Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Made What?

Emily sighed as she sat on the porch steps, staring out into space. "What's wrong, honey?" asked her dad as he put down the garden hose.

"Daddy, this girl in my class-Karlie-says there's no God," replied Emily. "I told her there is, but she said, 'Prove it.' I didn't know how. We can't see God. How could I show her proof?"

Dad nodded. "You may not be able to prove it to her satisfaction," he admitted, "but there are things she can see that may convince her of the truth. Come with me." Dad reached for Emily's hand. She stood up and went with her father into the house. In the dining room, he pointed at the embroidered tablecloth. "Who made this?" he asked.

"Grandma did," Emily replied.

"What about this pie on the cupboard?" asked Dad. "Who baked it?"

"Mom did," Emily answered.

Dad nodded and removed a drawing of a flower from the refrigerator door. "Who made this?"

Emily grinned. "I drew that in art class," she said.

Dad smiled. "No matter what I point to in this room, somebody made it, right?" he asked.

"Well . . . sure," agreed Emily.

Dad took Emily outside again and told her to look around. "What do you see?" he asked.

"I see the little birds in the trees," said Emily, "and a bumble bee on a pink rose. And I see the sky and the sun shining and the grass and . . . and all kinds of things!"

"And did they just appear there by themselves, or did somebody make them?" Dad asked.

"Somebody made them. God did," replied Emily promptly.

"Yes, indeed He did," agreed Dad. "Everything made has a maker. Even the things made with human hands use materials made by the infinite wisdom and power of God. One way we know God exists is that our eyes see the things only God could make. Nature and our own bodies give us proof of His existence and love for us."

Emily grinned. "That's true," she agreed. "I'll tell Karlie about that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know anyone who doesn't believe in God? Even though you can't make people believe in God, you may be able to help them understand that He exists. You can point out wonderful things that only God could have made. The Bible teaches that He is the creator of the universe. Let the wonders of His creation encourage you to speak about Him to those who doubt His existence.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) has made His works to be remembered. Psalm 111:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 Wrong Way

Steven's little brother, Sammy, was playing in his very first soccer game, and the whole family went to watch. They were excited when Sammy got control of the ball. He kept it in front of him and ran as fast as he could. But Steven watched in dismay as Sammy approached the goal and gave the ball a powerful kick. The goalie didn't try to stop it. He just stood there and watched as the ball sailed past him and into the net. "Oh, no!" moaned Steven. "He kicked the ball into the wrong goal!"

After the game, Steven asked his brother what had happened. Sammy sighed. "Billy's my friend, and we always team up together at school," he explained. "I heard him call my name, and I forgot we were on opposite teams today."

The next day, Steven was getting ready to mow the lawn when he got a phone call from Max, one of his classmates. "Hey, Steve! Some of us guys are going to have a game of ball in that empty lot down at the corner," said Max.

"That lot belongs to Mr. West, and he doesn't want us to use it," Steven reminded his friend. "He always chases us off."

"Yeah, but he's gone," said Max. ""Come join us."

"Okay," decided Steven. "See you there."

Steven hung up and was getting out his bike when he heard Dad's voice. Dad did not sound very happy! "Steven, I told you to mow the lawn," said Dad sternly. "In fact, I think I made it clear that you were to do your work first and then you could play."

"I'll mow later," said Steven crossly. "The guys want me to play ball with them on Mr. West's empty lot." Steven bit his lip. I shouldn't have told Dad where we're gonna play, he thought.

Dad frowned. "Remember the soccer game yesterday? Sammy. seemed to forget which side he was on and which goal was his," said Dad. "It seems to me you're forgetting which goal is yours, too. Should it be a Christian's goal to obey or disobey his parents? Should a Christian respect other people's property or not?" Steven looked at the ground. "Are you aiming at the right goal just now, Steven?" asked Dad.

Steven shook his head as he parked his bike. "I . . . I wasn't, and I'm really sorry, Dad," he said. "I'll get the lawn mower out right now."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you living as though you're on the world's side or on the Lord's side? The world teaches that it's okay to tell "white lies." God says you are not to lie. The world teaches you to do whatever "feels good" to you. God says you are to be holy, as He is. The world teaches you to do as you please, even if it means you'll be disrespectful to your parents. God commands you to honor your parents. Don't be swayed by the world's view in any area of your life. Please God by living for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Choice

"Is it a boy? Is it a boy? It is, isn't it?" Carter jumped around the kitchen while his grandmother talked on the phone. Carter's father was calling from the hospital. Carter was so excited, he almost dropped the apple he was holding. "It's a boy, isn't it, Grandma?" he repeated excitedly.

Grandma hung up the phone. "You now have a beautiful baby sister," she said gently. "Her name is Melanie."

"That can't be!" Carter dropped his apple. "I've been praying for months for a brother." He looked as if he might cry. "It's not fair," he insisted. "Cole got a baby brother, and he didn't pray at all. How could God send me a dumb girl?"

Grandma sat down in the chair by the coffee table. "I remember how happy your mom and dad were when they were expecting you," Grandma told him. "When people asked if they wanted a girl or a boy, they said they just wanted a healthy baby."

Carter picked his apple up from the floor. "I'm sure they were glad I turned out to be a boy," he said.

"They were mighty proud of you-but I was a little bit disappointed. I was hoping for a sweet, little granddaughter," confessed Grandma.

"Grandma!" Carter was shocked. "Didn't you want me?"

"Oh, yes," Grandma assured him, "but I already had five grandsons. I thought it would be nice to have a girl in the family. But another boy was God's choice for them, and you know what? Now I couldn't love anybody more." She gave Carter a big hug. "It will be like that for you, too. You'll see. God's choice for you is a sister, and you'll love her and wonder whatever made you think you'd prefer a brother."

"Maybe, but I still don't think it was nice, Grandma, to wish I were a girl," Carter pouted.

Grandma's eyes twinkled. "Less nice than for you to wish your sister were a boy?" she asked.

Carter looked surprised. "I guess I wasn't being nice, either," he admitted. He bit into his apple. "When can Melanie come home?" he asked eagerly.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you blame God if He doesn't answer your prayers the way you want? Do you ask for things to satisfy your own selfish desires, or do you ask for God's will to be done? He has a purpose for everything-He even knows how many sisters and brothers you should have. So when He answers your prayer in His way, trust His choices and be thankful. He knows best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Helping Hands

"Why do we have to pick up Mr. Adams?" asked Bobby. "The nursing home is a long way from our house."

"If we don't pick him up, he won't get to come to the church picnic," answered Dad as he drove. "Besides, it makes him happy to be with a family from time to time. This is a small task we can do for the Lord."

Bobby thought about that. "It seems like a funny way to do something for God," he said. He grinned as he added, "I mean, God could take Mr. Adams to the picnic on a flying carpet if he wanted to. He doesn't really need our help, does He?"

Just then they arrived at the nursing home. Mr. Adams was standing outside, waiting-just as he did each Sunday when they picked him up for church. But today he had a small brown bag, which he waved in the air. "I remembered it was a picnic," he said. "I brought some lunch."

At the park, Bobby's mother spread their lunch on a picnic table. She had brought fried chicken, potato salad, rolls, pickles, crisp celery and carrots, a giant chocolate cake with cherries on top, lemonade, and a watermelon. Bobby saw Mr. Adams open his bag at the next table and take out a bologna sandwich. Bobby's mother walked over to Mr. Adams. "Please don't eat all by yourself, Mr. Adams," she said. "Come on! Bring your lunch and put it with ours. Let's all share. There will be plenty of everything."

Mr. Adams grinned and came to Bobby's table. He carefully placed his sandwich next to the basket of golden rolls. He might as well not have bothered with that, thought Bobby. Who's going to want it? They prayed and began to eat. To Bobby's surprise, his little sister, Susie, immediately reached for the bologna sandwich.

Bobby's father leaned toward his son. "Bobby," he whispered, "we 'help' God in much the same way Mr. Adams is 'helping' us. God has all the power and all the resources, but He allows us to put in our small effort, too. We bring almost nothing to God, yet He uses what we bring-and we receive great blessings from Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel as though the Lord doesn't need you to help Him? He's all-powerful, yet He has chosen to use "weak things of the world"-and weak people, too. He'll use your small efforts to bring about large blessings. The Bible tells how God used a boy to kill a giant (1 Samuel 17), a boy's lunch to feed over 5,000 (John 6), and a young girl to open the door for Peter (Acts 12). Look around you and find ways you can be a "helping hand" for Jesus. He will bless you for having a willing heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Nail and the Toothpick

Several boys in Andy's neighborhood were at it again, cursing and telling dirty jokes. Andy stood there, hating it all, but saying nothing. "Didn't you get the point?" asked one of the boys when Andy didn't laugh at his joke.

Andy swallowed hard. "I got it," he said. "I have to go." He mumbled good-by and hurried away. Why didn't I tell them I'm a Christian and don't like their dirty talk? he thought. And why did I hang around so long? Andy sighed. It's sure hard to be the only Christian kid in the neighborhood.

Running fast with his head down and his mind on his troubles, Andy didn't see Pastor Flint until he smacked into him. "Oh, I'm sorry!" exclaimed Andy.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" asked the pastor.

"No place-just getting away from the guys. They're talking dirty," said Andy. He hesitated. "It's really hard to stand up for the Lord all by yourself."

"Yes, it is," agreed Pastor Flint. He took a toothpick from his pocket. "You're like this toothpick," he added. "Here-see if you can break it."

Andy took the toothpick and broke it easily. "You mean I'm weak-not strong enough to say anything, right?" he asked. "Yeah, I know I am."

"Oh, but look," said the pastor, holding out a nail and another toothpick. "Hold the nail alongside the toothpick and see if you can you break them."

"I can't do that!" exclaimed Andy. "I'd have to break the nail. That's impossible!"

"Well," said Pastor Flint, "as I said, you're like a toothpick-but you're like the toothpick with the nail beside it."

Andy frowned. "But who's like the nail then? Dad? Or you? I'd feel much stronger with one of you around, but you're not always there."

"No," said Pastor Flint, "but Jesus is. Ask Him to help. He's always there to give you strength to resist evil."

Andy was thoughtful. "Yeah, you're right," he admitted, looking at the nail.

"I was on my way to show this object lesson to Ralph Burns," said Pastor Flint.

"Ralph?" asked Andy. "He lives just a few houses away from ours."

Pastor Flint nodded. "He's having trouble with the other boys, too. You see, Ralph thinks he's the only Christian boy in the neighborhood."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have trouble standing up for what's right? By trusting Jesus, you can have the strength you need. With His help, you can find the courage to refuse to take part in sinful things. You can find the nerve to speak out against sin. You can find and use opportunities to speak up for Jesus. And when you do, you may even discover there are other Christians around. You can encourage them to take a stand, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Wait on the Lord . . . and He shall strengthen your heart. Psalm 27:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Accidentally Good?

"Look, Dad!" Lon grinned mischievously. "Smokie's playing dead, just like I taught him."

Dad laughed as he saw the dog lazily stretched out on the front porch. "I think he's just resting," he said, getting up. "Let's go for a walk and give him some exercise."

When they started out with Smokie on a leash, the dog trotted alongside Lon willingly at first. Then he began to strain at the leash, trying to go out to the street. Lon scolded and tugged, but the dog paid no attention. Suddenly Smokie turned and ran in the direction Lon had been pulling. "Look, Dad! He's minding me now!" Lon called.

"Who's leading who?" Dad called back, watching Lon puffing along beside the running dog. When Smokie came to a trash can, he stopped short, sniffing at the contents. No amount of coaxing by Lon could get him to budge.

"I don't understand it," moaned Lon as Dad walked up. "Sometimes Smokie minds me, and sometimes he doesn't."

"I don't think he's obeying you at all," Dad said. "I think he does whatever he wants, and sometimes he just happens to want the same thing you do."

"You mean when he's good, he's just accidentally good?" asked Lon.

Dad laughed. "You could say that." He took the leash. "When Smokie goes the wrong way, give the leash a firm jerk," he said. He demonstrated how to direct the dog and then returned the leash to Lon.

"You know what?" said Dad as they walked. "I think people often behave the way Smokie does. "They do just what they feel like doing, and sometimes that makes them look very good. When they're in a good mood, they're nice to people, they probably go to church, and they may contribute money or time. We might look at them and think they're serving God-doing what God wants them to do. But the true test of obedience is how they-or we-respond to God's commands when we don't feel like obeying."

"I get it," Lon replied as he jerked the leash. "I'll try to remember that. I don't want to be just accidentally good."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things to please God whether you feel like it or not? If you do them only when you feel like it, you're still just doing what you want to do. You need to obey God all the time. If you know He wants you to witness to somebody, to help someone, to be a friend to a lonely person, or to do some other thing for Him, do it regardless of how you feel or what it might cost you. God will bless you for it, and He also promises to reward you in the future.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Famine

Sophia was sitting at her desk, surrounded by books and papers, when her father walked in. "What are you working so hard on?" he asked.

"I'm doing a project about famines," replied Sophia. "My group has to pretend we're rulers in a country where there's a great famine. We have to decide what to do about it. Any ideas?"

"Not any of my own, but I know what one wise man did," said Dad. "The Bible tells of Joseph, who prepared for a famine in the land of Egypt by storing up food for years beforehand."

"Yeah, I remember the story," said Sophia. "The king of Egypt had a dream, and God gave Joseph the wisdom to understand that it meant a famine was coming, right?" Sophia sighed. "That doesn't really help me."

"Not with your school project," agreed Dad, "but I was thinking of something Pastor Wood mentioned when I was talking with him last week. He wondered if there might be a different kind of famine coming. One that would affect you."

"Pastor Wood thinks we might have a famine in our country?" asked Sophia in surprise. "A different kind of famine? Like what?"

"Like a famine for the Word of God," said Dad. "It's hard to imagine now, but actually, it's quite possible that the time will come when it will be hard to get your hands on a Bible. In some countries, it's almost impossible now. How do you think we can prepare for that kind of famine?"

Sophia thought about what her father had said. "Well, I guess we should do what Joseph did," she decided. "He stored up food while the crops were good, and we should store up verses while we have the Bible. That would mean memorizing lots of them so that we we'll know them even if our Bibles are taken away."

Dad nodded. "Right you are!" he said. "In countries where Christians are persecuted, they'll often risk their lives to get a portion of the Word of God. Wouldn't it be wise to fill your mind with Bible verses and passages now so that you'll be prepared if such times should come to you?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you prepared for a "famine" of the Word of God? It has happened in many countries. It could happen to you. If the time comes when you are left without a Bible, will you have enough of God's Word hidden in your heart to help you through the trials? Take time now to learn all you can-learn a little each day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Psalm 119:73

[Soldier4Christ]

He Knows My Name

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

As you can see, I am wearing a name tag on this morning. It says, "My name is (Your Name)." I want to make sure that all of you know my name. I also want to know your name too, so I have a name tag for each of you. A little later, I want you to write your name on your name tag and then come to see me so that I can make sure I know your name. Wearing a name tag is a good way for all of us to get to know each other, isn't it?

Have you ever heard the song, "He Knows My Name?" It is a very popular song that is sung in many churches all over the world. It goes like this:

    "He Knows My Name"
    by Tommy Walker

    I have a Maker
    He formed my heart
    Before even time began
    My life was in his hands.

    He knows my name
    He knows my every thought
    He sees each tear that falls
    He hears me when I call.

Do you know where the songwriter got the idea for that song? It is from our Bible lesson this morning.

Our story begins with God speaking to a young boy by the name of Jeremiah. "Before I started to put you together inside of your mother, I knew you. Before you were even born, I set you apart; I chose you to be a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah heard God and he understood what God wanted him to do, but he was afraid. He answered God and said, "Oh, Lord! I can't be your prophet. I don't even know how to speak; I am only a child."

God answered Jeremiah and said, "Don't say, 'I am only a child.' You must go wherever I send you and do what I tell you. Don't be afraid, because I am with you." Then the Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth and said, "See, I have put my words in your mouth. Today I have chosen you to be over the nations and the kings."

Wow! God had some mighty big plans for Jeremiah, didn't he? Well, God may have some pretty big plans for you too. He knows your name. He knew you before you were even born and he has a plan for your life. When God asks you to do something, don't say, "I'm only a child!" Don't be afraid, do what God tells you to do, because he will be with you no matter what he asks you to do.

Father, thank you for being a God who knows us by name. Help us to remember that when you show us the plans that you have for us, there is nothing to fear, because you are with us. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The "Borrowed" Book

Oh, no, Brett thought as he looked at the clock in the school library. My time is up, and I haven't gotten all the information I need from this book. I can't check it out, because I haven't paid my fine from last week. Brett's paper on the history of airplanes was due the next day. I'll just take this book to history class without checking it out. I can bring it back when the bell rings, he decided. Mrs. Martinez, the librarian, was busy helping another student and didn't notice Brett as he left the room.

As Brett had hoped, his history class teacher gave the students some time to study. Brett worked swiftly, copying data about the Wright brothers and other flight pioneers. When Mr. Jordan, the teacher, went to the door to talk with the principal, the boy sitting in front of Brett turned around and quickly took the book from Brett's desk. "Hey, give that back, Kraig!" Brett whispered. "I need it for my report."

Kraig opened the cover of the book and noticed that the library card was still in it. "I see you Christians steal books just like everybody else," he taunted.

"I didn't steal it. I just borrowed it until the bell," protested Brett. But he felt guilty. It was obvious what Kraig was thinking.

"Well, I'll just borrow it from you then," said Kraig with a smirk. Brett grabbed for the book. As he tried to pull it away from Kraig's grasp, he realized that Mr. Jordan was standing beside them.

A few minutes later, Brett found himself being marched in to see the librarian. "Mrs. Martinez, your books are so popular that the students fight over them," said Mr. Jordan. He nudged Brett. "This young man has something to say to you."

Brett explained what he had done. "I didn't mean to steal it," he said, "but I can see that it amounted to almost the same thing since I knew I wouldn't be allowed to take it if I asked." He placed the book on the charge desk. "I'm sorry." He stood and quietly waited to see what his punishment was going to be. Whatever it is, he thought, it won't be as bad as what already happened. Brett silently told God he was sorry and asked for help in knowing what to say to Kraig.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you "borrowed" something without permission? At worst, that's stealing. At best, it's a poor example to others-it doesn't honor Jesus Christ. If you've taken something that way and haven't returned it, be sure to give it back right away. The Bible refers to those who borrow and don't repay as "wicked." Make sure that doesn't apply to you! Instead, follow the advice given to Timothy and be a good example to all those around you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The wicked borrows and does not repay. Psalm 37:21

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Bear Facts

Aaron was excited as he and his father took their places on the tree stand. It was the first time Dad had taken him bow hunting. As Aaron squinted into the low sun, his gaze froze on something large and black among the trees. Black? Deer are tan, so what is that thing? he wondered. Aaron shivered with something close to fear. He nudged his father, and whispered, "Dad, look! What's that? It's coming this way!"

Just then the animal stood on its hind legs, and they saw that it was a large black bear. It raised its head and sniffed the air. Aaron and Dad quietly watched in amazement; this was a rare sight in that area. Still sniffing, the bear cautiously moved toward the edge of the woods. Sitting on its haunches where it could see the area beyond the woods, it gazed longingly at a field of unharvested corn. After several minutes of checking and smelling, the bear ventured cautiously toward the field. It hesitated when it reached the edge of the field, and then turned back to the safety of the woods.

Driving home later, Aaron talked excitedly about the bear. "Did you see how much he wanted to get that corn?" asked Aaron. "But he didn't go get it."

"Apparently he sensed danger, and he was too smart to take a chance by going out into the open," replied Dad. "We could take a lesson from him.

"We could?" asked Aaron.

Dad nodded. "The bear made a wise choice," he said. "There's a Bible verse that says we should walk 'circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.'"

"What does that mean, Dad?" asked Aaron.

"Well, it means that we should be very careful how we live and where we go-looking all around and being alert, like that bear was. He was wise. He avoided going into danger. We need to be wise and avoid danger of a different kind."

"I bet I know what kind," said Aaron. "We need to be careful not to get trapped by some sin or trick of the devil. Right?" Smiling, Dad nodded.

When they got home, Mom asked about their hunting trip. "Don't make up some big story about hundreds of deer," she joked. "Just tell me the bare facts."

Dad grinned and winked at Aaron. "That's what we'll tell you," he replied. "Just the 'bear' facts."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you wise about the way you live? Are you careful in all that you do? Do you stay away from places where you might be tempted to do wrong? Do you avoid people who encourage you to sin? Instead, do you spend time in places where there are others who love Jesus? Do you read the Bible to become familiar with the kinds of behavior God wants to see in your life? Be wise. Be careful to live as God wants you to live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Ephesians 5:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 Am I Lost?

Stacy started confidently down the sidewalk. Her mother was very busy, so Stacy had decided she'd go to the park and play for a little while. I'll get back before Mommy even misses me, she thought. Mommy always thinks I'm not old enough to go to the park alone. That's silly!

After turning a corner, Stacy heard a dog barking behind her. She was a little bit afraid of dogs, and she began to run. She dodged through a side yard and came out on the next street. Stacy was relieved to find that the dog had not followed. She skipped merrily down the walk for a couple of blocks before she realized that she didn't know where she was. Am I lost? she wondered with a feeling of terror.

"Hi, there." A man who was working in his yard smiled and spoke to her. "Are you out for a walk?" Quickly Stacy took off in the opposite direction. She knew she shouldn't talk to strangers. But where's the park? she wondered. After turning another corner, she stood still. Now she knew she was lost. Her eyes filled with tears as she sat down on the curb.

After what seemed like a long, long time, a familiar-looking car came around the corner. It stopped, the door opened, and out jumped Stacy's own mother! Stacy burst into tears, and Mom gathered her into her arms. "I d-d-didn't think you'd come," sobbed Stacy. "I thought you were busy."

"I was busy," said Mom, "but when you were missing, I left everything and came looking for you. Nothing else was as important." She looked at Stacy. "I don't think I've ever been so glad to see anyone."

Stacy looked at her mother a little fearfully. "Even though I was naughty?" she asked.

"Even though you were naughty," said Mom solemnly.

Stacy broke into tears again. "I'm sorry, Mommy," she said.

"Okay," said Mom, "but come now. Some of our neighbors are looking for you, too. We've got to get home and let them know you've been found."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever suddenly discovered that you were lost? It's a terrible feeling, isn't it? Are you lost right now-lost in sin? That was your condition as soon as you were born. But even though you were "naughty"-you sinned-you're so important to Jesus that He left heaven's glory and came to earth to find you and save you. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) Don't continue in your lost condition. Trust Jesus as Savior today-and then let others know you've been found.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Son of Man (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 So Embarrassed!

David looked up as his friend, Jimmy, sank down beside him on the school bus. "Did you see the paper this morning?" Jimmy asked. "Some crazy parents are getting all upset just because we're having an assembly speaker come and talk about yoga and why meditation is a good thing." David just stared out the window. His father and mother were among those "crazy" parents. They were also upset with the lack of moral teaching in the books being used.

"My mom said those people are just a bunch of fanatics," put in Andrea.

David opened his math book and pretended to be studying until the bus arrived at school, but that wasn't the end of the subject. It came up during science class, and his teacher said those who objected "weren't smart enough to know what they were talking about." David was so embarrassed. He wished he were home

When David did get home, he found that his mother was writing a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. The whole town will see her name! thought David. He approached his mother. "Do you have to make a fuss about it?" he asked.

"I've let the school board know exactly how I feel," his mother replied, "and I hope others will be encouraged to take a stand, too."

David sighed and went into the family room where he sat down with a sports magazine. Soon his mother came into the room to get a stamp from her desk. "Oh, no," she said as she picked up a plant from a nearby shelf. "I haven't watered this lately, and it looks rather sick." David watched as a leaf fell to the floor. "I hope I can revive it," Mom continued. She looked at David thoughtfully. "I didn't drop this plant or feed it poison. I just ignored it because I've been busy."

David shrugged. "So?" he asked.

"Well, I could do the same with your education," explained Mom. "I could ignore what you're being taught, but the results might be even more sad than what's happened to this plant. Your mind could become weakened spiritually. Instead, Dad and I have chosen to fight for what we know is right. We're doing that because we love you."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been embarrassed because your parents "protested" something that was being taught at your school? Have you been ashamed of their testimony? They care about you and want you to have the very best training available. Thank them for their concern. They deserve your honor and respect.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Honor your father and mother. Ephesians 6:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Daddy's Girl

"Mom, who do I look like?" asked Diana while her mother fixed her hair.

"Who do you look like?" repeated Mom. "Well, let's see." Mom picked up the can of hair spray. "Duck," added Mom, getting ready to spray the top of Diana's head.

"I look like a duck?" asked Diana. She laughed, knowing Mom meant for her to tip her head so the spray wouldn't hit her face. Mom laughed, too, and Diana repeated her question. "You know, do I have your eyes, or Dad's nose, or what?" she asked. "Do I look like you or like Dad?"

Mom took a long look at Diana's face, then at her own reflection in the mirror. "Actually, that's an easy question. You look more like your father-more so every day," she said thoughtfully. Diana's father had died when she was very small. "You remind me of your dad very much. You not only resemble him in appearance, your actions are like his would be, too. You eat just as fast as he did," teased Mom as they walked to the kitchen to fix lunch.

"Isn't it strange," said Diana as she set the table, "that I hardly knew Dad, but now I look like him and act like him? You always say I like the same foods he used to eat-asparagus and beets and even sandwiches with pickles and peanut butter on them! I wonder how come I'm so much like him, when he's not here for me to copy?"

"I believe you come by those things naturally because you are a part of Dad," said Mom as she poured juice. "I've shared my memories of him, too, and you've read some of his letters to me and seen our photo albums." She smiled at Diana as she added, "It's something like what happens when someone becomes a child of God."

"You mean because He's our heavenly Father, but we don't see Him-just like I don't see my dad?" asked Diane.

Mom nodded. "We don't see God, but we act like Him because the Holy Spirit-who is God-lives in us. We read about God in the Bible and see glimpses of Him in the lives of other Christians. And we talk about what He has done." Mom squeezed Diana's hand. "With God's help, let's become more and more like our heavenly Father every day!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions show that God is your Heavenly Father? Does the way you live and talk make it easy for people to identify you as a child of God? Today's Scripture reading lists a number of things that describe the way God's children should behave. Ask the Lord to help you display these characteristics so others will recognize your heavenly Father in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 An Early Frost

"The leaves are so pretty already, and it's only the end of August!" exclaimed Rhonda as she and her grandfather walked to church together. She picked up a few leaves from the grass.

Grandpa, whom she was visiting for the week, nodded. "Jack Frost arrived a bit early this year," he said. "Some people say that means we're going to have a hard winter." He looked at the house they were passing. "Do you remember the Burmonts?" he asked. "This is where they live. They're good friends of ours, but their oldest son, Mason, got involved with drugs. He's never gotten over it."

Rhonda remembered Mason-a good-looking boy who liked to draw and was very good at it. "He uses drugs?" she asked in surprise. She felt a little guilty, because she had been wondering about trying some herself. She'd be starting high school the next month, and she was concerned about what kind of impression she would make. The image of a naive, green little freshman didn't appeal to her at all. She had felt she needed some "experience" like other kids had. She had thought using drugs might make her seem older and more acceptable to them.

"In some ways this early frost we've had reminds me of what happens when young people use drugs," said Grandpa.

   "What do you mean?" asked Rhonda.

"The first effects of the frost are beautiful leaves. And when kids take drugs, they may feel good about themselves at first," explained Grandpa. "But the deadly result of the frost will soon be seen as the leaves turn brown. The deadly effect of drugs also becomes apparent soon. Sometimes drugs actually kill young people. Other times drugs kill their hopes and dreams. Mason Burmont might have been a great artist if he'd developed his talent through steady practice and study at a good art school. It's a shame that he got involved with drugs instead."

As Rhonda walked, she kicked some leaves that had already turned brown and dry. She wondered if God had sent this early frost just for her, as a warning against living her life in the wrong way. Being a "green" freshman wouldn't be bad after all! decided Rhonda. It's certainly better than being a druggie.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been tempted to try drugs for the sake of being popular? It's far better to stand alone than to risk your health and your future by taking drugs. Make up your mind right now that you will not take any foolhardy risks. God will help you say no if anyone urges you to try them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

[Soldier4Christ]

 Puzzle Pieces

"Hi, Mom," said Brooke. She was visiting her mother in the hospital, and it seemed so strange to see Mom in a hospital bed. "You feel okay?" asked Brooke.

"Sure." Mom nodded. "They only did tests today. The surgery isn't until tomorrow, but don't worry about that, either. I'm in very good hands." She pointed to a bag Brooke was carrying. "What did you bring?"

"I brought a puzzle," replied Brooke. She dumped the pieces onto Mom's bedside table. "It's just a small one, and I figured we could work it together."

"Good idea," approved Mom, and they began searching for edge pieces.

Brooke frowned as she worked. So many questions filled her mind. Will Mom's surgery be very painful for her? Will it make her well? And the question on Brooke's mind the most . . . Will Mom die during the surgery? But she didn't want to worry her mother, so she didn't say what she was thinking.

"I can't figure out where this piece goes," Brooke said, still frowning.

Mom smiled at her. "I'm glad you brought a puzzle," she said. "It's kind of like my life right now. Being ill and needing surgery is like that piece of the puzzle. You don't know where it goes in the puzzle picture, and I don't know where this experience fits into the picture of my life." Brooke nodded. She felt like that, too. "But having seen how God has already put many other pieces of my life together helps me trust Him now, too," added Mom.

"What do you mean?" asked Brooke.

"Well, one example is the way God worked when Dad lost his job," said Mom. "We couldn't understand how that would fit in the picture of our lives. Then God provided a job for him in this city where Dr. Campbell practices. He's the best doctor in the country for the surgery I need."

"God is taking care of you, right?" said Brooke slowly. "And He'll take care of you tomorrow, won't He?"

Mom nodded. "I don't understand how this fits into my life, but He does," she said. "I trust Him to work it into the best possible picture for me. Will you trust Him, too, honey?" Brooke nodded. She was finally able to give her mother a little smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there events in your life that you don't understand? Take comfort. God sees the total picture of your life, and He's fitting the pieces-the events in your life-into just the right places. He'll work everything out for your good, even though you may not understand it now. Trust Him to do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
All things work together for good to those who love God. Romans 8:28