Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

The chatter of grown-ups surrounded Marcie as she pushed her food around on her plate. Pastor James had come for dinner, and they were discussing their church's campaign to reach every family in their small town with the Gospel message. Dad was in charge of a men's breakfast, and Mom was going to sing at a ladies' luncheon. Marcie's big brother Caleb was going to make posters to advertise a city-wide youth rally. Marcie sighed. I wish I were big enough to help, she thought.

Just then Pastor James turned to Marcie. "Do you have some friends you can invite to our special meetings?" he asked.

Marcie nodded. "I suppose," she murmured, wishing there was something important she could do. Discouraged, she excused herself and left the table.

As Mom tucked Marcie into bed later that night, Marcie shared her thoughts. Although Mom assured her that the things she could do, such as inviting friends and praying for them, were just as important as the things other members of the family would do, Marcie wasn't convinced.

"Don't forget to fix the hall night light for me," said Marcie as Mom turned to leave the room.

"Okay," said Mom, going out into the hall. Then she turned back. "What would you think if I put a lamp from the living room out here in the hall?" asked Mom. "Would you like that?"

"A living room lamp?" asked Marcie in surprise. "That wouldn't be any good at all! It would be way too bright and keep me awake."

Mom nodded. "So big lights aren't always the best thing, right?" she asked. "Both big lights and small lights are needed. They're equally important, don't you agree?"

"Sure," said Marcie. "You need them both, but for different purposes."

Mom nodded. "That's true of people and of tasks that need to be done, too," she said. "They're all needed, and big ones and little ones are equally important. Little people, as well as big ones, need to be invited to come to Jesus."

Marcie was thoughtful. "I'll invite all my friends to the meetings," she decided. "I'll invite my whole class." She grinned. "I'll be a night light."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you too small to preach? To organize meetings? To prepare a dinner? That's all right. Some day the Lord may ask you to do those things. Right now, perhaps you-not your father-can be a friend to the lonesome child down the block. You-not the preacher-can mow your grandmother's lawn. You-not your mother-can invite your teacher and classmates to come to church. Whatever God asks you to do, do it for His glory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. Luke 16:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hola, Katy!" As Katy climbed into her neighbor's car after school, she smiled at hearing the friendly greeting.

"Hi, Mrs. Castillo," Katy replied. "How did the surgery on Mom's arm go?"

"The surgery, it go very well," Mrs. Castillo answered with a smile, "and your mama is resting at home now. But you need to give her much help for the next few days, because her arm still be sore."

Katy nodded. "I know," she agreed. "I'll help her all I can."

"And how was your school today?" asked Mrs. Castillo as she drove out of the parking lot.

"Oh . . . okay, I guess" Katy sighed, sounding somewhat unhappy.

"It not a good day?" asked Mrs. Castillo.

"Not really. Jessica, one of my classmates, won't quit teasing me," said Katy.

"Tee-sing?" repeated Mrs. Castillo uncertainly.

"Teasing," Katy repeated the word. "Actually, Jessica makes fun of me," Katy explained. "She says I'm stupid because I wrote in my science report that I believe evolution is wrong, and that God created the world."

"Ah," Mrs. Castillo said, nodding knowingly, "but be encouraged. Think of your mama-the doctors had to hurt her to help her, yes?"

"Well . . . sure," agreed Katy. "It seems strange for them to rebreak and reset her arm, but they're sure it will heal so much better now."

"Si," Mrs. Castillo agreed. Her tongue fumbled over the unfamiliar English words as she explained, "That is how it is with the girl Jessica. God, He want to teach you by Jessica. Even though she hurt your feelings, God use it to make your faith strong!"

All at once Katy understood what Mrs. Castillo was trying to say. "So you're saying God is performing 'surgery' on my faith!" exclaimed Katy.

"Si, si!" said Mrs. Castillo. "God, He not want you to be afraid to say what you believe is right. He want you to be a . . . a Daniel-Christian!"

"Someone who dares to speak up for Jesus like Daniel did!" Katy exclaimed.

"Exactly," Mrs. Castillo agreed emphatically. "Estad firmes en lafe-or, as you would say in English, be firm in the faith!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone who gives you a hard time about being a Christian? Are you struggling to keep doing what you know pleases God? Everyone faces trials at some time or other. You may get discouraged sometimes, but remember that everything God allows to happen to you is for your good. He can-and does-use unpleasant circumstances to teach important things. So keep on speaking up for God and standing up for what is right. Be a Daniel-Christian.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Got caught peeking during a spelling test, didn't you?" Pete accused his sister Abbie as they played checkers in the family room. "I heard the kids in your class talking about it." Pete leaned back in his chair. "Your move."

"Yeah," Abbie admitted as she looked at the board game. "I'll be more careful if I ever try that again," she added as she moved a black checker.

"Gotcha!" Pete howled triumphantly. "Your bad move gives me three pieces."

Abbie looked up as her mother and little sister, Sally, came into the room. "Which color are you, Abbie?" asked Sally as she watched the game.

"The red," teased Abbie, She picked up and moved a black checker.

"Are not," protested Sally. "You moved a black piece." Abbie and Pete grinned.

"It's easy for Sally to see which side you're really on in spite of what you said," commented Mom. "She just had to see your moves. I think your friend Jan was watching your moves today, too."

Abbie stared at her mother. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.

"Jan called earlier to say she's not interested in going to church with someone who cheats on a spelling test," Mom said. "Please explain."

Abbie's face flushed with embarrassment. "I just peeked a little," she defended herself. "No big deal."

"When Sally saw the move you made just now, she didn't believe what you said," Mom stated. "You've been trying to get Jan to go to church, but as she observes the 'moves' you make at school, I'm afraid she won't believe what you say about things of the Lord. That is a big deal. Ungodly behavior does not indicate that you are on God's side."

Abbie was troubled. "But I really am on God's side," she insisted. "I'm a Christian, and I want Jan to become one, too. I mean that."

"Then she needs to see that Jesus makes a difference in your life," said Mom. "I'm afraid she couldn't tell today. Actions spoke more loudly than words."

"What should I do?" Abbie asked.

"It's your move," Mom responded.

"I need to apologize to Jan and to my class," Abbie admitted, "and to God, too."

"Smart move," Pete congratulated her. "Smart move!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do the "moves" you make (your actions) show that you're on the Lord's side? Do people see that you love others, that you're honest, that you're unselfish? The old saying, "Actions speak louder than words," is still true. Maybe you need to make some apologies and changes in your life. Let your actions declare that you belong to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!" Brian stomped into the kitchen. "Tell Chloe not to put all the little animals in the Noah's Ark until the big ones are in. That's how I do it. That works better. Why can't she do things like I do?"

"Because I'm different," argued Chloe following her brother. "You're always telling me how I should play games or put puzzles together or color or . . . or whatever I'm doing. You think everybody has to do things your way!"

"There's more than one good way to do most things, Brian," said Mom as she continued setting the table. "Now go tell your dad that supper is ready." Brian frowned and went to call his father.

After prayer, Mom watched as Brian put various foods on his plate. "Brian, shall I put all that in the blender for you?" asked Mom.

Brian looked puzzled. "In the blender? Why?" he asked.

"The rice is made up of small, white grains, the chicken is brown, and the vegetables are green and orange," explained Mom. "And they not only look different, they all taste different, too. If I put them in the blender, everything will come out looking and tasting the same."

"Yuck! I'd rather have things different," said Brian.

Mom smiled and nodded. "I agree . . . and that's also true when it comes to people," she stated. "God has made each of us different. We all look different; we have hair and skin of different colors. Our bodies are different in shape and size. Our personalities have different characteristics, and our talents to equip us to perform different jobs. Now why would we want everyone to be the same and do everything the same?"

"Yeah, Brian," added Chloe quickly. "I'm me, and you're you!"

Dad shook his head in confusion. "Did I miss something here?" he asked.

"I think our son is discovering the beauty of having everyone be different," Mom explained. "Right, Brian?"

"I guess so," Brian admitted. Then he grinned mischievously. "But there are some things that are better when they're blended."

"Like what?" Chloe challenged.

"Milkshakes!" Brian stated triumphantly. Everyone nodded and laughed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you accept people who are different from you? Are you patient with people who are slower than you, or less talented? Remember that all Christians are part of the body of believers. Each part of a body-the hand, the foot, the eye, and so on-is quite different in looks and in function, but each part is important. Similarly, each person looks, thinks, and acts in a different way. Each has different skills and talents. But each one is precious and important to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 12:4-5)
We, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rachel and Tyler were excited about the costume party their youth group was going to have. "I hope I win first prize," said Rachel as she worked on her princess costume.

Tyler shook his head. "No chance! I'm going to win," he declared. "See-I just finished making this bow and arrow set to go along with my Robin Hood costume." He proudly displayed his handiwork.

Rachel grinned. "We'll see," she said.

Both worked hard on their costumes. They wanted every little detail to be just right. "You look great," declared Mom when they got dressed for the evening of fun. "I'd give both of you a prize."

After the party, Rachel and Tyler rushed into the house. "Guess what?" shouted Tyler. "We both won. The judges couldn't decide which was best so they said it was a tie!"

"Yeah." Rachel nodded. "We kinda 'hogged' the prizes, I guess. I almost feel guilty-almost, but not quite!"

"Well," said Dad, "It's nice you kids had fun. Did you learn something worthwhile, too?"

Tyler nodded. "For our devotions, Mr. Perry talked about all the work that went into costumes for this one evening of fun. Then he said we should make sure we have the right 'garments' for something even more important."

"He was talking about being ready to go to heaven," added Rachel, "and about the 'robes of righteousness' we're given when we accept Jesus as Savior. He said that means we're covered with Christ's righteousness, which makes us presentable in God's sight."

"Good," approved Mom. "It's amazing how concerned people are about their clothes when they're dealing with earthly things-even such silly things as costumes-but give so little thought to the 'garments' they need for eternity."

"Amazing," agreed Dad, "and sad, too. I'm glad Mr. Perry pointed that out this evening."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you dressed up in a costume and had fun pretending? Perhaps you went to a costume party or had to wear a certain type of clothing for your part in a skit. Did you pay careful attention to all the details of the clothes needed for that event? You need the proper "garments" for another event, too-that of entering heaven. Have you given thought to that and gotten ready?  You need Christ's righteousness. It can be yours today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) has clothed me with the garments of salvation . . . with the robe of righteousness Isaiah 61:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Home in Heaven

"What are you doing, Mom?" Cami asked as she walked out to the barn. Her mother was standing at the open door.

"Watching some birds," said Mom softly. She pointed toward the rafters. Cami stood beside her mother, and together they quietly watched a bird fly into the barn with a small feather in its mouth. Another bird soon joined it, and Cami and her mother watched as the two birds flew back in forth, busily building a nest.

Suddenly Cami sneezed, and the birds flew away. "Oops! Sorry, little birds. I didn't mean to scare you off," said Cami.

"I'm sure they'll soon be back to finish their nest," said Mom.

"What kind of birds are those, Mom?" asked Cami as they turned to go back to the house.

"They're barn swallows," said Mom.

"Cool! I should have recognized them. We learned about them at school!" exclaimed Cami. "Our book said the birds gather mud and roll it into a pellet. They carry it back to the place they've picked out and use it to build a cup-shaped nest. Then they line it with grass and feathers."

"That's interesting," said Mom. "I didn't realize they used mud to build their special little nest."

"Special?" asked Cami. "A mud nest doesn't sound very special to me!"

Mom laughed. "I guess that's because you're not a barn swallow," she said. After a moment she added, "Did you know that someone is making a special home for you, too?"

"Really?" asked Cami. "Are we going to move? Is Dad building a house?"

"No," replied Mom with a smile. "Jesus is preparing a very special place in heaven for you and for everyone who has trusted Him as Savior. Isn't that a wonderful thing?"

Cami nodded. "Pastor Roberts talked about that last week." She grinned. "The home he told us about sounds much better than a mud nest!"

"No doubt about that," agreed Mom. "A mud nest is perfect for barn swallows, and the home Jesus is preparing will be perfect for those who love Him and trust in Him. It's something very special to look forward to!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is Jesus preparing a special place for you? He is if you've trusted Him as your Savior. Have you done that? If not, won't you do so today? It's a wonderful thing to know that you will someday be in heaven with Him.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

[Soldier4Christ]

2Pe 2:4  For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2Pe 2:5  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
2Pe 2:6  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7  And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8  (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
2Pe 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
2Pe 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
2Pe 2:11  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
2Pe 2:12  But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
2Pe 2:13  And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2Pe 2:14  Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2Pe 2:15  Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2Pe 2:16  But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
2Pe 2:17  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
2Pe 2:18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2Pe 2:20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Too Many Michaels

"I have a message for you," said Danny's mother when he came in from playing. "Michael called a few minutes ago. He wants you to call him back."

"Michael Burk?" asked Danny in surprise. "I thought he was gone on vacation."

"It was Michael White," said Mom. "I forgot that you had more than one friend named Michael."

Just then Danny's older sister burst into the room. "Guess what! I'm going to our youth group party with Michael!" she exclaimed. "He asked me today."

Danny laughed. "Which Michael?" he asked.

"I know only one Mi . . ." began Tanya. She stopped. "Oh, that's right. I do know other Michaels. Well, this one is Michael Watson."

Just before jumping into bed that night, Danny knelt to pray for his family and friends. He thought about a boy in his Sunday school class who needed surgery. "Dear Lord, please bless Michael," Danny began. Then he paused. "You know . . . Michael Smith," he added. "The one who needs the heart surgery."

Danny frowned as he thought about how many Michaels there were in the world. There must be plenty of Joes and Janes and Pauls, too, he thought. And Dannys! He had thought of God as his personal friend, but suddenly he felt like just one of millions of people. He felt small and unimportant.

A few days later, Danny's dad-who was a doctor-called from the hospital. "Michael had his surgery today, and he's doing fine," he told Danny. "Guess what? There are three other Michaels on this floor!"

"Well, I hope the doctors and nurses don't get them mixed up," said Danny.

Dad laughed. "There's even another Michael Smith here," he said, "but don't worry. Our Michael's mother is the head nurse on this floor. Believe me, she knows which Michael belongs to her!"

When Danny prayed for his friend that night, he knew he didn't have to remind God which Michael was being prayed for-nor which Danny was doing the asking. Just as a mother knows her own son, God knows each of His children. As far as God is concerned, Danny thought happily, I'm just as special as if I were the only Danny in the whole world!


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think God ever gets tired of caring for so many people? Do you wonder if He's too busy to hear your requests, fears, or problems? Don't worry! God knows each of His children, and every one is special to Him. The Bible says that although it's possible for a mother to forget her child, God will not forget His children. He will never forget you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I (God) have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Growing

"Did I really wear this?" asked Michelle as she and her mother were sorting through a box of memories, pulling out various items and talking about how they had been used. Michelle held up a tiny, knitted bonnet. "It's so small!"

Mom smiled. "Isn't it amazing how little we are at first and how much we grow?" she asked. She picked up a pair of baby shoes. "You wore these when you had just started walking." Mom rubbed the soft leather. "Before long, you were running everywhere and ready for a larger pair of shoes."

Michelle found a small scrapbook and opened it. "Look what you wrote here, Mom! It says, 'Michelle's drawings from ages three to six.'" She examined the pages. "I'm glad to see they got better each year! The more I grew, the better I drew." Michelle grinned at her mother. "You didn't know I was a poet, did you?"

Mom smiled and turned to another page in the book. "Look. Here's a list of questions you asked when you were in second grade," she said.

   "Really?" Michelle eagerly looked at the list. "Listen to these, Mom. 'Are clouds made out of cotton candy?' 'Is God in all places?' 'Why did Jesus have to die?'"

"All good questions," said Mom. "Do you know the answers now?"

"Sure," said Michelle. "I've learned a lot since second grade."

Mom nodded. "Good," she said. "You grew physically and mentally, and you grew spiritually, too. That's as it should be."

Michelle smiled. "We grow physically and mentally by eating food and studying, and we grow spiritually through things like Bible reading and going to Sunday school and listening to the pastor's sermons, right?" she asked.

   "Those things certainly help," agreed Mom. "And don't forget that we must not only read and hear God's Word, we must also obey it."

Michelle held up the scrapbook. "It's like these drawings," she said. "The more I grew, the better I drew. And the more I . . . ah . . ." She laughed. "Oops! Guess I'm not a poet after all. I can't think of a rhyme to tell how I grew spiritually."

Mom laughed, too. "That's okay," she said. "The important thing is that you are growing."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
You don't wear the same clothes you wore a few years ago, do you? You probably do better at sports than you used to, and you're able to solve harder problems, right? That's because you're growing physically and mentally. Have you also grown spiritually? Do you know more about Jesus? Faithful attendance in church and Sunday school, memorizing Bible verses, and studying God's Word will help you grow spiritually.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Instant Answers

"I don't really see the use of praying about things," remarked Abigail as she opened the refrigerator door one morning. "I've prayed and prayed, but God doesn't seem to be hearing my . . ."

"Mom!" Ben yelled out from the family room, "the remote's not working again!" Mom and Abigail heard him getting up to change the TV channel. "It's such a nuisance," he grumbled loudly.

"Maybe that thing just needs new batteries," suggested Abigail. "I hope so! I hate having to get up to switch channels." She closed the fridge. "No orange juice," she complained.

"I bought some fresh juice oranges yesterday," said Mom. "If you want some orange juice, you can squeeze one of those."

"Aw, Mom," whined Abigail, "why didn't you get a carton of juice?" She sighed. "I can't be bothered with squeezing oranges."

"Abigail, it sounds like you and Ben are both developing an 'instant mentality,'" said Mom. She eyed Abigail thoughtfully. "And judging from what you said a few minutes ago, I'm afraid that attitude seems to be creeping into your prayer life, too!"

Abigail frowned. "I don't know what 'instant mentality' means-nor what it has to do with my prayers," she said indignantly.

"Well, you're so used to having things right away that you can't tolerate even small delays-like getting up to switch channels or taking a few minutes to squeeze an orange," explained Mom. "And you apparently think God should answer your prayers instantly, too."

Abigail squirmed uneasily as she thought about it. "Maybe," she admitted reluctantly, "but we're supposed to expect answers, aren't we?"

"Yes, but prayer is not like turning on a faucet and seeing the water come gushing out, you know," said Mom, ruffling her daughter's blonde curls. "God's timing doesn't always match ours, and we need to learn to be patient and willing to wait for His answers as we continue to take our requests to Him in prayer."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you developing an "instant" mentality? Do you always want things right now-if not sooner? There's nothing wrong with owning or using time-saving, labor-saving conveniences like dishwashers, microwaves, and yes-remote controls and canned juices! But guard against getting so used to having everything instantly that you expect God's answers to be instant, too. Sometimes God says, "Wait!" And He doesn't specify how long! Trust Him to answer at the time He knows is best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5

[Soldier4Christ]

 Above the Clouds

As Jeremy boarded the airplane with his grandmother, he had a lump in his throat. His parents were getting a divorce, and he was going to stay with his grandparents for a while. He felt as dark and gloomy as the day around him-not at all excited about flying on a plane for the first time in his life.

Grandma gave him a reassuring smile. "Scared?" she asked.

Jeremy shook his head-but inside, his nerves screamed, Yes, I'm scared! I'm scared of everything. But he didn't say anything. As the plane sped down the runway, huge drops of rain splattered on the small windows. Just like tears, Jeremy thought. But he didn't cry.

When the plane lifted from the earth, Jeremy felt like his heart was up in his throat. He took a deep breath. All around, dark clouds tumbled, and Jeremy's stomach felt uneasy. Grandma reached for his hand. "Don't be afraid, honey," she said softly. "God loves us. He'll take care of us."

Jeremy knew his grandmother was talking about more than the plane ride. He knew she was also referring to the dark, stormy "clouds" in his life. He wanted to believe her, but there was so much fear in his heart.

"We'll go right into some of those dark clouds, Jeremy," continued Grandma. "For a few minutes, we'll be in a thick fog, because that's what clouds are-fog. But just wait until we get above the clouds. You'll see . . ."

As Grandma spoke, they were in the clouds as she had said. The interior of the plane dimmed. Then just as suddenly, a brilliant light came streaming through the windows. Jeremy squinted as he pressed his nose to the pane. "Wow!" he gasped.

Grandma smiled and gently patted Jeremy's hand. "Above the clouds, the sun is always shining," she said. "Our family is going through a dark cloud right now, Jeremy. Things look pretty bad to us, but remember, God is still in control. Someday we'll break through the clouds, and life will be filled with beauty and happiness again."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you going through a "storm" in your life? Are you afraid of the future? Maybe your "storm" isn't a divorce in your family-but whatever it is, remember that the sun is shining even when you can't see it. And God is near even when it doesn't feel like it. Trust Him, and He will lift you "above the clouds."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Learning to Copy

Erica bowed her head and closed her eyes to pray, just as she always did before eating her lunch at school. When she opened her eyes, her lunch bag had disappeared. Quite a number of the children were watching her and snickering. Erica sighed. "Who has my lunch?" she asked. "Will you please give it back to me?" At that, several of the kids burst into laughter.

"Ask God where your lunch is, Miss Christian," said Rob. "You always talk to Him, don't you?"

Mrs. Yates, the lunchroom teacher, walked up. "The person who has Erica's lunch will hand it over right now," said Mrs. Yates sternly. She paused. "I said now," she repeated. Rob hesitated and then pulled a hand out from under the table. Erica's lunch bag was in it, and he handed it to her. She quietly took it.

When Erica arrived home, she told her mother what had happened. "I was so embarrassed, Mom," she said. "Not all the kids in my class make fun of me, but some of them call me 'Miss Christian' all the time. I just don't know how to act when they're mean to me. I really felt like swatting Rob today-and some of the other kids, too-but I didn't."

"Do you remember what Jesus did when He was persecuted?" asked Mom.

"Well . . . the Bible says He didn't fight or talk back," replied Erica.

Mom nodded. "Follow His example," she advised. She paused, then asked, "Do you remember the papers you used when you were learning to write? There were letters and words printed on the top line. They were your example for learning to write your letters. You copied them the best you could."

"And now Jesus is my example for how to act when the kids tease me, right?" asked Erica thoughtfully. "I'm to copy Him." She sighed. "But I'm not perfect, like He is."

"No, but think about how your letters looked when you first started copying them," suggested Mom. "Your writing now is much more like the letters at the top than it was when you started. And as you follow Jesus' example, you'll become more and more like Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has anyone made fun of you for being a Christian? How did you react? Were you angry or spiteful? Or did you quietly "take it"? The next time someone teases you for praying in public or for speaking up for Jesus, ask yourself, "How would Jesus act if He were in my place?" When you copy Him, you let others see Jesus in you. They may even want to know what makes you different-why you don't react in anger. They may want to know more about Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21

[Soldier4Christ]

Focus on Jesus

As they went on their way, they came to a town where a woman named Martha lived. She cared for Jesus in her home. Martha had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to all He said. Martha was working hard getting the supper ready. She came to Jesus and said, 'Do You see that my sister is not helping me? Tell her to help me.' Jesus said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. Only a few things are important, even just one. Mary has chosen the good thing. It will not be taken away from her.' Luke 10: 38-42 (NLV)

One of my hobbies is photography. I love to take pictures. I brought my camera with me this morning and I would like to take a picture. Who would like for me to take their picture? OK. (choose one of the children) Now, Susie, smile while I take your picture. (Hold the camera up facing toward yourself and snap the photo.) All right! I'm sure I got a very good picture of Susie. Do you think so? You don't? Why not? (Look at the photo results if you used a digital camera.) Oh, I had the camera focused on me instead of on Susie, didn't I? Well, let's try again. (Take another picture, but this time focus the camera on Susie.) There, I'm sure the results were much better this time. (Show the results if using a digital camera.)

When taking pictures, it is very important to make sure you are focused on the right thing. I was pretty foolish to try to take a picture of Susie with the camera focused on me rather than on Susie, wasn't I? In our daily life, it is important that we focus on the right thing too. Sometimes, we forget what is important and we focus on all the wrong things. That is what our Bible lesson teaches us today.

One day, Jesus went to visit in the home of two sisters named Mary and Martha. The sisters welcomed Jesus into their home and Martha immediately began to work very hard to get dinner ready for Jesus. While Martha worked to prepare the meal, Mary just sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching.

Martha was upset that her sister was not helping her, so she went to Jesus and complained, "Can't you see that my sister is not helping me? Don't you even care? Tell her to help me."

Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about too many things. Only a few things are important, perhaps just one. Mary has chosen that one thing and I will not take it away from her."

Martha made the mistake of focusing on herself rather than on Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, was totally focused upon Jesus and what he was teaching. Jesus said that she had chosen the right thing.

As you live your daily life, are worried and troubled about many things that are not really important, or are you focused on Jesus, the one thing that is really important?

Dear Jesus, we love you. Help us to keep our focus on you each and every day. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Brightest Star

"I know what we can do," said Garrett one hot summer evening as he and his sister Jill stretched out on the grass beneath the starry sky. "Let's see who can find the brightest star. The loser has to buy ice cream tomorrow."

Jill didn't think much of the idea. "How are we going to prove which one is the brightest anyway?" she asked grumpily. But she suddenly pointed to the north. "That one's mine! That real bright one up there."

Garrett squinted. "I think I see the one you mean, but I see a brighter one," he said, pointing in another direction. "See . . . right in the middle of that cluster of stars. That one's brighter than the one you found."

"Isn't either!" protested Jill. They continued to search the heavens as they argued about which star was brighter.

When Dad came out to tell them it was bedtime, Garrett and Jill told him about their "star competition" and asked him to be the judge as to which star was brightest of all. "Okay, I'll do my best," agreed Dad, and they pointed out the stars they had chosen. "As judge," said Dad, "I declare that neither of those is the brightest star of all. In fact, I think the two of you should buy me the ice cream treat because I know the brightest star personally."

"What do you mean, you know a star?" asked Jill. "We're not talking about football or baseball stars, you know."

Dad laughed. "No, I'm not talking about football or baseball stars. I'm not talking about a star in the sky, either," he admitted. "I'm talking about the Lord Jesus. He's called the 'Bright and Morning Star.' I'd say that's the brightest star of all, wouldn't you? And it's very important to know Him."

"Okay, Dad." Garrett grinned at his father as he got up to go in. "But no treat. You weren't in on the deal."

"Right," agreed Jill. She glanced once more at the sky. "I wonder what my friends will say if I tell them I know a star," she added with a grin. "I'll have to try it some time."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know Jesus-the Bright and Morning Star? God wants you to know Him. Even in the final chapter of the Bible, God invites you to come to Him. But one day it will be too late to do that. Don't wait! Accept Him today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I (Jesus) am . . . the Bright and Morning Star. Revelation 22:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 Folding Up the Tent

"This camping trip was fun," said Jeff as he helped Dad pull out the stakes that held their sturdy tent in place. "But I miss Grandpa," added Jeff soberly.

Dad stretched out an arm and drew Jeff close. "I miss him, too," said Dad gently, "but he's with God now."

Jeff nodded. "I know, but it's hard to understand why he had to die."

Dad was silent as they folded up the tent. Jeff patted it affectionately. "Jeff," said Dad suddenly, "I know you're a little sad to fold up our tent and leave here, but aren't you looking forward to being home again?"

"Sure," said Jeff readily. "I kind of miss Mom." He gave an impish grin. "Believe it or not, I even miss Timmy!"

Dad laughed. "Yeah, you miss teasing him!" Then he grew serious. "Jeff, this camping trip may help us understand something about dying." Jeff raised his eyebrows and waited for Dad to explain. "We had a fun week of living in a tent and cooking outdoors, didn't we?" asked Dad. Jeff nodded. His eyes sparkled as he remembered their campfires and games and visits with the neighboring campers.

"The tent was a temporary home for us," continued Dad, "but now it's time to fold it up and go back to our real home. I know Mom and Timmy are waiting to welcome us." He paused. "In a way, when Grandpa died, he 'folded up his tent' and went to his real home."

"He folded up his tent?" repeated Jeff. "I know you don't mean that big green tent he always used."

"No, I mean his body," said Dad. "For seventy-five years, his body was a temporary home for him. Now he's gone to his permanent home in heaven-with God and with Grandma."

"And they've welcomed him, haven't they!" exclaimed Jeff. "And he's glad to be with them, even though he liked it here, too."

Dad nodded. "I think you've got the picture," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did someone you love die? Do you worry about your own death some day? Death does bring feelings of sadness, but if you're trusting Jesus as Savior, you don't need to worry about dying. Your body is like a tent, and once it has served its purpose here on earth, it will be "folded away." Then you'll go to your real home with God-a permanent home that you'll never have to leave.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God . . . eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1