Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fishers of Men

Tad sighed as he watched the bobber on his fishing line. It rocked on the gentle waves. A moment later, he sighed again. "Something bothering you?" asked Grandpa, who was stretched out lazily on the creek bank.

"Yeah," said Tad. "I've invited six guys to Sunday school this week, Grandpa, and not one is going to come. I don't think I'll invite them again. I think I'll quit inviting anybody to church." Grandpa wrinkled his brow as he looked at Tad. Then he sat up and started reeling in his line. Tad jumped up. "You got a bite?" he asked excitedly.

Grandpa shook his head. "I had a few nibbles, but no bites. Might as well quit."

"But, Grandpa, we've only been here a little while," Tad argued. He liked fishing and didn't want to give up so soon. "We've got all afternoon!"

"I know, but we've been here long enough to have caught something, and we haven't caught one fish," grumbled Grandpa. "Let's give up fishing for good." He stood up. "How about pulling in your line? Let's go."

Tad was puzzled. Grandpa was the one who had taught him to be patient when he was fishing. "Please . . . don't you think we should wait a little longer," pleaded Tad.

As Grandpa checked his bait, he gave his grandson a crooked grin. "Well, if you're sure," he agreed. "It just seemed to me that if you were ready to give up fishing for men so easily, you'd soon be tired of fishing for fish, too."

Tad smiled a little sheepishly. "I get the message, Grandpa. I should have known you had something like that in mind," he said. "Okay . . . I haven't invited Colton to come this week, so when we get home, I'll call and ask him. Maybe he'll say yes this time."

Grandpa tossed his line back into the water. "That's more like it," he said. "Just because the fish aren't biting this minute, it doesn't mean we give up fishing-for either fish or people."

Tad grabbed his rod. "Look, Grandpa! Look!" he squealed. "I've got a bite." Quickly he reeled in his line.

Gramps chuckled as a big bass broke the water. "Yep, you've got to keep fishing," he said. "You never know when you'll get a bite."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it seem like a waste of time to invite friends to church-or to witness in other ways? Does it seem as though you're not seeing any results for your efforts? Don't be discouraged. It may take a long time, but sooner or later, someone will "take the bait." Also keep in mind that someone may be "nibbling" without you realizing it. Although you don't see the evidence, someone may be closer to accepting Jesus because of your witness. So just keep on "fishing"!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

[Soldier4Christ]

As Traci dialed and then listened to the buzz of a ringing phone, her older sister Morgan walked into the room. "Who are you calling?" asked Morgan.

"The radio station," muttered Traci as she heard the phone being picked up.

"Thank you for calling," said a voice. "You're my third caller. Please hang up and try again." Traci did. "Hello, you're my seventh caller," the voice said this time. "Please hang up and try again." One more time, thought Traci. This time she heard, "You're my eleventh caller. Please hang up and try again."

Traci groaned. "Oh, no! Now it will be too late!" she said, turning to her sister. "My favorite Christian music group, Sonshine, is coming to town, but all the tickets are already sold. The only way I'll possibly get to go is by winning a ticket. Whenever the station plays a song by the group, they give two tickets to the 12th caller. My friend Meg and I are trying to win-Mom says she'll take us to the concert if we win tickets, but neither of us has made it yet." Traci sighed. "Half the time I can't even get through. I'm beginning to think we might as well give up."

"If you quit, you won't win for sure," said Morgan.

"Maybe I should pray that I'll win," suggested Traci. "God answers prayers that are for good things, right? Why wouldn't He want us to spend time at a concert that praises Him?"

"You should pray about it," agreed Morgan, "and then you should trust God to work it out for the best and be content whether He lets you win or not."

"People always say that," murmured Traci, "but sometimes I think I might as well quit praying, too."

Morgan smiled at her little sister. "If you want to win that contest bad enough, keep calling," said Morgan, "and if you really want answers to prayer, keep praying. You can't win the contest if you don't call, and you can't get answers to prayer unless you pray. Unlike calling a radio station, you do always get through when you pray-even if it doesn't seem like it. God hears, but He knows that sometimes what you want isn't good for you. You have to accept that." Traci was quiet, thinking. "Hey, Traci, are you giving up or trying again? Isn't the Sonshine group playing the song we're hearing now?" Morgan prompted.

"Oh, yes, it is," squealed Traci. She ran to the phone to try once more to be the 12th caller.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder if God hears when you pray? Do you wonder if He's "taking other calls" at the same time you're praying? He is, but He's so powerful that He can take care of everyone at once and not make any mistakes. He knows what's best for all His people-including you! Keep communicating with Him. He wants to hear from you and show you His will by His answers.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Liz tossed her pencil and sketchbook aside and scowled into the mirror. "How's your self-portrait assignment going?" asked Mom, peeking into Liz's room.

Liz scowled. "I'm too ugly for a portrait," she complained.

"You're not being very fair to God when you say that," Mom told her softly. "God says you're 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' He thinks you're beautiful."

"Well then He's the only one who thinks so." Liz sighed.

"I think so, too," said Mom.

"You're my mother," said Liz. "You have to say that."

Mom flipped through one of Liz's art books and stopped at a the picture of a famous portrait. "Look at this," she said, pointing to it. "You're much prettier than that person."

"Oh, Mom," groaned Liz, peeking over her mother's shoulder. "That's the Mona Lisa! She's beautiful!" Liz pointed to the name "Leonardo da Vinci," the artist who painted the portrait. "The Mona Lisa is a very famous work of art," added Liz. "It was made by one of the best artists in history!"

"So are you," said Mom, closing the book. "In fact, I'd say you were created by the very best artist in history-God!"

Liz had never thought of God as an artist. She peered into the mirror again. "Well, I still wish I were blond. Why do you suppose God gave me brown hair?" she asked, still skeptical. "And so many freckles?"

"I don't know that, but I like them. And I do know it wasn't an accident," said Mom. "Even before you were born, God planned just how He wanted you to look. And He doesn't make mistakes. In His eyes, you are a work of art, and I agree with Him."

As Liz smiled, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She hardly looked like the same girl who was scowling a few moments ago. Hm-m-m, she thought as she picked up her pencil again, I think I better smile for my portrait.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever wish you had eyes or hair of a different color-or a nose just like your friend's? Do you wish you were taller or had the ability to pitch a baseball straight and fast? Don't complain about the way God made you. Try to look at yourself the way He does. He made you for a certain purpose, and He made you perfect for the work He's given you to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, may Laura and I play with that doll?" asked Kirsten when Mom came into the room. "Please? Just this once?" Kirsten pointed to a doll up on a shelf.

Mom shook her head. "It's too old and fragile," she said. She sighed. "I have some sad news to tell you. I just learned that Dylan next door had a bad accident today. He and some of his friends had apparently been taking drugs, and they hit another car. That driver was killed, and Dylan is in the hospital in a coma."

Laura and Kirsten looked up in horror. "That's awful!" exclaimed Laura.

Mom nodded. "We need to pray for them," she said, "and right now I'm going to fix a casserole to take over there." She headed for the kitchen.

It wasn't long before Mom heard a crash. She went to investigate and saw the old ceramic doll on the floor. An arm and a foot had broken off. "What happened?" asked Mom. "I told you not to play with that doll."

"We didn't think it would hurt to just hold it-just one time," murmured Kirsten, looking at the floor, "but it fell. We . . . we should have left it alone."

"Can't we fix it?" Laura asked anxiously.

Mom sighed. "We'll do our best," she said, "but it will never be the same as it was before."

After finishing her work in the kitchen, Mom got the glue, and they carefully reattached the doll's arm and foot. "The cracks still show," said Laura when they were finished.

"They look like scars," Kirsten added. "Can't you push the pieces tighter together?"

Mom shook her head. "You know, girls," she said, "I keep thinking about Dylan. Because of drugs, his life is full of scars-he never finished school, he lost several jobs, and now he's had this terrible accident." Mom set the doll aside to dry. "Dylan's mother said that not long ago he told her he meant to try drugs 'just one time.' He never intended to use them again, but he did-over and over."

"It's too bad he didn't quit," said Laura.

"He wanted to quit, but like so many people, he wasn't able to and didn't get the help he needed," replied Mom. "I hope that whenever you girls see this doll, you'll be reminded of the results of doing wrong-even one time. Especially think of Dylan, and be reminded never to take drugs-not even once."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been tempted to try drugs "just once" to see what it's like? Once is too often for you to knowingly commit any sin. "Doing drugs" is a sin with especially harmful consequences. Using them for pleasure is evil in God's sight. They are destructive to both the body and the mind. Taking them even once could hurt you for life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20

[Soldier4Christ]

The wind lashed at Sam's hair, and salt water splashed on his face as the boat approached Liberty Island in New York Harbor. "Look! There she is," called Sam. "Get your camera ready, Dad."

"Yes, take lots of pictures," said Mom. "This is a trip we want to remember! The Statue of Liberty is beautiful!" They stood at the rail as they got closer. Soon the boat docked, and Sam skipped down the gangplank.

"I can remember my great-grandparents telling what it was like to come to America from Holland," said Dad as they waited for a guided tour to begin. "They said the Statue of Liberty was the first sight to welcome them to a new land."

"I'll bet they were glad to get here," said Sam.

Dad nodded. "Yes, they were," he said. "They were also glad when they became citizens of this country and could finally call America their home."

"There's a poem written on a plaque at the base of the statue," said Sam. "Mrs. Croy made our class learn part of it. It says, 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'" Sam looked up at the top of the statue. "Mrs. Croy says there are still lots of people from other countries who come here looking for peace and freedom."

"That's true," agreed Dad, "but not as many as there used to be. Since so many people have wanted to come to America, our government had to make some restrictions-put a limit on how many can be allowed. The door is no longer open to everyone."

"I know. We learned that criminals aren't accepted," said Sam. "And our history book says there's a quota now on the number of people that can come each year from any one region."

"That seems rather sad," observed Mom, "but I suppose it's necessary."

"It reminds me of another gateway to freedom. It's one that is open to everybody," said Dad. "Jesus invites everyone to come to Him. And all who come, trusting in Him, are granted freedom from sin and citizenship in heaven."

Sam nodded as he pointed toward the tour group. "Let's go!" he said. "The tour is starting."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your citizenship in heaven? Have you come to Jesus, admitting your sin and trusting in His offer of eternal life? God's offer is open to everyone, and there's no limit to the number of people He will accept. No one who has done anything that cannot be forgiven. However, God's offer of salvation will someday end. Don't wait-come to Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oooh!" exclaimed Jeremy when a commercial came on the TV screen. "That jewelry looks cool! Can we order some for Mom's birthday, Dad? She'd like it! Those are real diamonds and rubies and pearls-and they're cheap, too." He pointed to the TV screen. "See? It says right there that they're genuine."

"There's another word on the screen, too-right after the word 'genuine,'" Dad pointed out. "It's spelled f-a-u-x, and it's pronounced 'foe.' See it?" Jeremy nodded and shrugged. "Get the dictionary and look it up," directed Dad.

Jeremy found the word. "It means 'false' or 'imitation'!" he exclaimed. "Genuine imitation stones? Wow! That doesn't even make sense, but it really fooled me."

"It will fool a lot of other people, too. They'll spend money on that jewelry, and then some day discover the stones aren't real," said Dad as the doorbell rang. He went to answer it and came back after talking a few minutes.

"Who was that?" Jeremy asked.

"It was some men who wanted to leave literature and tell me about their religion," Dad answered. "I told them I already know what they believe, and I offered them a Gospel tract."

"Don't they believe the Bible like we do?" asked Jeremy. "Don't they believe in Jesus?"

Dad shook his head. "Their religion consists of false teaching," he said. "Unfortunately, it fools a lot of people."

"Why is that?" asked Jeremy. "Can't people tell that it's false?"

Dad motioned toward the TV. "Remember the commercial we just heard and how easy it was to believe the stones in that jewelry were genuine-until you looked up the word 'faux'?" Jeremy nodded. "Well, these people who came to the door make their message sound good, too. They even quoted Bible verses like true ministers of the Gospel would do," explained Dad. "That often fools people who don't know their Bibles well enough or check to see if the verses are used correctly."

"So people should look the verses up, right?" asked Jeremy.

Dad nodded. "We need to know the Bible so well that we can be on guard for false teaching," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that false teachers may try to get you to believe as they do? Study the Bible to know what is really true. Notice that today's memory verse talks about people who searched the Scriptures daily. Doing so protected them from believing false teaching. Be sure to read at least a few verses from God's Word each day, and ask Him to teach you His truth. Don't let false teaching fool you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
They . . . searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"I wish I could do more to help at Vacation Bible School this year," said Lindsey as she left the church with her mother. "I got to do only little things today-like pick up paper after the kids were gone, or show the little kids where they had to go. How old will I have to be before I can do something to really help-something important, like teaching?"

"Why, honey, what you do now helps so much!" exclaimed Mom, who was the VBS director."We all appreciate it." But Lindsey wasn't convinced.

That evening, Mom handed Lindsey a note. "This is from your dad and me," said Mom, sitting down beside her daughter.

Lindsey smiled as she looked at words "thank you" on the front of the note. She opened it and looked at the message inside. It was as follows: thankyoulind  seyforyourhelpatvbseachdaythelittlethingsyoudoreallyareimportantandwearepr o udyouareourdaughterweloveyouveryverymuch

"This is a puzzle, right?" asked Lindsey as she tried to read the message.

"Not exactly," replied Mom.

Lindsey frowned. "But . . . but you didn't put periods and commas or any punctuation in the note," she said. "You didn't put capital letters on any of the words. You didn't even put spaces between words! Without them, it's . . . well, it's really hard to read!"

"Oh, well," Mom said, with a twinkle in her eye, "spaces and punctuation are such little things, you know. They don't really matter, do they?"

"Don't matter?" asked Lindsey. "Of course they matter. They're important even though they're little!" She laughed. "If this isn't a puzzle, I know it has to be some kind of joke."

Mom laughed, too. "It's not exactly a joke, either," she said. "It's an example to show you that little things truly are important-whether they be spaces or punctuation marks or jobs. Any time you begin thinking the little things you do in Bible school aren't important, remember this note and the 'little things' that were missing in it."

Lindsey grinned and looked at the note again. The next day, she would be happy to do the "little things" at Vacation Bible School.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel as though the jobs you do aren't important? In God's sight, it doesn't matter whether a job is big or little, exciting or boring. The most important thing is that you faithfully do whatever tasks are assigned to you. Whether it's washing dishes, mowing the lawn, cleaning your room, or even opening a door for someone, do your work promptly and in such a way that God Himself would say to you, "Well done."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

[Soldier4Christ]

I sure wish we could go back to the city where Dad's church was full every Sunday, thought Emma as she sat in church one Sunday morning. Only a few families seem interested in church here, and they don't come very regularly. She felt out of place in the small town where they had moved, but her father believed the Lord wanted them to begin a brand new church there.

At breakfast the next day, Emma's mother gave her a bright smile. "Since this is Dad's day off, he suggested that we pack a picnic lunch and spend some time at the beach," said Mom. "How does that sound, honey?"

"Super!" exclaimed Emma. She helped her mother prepare food and get the smaller children ready, and soon they were all enjoying the sand and sun.

"Dad, look at all the starfish on the sand!" exclaimed Emma as she and her father strolled along the beach. "Why are there so many today?"

"I don't know," said Dad. "Maybe they got stranded by the tide. Or maybe they got washed up during the storm last night."

Emma motioned toward a man who was picking up starfish and tossing them into the water. "Why is he doing that?" asked Emma.

"We'll ask him," said Dad as they approached the man.

"If the starfish don't get into the water soon, they'll die!" said the man in answer to their question.

"But what difference does it make if you put a few back? There's no way you can save them all!" exclaimed Emma.

The man smiled. "That's true, but it will make a difference to this one," he said, putting another starfish into the water.

That evening as Emma sat on the front steps of her house, she again felt discouraged over their new circumstances. She waved to a neighbor girl coming down the sidewalk. I suppose I should invite her to Sunday school, thought Emma, but even if she comes, church still will be practically empty. So what difference will it make anyway? Suddenly she sat up straight, remembering the starfish. Emma jumped up and ran toward the girl. I'll ask her to play with me, thought Emma, and I'll invite her to come to Sunday school with me, too. Maybe my coming here will make a difference to this one person.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like what you do doesn't affect many people? Do most kids shrug off invitations to Sunday school or Bible club? Does it seem like it doesn't really make any difference whether or not you witness for the Lord? Today's Scripture refers to the value of going after one lost sheep or coin. The key verse refers to joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Let God be the one to decide if He wants to use you to make a difference in many lives or in just one life. Be available to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"Want this quarter, Madison? You can have it if you can get it." Madison's big brother Tony held out his hand, palm up, with a quarter on it.

Madison hesitated, knowing how her big brother loved to tease, but Tony just stood smiling at her. She walked slowly toward him. When she was close, she made a sudden, quick lunge for his hand. But just that quickly, Tony's fist closed over the quarter, and the battle was on.

There was a lot of laughing and squealing as Madison tried to open Tony's fist. "I got two fingers up," she panted in glee. "I'll get it yet!" But a moment later, Tony's fingers were down again. The quarter was as secure as ever.

"That's enough," said their mother at last. "You know you might as well give up, Madison. Tony's a lot bigger and stronger than you." She turned to her son and added, "You shouldn't always be teasing your sister."

"Teasing her?" Tony slapped his forehead in mock dismay. "I'm not teasing her. I'm just giving her an object lesson like any good brother should do."

"Oh, yeah?" asked Madison. "What lesson would that be?"

"Well, I heard you learning your Sunday school memory verse, see? The one about nobody being able to pluck us out of God's hand," explained Tony. "So I just gave you a demonstration of what a safe place a hand can be."

"That's not bad," commented Mom. "Tony is a lot stronger than you are, Madison, and God is much stronger than anybody or anything. You couldn't force Tony's hand open, although there are lots of people who could. But nobody-not even Satan-is strong enough to open God's hand." She smiled at Tony. "That was a great illustration of being safe and secure in God's hand, Tony."

"Thanks, Mom." Tony grinned at his sister. "And just to show you what a good brother I am . . . here!" He tossed the quarter in her direction. "You can even have the quarter!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad that God holds His children securely? You may get discouraged over things that happen, but God loves you and holds you. You are His. You may-and should-feel sad when you disobey, lie, or sin in any way. Satan may tell you that God can't love you anymore, but that's not true. God loves you, and if you've trusted Jesus as Savior, you're His forever. Love Him back-and live as though you do. Thank Him for loving you and keeping you safely in His hand.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
No one is able to snatch them (believers) out of My Father's hand. John 10:29

[Soldier4Christ]

Carla stirred boiling water and Jello powder. Then she added cold water, put the bowl into the refrigerator, and set a timer. After washing the dishes she had used, she sat down to read a book. "Didn't Dana ask you to come over to play this afternoon?" asked Mom after a while.

Carla shrugged. "Yeah," she said, "but I don't feel like playing with her. She always wants her own way, and she says mean things about other kids."

"Hm-m-m. That's too bad," said Mom.

"She's always bragging about something," continued Carla as a bell on the stove sounded. She jumped up and went to the refrigerator. "Time to check my Jello," she said. After looking at it, she took the bowl out. "It's getting thick," added Carla. "It's ready for the fruit." As she sliced apples and bananas and added them to the Jello, she continued to complain about Dana.

"Tell me something," said Mom. "Dana became a Christian just recently, didn't she? Has she improved at all since then?"

"Oh, I guess so." Carla nodded. "I don't think she's quite as bad as she used to be, but she still has a long way to go."

"Like the Jello," said Mom.

"The Jello?" repeated Carla. "What do you mean?"

"The Jello has changed since you started it, but it has a long way to go, too-it's not finished yet," explained Mom. "In time, it will be firm and ready to eat. It reminds me that Christians need time, too. They need to grow in the Lord, and as they do, they learn what God wants and expects of them. We need to be patient with them as they grow."

"Well . . . okay," agreed Carla. "I'll try to be patient."

"You added fruit to help improve the Jello," Mom reminded Carla. "Maybe you can do something to help Dana, too. What do you think?"

Carla frowned. "I can pray for her," she said at last. "I guess I could be more friendly, too, but is it okay to tell her not to do some of the stuff she does?"

"If you're careful to remind her gently, it may be okay," replied Mom. "And let's remember that you and I aren't finished yet, either. Perhaps you can help her most by being a good example as both of you grow."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
aDo you know Christians who need a lot of improvement? Are you praying for them? Are you helping them by being friendly and encouraging them to attend church and study God's Word? Do you do those things yourself? Do you set a good example for others? God finishes what He starts. He'll finish what He has begun in them-and in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

[Soldier4Christ]

"Can you recite the next verse, Mark?" asked Dad.

"What?" Mark looked up at his dad with a blank expression on his face. The Bible was open to the day's Scripture passage, and Mark saw that the other members of his family were watching him, waiting for an answer. "Um . . . I guess I missed the last part," he mumbled.

"Did you hear any of what I just read?" Dad asked.

Mark tried to recall even a little bit of what his father had read, but he couldn't remember a word. He shook his head. "I was watching the puppies," he admitted. In a box next to his chair, his dog was feeding her newborn pups. Mark leaned down and picked up the smallest one. "Rusty still won't eat," he said, stroking the puppy's fur. "Maybe he's sick."

Dad set his Bible down and took the tiny puppy in his big hands. "Rusty will be sick if he doesn't eat, soon," Dad agreed. "After dinner we'll see if we can get him to drink from a bottle or even lick a little milk from a finger."

"He can have one of my pancakes," offered Mark's little sister, April.

"No, honey," said Mom. "Milk is what he needs to become strong."

Dad put Rusty down. "If you kids were hungry and all you had to do to keep strong and healthy was drink the milk in front of you, would you do it?" he asked.

"Of course," Mark answered, and April nodded in agreement.

"Well," Dad continued, picking up his Bible and placing it in the middle of the table, "this is the richest source of 'spiritual milk' there is. As we 'drink it in' and 'digest' it each day, it helps us stay strong and healthy spiritually."

Mark knew Dad was talking to him. "I'll try harder to listen," Mark promised.

Dad nodded and opened the Bible. He read a few verses again. "Now I know the next verse!" exclaimed Mark. "It's my memory verse from last Sunday!" He quickly recited it. Then he looked at Rusty, and his eyes lit up. "Look!" he shrieked. "Rusty is eating now!"

"Not just Rusty," said Dad with a smile. "You're both eating now!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you enjoying the "milk" of God's Word? Do you take time each day to read something from your Bible and learn what pleases God? Do you apply what you've learned to your life? Thank God that the Bible is available to you. Don't starve spiritually-read it. Discover how good it truly is, and practice what it teaches!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Dad gently shook Todd's shoulder. "Time to go," whispered Dad. "Fishing is best in early morning, you know."

Todd groaned, but he rolled out of bed. Before long, he and Dad were pushing off in a rowboat. The sky was growing lighter, but a heavy mist hung over the still waters of Winfield Lake. Todd yawned as he pulled at the oars. "We can't even see where we're going," he complained.

"What happened to all the enthusiasm you had yesterday?" asked Dad. "I heard you tell your friends you were going to catch the most fish."

"Yeah, and I am, too," Todd boasted. "You'll see."

Dad was the first to reel in a good-sized bass, and then he caught several others. Todd snagged a small sunfish-so small he had to throw it back into the water. Soon the sun came out and the mist disappeared. After a few hours in which he caught little, Todd was discouraged.

"I'm ready to quit," he grumbled. "I've gotta call Bill. We want to toss a few balls before our game today." He looked at his father. "Are you coming to the ball game? We're really going to beat those guys. I'm gonna knock one right out of the ball park!"

"I wouldn't want to miss that," said Dad with a smile. "But you'd better be careful about what you say. Not long ago you were going to catch the most fish. Now you're going to be the best ball player. It's a little embarrassing to boast like that and then come up empty-handed."

Todd grinned. "That's for sure," he admitted, glancing at the few small fish he had caught. "Okay. Maybe I should say I'm going to strike out every time I'm up to bat."

Dad laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't go so far as to say that," he replied. "Seriously, though, the Bible warns against boasting about plans without considering God's will. We can't be sure what will happen today or tomorrow, you know. Life is like the mist that was over the lake early this morning."

"It sure didn't last long, did it?" asked Todd.

"No," agreed Dad, "and our lives don't last long either. We need to live each day doing what God wants of us instead of bragging about our own plans."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you already have plans for today? For tomorrow? For next week? As you make plans, do you think about what God might want you to do? He is in control of all that happens, and your plans will come to pass only as He allows them to. Keep that in mind, and ask Him to help you serve and honor Him in all you do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Grace shuddered as she watched her father put cheese on the mouse trap and set it. "I hate to think of that trap snapping down on a poor little mouse," she told Dad.

"Well, how do you feel about mice living in the house?" asked Dad.

Grace wrinkled her nose. "Horrid!" she said, and she changed the subject. "Dad, may I go roller skating with Ellen tonight? They're going to Colewell, and she asked if I could go, too."

"Honey, I'd like to say yes," replied Dad, "but I'm afraid I'll have to say no. We've heard that things sometimes get pretty wild at that rink, so we'd rather you didn't go there."

"Oh, you never let me do anything!" stormed Grace. "What's wrong with going skating?"

"Nothing that I know of," said Dad. He held up the mouse trap and pointed to the cheese he had put in it. "What's wrong with this cheese?" he asked.

"There's nothing wrong with it, is there?" asked Grace in surprise.

"You're right," agreed Dad. "This is good, wholesome cheese, and when a mouse comes along, that's all he'll care about. He won't notice the spring or the wood or the wires that make up the trap." Dad took a pencil and touched the cheese. SNAP! Grace jumped as the trap closed on the pencil. "But when the mouse takes a bite, he'll be caught," finished Dad. He set the trap aside. "Roller skating is fun and good exercise," he continued, "but that location could put you in danger. It could place you in bad company where worldly music influences you and where your companions would be doing things displeasing to God. From what we hear, there are often fights at the Colewell rink, and drugs and alcohol are widely used. If you want to skate, you can go to the local rink. I haven't heard any bad reports about it."

Grace sighed, but as she looked at the mouse trap, she knew her father was right. Going to the big city sounded exciting, but nothing was worth getting caught in a trap.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you like to skate? Good-unless it puts you in a place displeasing to the Lord. Do you like to bowl? Fine-unless the people you bowl with tempt you to do wrong things. Do you like to play ball? Great-unless it keeps you from church or some activity where the Lord wants you. Do you like to chat with friends? Nice-unless they tempt you to gossip or displease God in some way. Make sure the wholesome activity you choose does not lure you into a trap where you'll be tempted to sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

[Soldier4Christ]

"I just hate my name," Edna told her grandfather one day.

"Well now, I think 'Edna' is a pretty name," replied Grandpa. "Your mom named you after your great-grandmother, whom she dearly loved. The name 'Edna' reminds her of one of the sweetest persons she ever knew."

"But I have to go to school with kids like Griffen McCormick and Jacob Bristol," complained Edna. "I wish I had a name that wasn't so old-fashioned!"

"A lot of babies are being given old-fashioned names these days," Grandpa told her. "Take the name 'Jacob,' for instance. That's a popular name now, but it's a very old one. Remember Jacob in the Bible?"

Edna sighed. "Yes, but I still wish I had a different name. I think I'll change it someday. After all even the Bible says a good name should be chosen rather than riches, and I want to choose a good name!"

Grandpa smiled. "Oh, honey, that verse isn't talking about changing your name!" he said. "It's talking about what people think of your character when they hear your name and think of you."

Edna pouted. "Well . . . maybe," she murmured.

"I'll bet they think of what you're like as a person," Grandpa told her. "Are you friendly and kind? Are you helpful? Or are you selfish and bitter?" Edna shrugged and didn't say anything, but she still scowled. "Tell me . . . what do you think of when you hear the name Griffen?" asked Grandpa. "Or the name Jacob?"

"I think of a boy who picks on girls and calls them names!" Edna answered with a hint of anger.

"Exactly!" Grandpa nodded. "You didn't mention either one as a boy with an up-to-date name, did you? It was their personality and the way they treat you that you described. So even if you don't like your name, try to live in such a way that when people think of Edna Grant, they think good thoughts. That's what 'a good name' means in that Bible verse."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do people think of when they hear your name? Today's Scripture gives examples of two very different reactions to a name. "Saul" brought thoughts of evil, while "Dorcas" brought thoughts of good. Does your name give people good thoughts or bad thoughts? Live your life so that the mention of your name will cause people to think of a person who is helpful and kind and who loves the Lord and lives to please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Proverbs 22:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason picked up the TV remote control and sat down on the couch. "Jagger and Juliet," he muttered when he saw what came on. It was a program his parents wouldn't let him watch, but Dad was at a business meeting and Mom was lying down because she had a headache. The kids at school say this show is always funny, Jason thought. Maybe it's not really so bad. So he began to watch.

A "red-light" came on in Jason's mind when he heard Jagger say, "Who needs a marriage paper when I have you, sweetie?" A little later, one of the actors pretended to be the minister at a wedding. He even mimicked a prayer while the audience roared with laughter. Jason frowned, but he kept watching. Finally, it was too much. "Yuk!" he exclaimed as he hit the off button.

"Yuk is right," Dad's voice came from the kitchen doorway.

Jason turned. "Hi, Dad," he said as he got up and walked to the kitchen. "I can see why you don't want me to watch that program. It sure is bad!"

"Yes, it is," agreed Dad. "I'm glad you turned it off. And now I think it's time for you to have a snack and call it a day."

"Okay," agreed Jason. "Guess I'll have an apple." He reached into the fruit drawer in the fridge. Then he uttered another "Yuk!" as his fingers sank into a spoiled apple. He quickly dumped it, washed his hands, and got a good one. He chatted with his father as he ate it. "I think I'll finish off with a glass of milk," Jason decided when the apple was gone. He got out the milk and emptied the carton into his glass. "Oh, yuk!" he exclaimed after taking a big swallow. "It's sour!" Jason rushed to the sink to rinse his mouth and pour the rest of the milk down the drain.

Dad laughed. "You've had quite a few 'yuks' tonight," he observed. Then he shook his head and added, "I think you should have gotten rid of the first 'yuk' as fast as you did the last ones. Those spoiled foods wouldn't be good for your taste buds or your stomach, but that program wasn't good for your mind."

Jason frowned. "No, I guess not. I knew I shouldn't be watching it," he admitted. "I should have turned it off right away."

Dad nodded "Always remember that what you put in your mind is more important-and harder to get rid of-than what you put in your stomach."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you put into your mind? What you read, talk about, see on TV or in magazines, listen to on the radio-all of these influence your thoughts. Today's Scripture plainly tells the kind of things God wants you to think about. He says to "think on" things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. So be very careful about what you take in through the gates of your eyes and ears. When you take in wholesome things, it will be much easier to keep your thoughts wholesome, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever things are of good report . . . meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8