Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Mary lingered in her Sunday school classroom after the other children had rushed out the door. Clutching her Bible, she stared at her teacher, who was putting books and papers away. "Can I help you with something, Mary?" asked Miss Robyn.

A tear escaped down Mary's face, and she quickly brushed it away with her shirt sleeve. "Oh, Miss Robyn, did you know that Kristin isn't here this morning because she's visiting a family that's going to adopt her?" she asked. "I guess that's nice for her, but . . . but she'll move away." Mary's voice shook a little. "I don't want her to move. She's my best friend, and I'll be so lonesome without her."

Miss Robyn put an arm around Mary's shoulder. "I know it's difficult to have a friend leave, but try to be happy for Kristin," said Miss Robyn. "She didn't have any family left on this earth, but now she's going to be living in a home with people who love her. Best of all, Pastor Carlson knows the family, and he's told us that they love Jesus, too."

Mary nodded. "I know, and I am glad for her," she said. "She'll have a mom and dad and a brother and two sisters! She'll have more family than I do-I have only one sister." Mary sighed. "It's just that I'll miss here so much when she's gone!"

"Yes, but you can still keep in touch. Maybe you could be pen pals," suggested Miss Robyn.

Mary smiled a little. "That would be fun," she agreed. "Being adopted is a good thing, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," said Miss Robyn with a smile. "Did you know that everyone who has trusted Jesus as Savior is also adopted? Jesus fills our lives with His love, and we're adopted into God's big family-so all those who love Him are our brothers and sisters in the Lord."

Mary gave her teacher a big smile. "I had forgotten about that. I'll tell Kristen I'm adopted, too!" said Mary. "And I'll remind her that she's already been adopted once because she loves Jesus. That means we're sisters, doesn't it?" Mary nodded. "I'm going to tell her we'll still be sisters even though she moves to a different place."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been adopted-by God? Do you have lots of "brothers and sisters" because you're part of God's family? If you haven't yet trusted Jesus as Savior, why wait any longer? He wants you to become His child and to enjoy everything He has for you. Accept Him today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Kim looked at the paper in her hand. "Eat a well balanced meal," she read, "get to bed early, and be sure to . . ."

Kim was interrupted when her brother Tom snatched the paper. "Who said you could read my mail?" he asked.

"It was right here on the table," said Kim. "Who's it from anyway?"

"It's from my track coach," replied Tom. "There's an important track meet next week, so he sent a letter to everybody on the team." Tom sighed. "He's really pushing all of us to follow what he calls the 'basic rules for health and fitness.'" He scowled as he looked at the letter. Then he grinned at his sister and held it out. "Here," he offered. "I changed my mind. You can have all this good advice."

Kim took the letter. "I'll read it," she said, "but the advice is for you. I wouldn't want to miss my pizza party at church tonight."

Kim went to her party and had a wonderful time with her friends. Before dismissing the group, Pastor Blake led them in a time of devotions. "How many of you like to get mail?" he asked. Everyone's hand went up. "What do you do when you get a letter?" he continued.

"Open it," the kids chorused. "Read it!"

Pastor Blake nodded and held up his Bible. "This is God's letter to you," he said. "How often do you open it? Do you read it regularly? And do you apply what God says to your own life, or do you read it as though you were reading someone else's mail?" He paused while the kids thought that over.

It was easy for Kim to see what Pastor Blake was getting at. When she had read the track coach's letter to Tom, she hadn't thought much about the advice it contained because that was directed to Tom, not to her. Do I read the Bible that way, too? she wondered. I'm going to be careful, after this, to see what God is telling me.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What did you think as you read today's Scripture? Did you think, "My friend should read this!"? Or, "My brother ought to pay attention to that"? Don't read the Bible as if it were someone else's mail. Realize that it's God's letter to you. Go back over the verses you read today and see what good advice God is giving you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16

[Soldier4Christ]

"I can do it, Dad. I know how." Bryan was eager to help trim the hedge at the back of the yard.

"Okay," agreed Dad. "I've got it started, so while I run to the store for grass seed, you can finish it. If you keep it nice and even, I'll give you another job."

Dad left, and Bryan took over the trimming. As he carefully cut the hedge to the same level Dad had started, his friend Jake, who lived in the house behind Bryan's, came out. He eyed Bryan's work. "You know what?" said Jake. "If you'd cut that down a little bit lower, we'd be able to jump over it when we go to each other's house."

"You're right!" exclaimed Bryan. "I never thought of that, but . . ." He hesitated. I bet Dad won't even notice if I cut it down just a little more, he decided, and he proceeded to follow Jake's advice.

Bryan finished and had just put the clippers down when his sister Deb came out. She pointed to some bushes at the side of the house. "Can you cut those, too?" she asked. "They're getting awfully big."

"Sure," said Bryan confidently. "How short do you want them?" He picked up the clippers and began cutting. "How's that?" he asked after trimming all around the bushes.

Deb surveyed his work. "That's pretty good, but cut a little more," she said. I hope Dad doesn't care, thought Bryan as he began cutting again.

When Dad got home, he looked from Bryan to the hedge, to the bushes, and back at Bryan. "What happened?" asked Dad. "Those bushes at the house are flowering bushes, but I'm afraid there won't be any flowers this year. They shouldn't have been cut." He looked back at the hedge. "That's going to look pretty strange until it grows back. You didn't do things the way I told you."

"Well, I . . . I did at first," mumbled Bryan, "but . . ." He paused and then explained about Jake's and Deb's suggestions. "They seemed like good ideas, so I was just trying to do it the way they wanted me to," he finished.

"Who are you working for?" Dad asked quietly. "For them, or for me?"

Bryan was embarrassed and ashamed. "I . . . I should have been working for you, but I guess I wasn't," he admitted. "I'm sorry, Dad."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that Christians are servants of Christ? As His servant, you need to follow His instructions. Friends may say, "It doesn't hurt to cheat a little." But God says, "Be honest." The world says, "Get even with that person." God says, "Vengeance is Mine. I will repay." Unbelievers may tell you, "God won't send anyone to hell." God says, "The soul that sins will die." Shut out any worldly advice and follow God's instruction. Remember that He is your master. He's the one you need to obey.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24

[Soldier4Christ]

Beth giggled. "The chimpanzee was so funny," she said as the circus show ended.

"Yeah," agreed Jesse, "and the acrobats were amazing!"

"I like the clown best," said six-year-old Colby. "He has a happy face, and he made me laugh."

On the way to their car, the family walked past the motor homes in which the circus performers lived. Colby clutched his father's arm. "Daddy, look! There's the clown." Colby, pointed toward the top step of a motor home where the clown was unlacing his big floppy shoes. As they watched, he reached up to his head. "He's taking his face off!" squealed Colby in horror.

Jesse hooted with laughter. "That's not his face, Colby," he said. "It's a mask he wears when he's performing."

"Without it, that clown looks old and tired," whispered Beth. She was right. There were wrinkled worry lines around his eyes, and his mouth didn't smile.

"Why isn't the clown happy anymore, Mommy?" asked Colby.

"The mask has a big smile painted on the face to make him look happy," explained Mom. "It made him look different than he really is."

"I don't think I like masks," said Beth. "I think people should look like they really are."

"But some people would look better with a mask," said Jesse. He looked at his sister critically. "Maybe you would, too," he teased.

"I would not! I don't need one," retorted Beth.

"Actually, we all wear masks sometimes," said Dad.

"I don't," objected Jesse, and Beth nodded.

"I don't mean a mask like the clown wears," said Dad. "But when we pretend to be something we're not, it's like we're wearing a mask. For example, if we pretend to be honest when we're really telling or acting out a lie,we're not showing our true 'faces.' Or when we try to impress people by making them think we're being good when we really are not, that's another kind of mask."

"That's right," said Mom. "We need to remove our masks and be honest with ourselves and God. Remember, God knows what we're really like, even when we try to hide under a mask. We may fool other people-we may even fool ourselves-but we can never fool God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wear a mask-do you pretend to be something you're not? Do you pretend to be honest and sincere when you are really lying or being deceitful? Do you pretend to be kind and loving when you're actually full of anger or hatred? God knows your heart. Masks can't fool Him-He knows all about you. Confess any sin, and ask the Lord to help you be an honest, genuine person, living in a way that pleases Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 139:23-24)
Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . and lead me in the way everlasting.

[Soldier4Christ]

At the beginning of morning recess, Isaac decided to speak to Alec, the new boy in his class. Alec had been in their school for a couple of weeks, but he didn't seem to make friends very quickly. During recess, he usually went off by himself. Isaac approached him hesitantly. "Hey, Alec," he said,"I go to a cool Bible club on Tuesdays after school. Want to come with me tomorrow?"

"No . . . I don't think so," Alec replied as he hurried out the door. Isaac was disappointed. The week before, his Bible club teacher had talked about the importance of being a witness for the Lord.

The next Sunday, there was a missionary speaker at Isaac's church. "When we first went to Africa," said Mrs. James, "the people in our village weren't at all interested in hearing the Gospel. But, as you know, we established a hospital in that area, and it has been a wonderful bridge to the Gospel. After several people were treated at the hospital, they and their families were ready to hear about Jesus."

A light seemed to go on in Isaac's mind. Ideas began to form. Maybe I need to make friends with Alec before I can witness to him, he thought. Maybe I could get him involved in a game during recess, and . . . what else? Isaac wrinkled his brow. Maybe I should try to get to know Alec away from school, too. I'll ask Dad if I can invite him to go camping with us. Isaac could hardly wait to discuss his idea with his father.

When Dad heard Isaac's plan, he nodded. "I think that's a great idea," he said.

The next day at recess, Isaac reached Alec before he rushed out the door. "Alec, why don't you come play ball with the rest of us guys?" Alec hesitated. "Come on," encouraged Isaac. "We have fun." So Alec joined in the game.

A couple of days later, Isaac made another suggestion. "My dad and I are going camping Friday night, Alec, and we'd like you to come along," said Isaac. "We'll go fishing and have campfires. If you'd like to come, Mom and Dad will call your parents to ask them about it."

Alec looked pleased. "Sounds like fun," he said.

"Great!" exclaimed Isaac. "Come on. Let's go play kickball."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do people resist your efforts to tell them about Jesus? Can you think of a way to build a bridge to the Gospel? Perhaps you could take a gift to someone who is sick. Or help someone with homework. Maybe you know someone who just needs a friend. Do something this week to "build a bridge." And when it's built, "cross it" by witnessing for the Lord.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Cal, how long have you worn that WWJD bracelet?" Brenda asked her brother, eyeing the bracelet with distaste.

"About six years," Cal replied. "It used to be purple and blue, and it had 'What Would Jesus Do?' in white letters."

"Well, if Jesus had it, I think he'd take it off," Brenda said. "You know the whole WWJD fad is pretty much over now. You used to see those letters on all kinds of things, but you don't see them much anymore."

"I guess that's true," acknowledge Cal, "but wearing this has helped me. I mean . . . sometimes I'd be about to do something wrong, and I'd see the bracelet and think, 'No, Jesus wouldn't do that.'"

"That's good, but times are changing," said Brenda. "I still think it's time to retire that old thing."

Cal looked at the bracelet and frowned. "Grandma says she finds it sad to see so many things change. I think I agree with her-especially when good things are changing. And those letters were a good reminder to do the right thing. But . . ." He grinned at his sister as he unsnapped the old, faded bracelet. "There! Does that made you feel better?" asked Cal, holding out his wrist.

 "Well, I don't know," said Brenda. "If it helped you so much, maybe your should keep wearing it after all." She laughed. "But if you don't, and if you start misbehaving with it off, don't blame me!"

 "Well, I really don't need to wear it anymore," Cal assured her. "I've worn it so long, and seen those letters so often that I'm sure I'll always think about what Jesus would do."

"Think so?" asked Brenda.

Cal nodded. "Like I said, I wore that WWJD bracelet for six years, but you know what? I've got something better to 'wear' now. The Bible says to 'put on the new man,' remember? I think that refers to Jesus and living to please Him. I trusted Him as Savior a few years ago, so now I'll 'wear' Him forever. Times may be changing, but He's not."

Brenda nodded. "You're right," she agreed. "Everything changes except God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember seeing the slogan "WWJD" on things-on bumper stickers, cups, decals, necklaces, and especially on bracelets? You may still see a few of them-and it's still good to ask yourself what Jesus would do-but like all fads, that one has faded away. However, if you've trusted Jesus as Savior and daily "put on the new man," you'll live in a way that pleases Him. Even if you decide it's time to discard the old WWJD stuff, remember to always do as Jesus would.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Put on the new man . . . in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24

[Soldier4Christ]

"I get the bathroom first!" yelled Jon. He rushed past Rachel, yanked open the bathroom door, and scurried in. A moment later, he stuck his head out. "The early bird gets the worm!" he shouted. "Besides, you spend way too much time primping in here." Rachel made a face at him, but he had already banged the door shut.

At breakfast, Jon grabbed the cornflakes. "Me first!" he said, shaking crispy, crunchy cereal into his bowl. "The early bird gets the worm." He grinned. "We learned that in a story we read at school," he added smugly.

After they had eaten, Dad brought out a package. "Here's something I thought you might enjoy sharing," he said, handing it to the children.

"Cool!" exclaimed Jon as they eagerly dumped the contents on the kitchen table. "A book telling how to do magic tricks-and some of the stuff you need to do them!" He opened the book. "I get to try one first!" he shouted.

"You always do things first," complained Rachel. "I want to be first for once."

"Nope! I spoke first," said Jon. "The early bird gets the worm, you know."

"You've said that at least three times already this morning, and I'm tired of it," grumbled Rachel. "Where does that expression come from anyway?"

"That's simple enough," said Jon. "The first bird to come out in the morning gets the worm for his breakfast, right? By the time the rest come, the worms might be all gone." He smiled. "First is best," he added, "and I'm first again!"

"Careful there, Jon," cautioned Dad. "It's not always best to be first. Think about the worm. How do you suppose he feels about having been first?" John looked puzzled. "What happened to the 'early worm'-the one who was first out of the ground?" asked Dad.

Rachel laughed. "The bird ate him up," she said. "How about that, Jon? If you're always first you might be like the early worm instead of the early bird!"

Dad grinned. "That's right!" he agreed. "Of course, the real reason it may not be best to be first is that you're being selfish if you always put yourself first. God wants you to put Him and others first-like Jesus did."

"Well, I . . ." began Jon. "Okay, Rachel. You can be first to try a magic trick."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you always want to be first in anything you do? Do you shove your way between kids so you'll be first in line, first outdoors at recess, or first to grab a ball? Since Jesus is God, He could have been first in every way, yet He chose to be a servant. He wants you to be like Him by putting Him and others first and serving them. Next time you want to be first, ask yourself what Jesus would do if He were in your circumstances.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. Mark 10:44

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come on,Blake," said Logan in a low voice. He led the way into his brother's room and shut the door. Blake watched as Logan searched for and found a small box he knew his brother had hidden there. Logan quickly lifted the lid to reveal the treasure-a pile of coins! "Take a few," whispered Logan. "My bother will never miss them."

"You're sure?" asked Blake as he touched the coins. Logan nodded, and each of the boys took a few coins. Then they very quietly returned the box to its hiding place and sneaked out of the room.

Every couple of days, the boys repeated their actions. "This is almost like being pirates, and we're getting good at it," gloated Logan. He grinned. "Remember how scared we were the first time?"

Blake momentarily felt guilty, but he nodded his agreement. Stealing the money had become a game and a challenge that became easier and easier.

A few days later, Blake left to spend a month with his grandparents. When he returned, he stared at the empty lot next door where he and his friends played ball. "I didn't mow for a few weeks and look at those weeds!" he complained.

Dad nodded. "Weeds are like sin, aren't they?" he said. Blake looked at him in surprise. "Keeping them under control requires regular mowing," explained Dad. "If you ignore them, they flourish. They grow little by little until they take control of the whole lot-or in the case of sin, it takes control of your life. You don't notice sin's growth at first, because it doesn't happen all at once. But each time you ignore your guilt and give in to the temptation, sinning becomes easier."

Remembering how easy it had become to steal the coins, Blake stared at the weeds. "I . . . I have some other weeding to do before mowing the grass," he said.

"Anything you want to talk about?" Dad asked.

"Maybe later," Blake agreed. "Right now I need to visit a pirate friend."

Dad chuckled, "Oh, are you on a mission to find buried treasure?"

Blake shook his head. "No, I have to give some treasure back to its owner. Maybe I can convince my pirate friend to do that, too-there's some mowing he should do." He gave a small grin. "Maybe we could go into the mowing business together."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there sin in your life that has grown like a weed? Have you ignored so-called little sins, thinking they aren't important? All kinds of sin can grow and control your life. Don't give them an opportunity to do that-mow down those weeds of sin with the "power mower" of God's Word and His Holy Spirit. Resist temptation-say no as soon as a wrong idea or action tempts you to sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Bill sighed as he dropped his backpack on the floor in the family room. "What's the matter, Bill?" asked his mother.

"I got cut from the baseball team," Bill said sadly. "I wish I were better at sports. Every year it's the same. I try my best, but I'm never good enough."

"Perhaps there are other talents you should be developing," suggested Mom sympathetically. "You may not be the best in sports, but God has given gifts to all of us-including you. Discovering those gifts and using them for God's glory can be an exciting challenge."

"Yeah, whatever!" Bill responded dismally. He headed to the kitchen to get a snack, while Mom continued sorting through old photos.

"Bill, please look in the kitchen drawer for a rubber band to fit around this shoebox," Mom called to him. "I need to store these old photos in the attic."

Bill shuffled through the drawer and found several rubber bands. "I don't know which of these will fit the box," he said as he took them to his mother.

"Go ahead and try a few," suggested Mom.

Bill tried a narrow band that broke before it reached around the box. He tried another, but it was too stiff to stretch far enough. Mom watched his efforts. Finally, he found a sturdy band that reached comfortably around the shoebox.

"Bill, the manufacturer of those rubber bands designed each kind for different purposes," Mom told him. "A small band is not made to handle large jobs. And a large band doesn't fit well around small items. Right?"

Bill looked at her. "Sure," he agreed, "so what's the point?"

"God created you for certain purposes, too," said Mom. "He designed your gifts and talents to be used for Him-for His glory. You can still play baseball for pleasure, but being on the school team doesn't seem to be God's purpose for you. He may want you to perform in a drama or develop a puppet team or write for the school paper. There are all kinds of possibilities. You may have to try a few before you find the perfect fit-the one that fits you just right."

Bill looked at the rubber bands. "You're saying I have to figure out which rubber bands . . ." he grinned, "which talents, that is, fit me. And then use them for God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel like you're not gifted with any special talent? The whole purpose of your life is to glorify God and to honor Him. You don't have to be the best in every area. As you grow and try different activities or pursue various interests, ask the Lord to help you discover which talents He has given you. Ask Him to show you how you can develop them and use them to serve Him and others. Life is full of opportunities to bring glory to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards. 1 Peter 4:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom," called Adam, "may I walk to the store with Mrs. Emmet? I can help carry her groceries home." Mrs. Emmet was an elderly neighbor who often asked Adam to help her with tasks.

Mom smiled as she gave her approval. "How kind of you," she teased, knowing Mrs. Emmet usually treated Adam to an ice cream cone on the way to the store.

As Adam and Mrs. Emmet walked along, he chatted with her about his summer plans. "I hope you won't be too busy for Bible club," said Mrs. Emmet, smiling at her young friend. "Tell me, Adam, are you a Christian?"

Adam shrugged. "I . . . I sure hope so," he replied. "I guess I am."

They stopped at the ice cream shop, and Adam chose a double dip, chocolate fudge ice cream cone. "Thank you, Mrs. Emmet," he said. "This is great."

As they got ready to leave, Adam's friend Ryan came in. "Hi, Adam." Ryan grinned as he looked at Adam's cone. "So you got chocolate ice cream today, huh?"

To Adam's surprise, Mrs. Emmet answered for him. "He sure hopes so." Both boys looked at her rather strangely as she added, "He guesses so, at any rate." Ryan shrugged and turned his attention to choosing a flavor.

"Why did you say that, Mrs. Emmet?" Adam asked as they left the store. He took a big lick of ice cream. "I have chocolate ice cream-no hoping or guessing about it," he added with a grin.

Mrs. Emmet chuckled. "That was rather silly of me, wasn't it?" she agreed. "Almost as silly as your saying you 'hoped' and 'guessed' you were a Christian." She paused while Adam thought about that. "Adam," she continued, "when you have something-either an ice cream cone, or salvation-you don't need to 'hope' or 'guess' you have it. You either have it, or you don't. The question is, do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you trusted Him to forgive your sins?"

"Last summer I asked Him to forgive me and to save me," said Adam, "but sometimes I feel like maybe I should do something more."

"God is faithful and His Word is true," Mrs. Emmet assured him. "If you believe in Jesus, God has forgiven you and you have eternal life-no doubt about it. Salvation doesn't depend upon how you feel, but on our Almighty God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever have doubts about your salvation? Do you hope your sins have been forgiven? You can know for sure. It does not depend on your efforts or works or on how you feel. Jesus paid the price for your salvation. Confess your sin to Him and accept what He has done for you. Trust Him as your Savior. God is faithful and will keep His promise to forgive. He will cleanse you from all your sin and give you eternal life.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Did someone pack the flashlight?" asked Dad as the family prepared to leave for their camping trip.

"I did," replied Keith. "I took the one with rechargeable batteries."

"Great idea," approved Dad. "All right-I think we're ready to go."

Before climbing into his sleeping bag that evening, Keith grabbed the flashlight. "Let's go, Corey," he said, and he and his little brother, headed to the bathroom. As they followed the path through the trees, the flashlight beam seemed to grow dimmer. "Great," Keith complained. "Whoever used this flashlight last didn't recharge the batteries. Now it's almost out of power."

When they were ready to go back to the campsite, Keith attempted to use the flashlight again, but the light was too dim to be useful. Corey hesitated. "I'm scared," he whimpered. "I don't like the dark."

"Don't be a baby," said Keith impatiently. "Come on."

"I'm not a baby," Corey argued. "I just don't like the dark. There could be a bear in the trees."

"Don't be ridiculous," growled Keith. He stalked off into the darkness.

"Wait for me!" Corey's wails filled the night.

"Corey, be quiet!" ordered Keith as he hurried back. He grabbed Corey's hand, and together they made their way back to their campsite.

"What happened?" asked Dad. "Didn't you use the flashlight?"

"No one recharged the batteries, and it gave out," Keith grumbled. "And Corey's a baby."

"I see," said Dad. He frowned. "I'm afraid the flashlight isn't the only thing that gave out. Your patience did, too. You apparently lost God's power to be patient with your brother. Living without God's power is like walking in darkness. We stumble and fall into sin." Dad picked up his Bible. "I think you need to be recharged," he added.

"Me?" asked Keith. "What do you mean? How could I be recharged?"

"One way to be 'recharged' with God's power is by reading His Word and applying what God teaches to our lives," said Dad. "Let's have our family devotions now so we all can recharge."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you daily recharge your spiritual life with the power from God's Word? Do you ask Him for strength to do the things that please Him? Neglecting the Word of God is like trying to walk in the dark. Sin is always hiding in that darkness, waiting to attack your heart and cause you to stumble. Let God's Word recharge your life and be the light that guides you down the path of life.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Chase nudged Aiden and pointed toward a lady coming down the walk. She had a lovely face, but she was wearing dark glasses and was accompanied by a large dog in a special harness. "Did you ever, in all your life, see such an ugly mutt?" Chase hissed.

Aiden, who loved dogs, just shrugged. He realized that the lady was blind, and he knew this must be a seeing eye dog. He had heard about them but had never actually seen one in action. "He may not be a pretty dog, but I think he's cool," said Aiden. "He takes that lady wherever she wants to go."

To the boys' surprise, the lady stopped and spoke to them. "I heard you discussing my dog," she said. "This is Shawnee, and he's been taking me places for six years now. He's saved my life twice that I know of, and probably other times that I don't know about. He's always there when I need him, and he's a good listener, too."

"Wow," murmured Aiden. "I'd like to have a dog like that."

The lady smiled. "I've been told that Shawnee is not a pretty dog," she said, "but even if he's the ugliest thing in the world to look at, he's still beautiful to me."

"I can see why you think that," agreed Chase.

"Yes," murmured the lady. "I'm very blessed."

"Blessed!" Chase blurted out. "But you're blind!" He slapped a hand across his mouth, embarrassed that he had been so blunt.

The lady smiled and nodded. "Yes, but the accident that took away my physical sight gave me a different kind of sight," she told the boys. "I no longer judge animals, or people, on what they look like-I'm blind to all that. Instead, I 'look' at what they're like on the inside. That's what counts."

After chatting a few minutes longer, the boys headed home. "That lady sure was nice," said Aiden, "and so was her dog. I'm going to try to never make fun of another person's looks again."

"Me, too," agreed Chase. He grinned and added, "I won't even make fun of a dog's looks."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever laugh at people because of the way they look? Do you look down on them because of scars or other physical handicaps? In a sense, God is "blind" to outward appearances. He cares about what's on the inside. That should be your concern, too. Never laugh at the way anyone looks-he may be more beautiful than you on the inside!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Joel picked up a computer game from the pile of birthday gifts he had received. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "I've been wanting one of these!" He'd also gotten many other things, including a baseball cap, money from his grandparents, a jacket, a sweatshirt, and even a bike! "This was my best birthday ever!" he declared.

"Here's one more package for you," said Mom as she handed Joel a small box.

"Another one?" Joel was surprised. Quickly he ripped the paper off. "A box of stationery? For me?" He scowled. "This looks like a gift for a girl!"

"It's a box of thank-you notes complete with stamps," said Mom. "Before you do another thing, sit down here and write thank-you notes to Grandma and Grandpa Jackson for the money they sent and to Grandma Peters for the sweatshirt. You also need to send one to your Sunday school teacher for the book she gave you."

"Not right now, Mom," argued Joel. "Right now I want to take my new bike for a spin and play with my computer game. I can write the notes later."

Mom disagreed, "Everyone who bought you a gift spent time and money to honor you- time and money they could well have used some other way," she said. "Certainly you have time to sit down and write a short note of thanks."

Joel grumbled, but he obeyed. Thirty minutes later the notes were written, and Joel spent the rest of the evening enjoying his gifts.

At bedtime, the family gathered for prayer. "Joel got some very nice gifts today," commented Dad, "and every day the Lord gives gifts to all of us. Often we're so busy enjoying them that we neglect to tell Him thank you."

"I was in a hurry to enjoy my gifts, too," Joel confessed. "I wanted to wait with writing thank-you notes, but Mom wouldn't let me."

Mom chuckled. "Writing those notes didn't take long, either, did it? And it was time well spent. Now you don't have to remember to do it later."

"You know what I'm going to start doing?" Joel asked. "I'm going to start saying 'thank-you prayers' to God before I ask Him for anything. I don't want to forget to thank Him for all He's given me. I'm going to start right now!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say thank you-to God and to people who've been good to you? Or do you owe a word of thanks right now to someone who did something nice for you or gave you a gift? How about the Lord? Do you owe Him a "thank you prayer"? Time spent saying thanks is never time wasted. Giving thanks is an opportunity to praise God and bring glory to His name. Gratitude is an attitude that is pleasing to Him, so take time now to offer thanks to God and to others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1

[Soldier4Christ]

"Next week we're going to have a special visitor at school!" announced Brett. "Miss Robbins wouldn't tell us who, and some kids say it's going to be an alien!"

"A green guy with antennas?" asked Brett's sister Vicky, eyes wide as saucers.

Mom laughed. "Aliens are everywhere," she whispered, looking around cautiously. "In fact, I'm an alien. And both of you are, too!"

"No we're not!" protested Brett and Vicky together.

"An alien is . . . someone who doesn't belong here," declared Vicky.

"And who looks and acts different than we do," Brett added. "And talks funny. Someone from another planet-or at least another country."

"Like Mr. and Mrs. Yoshida?" asked Mom. "Mr. Yoshida is here studying, but Mrs. Yoshida is very homesick for her family and their home in Japan."

"Yeah, like that," agreed Vicky. "But we're not aliens!"

"Are you sure about that?" asked Mom. "Is this earth our real home?"

"Well . . . I guess not really," said Brett. "When we accept Jesus as Savior, we have a home in heaven."

"Right. This isn't our real home, and this isn't the real you," said Mom, playfully pinching Vicky's arm. "The real you and me live inside these bodies. When we die, our bodies will be buried, but we will go to our real home-heaven."

"So that means we're aliens on earth, right?" asked Brett.

"If we're aliens shouldn't we look and act different than people who aren't Christians?" asked Vicky.

"Sure-we're supposed to live like Jesus would," said Brett. "We're supposed to be kind and helpful to others and treat them nice even if they're mean to us and not be selfish and love everybody . . . stuff like that."

"And since we don't belong here, we shouldn't get so attached to things of this world," added Mom.

   Brett nodded. "Yep, we're aliens all right," he said, "and that explains it."

   "That explains what?" asked Vicky.

   "Why you're so strange," teased Brett, laughing as he ran out of the room before Vicky could catch him.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can your classmates tell there's something "different" about you because you don't say or do the unkind things they do? Are you truthful even if others lie? Are you cheerful even when things go wrong? Do you willingly obey parents and teachers? Do you dress in ways that will not offend God or others? Do you look forward to heaven? All of these things are characteristics that should be found in those whose permanent home is in heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Who (Jesus) gave Himself for us, that He might . . . purify for Himself His own special people. Titus 2:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Kyleah gulped down her dinner, asked to be excused, then jumped up from the table. "Where are you going in such a hurry?" Dad asked.

"To get Misty ready for the Fourth of July parade," Kyleah replied. "It's coming up fast, and I registered her in the riding contest. Remember?"

"But you have choir practice tonight!" Mom reminded her.

"I know, but I can't go, Mom," mumbled Kyleah. "I still have lots to do to get Misty ready if I want to win first place."

"I'm sure you do," said Dad, "but isn't Mr. Robinson counting on you to sing the solo part for the Sunday school program next week? You need to practice. You'll still have a few days to get Misty ready."

Kyleah frowned. "I know, but I promised Chelsea I'd help her, too," she said. "We're riding to the parade together, and it's her first time to be in one. I can't let her down. She's my friend!"

"Kyleah, have you forgotten your best friend?" asked Mom.

"Chelsea is my best friend," said Kyleah. But she frowned as she remembered a time not long before when Chelsea seemed to forgot they were friends at all. A new girl had come to school, and Chelsea had ignored Kyleah for days! When that happened, Kyleah had talked to Misty, her horse, about how unhappy she was. Misty had cheered her by nuzzling her ears. Maybe it's Misty who's my best friend, thought Kyleah uncertainly.

"What about Jesus?" Mom said softly.

Kyleah gulped. How could she forget Jesus? Oh, yeah," she said. She remembered that she had also told Jesus how she felt when Chelsea ignored her. She nodded. "Jesus is always there for me," she added.

"Yes," said Dad. "He even died for you. Don't forget that."

Kyleah hurried to the stairs. "Where are you going?" Mom called after her.

"To get ready for choir practice," Kyleah said. "I do want to win first place in the riding contest, but I'll work with Misty later. Jesus is really my best friend, and I know how bad it hurts when your best friend ignores you."

Dad smiled. "Looks like Jesus just won first place in your life," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does Jesus have first place in your life? Do you give Him the time He deserves? He wants you to have fun with your friends, but He doesn't want you to put them first and ignore Him. Talk to Jesus every day, read the Bible-His letter to you-and do special things for Him . . . like telling others about Him and using your talents for Him. He loves you more than anyone else does. Treat Him the way you should treat your best friend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1