Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Shade Trees and Good Deeds

Joey came into the house, overheated and sweaty. "Mom! Do we have any more lemonade?" he asked. "It's like a billion degrees out there." Joey was never one to understate anything.

Mom smiled. "I'm making lemonade right now," she said, "but I'm surprised you and Max are playing basketball in this heat."

"It's basketball season," said Joey, as if that would explain everything. "We're going to sit in the shade of the old oak while we drink lemonade and cool off."

"Good idea," said Mom. "And since you're taking a break from basketball, why don't you and your brother help me with this mission project when you finish your lemonade?" she suggested.

Joey frowned. "Do we have to?" he asked. "I mean, we will if you say we have to, but . . ." He paused and looked at the piles of literature on the table. "You're giving all those things to the organization that sends Sunday school papers and stuff to missionaries all over the world, right?" he asked. "We've done that before, but then we never hear anything more about it. If it does any good, we never see it."

"Well, we do get reports from the mission now and then," Mom assured him. She stared out the window a moment. "Besides, it's like that old oak tree in the back yard."

Joey looked up, puzzled. "It is?"

"Your great-grandfather planted that tree as a sapling, knowing he'd never enjoy its cool, refreshing shade on a hot afternoon," Mom continued, "but he planted it anyway."

"And now we enjoy the shade on hot days," said Joey.

Mom nodded and put glasses of cold lemonade on a tray. "We don't always see the fruit of our labors right away-if ever. We help others because we know God will use our efforts to bless them, maybe now or maybe years from now. He doesn't waste any work that's done for Him."

Joey picked up the tray with the lemonade and started for the door. Then he stopped and looked back at his mother. "We'll come help you as soon as this lemonade is gone," he told her with a grin.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you hesitate to do things that don't seem to make a difference right now? Never doubt that God will reward you for all you do for Him, whether you see the results right away or not at all. He promises that your work is not "in vain" when it's done for Him. That means it's not useless. It will accomplish the purpose God has for it. Others will be blessed by it-maybe soon, or maybe in the future. So when God gives you a task, carry it out with all your strength.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be . . . always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Brick House

"Look over there, William. That's where I'll be laying bricks soon," said Dad. "Want to take a look?"

"Sure, Dad," answered William. Dad pulled up to the curb, and they got out and walked over to the site. "What's going to be built here?" asked William.

"A house," answered Dad. "A brick house." He walked all around, viewing the groundwork from every angle. "Do you remember the news report about the house that was destroyed in the heavy windstorm we had the other day?" Dad asked. "It fell because it was built on a poorly constructed foundation. I decided to check out the foundation of the one that will be built here. I'd hate for a house where I do the bricklaying to topple so easily."

"Me, too," agreed William.

"So . . . are you building on a solid foundation then?" asked Dad.

"Me?" William was surprised at Dad's question. "I might decide to be a builder some day, but I'm not building anything right now."

"Yes, you are," said Dad. "Oh, you're not building a house of bricks or wood, but you're building your life-house day by day. Jesus talked about the importance of building lives upon the proper foundation. Do you know what that is?"

"Sure," replied William. "It's Jesus. I trust Him as Savior, so I'm building my life on Him."

"Good," approved Dad. "When the Rock-Jesus Christ-is the foundation for your life-house, you can stand firm in the storms of life. By storms, I mean the times when trouble comes to you here on earth. Best of all, when life is over, you'll go to heaven and won't have to face the greatest storm, God's Judgment Day. But what do you think would happen if your life-house were built on 'sand'-if it were built on anything or anyone but Jesus?"

William grinned and began singing. "The foolish man built his house upon the sand . . . and the house on the sand fell flat!" he sang. Dad joined him on the last verse. "So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ. Build your life on the Lord."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
On what foundation are you building your life? Are you hoping for heaven because of your good works, your church membership, your baptism, or any other thing you can do? If so, you're building on the "sand" instead of the "Rock." In the day of judgment, your life-house will fall. Jesus is the "Rock." He's the only solid foundation. Believe on Him now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Brick House (Cont'd.)

"The bricks have arrived for that house I'll be working on, William," said Dad one day. "I'm going over there. Want to come along?"

"Sure," agreed William, and soon they arrived at the building site. "Wow! That's a huge pile of bricks!" exclaimed William. "I guess that means you've got a whole lot of work to do, right?"

Dad nodded. "Yes, I do," he agreed. He smiled at his son. "We talked the other day about building a life-house," added Dad. "Did you know that you have 'bricks' to work with, too? Bricks to use in building your life-house?"

"I do?" asked William. "I know you don't mean bricks like the ones piled up here, so what do you mean?"

Dad smiled. "All your thoughts, your words, and your actions are like bricks with which you're building day by day," he explained.

"Oh, that's cool," said William with a grin.

"You'll keep building with them as long as you live," said Dad. Then he motioned toward the pile of bricks. "There will probably be some cracked or broken bricks among the good ones. When I come to those, I throw them out. I want this to be a beautiful, sturdy house when I'm finished here. And when you find bricks that are poor choices for your life-house-bad thoughts or words or deeds-you need to throw them out, too, and use only the ones that are pleasing to God."

William nodded. "These bricks could be used for other kinds of buildings, too, couldn't they?" he suggested. "They could be used to build a shopping mall or a church or a hospital-most any kind of building."

"You're right," agreed Dad as they started back towards the car. "And it's up to you, Son, to decide what kind of building your life will be. Day by day you can lay the bricks of glorifying God and witnessing for Him-or you can build selfishly, living to please yourself."

"I really do want to build a good life-house," William said seriously. "I'm going to be very careful how I build."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of life-house are you building? With God's help, build wisely. Think of each thought, word, and deed as a "brick" to be used in building your life-house. If a bad thought comes to your mind, or if you feel like getting even with someone, ask God to help you replace those "bricks" with good ones. When you feel God urging you to witness or to help someone, build with those "bricks." Strive each day to build a life-house that pleases Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let each one take heed how he builds. 1 Corinthians 3:10

[Soldier4Christ]

 Building Bridges

Jacob and his friend Marc looked at the creek that ran through the field near their homes. They were trying to figure out how to build a bridge over it. "I bet my dad has some boards we could use," said Marc.

The two boys ran to the shed in Marc's back yard and found a couple of long, wide boards. They carried one of them to the creek, lifted it high, and gave it a heave, hoping it would land with both ends on dry ground. But . . . SPLASH! "Oops! One end missed the creek bank!" moaned Jacob. "This board won't work. It's too short." After a quick look at his watch, he added, "Mom expects me home soon, so let's work on our bridge tomorrow. I'll ask my dad if he's got something that will help us." Marc nodded, and the boys set the board against a tree and headed for home.

Jacob's mother greeted him at the door. "I'm glad you're home a little early," she said "We invited the Habib family to come for dinner tonight."

"Oh, not them!" groaned Jacob. He had decided he didn't like these new neighbors. They didn't speak English very well, and he thought the boy his age didn't act like the other boys. Besides, in Jacob's opinion, the boy had a funny name. Jacob still couldn't pronounce it. "Maybe I can eat at Marc's house," he suggested. "We're building a bridge."

"You're eating here," Mom replied firmly. She was disappointed with Jacob's attitude. "It will be good for you to learn about a different culture."

"I don't think the Habibs believe in God," said Jacob. "We probably shouldn't get too close to them." He thought for sure his mother would have to agree with that.

"Perhaps they don't believe in God," said Mom, "but they'll have a better chance to get to know Him if we share His love with them tonight. The Habibs may seem different to us, but different does not mean bad. I'm sure we seem different to them. It'll be good to get to know each other." Mom paused for a moment. "Since you're interested in building bridges, Jacob, how about accepting the challenge of 'building a bridge' here tonight?" she suggested. "By using friendship, we can build a bridge to reach our new neighbors." She motioned toward the bathroom. "Now go wash up for dinner," she added.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you act when you're with people who are different from you? Do you try to avoid them? Or do you "build a bridge" with Jesus' love? Do you smile, give a friendly greeting, and chat with them? As opportunities arise, do you let them know that you love Jesus-and that He loves them? Jesus loves all the people of the world. He wants to show that love through you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Guest Book

Megan was excited! She was in charge of the guest book at her Aunt Sally's wedding! As the guests came to sign the book, Megan smiled and chatted with many of them.

Suddenly a big, deep voice boomed out, "Well, here's my little niece, nearly all grown up!"

"Uncle Joe!" squealed Megan. Her uncle was in the Army, and she thought he looked more handsome than ever in his uniform.

"I see you're on guest book duty today," said Uncle Joe. "That's a mighty important job." He smiled. "Here's a question for you: Where is the most important 'guest book' of all?" Uncle Joe tweaked her chin. "You have until after you get off duty to tell me the answer," he added, and he went to sit down.

After the wedding, Megan looked for her uncle. "I think I have the answer to your question," she said when she found him. "I think the guest book in the White House is the most important one. That's right, isn't it?"

Uncle Joe laughed and shook his head. "Good try," he said, "but wrong."

"Really?" Megan was surprised. "Then where is it?" she asked.

"The most important guest book is in heaven," replied Uncle Joe.

"There's a guest book in heaven?" asked Megan.

Uncle Joe nodded. "The Bible tells us of a book called the Book of Life, and it says that to enter heaven, our names must be written there."

"I didn't know that!" said Megan. "Can I write my name in when I get there? Like the people did at the wedding today?"

"Oh, no," said Uncle Joe. "Your name has to be there before you can even get into heaven."

"Well, how do I get it written there?" asked Megan.

"By believing in Jesus Christ," replied Uncle Joe. "We've talked about that before. Have you asked Him to be your Savior from sin? Are you trusting in Him?" Megan nodded and Uncle Joe smiled. "Then your name is there," he said. "As an old song says, your name is 'written down in glory.' That's great!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Are you trusting in Him? If you are, your name is in the Book of Life in heaven. If you don't know Jesus, your name is not there. Only those whose names are written in that book will be allowed to enter heaven. Make sure your name is among those found there. Admit that you're a sinner and need Jesus. Ask Him to save you today.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Planting Seeds

"We can make applesauce, apple dumplings, apple strudel, apple pies, apple butter . . ." Heidi's voice trailed off as she ran out of suggestions.

"Sounds like you've got grand plans for all these apples we picked last fall," said Aunt Sue with a smile. She lugged a basket of apples into the kitchen. "Well, it's time we use some of these. We'll make a batch or two of applesauce and freeze some of it. Would you like to start peeling apples?"

 "Okay," agreed Heidi. She got out a knife and some pans and started working. After a while, she sighed. "How many do we need to do?" she asked. "It will take forever to peel all these and take the cores out."

Aunt Sue laughed. "Oh, not quite that long," she said. She looked down at the apple she was peeling. "Have you ever wondered how many apples could come from just one of these seeds?" she asked.

Heidi shook her head. "No, but there would be lots and lots, I guess." Then she grinned. "Just think," added Heidi. "If one seed would grow into a tree and produce a crop of apples, and if each seed from each of those apples grew into another tree and each of those trees produced a crop of apples, and each seed from each of those apples grew into a tree and . . ."

Aunt Sue rolled her eyes. "You're making me tired," she teased. "That story could go on for a very long time-but that's an interesting thought. I'm sure the numbers would get beyond what we could count." Heidi laughed. "Here's another interesting thought," said Aunt Sue. "If I plant just one seed for Jesus-if I witness for Him by one word or deed-who knows what He can do with it? Who knows how many people He might reach through my small effort? So often I forget that I just need to plant, but it's God who makes everything grow."

As she was speaking, Uncle Matt came in. "That's right," he said, "and I'm very thankful that He made these apples grow!" He grinned. "Now who will volunteer to make me an apple pie?"

Heidi chuckled. "Aunt Sue and I will make you a yummy pie if you'll help peel more apples," she told her uncle. "Right, Aunt Sue?" Her aunt gladly agreed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you planting the seeds of God's Word? Do you share with friends what you know about Jesus? God can use each truth you share from His Word to work in people's hearts. He can use each act of helpfulness, courtesy, and honesty to show that He makes a difference in lives. People need to be reached with the Gospel, and God is ready to work through you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I planted . . . but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Faith for the Journey

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1 (NIV)

When we do something for the very first time it can be a little bit scary. Do you remember your very first day at school? Your mother probably went in with you to help you find your room and meet your teacher. When you got on a bicycle for the first time, someone probably walked along beside you and helped hold you up at the very beginning. That gave you confidence and soon you were riding on your own. When you went swimming for the first time, you didn't just go out and jump in the pool, did you? No, there was someone with you to hold you up until you you could swim on your own. It really helps if we have someone we trust to be with us when we are about to do something we have never done before.

Today, I brought a blindfold. What if I were to ask one of you to put on this blindfold and find your way to the back of the room and bring a hymnal back to me? How do you think you might feel? Would you be worried that you might bump into something and hurt yourself? Would you be afraid that others might laugh at you when you went the wrong direction? What if I said that I would go with you and hold your hand? You trust me, don't you? I will be with you every step. How does that make you feel? Who would like to try it? (Choose a child.) OK, Johnny, let's go.

What Johnny did this morning is similar to what Abram and Sarah experienced in today's Bible lesson. God told Abram to leave everything behind and to move to a new country. He didn't even tell him where this country was. He just said, "Go to the land that I will show you." They didn't know where they were going or what they would find when they got there. It was like they were wearing a blindfold, but they trusted God -- just like Johnny trusted me -- and like we trust our parents to help us do new things. So, even though they were a bit scared, they left everything and set out on the journey to the place that God showed them. It took many years, but God was with them and he led them to their new home.

How about you, do you ever take a journey into the unknown? Sure you do. Just about every day we face things which we have never done before. They may be a bit scary, but we know that God is with us, just as he was with Abram and Sarah. We just have to trust him to lead the way.

Father, sometimes we are afraid to go where we have not gone before. Help us to remember that you are with us wherever we go. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Backpacks and Burdens

"This is cool!" exclaimed Philip as he and other members of his Sunday school class hiked through the woods. Sometimes they walked easily along the well beaten trail. Other times they had to scramble over fallen trees or make their way around them. "Beat you to the next bend in the trail, Tom," called Philip. But as he started off, he tripped on a tree root, and down he went! "Ouch!" he cried, grabbing his ankle. Their teacher, Mr. Brown, hurried over as Philip got up. "I think I can walk okay," said Philip, gingerly testing his ankle. "It doesn't hurt too bad."

"It will be easier for him if he doesn't have to carry the extra weight of his backpack," suggested Tom. "I'll carry it for him."

"Me, too," chimed in several other voices.

"Thank you, boys," said Mr. Brown. So for the rest of the hike, the boys took turns carrying Philip's backpack.

At the end of the hike, the boys built a campfire and had a hot dog roast. "You know," said Mr. Brown, "what you boys did for Philip today reminds me of what Jesus tells us to do. In life, we each carry our own 'backpack' of responsibilities and problems, but if any one of us has a load that's too heavy, the others ought to help carry it until that person is able to handle it alone again. You helped Philip physically, and Jesus wants us to help others spiritually as well. Think of a few ways kids like you get burdened down and what a friend could do to help."

After a moment, Philip spoke. "Some kids have trouble with schoolwork, and then they're tempted to cheat," he said. "Maybe we could offer to help them with studying or with school projects."

"Yeah, and we could make friends with new kids at school and invite them to our class," offered Tom. "We could even invite the tough kids to come."

"If somebody's bike breaks down, we could let him borrow ours," said Pete. "We could pray for kids, too."

Mr. Brown nodded. "Good suggestions," he said. "This week, let's see how many people we can help with their 'backpacks' of burdens."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone whose burden you can help carry? Perhaps there's a kid in your school who is lonely. Could you offer friendship? Perhaps one has a heavy "backpack" of homework. Can you help? Does someone need a good activity to replace hanging out with tough kids? Will you invite him or her to join your Sunday school or youth group? God is pleased when you're willing to reach out to meet the needs of others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let each of you look out . . . for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Place of Escape

Nora and her dad sat near their tent, watching the clouds. "Look, Dad! A cardinal," said Nora when a flash of red caught her eye. She watched the little bird's swift flight, and she saw the crimson splash of color land on a rock nearby. Seconds later, it flew into a huge maple tree. Nora lifted her binoculars and tried to locate the bird. "I can't see it anymore," she told her father.

"I can't, either," said Dad. "It's completely hidden by leaves." He pointed to another bird hovering near the maple tree. "That's a hawk circling up there."

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Nora. "Do you think he noticed that cardinal because of it's bright color? Horrid old hawk!" Nora stared at the hawk's outstretched wings. "I hope the cardinal won't become lunch for him."

"I think he'd rather have a nice, fat field mouse for his lunch," said Dad. Nora nodded, but she was glad when the hawk finally glided out of sight. "The world is scary sometimes, and full of enemies," observed Dad.

"Yeah," agreed Nora. "The cardinals are so pretty, but that bright color makes it easy for their enemies to see them."

Dad nodded. "We who are Christians are similar to bright cardinals," he said. "Last Sunday, Pastor Burns reminded us that we stand out in a dark and gloomy world, remember? Our brightness-our cheerful testimonies or peace-filled hearts-often catch the enemy's roaming eye. Satan is our adversary, and he tries to destroy us. But we can always escape his clutches."

"But not by hiding in a tree, like the cardinal does," said Nora with a grin. "I remember that Pastor Burns said we can go to God for protection."

Dad smiled. "Right," he agreed. "God hides us in the powerful fortress of His presence. In Almighty God, we always have a place of escape."

"Yeah . . . but Pastor Burns didn't explain much about how to go to God. How do we do that? Just pray?" Nora asked slowly.

"Good question," said Dad. "Yes, I'd say we do that by prayer-by calling on Him for help when we're tempted or troubled. We also do it by claiming His promises and trusting Him. In our minds, we can picture our loving God watching over us at all times, caring for us, and helping us resist the devil."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there things in your life that make you fearful? Are there temptations that are hard to resist? Satan is a fearful enemy, but he's no match for Almighty God. Did you read 1 John 4:4? Read it again, and when you think you're too weak to resist temptation, remind yourself that God is far greater than Satan. Ask the Lord to help you in every situation. Take refuge and courage in Him. Trust Him at all times.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Legend of Two Wolves

Rod loved the smell of the pine forest mingling with the smoke from campfires as he and his dad sat in the outdoor amphitheater at the national park campground. They were listening to the park ranger, who was speaking on the topic of wolves. Near the end of his talk, the ranger said, "I'm going to close with a legend that has been passed down for hundreds of years."

Smiling, Rod relaxed against a log, eager to hear the story.

"Many, many years ago," began the ranger, "a native American grandfather was talking to his grandson. 'Inside of me are two wolves,' said the grandfather, 'and they are having a terrible fight. One wolf is evil-full of hate, lies, anger, greed, and jealousy. The other wolf is good-full of peace, love, truth, sharing, kindness, friendship, and generosity.' The grandson nodded, wondering who would win the fight. 'That same fight,' the grandfather continued, 'is going on inside of you.'

"The grandson looked concerned. 'But which wolf will win?' he asked.

"The wise grandpa replied, 'The one you feed!'"

The park ranger paused. "That's something for each of us to think about, too!" he concluded.

As Rod and his dad walked back to their campsite, they talked about what the ranger had told them. "That story has a lot of biblical truth!" said Dad. "The Bible says a fight goes on inside each of us. Our old sinful nature fights with the new spiritual nature we get when we accept Jesus."

Rod was silent for a bit, then sighed, "And it's a lot easier to feed the bad wolf, isn't it?" he asked.

"Sometimes it seems that way," agreed Dad. "All we have to do is watch crummy TV shows or play violent computer games or hang out with the wrong friends. That's why it's such a good idea to start every day by feeding the good wolf."

Rod nodded. "You mean, like . . . read my Bible and pray and ask God to help me do what He says. Things like that, right?"

"Exactly!" replied Dad. "You have the Holy Spirit to help your new nature win!" Reaching their campsite, he added, "Let's concentrate on feeding the good wolf by spending time every day with God and His Word and obeying what it teaches."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you felt the tug of war inside of you-the struggle between the "good wolf" and the "bad wolf"? Your old sin nature would like to be back in control of your life. Avoid the things that feed it. Instead, feed your new nature by taking part in things that increase your faith in God. Ask the Holy Spirit each day for power to live for Him, and experience victory through Jesus Christ.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13: 14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Do I Have to Smile?

Ben hurried eagerly into the grocery store with his mother and older brother. He led the way to the aisle that was filled with different kinds of candy and gum. They were going to pick out treats for him to take to his kindergarten class the next day. Mom said he could pass them out with his valentines.

"How many are in your class?" asked his brother, Eric. Ben shrugged.

"There are twenty-one, counting Ben and his teacher," Mom told them.

Ben picked up a package of candy. "Can I get this kind?" he asked.

"Okay, but . . . let's see," said Mom, reading the back of the package. "We'll need two bags of these. It says there are only twenty pieces in one bag."

"That's enough," said Ben.

"Think again, Ben," advised Eric. "Twenty isn't enough for twenty-one people. If you get only twenty, you'll have to go without one."

"I'm not taking one for Steven," declared Ben. "He's mean and I don't like him."

"Ben," said Mom, "you can't take treats unless you take them for everybody. You must share with Steven, too."

Ben scowled. "I told you . . . I don't like Steven," he said stubbornly.

Mom looked at him sternly. "You're getting treats to pass out on Valentine's Day, remember? That's supposed to be about love, Ben," she said quietly. She pointed to the candy display. "Either get some for Steven, too, or put all of it back."

Slowly, Ben reached out and picked up another bag of candy. "Well, okay," he said. "Steven can have some, but I'll . . . I'll . . ." He tried to think of a way to spoil the treat for Steven. "I'll look mad when I give it to him," decided Ben.

"Doesn't sound very loving to me," observed Eric. "The Bible verse I learned in Sunday school last week says that if we're living for God, we should be kind to everyone, not just people we like."

"Does that mean I have to smile when I give Steven his candy?" asked Ben. He made a face. "He probably won't even say thank you."

"Maybe not," said Eric, "but I think you should smile real friendly-like when you give it to him."

"I think so, too," agreed Mom. "And I'm sure God agrees!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it hard to be kind to a person who is not nice to you? Today's Scripture verses advise you to be kind, humble, forgiving, patient, and loving. Sounds like God knows some people may be unkind and hard to love, doesn't it? But God doesn't say, "Be nice only to kids you like-to those who are nice to you." He wants you to be kind to everyone. Can you be friendly and perhaps even share with someone who has been unkind to you? Do it for Jesus' sake-with a smile!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all. 2 Timothy 2:24

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Dimmer Switch

"Hi there, Jon. How was school today?" asked Mom cheerfully.

"Okay," said Jon. He hesitated, then reluctantly handed her his report card.

"Oh, report card day," said Mom. She looked it over. "Hm-m-m-m," she murmured. "Some of your grades have dropped since your last report card, but if these are the best you can do, they're fine." She looked at Jon. "Are you doing your best?" she asked. "This D in reading, for example. Is that really your best? You've gotten A's and B's in that subject before."

"Yeah, but it's boring," grumbled Jon. Mom frowned but didn't say any more.

When Mom called Jon for supper that evening, he shuffled slowly into the dining room. He was not eager to hear Dad's opinion of his report card. "It's too dark here," complained Jon as he pulled out his chair. The light over the table was very dim. "I can't even see what we're going to eat. Can't we have brighter lights?"

Dad grinned. "For some mysterious reason, women like to eat with the lights dimmed, Son," he said, "but we guys like to see what we're eating, don't we?" Mom laughed and reached for the light switch. The room brightened at once.

"That's much better!" declared Jon. "Supper looks yummy!" And after supper, Jon grinned at his mother. "Okay," he said, "now you can hit the dimmer switch again if you like it dark."

Dad picked up Jon's report card. "From looking at your grades, Jon," he said, "I get the impression that the dining room light is the only thing you like to have working at full power."

Mom nodded. "For some mysterious reason, kids seem to like to use a 'mental dimmer switch' and turn down the brain power when they do their school work," she teased. Then she looked serious. "Neither parents nor God are pleased if they do that," added Mom.

"Right!" agreed Dad. "If the dining room lights couldn't be any brighter, that would be okay-we could enjoy our food anyway. And if these grades are the best you can do, that's fine, too. On the other hand, if you're able to do better, it's time you buckle down and study harder."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of grades do you get? Are some school subjects very hard for you? Are you happy for God to see your grades? They may not be all A's and B's, but the actual grade you get is not the most important thing-but don't use that as an excuse to slide by! God says that whatever you do should be done as though it were done for Him. That includes your schoolwork. When you do the very best you can do, God is pleased with your work.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. Colossians 3:23

[Soldier4Christ]

 Darkness and Light


"Is your homework finished?" asked Debbie's mom after supper one evening.

"Yeah," replied Debbie, "but you know what, Mom? I like living in this house, but I wish I could have stayed at my old school. I don't think there's a single kid in my class here who goes to church and Sunday school, except me. They're friendly and seem nice, but so many of them use bad language and talk about going places I'd never go. I sure need a Christian friend at school."

Mom nodded as she opened the door to the basement. She had a flashlight and a light bulb in her hand. "I need to change the light bulb in the first room in the basement," she said. "It's too dark down there to see, so come along and hold the flashlight for me, honey."

"Okay," said Debbie. She took the flashlight and turned it on as they started down the steps.

"Do the kids at school know you're a Christian?" asked Mom.

"Well . . . I haven't really said anything," admitted Debbie. "because I just know they'd make fun of me." She sighed. "It was so much easier to be a Christian in my old school." She turned the flashlight toward the light fixture, and Mom quickly screwed out the old bulb and replaced it with a new one.

"Honey," said Mom as they started back up the stairs, "where was that flashlight needed-in the kitchen or in the basement?"

"In the basement, of course," answered Debbie. "That's where it was dark."

"Right," agreed Mom. "I was just remembering that Jesus said we are to let our lights shine for Him, and they're needed most in dark places-places like the school you go to now, and like this neighborhood, too. I've talked with quite a few of our neighbors, but I'm afraid not many of them, if any, know the Lord."

Mom gave Debbie a hug. "Why don't you give one of the girls a call and invite her to come to Sunday school and church with us?" suggested Mom. "Maybe she could come for dinner, too, and you could spend the afternoon together. How does that sound?"

"Sounds pretty good. I'll try Karen first-she's really nice," decided Debbie.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there many unsaved kids in your neighborhood and school? Does that make it hard for you to speak up and live for Jesus? Remember . . . if there's a lot of spiritual darkness around you, that's exactly where you need to let your light shine for Jesus. Let it shine by your obedience, honesty, kindness, friendliness, and by using opportunities to tell others about Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ready Brakes

"It was really scary when we couldn't stop this morning!" exclaimed Logan. His brother Chris nodded. The boys had been with their mother, and the brakes had failed when they came to stop sign. The car had kept going slowly forward, and they had bumped into a van that was ahead of them.

"I meant to have those brakes checked," said Dad regretfully, "but I put it off. That was a mistake. I'm just thankful so little damage was done."

"Yeah," agreed Chris. "It could have been lots worse, couldn't it?" He put down his napkin. "I'm finished. May I be excused?"

"Me, too?" asked Logan quickly.

"Not yet," said Dad as he reached for the Bible. "This accident reminds me that if we don't maintain a close walk with the Lord, our spiritual brakes might fail when we need to apply them."

"Our spiritual brakes?" Chris asked, puzzled.

Dad nodded. "Yes, and memorizing God's Word is one of the best ways to keep them in working order," he said. "When we recall a verse that cautions us about something, we're more likely to apply our 'spiritual brakes' when they're needed, and not give in to temptation."

As Logan listened to his father, he remembered what had happened that afternoon. He had gone next door to play with Mark, who had a new DVD. Judging from the title and the picture on the jacket, Logan knew there would probably be language and scenes that would not be pleasing to God, but he didn't say anything when Mark put it into the DVD player. Although he winced now and then at the language he heard, Logan was soon engrossed in the story. It hadn't quite ended when his mother called for him to come home, so he and Mark decided to finish watching it after dinner.

As Logan recalled what had happened, he knew his "spiritual brakes" had failed. He felt guilty, and he silently asked God to forgive him. He also asked for courage to explain to Mark why he wasn't going to watch the rest of the DVD.

Dad had opened the Bible. "Let's read and discuss a few verses from God's Word tonight, and let's memorize one, too," he said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are your "spiritual brakes" in good working order? Be sure to pay close attention to God's Word during family and personal devotions, and listen carefully in church and Sunday school. Think about the things God says. Ask Him to help you obey them. And plan a time and schedule for memorizing Bible verses. They'll help you be stronger and better able to say no when you're tempted to do something wrong.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

[Soldier4Christ]

Living Water

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Ah yes... cool, refreshing water! (Pour yourself a glass of water and take a drink.) Do you drink a lot of water? How much water do you drink each day? Most experts agree that we should drink about eight or nine glasses of water a day. Of course, that depends on how hot it is and whether we are doing a lot of running and playing. If so, we may need more water. Of course there are other things to drink besides water. Sometimes I like to have a glass of milk -- especially with cookies -- and I may drink a soda if I am eating a hamburger, but there is no substitute for water when you are hot and thirsty.

The part of the world where Jesus lived was very hot and dry. One day, as he was traveling through Samaria, Jesus passed through a small village by the name of Sychar. Jacob's well was there and Jesus, hot and tired from the long walk, sat down beside the well about noontime to rest. Soon a Samaritan woman came to the well to fill her water jar. "Please give me a drink," Jesus said to the woman.

The woman was shocked! You see, in those days a Jew wouldn't be caught dead talking to a Samaritan. "Why are you, a Jew, asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?"

Jesus answered, "If you knew who it is who is asking you for a drink, you would ask him for a drink and he would give you living water. Everyone who drinks from this well will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water that I give will never thirst."

The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming to this well to draw water." She didn't understand that the "living water" was to believe that Jesus was the Savior.

"Go and get your husband and bring him here," Jesus told the woman.

"I don't have a husband," she replied.

"You are right," Jesus answered. "You have had five husbands and the man you are living with now is not your husband."

"You must be a prophet because you know everything I have done," the woman said. Then Jesus explained to her that he was the Messiah. The woman was so excited that she ran into the city and told her friends, "Come and see a man that told me everything I have done. Surely he must be the Christ."

Because of what the woman told them, many Samaritans came to know Jesus and accept his offer of living water. They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

Ah yes... cool refreshing water! (Take a drink.) It refreshes the body, but it can't compare to the "Living Water" that Jesus gives. It refreshes our soul!

Dear Jesus, As the deer longs for streams of water, so do we long for you, the living water. Amen.