Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

As Amy's father drove her and her new friend Sara to the youth banquet at church, the two girls chattered happily in the back seat of the car. It was a dress-up event, and both girls had new dresses for the occasion. "I'm so glad you could come with me tonight," Amy told Sara. "Your dress looks so nice."

"Well, I'm glad you invited me," replied Sara. "I don't see the inside of a church very often, you know. How come you go all the time?"

"Well," said Amy, "I go to worship God and to learn more about Him." She paused, then added, "I'm a Christian-I've asked Jesus to save me, and I love Him and want to learn how to live in a way that pleases Him."

"What do you mean-He saved you?" asked Sara as Amy's dad drove into the church parking lot and stopped.

"Well, we're all sinners," explained Amy, climbing out of the car, "and Jesus paid the price for our sins." Their conversation was interrupted as other kids arrived, so they waved good-bye to Dad and went up the church steps.

Just as Amy walked into the church, she glanced down at her feet. She froze in place. "Oh, no," she gasped. "Oh, Sara, look! I forgot to change my shoes! I'm still wearing my gym shoes. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I never noticed," replied Sara. She looked at Amy and laughed. "They do look pretty funny with that dress."

"Well, I'm not going in there like this," declared Amy. She introduced Sara to a friend, and then left them to make a quick phone call to her mother. She waited at the church door for Dad to bring her good shoes.

"And I thought you had just the right shoes," Dad said when he arrived.

Amy held up the gym shoes. "You liked these?" she asked.

Dad laughed. "Oh, I didn't notice those," he said, "but I did notice that you were ready with an answer when Sara questioned you about your salvation. According to the Bible, you had your feet 'shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.' That's so much more important than wearing dressy shoes with your new outfit." He gave Amy a hug. "Have fun tonight," he said. "We'll be praying for you and for Sara."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ready at any time to tell others about Jesus-to be a witness for Him? Today's key verse has a phrase we don't really use these days. We'd probably say, "Be ready to share the Good News of peace with God." That may mean talking to someone about Him. It may mean explaining what you believe and why you believe it. It also means living in such a way that others can see that you belong to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:14-15)
Stand therefore . . . having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

[Soldier4Christ]

The mining cars rattled along the tracks as Tony and his family peered ahead into the dimly lit interior of the old mining shaft. "Do you think we could still find gold down here?" Tony asked excitedly.

The tour guide chuckled. "You have a little gold fever?" he asked.

"Gold fever?" repeated Tony with a puzzled expression. "What's that? Do you get sick when you mine for gold?"

"No," the guide answered. "'Gold fever' is a term that describes someone who is so eager to find gold that he often devotes his entire life to the search. Gold is a precious metal and very valuable. Years ago, people who found a vein of gold became wealthy. When that happened, it was almost like gold fever was a contagious disease. Others caught it and wanted to become rich, too."

"Awesome!" Tony exclaimed. "I wish I could find gold." He grinned. "Maybe I do have gold fever."

Dad laughed. "I don't think you'd really like mining," he said. "These mine shafts were cramped and uncomfortable and often dangerous. A miner had to be tough, persistent, and have a passion to find gold."

Tony continued to listen eagerly as the guide explained various aspects of mining. "That was cool!" exclaimed Tony when they came up into the sunshine again. "Mining would be hard work, but if I found gold, it would be worth the effort. Just think! I'd be rich!"

After dinner that evening, Dad reached for the family Bible. "Time to do some mining!" he announced with a smile. "Is there anybody here who'd like to be rich?"

Tony laughed. "Me!" he said. "But how would we do mining?"

"Studying the Bible is something like mining for gold," said Dad. "Searching for the truth and wisdom in God's Word requires persistence and patience. It can be hard work, but the results are well worth the effort it requires."

Tony grinned. "Then I guess I can be a miner after all," he decided.

"If you devote your life to finding God's riches, your reward will be much greater than any gold you could ever find," Dad told him.

Mom nodded. "And those riches will last forever," she added.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you done any mining for heavenly gold? Do you understand that no earthly riches can compare with the treasure God offers in His Word? It tells how we may have eternal life and grow spiritually. It's filled with information, instructions, and promises. Through it we may find joy, peace, and contentment. So choose to "mine" for Bible treasure. The reward for this kind of "mining" is eternal.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
More to be desired are they (God's words) than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Psalm 19:10

[Soldier4Christ]

The group of hikers stood at the edge of the stream. "The current seems pretty strong," observed Dan's father. "This could be risky. The heavy rains have definitely increased the danger of crossing."

"Doesn't look dangerous to me," scoffed Dan. "I can handle it."

His Uncle Jake, an experienced hiker, put a hand on Dan's shoulder. "The stream may look harmless," he said, "but tremendous power lurks in that current."

Dan frowned. "I'm not a little kid. I can handle this," he snapped.

The hikers began removing their boots, tying them together to sling over their shoulders. Uncle Jake did the same. Then he cautiously ventured into the stream, testing the current. "There's a large rock here that I can stand firm against," he said, extending his hand. "Just take my hand, and I'll hold you steady."

Entering the stream, Dan tried to ignore his uncle, but Uncle Jake reached out and grasped his arm. When Dan was near the middle of the stream, he felt the current pull fiercely at his legs. The water's power was greater than he had expected. Cold and muscle fatigue caused him to tremble. Suddenly his foot slipped, and he cried out. For a moment, it seemed that Dan's weight might drag both him and his uncle down into the current. Dan struggled as panic seized him, but Uncle Jake stood firm against the rock. He held on to Dan and guided him the rest of the way across the stream.

"Thanks, Uncle Jake," gasped Dan.

When everyone was safely across, Dan again thanked his uncle. "I thought I could get across by myself, but I was wrong," Dan admitted. "If you hadn't helped me, I would have gone under."

"You know, Dan, throughout your life, you'll face far more serious hidden dangers that you can't handle on your own," Uncle Jake counseled him, "but God offers His help-it's as though He holds His hand out to you every day." He paused, then added, "I was able to stand firm with the help of that rock. Always remember that Jesus is our Rock. Never trust in your own strength or refuse the help He provides. Look to Him and His Word daily. Stand firm in following His principles."

Dan nodded. "I don't think I'll ever forget," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you depend on God to handle life's situations? Or do you think you can handle problems by yourself? The Lord has placed godly people in your life to counsel you, teach you, and correct you. And Jesus, Himself, is the Rock who helps you stand firm against the hidden dangers of sin. Without God's help-through His Word and through the help of His people-you risk the danger of being "swept away" by the ungodly culture around you. Don't forget that your strength is in God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Aaron twirled the long fork once more, then pulled it from the fire. He removed a hot dog from the fork, put it on a bun, and handed it to his little brother Joey. "Know what, Dad?" said Aaron as he began to roast a hot dog for himself. "I think Kendall is a Christian-he's the new boy in my class."

"Great!" exclaimed Dad. "Did he tell you he was born again?"

"Well . . . no. But I know he goes to church, and he's really nice. He never swears or gets mad," replied Aaron. "He's not like most of the guys. You'd especially like him, Mom. When his mother gave him a list of stuff to do the other day, he just said okay. He didn't complain at all."

"Well, good for him!" exclaimed Mom. "He does sound like the kind of boy I'd like you to have for a friend! But you know, Aaron, being nice doesn't make him a Christian." She turned to Joey. "Eat your hot dog, Joey," she said.

"Yeah!" exclaimed Aaron. "Eat it while it's hot!"

"I am eating it!" replied Joey. "See?" He held up a half-eaten hot dog bun thickly spread with catsup. "I like hot dogs."

"That's just bread," said Aaron. "Where's the hot dog?" Joey just shrugged and went on eating.

Mom smiled. "We take a hot dog bun, which is just bread, and when we put a frankfurter in it, we call the whole thing a hot dog," she said. "But Aaron's right. Without the meat, it's just bread."

"Yes." Dad nodded. "And just like the bun isn't a hot dog without the meat, a person isn't a Christian without Christ. Instead, he's like that empty hot dog bun."

"You mean . . . like Kendall?" asked Aaron. "Don't you think he's a Christian?"

"We don't know if he is or not," said Mom. "We're glad he's such a nice boy, Aaron, but none of the things you mentioned make him a Christian." She smiled. "Not even obeying his mother so quickly. You need to find out if he's trusted Jesus as his Savior. He's a Christian only if he's done that."

"Okay, I'll ask him about it," Aaron promised. "If he isn't a Christian, maybe he'd like to become one."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sure you are a Christian? What makes you think so? You may be a very nice person-but a very nice person without Christ is not a Christian. So the question is . . . are you trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior? Without Him, you're not a Christian.Won't you receive Jesus today?

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20

[Soldier4Christ]

"To start our game, I will be Simon," said Miss Elwood, Andy's teacher, "and remember, you must always do what Simon says, not what Simon does."

All right! thought Andy. I'm going to be really careful this time.

"Simon says, 'Thumbs up,'" called Miss Elwood. So Andy turned his thumbs up. "Simon says, 'Step forward.'" As Miss Elwood spoke, she stepped forward. Most of the children followed her example. Those who didn't were out of the game. "Simon says, 'Snap your fingers.'" But Miss Elwood clapped her hands instead-and before Andy could stop himself, he clapped his hands, too.

"Oops!" exclaimed Andy with a grin as he sank to his seat. He was out.

After supper each day, Andy's family learned a Bible verse together. "Tonight we'll learn First John 3:18," said Dad. "It says, 'Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.' Let's say it together." They did that several times. "Good," said Dad. "Do you know what that verse means?"

"I know," said Andy's brother Mitch. "It means we shouldn't just say we love people. What we do should go along with what we say." Dad nodded his approval.

Andy laughed. "'Simon' should learn this verse," he said. "When we play 'Simon Says' at school, I always goof if he says one thing but does another."

"That brings up a good point," observed Dad. "Christians sometimes act as though they're playing a game like that-maybe it could be called 'Christian Says.' Sometimes Christians say one thing and do another. Can you think of examples of that?" Everyone thought for a moment.

"Christian says, 'Read your Bible,' and then he opens it only on Sundays," suggested Mom.

"Christian says, 'Go to church,' and then he stays home to watch a football game," said Mitch.

Andy found this interesting. "Christian says, 'Be helpful,' and then sneaks out of doing the dishes," he added.

"You've got the idea." Dad nodded. "Let's always make sure our actions match our words."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you play "Christian Says"? No doubt you can think of many other things you might say, but not do. Remember that people will often follow what you do rather than what you say. So give up "playing" at the Christian life. Start living it instead. Listen to what God says and love others in "deed," not just in "word."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, can you take me to Bible club today?" asked Darci. "I'm late."

"Okay," agreed Mom, "but you'll have to walk home. Have you invited any of your friends? Do we need to pick up someone else?"

Darci sighed, "No, Mom, I didn't invite any friends. Why do you always bug me about it?" Darci was annoyed.

"What about Tina Carson?" Mom persisted.

"Tina and I are total opposites," protested Darci. "I feel like you're trying to force a friendship that I don't even want."

"Well, honey, the Carsons are coming over this evening. Dad and I hope we'll be able us to share the Gospel with them," replied Mom. "I know Tina's not a close friend of yours, and that's okay-but I'm counting on you to at least be friendly. Perhaps you can be a witness to her. Maybe you could loan her some of your Christian CD's and videos."

Darci fumed inwardly, I wish Mom would quit suggesting stuff like that, she thought. She just doesn't know how trashy Tina is and that nobody likes her. Why should she be my responsibility? If Mom wants to be friends with the Carsons, fine, but I don't!

When Mom asked Darci to empty the kitchen wastebasket later that day. Darci took it to the garage. She came back into the house with a styrofoam tray. After rinsing and drying it, she headed to her room. "Hold it!" Mom objected. "What do you intend to do with that trash?"

"You mean this tray? I need it for a Bible club craft," Darci explained. "We're going to use trays to make picture frames."

"Sounds like fun," said Mom. "Rescuing trash-like that tray-and creating something beautiful out of it gives it a new purpose." She looked thoughtful. "We were once as worthless as trash, and our lives needed new purpose, too," she added. "God rescued us. We're His workmanship, and our lives should show His glory and character so that others will be attracted to Him. I think Tina is like that tray."

Darci looked at the tray. "I get it, Mom! Tina needs rescuing," she agreed. "Jesus can rescue her, so she needs to be attracted to Him. That's my job, right?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been rescued from your sin? Are you willing to help rescue others? If so, you are God's project. He has rescued and saved you for a purpose. He wants you to glorify His name and perform the good works that He planned for you to do. Good works could never save you, but they should be evident in the lives of those who believe in Jesus. Are they evident in your life?


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!" wailed Megan as she slammed the screen door behind her. "Come look at my rose bush. It's not growing!" Grabbing her mother's hand, Megan led her out to the flower bed and pointed to a limp, wilting rose plant. "Why didn't my rose grow?" Megan moaned. "Yours did."

Megan's older brother heard her cries and came to investigate. "You didn't plant it deep enough," Bryce told her. "Mom told you the roots needed to be put down deep, remember?"

Mom nodded. "Bryce is right. Roses need to be rooted deep in the soil to give them stability and nourishment," she said.

Bryce picked up a shovel. "Let's plant it deeper now," he suggested. "I'll help you. It will still survive, won't it, Mom?"

"I think so," agreed Mom. She looked at Bryce. "Roses aren't the only things growing around here. You're growing, too, Son-growing into a fine young man," she encouraged him. Bryce blushed, but he was pleased by his mom's praise.

When the rose bush had been planted deeper, Mom gently patted the soil around it. "Christians need to be 'rooted,' too," she said. "We need to be firmly rooted in the Lord. As we study God's Word and learn more about Him, we're taking in spiritual nourishment and developing stronger, deeper roots for our faith to grow."

Bryce grinned. "That's why you make us learn our Sunday school memory verses and study our lessons before we play, right?" he asked.

Mom smiled. "You could say that," she agreed. "And I'm so happy when I see you kids beginning to blossom and display the beauty of the Lord. Then I know your 'roots' in Him are growing stronger."

Wiping her soiled hands on her jeans, Megan twirled in a circle. "I'm a flower!" she declared. "A beautiful flower."

Mom and Bryce laughed. "Thanks, Mom," said Bryce "for encouraging me to study the Bible and learn verses."

"Are you a flower, too, Bryce?" asked Megan.

Bryce chuckled. "Don't let my friends hear you call me that!" he said. "Let's just say I'm like a plant whose roots are growing deeper. I'm sure yours are, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take advantage of opportunities to be rooted in the Lord? Do you study your Bible? Listen in church? Practice the things you've learned? Take time to pray? As you faithfully do these things, your heart will become more firmly rooted and established in the truth of God's Word, and it will show in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Be) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Colossians 2:7

[Soldier4Christ]

"I don't think Anna is a Christian at all," declared Ethan as he rode his bike up the driveway. "In fact, I'm sure she's not. She lied to me!" He turned his bike around.

Mom looked up from her flower garden. "Whoa!" she exclaimed. "Don't you think you're making an awfully hasty judgment?"

"Well, it's not like this is the first time she lied. She's done it plenty often before," insisted Ethan as he started back down the drive. A moment later his howl pierced the air as he skidded on some loose gravel, lost control of his bike, and fell. "My elbow," he groaned. "It hurts so bad."

"I'm sure it does," sympathized Mom, who had come running up. "It's all skinned. Come on-we'll go fix it up."

When Ethan and Mom went back outside a little later, Ethan got ready to ride his bike again. "Wait a minute," said Mom, taking hold of the handlebars, "you're not going to try to ride your bike again, are you?"

"Sure," Ethan replied. "Why not?"

"But, Ethan," protested Mom, "you fell! Tell you what-wait until Dad gets home tonight, and he'll put the training wheels back on for you."

"Mother!" Ethan was indignant. "Just because I fell doesn't mean I can't ride!"

"Really?" Mom asked thoughtfully. "You mean slipping and falling with your bike doesn't mean you're not really a bike rider?" She smiled at Ethan. "Well, guess what? Slipping and falling in your Christian life doesn't mean you're not really a Christian, either. Did you know that?"

"You . . . you mean Anna, don't you? But Mom, she's . . ." Ethan stopped, unsure of what else he could say. "I . . . I guess you're right," he admitted after a few moments.

"Failing in your Christian life does mean you need to confess what you've done and, with God's help, not repeat it," continued Mom, "but be careful not to judge people. Instead, help them get back on the right track."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been disappointed by someone who says he's a Christian? Don't judge the salvation of a person who slips and falls into sin. Pray for him instead, and leave the judgment to God. Let the one who has slipped know you love him although you don't like what he did. Let him know that God stands ready to forgive and that you'll forgive him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Why do you judge your brother? . . . We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Ella tied a ribbon in her hair. Turning away from the mirror, she bumped into her little sister Chloe. "Mom!" yelled Ella, grabbing Chloe by the hand and pulling her to the head of the stairs. "Can't you keep Chloe with you? She's driving me crazy! She's like a shadow. She follows me and does everything I do! She's such a copycat!" Ella slammed the palm of her hand on the banister.

Mom came to the foot of the stairs. She smiled when she saw Chloe. The little girl was standing with one hand on her hip, just as Ella was doing, and her eyes never left Ella's face. Mom motioned for Ella to bring the toddler downstairs. "You know, honey, you should be honored that Chloe wants to be like you," comforted Mom. "It shows that she loves you."

Ella sighed. "I know, Mom. I love her, too," she said, "but I'd like to be able to have some time to myself."

"Come on, sweetie, let's give your sister some privacy." Mom took Chloe's hand. "Come and help me in the kitchen." Relieved, Ella returned to her room.

That evening during family devotions, Dad read from the fifth chapter of Ephesians. The very first verse said, "Be imitators of God." Mom smiled. "Remember how Chloe stuck close to you this afternoon?" she asked Ella. "She followed you everywhere, watching you and trying to do everything you did. Now . . . that first verse Dad read says we are to imitate God. If we're to be like Jesus we need to follow and copy Him, just like Chloe follows and copies you."

Dad nodded. "Children learn by watching adults and imitating their actions, behaviors, and attitudes," he said. "Chloe spends a lot of time with you and does her best to act like you do. We need to spend time with God, studying His Word and getting to know Him better and learning what pleases Him. Then we need to copy the example He left us."

"You mean we need to be copycats of Jesus?" asked Ella with a smile. She nodded. "If I follow Jesus and Chloe follows me, then she'll be following Jesus, too. Wow! That's an amazing thought!"

 "Wow!" Chloe echoed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been a copycat? If you're a Christian, you are a follower of Christ Jesus. You should imitate His character. Study God's Word and become familiar with how Jesus responded to every situation. When you experience temptations or struggles, consider what Jesus would do in your place. Imitate Christ's attitudes and actions so that you'll be a good example for others to follow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Be imitators of God as dear children. and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Angela angrily dropped her books on the kitchen table. "What's wrong?" asked Mom, looking up from brushing Sara's hair. "Looks like you're angry about something."

Angela's eyes filled with tears. "I prayed so hard to win a place in the art show, but I didn't make it," she complained.

"I'm sorry." Mom studied Angela as she picked up little Sara. "Maybe you need to get your mind off your disappointment. I have to run some errands and buy a few things. Why don't we go now? How does that sound?"

Angela sighed. "Okay," she agreed.

At the store, Sara saw a toy she wanted. Angela looked the package over. She saw a warning that said, "Not for small children." In another place, a notation read, "Ages 5 and over." Angela put the box back on the shelf. "Sorry, Sara," she said. "This is for older kids. Maybe you can have it when you get bigger."

Sara's eyes filled with tears. She stomped her little foot on the floor. "I want it now!" she insisted. "I can have it, can't I, Mommy?"

After looking at the package, Mom shook her head. "Not now, honey," she said. "You'll have to trust Mommy to know what's best for you."

That evening, Angela's piano teacher called to let her know she had been chosen to play at a special recital to be held in a few weeks. "Oh, wow!" squealed Angela. "Good thing I didn't get to be in the art show. The music recital is the same day, and I'd rather do that."

"So you're no longer upset with God for not answering your prayer the way you thought He should?" asked Mom with a smile.

Angela stared at Mom. "I . . . I guess I was like Sara, stomping and getting angry because I wanted something that wouldn't really be the best thing for me," she admitted. "Now I'm glad I was disappointed."

Mom nodded. "God always knows best what we should have, so sometimes He says 'no' even if it upsets us," she said. "We don't always know why He doesn't give us what we want, but we have to learn to trust Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you trust God when things don't work out the way you wish they would? Or do you get angry and upset? Like a wise parent, God allows only what is best for HIs children-and only He knows what is best. You may sometimes be disappointed, but don't be angry. Trust God to bless you in just the right way at just the right time.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord . . . to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"Of course I'm a Christian! My mom and dad go to church all the time," Mark told his friend Brad. "Dad's on the church board, and Mom teaches Sunday school." He paused, then added, "Besides, last week they both gave testimonies about when they were saved."

"So what?" retorted Brad. "That doesn't make you a Christian."

"Does, too," insisted Mark.

After overhearing part of the conversation the boys were having on the patio, Mark's mother decided she needed to have a talk with her son.

It was only a little later when Mark came into the house. "I was tightening a screw on the seat of my bike," he said, "and the screwdriver slipped. My finger got cut!" He held out his hand.

Mom inspected the finger. "That doesn't feel very good, does it?" she said sympathetically. "I'll get you a Band-Aid." She went to the medicine cabinet, took out a Band-Aid, tore it open, and carefully put it on her own finger. "There . . . a little bandage to keep the dirt out of the cut," she said. "I hope it makes you feel better, too."

Mark stared at his mother. Then he laughed. "Mom! I guess you're just not thinking!" he exclaimed. "It's my finger that's hurt. I'm the one who needs the Band-Aid."

"Oh?" Mom looked at him. "You mean the bandage on my finger doesn't help yours?"

"Of course not!" exclaimed Mark.

"Well," replied Mom, "a little while ago I heard you talking with Brad. You said that because Dad and I are Christians, you are, too, right?" Mark nodded uncertainly. "We took the cure for sin-we accepted Jesus as Savior," continued Mom. "If that makes you a Christian, too, then I think this Band-Aid on my finger should also take care of your cut."

Mark stared thoughtfully at his mother. "I guess you're right," he admitted. "I need to trust Jesus for myself, don't I?"

"Yes, you do," agreed Mom as she took out another Band-Aid to put on Mark's finger. "Want to talk about it some more?" Mark nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are your parents Christians? Do you come from a Christian home? Do your grandparents know the Lord, too? Are other relatives saved? If you answered "yes," that's wonderful. But here's the real question-have you accepted Jesus as your own personal Savior? If not, you are not a Christian. Even Nicodemus, a religious ruler, had to be born again. You do, too. Won't you accept Jesus today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

[Soldier4Christ]

Laughter erupted as the Spencer family finished a rowdy game of charades. Cara's friend Amy looked around the table. "I wish my family liked each other better and had fun together like this," said Amy. "We argue and fight more than anything else. Why is your family so different?"

Cara shrugged. "I don't know," she replied. "I suppose we're just happy people. And maybe we work harder at it than some people do."

After supper that evening, Mom served a chocolate cake for dessert. "This tastes great, Mom!" exclaimed Cara's brother Kirk. "You should make it more often."

"It's one of the best cakes I've ever tasted," agreed Dad.

"Thank you," responded Mom. "I appreciate your compliments."

"Mom! No fair!" complained Cara. "You know I made this cake."

"You did?" asked Dad. "Good for you, honey."

"Oh, that's right. You did make it, didn't you?" Mom teased. Turning to Dad she added, "Cara made this all by herself, and I couldn't have done it a bit better."

"I don't care who made it," Kirk mumbled through a full mouth, "as long as I get to eat it."

"Well, I should get the credit," insisted Cara.

When everyone was finished, Cara and her mother cleaned the kitchen. ""You know, honey, I have to admit something," said Mom as she put the rest of the cake away. "I deliberately accepted praise and compliments you deserved-but only temporarily and for a purpose. It would be wrong to let Kirk and Dad continue to think that I made the cake, wouldn't it? It wouldn't be honest."

"That's for sure," Cara agreed. "You just wanted to tease me, right? That's okay."

"Actually, I want you to see that you did the same sort of thing today when you didn't tell Amy the real reason our family is different," said Mom. "The peace, love, and joy-and the fun-that exists in our home isn't just because we work hard at it. God deserves the credit for that-not us."

    Cara bit her lip. "I know . . . but . . . but Amy wouldn't understand that," she argued.

"Maybe; maybe not," said Mom, "but tell her anyway, honey. Give God the credit He deserves."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember to give God credit as you accept His blessings? Let your friends know that God deserves the credit when things go well for you. Let them know He deserves the credit when you experience peace even through difficult times. Let them know that He deserves all honor and glory. Give Him credit for watching over you at all times and express your thankfulness for His power at work in your life. Use every opportunity to point your friends to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

[Soldier4Christ]

"Brittany," said Mom as she stood in the doorway of the family room one Saturday morning, "you've wasted half the day in here watching cartoons. How about doing something constructive, like writing a letter to Grandma Nelson?"

"Do I have to?" Brittany whined. "I get tired of writing letters to Grandma. I don't know what to say, and she hardly ever writes me back."

"You know how hard it is for her to write with the arthritis she has in her hands," Mom reminded her. "And you know how much she enjoys getting your letters even though she talks to you quite often on the phone. It makes her feel good to find mail in her box and to know you're thinking of her."   

"Oh, all right," agreed Brittany. She reluctantly switched off the TV, went to the family room, and searched the desk for writing paper. "How can Mom expect me to write to Grandma? There isn't any paper. Jody scribbled on everything," she grumbled to herself. Brittany gathered the scribbled sheets of paper and went to the kitchen. "Mom, do we have any more paper?" she asked with a scowl. "I can't find any in the desk. Jody has scribbled with crayons over all of it. I know she's only little, but still . . ." Brittany dumped the bundle on the kitchen table. "What a mess!"

Mom spread out the papers. "Here's one Jody missed," she said, pulling it out from the pile. "But it's really no better than the ones Jody scribbled on."

"Why? What do you mean?" asked Brittany.

"It's empty," Mom answered. "Nothing has been written or drawn on it to give it any real value. It hasn't been put to any useful purpose." Mom gathered up the scribbled sheets and threw them in the wastebasket. "Of course," added Mom, "you could do something to give that piece value."

"I know . . . like write to Grandma," said Brittany. "I was just going to do that."

"Good," approved Mom. "Keep in mind that a day in your life is a little like a blank piece of paper, honey. You can waste it or use it for something worthwhile."

Brittany nodded thoughtfully. "I've wasted the morning on useless stuff," she murmured. "Well, the day isn't over yet, so I still have time to make something out of it. I'll start by writing that letter." She picked up the sheet of blank paper. "After that I'll clean my room."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you use your time wisely? Or do you waste time with useless activities or by just being lazy? Learn to "redeem" the time-to use it carefully in ways that please the Lord. This may include being friendly, doing an act of kindness, helping with house or yard work, studying God's Word, or witnessing to a friend. Remember, the opportunities to do good that come each day may not come again. Start now to make each day of your life worthwhile!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, sometimes I wonder if Jesus really is coming back some day," said Bob as he and his little sister, Amanda, climbed into the car after Bible club. "I mean . . . well, it just seems like all my life I've been told that He is-our Bible club lesson was about that today. But it never happens."

"See what I got in Bible club," said Amanda before Mom could respond to Bob. Amanda held up a balloon. "Blow it up for me, Bobby."

Bob took the balloon, blew air into it, and returned it to his sister.

"Blow it bigger," said Amanda, handing it back to Bob. He took it and blew more air into the balloon, then paused and looked at Amanda. "Bigger yet," she told him, so once again Bob blew the balloon bigger.

"There," he said, looking at the balloon. "That's about as big as it will go. Shall I tie it for you?"

"No," said Amanda, crossly. "Blow it some more. I want it bigger!"

"It will bust," warned Bob, but Amanda wouldn't listen. So Bob carefully blew a little more air into the balloon. Each time he stopped, the little girl insisted that he blow the balloon bigger.

Finally, it happened! BANG! The balloon could stretch no further. It popped, and Amanda burst into tears.

"It's too bad, honey, but it's your own fault," Mom told her firmly. "Bob warned you it would break."

When Amanda had quieted down, Mom turned to Bob. "This reminds me of your question," she said. "Jesus hasn't returned yet because He's patient and loving and wants everyone to have an opportunity to be saved. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell. But just like Amanda's balloon was stretched to the point where it would burst, the Lord's patience will one day be stretched to the point where the last person who is going to accept Jesus will do so. Then He'll come again. It may not be in our lifetime, Bob . . . but on the other hand, it could be today."

"So we should be patient, too, shouldn't we?" asked Bob. "Okay. I'll try to remember that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe Jesus is coming to earth again? Does it seem strange that people have been talking about His return for more than 2000 years? The first part of Second Peter 3:9 says the Lord is "longsuffering toward us." That means He's patient. He has been very patiently giving men and women, boys and girls the opportunity to accept Him as Savior, but the time will come when Jesus will return as He promised. It's a wonderful promise. Be sure you're ready for that day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look, Mom!" Mary Jo called from the patio. "Look at Susie." Her mother looked, and she and Mary Jo laughed together as they watched three-year-old Susie play with her shadow in the bright sunlight. Susie ran as fast as she could and saw that her shadow had run right along with her. "Stay there," she commanded. She took a big jump, and her shadow had jumped, too. Next she walked slowly. The shadow walked with her. She skipped, and the shadow skipped along.

At dinnertime, Mary Jo helped set the table. "I'll help, too," piped up Susie-and she did. She carefully watched to see how Mary Jo placed the dishes and the silver. She copied what she observed.

As they were eating, Mom passed the lima beans to Mary Jo, who frowned but put a few on her plate before passing them to her younger brother. She hesitantly tasted them, and then took a larger forkful. Seeing that Mary Jo seemed to enjoy them, Joey put a good helping on his plate as well. Susie watched them eat for a moment, and then she asked for some, too.

After dinner, Dad got up from the table. "Who would like to help me wash the car before it gets dark?" he asked.

After a few moments of silence, Mary Jo spoke. "I'll help," she offered. "I can wash the windows inside the car while you wash the outside."

"I'll help, too!" said Joey quickly.

"Me, too," added Susie. "I'll help wash windows, too, Daddy.

Mary Jo laughed. "What is this-copy Mary Jo night?" she asked.

Mom smiled. "Remember Susie and her shadow? Whether she liked it or not, her shadow was with her wherever she went. There was no way she could get away from it," said Mom. "That's like the influence we have over others. Whether we like it or not, what we do and say influences other people. We can't get away from that fact, so it's important to make sure we influence them in the right way-for good and not for bad. You're doing that, Mary Jo. Good job!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of influence do you have? Christians should be kind, honest, and faithful in their work. They should live in such a way that their lives will cause unsaved people to want to know Jesus. Christians should influence other Christians to live for Him, too. Is that the kind of influence you have? Being out under the bright sun gives you a good, sharp shadow. Living close to the Son of God-the Lord Jesus-lets you have a good, strong Christian influence.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12