Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Thanks for Paper Plates

"I pray today," announced Ricky as the family sat around the breakfast table. Dad smiled his approval at the little boy, and they all bowed their heads. "Thank You, God, for bacon an' eggs an' milk an' toast an' flowers," said Ricky. He paused and peeked to see what else was on the table. "An' jam," he added. "Amen."

"Thank you, Ricky," said Dad. He frowned at Jesse and Suzanne, who were giggling at their little brother.

After breakfast, everyone went out to work in the yard. When it was time for lunch, Mom called them together around the picnic table. "We'll pray," she said, "and then you can all sit and relax while I get the hamburgers off the grill and get the rest of the food on the table."

"I pray," announced Ricky again. Once more they all bowed their heads. "Thank You for . . ." began Ricky. He hesitated. He paused a long moment as he looked at the table. There was no food on it yet. ". . . for plates an' knives an' forks an' spoons an' cups an' napkins an' salt," Ricky finished. "Amen."

Jesse and Suzanne snickered out loud. But Dad smiled at his younger son. "I'm glad you thanked God for all those things today," said Dad. "We usually take them for granted and fail to give thanks for them."

"Yes," agreed Mom as she got up. "Now . . . I don't need any help getting the food on the table, but while I'm doing that, you could think of some other things we seldom remember to thank the Lord for. You go first, Jesse."

"Uh . . ." murmured Jesse as Mom got busy with the hamburgers, "we should be thankful for . . . ah . . . for our grill."

"Good," said Dad. "How about it, Suzanne?"

Suzanne was ready. "For pepper-Ricky forgot that," she said.

"And for a picnic table," added Jesse quickly.

"And picnic benches," said Suzanne and Jesse together.

"An' food," shouted Ricky as Mom set a platter of hamburgers and a bowl of fruit salad on the table.

"And for a little child to teach us," added Mom with a smile. "Dig in."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you really thankful at this Thanksgiving season-for everything? Look around you. What things do you take for granted day after day and never thank the Lord for? Take a few moments to thank Him right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 92:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Attic Adventure

"Come on, Zoe," called Sophia. "Mom said we could play in the attic. Let's try on some of the old clothes in the trunks up there."

"Cool! Let's go!" exclaimed Zoe as she put her book aside.

The clatter of feet echoed through the house as Sophia and Zoe climbed the steep steps to the attic of the old family home. Soon they had the wardrobes open, and they began trying on a variety of clothes their grandmother and mother had saved through the years. They laughed at one another as they paraded back and forth before a full-length mirror. "Let's go show Mom and Dad our latest fashions," suggested Zoe at last.

Tipping an old hat to the back of her head, Sophia agreed, so they trooped downstairs. Their parents looked up and smiled when the girls pranced merrily into the living room.

"I wore those old saddle shoes when I was a teenager," said Mom as she observed Zoe, "and I believe that dress belonged to my grandmother. And Sophia, your old-fashioned hat is simply charming with that old purse!"

"Those styles were very popular at one time," commented Dad with a smile, "and everyone wanted them-just like there are styles of clothing today that everyone wants."

Mom nodded. "When it comes to styles-or fads-people always want the latest thing," she said. "That's not so bad unless it becomes too important in their lives-or if they copy immodest clothes."

"Yes," agreed Dad, "and you know what? Fads extend to activities as well as dress. There are usually certain activities that are very popular. and some of them are not good things to do. We need to remember that the world changes as far as the things it likes, but God's principles never change. Let's be careful to measure our activities against what He teaches and refuse to follow immoral fads-regarding either dress or actions-no matter how popular they become, okay?"

"Okay," agreed the girls.

"Come on, Sophia," added Zoe. "Let's see what other kinds of things we can find in the attic."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
If "everybody" is doing something wrong, are you tempted to do it, too? If other kids cheat to get a good grade, do you think it might be okay for you to do the same? If a friend gets away with telling a lie, does lying seem like a good idea to you? Would you like to use the same bad language you hear your classmates use? Don't try to be like others when what they do is wrong. Styles of clothing or behavior may change, but God's ways never change.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
he counsel of the Lord stands forever; the plans of His heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dangerous Weapon, or Silver?

After supper one evening, Frank handed his father a paper. "Our new principal says we have to read these school rules and sign this paper to say we agree with them," he told his parents. "You're supposed to sign it, too."

"Okay," said Dad. "Let's see . . . Did you read these?"

"Sure," said Frank. He looked at the paper. "It says there's to be no hitting, no swearing, no weap . . . ah . . . What's this next word?"

"No weapons," read Frank's older brother Chad as he looked over Frank's shoulder. "That means no knives or guns-no dangerous stuff like that."

"You know," said Dad, "this makes me think of Sunday's sermon."

"Uh-oh!" Chad winked at Frank. "Here comes a Dad-lesson!"

"What dangerous weapon did the pastor preach about Sunday?" asked Dad with a smile.

"A weapon? In Sunday's sermon? Oh!" Chad grinned. "I get it! Yeah, Frank, you took a dangerous weapon to school today-your tongue!"

Frank frowned. "My tongue?" he asked in surprise.

"Pastor Martin talked about how we can use our tongues to hurt someone's feelings, tell lies, and cause all sorts of trouble," Dad explained. "A tongue out of control is like a weapon, and it can do a great deal of damage."

"Like when Shannon told everyone her brother still takes his teddy bear to bed," said Frank. "The kids all laughed, and he was really embarrassed!"

"Or when you . . ." began Chad.

"I see you get the idea," Dad interrupted, "but remember, too, that used rightly, the tongue brings praise to God." He picked up a pen. "I'll sign that we agree with the school rules. And I hope both you boys will be very careful to use your tongues for good, not evil."

"Okay, Dad." Frank signed the paper, too, and put it in his backpack.

"Uh . . . Frank," said Chad, "when you get to school tomorrow, don't tell the kids you've got a dangerous weapon with you, okay? I mean, you could really get in trouble for saying something like that!" He grinned. "I can see the headlines in the newspaper now . . . 'Local boy arrested for taking his tongue to school!'" Dad rolled his eyes as the brothers laughed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you remember that your tongue can be a dangerous weapon? Do you lie to get out of trouble? Or gossip about other kids? Do you use your tongue to boast or tell secrets? Think and pray before you start talking. Ask God to help you control your tongue. Use it for His glory. Then it will be like "choice silver" (see today's verse) rather than a dangerous weapon.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver. Proverbs 10:20

[Soldier4Christ]

 Pilot in Control

Jan nervously clasped her hands together as the plane taxied down the runway. She had been excited when her parents said she and her brother Jeremy could travel by plane to see their grandmother. But now Jan was nervous. There have been so many plane crashes in the news lately! she thought. She looked at her brother, who was eagerly watching the ground rush by.

After they were airborne, Jan didn't relax at all. "Do the engines sound funny?" she asked several times. "Should we be flying so high? We won't go through clouds again, will we? What if there's another plane in the clouds? Won't we crash?" Jeremy tried to assure her that everything was fine. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I think they should try to stay away from the clouds."

"Why don't you go up to the cockpit and take over the controls?" Jeremy finally asked in disgust. "You seem to think you know more about flying this plane than the pilot does." Jan scowled in reply. "The pilot knows what he's doing," Jeremy informed her, "and I think this is really cool, Jan!"

"Me, too," said Jan, but she was very glad when they were finally back on solid ground.

"Did you have a good flight?" asked Grandma.

Jeremy nodded. "I did. But Jan was as nervous as a cat. I told her she should take over for the pilot." He grinned as he added, "I'm glad she didn't, though, because then I'd have been nervous."

"I guess so!" exclaimed Grandma, putting an arm around Jan's shoulders and giving her a little squeeze. "I'm afraid we all lack trust in our Pilot from time to time."

Jan looked surprised. "Are you afraid of flying, too, Grandma?" she asked.

Grandma smiled. "Not really," she said, "but as I drove over here, an old, old hymn-'Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me'-was playing on the radio. We need to let Jesus be our Pilot and trust Him throughout our lives."

Jeremy nodded. "And it's as silly for us to think we can manage our lives without His help as it would be for Jan to try to fly a plane, right?" he asked.

"Yes," said Grandma. "I think Jeremy must have enjoyed the trip a lot more than you did, Jan, even though you were just as safe as he was. And when I trust God, my Pilot, I can also enjoy my trip through life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you enjoying your "trip through life"? Or are you fretting about things that happen over which you have no control? Remember how much God loves you and how He knows what is best for you. Then trust Him to take you safely through sickness, disappointments, losses-all kinds of "clouds." Trust Him even when you can't see how things can possibly turn out good. He's always alert as He watches over you. He knows what He is doing, so enjoy the peace He gives when you trust Him!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

[Soldier4Christ]

What Time Is It?

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:36, 44 (NIV)

When I was a child in school, one of the things that the teacher taught us was how to tell time. We had a big cardboard clock which would allow the teacher to move the hands so that we could learn to tell time. The small hand on the clock tells you the hour and the big hand tells you the minutes. Do you know how to tell time using a clock like this? If the big hand is on twelve and the little hand is on four, what time is it? That's right it is four o'clock. (You might to try several, if time permits.) Most of us don't use a clock like this anymore, most of us use a digital clock. A digital clock tells you both the hour and the minutes using numbers, such as 11:15. That's much easier, isn't it?

No matter what kind of clock we use, most of us look at it many times each day to check to see what time it is. Suppose that your best friend was to pick you up at two o'clock to go to a movie. First, you would make sure you were dressed and ready to go, and then, as the time drew near, you would be waiting and watching for your friend to come. If you know how to tell time, you would probably check the clock every few minutes to see if it was time for your friend to be there. If you don't know how to tell time, you would be asking your mom, "Is it two o'clock yet?

This Sunday marks the beginning of a very special season called Advent. Do you know what Advent means? The dictionary says that advent is "the coming of something very important." What is it? Is it Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus? Yes, we are looking forward to that, but we are also looking forward to the coming of another very important event. The return of Jesus!

Jesus told us that he would come again, but he didn't tell us what time he would be here. In fact, he said, "No one knows the day or hour when I will return. Only the Father knows. That is why you must be ready, I will come at a time when you least expect it." Wow! If we don't know when he is coming, how will we be ready? By doing the things that Jesus would want us to be doing -- loving one another, caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor. If we are doing those things, we will be ready when he comes.

Come to think of it, those are also the very same things that we should be doing to get ready for the celebration of Christmas! Instead of thinking about what we are going to get, we should be thinking about what we can give.

Dear Jesus, we look forward to the day when you return. Help us to live in such a way that we will be ready when you come. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Celebration for Kim

The long procession of cars moved slowly from the school auditorium to the little country cemetery. When they arrived there, Laura stood between her parents, holding a damp, wadded tissue. She struggled to keep her tears from overflowing again as some final words were spoken.

"Kim is in the presence of Jesus," said Pastor Drew. "Just think of how wonderful it is for her. Perhaps even now she sees Jesus' kind face and hears His gentle voice. A crippled body is no longer hindering her-her pain and sorrow are gone. And God's Word says that those who belong to Jesus will see her again in heaven." The minister's thoughtful words were stated with positive assurance as he spoke to the family and friends who had assembled after Kim's funeral service.

For as long as Laura could remember, she and Kim had gone to school and Sunday school together. They had learned about Jesus when they were little, and each had accepted Him as Savior. But now Kim was gone, and Laura's heart was sad and lonely. The morning sun shone in a clear blue sky, and a breeze scented with flowers brushed the upturned faces of Kim's listening classmates. Each carried a single, brightly-colored balloon.

The minister's quiet words broke into Laura's thoughts. "These balloons are to picture for you the freedom of Kim's spirit today. The Bible tells us that the body is laid to rest in the earth, but the spirit of the person who believes in Jesus goes to be with Him until the Resurrection. Kim's spirit is already at home with Jesus. It's a joyful day for her."

The pastor lifted a pink balloon and held it a moment. "Let's release our balloons together in celebration of Kim's new happiness," he said. A moment later, all eyes were raised skyward as a cloud of vividly colored circles danced in the summer breeze.

"Goodbye, Kim," Laura whispered. She smiled through her tears. "I'll see you in heaven some day."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you known someone your own age who has died? Perhaps you wonder what it would be like to die. It's natural to be afraid of the unknown, but Jesus promises to take Christians to heaven when they die. Have you trusted Jesus as Savior? If so, you don't need to fear death. The Bible says that for a Christian, death is to be "absent from the body" and "present with the Lord." Make sure that you will live with Him forever in heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 First Impressions

"Mom," whispered Liz, pointing through the shelf of library books, "see that girl at the checkout?" Mom turned and saw a teenager wearing a tube top and skimpy shorts. She had a tattoo on her arm and a small gold hoop through her bottom lip. "Her name's Rita, and she goes to my school. None of my friends want to talk to her," added Liz, "but I do quite often. She's a lot of fun-and really smart, too."

"Maybe, but that's not the side of herself that she's letting people see," said Mom. "Look over there." Mom motioned to Liz, and they peered through another shelf at some people in the reading area. "See that man standing in the corner?"

"The security guard?" asked Liz.

"How do you know he's a security guard?" Mom wanted to know.

"Because of his uniform," Liz answered.

"What about that girl at the first table? What can you tell me about her?" asked Mom.

Liz looked for a moment. "She has a university jacket on, so she must be a student," she said. "Judging by all the big books she has, I bet she works hard to get good grades."

Mom then pointed out a businessman in a suit and tie, a musician with her guitar on the floor, and a man wearing a turban. "You can guess a lot about a person by looking at his appearance," Mom said. "People give messages by the way they look. First impressions can keep some people from even wanting to get to know you."

"But . . . you always told me it was wrong to judge people just on appearance," said Liz.

"Yes," said Mom, "and we need to guard against that. But we also need to remember that people are going to judge us by appearance. We have to be very careful about the first impressions we make, especially since we represent not only ourselves, but God. We want to make the kind of impression that will cause people to be willing to hear our witness for the Lord-and to find it believable."

"But we should never judge people for things like the color of skin or hair," said Liz, "or whether they look rich or poor or how tall they are-stuff like that."

"Right," said Mom. "I'm glad you were willing to talk to Rita, honey. Maybe some day you'll have a chance to tell her about Jesus."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What impression are you giving to others? The most important thing is what's inside, but you will be judged by the way you look, and it's hard to change a first impression. God has high standards for everyone. Today's Scripture calls for men to pray, and it offers dress guidelines for women and girls. Some versions caution against calling attention to oneself by fancy hair styles and clothing. And, boys, just like the call to pray may also apply to girls, dress guidelines may apply to you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 2:8-9)
I desire . . . that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Oyster and the Pearl

"It's just not fair," complained Kimberly, pointing to the cast on her leg. "Why do I have to have a broken leg?"

"I don't know, honey," answered her mother, "but . . ." Mom stood up. "I want to show you something," she added. She left the room and soon returned with a small box, which she handed to Kimberly.

Kimberly opened the lid. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "Grandma used to wear this pin, didn't she? It's so pretty! Is that a real pearl?"

Mom nodded. "Do you know how pearls are formed?" she asked.

"Sure," said Kimberly. "Something-maybe a grain of sand-gets inside an oyster's shell and hurts him. So he makes stuff to cover the object. After a long time, it's a pearl."

"That's right," said Mom. "An oyster makes something beautiful out of any foreign object that irritates it. If an oyster can do that, don't you think we should be able to do that, too?" She paused, then added, "Perhaps your broken leg will help make your life more beautiful."

Kimberly frowned. "I sure don't see how it could possibly do that!" she replied.

"Maybe it will teach you patience," suggested Mom. "The Bible says, 'The testing of your faith produces patience.'"

"Well . . . I guess I do get upset too easily when things don't go right," admitted Kimberly. "Okay, I'll work on doing better, but how long am I going to have to wear this old cast? It's so . . ." She stopped. "There I go again!" she exclaimed, slapping her hand over her mouth. After a moment, she added hopefully, "Do you think maybe God will let me get the cast taken off sooner if I grow one tiny pearl of patience?"

"I don't know," said Mom. "We have to leave that in God's hands."

Kimberly nodded. "I guess so," she said. Then she grinned. "But I do hope I don't have to go for a whole string of pearls!" she added.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you handle troubles? Do they make you cross and upset? Or do you remember that everything in a Christian's life is there for a purpose? God may use trials to teach you things such as patience and endurance. Troubles you face may show you how much you need God, and you may learn to trust Him more fully. When difficult things come into your life, learn to be joyful and develop beautiful "pearls" of Christian characteristics.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:2-3)
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials . . . the testing of your faith produces patience.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Baby Food

"Lindy, have you learned your Bible verse for Sunday school?" asked Mom.

"No . . . but I don't like Sunday school anymore," grumbled Lindy.

"Why not?" asked Mom, spooning cereal into Baby Sue's mouth.

"We don't sing fun songs with motions anymore, and Mrs. Mac doesn't read from her Bible story book, either," replied Lindy. "Now we have to read right from the Bible and memorize verses and . . ." She paused as Baby Sue made a gagging sound. "What's the matter, Susie?" asked Lindy as she tapped a spoon on the high chair, trying to distract her baby sister.

"She's used to milk and juices, and she's just learning to handle solid foods," explained Mom. "Sometimes they give her a little problem swallowing."

"Poor Susie," said Lindy sympathetically. She turned to her mother. "Why not just let her have milk then?"

"Because she's no longer a tiny baby," said Mom. "Susie has to get used to taking solid food if she's to grow big and healthy like you. She already likes it."

"Oh," said Lindy. She stroked her sister's cheek. "Eat up, Susie. Get big soon so we can play together!"

Mom again held the spoon to the baby's mouth. "You're having the same kind of trouble as Susie," she observed.

"Me!" exclaimed Lindy indignantly. "I don't have a problem swallowing my food!"

"Not physical food," agreed Mom, "but how about spiritual food? Like newborn babies, new Christians need milk-spiritual milk. When you were younger, you understood only simple things about God, and your attention span was short. So spiritually, you were fed 'milk' through cute little songs, simple Bible stories, and fun-to-do drawings and handwork."

"But . . . but . . ." stammered Lindy.

"You understand more now and are ready for 'solid food' spiritually," added Mom. "Studying harder Bible lessons and verses helps you grow in faith." She smiled. "Right now you seem to be gagging like Susie, but Susie is doing better. She already enjoys her cereal, and I know you'll soon enjoy your new lessons, too."

Lindy looked uncertain, but then she nodded. "Okay, I'll go learn my verse," she decided.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you having trouble with your spiritual diet? Do you think the Bible is too hard to understand, that church lasts too long, or that it's more fun to play than to do your Sunday school lesson or learn Bible verses? Easy, fun things often aren't the things that help you grow spiritually. Take studying and learning about God seriously. Above all, put into practice the things you learn. Don't remain a "baby" in the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 1 Corinthians 14:20

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Born Beautiful?

When Kara and her father returned from their visit to the hospital, Kara sprang out of the car the minute Dad stopped it. She dashed straight to the willow tree in the back yard. The low-hanging boughs always made her feel like she was hidden in a special room. Here she could lie on the soft grass and, finally, cry. She had known her new sister had a physical problem, but she hadn't realized how she would look.

Soon Dad joined Kara. "There, now, honey," he said as he patted her shoulder. "Mom and your new baby sister are doing just fine."

"Fine!" exclaimed Kara, shrugging off Dad's hand. She sat up to face him. "How can you say that? How can you act like there's nothing wrong when she's so . . . so . . ."

"Kara," said Dad, "like I told you, a cleft lip-even a double one like Lindsey has-is nothing to get that upset about. It happens fairly often. Like we've told you, you'll be surprised when you see what surgery can do for her."

Kara couldn't hold back the tears. "She'll never look cute like Ashley's sister. It's just not fair!"

"The doctors can make her look good-just as cute as anybody. People won't even be able to see that there was a problem," Dad assured her. "Even if doctors couldn't help her, she would always be beautiful to Mom and me-and to God. Best of all, God can make her-and all of us-beautiful within. Even before Lindsey was born, we dedicated her to the Lord, and we're praying that she'll accept Jesus as Savior when she's old enough to understand. Physical looks change with time, but God's love within her will give her a beauty that will never wear out."

Kara remembered how her mother had looked when she smiled at the new baby. She also thought of her father's quiet, happy smile. Then she thought of her own attitude and knew there was nothing beautiful about that! She knew she needed to settle some things with God or she'd be the only one in the family who was not beautiful.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who was born with some kind of physical problem? Do you have one yourself? Remember that what people call "physical perfection" is not really important. Never consider anyone inferior because of a physical defect. They, and you, were born in God's image. What could be more perfect than that? The important thing is that you reflect His love-that you display an inner beauty as you let Jesus be seen in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Beauty is passing, but a woman (or anyone) who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

[Soldier4Christ]

 Twists And Turns

"Are we ever gonna get to Grandma and Grandpa's?" asked Kevin. "It seems
like we've been driving on these winding mountain roads forever!"
 

"Yeah," agreed Cindy. "I can't wait to see their new house and swim in the lake. We've been cooped up in this car so much in the past few months!" Dad and Mom had been speaking in many different places, raising support to go out to the mission field.

"That's true," said Dad, "but we're getting close to having full support now. We should be able to leave for the mission field by next summer, Lord willing."

Kevin frowned. "Sometimes it seems like we'll never get there, either," he mumbled. "First, our field was closed to missionaries. Then, just after we decided the Lord wanted us to go to Brazil instead, Mom got sick -- and after that, our car kept breaking down." He sighed. "If God is leading us, why does everything seem to go wrong?"

Dad began to speak, but Cindy interrupted him. "Look!" she exclaimed. "That sign says we're coming to Cedar Drive. That's Grandma and Grandpa's road, isn't it?"

"It sure is," said Dad as he turned onto the narrow crossroad, "and I see a lake." Water sparkled up ahead.

"I bet that's the lake Grandpa and Grandma live on!" exclaimed Kevin. The road made a sharp turn and then another. When they saw the lake again, it was behind them. "That lake must not be the right one after all," Kevin decided.

The road kept twisting and turning, and when they pulled into Grandma and Grandpa's driveway they saw the lake in front of them again.

Soon they were all relaxing by the water. "This is
great," said Dad, "but the winding road we took to get here reminds me of
something I started to say earlier. As we obey God's leading, it may seem that
the way is full of 'twists and turns' -- that it's not leading us to our goal at
all. At such times, we need to keep following God, knowing He'll bring us to the
place He wants us to be."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged if obstacles or delays come up? Maybe you couldn't help with a service project because you were sick, you enjoyed singing in the junior choir and then you moved away, or you hoped to start a Bible club but no one was interested. Don't be discouraged and give up! Keep trusting God to lead you!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Job 23:10)
(God) knoweth the way that I take.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just One Sting

"Get away! Get away!" Joanna swung her arms wildly as a bee buzzed round and round her head. "Mom!" she screamed. "That bee is going to get me!"

Joanna dashed toward her mother, who was working in the flower garden. Mom held out her arms, and Joanna rushed into them and hid her face against her mother. The angry bee followed.

Mom stood still, waiting for the bee to leave, but the excited insect seemed determined to find a victim. As Mom brushed the bee away from Joanna, it landed on her own bare arm. "Ow!" Mom exclaimed with a gasp. Then she said quietly, "Look, honey. You don't need to be afraid of this bee anymore. It has stung me."

Fearfully, Joanna lifted her head and looked at her mother's arm. She drew back as she saw the bee still crawling there. "It can't hurt you now," Mom assured her. "It has only one sting."

"Oh, Mom! You took the sting for me!" exclaimed Joanna as the bee tumbled to the ground. "Does it hurt bad?"

"Well, it doesn't feel very good," said Mom, "but I'm glad I was there to take it."

As Mom treated the sting a few minutes later, Joanna spoke thoughtfully. "In Sunday school last week, my teacher read some verses and explained that Jesus took the punishment for our sins," she said. "I didn't quite understand it then, but I think I do now. Just like you're suffering for me, Jesus did, too-only more." She paused. "I want to thank Him and ask Him to save me," she added. "Should I just go ahead and tell Him that? Will you pray with me?"

Mom nodded and put an arm around Joanna. "Yes, and I'm so glad," she said. "Let's talk to Him right now, and then let's get the Bible and review some of those verses." The bee sting was forgotten while Joanna and Mom prayed and then sat together to look up some of the verses in God's Word.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you understand that Jesus took the punishment you deserve? When you accept Him as your Savior, you no longer need to fear death because He died for you and conquered the sting of sin and death. If you've never acknowledged what Jesus did for you and haven't asked Him to save you, won't you do that right now?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
The sting of death is sin . . . but thanks be to God who gives us the victory.

[Soldier4Christ]

A Voice in the Wilderness

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV)

Do you always keep your room neat and clean? Are all your toys picked up? Are there any clothes on the floor or hanging over the back of a chair? Did you make your bed this morning? Are there any "dust bunnies" hiding under the bed? If you knew I was coming to visit this afternoon, would you have to rush home to make sure everything was in order?

My mother was a very good housekeeper, and although our house always looked great to me, I can still remember what happened if my mother found out that company was coming. She brought out the broom, the mop and pail, sponges, window cleaner, bathroom cleaner, dust rags, and furniture polish. Then she called all the children together and assigned each of us the jobs that we were to do. When we were finished, she checked to make sure that not a speck of dirt or dust remained.

Can you imagine what it would have been like around our house if we had been expecting somebody really important -- someone like a king or queen? Well, that is what our Bible lesson is about this morning. The coming of a King. Not just any king -- the King of Kings! Jesus!

The Bible tells us that in the days before Jesus began his ministry, a man called John began preaching and telling the people to prepare for the coming King. When John told people to prepare for the King, he didn't mean that they should go home and sweep the floor, pick up their toys, and make their beds. He meant that they should prepare their hearts. How? By repenting of their sins and turning toward God. When they did this, John would baptize them in the Jordan River. That is how he got the name, "John the Baptist."

It is important for you and me to make our hearts ready for the coming King too. We do that by confessing our sins and asking God to forgive us. If we will do that, the Bible tells us that he will forgive us and make our hearts clean. Then we will be ready for Jesus when he comes.

Father, every day we do things for which we need your forgiveness. We ask you to forgive us and make our hearts clean so that we will be ready to welcome the coming King. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 What a Bird

Alex and Jessie were having a great time on a week-long visit to their grandparents' home. The ground was covered with snow, and the kids would play outside for hours-building snow forts, sliding down the long hill, and tramping through the woods. Then they'd come in and sip hot chocolate in front of the fire.

"Come for a walk with us, Grandpa," they coaxed one day.

Grandpa smiled. "I was just thinking of doing that," he said.

Soon they were off down the road, laughing and talking and occasionally throwing snowballs at each other. Suddenly Grandpa stopped. "Don't move," he said softly. "Look over there!" Alex and Jessie looked in the direction Grandpa was pointing. They saw a huge bird sitting on the branch of a tree. "It's an eagle," Grandpa told them.

"Cool!" Jessie grinned. "We've seen eagles in a zoo, but never out in the open."

Suddenly, with a powerful flap of its wings, the eagle took off over the tree tops. "Look at it go!" exclaimed Alex. "That's one strong bird!"

"It certainly is," agreed Grandpa. With a twinkle in his eye, he added, "You can be strong like that, too."

Alex laughed. "Think so?" he asked. He grinned at his sister. "I don't think Jessie could ever be that strong," he teased her.

Grandpa smiled and quoted a Bible verse. "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles."

 Jessie frowned. "I've heard that verse in church, Grandpa," she said. "I'm not sure what it means, but I know it doesn't mean we can fly up in the air."

"That's true," agreed Grandpa, "but the verse gives a picture-a magnificent picture-of the strength God offers us. To 'wait on the Lord' means to trust Him with our lives each day. When we do that, He supplies the strength we need, especially when we face difficult situations."

"And girls can wait on the Lord just as well as boys can, right, Grandpa?" asked Jessie.

Grandpa nodded and smiled. "Absolutely right," he agreed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that God can give you strength for each day's activities? Do you live in a tough home situation? Is it hard for you to make friends? Do you have problems at school? Do you need help in witnessing, doing chores, or in some other daily activity? Trust the Lord to help you. He promises to give the strength you need. The next time you see a picture of an eagle, think of God's promise. Then trust Him to help with each situation you face.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Wise Counsel

Mary brushed away tears as she hurried into the house. I never thought obeying rules would make me feel so stupid, she thought. It seemed that more and more of her friends were rebelling against the things she knew were right. She plopped her books onto the kitchen table. "I walked past two girls from my class on the way home," said Mary as Mom took a loaf of bread from the oven. "They were smoking cigarettes behind a tree. They asked me if I wanted to smoke, too."

Mom frowned. "What did you tell them?" she asked.

"I said no. I told them smoking isn't good for us and that we should take care of our bodies," replied Mary. "They laughed and said I was a baby and that I was following a lot of old-fashioned rules. They said I should make my own decisions about things instead of listening to other people's rules." Mary shook her head. "They made me feel so stupid," she added.

"Listening to people who love you seems smart to me," said Mom.

Mary shrugged. "Paige says her mom doesn't like to tell her what's right or wrong. She thinks Paige should decide for herself what's best for her." Mary frowned. "But God doesn't want us kids to decide everything for ourselves, does He?" she asked.

"No," replied Mom. "We all often need counsel of people more familiar than we are with certain areas of life. Take medicine, for example. We need to listen to the advice of experts in that field." Mom smiled. "In many other areas, we especially need to listen to the counsel God gives in His Word. The Bible clearly states many things we should do, as well as many we should not do."

"Yeah." Mary nodded. "And one of the things He says kids should do is obey parents, right? I still remember rules you taught me long ago." She grinned as she mimicked her mother's voice. "Look both ways before you cross the street. Wash your hands before eating." 

Mom laughed. "Right. Those were rules to keep you from getting hurt or sick physically when you were little," she said. "God says to listen to instructors and receive wise counsel, and those rules are part of that-as are the rules we have for you today."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that you need advice and counsel? It's rather easy to see that very small children need counsel from their parents-they need rules to follow. But do you realize that because your experience is limited in many areas, you often need help in deciding what's best for you? That's one reason God puts people in your life who can give you wise counsel. And remember, no matter how old you get, you'll always need counsel from God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Listen to counsel and receive instruction. Proverbs 19:20