Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Kite

"Want to come to Sunday school with me tomorrow?" Charlie asked his new neighbor as the boys worked together, making a kite they would share.

"Nah," replied Jacob, tying the last ribbon to the tail of the kite. "My dad says there isn't any God, and I think he's right. Statues or idols that people make can't really be God-they can't do anything. I've heard that people in some places worship the sun or moon or other stuff in nature, but that doesn't make any sense, either. Around here, people talk about a God that you can't even see." Jacob shook his head. "I think Dad's right," he repeated.

Charlie's heart sank. How can I explain that God is real, even though you can't see Him? he wondered. He started to tell Jacob that there are lots of real things that can't be seen, but Jacob interrupted him. "Let's see if this masterpiece will fly," said Jacob, changing the subject. "You hold the string, and I'll carry the kite while we run. Let's see if it will go up when I let it go."

Together the boys ran across the yard. Charlie felt the string pull tight as Jacob let go of the kite. He turned to watch it soar high into the air. "Wow!" cried Jacob. "We did it!"

After a while, Charlie handed the string to his friend. "Here, you try it for a while," he said. Jacob eagerly took the line.

For quite a while, the boys flew their new kite, passing it back and forth. At last Jacob pulled it in. "That was so cool!" he exclaimed. "It was almost like someone was holding it up there."

Charlie nodded. "Yeah. Who do you suppose was doing that?" he asked with a grin. "I didn't see anybody or anything holding it up there, did you?"

"Nope," Jacob replied, laughing. "You can't see the wind, but it holds up the kite and keeps it flying. You can't see it, but you can see what it does!"

"Just like you can't see God," Charlie pointed out thoughtfully, "but He's there, too, and you can see what He does. Just look at everything in nature-the sun, moon, trees, birds, your dog, your family, yourself. God made them all. Could anyone else do that?"

Jacob sat silently for a long moment. "Maybe you're right," he admitted at last. "I'll have to think about it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to believe in God because you can't see Him like you can see another person? You can see what He does in nature. For example, you see what happens when the wind blows, when the sun shines, or when plants don't get enough rain. You can also see what He does in people's lives-how He makes those who know Him to become more kind, likable, and honest. He gives them comfort, peace, and joy. You can't see Him with your eyes, but He is real!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Battered Bears

Jenny gave her battered old teddy bear a hug before setting him on her pillow. As her brother Adam was walking past her bedroom door, he glanced in and stopped. "Why don't you give that ratty old thing a decent burial-in the garbage can?" he asked, laughing.

"Oh, be quiet, Adam," retorted Jenny, frowning. "You're just mean!"

Their mother appeared in the doorway just then. "Let's go, kids," she said. Jenny sighed and made a face. They were going to visit Mom's Aunt Dora, who lived in a nursing home. The elderly woman's mind was no longer alert.

"Do we have to?" asked Adam. "We don't like to go there."

"Yes, you have to," replied Mom. "Aunt Dora loves to see you."

At the nursing home, Aunt Dora smiled when she saw them. "I'm so glad you came! Can you stay and play a while?" she asked as she fondly patted Jenny's hand.

"Would you like the kids to each draw you a picture while we talk?" asked Mom with a smile. Aunt Dora nodded happily, so Jenny and Adam drew pictures.

When Jenny finished hers, she sketched a silly cartoon of Aunt Dora. She showed it to Adam, and they snickered together over it. Mom saw the picture, too, but she didn't find it funny at all.

"Jenny, I noticed that you didn't like Adam to make fun of your teddy bear this morning," said Mom when they were driving home. "I guess you still love it, even though it's old and its fur is rubbed off and one eye is missing, right?" Jenny nodded emphatically. "Well," said Mom. "I love my Aunt Dora even though she's old. She raised me after my parents died. It hurts me deeply to see the two of you make fun of her."

"I'm sorry," murmured Jenny.

"Me, too," said Adam. "I guess we weren't thinking."

"God commands us to honor and respect elderly people. We need to do that even though they may have broken bodies and childlike minds," continued Mom. "They have spent their lives in service to their families and friends. Now it's our turn to be of service to them. Will you both please try to remember that?" Jenny and Adam nodded solemnly.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you made fun of older people-perhaps someone in your neighborhood or in your church or in a nursing home? Do you get impatient with the elderly members of your family when they cannot move fast or when they tell the same stories over and over? God commands you to honor old people. Proverbs 16:31 says the "hoary (gray) head is a crown of glory." Treat older people with honor and respect.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall . . . honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bird Lessons

"What was that?" asked Tim when something banged against a window.

"I don't know," said Dad. "Maybe a bird."

Tim ran outside to investigate. Among the flowers underneath the window, he found a robin flapping its wings frantically. Tim reached down, and very cautiously anchoring the bird's wings close to its body, he picked it up. "Dad! Come help!" he called.

Dad went out. He ran his fingers over the bird's bone structure and spread its wings. "Nothing broken," he said. "I think it got the wind knocked out of it. Why don't you lay it under the lilac bush over there?"

Tim did so, and sensing its freedom, the bird tried to get up. "It can't fly," Tim cried fearfully as the robin fell to its side.

"It's exhausted. It will probably take off after it rests a bit," Dad assured him. "Let's leave it alone so it won't be so frightened."

Tim nodded. He rode down the sidewalk on his bike, but every now and then he went back to check on the robin.

Some time later, a chorus of chirps exploded from somewhere in the hawthorn tree. Tim peered up through the leaves and saw a nest. He glanced back at his patient. Her head was raised attentively. After a moment, she struggled to her feet, ran a short distance, and flapped her wings. She rose from the ground and landed on the branch beside the nest. Tim ran to tell Dad about it.

"Good!" exclaimed Dad. "She knew the sound of her babies and flew to them."

"Cool," said Tim happily. "They called and she answered-just like my Bible verse last week said."

"What exactly did it say?" asked Dad curiously.

Tim quoted it. "Jeremiah 33:3. 'Call to Me, and I will answer you.'" He grinned at Dad. "The robin heard and answered her babies, and God hears and answers us, right?"

"Right," agreed Dad with a smile. "He doesn't always answer in exactly the way we wish He would, but He knows what's best for us. He's always there to listen when we call on Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wonder if God really has time to listen to you? Be assured that He does. He invites you to call on Him. You can tell Him all about what's happening in your life. You can praise Him for all He has done for you. You can ask for His help in solving your problems. You can go to Him at anytime, talk to Him about anything, and know that He'll hear and answer in the way that's best for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(God says) Call to Me, and I will answer you. Jeremiah 33:3

[Soldier4Christ]

When I Am Afraid

Luke 21:5-19; Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 (KJ21)

Is anyone here afraid of snakes? How about the dark -- is anyone afraid of the dark? Are any of you ever afraid during a thunderstorm? Well, the fact is, we are all afraid of something. Even the rich and famous have their fears. Listen to a few of them.

John Madden was once the coach of the Oakland Raiders professional football team and now announces games on Monday Night Football. John is afraid of flying. He has such a fear of flying that he bought his own bus to take him all around the country to broadcast football games. I read that the bus cost him $800,000! I guess if you're afraid to fly, it helps to be able to afford to buy your own bus.

Donny Osmond is a well known singer who suffers from a fear of performing. He once had stage fright so bad that couldn't go on stage because he thought he was going to faint. If you have a fear of performing, being a singer might not be the best career to choose!

I'm sure you have probably heard of Johnny Depp. He was the star of "Pirates of the Caribbean." Do you know what makes this brave pirate shake in his boots? Spiders! He is afraid of spiders. Are any of you afraid of spiders? I know that many spiders are harmless, but even if a spider won't hurt me, it can make me hurt myself trying to get out of its way!

Have you ever heard of Drew Barrymore? She was one of the stars in the movie "Charlie's Angels." She has claustrophobia. No, that doesn't mean she is afraid of Santa Claus. It means she is afraid of small places. If you have claustrophobia, you don't want to be in an elevator when it gets stuck between floors!

One day Jesus was with his disciples in the temple. The disciples were commenting on how beautiful the temple was when Jesus began to tell them about some things that were going to happen. He told them that the temple would one day be destroyed and that there would be wars, earthquakes, and people starving. He also told them that they were going to be hated and persecuted and even thrown into prison. Those are pretty scary things, aren't they? It would be understandable for the disciples to be afraid, but Jesus told them not to be afraid. He promised that he would be with them and that not a hair on their heads would be harmed if they put their trust in him.

Jesus has also promised to help us when we are afraid. Every one is afraid of something, and fear can be a good thing, but we should not let our fears keep us from enjoying the life that Jesus wants us to have. After all, he has promised to help us when we are afraid.

Dear Jesus, we put our faith and trust in your promise to be with us when we are afraid. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who's to Blame?

Mark rode his bike up the front walk and parked it near the place where his dad was working. "Hi, buddy," said Dad. "Have you been playing with that new boy down the street? Is it Chad, or Chuck, or . . . uh . . . uh . . ."

"Chip," said Mark. "His nickname is Chip. I was just over at his house, and we played for a while. I told him we want to find a good church to go to around here and asked him if he knows of one. Do you know what he said, Dad? He said he doesn't believe God cares anything about us!"

"Really? That's too bad," Dad replied. "Did he say why he feels that way?"

Mark nodded. "He said, 'If God really cares about people, why does He let so many bad things happen-like sickness and death? If He created people, how come He lets them suffer for no reason?' Then Chip listed all kinds of terrible things that happen. I didn't know how to answer him."

"Hm-m-m," murmured Dad. "Well, suffering and death is due to sin in the world. Let's ask God to show you what to say so Chip will understand. He also needs to know that God does love him and all the people in the world."

A few days later, Mark saw Chip limping down the street, and his leg was bandaged. "What happened?" asked Mark.

"My sister pushed me over on my bike," Chip said. "Boy, was Dad mad! She really got it!"

"Does it hurt much now?" asked Mark. Then he thought of something. "How come your dad let you hurt your leg?" he added. "Why does he let you suffer like that?"

"What do you mean, he let me?" asked Chip. "It's not his fault. It's my sister's."

"Well, how come you blame God when bad things happen to people, but you don't blame your dad for what happened to you?" asked Mark. Chip opened his mouth, but he found nothing to say. "It's not your dad's fault that you got hurt," continued Mark, "and it's not God's fault that people suffer. Suffering is due to sin. Adam sinned in the first place, and after that, everybody has sinned. That's why there's suffering in the world." Again, Chip found nothing to say, so Mark continued. "God does love everyone, and if you trust in His Son, Jesus, you'll spend eternity in heaven where there is no more suffering or death."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When bad things happen, do you blame God? People are given the choice of either obeying or disobeying God's laws. From the beginning of time, man chose to disobey, and the result is suffering and death. Terrible things happen-not because God is powerless or doesn't care, but because mankind chooses to disobey God. The good news is that all who trust in Jesus will enjoy a suffering-free life in heaven. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:20

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Beautiful Apple

Aaron woke up early, dressed quickly, and hurried down to eat breakfast. This was the big day he'd been looking forward to-his family was planning a trip to the county fair.

When they finally arrived at the fair, Aaron went to look at all the horses, cows, and other show animals. He rode the scrambler, and he threw darts at balloons and won a prize. As he and his family walked through the fairgrounds, he saw a place selling caramel apples, and he decided to buy the biggest and best one he could find. So when it was almost time to go home, he ran to the booth at the far corner of the fair. "I came to buy a caramel apple," he told the lady behind the counter. "May I pick out a big one?"

"Sure," she replied. "Which one would you like?"

Aaron carefully studied the apples on display. He found a huge one, loaded with nuts and caramel, and the lady put it in a box so he could take it home.

That evening, Aaron settled down to read a book and eat his prized apple. He took a big bite. "Ugh-h-h!" he groaned as he looked at the apple. He ran to the kitchen for a paper towel.

"What's wrong, Aaron?" asked Dad, who was sitting at a desk, preparing to teach a Sunday school lesson the next day.

"This apple was the biggest, best looking caramel apple in the whole fair, but when I bit into it, I found a worm hole," moaned Aaron. "It's soft and mushy inside, too." He looked sadly at the apple. "It was such a pretty one," he added, "but it's no good. I'm going to have to dump the whole thing!"

Dad nodded sympathetically. "That's too bad," he said. "It's the inside that counts, isn't it? This lesson I'm working on talks about that, too. It points out that God says the same thing about people."

"People?" Aaron looked at Dad in surprise.

"That's right," said Dad. "We can look neat and clean to others-and we may even act nice-but the Bible says God looks at our hearts. He knows all our secret thoughts and feelings. It's important to be clean on the inside."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you regularly comb your hair, brush your teeth, and put on clean clothes? Do you put on a smile and act nice when you're around other people? That's good. But are your thoughts also what they should be? Are your secret desires pleasing to God? Ask Him to help you keep your heart pure and clean. When you sin, ask Him to forgive you and wash away your sin so that you will be beautiful and good inside.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Band Member

"Mom!" Tom burst into the house, his eyes glistening with excitement. "Guess what! Even though we moved here in the middle of the school year, I can join the band. Mr. Peters, the band leader, says the school has instruments the kids can use, so I'm going to be in the band and play a trumpet and . . ."

"Slow down. Slow down," said Mom. She smiled at her son's eager face. "I'm glad that worked out for you. When do you start?"

"Tomorrow," replied Tom. "I get my uniform then, too. It's cool. I'll belong to the Bartley Middle School Band."

When Dad heard the big news, he grinned at Tom. "So my son will be in the band! That's great" he said.

But Gretchen, Tom's little sister, frowned. "I want to be in the band, too," she declared with a pout.

"You can't. You're too small," Tom told her.

"I can, too," she insisted. "All you need is a horn and a uniform, and I have a horn already." She held up a toy one she'd been playing with. "I just need a uniform."

"And you have to be big enough," added Tom.

Dad smiled at Gretchen. "Tom is right, honey," he said. "It will be a few years before you're old enough to belong to the Bartley School Band."

Gretchen looked unhappy. "Can I join a different band then?"

"Well, let's see . . ." said Dad. He snapped his finger. "Sure. I've thought of a band anyone may join!" Gretchen smiled at that news, but Tom looked doubtful. "It's not a musical band-it's a different kind of band," said Dad. "It's the band of believers. In other words, it's Christians-they're called the Church. Do you know what you need to become a member of that band?"

"I do," said Tom promptly. "You need Jesus."

Again Dad nodded. "Good," he said. "That's exactly right. And anyone, big or small, may receive Him."

Gretchen grinned. "See, Tom?" she said. "I'm big enough to belong to a band, too-and I already do because I've asked Jesus to save me!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you belong to the band of Christians-the Church? This does not mean the local congregation that you attend on Sundays. It means all believers throughout the whole world-all who have trusted Jesus as Savior. The invitation is open for you to become a member of this group. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) Become a part of the Church, the body of Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Band Member (Cont'd.)

"Pah-pah-pom! Pah-pah-pom!" Tom was practicing his horn again. Gretchen put her hands over her ears. She was tired of hearing it. Actually, Tom was tired of it, too. He had decided to try to make "first chair"-to be the very best trumpet player in the band-and so he had to go over and over the pieces that were assigned. It had been fun for a while, but now it seemed more like work.

"How's your band music coming along?" Dad asked one evening. "Have you made first chair yet?"

Tom shook his head. "It's too hard," he said. "I think I'll give up that idea. I don't feel like practicing any more."

"Well," said Dad, "there's nothing wrong with not being first chair, but there is something wrong with not practicing. No matter what chair you have, you need to do the best you can, and that takes practice."

Gretchen grinned. "I'm glad I don't have to practice," she said.

"Oh, but you do!" exclaimed Dad with a smile. "You need to practice, too."

"I don't play in the band," objected Gretchen.

"We talked about a different band we can all belong to-the band of Christians, called the Church. Remember?" Dad reminded her. "You said you received Jesus as Savior and were a part of that band, right?" Gretchen nodded. "Well, then," continued Dad, "there are things you need to practice as a member of God's Church. In the Bible, God describes the kind of people we should be, and He also teaches us the kind of things we should do. We need to practice doing them."

"I guess we sometimes get tired of doing those things, too," said Tom, "just like I get tired of practicing my horn."

Dad nodded. "I'm afraid so," he agreed. "But we're told not to 'grow weary in doing good.' We need to keep on practicing."

"Me, too?" asked Gretchen. "Even though I'm not grown up yet?"

"You, too," said Dad. "You can practice lots of things." As he spoke, they heard Mom call for Gretchen to pick up her toys and get ready for bed. "Right now," added Dad, "you can practice obeying quickly."

Gretchen grinned, jumped up, and began to pick up her toys.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Were you once excited about being a Christian and learning to be like Jesus? Are you still faithfully practicing the things God teaches? Things such as loving others, being honest, respecting authority, obeying parents, and giving cheerfully? You may not always feel like doing some of those things, but God wants you to keep on and not give up.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 Band Member (Cont'd.)

"You and Dad are remembering the band concert tonight, aren't you?" asked Tom at breakfast one day. "I've been practicing so much, I think I know our pieces backwards! And I get to play a special number with a smaller group, you know. A brass ensemble."

Mom smiled. "We'll be there," she assured him. "We wouldn't miss it."

"Can I go, too?" asked Gretchen eagerly. Mom smiled and assured her that she could go along.

When it was time to get ready for the concert that evening, Tom was a bit nervous. "The timing on some of our pieces is kinda tricky," he said. "What if I make a mistake? I'll feel so dumb."

"Just watch your conductor carefully and you'll do fine, Tom," said Dad.

Tom grinned. "Mr. Potter stopped us in the middle of a piece the other day," he said. "Pete, one of the drummers, was really going at it, and he wasn't watching Mr. Potter at all. He played half a line before he realized that nobody else was playing. Everybody laughed, even Mr. Potter. But Mr. Potter gave us all quite a lecture on how important it is to follow his directions." He paused, then added, "I really like him. He's a good band leader."

"Mine is, too," said Tom's little sister, Gretchen.

"You don't have a band leader," said Tom. "You're not in a band."

"Am too," said Gretchen. "I'm a Christian, so I'm in God's band. You forgot." She looked accusingly at her brother.

"Good for you, Gretchen," cheered Dad. "You remembered, and I know you've been practicing following your leader, too. Who is that leader?"

"Jesus," Gretchen answered promptly.

"That's right!" agreed Dad. "He's the very best leader of all."

"Will I get into trouble if I don't follow Him?" asked Gretchen.

Dad nodded. "Yes," he said. "It's very important to follow your leader at all times. You'll be glad you did!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you're a Christian, are you carefully following your leader, the Lord Jesus? Do your activities please the Lord? Are the places you go the kind of places He would go? Are your close friends the kind of kids He would want you to spend a lot of time with? If not, you may find yourself in trouble-you may fall into all kinds of sin. Don't let that happen. Follow Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be followers of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Joel's Machine

"I wish I were a few years older so I could drive," said Joel. He and his father were looking over their shiny new car as it stood glistening in the sunshine. "It's a great machine, huh, Dad?"

"Yes, Joel, it sure is," agreed Dad. "Want to help me wash it?"

"Sure!" exclaimed Joel, and they were soon busy at it. When they finished, they stood back and admired the car again before going into the house for dinner.

When Dad turned the news on that evening, they heard a report of a raid on a drug dealer's home. The reporter went on to talk about problems of young men and women who become hooked on drugs and fail to protect themselves against awful diseases.

When the news ended, Joel and his father went back outside. As Dad walked through the garage, he picked up a large hammer and held it out toward Joel. "Would you like to slam this into the windshield of our new car just for the fun of it?" Dad asked. "Does that sound like a fun thing to do?"

"Dad!" exclaimed Joel in astonishment. "What are you talking about?"

Dad smiled. "I knew, of course, that you have better sense than to do that," he said. "Like you said, that car is a great machine. We need to treat it well." Dad set the hammer down and put his hand on Joel's shoulder. "That news report we heard reminds me of the beautiful, precision-built 'machine' God gave you when you were born-your body," continued Dad. "He asks that you treat it well, too. That's not expecting too much, is it?" Joel shook his head, smiling at the comparison. "Well, Joel," said Dad, "please remember that there may come a time when some friends of yours will suggest that you try using drugs-just once. 'Just for kicks,' they may say, or maybe to prove you're not 'chicken.' But just like it would be crazy for you to slam that hammer into our beautiful new car," Dad nodded toward the automobile, "it would be even crazier to deliberately do something destructive to the wonderful 'machine' of your body."

Joel nodded. "You can trust me to keep it in good shape," he said. "Every time I see a cool car, I'll remember."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been asked by friends to do something you know is wrong? It may happen, and if it does, "just say no." Many things done in the world around you are harmful to your body-things like smoking, over-eating, use of alcohol, use of drugs, and immoral behavior. The Bible says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (see Psalm 139). And if you're a Christian, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Use it to glorify God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Rules of the Game

"You can't do that!" exclaimed Logan as his friend Blake moved his marker on the game board. "Don't you know the rules?"

Blake looked up. "We always play it this way at home," he said as Andy, another friend, took a turn. "Hey," added Blake, "what are you doing, Andy? You landed on 'Skip' last time, so you have to skip three turns. You've skipped only once so far."

Andy continued to play. "That's the way we play at our house," he said. "We only skip once. Else you have to sit and wait so long."

Then Dan took a turn. He landed on a space that said, "Lose ten points." Dan was scorekeeper, but he didn't subtract any points from his score. He just nudged Logan and said, "Your turn."

Andy frowned. "You have to subtract ten points," he said.

Dan shrugged. "My brother and I just skip those penalty points."

"This is no fun," declared Logan. "Everybody plays by his own rules. We might as well quit."

"Or play by the rules of the person who made up the game in the first place," suggested his mother, who had just come in. "There's a little rule book right there in the box."

"Good idea," the boys agreed. Soon the game was again in progress, with frequent references being made to the rule book.

When Logan's dad came home, he greeted Logan with a grin. "Well, what did you learn today, Son?" he asked.

Logan explained what had happened that afternoon. "I learned," he said, "that it's important to play by the rules."

"Well, good," approved Dad. "I wish everybody would learn that."

"Not everybody plays games," Logan pointed out.

Dad raised his brows. "Well . . . we could say that everybody plays the 'Game of Life.'" he suggested. "If we'd all follow the rules of the one who 'invented' it, this would be a happier world. Do you know who I'm talking about?"

Logan nodded. "God," he said. "He gave His rules in the Bible. Everybody ought to follow them."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know God's rules? You probably learned some of them through Sunday school, Bible lessons at home or church, or reading the Bible for yourself. You know He wants you to be kind, loving, helpful, obedient, thoughtful, etc. But knowing isn't enough. You need to follow His rules and not change them to suit yourself. When you're not sure what you should do, you can refer to the Bible and look for a direct order or for a principle that will help you know what behavior pleases God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Christ, the King

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38 (NIV)

One of the things I enjoyed most in school was a special day called "Hat Day." All of the students and teachers wore a hat to school on that day. You would see all kinds of hats -- big hats, small hats, cloth hats, and straw hats. Some were very funny. You know, you can tell a lot about a person by the kind of hat he wears. Sometimes, you can even tell what a person does for a living by the kind of hat he or she wears. I have a bag full of hats to show you. As I take a hat out of my bag, raise your hand if you think you know who would wear that kind of hat.

Who knows who would wear a hat like this? (Fire Fighter's Hat) Right! A fire fighter. That was easy, wasn't it?

How about this one? (Hard Hat) Oh, you are right again. Someone who works in construction would wear a hat like this. It is sometimes called a hard hat. People who build buildings, highways, bridges, and things like that.

Have you ever seen anyone wearing a hat like this? (Cowboy Hat) Who would wear a hat like this? Yahoo! You got that right, it is worn by a cowboy or cowgirl.

Now, this next one is a little different. Let's see if you can get this one. (Crown) I wonder who would wear something like this? Can you guess? I can't fool you, a crown is worn by a king or queen, isn't it?

Today's lesson is about a King who was born many years ago. This king was different from most. What made this king different? Well, for one thing, he didn't live in a palace. He didn't wear a beautiful robe or a jeweled crown. He had no servants to wait on him -- and and no soldiers to fight his battles. He didn't even have a country over which to rule and there were no coins engraved with his face or his name.

I imagine that most of you have probably guessed who this king is. The King is Jesus. He is not just any king, he is the King of Kings. His kingdom is not on earth, his kingdom is in heaven. That is why many people never chose to make him their king. When Jesus was here on earth, the people were all looking for a king who would set up a kingdom on earth. A kingdom where they would share the wealth and power.

Jesus finally wore a crown, but it was a crown of thorns. A cross became his throne and above his head was a sign for all to read, "This is the King of the Jews."

Some people still refuse to recognize Jesus as King. But all around the world today the Word is spoken, "Jesus Christ is still the King of Kings."

Jesus, today we crown you King and make you Lord of our life. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Too Short

"I do it!" said Dana insistently. Her balloon was stuck up on a shelf, and her mother had offered to help her get it down. Dana was two, and she liked to do things all by herself.

"All right, you do it," agreed Mom pleasantly as her older daughter, Maureen, came into the room. "How was school, Maurie?" asked Mom.

"Mostly good," said Maureen, "but I don't seem to make any headway with Jennifer." She sighed and set down her backpack. "Ever since she went to Bible club with me a few weeks ago, she's had questions about the Gospel. At lunch today, I tried again to explain it to her, but she still seems to think she can be saved just because her parents have taught her good morals and she hasn't lived a bad life." Maureen glanced down at Dana, who was dragging a kiddie chair across the room. "What's she doing?" asked Maureen curiously.

Mom smiled. "She was playing with her balloon, bopping it in the air, and it got caught on the top shelf. She's trying very hard to get it down. I was going to help her, but she told me firmly, 'I do it.'"

Maureen grinned. "That sounds like her, but she'll never be able to reach it."

They watched as Dana found a fairy wand in her toy box. She stood on the chair and reached with the wand, but she couldn't dislodge the balloon. After trying several times, she turned to her mother in defeat. "You do it," she said humbly.

With a smile, Mom reached up, took down the balloon, and handed it to her little daughter, who contentedly ran off with her prize.

"Dana just gave me an idea that might help you with Jennifer," said Mom thoughtfully, turning to Maureen. "Tomorrow, you could tell her about Dana's struggle to get the balloon by herself. Explain that just like Dana was too short to reach it-even with all her creative efforts-each of us falls short of God's glory and goodness, regardless of how 'good' we may be. Just like Dana had to admit she needed help to get her balloon, we need to admit that we need help to be saved-and the only one who can help us is Jesus Christ."

"Good idea, Mom!" said Maureen with a grin. "I'll share that with Jennifer first thing tomorrow."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you admitted that you need help to get to heaven? Or are you relying on good works to get you there? Do you believe that because your parents are Christians you are saved, too? Do you think if you're good enough, you will go to heaven? Like everyone else, you are a sinner and all your good deeds fall short of paying the penalty for your sin. Forgiveness and salvation can be found only through faith in Jesus Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

[Soldier4Christ]

 Disguised

"That Jon is the wildest kid I've ever seen," complained Lynn as she sat at the table one evening. "I don't know why Miss King gave him such an important part in our Thanksgiving play. He's going to be Governor Bradford."

"Maybe she thought he'd act in a responsible manner if he had a responsible part," suggested Mom. "Sometimes that happens."

"Well, at first I thought maybe he was getting better," admitted Lynn. "He was actually polite for a day or two. But now he's being horrid again. Having the part of Governor Bradford really didn't change him at all. He goes around saying he's the governor so we'd better listen to him!" She sighed. "What really bugs me is that some kids in our school seem to think they have to do what he says-especially the little kids. He sure seems to have some of them fooled."

"Oh?" asked Dad. "What kinds of things does he persuade them to do?"

"Well, he gets them to think it's okay to do the stuff he does. During the noon recess, Jon persuaded some of the kids to walk like Mr. Cronk, the janitor. He limps," explained Lynn. "I'm sure he knew what they were doing."

"You didn't join them, did you?" asked Mom.

"No," said Lynn, "but Lily Jones did. I told her she shouldn't do that, but she just laughed and said it didn't hurt anybody and even Governor Bradford-meaning Jon-walked that way. She said I should try it, too-or at least mind my own business."

Dad frowned. "I'm glad you didn't join them, honey," he said, "and you were right to try to do something about it."

During family devotions that evening, Dad read several verses from Second Corinthians (see today's Scripture). "You know, Lynn," he said, "you pointed out that playing Governor Bradford obviously didn't change Jon's character, and it reminded me of the greatest deceiver of all. These Bible verses point out that Satan himself wears a 'costume'-he plays the part of an angel of light. He wants to make wrong things look right to us. But no matter what disguise he wears, his intent is always evil. We need to continually guard against him."

Lynn nodded soberly. "I will," she promised. "Seeing 'Governor Bradford' will remind me to do that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel it's okay to sneak some cookies-as long as you share them with someone else? Or to cheat on schoolwork in order to help someone else get the right answer? Or maybe to tell a lie to keep a friend out of trouble? Be careful. Satan is putting on a nice disguise- making something that is really sinful look like a good thing. Don't do the things you know are wrong, no matter how good they may seem at the time.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Translators

Robert rolled a piece of paper into a ball, took aim, and flicked it toward Cody in the row ahead. It hit its mark, but by the time Cody looked around, Robert was staring straight ahead. Next to him, Eric snickered.

Robert was glad Eric had come along to Sunday school. Usually he refused to come, saying the Bible was too hard to understand, but Robert had convinced him that today's special guest, a missionary from Africa, would be interesting.

Something the missionary was saying now caught Robert's attention-but he didn't understand a word of it. Mr. Todd was speaking in one of the tribal languages. "How many of you understood what I said?" asked Mr. Todd a moment later. When no one raised a hand, Mr. Todd asked his wife to translate as he spoke in the foreign tongue again. Mrs. Todd repeated his words in English, so this time all the kids understood.

"In Africa, we translate the Bible into languages of several different tribes so the people can have it in their own tongue," said Mr. Todd, "but many of our people cannot read, and even those who can often don't understand. So we translate God's message to them in another way, too-by our lives. We not only tell them what it means to be a Christian; we show them by such things as helping them with their work, treating them fairly, avoiding quarrels with them or with each other, sharing with them, and being kind to them." Mr. Todd looked around the group. "Maybe you have friends who don't understand the Bible," he said. Out of the corner of his eye, Robert looked at Eric. "How can you translate to them what it means to be a Christian?" continued Mr. Todd.

Cody raised his hand. "By sharing our toys and stuff," he said.

"By never cheating on a test," suggested someone else.

"By bringing them to Sunday school and church," added Robert. He sat a little straighter. But he gulped when he heard the suggestion-"By sitting quietly so they won't be disturbed and can hear the message."

Mr. Todd nodded. "Good!" he said. "Let's ask God to make all of us good translators of His Word."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of "translator" are you? What kind of witness for the Lord? Do your actions show that Christians are kind? Forgiving? Willing to share? Obedient? Friendly? Do those who visit your church, Sunday school, or Bible club hear the message God has for them without being distracted by improper behavior? Do those around you get a correct idea of what it means to be a Christian? Think about it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall be witnesses to Me . . . to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8