Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Again and Again

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Can you remember a time when you wanted something? I mean REALLY wanted something? You wanted it so much that you thought you just couldn't live without it? Perhaps it was that popular new video game, or maybe you wanted your very own cell phone so that you could call your friends any time you wanted to talk to them. When you really want something, what do you do? You ask your parents for it, right? Do you just ask them once and hope that will be enough? No way! You ask them again and again. You keep on asking and hoping that they will get so tired of hearing you ask, that they will give in and give you what you want.

Let me tell you a little secret about your parents. They love to do nice things for you. They also want what is best for you and they are wise enough to know that it isn't always best to give you everything you want. But they don't mind if you ask. Even if you ask again and again.

That is the way it is with our Heavenly Father too. Jesus once told a story that showed us that when we want our Heavenly Father to do something for us, that we should keep on praying and not give up.

The story that Jesus told was about a woman who went to a judge and said, "My rights are being violated. Protect me!" At first, the judge refused to do anything, but the woman kept asking him. Finally, he said, "I will see that this woman gets justice because she keeps bothering me! If I don't help her, she will wear me out."

"So what makes you think God won't step in and help his children, when they keep on crying out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will" Jesus said.

Our Heavenly Father loves to do nice things for us. He also wants what is best for us and he has the wisdom to know what is best. But don't forget, he likes to hear us ask, again and again.

Father, we know that you hear us when we pray and you answer in the way that is best for us. Help us to be faithful to pray. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Hiding Place

Tim wriggled into the little thicket of shrubs behind the garage. It was his own special hiding place where he always went when he was feeling unhappy about something and wanted to be alone. Today he felt very bad because he'd missed a ball in the ninth inning of his baseball game, and several kids had poked fun at him. He sighed deeply as he thought about it.

A little bird rustled in the bushes, and the wind sighed softly overhead in the trees. As Tim listened to the pleasant sounds, he began to forget his sadness. He always felt better in his hiding place. Then he heard his mother's voice. "Tim!" she called. "Grandpa's here." Tim quickly scrambled out. He loved his grandfather and didn't want to miss Grandpa's visit.

A few minutes later, Tim and Grandpa sat down on the porch to visit-just the two of them. "Where were you just now?" Grandpa asked.

"I was feeling bad about missing a ball in our game this morning, so I went to my special hiding place," Tim replied, knowing Grandpa would never tell anyone. "It's in the bushes over there behind the garage."

Grandpa smiled. "I had a hiding place of my own when I was a boy," he said sympathetically. "It was in the hayloft of the barn." Grandpa's face beamed as he added, "Even at my age, I still have a good hiding place now."

Tim looked surprised. "You do?" he asked. He wondered what kind of place someone Grandpa's age would use to hide out.

Grandpa nodded. "Get your Bible," he said, "and I'll show you where I go." Tim ran to his room and soon returned with his Bible. "Look up Psalm 32:7," said Grandpa.

Tim found the passage, and read it out loud. "You are my hiding place." Tim frowned. "You mean . . . God is your hiding place?" he asked.

"Yes," said Grandpa. "God's presence is the best hiding place of all. I like to have a quiet place to talk to Him, but even when that doesn't work out, I can go to Him wherever I am and tell Him how I feel about what happens. I know I can trust Him to work things out for my good." Grandpa smiled and gave Tim a hug. "Next time you're sad, why not use the same hiding place I do-go to God," suggested Grandpa. "You can do that in your secret hiding place or wherever you are."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sometimes unhappy and troubled? Do you take your problems and sadness to God? He's ready and waiting to hear and to help you. He wants to hear about anything that is bothering you-trouble with schoolwork, disappointments with friends, or problems in your family. The next time you need help, go to the best "hiding place" of all-the Lord! Tell Him all about your feelings and trust Him to help you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You (God) are my hiding place. Psalm 32:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Light Matter

"What's next?" asked Christine as she walked into Aunt Rose's kitchen. Christine was helping her aunt do some fall house cleaning.

"This light fixture," said Aunt Rose as she climbed up a step ladder. "It hasn't been cleaned for a very long time." She removed the globe and looked at it. "The dirt has certainly built up inside this fixture," she said, handing the globe to Christine. "It almost casts shadows when it's turned on."

"I'll dust it out and then give it a nice, hot, soapy bath," said Christine. She picked up a rag and put her words into action. "This looks better already," she said as she placed the globe into a tub of sudsy water. "When it's clean again, I bet it will give off twice as much light as before."

"I wouldn't be surprised," agreed Aunt Rose. "Light fixtures give off less and less light if they aren't cleaned regularly." After a moment she added, "And Christians do, too."

"They do?" asked Christine. She grinned. "Well, I should give off lots of light then-I shower every day," she added, knowing that wasn't what her aunt meant.

Aunt Rose laughed. "I think you know that's not the kind of cleaning I'm talking about," she said, "nor the kind of light. Jesus is the Light of the world, and others should see Him in us."

Christine nodded. "And when they do, it's called 'letting our lights shine' for Jesus, right?" she asked.

"Right," agreed Aunt Rose. "We need to examine our lives, confess any sin we find, and ask God to wash it away. If we don't do that, it's hard for Jesus' light to shine through us, and our testimonies for Him become dimmer and dimmer." As Christine dried the clean globe, Aunt Rose added, "We aren't effective lights for Jesus when sin builds up inside us."

Aunt Rose replaced the globe and tightened the screws. "Let's try the light," said Christine. When she switched it on, she grinned. "Even though it isn't real dark in this room, it's easy to see that the light is nice and bright," she said.

Aunt Rose nodded. "It's definitely brighter than before," she agreed. "No doubt about it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been brightening up the world or casting shadows? Can others see the light of Jesus shining through you? If you belong to Him, your life-your actions and attitude- should be like His and be a shining light for Him. Confession of sin, regular church attendance, private devotions, and time spent in prayer will help you be a cheerful Christian who brightens the lives of others and points them to the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Immovable Rock

Laurie sighed as she closed her book. "I've studied and studied until I can't even see the numbers on the pages anymore, Mom," she said, "but I just know I'm going to fail that math test tomorrow."

"Laurie, you've not only studied hard, you've prayed about that test, too," said Mom. "Now just do the best you can and trust the Lord to help you."

"Okay, Mom," said Laurie, "but . . . but I keep thinking about how terrible I am at math. I just know I'll do the problems all wrong."

"Laurie, do you remember the time we were out on that big rock at the ocean?" asked Mom. "It was so big, and we just stayed out there, enjoying all the space. We didn't notice the tide coming in, and we go caught out there, remember?"

"Do I ever!" exclaimed Laurie. "That was one of the scariest times of my life. A storm came up before we could get back to shore, and the winds and waves beat against that rock something fierce. I was so glad Dad was with us!"

Mom smiled. "The winds and waves were fierce all right," she said. "I think they seemed extra fierce to you because you were so little. Do you remember what your father said?"

"He told me not to be afraid," replied Laurie. "He said something like, 'We may tremble on the rock, but the rock will never tremble under us.' And he was right-the rock held firm, and we were safe." She paused for a moment. "Dad said God is our Rock, and that even when we face difficult times, we can rest on Him and don't need to tremble," added Laurie.

"Right," agreed Mom. "He promises to be with us and help us. We can trust Him in all kinds of circumstances-in hard times like when Grandpa died last summer, and also in 'everyday' kinds of situations such as facing a test in math."

"So . . . I wouldn't even have had to study?" Laurie teasingly asked with a grin.

Mom smiled. "You know I don't mean that," she said. "You need to do your part, and you did, so now you can trust God to help you remember what you learned. It's true that things don't always turn out the way we hope they will, but God is always faithful and will give us help as we trust Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever prayed and then didn't really trust God for the answer? When you're at church or around other Christians, do you feel sure that your needs will be met, but then begin to doubt it when you're facing your problems alone? Usually this is because you begin to look at yourself or your circumstances instead of trusting God. He's the immovable Rock. Rest on Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Psalm 18:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Warm or Cold?

"Look at that!" exclaimed Mike. He pointed to two thermometers hanging side by side on the wall next to the window in his grandparents' kitchen. "One of these says seventy-two degrees, and the other says forty. This one closest to the window must be wrong-it's warmer than forty in here."

"Nope. They're both right," said his grandfather. He pointed to a small tube running from one of the thermometers out through the window frame. "This tube allows that thermometer to show the temperature outside. The other one shows the temperature in this room. That's why they can be right next to each other and have two very different readings." His brows knit together.

"Uh, oh!" said Mike with a grin. "Grandpa's about to give us a mini-sermon. I can tell by the look on his face."

Grandpa playfully boxed his grandson's ears. "These thermometers might be compared with two Christians standing side by side," suggested Grandpa. "One is warm when it comes to the things of God while the other is cold-far from God and not interested in the things of the Lord."

"So . . . neither of them are good?" asked Mike. "My Sunday school teacher said it wasn't good to be a lukewarm Christian."

"No," agreed Grandpa with a smile, "but I'm not talking about a lukewarm Christian. I'm talking about one who has warmth and love for God and His people-one who spends time with the Lord and serves Him by serving others. He prays, attends church, enjoys fellowship with Christian friends, and reads and obeys God's Word."

"And I guess the cold Christian knows the Lord, but isn't interested in learning more about God or serving Him, right?" asked Mike.

Grandpa nodded. "He's probably often involved in the things of the world, hangs out with the wrong crowd, and has little or no concern for the lost." Grandpa took his Bible from a kitchen shelf. "Time for our daily Bible reading," he said. "Let's read some verses from Romans that describe some of the characteristics of a warm Christian, shall we?"

"Okay," agreed Mike. "After all, I don't want you to think I'm one of those cold types." He grinned. "And," he added, "I don't want to be one of them, either!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How would you register on a spiritual thermometer-hot or cold? Is your life filled with enthusiasm for the Lord? With cheerful obedience? With love for those around you and for God? If not, perhaps you're spending too much time with the wrong friends. Perhaps you're not spending enough time with the Lord and with other Christians. With God's help, you can be a warm, Christian, displaying the characteristics you read in today's Scripture.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Be) Fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Box of Paints

Why didn't God give me musical talent, too? wondered Olivia as she listened to her family give a musical program. They can all sing so good-all except me.

After the program ended, she complained out loud. "It's not fair. All of you can play and sing, and I can't," she grumbled. "I feel silly sitting there-the only Miller not in the program. I wish I could sing or play, too."

"We'd like you to join us, Olivia, but . . . we don't know how to use a bullfrog," teased her brother.

"Lucas, be nice," scolded Mom. "Olivia may not have a musical talent, but she has other talents." She turned to her daughter. "You like to draw pictures," she reminded Olivia. "That's a special talent God has given you. You do so well at memorizing, too. Daddy wanted you to recite some Scripture as part of our program tonight, but you didn't want to do that, remember? "

"But I want to be musical, like all of you," protested Olivia.

When Dad came home the next day, he handed Olivia a box. "Mom says you're ready for some new paints," he said.

"Thanks, Dad," squealed Olivia. Quickly she opened the box. "Oh, no!" she wailed. "There must be a mistake. All of these are blue! I can't paint pictures with only one color. They'd be boring!"

"You can't?" asked Dad. He smiled when Olivia looked at him in surprise. "You're right. Different colors will help make your pictures pretty," agreed Dad, handing Olivia another box.

Olivia eagerly looked over the variety of colors in the second box. "Cool! But why did you give me only blue paints at first?" she asked.

"Well, I'm hoping you'll see that if all people were alike-if all were the same color and had the same abilities-it would be something like having only one color for painting pictures," replied Dad. He paused while Olivia thought about that. "God gives each person different abilities for doing His work," added Dad.

Slowly Olivia nodded. "I guess God would rather have me paint than sing," she decided, "so I'll try to be the best artist I can." She paused. "And . . . if you still want me to, I could recite some Bible verses at our next program."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you discovered your own special talents? Maybe you can't sing or paint, but perhaps you're good at math or helping with housework. Maybe you don't like to draw or build things, but you enjoy sports or you're good at making new kids feel at home. Whatever your abilities are, develop them the best you can. God may have a special use for them some day.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Made Whom?

"I like it here, Mom," announced Adam one morning. His family was living in Japan, where his parents were working as short term missionaries. "Everything sure is different from at home," added Adam, "but it's cool." Adam enjoyed the many new friends he had made-especially one of his neighbors who attended English classes at the mission. The boy's name was Kado, but he told Adam to call him George, the nickname he'd been given because he was always curious about everything-just like a little monkey in the stories he loved to hear.

"I show you town," the friendly, black-haired boy said one day in his best English. Adam went to get permission from his mother, and then the boys hopped on their bikes. Dodging people, other bikes, and trucks on the narrow streets, they pedaled around the small town. "Come," said George as he parked his bike in front of one of the buildings.

When George opened the door, Adam gasped at what he saw. "God factory," explained George waving his hand at the rows and rows of half-made idols stacked on the floor of the warehouse. "My father makes. He paints faces. Very nice. Many people buy."

Adam got a sick feeling in his stomach. He knew man-made gods couldn't help anybody. They were only pieces of wood or stone. George grinned. "Your father make gods, too?" asked George.

Adam shook his head slowly. "No, George," he said, "we don't make gods. Our God made us!"

"That what they say at mission school," replied George. "I know not. Really true?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, it's really true," he said. "Our God is alive and can really hear us when we talk to Him." Adam had always known that God had made him, but he had never thought that was anything so special before. Now he realized what a wonderful God he had! He was so glad he knew the true God. Silently he prayed, Thank You, God, for making me. Help me tell George and other people about You so they won't have to worship a man-made god who can't even hear their prayers.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad you can know the living God? He's the creator of the whole universe-He made you. There are still many people who don't know about Him. Some worship gods made by human hands-gods that can't hear or help. Others attend church and go through a form of worship, but they don't know God personally. Will you share the knowledge of the true and living God with them? Begin in your own neighborhood. Some day God may allow you to carry His message to other lands as well.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Declare His (God's) glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Important Book

Joe played outdoors near his father, who was working on his car and listening to a preacher on the radio. Joe heard snatches of the message-something about a very important book God keeps. The preacher called it the "Book of Life." He said only people whose names were written in that book would be allowed in heaven. Wow! I better be good, thought Joe, or else my name might not be there.

When Joe started to tease his little sister later that day, he remembered that "Book of Life," and so he gave Amanda a ride on his bike instead. He also took out the garbage without being asked, and he didn't fuss when his mother said he couldn't have a cookie so close to suppertime. That week he ran an errand for Mrs. Nelson, their neighbor, and he behaved himself at school, too.

Joe made a list of all the good things he had done and proudly showed it to his father. "Will God write my name in His book now?" Joe asked.

"Well, let's think about that," said Dad, putting an arm around Joe's shoulder. "Do you think your Sunday school teacher should write down your name as a winner in the Bible memory contest because you did all these good things? Would that be fair?"

Joe looked puzzled as he shook his head. "I didn't learn enough verses yet," he said.

"That's right." Dad nodded. "You have to meet the requirement to be a winner in the contest," he agreed, "and it isn't that you need to be good. In the same way, you must meet God's requirement to get your name in His book."

"What is it that?" asked Joe.

"God's requirement is that you trust Jesus to be your Savior," explained Dad. "Heaven is a perfect place-no sin can enter there. But we're all sinners, and sin must be punished. That's why Jesus came-He took the punishment for your sin and made it possible for your sin to be washed away so you can be fit for heaven. When you trust Him as Savior, your sin is forgiven. Would you like to ask Him to take your sin away and write your name in His book?"

Joe nodded, and his dad prayed with him. In his mind, Joe could see Jesus writing in a big book in heaven: "Joe Roberts." He was listed in the book-not because of what he had done, but because of what Jesus had done for him.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your name written in the Book of Life? Like everyone else, you are a sinner, unfit for heaven. To enter there, your name must be written in God's book-the Lamb's Book of Life. You can't make that happen by being good. It happens when you receive Jesus as your Savior. Then your sins are all forgiven and your name is written in God's book in heaven. Trust in Jesus today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

[Soldier4Christ]

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14b (NIV)

Have you ever known someone who thought they were much better than everyone else and deserved special treatment? Dr. Seuss wrote a story about a turtle who was like that. Perhaps you have read the story. The title of the story is "Yertle the Turtle."

Yertle was ruler of a little pond on the island of Sala-ma-Sond. All of the turtles at the pond had everything they needed and were quite happy. They were happy, that is, until Yertle decided that his kingdom was too small. "I am ruler of all that I see, but I don't see enough. My throne is too low down" complained Yertle.

So Yertle lifted his hand and gave a command. He ordered nine turtles in the pond to stand on each other's backs so that they could become his new and higher throne. He climbed up onto the backs of the turtles and he had a wonderful view. But Yertle still wasn't satisfied. "Turtles! More turtles!" he called from his lofty throne, Yertle swelled with pride and feelings of importance as turtles from all over the pond came to climb on the stack of turtles which made up Yertle's throne.

At the very bottom of the stack was a plain and ordinary turtle named Mack. He struggled under the weight of all the turtles until finally, he decided that he had taken enough. That plain little turtle named Mack did a very plain little thing. He burped! His burp shook the throne and Yertle fell right into the mud! And now the great Yertle is King of the MUD.

When you think too highly of yourself, you often wind up taking a big fall, don't you?

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus tells a story about a man who thought he was better than everyone else. In the story that Jesus told, two men went to the temple to pray. One of the men was a Pharisee, a religious group that was very strict in obeying the law of Moses. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I’m certainly not like that tax collector over there! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of all my income."

The tax collector stood at a distance and would not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he bowed his head in sorrow, saying, "Oh God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner."

Now, which of these two prayers do you think was pleasing to God? You are right. The prayer of the tax collector. Jesus said, "The tax collector, not the Pharisee returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted."

When we are tempted to brag about ourselves, we need to remember that other people are not impressed -- and neither is God!

Dear Father, we pray that you would help us to remain humble so that we would not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bird in a Cage

"Dad, may I go to the ball game with Peter?" asked Austin one afternoon.

"I'm sorry," replied Dad, "but the answer is no. Last week, you stayed out past your curfew. The rule is that if you can't get in on time, you stay home the entire next week."

"Oh, all right!" Austin stalked out of the room. "Dumb old rules," he muttered under his breath.

Austin went to the den and switched on the TV. He saw that the program coming on was one that he hadn't been allowed to watch-one in which the actors often used bad language. Austin left it on anyway. He was embarrassed when one of them swore just as his mother walked into the room. "Austin," she said, "you know it's against the rules in this house to watch that kind of show."

Austin turned off the TV. "There are too many rules in this house," he muttered.

The next day, Austin was complaining again. "We've got another new rule at school," he said. "We're not allowed in the halls without a written permission slip. I'm sick of all the rules-at home and at school . . . even at church. Can't a guy ever be left alone? I feel like I'm caged up, the same as Pepi." Austin glanced at the bird cage in the corner of the room. "Pepi's missing!" he exclaimed. "He's gone!"

Mom sighed. "I know," she said. "When I opened his cage to give him fresh water, he zipped out right past me. Because of his clipped wings, he dropped to the floor, and Smokie grabbed him. I rescued Pepi from Smokie's mouth, but it was too late. I'm sorry, Austin. Pepi is dead."

Austin stared. "That dumb bird!" he exclaimed. "We had him in his cage for his own good. He should have known enough to stay there-especially with Smokie in the room."

"You know, Austin, you're a lot like Pepi," said Mom. "You think rules keep you 'caged'-and in a way, maybe they do. But . . ." Mom paused, then added, "Pepi's cage was good for him, and God's rules-and ours-are good for you. They allow you to really enjoy life and be protected, too. I just wish Pepi could have realized that his cage was the best place for him to be, and I hope and pray that you learn that obedience is the best way for you to live."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get tired of obeying rules? Do you wish you could just do as you please? Left to yourself, you'd probably follow the desires of your sinful nature right into disaster. Thank God for giving you the Bible-thank Him for the "rules for living" He shows you in His Word. Thank Him, too, for parents and teachers who care enough to make rules for your good. Obeying them leaves you free to enjoy a safe, happy life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive. Hebrews 13:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 Playing Church

"Praise the Lord," sang Erin along with the rest of the congregation. At she sang, she wrote a note to her friend Bethany, who was sitting beside her in the Sunday morning worship service. "Ask your mom if you may come home with me," the note read. She nudged Bethany and handed her the note. Bethany nodded.

Erin bowed her head while Pastor Burns prayed, but her mind was busily planning what she and Bethany could do together in the afternoon. She sat quietly during the sermon, but spent more time reading her Sunday school paper than listening to the pastor. Oh, well. God understands, she told herself when she felt a twinge of guilt. He knows I'm excited about Bethany coming.

As Erin hoped, Bethany came to spend the day with her. When the girls went to Erin's room after dinner, Bethany noticed a book on the dresser. "I heard that's a really exciting book!" she exclaimed. "Could I borrow it?"

"Sure. I'm finished with it," agreed Erin, thinking Bethany would take the book home with her. But Bethany sat down and began to leaf through it. She turned to the first chapter and began to read. She continued to murmur replies to what Erin said, but she became so engrossed in the book that she wasn't interested in any of the things Erin wanted to do together. "I really want to read this," said Bethany, not even lifting her glance from the page. "You understand, don't you?" Erin felt hurt and disappointed.

That evening, the girls again sat together at the church service, but Erin was too disappointed with Bethany to enjoy being with her. She didn't really want to be with me today, Erin thought. She didn't pay attention to me at all. As she pouted over the events of the day, she again felt some guilt for not paying more attention to the worship service. Oh, well. The Lord knows I'm upset about Bethany, she thought. He understands. Then she remembered Bethany's similar words . . . "You understand, don't you?"

Maybe God is as disappointed with me as I am with Bethany, Erin thought. I haven't really been paying attention to Him. It's almost like I've been . . . been playing church. Erin sat a little straighter, smiled at Bethany, and joined in singing with the rest of the congregation. This time, she thought about the words she sang-and about the pastor's prayer. When he preached, she listened and learned.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you truly worship God in church? Or do you write notes, whisper to friends, read Sunday school papers, and think about what someone is wearing? Put such things out of your mind. The Lord wants more than your presence in the church service. Don't just mouth the words to the songs; really praise the Lord as you sing. Don't just look attentive during the sermon; really listen and learn. Don't play church; really worship God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart. Psalm 111:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Side Effects

Collin dropped his homework on the table and grinned at his little sister. Her face and arms were covered with red splotches. Collin laughed. "What happened to you?" he asked. "You sure look funny."

"I don't feel funny," whined Melody. "I itch all over."

Mom looked up from her needlework. "That's a reaction to medicine Melody is taking," she explained. "It's one of the side effects the doctor said could occur." Mom put down her sewing. "Dad told you to clean the patio yesterday, and you haven't done it yet," she reminded Collin. "Do that before you do anything else."

"But I want to go to Ben's!" Collin scowled. "All I ever get to do is . . ." The look Mom gave Collin told him to get busy and not say another word. As he stomped out to the patio, Skippy eagerly ran ahead. Collin picked up a stone and angrily flung it. "Yeo-o-ow!" Skippy howled as the stone hit him in the eye.

Collin ran to the whimpering puppy, crumpled on the ground. "Oh, I'm so sorry . . . Mom! Mom! Skippy's hurt!" Mom hurried over, examined Skippy, and decided she needed to take him to the veterinarian.

That evening, Melody told Dad about the events of the day. "I have 'side effects,' Daddy," she told him importantly. "I'm all spotty from my medicine." She didn't wait for a reply, but hurried on. "And you know what else happened today? Collin got mad and threw a stone and hurt Skippy. The vet says it's lucky Skippy didn't get hurt worse!"

Dad gently patted the puppy, who lay beside Melody. "Medicine isn't the only thing that has side effects," said Dad. "Sin does, too."

Collin looked at the floor, as Mom added, "That's right. Skippy is suffering the side effects of your sin, Collin." She handed a paper to her husband and smiled thinly. "And so is your dad. Here's the vet's bill."

Collin brushed a tear from his eye as Dad looked at him sternly. "Yes, and when we hurt others, I believe it hurts God most of all," said Dad.

"I know, Dad," said Collin. "I'm so sorry."

Dad reached out and gave him a hug. "All right," he said, "but the cost of this bill will be taken out of your allowance. A little will come out each week, but if you've learned your lesson, Son, it will be well worth all you have to pay."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you experienced the "side effects" of sin? The next time you're tempted to do something wrong, ask yourself, "What will be the side effects if I do this? Will it hurt other people? How will God feel about it? What effect will it have on me?" Answer the questions honestly. It might save you and someone you love a lot of pain.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
None of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. Romans 14:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Broken Nest

Angie wondered when something good was going to happen. This sure hasn't been a good week so far, she thought. First I . . . Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother's voice. "Look, Angie! A bird's making a nest in our garden," said Mom.

Angie turned and looked toward where her mom was pointing. "Mom, that tree's no good!" exclaimed Angie. "It's dying, isn't it? Almost all of its leaves have fallen off!" She watched a few minutes longer. "Make your nest in the apple tree!" she called to the bird. Of course, it ignored her. Angie walked over, stood on tiptoe, and picked up a few twigs from the nest the bird was making. She carried them over to the apple tree. "Here, bird! Build your nest here," she said. The bird twittered angrily and continued to build the nest it had started.

Mom laughed. "It's no use . . . it's made up its mind to nest there," she said.

"I guess so," agreed Angie. She sat down on the porch steps and watched the bird finish its nest. "I still don't think that old tree is a very good place for a nest," she said when she went in for dinner. "That bird should have picked a different spot."

That night, there was a storm. The wind howled outside Angie's window, and the rain fell down in great torrents. When Angie gazed out the window next morning, she saw that the branch with the bird's nest lay flat on the ground and bits of straw and twigs were scattered nearby. "Mom, the bird's nest is broken," cried Angie. "Poor bird! Whatever will it do now?"

"I'm sure it will build another one," replied Mom.

Angie watched the bird fly round and round the fallen branch, twittering and chirping. Then it began to collect twigs and straw, and to Angie's surprise, flew across to the apple tree. "Well!" exclaimed Angie, "I guess it's a good thing the nest got broken before it had eggs in it. Now the bird will have a home with lots of leafy branches for protection from rain and wind."

Mom smiled. "The broken nest must have looked like a major tragedy to the bird, but God gave it the wisdom and ability to make something good out of apparent disaster," she said. "He gives us the ability to do that too." She gave Angie a hug as she added, "Things that seem like disasters to us can teach us important things. They can help us learn to trust God and grow strong."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What is your attitude when bad things happen in your life-when you lose a friend, you have to move to a strange place, you fail an exam, or you get sick? Do you think everything looks hopeless? Or do you remember that God can use all situations to work something good in your life? He used what seemed like disastrous circumstances to bring about good in Joseph's life. Trust Him to do that for you, too.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Pottery Lesson

Joanna skipped along beside her mother. They were going to an "open house" at her sister Kaylynn's school. "How will we find Kaylynn?" asked Joanna.

"She said she'd be in her pottery class," answered Mom, "and she gave me directions to get to it." Joanna and her mother soon found the place where Kaylynn was working, and they sat down quietly at the back of the room.

The class instructor was at his potter's wheel, demonstrating how to make a clay vase. The students watched and then began work on their own projects. "Kaylynn's good, isn't she?" whispered Joanna, watching her big sister at work.

"Yes," agreed Mom. "The vase she's making will be lovely filled with flowers."

"She's making it for her Sunday school room," said Joanna. She sighed. "Jon teaches Sunday school, Whitney sings in the choir, and Kaylynn makes pretty things for church and Sunday school. But me . . . I'm like . . ." Joanna gestured towards the instructor's table. "I'm like one of those ugly lumps of clay."

"Joanna," said Mom gently, "the vase Kaylynn is making was a lump of clay like those. And so was the one the instructor is making. Those lumps are the clay the potter uses to make beautiful things."

Joanna looked at the instructor, who was again at the potter's wheel. A tall vase was being shaped by his skillful fingers. "Imagine one of those ugly lumps ending up like that!" exclaimed Joanna.

"You know, honey, we're all somewhat like the lumps of clay," said Mom gently. "On our own, we can do nothing. But God is our 'potter,' and He skillfully molds and shapes us into something useful. All He requires of us is that we be pliable and . . ."

"What does plia . . . plia . . . pli-whatever-mean?" asked Joanna.

"Pliable! That means being soft and easy to mold," explained Mom. "If the clay is hard, it's also hard to mold it, and if we are stubborn and our hearts are hard-if we're not willing to do the things that please God-He can't shape our lives into something beautiful." She smiled at Joanna. "You're not like an 'ugly' lump of clay," added Mom. "You're like a pliable one. You're a thoughtful little girl, and I'm sure Jesus appreciates your kindness to your friends and all the errands you run for me and Grandma and your teachers."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you learning-and willing-to do the things that please God? Do you try to please Him in all your thoughts and words and actions? You don't have to feel less important than others even if you can't speak or sing or draw or study as well as your brothers or sisters or friends. The important thing is to be willing to do what God wants you to do. Then you'll be like pliable clay, and God will use you to accomplish His work on earth.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter . . . we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grandma and the Butterfly

"Grandma, do you really think something pretty will ever come out of this thing?" asked Nathan, bringing a jar to the sofa where his grandmother was resting. He had caught a caterpillar, and it had spun itself into a chrysalis. "We've been watching it for so long." Nathan liked to share things with Grandma. She was always interested even though she was sick.

Grandma smiled as she looked at the dried-up, greenish thing in the jar Nathan held. "Oh, yes. Just wait," she answered. "Sit down a minute, Nathan, and let's talk." She patted the seat beside her. "Nathan, that chrysalis reminds me of myself," Grandma continued. "It's going to change soon, and I am, too. The doctor says I won't be here much longer-I will die soon." A big lump came into Nathan's throat, and tears sprang to his eyes. Grandma patted his hand. "I don't want you to feel too bad when that happens, honey, because I'll be going to heaven. My old body will be buried in the ground, but the real me will be with Jesus because I have received Him as my Savior. Some day, I'll get a wonderful new body that won't get sick anymore. You keep watching the chrysalis, and when you see the beautiful butterfly that comes out of it, think about the beautiful new body and new life your grandma is going to get. Okay? Will you do that for me?" asked Grandma, giving him a gentle hug. Nathan solemnly nodded.

One night while Nathan was asleep, it happened just as Grandma had said it would. She died. When Nathan saw her lying so still in her casket, he remembered what she had told him, and he knew he was seeing only her body and that Grandma was with Jesus. Thinking about that helped, but he still felt very sad.

The morning after Grandma's funeral, Nathan noticed something that made him excited. "Mom! Dad!" he called. "Look at my butterfly!" Sure enough, a beautiful butterfly had emerged from the chrysalis.

As they admired the lovely creature together, Nathan decided to let it out of the jar and go free. "Just like Grandma," he said as he watched the butterfly stretch its wings and fly away. "Some day she'll have a new body, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that if you trust in Jesus, you don't need to fear death? Your body may die some day, but your soul will live with Jesus forever! And when He comes again, you will also receive a new body that will live forever. Thank God for this wonderful promise. Read again the verses of today's Scripture. They tell some of the wonderful differences between your present body and the kind of body God will some day give His children.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2