leave the room for a few minutes today, just about everybody in my class cheated on a test," he told his mother. "I bet they think I'm kinda weird-John asked why I didn't look up the answers when Mrs. Austin left. I told him it makes me feel funny to cheat." Andy sighed. "Nobody else seems to be bothered by doing stuff like that, so why am I?"

"You're a Christian, so when you do something wrong, the Holy Spirit convicts you about it," replied Mom. "Remember Muffy's reaction yesterday when you rubbed her fur the wrong way? Well, when God convicts you of sin, I think it's as if He were 'rubbing your fur the wrong way.' That makes you feel uncomfortable and guilty, and you don't feel right again until you've repented of your sin and confessed it to God." Mom smiled at Andy. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Andy nodded as he remembered how Muffy hated having her fur rubbed the wrong way. "Yeah, I get it," he said. "So if I don't want to feel like that, I better do what I should, right?"

"Yes," agreed Mom. "Then instead of feeling guilty and afraid, you'll feel safe and happy."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel unhappy and guilty about something you've done? That's the Holy Spirit working to convict you about your sin. It's as though your "fur is being rubbed the wrong way." When you feel guilty, knowing you've done wrong, confess what you've done, and ask God to help you to not do it again.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"Someone's watching you!" exclaimed Julie's little brother Sam, his voice as low and as spooky as he could make it.

Julie lowered the book she was reading, rolled her eyes, and smiled. "Out of here!" she ordered playfully.

"Woo-o-o-o," howled Sam as he left Julie's room. She laughed and returned to her book.

"Telephone, Julie," called Mom a few minutes later. "It's Kaylie."

Julie put her book down and went to talk with her friend. After chatting a few minutes, she hung up and turned to her mother. "Is it okay if I go over to Kaylie's house to work on a math assignment?" asked Julie. "Kaylie's having trouble understanding fractions, and I told her I'd help her."

"That's fine," said Mom. "Just get home in plenty of time for supper." So Julie took her math book and went to study with her friend.

The girls worked for quite a while before they finished the assignment. "I'm glad that's finally done!" Kaylie said in relief as she closed her book.

"Me, too," agreed Julie.

"We're done just in time for my favorite TV show," said Kaylie. She grabbed the remote control, selected a channel, and dropped into a chair. "Do you like this one?" she asked.

Julie watched for a moment. "I've never watched the whole thing," she said. "My mom doesn't let me watch that program."

"Then don't tell her," suggested Kaylie.

"Well, maybe I could just . . ." As Julie began speaking, Sam's voice echoed in her head-Someone is watching you! Julie knew what she had to do. "If I watch this program, Mom might never find out, but I'd know," she told Kaylie. She shook her head. "I don't want to live with the guilt." Julie smiled and added, "Besides, someone is watching me. God would know, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that someone is watching you? That someone is God. He sees everything! He knows all you do-He even knows your thoughts. So never fool yourself into thinking you can get away with things you do in secret. The cool thing is that He sees the good things you do as well as the bad. Is He pleased with what He sees in your life?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

[Soldier4Christ]

"Grandpa!" Joey called as he burst into his grandfather's house. "Four weeks from now we're going to have a big race at our school, and I'm going to run in it. I can't wait! First prize is going to be twenty dollars. If I win, I'll be able to buy all kinds of candy!"

Grandpa Wilson chuckled. "You'd better slow down, or you'll be worn out before the race starts," he teased. "If you're serious about running, you'd better cut down on junk foods like candy. I ran a few races in my college days, and I remember the coach emphasizing the importance of a good diet."

Joey groaned. "My gym teacher said the same thing," he admitted, "but I love candy! In fact, I love all the things they say are bad for us. How am I gonna live without candy bars and sodas and taco chips for four whole weeks?"

"There's no law against a runner eating candy or potato chips before a race. You can eat them if you want to. It's up to you," said Grandpa. "Of course, if you're really serious about winning, you'll probably want to cut out anything that would keep you from reaching your goal."

Joey thought for a moment. "I really do want to win, so I'm going to do everything I can to come in first," he decided. "I'll even give up candy and stuff like that. The prize will be worth it."

Grandpa nodded. "You know, Joey," he said, "God compares living our lives to running a race. We should have a goal of becoming like Jesus and serving Him. To do well in the race of life, we may need to give up some things, too."

"Like what?" asked Joey.

"Well, sometimes I hear you complain that you're not allowed to do some of the things your unsaved friends do," replied Grandpa. Joey frowned. "I'm sure you don't see that they're bad things, but at this point in your life, you need to trust your parents' judgment. If you really want to reach the goal, you need to be willing to do without a few harmful or unnecessary activities." Grandpa paused, then added. "I hope you'll always be as serious about serving the Lord as you are about winning that race at school! Then you'll be a winner in the race of life. The prize God offers is worth any sacrifices you make, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you doing your very best in your "life race"? Do the TV programs you watch, the places you go, and the friends you enjoy help you or hinder you? Do your parents approve or disapprove of them? Some things may not, in themselves, be sin, but if they keep you from doing what you should-such as helping at home, studying, obeying your parents-they're wrong for you. Be serious about putting aside things that get in the way of doing what you ought to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let us lay aside every weight . . . and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Though Joey didn't win first prize in the big race at school, he did win the ten dollar second prize. "Good job!" approved Grandpa, who had come to watch the race. Joey grinned. He was glad he had worked so hard.

Several days later, Joey's mother greeted him after school with the news that Grandpa Wilson had been taken to the hospital. "We'll go to see him after supper," Mom promised, "but you need to know that he's very, very ill."

 Mom was right. Grandpa was very weak, and as the days passed, he didn't seem to improve. Joey knew his parents were concerned about it.

Joey was solemn as he entered his grandfather's hospital room one afternoon. "Hi, Joey!" Grandpa called weakly. "Good to see you!"

Joey gave Grandpa a shaky smile. "I'm glad to see you, too," replied Joey. "I miss you, Grandpa! I wish you could come home."

"I miss you, too," said Grandpa. He took Joey's hand. "Joey, I think I will soon be home-in my heavenly home, I mean," he said softly. "I'm eager to be there."

Joey frowned. "Grandpa! You . . . you don't want to . . . to die, do you?" he gasped.

"That sounds awful to you, doesn't it?" said Grandpa, "but I'll be with Jesus. I'll even be getting a new body some day."

"But . . . but . . ." stuttered Joey.

 Grandpa smiled. "Do you remember when you ran that race a couple weeks ago?" he asked. "How did you feel when you were almost to the finish line? Not there, but almost there."

Joey couldn't help grinning as he remembered the race. "To tell you the truth, pretty bad," he replied. "My legs were sore, my chest hurt, I was all hot and sweaty, and I wanted a drink of water." Then as he thought about it, he added, "But in a way, I felt great. I knew the race was almost over, and I knew I'd done my best."

"Don't you see, Joey?" said Grandpa gently. "That's exactly how I feel. Even though my body is tired and full of pain, I'm happy because I can see the 'finish line' up ahead. I've been saved by grace through Jesus Christ, and I look forward to finally seeing Him and all the wonderful things He has prepared for me. Don't feel bad for me, Joey. It's almost time for me to get my prize!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever think about growing old and dying? Or perhaps you're concerned that you may die at a young age. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you don't need to be afraid. Dying is just a matter of "crossing the finish line" and receiving a reward for what you did for Jesus while you lived here on earth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

[Soldier4Christ]

Jessica hung up the phone. "I wish Kira wouldn't make me feel guilty just because I never feel like doing our Sunday school projects," she complained. "She acts like I'm not a even a Christian." Jessica sighed. "What's the big deal?" she continued. "After all, we're not saved because of good works."

"That's true." As Mom spoke, she bent down to pick up the baby's toy phone. She looked at it as she held it in her hand for a moment. "Why don't you call Kira back and tell her that?" suggested Mom. She handed the toy to Jessica. "Use this phone."

"Mom!" Jessica chuckled. "I can still remember when I was little and liked to make pretend calls, but I'm past that now." She set the phone down.

"That looks like a phone," said Mom, "and if you push the buttons, they'll beep like a phone. It will even ring. And the box it came in said it was a phone. So why not use it? What's the difference between this little phone and the one you were using when you talked with Kira a few minutes ago?"

Jessica gave her mother a strange look. "Come on, Mom! You know the difference between this and a real phone," said Jessica. "A real phone makes real calls. This one doesn't."

Mom nodded. "And a phone that won't do what a phone is supposed to do is not much use, is it?" she asked. "Do you suppose that's true about Christians, too? That they're not much use if they don't do what they're meant to do?"

Jessica frowned. "Okay, Mom. What are you getting at?" she asked. "What do you mean?"

Mom sat down beside Jessica. "You were right when you said works don't save us," said Mom, "but good works are an act of obedience to God. In fact, the Bible says we're 'created in Christ Jesus for good works.' It sounds like they're pretty important in the lives of real Christians. Don't you agree?"

Jessica was a bit startled as she thought about what her mother had said. "Well, I . . . I guess you're saying the class project is a 'good work' that I should do because I'm a Christian, right?" She nodded. "I better call Kira and tell her I'll come."

Mom smiled. "Let me get you the real phone," she said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are good works seen in your life? You are saved by grace and not by works. Never make a mistake about that! But if you truly want to follow God, good works should be a natural result of your faith. There should be a desire to do the things that please and serve God. He actually has good works planned for you to do. Look for them and take advantage of all the opportunities He gives you to do them. Think about it. What will you do today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"Uncle Frank is Dad's uncle, right?" asked Mark as his mother unlocked the safe in Uncle Frank's house and took a stack of yellowed papers from it.

"That's right," agreed Mom. "That makes him your great-uncle." She set aside one paper. "This has the information the hospital needs for Uncle Frank's records," she said. She put the others back in the safe and locked it.

While Mom took care of business in the hospital office, Mark went down the hall to Uncle Frank's room. "Hi, Uncle Frank," he said.

The elderly man raised his head from the pillow and wrinkled his brow. "Uh-h-h . . ." He peered closely at Mark. "Oh, it's little Jimmy."

Mark shook his head. "No, I'm Mark," he said.

Uncle Frank wrinkled his brow. "Nice to meet you," he murmured.

"Jimmy's my dad," explained Mark. "He's grown up now." Uncle Frank still looked puzzled, so Mark held out a paper. "Here's the church bulletin."

Uncle Frank took the bulletin and held it close to his face. He began to read the verse printed at the top. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High . . ." he read slowly. Then he put the paper down and closed his eyes. ". . . shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." When Mom came into the room several minutes later, Uncle Frank had just finished quoting all of the ninety-first Psalm.

"Uncle Frank didn't remember me. He thought I was Dad," said Mark on the way home, "but he quoted a whole chapter from the Bible! How could he remember all that when he didn't even know me?"

"Old age often robs people of memory, but many elderly people recall hymns and Scripture long after they forget almost everything else," explained Mom. "That's one reason why it's important to learn those things while you're young. When you memorize God's Word, you store it in your heart, and it's available when you need it."

"Like Uncle Frank's papers were stored in the safe in his house?" asked Mark.

Mom smiled. "Something like that," she said, "only better. A safe in a house can be broken into, but treasures hidden in the 'safe' of your heart can never be stolen from you."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you storing treasure in your heart? You can store up great riches by memorizing God's Word. Think of each Bible verse you learn as a valuable treasure hidden in your heart. Old people often remember and receive comfort and help from Bible verses they learned when they were younger. You may need this source of strength some day-either when you've grown old, or even while you're still young. Learn today's key verse as a reminder of the importance of memorizing God's Word.h


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your Word have I hidden in my heart. Psalm 119:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look at the score," moaned Juan. "They'll never win." Juan was spending the evening with his grandfather, who had suggested they watch a basketball game on TV. Juan loved basketball, and he couldn't sit still as his favorite team ran up and down the court. He jumped in delight when they scored, but collapsed on the sofa when his team missed a shot at the basket. "They're doing awful," Juan mumbled in disgust when they were several points behind. "We should be cheering for the other team." He got up. "Maybe I'll go play with Sparky for a while."

"Is that how you support your team?" asked Grandpa. "Come back and cheer them on."

"It's not like they can hear me," muttered Juan, but he trudged back to his seat.

A little later, a commercial came on. Grandpa hit a button on the remote control, and the commercial zipped rapidly by.

"Hey!" Juan exclaimed. "Is this game on tape?" Grandpa grinned and nodded. "So you already know how it's going to end!" said Juan.

"I like it that way," confessed Grandpa. "There's less pressure. I hate surprise endings." He smiled and pointed to his Bible on the table. "That's one reason I'm so glad to have the Bible," he added. "It tells how the biggest match of all will end."

"Aw, Grandpa. There's no story of a basketball game in the Bible," protested Juan.

"No," agreed Grandpa, "but it tells about a battle being fought to win the world! Satan wants the hearts and minds of everyone, and sometimes . . ." Grandpa shook his head sadly, ". . . sometimes it seems like he might be winning. Then the pressure to give up and 'desert our team'-God's team-can be pretty great, especially when others seem to be having a better time than we are."

Juan thought about his schoolmates. Many of them probably aren't Christians, he thought, and they do seem to have a lot of fun doing stuff I'm not allowed to do.

"But we know God is going to win that battle," continued Grandpa, "and when it's over, those who were faithful to the Lord will celebrate the victory with Him. That's one victory celebration you don't want to miss."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know unbelievers who seem to have a better or easier life than you do? Do you hear adults talking about wicked lifestyles that seem to be spreading throughout the world? Do you wonder why God allows that to happen and whether it's really worth the effort to live for Jesus? If you're a Christian, be confident that you are on the winning team. Be faithful as you serve the Lord, and someday you'll enjoy the rewards of victory with Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17

[Soldier4Christ]

As Kevin approached the gate at the athletic field, he held his ticket for the baseball game tightly in his hand. Just a little ahead of him, Zane, a friend from school, appeared to be arguing with one of the men taking the tickets. "Sorry, Son," the man was saying as Kevin walked up, "this is a ticket for last week's game. I can't let you in."

Zane looked at the date on his ticket. "I must have grabbed the wrong one by mistake," he said, "but it's okay. I'm part of the group that picks up trash and stuff after the game, so my ticket was free anyway." The man shook his head. "Come on!" argued Zane. "My dad's the principal of the high school, and he'll buy me a new one if it's so important. He'll be here soon."

"Well, before I can let you in, you'll have to have the ticket-free or not," insisted the man. "It's that simple."

With a sigh, Zane turned to wait at the side of the gate. He waved as Kevin handed his ticket to the gatekeeper. "Save me a seat," called Zane. "I'll be with you in a few minutes." He was right-a short time later, he joined Kevin and some other boys.

"Was your dad mad that they didn't let you in sooner?" asked Kevin.

Zane shook his head. "Nope. He said the guy did just what he was supposed to do."

That evening, Kevin told his parents about the problem at the gate. "I thought that man would be in trouble for not letting the principal's son in," said Kevin. "Besides, Zane helps there after the game."

Mom shook her head. "The person taking the tickets at a ball game doesn't check to see who it is that wants to get in-or who he's related to or what he's done," she said. "He looks at the ticket. If it's the correct one, the person has the right to go in. If not, he doesn't have the right to go any farther, no matter who he is."

"Mom's right," agreed Dad. "That's the way it works-and that's kind of the way God works, too. Jesus-and Jesus alone-is our 'ticket' to heaven. God won't look at who we are or at how many good things we've done. He will only look to see if we trust in Jesus as Savior."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have your "ticket" to heaven? Have you received Jesus as your Savior? You'll never get into heaven by saying, "Look at me, God. I'm a good person." Or, "Look! My parents are Christians." You can only say, "Look upon Jesus, who is my 'ticket' to heaven. If you've never received Him, don't wait. Do it today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be found in Him, not having my own righteousness . . . but that which is through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:9

[Soldier4Christ]

As Carrie sat in church, she listened in disbelief. "After much prayer, we feel the Lord is calling our family to serve Him in another place," said Pastor Allen. "We'll be leaving in about a month." Carrie was horrified at the news. That meant Becky, her best friend, would move, too. Becky was the pastor's daughter.

"I don't want the Allens to leave," sobbed Carrie on the way home. "What will I do without Becky?"

"We don't like to see them leave, but let's thank God for the many good years we've had with them," Dad replied gently. "They need to follow God's leading. He'll be with them and help them as they go, and He'll be with you, too, and help you as you miss them here." Carrie didn't say any more, but she was upset all day.

 At bedtime, Mom gave Carrie a hug. "Your old crib is set up in the guest room. Do you want to sleep in it tonight?" asked Mom. Carrie stared at her mother. "I guess you don't remember how you fought against the idea of moving out of it when you got your first big bed," continued Mom, "but I remember. Wouldn't it make you feel better to sleep in the crib again?"

Carrie laughed. "You've got to be kidding," she said. "I don't want to sleep in a crib. I wouldn't even fit, and besides, I like the bed I have now. So what's the point you're getting at, Mom?"

Mom smiled. "Part of growing up means leaving behind old things and adjusting to new ways," she said. "People may change or move, but God is still with us, planning things for our good. Keeping the Allens here apparently doesn't fit into God's plan for them-or us. But remember-like Dad said-God will go with them and He'll also be here with us. That's the important thing."

"I guess you're right," Carrie said slowly.

"Let's make their last days here extra special," suggested Mom. "A good attitude on our part will make their move much easier for them. All right?"

Carrie nodded. "I know moving won't be easy for Becky, either," she agreed. "Will you help me think of special things we can do before she leaves? And after they move, could she come back sometimes and stay with me?" Suddenly, Carrie was full of plans and eager to do what she could to make the move easier for everyone. "We can still be good friends," she added happily.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faced with a move, a new family member, or a new church or school? Are you upset-or even angry-about changes or new circumstances in your life? It isn't easy to let the familiar go, but God will still be with you in your new situation. He doesn't change. Ask Him to help everyone make needed adjustments. Trust Him to work things out for your good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Jasmine's heart beat with excitement as she watched the fire engines, old cars, bands, and floats go by in the Memorial Day parade. People clapped and cheered as men who had served with the U.S. military forces marched by-some of them wearing their old uniforms. Some-including her grandfather-carried a flag, and Jasmine saw the letters "V.F.W." on one of the flags. "Dad, what does 'V.F.W.' mean?" asked Jasmine.

"It stands for 'Veterans of Foreign Wars,'" Dad answered. "On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives for our country-the men and women in the armed services who fought for our country and defended the democratic way of life."

"Like Grandpa?" asked Jasmine.

"Yes." Dad nodded. "We're thankful that Grandpa didn't die when he was called on to fight for our freedom, but many others did. Because of their sacrifices, we continue to have the freedom to be what we want to be and go where we want to go and spend our money whatever way we want to-on houses, cars, church, or anything else." Dad decided to be practical. "Even on chocolate ice cream," he added with a grin. "After the parade, let's find Grandpa and stop for ice cream on the way home. Servicemen and women died so we can do that."

When the parade ended, Jasmine and her family listened to a short Memorial Day service. Then they stopped at the ice cream shop before going home. As they ate, Jasmine was quiet. "Before this, I never thought much about the meaning of Memorial Day," she said finally. "I mean, I've heard all the fancy words about fighting for democracy and freedom, but nobody suggested that I should be thankful to those soldiers for my ice cream and candy bars and stuff like that."

Dad smiled. "We should not only be very grateful to those who died for our country, but also to those who served but came through alive," he said.

"And it's even more important to be grateful to God," added Grandpa. "He's the one who has given us the privilege and blessing of living in a free land." Solemnly, Jasmine nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does Memorial Day mean more to you than just a day off from school? More than a nice parade to march in or to watch? It should. It's a time to remember, with gratitude, those brave men and women who gave their lives so that you can enjoy so many good things. Maybe you know someone who fought for our country alongside those who died in battle. If so, why not thank him or her? Be sure to thank God, too, for the blessing of freedom He has made possible for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Render therefore to all their due: taxes . . . customs . . . fear . . . honor. Romans 13:7

[Soldier4Christ]

As Jasmine sat in church the Sunday after Memorial Day, she looked around. I wonder how many of the people here today fought in a war, she thought. I'm quite sure some of Grandpa's friends did.

Through her thoughts, Jasmine dimly heard the minister's voice. The Lord's Supper was being served, but she had always been rather bored during that service, so she continued to let her mind wander back to the barbecue lunch and the games they had played in the afternoon on Memorial Day.

When the church service ended, Jasmine looked for her grandfather. "Hi, Grandpa," she said. "I've been thinking about all the stuff we did on Memorial Day-like going to the parade and cemetery and eating ice cream and everything, remember?" She grinned. "I'm still thankful to God for my freedom-and my ice cream!" she added.

"Great!" Grandpa smiled. "We did have a good time, didn't we?" he agreed. "And today is another memorial day-an even more important one."

"Today?" Jasmine was puzzled. "But today isn't Memorial Day. Last Monday was."

"Today is a different kind of memorial day," said Grandpa. "Today we celebrated the Lord's Supper, or Communion. When we do that, it's a memorial day because we're remembering the Lord Jesus, who died so our souls can be forever free. That's even better than the wonderful freedom our military heroes won for us."

Grandpa smiled at Jasmine. "Maybe you've never thought about the Communion service as a memorial service," he added, "but that's what it is. Be sure to thank God for the freedom He gave you when He washed your sins away, and for all the spiritual blessings and privileges you have because of that freedom. Okay?"

Jasmine nodded thoughtfully. "I'll do that," she promised. "Last Monday I learned what I should think about and be thankful for on our country's Memorial Day. Today I learned what I should think about and be thankful for on the Christian's memorial day." She grinned. "That shouldn't be hard to remember. After all, ice cream is good, but heaven is even better."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does the the Communion service at church have real meaning for you? Jesus died and paid the price for your freedom from sin. Because of that, you may have your sins forgiven, peace in any circumstance, God's watchful care over you, and best of all, eternity in heaven. Sit quietly during the Communion service, and with reverence and thanksgiving, remember what God has done for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

[Soldier4Christ]

Erica loved to entertain her little brothers by reading stories to them, and the boys loved to hear them. They would listen wide-eyed and be quiet as she read a story and showed them the colorful pictures in the books.

After reading to them one day, Erica took one of the books to her mother. "Look, Mom," said Erica. "This book says ponies are baby horses. Aren't baby horses called 'foals'?"

"You're right." Mom nodded. "Whoever wrote that book made a mistake. Ponies are really a type of small horse. Even when they're grown up, they're smaller than regular horses."

"There's another thing I've wondered about," added Erica. "In some of the nursery rhymes, people don't do the right thing, do they? Like the one about Tom, the boy who stole the pig. It says that after the pig was eaten, Tom was beaten. Tom's family punished him for stealing, but, didn't they do the wrong thing, too? Shouldn't they have returned the pig, instead of eating it?"

"You're right again," said Mom with a smile. "Good for you! I'm glad you're thinking about what you read, Erica. Just because something is in a book, doesn't mean it's good or true." Mom turned and took a bowl from the cupboard. "Want to help me make some cookies?" she asked. "I have a new recipe that sounds great!"

"Sure," agreed Erica.

Mom got out the recipe, and Erica helped get the ingredients together. They followed the directions carefully, but when they tasted the first batch of freshly baked cookies, both Erica and her mother frowned. "These don't taste quite right," Erica said.

"I think there's too much salt in them," said Mom. "I thought it seemed like a lot when we mixed them, but I assumed the cookbook must be right."

"So cookbooks can be wrong just like kids' books," observed Erica.

"Yes, they can. You have to be careful with any book written by people," counseled Mom. "When you read something, you have to think, 'Is this true or false? Good or bad?' There's only one book you don't have to question."

"I know what that is!" Erica said. "The Bible." Mom smiled and nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe everything you read? Remember, people aren't perfect, and they can make mistakes. Often they're not serious mistakes, but sometimes they are. When people write that it's okay to do something the Bible says is wrong, or when they disagree with what the Bible says is true, they're making a serious mistake. The only book you can fully trust is the Bible. It is never wrong.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. Psalm 33:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 Mixers and Music

"How embarrassing!" exclaimed Zoe as she hung up the phone. "Mrs. Phillips wants me to sing a solo in church two weeks from Sunday."

Mom smiled. "That's wonderful, honey," she said as she measured ingredients for a cake.

"Wonderful? What if I make a mistake?" asked Zoe. "All my friends will laugh at me."

"It's your decision," said Mom, "but Mrs. Phillips is obviously aware that God gave you a beautiful voice. It's a shame not to use it for Him."

"Well, I'm not going to do it," Zoe said stubbornly. She watched as her mother took an old-fashioned egg beater from the cupboard and began vigorously beating the cake batter. "Are you making a cake?" Zoe asked.

Mom nodded. "It's Dad's birthday cake," she replied.

Zoe frowned as she watched her mother. "Where's the mixer we got you for your birthday last week?" asked Zoe. "Is it broken already?" Mom shook her head as she added more flour. "Well, then," said Zoe, "Why don't you use it? I thought you liked it."

"Are you disappointed that I'm not using the gift you gave me?" asked Mom.

Zoe shrugged. "A little, I guess."

Mom looked thoughtful. "You and I each have a gift we're not using," she said. "There's my mixer and your music-your ability to sing well. You're disappointed because I don't seem to like the mixer you gave me. I wonder if it causes God sorrow when we don't use the gifts He gave us?"

"Causes God sorrow?" Zoe was startled. "I . . . I never thought of that."

"The reason I'm not using my gift is that Mrs. Cooper, next door, asked if she could borrow it. Her mixer broke, and she had to make several cakes for the missionary luncheon, so I loaned it to her." Mom paused. "Do you have a good reason for not using your gift?"

Zoe was silent a moment. "Maybe God thinks I don't like my voice," she said at last, "but I do. I'll call Mrs. Phillips and tell her I'll sing."

"Good," said Mom. "I'm sure God will be pleased with that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What abilities or talents has God given you? Do you use them to glorify Him? If you can sing, do that for the Lord. If you can work in the nursery, do that for Him. If you can play an instrument, play it for Him. If you enjoy greeting new people, drawing, or doing yard work, do those things for Jesus. Bring honor to God's name through whatever ability He has given you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As each one has received a gift, minister it . . . as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10