Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Different (Cont'd.)

"I saw that new boy-Lon-come out sledding today," announced Beth one evening, "but Jerry and his friends were mean to him, Dad." Jerry scowled at his sister.

"Is that true?" asked Dad, looking at Jerry.

"We weren't that bad," growled Jerry. "But they must be poor or something. Lon was using the cover of a plastic garbage can to slide on!"

"You could have shared your sled," said Beth.

Jerry glared at her. "I didn't see you share," he muttered. "Besides, just wait till his sister comes out and wants to play with you! He has a sister, you know."

"I know that," said Beth. She frowned. "I think you're right. I think they are poor. Lon's sister wears such old-fashioned clothes!"

"I think you're both forgetting something," said Dad. "Just yesterday we talked about how balls used in various sports are all different, but that doesn't make one better than another, remember? It's the same with people, right?"

"Well . . . I guess so," said Beth uncertainly.

Dad continued. "You know, some sports balls have inexpensive covers . . ."

"Yeah, Beth, like your cheap, fuzzy, tennis balls," interrupted Jerry.

"As I started to say," said Dad, "the cost of the covering is not the important thing. It's not what gives the item value. It doesn't matter if it's a cheap covering or an expensive one. And neither does a person's 'covering,' or wealth, determine his or her value." Dad looked straight at Jerry. You have a sled, but Karl, who lives down the street, has a snowmobile. Does that make him better than you?"

Jerry blushed and shook his head. "No," he said.

"And," continued Dad, now looking at Beth, "some people buy rings at the discount store, and others own expensive ones. Are people with cheaper rings less valuable than the others?"

Beth looked at the cheap ring on her hand. "Okay," she said. "I get the point."

Jerry nodded. "Me, too," he agreed. After a moment, he added. "Actually, it was pretty clever of Lon to use that can cover. It worked really good. Maybe I'll try ours!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you judge people by the material things they have? God doesn't. In fact, He's very specific about the importance of treating all alike. He looks at a person's heart, not at what kind of clothes he wears or what things he owns. Beautiful clothes, expensive toys, wealthy parents, and nice homes are not what really matter. In the Bible, judging others according to such things is called "showing partiality," and God says you are not to do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2

[Soldier4Christ]

The Stone Bracelet

Anna plunked herself down on the sofa, and tears filled her eyes. "First my kitten disappeared, then I ruined my favorite shirt, and now my best friend is leaving. It isn't fair!" she cried.

"I'm sorry, honey," soothed Mom. "Can you trust God to teach you through these things He's allowed to happen?"

Anna sniffed. "I don't want to learn," she said. "I just want things back the way they were before."

Mom looked at Anna thoughtfully and then left the room. Soon she came back with a box, which she placed on the table. "These are stones I picked up long ago when we were on a trip to the Black Hills," said Mom. "The bracelet you're wearing is made of stones, so . . . would you be willing to trade it for these stones?"

Anna looked at her bracelet. "Why would I do that?" she asked. "The stones in this box are rough and dull and dirty. Those in my bracelet are smooth and shiny." She glanced at her mother suspiciously. "What are you getting at, Mom?"

Mom smiled. "Well, I originally intended to have these polished and used in jewelry," she said, "but I never got around to it, so they've just been laying around, enjoying an easy life. Those in your bracelet had a rougher time. They've been tumbled around with sand and other stones. The sharp edges have been ground off, and the stones have been rubbed to make them shine. All that rough treatment made them beautiful, didn't it?" Mom paused. "Our lives are something like that," she added. "When difficult things happen to us, some of our 'rough edges' get polished off. We may not like what's happening, but God often uses those hard times to 'polish' and improve us."

"I don't see how the things happening to me can improve me!" mumbled Anna.

"Maybe losing Whiskers helps you understand how others feel when they lose someone they love," suggested Mom. "I think ruining your blouse has already taught you to be careful. And having your best friend move may help you be more friendly to others kids who don't have a best friend." She gave Anna a hug. "Trust God, and allow those things to make you a more caring person."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like you're being bumped around by circumstances? Maybe the Lord wants to polish off a few more rough edges. What lesson can you learn from what's happening in your life? Have you had a rainy day? Did you allow it to help you appreciate the sun more? Have you been sick? Did it make you thankful for days when you feel good? Have you been lonesome? Did it make you willing to spend time with someone else who is lonely? Learn from all the experiences God allows in your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ready for Showers

Hannah excitedly told her Sunday school class about her trip to England. "The funniest thing," she said, "was that most people carried umbrellas everywhere. Even on sunny days. That seemed so odd to us."

Mr. Hunt smiled, remembering his own visit to England. It had rained often. "And did you take your umbrella, too?" he asked.

Hannah giggled. "Not at first," she said, "but one day I got really wet. After that, I usually took one along. It rains a lot in the area where we were-even when it looks like it won't."

"You learned that it pays to be prepared, so you carried your umbrella," said Mr. Hunt. He glanced around the class. "How many of you are prepared to go out into the streets today?" he asked. "Are you ready for a shower?"

"It's not going to rain today," said Peter. "The weatherman called for sunshine."

Mr. Hunt nodded. "Yes, but I wasn't thinking of rain," he replied. "I was wondering how many of us are prepared for meeting people."

"What do you mean?" asked Hannah. "We meet people every day. What are we supposed to do to be prepared for that?"

"You never know when one of them is going to 'shower' you with questions," explained Mr. Hunt. "Will you be ready with answers?"

"Well . . . how can we have an answer ready when we don't know what the questions will be?" asked Hannah.

Mr. Hunt picked up his Bible. "The questions will be a surprise," he agreed, "but the answers are here in this book. Not always in the exact words we need, but the principles and ideas we have to follow are here. The trick is to keep them handy."

"You mean . . . like people in England carry umbrellas everywhere in case of rain, we should carry our Bibles everywhere in case we get asked a bunch of questions?" someone asked in disbelief.

"That's not a bad idea," said Mr. Hunt, "but an easier way would be to carry much of God's Word in your mind and heart. If you memorize verses and apply what God says to your life, you'll be ready with answers. That's important, because you really can't tell when it's going to 'rain' questions."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What will you say if someone asks how you know you're going to heaven when you die? If you're asked about right or wrong ways to live, will you have an answer? The Bible gives some specific answers, and it also gives principles to follow. It's a powerful tool for witnessing. Don't leave home without it-have it in your heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Seeking the Savior

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)

If we were planning to go to visit someone in another town or city, we might first ask someone who knew how to get there to give us directions. They might give us some general directions and suggest the best roads to take. Another thing we should do is look at a map. The map will show us exactly how to get where we want to go. As we travel, we should keep checking the map to be sure that we are headed in the right direction. If we follow the directions that we receive and use the map to guide us, we will surely find the way.

After Jesus was born, some wise men, also called Magi, saw a star in the sky which they believed announced the birth of a king. They traveled to Jerusalem and began to ask, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."

Herod heard about the Magi and their search for a king and he was deeply disturbed. He called a meeting of the priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" The priests told Herod that the prophet Micah had written that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. So Herod called for private meeting with the wise men and said to them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"

As you know, the wise men did not have a map to guide them to Bethlehem, but they had something even better -- they had a star to guide them. So the wise men followed information that the priests had given to Herod and the star that God had given to guide them and it led them right to Jesus. When they found him, they gave him gifts and bowed down and worshiped him.

Wise men, women, boys, and girls are still searching for Jesus. There are people who want to help -- people like pastors and Sunday School teachers. There is no map to help us find Jesus and there is no star to follow, but we do have the Bible. We can find the way to Jesus by reading God's Holy Word! The Bible is the map and star that will lead to Jesus. All of us should read it every day to make sure we are headed in the right direction!

Dear Jesus, we seek you today because we want to worship you and crown you as our King. We are thankful for pastors and Sunday School teachers who want to help us and we are thankful for the Bible which we have been given to lead us to you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Throw It Out

"Let's go to the sidewalk sale, Mom," suggested Patty.

"All right." Mom smiled. "But we've got to get this kitchen cleaned up first, including the refrigerator."

"Okay," agreed Patty. "I'll start there."

Mom nodded, and they worked several minutes in silence. Then Mom asked, "Would you like to invite Melissa to go shopping with us?"

"No," Patty answered shortly as she unloaded the refrigerator shelves.

"No?" Mom looked surprised. "Why not?"

"She's probably with Amy today." Patty frowned. "Melissa is Amy's friend now."

"Can't Melissa have more than one friend?" Mom asked. "You could invite Amy, too."

"No!" snapped Patty. "Melissa knows I can't stand Amy. Last year Amy said some nasty things about me, and she . . . Phew! What do I smell?" Patty made a face.

Mom grimaced. "You must have uncovered something that's spoiled," she said.

Patty held up a bowl. "It's this old tuna casserole. Phewe-e-e!" She held her nose.

"Quick!" said Mom. "Let's get rid of it!"

Soon the casserole was disposed of, and the kitchen was sprayed with air freshener. "I guess we should clean out the 'fridge more often. Food smells really bad when it gets too old," observed Patty.

"Yes, it does," agreed Mom. A moment later, she added, "Certain attitudes do, too. Sometimes we keep old things in our hearts until they spoil." Patty sighed. She had a pretty good idea what was coming. "For almost a year now, you've been carrying a grudge against Amy," continued Mom. "Frankly, that grudge is beginning to stink."

"But, Mom," began Patty, "she said . . ."

"I know-you've told me," said Mom. "You've said some pretty nasty things about her, too, honey." Patty gulped. She hadn't thought of that. "Don't you think it's time to throw that grudge out?" Mom asked gently.

Patty took a deep breath. A few minutes later, she dried her hands and went to the telephone. Mom smiled as she heard Patty say, "Amy, would you like to go shopping with me and my mom today? I'm going to ask Melissa, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of attitudes do you have? Are you still grumbling about something that happened quite a while ago? Are you carrying a grudge against someone who offended you? Ask God to help you get rid of it today. Ask Him to give you a sweet and forgiving spirit with which to start the coming year.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not grumble against one another. James 5:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Strings

"Grandma, in Bible times people had to sacrifice animals to God, didn't they?" Kara asked one day. "Why don't we do that now?"

Grandma smiled. "When Jesus died for our sins, He was the perfect sacrifice," she replied. "Animal sacrifices are no longer needed."

"Well . . . when people made a sacrifice, something had to be killed, didn't it?" asked Kara. "What does my memory verse mean when it talks about a 'living sacrifice'?"

"To be a living sacrifice means to give your whole life to God," explained Grandma. She picked up a small piece of yarn. "Pretend this yarn is my life. It's my love, my family, my time, my actions-my everything. Here, honey. I'll give it to you." Grandma held out one end of the yarn. Kara took it, but Grandma kept hold of the other end. "There-my life is all yours now, right? I'm sacrificing it to you." She tugged on the yarn a little as she spoke.

Kara giggled. "Well, then why are you still holding on to it?" she asked.

"Good point," said Grandma. "That's like Christians who say they've made their lives a living sacrifice to serve God, but then they leave 'strings' attached to some areas. For example, they may persist in listening to music with bad lyrics. Or perhaps they leave a 'string' attached to friends and continue to hang around people who have a bad influence on them. It's possible to hold something back in any number of areas." Grandma dropped her end of the yarn. "Tie that into a pretty bow," she said.

"Okay," agreed Kara, but as she began to tie a bow, Grandma reached out and took hold of the yarn again. She tugged it almost out of Kara's grasp. "Grandma!" protested Kara. "What are you doing?"

"That bow you're making is too small," said Grandma. She smiled at Kara's puzzled glance. "Christians sometimes act the way I just did," Grandma explained. "When they don't like the way something is turning out, they try to pull their lives back out of God's hands. To be a 'living sacrifice,' we need to trust God and not try to pull our lives back into our own control."

"Even when we don't like the way something is going, right?" asked Kara. "I think I get it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you given God control of every part of your life? Would He approve of your choice of friends, your school activities, your study habits, your music? If there's an area where you do something that you know doesn't please God, are you willing to give it up? Are you willing to yield every area of your life to Him-no strings attached? Be willing to do whatever He wants.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I beseech you . . . that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. Romans 12:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Instant Replay

Brian and his dad were enjoying a football game on TV. "Watch out for that guy on your right!" yelled Brian-and Dad waved his arms as if the players could see him. But it was no use-the man they were cheering for was down. "That was dumb!" exclaimed Brian in disgust. "He should have seen that guy coming at him! He wasn't paying attention."

Dad nodded. "The coach pulled him out now, and I expect they'll show him an instant replay of that move. I dare say he won't make the same mistake again."

By the time the game was over, Mom had supper ready. "Hey! How come Gretchen gets a hot turkey sandwich and the rest of us get yucky old tuna casserole?" asked Brian, glancing at his sister's plate as he came to the table. He yanked out his chair and bumped the table hard as he sat down. "You're just a spoiled brat," he complained to Gretchen.

Gretchen began to speak, but Brian wouldn't listen-not even when his mother tried to explain. He interrupted her and continued to grumble as he roughly gave his plate a shove, spilling his milk.

"Brian, go to your room and think about what you just did," ordered Dad. "The way you behaved and the things you said were not pleasing to us, and they certainly were not pleasing to God. When you're ready to apologize, you may come back to the table."

Brian knew it was no use to protest, so he went to his room, hungry and angry. He plopped down on his bed. But he did think. In his mind, he replayed what had happened. He tried to tell himself he hadn't been treated fairly and that Gretchen was spoiled. But then he remembered that Gretchen had been sick when they'd had a turkey dinner the day before and his mother had saved some turkey for her. That's why she's getting it now, he thought. He knew he had made a mess of the situation and had hurt his sister's feelings.

The rest of the family was almost finished when Brian again took his place at the table. He looked at his father. "In my mind, I . . . I watched an 'instant replay' of what happened," said Brian. "I guess if I did that more often, I wouldn't keep on making so many mistakes." Turning to his mom and his sister, he added. "I'm really sorry for the way I acted."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes say or do things that you later regret? Perhaps you've criticized a classmate, complained about your food, or slipped out of the house to avoid doing your chores. In your mind, "replay" your actions and words throughout each day to see if any of them were displeasing to God. If they were, ask His forgiveness and don't keep making the same mistakes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fairy Tales

"I didn't know you guys were going to choose evolution for our project!" exclaimed Carrie. "I wouldn't have joined this group if I'd known that!"

"Well, you did join, and we all voted," replied Desmond, one of Carrie's classmates. "Now you'd better do your share of the work."

"But I don't believe in that stuff," argued Carrie. She felt the other group members' eyes upon her as she turned away.

After school, Carrie sat down on a chair in the family room just in time to hear the ending of a story her mother was reading to Elyse, Carrie's little sister. "And they all lived happily ever after," finished Mom as she closed the book. "That was a fun story," she added, "but it was just make-believe. From which book do we read stories that are always true, Elyse?"

"The Bible," Elyse answered promptly.

"Yeah, but some people believe fairy tales," put in Carrie. "Scientists who believe in evolution, for example. My study group is doing a project about evolution. Desmond plans to give an oral book report. Jenny's going to draw a mural, and Tom is making up the front page of a newspaper from day one-the beginning of the world."

"And you?" asked Mom.

Carrie shrugged. "I don't want to do anything," she replied. "But we're graded as a group, so if I don't do my part, it will hurt everyone." She sighed. "What should I do?" she asked.

Mom frowned. "Well . . . if you teach false theory, it will hurt you and anyone who might believe it," she said. After a moment, she added, "When I read fairy tales to your sister, I always remind her that they aren't true, and that the place to find truth is in the Bible. Perhaps you could do the same thing."

Carrie sat up straight. "I've got an idea!" she exclaimed after a moment. "I could make a 'Once-Upon-A-Time' storybook about the theory of evolution. After I read it to the class, I could tell them it's a fairy tale and that the Bible tells the true story. What do you think?"

"Great idea," approved Mom. "I'm glad you want to stand up for the truth about creation while still fulfilling your responsibility to your classmates."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you heard theories about the origin of man-theories such as evolution? Did you believe them, or did you realize that they were simply "theories," not "truth"? In the Bible, beginning with the very first verse of Genesis, you'll find the truth. It says that God created all things-including man. That's a fact, not a fairy tale.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Junk Food

"Uh-oh! I've gotta get home, Brad!" exclaimed Jerry. "It's dinner time. I was having so much fun that I didn't watch the clock." He reached toward the bowl of potato chips on the table. "Thanks for the snacks. Bye!"

Brad grinned. "Bye," he said. "See you tomorrow." Jerry nodded and stuffed the chips into his mouth as he dashed out the door.

At the dinner table, Jerry put down his fork when his plate was still half full. "I'm just not very hungry-I had potato chips and cookies and drank some pop at Brad's house," he explained.

"Jerry Allen Byron! You know you're not supposed to eat when it's almost dinner time," scolded Mom. "Besides, you know we don't want you to eat a lot of junk food. It can dull your appetite for the good food you need."

"Sorry, but it tastes so good," mumbled Jerry.

 Mom frowned. "And this chicken dinner I fixed doesn't?" she asked. "I thought fried chicken was one of your favorite meals."

Jerry looked at the platter of chicken and creamy mashed potatoes and buttered corn. "It is," he said, "but I'm just not hungry. Can I go watch TV?"

Dad frowned slightly. "I hope you're not also getting too much 'junk food' in another area," he said. "Too much time spent on things like TV and video games and comic books is like taking in mental junk food. Those things don't help you grow strong spiritually, and too much of them may dull your appetite for good, spiritual food."

"The comic books and TV shows are all ones you've approved," protested Jerry, "and there's nothing wrong with my video games, is there?"

"No," said Dad, "unless they dull your desire for the things of God or take time you should use for other things."

Slowly Jerry nodded. "Well . . . I got a book at the church library last Sunday. I'll go read that, okay?" he asked.

"That would be better," agreed Dad, "but no, you can't be excused yet. Mealtime is family time here, so even if you're not hungry, we want you to stay and talk with us for a while."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How much mental "junk food" are you getting? It's fine to play games and enjoy yourself, but don't be "conformed" to even the "okay" things of the world. Don't get so involved in them that you neglect things that build your character and help you become more like Christ. A variety of Christian materials for children provide fun as well as spiritual help. And "spiritual family time"-time spent with other Christians-helps, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not be conformed to this world . . . prove what is that good and . . . perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Watching You

Todd pushed away the bowl of oatmeal that Mom had placed on the table in front of him. "Oatmeal again?" he asked. "Can't I have cornflakes instead?"

"Oatmeal 'gin? Want cawnfakes!" In his high chair, Todd's little brother pushed his bowl off the tray. His mother caught it as it tumbled toward the floor.

"Danny, never do that again!" scolded Mom with a sigh. She turned to Todd. "Now I'll have trouble getting Danny to eat his oatmeal."

"Why does he always copy me?" grumbled Todd.

"Because he loves you," replied Mom. "You are his hero, and he watches everything you do."

Later that day, Mom asked Todd to take out the trash. "I'm watching TV," replied Todd with a frown. "I'll do it later." It seemed to Todd that his mother always asked him to do things at the worst possible time.

"Do it now, Todd," Mom said firmly, "or you may forget it."

As Todd reluctantly got to his feet, he mumbled a few words his mother had told him he shouldn't use. He glanced uneasily at her, but she was heading for the kitchen and didn't hear him. Todd hurried to finish his chore, and as he returned to his place, he heard Mom calling Danny. "Come pick up your toys, Son," she said.

"Watsing TV," Danny replied, not moving from his cozy position beside Todd.

"Daniel Blackburn!" said Mom sternly. "Don't make me come and get you."

Danny shrugged. Then mimicking Todd's tone, Danny repeated the words Todd had used.

Todd was horrified. "Don't say that, Danny!" he scolded. "That's a no-no. Go and do what Mom says, and don't ever use those words again!"

"Okay," agreed Danny, sliding from the sofa.

As Todd watched Danny leave, he couldn't help feeling guilty. I was a bad example to Danny, thought Todd. I never noticed before that he copied what I do and say so much! I'm going to do better! I don't want to do anything that could hurt Danny-or anyone else who might be watching!


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that someone is always watching you? Yes, God is-but others are, too. Is your behavior and your general attitude a good example to them? Or does your life encourage them to do something wrong? Be very careful in what you do and say. Don't influence anyone to sin against the Lord. Ask God to help you be a good example to others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27

[Soldier4Christ]

 Really Free?

As Dylan sat down at the kitchen table to eat lunch, an advertisement on the bread wrapper caught his attention. "Free gift!" he read. "Skipper Sam Race Boat! See details on bottom of package." Dylan turned the loaf of bread so he could see the bottom. "Mom, look!" he exclaimed. "I can get a Skipper Sam Race Boat for absolutely nothing. I saw how much those boats cost at the store-twelve dollars!"

"Let me see that package," said Mom. "That offer sounds too good to be true." She studied the information about the boat. "Dylan, did you notice what you need to send in with this order form?" she asked.

"Ah . . . I think you have to send three proof of purchase tags," said Dylan.

 Mom nodded. "Three proof of purchase tags from what?" she asked.

"From . . . let's see." Dylan reached for the bread. "From Skipper Sam Race Boats . . . hey!" He interrupted himself. "That means I'd have to buy three boats just to get one for free. That's thirty-six dollars!" Disappointed, Dylan pushed the loaf of bread away.

"When something is offered for free in cases like this, there's often something to buy first or some other requirement you have to meet," said Mom.

Dylan sighed. "I guess people have it right when they say if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

 "Well," said Mom as she sat down at the table with Dylan, "that generally is the case. I do know of one offer, though, that also sounds too good to be true, but the gift that's offered really is free."

"It is?" asked Dylan eagerly. "What is it? Have you gotten it already?"

"Yes, I have. It's the gift of salvation-the gift of eternal life instead of eternal punishment," Mom replied with a smile. "It's free to anyone who will accept Jesus as Savior."

Dylan grinned. "I guess I should have thought of that," he said. "I've already done that and gotten the gift, too!"

"It's a gift everyone can have," Mom added. "Now . . . let's thank the Lord for our lunch and for His free gift of eternal life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you like gifts? A gift is something that's free-you can't earn it or buy it. But you do need to accept it. Jesus offers the gift of eternal life-He paid the price for it. Have you accepted it? When you trust Jesus as Savior, you are accepting the gift He offers. It's the only way you can get it. Why not trust Him today?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

All the Children of the World

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:34-36,43 (NIV)

Do you like eggs? There are so many different ways to fix eggs -- fried, scrambled, or hard boiled. You can make an omelet or a breakfast burrito. You can eat them by themselves or mix them with chicken or tuna to make sandwiches. Eggs are also used to make delicious treats such as cookies, cakes, and pies.

Did you know that some eggs are white and some eggs are brown? Have you ever wondered why? Well the answer is quite simple. White chickens lay white eggs and reddish brown chickens lay brown eggs. Is there any difference in white eggs and brown eggs? Well, yes, white eggs are white and brown eggs are brown.

"What about the inside?" you may ask. Well, let's see. (break a brown egg and a white egg in to the clear glass bowl.) Can you see any difference? No, on the inside they look just the same. I also read that the color of the shell has nothing to do with an egg's quality, nutritional value, or flavor. On the inside, all eggs are the same.

You know, that is true of people too. Some people may be light-skinned and have blond hair and blue eyes. Others may be dark-skinned and have brown hair and brown eyes. On the outside, they may look different, but on the inside they are the same.

Simon Peter was one of Jesus' disciples. He was a Jew and he believed that God sent Jesus only to the Jews. God gave Peter a vision that showed him that He created all people and that He loved them all the same. After God showed him that, Peter said, “I now realize that God does not show partiality. He accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” God also showed Peter that he must ”tell the good news that Jesus is the Lord of all and that everyone who believes in him will be forgiven of their sins.”

Sometimes we sing "Jesus Loves the Little Children."

    Jesus loves the little children.
    All the children of the world.
    Red, brown, yellow, black and white
    They are precious in his site.
    Jesus loves the little children of the world.

We sing the song, but do we believe it? Do we show it in the way that we treat other children? I hope so!

Heavenly Father, help us to love others as you do -- without partiality. Help us to tell the good news that Jesus is Lord of all and that all who believe in him have forgiveness in his name. Amen

[Soldier4Christ]

 Memory Quilt

"That's going to be so cool when it's finished," said Angie as she watched her mother sewing some pieces of a patchwork quilt.

Mom smiled. "I hope so," she replied. "This project is very special to me." She picked up a few of the fabric squares. "Do you recognize these pieces of material?" she asked.

"They're scraps from dresses I used to wear, aren't they?" asked Angie.

Mom nodded. "Yes. And they remind me that God's way is best," she said as she began sewing again. "I used to become very disappointed and angry when I didn't get my way," added Mom. "I would get quite upset with God when He didn't answer my prayers the way I wanted."

"Really?" asked Angie. She was eager to hear her mother's story. "But . . . why do these quilt pieces remind you of that?"

"Well," said Mom, "before you came to live with us, I wanted a little baby very much. I prayed that we'd be able to adopt one right away. That didn't happen. Your father and I prayed and prayed, and we waited and waited. I sometimes felt angry at God for not giving me my way."

"But then you got me," Angie said.

"That's just the point," said Mom with a smile. "I didn't get my way. God had His way-and it was much better. He taught us so much during those years we were waiting. We learned a lot about patience and about trusting God to work out His best for us. And then, as you said, we adopted you."

"If you had gotten a baby as soon as you wanted one, wouldn't you have gotten me, too?" asked Angie.

"We can't know for sure, but possibly not," replied Mom. "That's why this quilt is such a special project to me. I'm sewing together little remembrances from your life. As I do that, I'm reminded of how wonderful God's way was-and is-for me."

"And for me!" said Angie as she gave her mother a big smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you patient when you don't get your own way? Or, as someone has said, do you "want what you want when you want it"? Ask God to help you to want and accept His will for your life. Trust Him, knowing His way is always best.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways. Isaiah 55:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Names and Labels

Marcy went into the house and headed for the kitchen where her mother was preparing dinner. "Hi, Mom!" she said. "What's for dinner?"

Mom smiled. "We're having pork chops tonight," she said. "How was school? Did you have a good day?"

"Not great," replied Marcy. "Some of the kids were acting up, and they wanted me to join them. When I wouldn't, they chanted, 'Chicken! Chicken! Marcy is a chicken!' Not even Sara stood up for me!"

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Mom as she got out a pan and took a can from the cupboard. "Why, look at this!" she exclaimed when she opened the can. "The label on this can says 'green beans,' but there are peaches inside!"

"Oh, good! I like peaches better than green beans," said Marcy with a grin. "But . . . what am I going to do about being called 'chicken' at school, Mom?"

"When I was a girl, we used to say a little rhyme," said Mom. "It went like this: 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.'"

"But words do hurt sometimes, Mom," said Marcy. "They hurt inside a person."

"Yes, they do-if you let them," replied Mom. "What do you think the other kids mean when they call you 'chicken'?"

"That I'm scared. Chickens scare easily, I guess," replied Marcy. She looked thoughtful. "Hey, you know what? I think it's some of those kids who are the chickens. They're scared of being laughed at if they stand up for what's right."

"Well, I'm glad you weren't afraid to do that," said Mom. "You're not a chicken. You weren't scared to do the right thing in spite of what most of the kids did or said."

"I knew I had to do what was right," agreed Marcy.

Mom picked up the can of peaches. "No matter what label was put on this can, these are still peaches. That's what counts," she said. "And it's what you really are that counts, honey-not what you're called. The next time kids tease you that way, you can say, 'No, I'm not a chicken. I'm a Christian, and I'm not scared to act like one.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been called bad names because you wouldn't do something wrong? Have you been teased, ignored, or left out because you refused to join in questionable activities? It's not fun to be treated that way, but God says you are blessed when you suffer for His sake. Stay true to Him. Be a faithful Christian no matter what label others put on you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Memory Box

Whenever Becky visited her grandparents, Grandma usually called her into the kitchen to help prepare a snack. But Grandma didn't call her today. Becky sighed as she rocked slowly in her grandmother's favorite chair.

"How's school going?" asked Grandpa.

"Okay," said Becky. She looked at the wall where a picture of her grandparents was hanging. She closed her eyes tightly and wished Grandma would be standing there when she opened them. But that couldn't happen, of course.

"You miss Grandma, don't you?" Grandpa asked quietly. A tear slid down Becky's cheek. "I miss her, too," Grandpa said with a sad look on his face. "Sometimes I want to call out to her in the kitchen to talk with her. It's hard to accept the fact that she isn't here anymore." He opened the drawer of a table and pulled out a box. "But look," he said. "When I feel especially sad, I look through this memory box. As each picture or article brings back memories, I thank God for the special times-and the ordinary ones-I could spend with Grandma."

Grandpa held out the box, and Becky took it. "Oh, here's a picture of Grandma planting flowers out front!" exclaimed Becky. "And here's one I drew of them." Becky and Grandpa talked a little about the lovely garden Grandma had each year.

"Shall we thank God for that?" asked Grandpa. Becky nodded, and Grandpa prayed, "Father, thank You so much for Grandma and for the time You allowed us to share with her. Thank You for the memory of the beautiful gardens she planted. We miss her so much, but we know she's with You now. We thank You for that, too. Help us look to You for strength and comfort." A few tears wet Grandpa's face, and he hugged Becky very tightly.

"I have an idea," said Becky. She went to the kitchen, and Grandpa followed. He smiled approvingly as Becky began putting crackers and cheese on a plate, just like Grandma used to do. "Grandma used to tell funny stories when we were in the kitchen together," said Becky with a grin. "The funniest one was about how she met you." She giggled and gave Grandpa a hug. "I'll tell you what she said."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died? Even when you know the Lord has decided it's time for a friend or relative to go to heaven to live with Him, you'll still feel sad and miss that person. Tell God about it-He understands your tears and will help you deal with the pain. If you know Jesus, you can look forward to the day God will wipe away all tears and you'll be reunited with those who've gone to heaven ahead of you. Meanwhile, enjoy the good memories of that person, and thank God for happy times you've shared.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow. Revelation 21:4