Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"You're planning to go to church with me next Sunday, right, Nick?" asked Uncle Dave as they drove to Black Lake, where the fishing was reported to be great. "I think you'll like our pastor. During part of his sermon, he always talks specifically to the kids in the audience."

Nick hesitated. "I . . . I don't want to hurt your feelings," he said, "but . . . well, Mom and Dad don't think it's very important to go to church. And I . . . I'm not sure I want to get into this religious stuff."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Uncle Dave. "You sounded quite interested last week. You even said the Gospel was beginning to make sense to you."

"Yeah, but . . . oh, I don't know," Nick said slowly. "I don't think I feel like going to Sunday school and . . . and stuff like that right now. The guys I hang around with at school wouldn't understand, and I like being with them. Some day I'll start going to church, but I think I'll just go on the way I am for a while. I know I'm not perfect, but I'm not so bad, either."

Uncle Dave drove on silently for a few minutes. "Oh, no!" he exclaimed as they passed a road sign. "I was so intent on our conversation that I missed the turnoff. We should have gotten off this road five miles back."

"Guess we'll have to turn around and go back then," said Nick.

"Think so?" asked Uncle Dave. "Why would we do that?"

"To get to Black Lake," replied Nick in surprise. "When you're on the wrong road, the sooner you turn around, the better." He grinned at his uncle. "If we go too far this way, we might not get there at all, and I want to catch some of those fish we've been hearing about!"

Uncle Dave smiled as he slowed down for the next turn. "Me, too!" he agreed. "Like you said, when you're traveling down the wrong road, the sooner you turn around, the better-and that's true when it comes to life, too. If you wait too long to start following Jesus, you might get distracted and never get to your goal-heaven. So think about it, buddy. Don't let anybody or anything keep you from turning around when you're going in the wrong direction in life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you need to "go in a different direction" to get to heaven? You do if you've never accepted Jesus as Savior. In today's Scripture, God told Israel to repent and turn to Him. He wants you to do that, too. Don't let habits, the opinions of others, or even your own laziness keep you on the wrong road. Don't wait until it's too late to turn to Jesus. Trust in Him now!

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Repent, and turn from all your transgressions (sin). Ezekiel 18:30

[Soldier4Christ]

"Did you enjoy working in the nursery this morning Kylee?" asked Mom as they started home after church.

"I did-except for one little kid named Jalen," replied Kylee. "The only thing I heard him say all morning was, 'Gimme a cookie,' 'Gimme a piggyback ride,' 'Gimme, gimme, gimme!'"

Kylee's brother Micah grinned. "Sounds like you," he teased.

Kylee gave him a playful swat. "Just thinking of Jalen is enough to make me tired," she said with a sigh. "He doesn't appreciate anything you do for him or give him. The minute he gets what he wants, he wants something else!"

"That's what two-year-olds often do," Mom told her.

"As a matter of fact, it's what all of us sometimes do," added Dad. " Micah's statement isn't so far off . . ."

"Dad!" protested Kylee.

Dad smiled. "Well, it doesn't sound only like you," he added. "It sounds like all of us at times-adults included."   

"Adults?" Micah laughed. "They ask for piggyback rides?"

"Not exactly," said Dad, "but does this sound familiar?" He paused for a moment. "Dear God, please give me a new job . . . and let the kids get good grades in school . . . and help me get a hit in our next ball game . . ."

". . . and help me lose ten pounds," added Mom with a grin.

Kylee laughed. "We all ask for a lot, don't we? I guess the world must seem like a big nursery to God," she said.

"You may be right," agreed Dad. "Do you suppose He wishes people would appreciate Him more and let Him know they do?"

"I know I'd like to hear a big 'thank you' from Jalen once in a while," said Kylee. "If he'd just get over asking for so many things all the time, working in the nursery would be more fun." As she thought about the little boy, she added, "He's a nice kid when he gets distracted now and then and forgets to demand something."

"Well, then maybe we can ask God for two more things," Mom suggested. "Patience for you and a grateful heart for Jalen . . . and for all of us as well."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you sound when you talk to God? Do you sound like a little kid who asks for one thing after another and doesn't seem to appreciate what he has? Or do you treat all your blessings as gifts from God and thank Him for them? God loves to help you and to give you good gifts, but He doesn't want you to be demanding and ungrateful. Thank Him today for all He has done for you and for all He has given you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Hoping to catch a little more sleep, Cody turned over to avoid the sunlight coming through the window. Then he suddenly remembered he was at his grandparents' home for a week-long visit. Quickly, he jumped out of bed, got dressed, and went to the kitchen where Grandma had started making breakfast. "Grandpa will be in for breakfast soon," she said as she gave him a hug. "Did you bring the devotional book we sent you? Now might be a good time for you to have your devotions."

Cody felt embarrassed. "I forgot it," he confessed.

"Have you been reading it?" asked Grandma. "Do you enjoy it?"

"Well . . . ah-h-h . . . I've read some of it," replied Cody. "For a while I read it every day. I still read the stories quite often."

"How about the suggested Scripture reading?" asked Grandma. "That's the most important part. Didn't you find it helped you grow as a Christian?"

Cody shrugged. "I didn't really see that it made any difference," he replied.

"Hm-m-m," murmured Grandma. "By the way, when Grandpa comes in for breakfast, do you want any?"

"You bet!" said Cody. "I'm hungry! I want breakfast and lunch and dinner, too." He grinned, remembering the delicious meals his grandma made.

"Okay," said Grandma. "Did you eat yesterday?"

"Sure," said Cody, a little surprised at the question.

Grandma looked at him closely. "Well," she said, "then if you had food yesterday, I guess you're quite a bit bigger than you were when you arrived on the plane last evening. I just hadn't noticed. Stand up here so I can see you."

"Bigger?" asked Cody. "What do you mean? Why would I be bigger?"

"You said you ate yesterday, so you will have grown, right?" asked Grandma.

"I . . . a little, I suppose, but you don't notice any difference from day to day," replied Cody. He was puzzled. "It takes time before you notice that you've grown."

Grandma nodded. "It's that way with spiritual food, too," she told Cody. "Do you know the song that says, 'Little by little, day by day, Jesus is changing me'? That's the way He does it, so don't stop having devotions even if you don't see immediate growth. Trust God to make you more like Jesus, little by little."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you praying, reading God's Word, and obeying it? Does it seem like nothing is happening as a result? Growth may be slow at times, but when you regularly read God's Word and put it into practice in your life, you will become a more mature Christian. So . . . be faithful in spending time with God. He'll help you grow and will change you "little by little, day by day."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Alex watched as Steve, his older brother, got ready to go duck hunting. "What are you going to do with those?" asked Alex, pointing to some painted, wooden ducks on the workbench.

"These are called decoys," Steve explained, picking up one of the fake ducks. "No self-respecting duck will come near if he sees me standing around with a gun in my hands. So I hide, but I put these fellows out to float on the lake. From the air, they look real, and when ducks fly overhead, they see them. They say to themselves, 'If that's a good spot for my brothers to land, it must be a good place for me.' Then down they come, and I leap from my hiding place and shoot your dinner for you."

"Humph!" Alex was scornful. "What dumb ducks!"

That evening, Alex and Steve watched a football game on TV. During a commercial, Steve opened a magazine, but he noticed that his younger brother was intently watching a liquor advertisement on the screen. "Don't be a dumb duck," said Steve.

"What are you talking about?" asked Alex.

Steve pointed to the TV screen. "All the people in that ad are drinking and looking as though they're really enjoying themselves," he said. "They're well-dressed and good-looking and seem to be happy and healthy. They try to make drinking alcohol look like a good idea, and keep you from remembering that it causes all sorts of problems-hangovers and meanness and car accidents. You never see a smashed up car in those ads, or a bum staggering around. You see only the 'decoys' that make drinking liquor look good."

"I guess those are some of the 'wiles of the devil,'" replied Alex. "In Sunday school last week we talked about stuff Satan uses to try to get us to sin." He looked over at his brother. "Don't be a dumb duck yourself," added Alex, pointing to an ad he spotted in Steve's magazine. "The guy in that cigarette ad looks strong and healthy. Don't be fooled just because you don't see him gasping in pain from lung cancer."

"Good thinking." Steve nodded. "Satan uses 'decoys' to make sin look attractive in lots of areas. Let's both be smart guys and not dumb ducks."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does Satan fool you by making sin look attractive? He likes to keep you from seeing the ugly side of doing wrong things. If someone cheats and gets a good grade, it may seem like cheating is a good idea. When someone gets away with stealing candy, it may make shoplifting look attractive. When kids who laugh at dirty jokes become popular, it may seem all right to laugh at such things, too. Don't be fooled by the "decoys" Satan shows you. Sooner or later, sin always ends in sorrow.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

[Soldier4Christ]

When Kaley came into the kitchen, sleepily rubbing her eyes, she found the rest of her family already there. "Happy birthday!" they shouted. A big smile spread across Kaley's face as she saw gifts piled beside her plate. There was one all done up in rainbow colors, with long, curly streamers. Another had a small teddy bear fastened on top. And then there was a plain, white envelope. That's probably a card from Jared, she thought. Brothers don't do so good at wrapping things.

"We thought we'd let you open presents now," said Mom with a smile, "but the only cake you'll get at this time of day is 'pan' cakes."

Kaley eagerly reached for the package with the teddy bear on top. Inside, she found a cute little note pad and pen. She was surprised to see that it was from her brother. "Thanks, Jared," she said. "I love it." She hugged the little bear as she picked up the "rainbow" package. She opened it and found it contained a new coloring book and magic markers from her sister. "Oh, good!" exclaimed Kaley. "Half of my old markers won't even write anymore."

Finally, Kaley reached for the uninteresting envelope and slowly slit it open. When she read the card inside, her eyes widened. "Oh," she squealed, "a kitty? I'm going to get a kitty?" She held out a certificate and read it out loud: "Good for one small kitten. With much love, Mom and Dad."

Dad nodded. "You and Mom can pick it up after school today," he said.

"Oh, thank you!" Kaley gave each of her parents a big hug. "I've been wanting a kitten for so long!"

When Kaley and her mother went to get the kitten after school, Kaley told Mom about Ellen, a new girl in her class. "I don't know if she's going to fit in with the other kids very good," said Kaley. "She looks kind of sloppy. She could use some new clothes, and she combs her hair so funny, too."

"Be careful!" warned Mom. "The Bible reminds us that man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Be friendly and get to know what Ellen is really like." As they pulled up in front of the pet store, Mom added, "You learned this morning that you can't tell what's in a package by the wrappings. That's an important lesson we all have to remember."

"Okay," agreed Kaley. "I'll invite her to jump rope with us tomorrow."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make quick judgments when you meet new kids? Do you decide whether you like them by what they wear rather than by what they are? That's not God's way. He judges others-and you-by what He sees inside. What does He see in you? Does He see patience, kindness, and a willingness to get along with others? Does He see friendliness and love for others? Don't judge people just by the way they look. Ask the Lord to help you love them as He does.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27 (NIV)

Perhaps you have heard of Fred Rogers. He is better known as "Mr. Rogers" and he once had a television show called "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." Every show began the same way. Mr. Rogers would enter his home, take off his jacket and shoes, and put on a sweater and comfortable tennis shoes while singing his theme song "Won't You Be My Neighbor." The song started out like this... (if possible, sing it)

    It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood
    A beautiful day for a neighbor
    Would you be mine
    Could you be mine

And it ended like this...

    Won't you be my neighbor
    Won't you please, won't you please
    Please won't you be my neighbor

When Mr. Rogers died several years ago, he had millions of "neighbors" all over the world and, although he was quite famous, he never thought of himself as a TV star. He said, "I always thought I was a neighbor who just came in for a visit." Mr. Rogers knew what it meant to be a good neighbor.

One day, a lawyer asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life. When Jesus asked him what God's Law said, the lawyer answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus answered, "You are right. Do this and you will live." But the man wanted to make himself look good, so he asked Jesus another question. "Who is my neighbor?" he asked.

To answer this question, Jesus told a story about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They beat him, took his money, stripped him of his clothes, and left him beside the road to die.

A priest came by and when he saw the man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and continued on his way.

A little while later, a Levite who worked in the temple came along. He also saw the man lying there and passed by on the other side of the road.

Finally, a man from Samaria came along, and when he saw the man, he stopped to help him. He put medicine on his wounds and wrapped them with bandages. That isn't all. He took the man to an inn and took care of him. The next day, he gave the innkeeper some money and told him to take care of the man. "Give him anything he needs. If it costs more than I have given you, I will pay you the next time I am here."

Then Jesus asked, "Which of these three men was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by the robbers."

The lawyer answered, "The one who helped him."

"You are right," said Jesus, "now you go and do the same."

The world is full of people today who are in desperate need of a neighbor. "Won't you be my neighbor?" they ask. Just as the good Samaritan in the story helped the one in need, Jesus says to you and me, "Go and do the same."

Dear Jesus, you have taught us to love our neighbor. Help us to be a good neighbor to everyone we meet. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Karen sat in tall grass, surrounded by bright yellow dandelions, and watched her grandmother get ready for a family picnic. "Grandma, what should you do when you're told something about someone else and all of your friends want to know what you heard?" asked Karen as she picked the yellow flowers.

Grandma spread a red-and-white checked cloth on the picnic table. "That depends," she replied. "Was what you heard true? Could it hurt the person you talked about?" As Grandma arranged colorful paper plates on the table, Karen picked a dandelion that had gone to seed. She blew hard on the round, white globe of dandelion seeds. They drifted in all directions and landed on the grass like fluffy, tiny parachutes. "Repeating bad things about others is called gossip. It can spread quickly, and you can never take it back," continued Grandma. "For example, here's a test: Try gathering up all the seeds you just scattered."

Karen looked surprised. "Grandma, that's impossible!" she exclaimed. "The wind took them every which way. There's not a chance I could ever get them back."

Grandma nodded. "That's what happens with gossip, too," she said. "Someone tells you something. You tell someone, who repeats it to someone else . . . who repeats it to someone else . . . and on it goes. It's almost as if the wind carries it in all directions. It's impossible to stop gossip and take it back."

Karen twirled the dandelion stem in her fingers. "So I guess I shouldn't tell what I heard," she said as she walked over to where Grandma was bent over a picnic basket. "Can I help you get things ready?"

"Sure. You can finish setting the table while I get out the food," said Grandma. "The family will be here any minute." She opened the cold chest and took out potato salad, chicken salad, and sliced watermelon.

As Karen added napkins, silverware, and plastic glasses to each place setting, Grandma put an arm around her. "One more thing, honey. When you spread gossip, you're just as responsible for it in God's eyes as the person who started it in the first place," added Grandma. "Gossip is hurtful and can even break up friendships. So don't repeat unkind things you hear about others. Just stop those rumors in their tracks!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you refuse to repeat gossip? It may be natural to want to tell your best friend something you've heard-especially if it's about a person you don't care for. God does care for that person, and the words you say cannot be taken back. If it's something an adult should know about, talk to a parent, teacher, or some other responsible person. But if it's simply gossip, don't hurt someone by repeating it. Ask God to help you to hold your tongue and repeat only good and helpful things about others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom, can you help me tie a string around my finger?" Elayne held out some string and a scissors. "My teacher says it's a good reminder when you need to remember something, so this should help me remember to ask Tina to bring my sweat shirt to school tomorrow."

"All right." Mom smiled as she helped with the string. "Now I hope you're ready for church. It's time to go."

"I'm ready," said Elayne, and they were soon on their way.

When Elayne arrived at church, she looked for Tina, but her friend wasn't there. I'll just leave the string on my finger until after church, thought Elayne. It will remind me to call Tina when I get home.

When Pastor Gates got up to speak, he asked the congregation to turn to chapter eleven of First Corinthians. When he began his message, Elayne smiled and twisted the string on her finger. "The Lord knows we are a forgetful people," said Pastor Gates, "and He gave us a special way to remind us of what He's done for us. Jesus established this reminder when He and His disciples celebrated the Jewish Passover just before He was betrayed. We call it the Lord's Supper, or the Communion Service. The pieces of bread used during the Lord's Supper remind us of Jesus' body and how He suffered for us on the cross. The grape juice reminds us of His blood which was shed for us."

I know all about needing reminders, Elayne thought, glancing at the string on her finger as the pastor continued his message.

When Elayne arrived home from church, she called Tina to tell her she missed her in Sunday school and to remind her to bring the sweat shirt to school the next day. "I told her to tie a string around her finger so she wouldn't forget," Elayne said, "but I'm glad I can take this one off now. I'm tired of wearing it."

Mom smiled. "Aren't you glad God planned such a nice way for us to be reminded of what Jesus did for us?" she asked. "I think the Lord's Supper is much nicer than wearing a string around your finger, don't you?"

Elayne grinned and nodded as she removed the string and threw it away.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is the Lord's Supper observed in your church? What do you think about during that time? Are you reminded of all Jesus did for you, and that He's coming again? You should be. It's a privilege for Christians to take part in this service, but it is a serious thing. Don't whisper or daydream when the Lord's Supper is being observed. It should be a happy time, but it should also be a serious time of remembering. Observe it the way God intended.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) "Do this in remembrance of Me." 1 Corinthians 11:24

[Soldier4Christ]

"In the story of the three little pigs, the wolf blew down the house of the first pig because it was made of straw," Jenna told her family. "And he blew down the second house, too-it twas made of sticks. But even though he huffed and he puffed and he puffed and he huffed, he couldn't blow down the house of the third pig. He made his of bricks." Jenna smiled. "I read the story in school today."

"Big deal," scoffed Matt. "You've known that story since you were little."

"Yes, but now I can read it all by myself," Jenna said proudly.

Dad smiled at her. "Good for you, Little Piggy," he teased.

"Daddy!" protested Jenna. "I'm not a pig."

"No, you're not," agreed Dad, "but you're doing what the pigs were doing."

"I am?" asked Jenna. "I'm not building a house."

"Not a house-but you're building your life," Dad explained. "We all are. Every day, we build with the things we do and say. Sometimes we build with 'straw' or 'sticks'-the Bible calls them 'wood, hay, and straw.' Other times, we build with things even better than bricks. The Bible refers to them as gold, silver, and precious stones. It also says our life-buildings will be tested with fire. So just like the pigs, we need to build with things that will last."

"Straw and sticks will burn," Matt observed, "but gold and silver won't."

"Right," agreed Mom. "What might kids do that would be like building with wood, hay, and straw?"

"Bad things," said Matt promptly. "Things like cheating, lying, and disobeying."

"Yes," agreed Dad, "and how about having a bad attitude, even while doing the right thing?"

"Like helping, but being mad about it?" asked Jenna.

"Or helping just to get people to like us instead of doing it for God," said Matt.

"What could you do to build with gold, silver, and precious stones?" asked Dad.

"Maybe invite a friend to Sunday school?" Matt offered. "That's something that will last, isn't it? Or run errands for Grandma."

"And smile instead of complaining when things go wrong," suggested Mom.

Dad smiled. "Now that's building with the right stuff!" he declared.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What materials are you using to build your "life-house"? You have the opportunity today to choose to build with wood, hay, and straw or with gold, silver, and precious stones. If you do or say things that are displeasing to God, you are building with straw and sticks-things that will burn in the fire of God's test. When you please Him in your actions and attitudes, you're building with gold, silver, and precious stones. Decide today to build with materials that will last forever..


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone's work . . . endures, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wow! Look at that!" Matt exclaimed as he pointed down the beach. He and Jenna ran ahead of their parents to watch a boy sculpting a mound of wet sand. He had built a sandcastle surrounded by a wall with a large tower at each corner.

Jenna squealed and jumped back as a huge wave washed up on the beach and over her feet. She looked around. "Oh-h-h-h! The wave washed away a castle wall," she moaned as Mom and Dad walked up. "The whole castle might fall-there it goes!" She sighed. "It's just like the houses in the story of the three pigs."   

"You've got pigs on the brain." Matt rolled his eyes. "The wolf blew down the houses of the first two pigs. They didn't get washed away by waves."

"No, but . . . my Sunday school teacher told us the Bible story about a foolish builder, and she said he was even more foolish than the three little pigs," Jenna told her brother. "He built his house on sand-just like that castle . . ." Jenna pointed to the ruined castle, "and when the storms came, his house fell."

"That doesn't make him more foolish than the pigs," argued Matt. "Their houses fell, too."

"Well . . ." Jenna thought for a moment. "The pigs didn't build with the right things, but the man didn't build on the right thing, and my teacher says that's even worse. She says the man who built on sand is like someone who doesn't follow what Jesus says and doesn't accept Him as Savior. People like that don't go to heaven, and that's worse than anything."

Mom nodded. "Can you think of some things kids build on-things like sand that won't last?"

"Ah . . . maybe football," said Matt. "I invited Sam to Bible club, but he says if it doesn't involve football, he hasn't got time for it."

"Another man built his house on rock," put in Jenna. "My teacher says he's like someone who hears and believes what Jesus says and accepts Him as Savior."

"That's exactly right,"agreed Dad. "We talked the other day about how important it is to build our lives with good deeds and attitudes-with gold, silver, and precious stones. But before we can do that, we need to make sure we build on a solid foundation. It's the most important part of a building. All the good things we build with won't last forever unless we're building on the Rock-unless our foundation is Jesus, our Savior."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you building sandcastles or a "castle on the Rock"-the Lord Jesus? He is the only foundation that can be depended upon to give your life-house strength in the storms-the bad or hard times-of life. He is the only foundation that will last forever. Accept Him as your Savior. Do that right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, no! Not leftovers, again!" grumbled Chad as he slid into his chair. "I get so tired of eating leftovers."

"That's enough, Chad!" said Dad sternly. "You may not like everything you're served, but you should be thankful you have enough to eat."

After Dad prayed, thanking God for their food, Chad gloomily dished some of the leftover chicken casserole onto his plate before passing the bowl to his older sister, Staci. He added a little salad to his plate and then picked at his food until Mom brought out some peach cobbler. "At least there's one leftover thing that's good," Chad mumbled to Staci.

After dinner, Dad left the table and got his Bible from the desk. "Let's have family worship time now," he said when he returned to the dining room.

"Uh . . . Dad, could it be short?" Chad asked. "I have to go to Phil's house to work on our history project."

"I don't have much time today, either," Staci said quickly. "I have a pile of homework to do."

"There are things I need to finish before tomorrow, too," said Mom. "Maybe we should skip devotions tonight."

"Yeah," agreed both of the children.

"I've got to admit I was tempted to do that," said Dad. "I was going to suggest it myself, but then I remembered that we skipped devotions last night and the night before." Dad shook his head. "I think we've been giving God leftover time-that is, when we have any time left over."

"I wonder if God gets as tired of leftovers as we do," said Chad.

"Probably," replied Dad. "In fact, I'm sure He does. He rebuked Israel for bringing leftover sacrifices instead of bringing Him their first and their best."

Mom nodded. "You're right-we are guilty of doing that, too," she admitted. "You know, if we had company for dinner, I wouldn't serve leftovers. I'd serve the best I had. I shouldn't do less for God. I want to give Him my best, and that includes my time."

Dad nodded and opened his Bible. "Let's give Him our time and attention right now," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you giving God leftover time, leftover service, and leftover money? Do you do things to serve Him only when you've nothing else to do? Do you read your Bible and pray only when you have plenty of time? Do you contribute money for His work only after using what you want for yourself? Or do you give Him the best of all you have? Honor Him by giving Him the "firstfruits"-not the "leftovers." Make up your mind right now to start putting God first in all things.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase. Proverbs 3:9

[Soldier4Christ]

Zack took a paper out of his notebook. "We have to write a poem for our English assignment," he said. "This is what Devin wrote, but I don't know how to write one. My teacher didn't give us any rules. She just said to write a poem."

"That's the kind of assignment I always loved," said Dad. "There was no right or wrong way to do it."

Zack looked up. "That's the second time I've heard that today," he said. "In current events class, Mrs. Dayne asked if we thought it was okay for starving people to steal food, and Devin thinks it is. He says nothing in the world is always right or wrong. Like . . . stealing food is okay if you're starving, and telling the truth can be wrong if it gets someone else into trouble."

"Quite a few people in this world think pretty much that way-even adults," said Dad, "but there's a problem with that theory."

Zach nodded. "Yeah," he agreed. "I think Devin's just looking for an excuse to keep a cool flashlight his sister stole from the place she works. He says she had a right to take it because her boss doesn't pay her enough. I think he's a little crazy."

"I guess he agrees with people who argue that each person has to do what he thinks is right," said Dad. "But . . . what do you think would happen if you copied Devin's poem and handed it in as yours?"

"He'd tell, and I'd be in trouble," replied Zack.

"You could argue that, for you, it's the right thing to do because it keeps you from failing," said Dad, "and so it shouldn't get you in trouble."

"Good idea," said Zack with a grin.

"The real problem," Dad added, "is that people don't want to believe in God or His rules. But if there isn't one Almighty God making rules that apply to everyone, there's chaos. People can't agree on what's right and wrong-they can't even agree on a brand of cola."

"So without God's rules, our world would be a mess," stated Zack.

"Right," agreed Dad. "People would be doing all sorts of bad things and stealing all kinds stuff from each other and saying it was the right thing to do."

Zack sighed. "I guess that means I can't copy Devin's poem."

Dad laughed. "Right," he agreed, "but it's okay to ask your dad for help."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize there are absolutes-things that are always right or wrong? Some people don't understand that, and as a result, they think it's okay to do whatever they please whether it's to cheat, do unkind things, gossip, or take part in all kinds of immoral behavior. Right and wrong does not depend on the circumstances, but on what God says. The Bible is very clear about many principles for living. That won't change now or ever, no matter how hard people try to ignore God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) is righteous . . . everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 1 John 2:29

[Soldier4Christ]

"Trent!" called Mom. "I need Amy to run to the store for me, but she's next door. Take this shopping list and money over to her, and then I want you to start mowing the lawn."

"Okay," agreed Trent. He looked down at the list. "A carton of sour cream, vanilla, 2 dozen eggs, a large bag of flour," he read. That doesn't sound very interesting, thought Trent. He chuckled to himself as he had an idea. After Mom left the room, he found a pencil with an eraser and changed the list to read: a half-gallon of ice cream, a bottle of root beer, 2 dozen cookies, a large bag of candy. That's more like it! thought Trent as he put the list in his pocket. I'll see what Amy says; then I'll change it back. When Trent turned around, he was surprised to see his mother standing in the doorway, watching him.

"What are you doing?" Mom demanded. "Let me see that list." Reluctantly, Trent handed it over. Mom read it and looked up at Trent. "What right did you have to change what I had written?" she asked.

"Uh . . . well . . . it was just a joke," explained Trent lamely. "I was gonna tell Amy the right things before she left for the store. Honest!"

Mom looked seriously at him. "What if you had forgotten what they were?" she asked. "Then it wouldn't be a very good joke! I need these things for the dessert I promised to bring to the senior citizens' dinner tonight. If I don't get them, I can't keep my promise." As she rewrote the list, she added, "You know, Trent, what you did reminds me that you asked if you could go to church with your friend Darrell next Sunday. Remember why we said no?"

"You told me his church doesn't believe the whole Bible is true," replied Trent. "That they've changed parts to fit their own teaching."

"Yes." Mom nodded. "Just like you changed what I wrote on my list, they've changed what God wrote in the Bible. Whenever people alter the Scriptures, they dishonor God by teaching a lie, and they bring punishment on themselves. God wants His children to be messengers of truth." She handed him the list. "So do I," she added. "Now be a messenger of truth-for me and for God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe that what the Bible says is the truth? The Bible is God's Word, and God is truth. It's wrong for people to change what God has said. No matter how fine a church or religious group may appear to be, they are making man's words more important than God's if they change what is written in the Bible. They are not teaching the truth. Be a messenger of what God says-a messenger of truth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not add to His (God's) words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:6

[Soldier4Christ]

As Trent walked down the driveway, his friend Darrell called to him from across the street. "Hey, Trent! Where ya going?"

"Next door," Trent replied. "My sister is there, and Mom wants her to go get some groceries."

Darrell kicked up his skateboard and caught it in his hands. He walked over to Trent. "Did your mom say you can come to church with me next Sunday?"

Trent knew this would be a good time to be a "messenger of truth" to Darrell, but he felt embarrassed, so he just said, "No, I can't come this week. Maybe some other time." Then he asked about the new skateboarding trick Darrell was practicing. They had talked quite a while when Trent's mother called him back into the house. "Yeah, Mom? Do you need something?" he asked.

"You're supposed to be mowing the grass," Mom said. "Did Amy leave for the grocery store right away when you gave her the list? I need those groceries."

"Oh, no! The groceries! I forgot to give her the list!" Trent smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand. "I got so busy talking to Darrell that it just slipped my mind."

Mom frowned. "This is the second time you've gotten in trouble over that list," she said. "First you changed the message, and now you didn't deliver it. But I'm glad you got to talk with Darrell today. I imagine it was a good opportunity for you to witness to him. Did you explain why you can't go to his church?"

"Uh . . . well, not really," murmured Trent. "I couldn't think of what to say."

Mom looked at him sadly. "There are two ways to fail as a messenger," she reminded Trent. "One is to tamper with the message. The other is simply to fail to deliver it. Trent, I thought you could be trusted. I needed a responsible messenger and so does God. You have disappointed me, honey, and . . ."

"I know, Mom," Trent interrupted. "I've disappointed God, too, haven't I? I'm sorry for not being a good messenger for either of you. I'll take your message to Amy right away-and I'll pray that God will give me another chance to give His message to Darrell."

"I'll pray for that, too," Mom assured him.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a trustworthy messenger? When Jesus left this earth for heaven, He asked His disciples to be His messengers. They were instructed to tell everyone that Jesus died to take the punishment for their sins-that He will save them if they trust in Him. If you're a Christian, Jesus is asking you to be His messenger, too. Do that by living for Him today and telling others about Him when you have the opportunity. Be a good messenger for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have not shunned (failed) to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hey, guys . . . did you hear about the elephant with a wooden leg?" asked Nate when some of his friends were hanging out at his house. He proceeded to tell a joke he'd overheard at school-a bad one he knew he shouldn't be repeating, but he wanted to impress his friends. They thought it was hilarious.    As they roared with laughter, Nate's dad walked past the room. Oh, no! thought Nate as he saw Dad frown. I hope Dad didn't hear that joke!

After his friends had gone, Nate wandered into the kitchen. "Hey!" he yelled, staring in horror at his prize-winning poster, which was on the table. His little sister Sarah had colored green mustaches on the carefully drawn faces and painted the noses blue! When she saw that Nate had seen the poster, she started to giggle.

"It's not funny!" Nate roared, but Sarah just kept on laughing. "Mom!" called Nate. "Look what Sarah did!" It was Dad who came to see what the trouble was. "Look what Sarah did!" repeated Nate furiously. "And she thinks it's funny!"

"Sarah doesn't realize how important that poster is to you," said Dad. "She thinks green mustaches are a good joke."

Nate scowled. "Well, I don't! Tell her to stop laughing," he grumbled.

"Nate, I'm wondering if you sometimes laugh at things that aren't funny," Dad remarked. "I didn't hear clearly the joke your friends found so funny, but I noticed that you looked embarrassed when you saw me."

Nate blushed, but he was relieved that his dad hadn't heard the whole joke. "Whenever you laugh at people because of the way they look or talk, or because they can't do something," Dad continued, "and whenever you laugh at something that hurts somebody or at something that's private or immoral, you're taking things God has made-things that are very important to Him-and it's like you're painting green mustaches on them. If you're as childish as Sarah, you might think it's funny. But do you suppose God thinks it's funny?"

"No," admitted Nate quietly.

"God has given us so many good things to laugh about," added Dad. "Let's be satisfied with them."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kinds of things do you laugh about? Have you heard jokes that make fun of people or of things that are personal and private? Did you think the jokes were funny? Did you want to repeat them? God wants us to have fun and to laugh. He gave you a sense of humor, but be careful how you use it. Make sure He would laugh at the jokes that come from your lips-or that you laugh about.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
From the opening of my lips will come right things. Proverbs 8:6