Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Jewels

Mr. Bill opened the door to his shop and stood aside to let his Sunday school class through. "Welcome to my shop!" he said. "As you know, I'm a lapidary-a gem cutter. Look around and see which gems you like best."   

The boys walked into a glittering world of sparkling jewels in lit cases. Bright instruments gleamed from their places on a work table in the back.

"Wow! Look at all the cool stuff!" exclaimed Daniel. He walked over to a display case filled with jewels. For several minutes, the boys looked around, pointing out the gems they liked best.

After a while, Mr. Bill called them to attention. "Boys, did you know that in Malachi, God refers to those who fear Him as His 'jewels'? If you're a Christian, you're one of them-one of His 'special treasures.'"

"If I'm a jewel, I'd like to be like one of those," said Tim, pointing to a sparkling, clear gem set in a ring.

"Not me," said Daniel. He pointed to a ring with a bigger stone. "I think this one's the best."

Mr. Bill took out both rings. "These two stones will be just right for today's lesson," he said. "One is a real diamond, and the other is a cubic zirconium-a fake. Can you tell which is which?"

The boys examined the stones carefully, but they couldn't see any difference. Mr. Bill picked up Daniel's choice. "This is the fake," he said. He grinned at the boys. "It's not surprising that both of these look real to you, but I can easily tell the difference because I know jewels." Then Mr. Bill became very serious. "Boys, some people fake being God's jewels by trying to look, act, and talk like Christians. Often we can't tell a 'pretend Christian' from a real one, but God can never be fooled. His jewels are people who believe in Jesus as personal Savior. One day, God is going to gather all His jewels and take them to heaven to be with Him forever. But the 'pretend Christians'-the fakes-will be left behind. I hope none of you will be in that group! If you're not sure about it, I'd like to talk with you and help you to make certain you're the real thing-one of God's true jewels."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say you're a Christian-but deep inside you know that you've never accepted the Lord Jesus as your Savior? Then you're not really one of God's jewels, are you? Or perhaps you think you are, but you're not quite certain. Won't you make sure today? Become God's jewel by accepting Jesus as your Savior.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
"They shall be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "on the day that I make them My jewels." Malachi 3:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Jewels (Cont'd.)

"Take a look at this. This is a diamond!" said Mr. Bill, holding up a dull looking rock. The boys in his Sunday school class looked surprised as they passed it around. The rock looked a lot like something Mr. Bill might have picked up on a walk through the woods. "Most diamonds look dull like this when they come from the mines," he told them. "Before this diamond will flash and sparkle, I must cut many little sides, or facets, in it. Each one must be just the right size and be placed at exactly the proper angle to bring out its full beauty. Let me show you."

The class grouped around Mr. Bill as he began to work. He showed them how he had to decide the right place to split away the rough, unimportant parts and leave smooth facets on the stone. "See how much better this is beginning to look?" he asked after making several cuts. "It has a long way to go, but you can begin to see what it will become." He turned toward the boys. "Here's what I want you to remember. God is also doing 'lapidary work' on His jewels-Christians. What do you think I mean by that?"

"Is it that God works in our lives to make us better Christians?" asked Daniel.

Mr. Bill nodded. "Yes. When we're first saved, we're something like a rough, uncut gem," he said. "Then God begins to develop Christian character in us through our day-by-day experiences. Sometimes He uses trouble and tough times to polish us and make us more like Him. But there's a big difference between my cutting and polishing and His. Can you guess what that might be?"

"I think I know," said Tim after a moment. "God would never make a wrong cut-He never makes a mistake."

"Good answer!" exclaimed Mr. Bill. "And another difference is that we're not lifeless like this diamond is. We have a choice-we can become bitter about what happens and fight back, or we can allow the Lord to shape our lives. Even though the cutting and polishing may hurt, He knows what He's doing. He knows what's best for us. And it takes a long time-our whole lives-before He finishes with us. Boys, as you yield to God, He'll use each experience of your life to make you what He wants you to be."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been complaining about your troubles-or have you been letting God use a difficult time to shape you into the kind of Christian He wants you to be? Don't become angry at God and quit reading your Bible, praying, and attending church and Sunday school. Don't blame Him for your troubles. Instead, remember that He will use them to "cut and polish" you so you'll become more like Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 Minced Oaths

"Hi, Karen," said Susan when she opened the door to let her friend in. "I'm glad you came over today. It's more fun to work on our Sunday school lesson when we can do it together."

"Yeah," agreed Karen, "especially since Miss Richards wants us to look up a whole list of words in the dictionary."

Soon the girls were busy at work. "I found 'gospel,'" said Susan, pointing to the word in the dictionary. "It means 'good story' or 'good news.'" Karen wrote the definition on a sheet of paper. Then Susan pointed to another word on the same page. "Look at this! Here's the word 'gosh.' I didn't know it meant that!"

"Meant what?" asked Karen, moving closer so she could read from the dictionary, too. "Wow! " she said in surprise. "It says 'gosh' is a substitute for 'God.' I didn't know that, either."

"I've said that word lots of times, but I had no idea it meant anything," said Susan. "Seems like I've heard somewhere that it's not good to use 'golly' or 'gee,' either, but I don't remember ever hearing why not. I wonder what they mean?" The girls decided to look up those words, too, and they were surprised to find that they were derived from the names of God and Jesus. "Do you think it really matters if we use those?" asked Susan. "Almost everybody does. Besides, we don't mean anything by them."

"I don't know," said Karen slowly. "My mom always reminds me that things aren't right just because everybody does them."

Susan shook her head. "I guess not." She frowned. "Do you think we should copy this information and share it with the whole class?"

"Well . . . I don't think the kids would like it," said Karen. "Anyhow, we can't change the whole world."

"No," agreed Susan, "but we can start with ourselves. I'm going to stop using those words-I sure don't want to be guilty of using God's name in the wrong way." She wrote down the information and tucked the paper in her Bible. "It won't hurt to tell the other kids about it," she added. "What they do with it is their decision."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you avoid using swear words? Good. How about words like "gosh" and "golly" and "gee"? How about "darn"? These words, called "minced oaths," are euphemisms. A euphemism is a shortcut for another word. Those mentioned above are shortcuts for names of God . . . except for "darn," which can mean "damn." The Bible says you'll be judged by the words you say as well as by the things you do, so make sure you know what you're saying.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sun Catchers

The wind blew leaves and sticks against the kitchen windows as a storm raged outside. Inside the house, Andrea hummed happily as she and her mother finished making a gift for Grandma. Andrea mixed red food coloring with white glue and poured it into a round plastic lid. "I'm glad I learned how to make these sun catchers in school," she said. "Grandma will like them in her window. They look so pretty when the sun shines through them." Andrea checked the circles of blue and green glue in two other lids to see if they had begun to harden.

"The sun catchers will help brighten Grandma's days in bed," agreed Mom with a smile. "I hope she'll soon be feeling better. Time often seems to go slowly for a sick person."

"Grandma could watch television to pass the time," said Andrea, "but she says it's easier to find good reading material." Andrea sighed as she looked at her mom. "Grandma sounds like you-she says there's not much on TV that's worth watching."

Mom nodded and picked up one of the sun catchers and inspected it. "Let's open the windows so these will dry faster," she suggested.

"We can't do that!" cried Andrea. "It's too windy out there. Dirt and dust would get on them and stick to them. If they get all dirty, sunlight won't shine through them very good and make them look pretty."

"I think you're right. Bad idea," agreed Mom. She looked thoughtful. "The sun catchers need to be protected and kept clean, right?" she asked, and Andrea nodded. "Like our minds," added Mom. "They need to be protected, too." Andrea looked puzzled.

"I'm thinking of Grandma," explained Mom. "She knows that ideas from the words and pictures on TV programs, as well as from books and magazines, enter our minds through our eyes and ears. Bad thoughts and ideas keep God's light from shining clearly from our lives-just like dirt and dust keep sunlight from shining clearly through the sun catchers. That's why Grandma would rather pick good reading material than watch TV programs that so often use bad language and promote bad ideas."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about what enters your mind through your eyes and ears? Words and pictures that disrespect God, promote violence, or make light of activities that go against His principles make it more difficult for God's light to shine through you. Protect your mind from the "dirt" of the world by looking at and reading materials that honor God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things. Psalm 119:37

[Soldier4Christ]

 In God's Care

On her way home from a job interview, Morgan and Lisa's mother stopped at school to pick them up. "Mommy, when is Daddy going to come back home?" Lisa asked as they started out. She asked the same question almost every day.

"He isn't," snapped twelve-year-old Morgan before Mom had a chance to answer. "Mom's told you a hundred times." Morgan wanted Dad to come back, too. She missed him, and she felt scared. But Lisa's question just reminded her that it wasn't going to happen. How will we ever manage with Dad gone? Morgan wondered now. What will we do if Mom doesn't find a place to work soon?

Mom seemed to sense Morgan's thoughts, and she smiled at the girls. "Don't worry," she said softly. "The Lord has promised to take care of us, and He will." Morgan wanted to believe that, but sometimes it was hard.

Suddenly, the car sputtered and slowed down. Mom steered it to the side of the road just before the engine stopped completely. "Well," said Mom when she wasn't able to start the car again, "I don't know much about cars, but I'd better see if I can figure out what to do." She got out and raised the hood.

As the children waited in the car, Lisa began to cry. "I'm scared," she sobbed. "How will we get home? What will we do?"

"I don't know, but Mom will take care of everything," Morgan told Lisa, confidant that their mother would know what to do. "You don't need to worry about it. We'll be fine."

As Morgan tried to comfort her little sister, she realized that her mother had been giving similar advice-and now Morgan understood it a little bit better. Even though none of them knew what to do about Dad's leaving, God knew and would take care of them. There was no need to worry.

Mom opened the car door, got her cell phone out of her purse, and made a call. When she hung up, she smiled at the girls. "Help is on the way," she told them.

"See, Lisa? Everything will be all right," Morgan assured her little sister again. This time, Morgan was also reassuring herself of something she knew was true-God would help them with everything.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a situation in your life about which you worry? Are there things about your future that scare you? Do you worry because you don't know how something will work out or how some problem can be resolved? Trust God to take care of you. He knows all about it and has promised to take care of His children-those who have accepted Jesus as Savior. Rest in that promise, knowing there is no need to worry.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 4:6-7)
Be anxious for nothing . . . let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Things that Go Together

Kim was playing "Things that Go Together" with her little sister, Bonita. "What goes with this?" asked Kim, pressing a cutout shoe onto the felt-covered board. Bonita picked up a picture of socks to put next to the shoe. "Good," said Kim. "What about this one?" She put a picture of a hammer on the board.

As Bonita chose a nail to go with the hammer, their brother Steve came into the room, snuck up behind Kim, and took three of the game pieces. "Get out of here!" ordered Kim. "This is our game, not yours."

But Steve didn't leave. He held the game pieces just out of reach and stuck out his tongue. "Come get them if you want them so much!" he taunted.

Kim felt her temper swell. It seemed like every time she was having fun, her brother stirred up trouble. "I'm so sick of you!" screeched Kim as she smacked her brother's arm. She hit him again, even harder the second time.

"Mom!" wailed Steve. "Kim hit me!" When Mom appeared in the doorway, both children bombarded her with their complaints. A few minutes later, both had been sent to their rooms.

To Kim, it seemed like forever before Mom called her and Steve back to the playroom. Mom had set up the felt board, and on it she had placed some paper figures that she used for teaching Sunday school. "Your game is good for teaching Bonita how to match things," began Mom, "and it can be good for bigger kids, too." She pointed to some pictures on the board-a Bible, a person praying, a cross, and a church. "All of these items represent our faith in God, or our belief in Him," she said. Then Mom pointed to some words-love, kindness, patience, anger, teasing. "Which of these words go together with the pictures," she asked.

Kim looked at the board solemnly. Even though Steve had teased her, she knew that hitting him did not match her faith in God. And Steve knew that pestering his sister did not match with being a Christian.

"When we say we believe in God, and then choose to do things that don't 'go with' that belief, it doesn't make sense," said Mom. "Our behavior-our actions-must go together with our faith."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you do things that "go together" with your faith in God? Does the way you treat the kids at school-especially those you don't particularly like-match your testimony for Jesus? Are you patient and kind with your brothers and sisters? Do you let others use your things, or do you want to keep your belongings for yourself? If you believe in Jesus, your actions should match your faith so that others will see a difference in you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Here's Mud in Your Eye!

Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:6-7 (NIV)

When I was a child, we didn't have TV or video games. Most of my days were spent playing outside with my friends. We built houses out of cardboard boxes, played baseball in a vacant lot, and climbed trees. When the day was over, I must admit that I was covered with dirt from head to toe, but I sure had a lot of fun.

A company in England which makes laundry detergent was concerned that many children today are missing out on the simple pleasures of childhood because their mothers don't want them to get dirty. They began a campaign called "Dirt is good!" and they came up with a list of "The 33 things you must do before you are 10." Some of the things that made their list might surprise you. Number one on the list was to roll on your side down a grassy bank. Number two on the list was to make a mud pie!

Have you ever made a mud pie? All you need is some dirt, water, and a pie pan. I have all of those things right here. Why don't we make a mud pie? First, I will add some water to the dirt in this mixing bowl. Then I'll stir it up until it is smooth and creamy -- just like a chocolate pie. Now I will pour it into this pie pan and smooth it out. If you like, you can add some small rocks, leaves, and dried flowers for decoration. When you have finished, the mud pie is put out in the hot sun to bake. One thing I should tell you is that you never eat your mud pie. They are just fun to make!

Making mud pies is one great thing you can do with mud, but in our Bible story today, Jesus does something even more wonderful with a little mud. Listen, and I think you will agree.

Jesus was walking with his disciples when they saw a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples thought that man was blind because he or his parents had sinned, but Jesus told them, "It is not because of his sins or his parents' sins. This happened so that the power of God could be seen in his life." Then Jesus knelt down, spit on the ground, and stirred up some mud. He took the mud and put it on the blind man's eyes. He told him, "Now, go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam." The man went and washed the mud from his eyes and when he came back, he could see!

Now, you would think that everyone would think that it was wonderful that the blind man could see, but the Pharisees weren't. Do you know why? It was because Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees thought that was a sin to do anything on the Sabbath -- even if it was to help someone in need. You see, they were more concerned with keeping their religious laws than they were with helping people. When the pharisees asked the man how he had been healed, he told them that Jesus had healed him. They became angry and said to him, "God should get the glory for this -- we know this man Jesus is a sinner."

"I don’t know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I do know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"

I don't know what problems you may be facing in your life, but I know that if Jesus can heal a blind man with a little bit of mud, he can help you with anything you might be facing.

Heavenly Father, we are here today in need of the touch of Jesus. We pray that lives will be changed so that your name will be glorified. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Open Wide

"Want me to feed Josie today?" Matt asked his mother.

"Sure. Thanks," replied Mom. "Here's her spoon and the jar of peas."

"Open wide," Matt said, dipping the spoon into the jar and then putting the spoonful of mashed green peas into Josie's mouth. Josie promptly spit them back out. "Hey! You're supposed to eat those!" scolded Matt, scraping the peas off Josie's chin. He tried to put another spoonful of peas into her mouth, but she clamped her lips shut tightly and turned her head away.

Mom chuckled. "I guess she doesn't want them," she said. "You can keep offering them, but if she won't open her mouth, I'm afraid you can't make her eat them." She took a different jar from the cupboard, warmed it in the microwave oven, and handed it to Matt. "Here, try some carrots," suggested Mom.

Matt put carrots on the spoon and held it out to Josie, but she kept her mouth shut. "Come on, Josie," he coaxed. "Try some of these." He offered the carrots again. This time Josie accepted a spoonful. After tasting them, she opened her mouth wide and continued to eat hungrily. "See. They taste good," said Matt. "And they're good for you, Josie. Green peas are, too, so why won't you eat them?"

"Yes," Mom agreed with a smile, "but babies don't realize that we know what's good for them, and they don't always want to accept what we offer."

Matt turned to look at his mom. "I guess Pastor Sam would say we're like babies," he told her with a grin. "In our youth meeting last week, he said God loves us and knows what's best for us, but we don't always trust Him like we should. Pastor Sam reminded us that God wants us to accept Jesus as Savior and to serve Him. But God lets us decide-we can choose whether or not we want to do that."

Mom nodded. "That's right. Josie decided whether to accept the food you offered her, and we decide whether to accept Jesus and receive the salvation God offers us," she said. "And after we do accept Him, we continue to decide whether or not we'll faithfully live for Him and serve Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Have you decided to serve Him all of your life? Or are you turning your head-and heart-away? God loves you and knows it's best for you to not only trust in Jesus, but also to spend your life serving Him. Why not "open wide" to what He has for you? Decide today to receive Him as Savior (see the ABCs at the end of this book). It's the most important decision you can make. Then make another important decision-give your life in service for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 Too Hard to Understand?

"None of this stuff will fit together right," wailed Laura, looking in dismay at the pieces of a craft kit. "This is supposed to make a centerpiece of flowers, but I can't figure out how to do it."

Dad glanced over to where she was working at a table. "Aren't you missing something?" he asked as he looked at the things she had laid out. "Whenever your brothers and I assemble a model car or plane, we use the directions to help us know how to put it together. Did this kit come with directions?"

"Yeah, and I already read them," answered Laura, "but I couldn't understand them, so I threw them away." She rummaged through the wastebasket and pulled out a paper. "Here they are," she said, handing the paper to her dad.

"Try taking one step at a time," suggested Dad. "Let's see . . . it says to bend the green pipe cleaners in half so they look like diagram A." He showed Laura the diagram and then waited while she took the pipe cleaners and bent them. "Good. Next it says to wrap the yellow yarn around the small spiral wires."

"Will you help me?" asked Laura. So they spent the afternoon together, reading the directions and following them closely until the flowers were finished and combined into a pretty centerpiece.

Laura held up the finished project and grinned at her father. "I bet this is the first time you spent an afternoon making flowers," she said. "Thanks, Dad. It just wouldn't come together for me. Those directions were too hard to understand."

"But we needed them, didn't we?" asked Dad.

"Yeah," agreed Laura, "and I had read them, but I needed to slow down and follow them step by step."

Dad smiled and nodded. "Well, when you see your centerpiece, it can be a reminder of how important it is to read and follow the directions," he said. "And let's be sure to remember to read and follow the directions God has given to help us in our daily life."

"You mean the Bible," said Laura. "I do read it, but sometimes I can't understand it, either."

"I know," said Dad, "but don't toss it aside! Instead, ask God to show you what it means. I'll always be glad to help you understand God's directions, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think the Bible is too hard for you to understand? Does it use words not used in your everyday language? Ask older Christians, like your parents or Sunday school teacher, for help with any words or any part of the Bible you don't understand. It's important to find out how God wants you to live, so don't quit reading it! Try to find something in His Word each day that you can apply to your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Best Answer

It hadn't been a good week for Mike. Nothing seemed to be any fun since his best friend, Danny, had moved away. "Please, dear God," prayed Mike every night, "let Danny come back and live here again."

"I know you miss Danny very much," commented Dad one afternoon as he and Mike were washing the car, "but I don't think his family is going to move back here."

"Yes, they will," Mike said confidently. "I asked God to bring them back, and He'll answer my prayer. Won't He?"

"Well . . . yes," replied Dad. He frowned a little. "Oh . . . Mom's fixing stuffed green peppers. She wondered if that sounds good to you," he said after a moment.

Mike wrinkled his nose. "No, I really don't like stuffed green peppers."

"I'll let her know," said Dad, as he headed to the house. He came out a few minutes later. "Mike, Mom said you tasted stuffed peppers the last time we had them," said Dad. "She thinks maybe you'll like them for supper tonight. Okay?"

Mike stood up from the wheel he'd been cleaning. "You already asked me about that, Dad. And I already said no! Don't you remember?"

"Yes, as a matter a fact, I do," answered Dad with a laugh. "Your answer was no surprise, by the way. It just wasn't what your mom was hoping to hear-she really likes those stuffed peppers. She thought she'd ask again if you might enjoy them, too, but your answer is still no. It's like that with God; He will always answer, but sometimes the answer is no."

Mike immediately thought of the conversation regarding Danny. "Why wouldn't God let Danny come back here?" he asked. "It would make me a lot happier."

"But it might not be best for Danny's family. His father was very sick, you know, and the doctors said a warmer climate would be better for him," replied Dad. "Instead of praying that Danny will come back, maybe you could be asking God to help him and his family adjust to their new home. This move might be harder for them than for you."

Slowly, Mike nodded. "Okay. And I'll ask God to help me find a new best friend, too," he decided.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think God should answer all your prayers exactly the way you want?If things don't go your way, do you think God doesn't care? That's not true. He does care, and He knows what is best for you and for all His children. So even when God's answer to your prayer is "no," trust Him and believe that His way is best.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grounded in Love

Breanne stared out the kitchen window and sighed. "Today's too beautiful to be stuck in here," she grumbled.

Mom handed her another dish to dry. "You should have thought of that yesterday when you decided to come home an hour late," she said.

Breanne continued to look out the window, pouting. Her neighbors were tying up their Great Dane dog. "Poor Samson," said Breanne. "He's being chained up. He's a prisoner today, too-just like me."

Mom looked out the window and saw the big dog pulling on his chain, trying to get loose. "He sure doesn't like those chains," she said.

Breanne scowled. "I bet Samson's mad about it," she said as she took another dish to wipe. "Why are the Smith's so mean to him?"

"Honey, they're not being mean," replied Mom. "Actually, they're showing him love by tying him up."

Breanne raised her eyebrows. "Love!" she exclaimed. "I don't see how you can call that treatment showing love!"

Mom frowned. "Yesterday while I was pacing on the porch, waiting for you, Samson ran into the street and almost got hit by a truck," she said. "The Smiths saw what happened, and they told me they were going to keep him chained until new fencing is installed. They want him safe."

Breanne's eyes widened. "Wow! Then I'm glad he's tied up," she decided.

"Me, too," replied Mom. "Samson's freedom has been taken away because his owners care about him." She looked at Breanne solemnly. "In families, privileges are sometimes taken away because of love, too."

"You mean my privileges, don't you?" asked Breanne.

Mom nodded. "You're grounded today because I love you," she said. "I want you to realize how your actions can make other people feel. I was really worried when you were late and I didn't know where you were."

After a moment, Breanne gave her mom a little smile. "I still don't like being grounded, but I'm glad you love me so much," she said softly. "I . . . I'm sorry I disobeyed. I'll have to thank Samson for teaching me a lesson today."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you feel when your parents ground you or punish you some other way? Do you think they're being mean? Does it make you feel unloved? It shouldn't. God talks about the fact that He disciplines His children, and He compares it to the way parents discipline theirs. He points out that correction is a sign that someone cares. Next time you're being punished, accept the correction as proof that you are loved.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

[Soldier4Christ]

 Words and Actions

"Mr. Henderson sure rushed out after the service this morning," observed Darin one Sunday noon. "He usually stands around and talks a while. I wanted to ask him about his puppies."

"He was having some trouble at the farm," said Dad. "Thousands of baby chicks arrived yesterday, and last night the heaters in his chicken house went on the blink. His wife said he actually slept in the chicken house last night."

"Wow! Talk about dedication!" exclaimed Darin. Then he said, "Hey, Dad, the guys are all going over to Barnie's to go sledding on his hill." He paused and looked anxiously at his father. "I can go, can't I?" he asked.

Dad smiled. "I think that will be all right," he agreed. "Just be sure to get home on time to get ready for church tonight."

When Darin arrived home later that afternoon, his clothes were soaked. "Take those boots off outside!" ordered Mom. "And hurry! You don't have a lot of time before we have to leave for church."

"I can't go tonight," said Darin. He saw his father's frown. "I mean . . . may I please stay home tonight? Barnie's got a new ping-pong table, and his mom said we could all come back and play for a while." Darin could see Dad shaking his head, and so he hurried on. "You've said before that my friends need my Christian influence, but if I'm going to influence them, I have to be with them."

"Not necessarily," said Dad. "I remember that you were impressed at Mr. Henderson's dedication to his work when you heard he'd slept in the chicken house last night. Mr. Henderson didn't say a word to you, but his actions impressed you quite a bit."

"We-e-ell . . . yeah, I guess," Darin agreed reluctantly. He was quite sure where this conversation was leading.

"People who watch Mr. Henderson can tell he's committed to farming. Because of that, many of them trust him for advice about problems they may have with their animals or their gardens," explained Dad. "That idea holds true with Christians, too. Telling others about being a Christian is good, but it has a lot more impact when they can see your commitment in action."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you committed to God? Can others see your commitment by the way you live and by what takes first place in your life? Do they see that you love to spend time with other believers; that you are honest, obedient, and kind; that you honor God and try to please Him in everything you do? Other people should see the Lord through your actions as well as your words.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ready to Go

Allison sighed when her Sunday school teacher asked the girls if they'd had a good week.


"I didn't," said Allison. "On Monday, I got grounded for staying in bed too long and missing my school bus, so I didn't do anything interesting all week."


Her friend Margie grinned. "But it's your own fault, Allison," she said. "You're always sleeping late even though you know you'll be grounded if you miss the bus."


"Oops!" said Miss Horton. "So you were warned ahead of time, Allison. I guess Margie's right, and you can blame only yourself."


"I know," admitted Allison, "but it's always so hard to get up. Besides, I told Mom I was sorry; and I really was, too."


"Well, that's good," said Miss Horton, "but being sorry didn't bring the bus back, did it?" Allison shook her head. "It didn't bring the bus back nor eliminate the consequences for missing it," added Miss Horton thoughtfully. "You know what? This makes me think of another trip that will take place some day. People have been warned that they need to be ready, but many of them have other things they're busy doing right now. Many people won't be ready at the moment it's time to leave on that trip, and they'll be left behind."


"What trip is that?" asked Margie.


"I know," said Allison. "Our lesson for today talks about it. It's the trip to heaven, isn't it?"


Miss Horton nodded. "Yes," she said. "Our lesson reminds us that Jesus will come again and take those who love Him to be with Him in heaven. No one knows when that will take place. After it happens, I'm sure there will be lots of people who are sorry they put off accepting Jesus. No doubt, many will wish they had paid attention to the warning to make things right with God. But being sorry then won't bring back the chance to take that trip. And it won't take away the consequences of being left behind. Those who never trust in Jesus will face eternal punishment."


"That's scary," murmured Margie.


"Yes, but Christians don't have to be afraid," replied Miss Horton. "Girls, if you haven't already done so, choose today to trust in Jesus as your Savior from sin. Give your life to Him. Then you'll be ready for His return, and it will be exciting, not scary."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ready for the moment Jesus returns? It could happen at any time, so it's important to be ready. Don't be caught "sleeping"; that is, unprepared for Jesus' return. When He comes again to take His children home to heaven, anyone who is not trusting in Him will be left behind. Now is the time to ask Jesus into your life. Don't wait another minute.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.  Matthew 25:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 In God's Hand

"Hey, Eric, how come you're not laughing?" asked Owen after another boy had told a dirty joke.


"Don't you think that's funny? Or are you just a baby who doesn't understand jokes like that?"


Eric didn't reply as he took his books and left to go home. I guess I am a baby, he thought. I should have told the guys I didn't laugh at that joke because I'm a Christian. He sighed. Oh, well. I don't think it would have done any good anyway, but the next time I get a chance, I'll witness to them.


The very next day, Eric had the chance he was looking for.


"Let's hide Joe's cap," said one of the boys at recess time. "He's such a baby; I bet he'll even cry about it. Here, Eric . . . put it in your desk. Nobody will look there."


"Yeah," agreed Owen, but Eric shook his head. He opened his mouth to tell them why he wouldn't join in their unkind prank, but no words came.


"Eric's a wimp! Eric's a wimp!" the boys chanted over and over when they couldn't persuade him to join them. They walked away, laughing.


That night, Eric told his father what had happened. "I remember a winter day when you were very small," Dad said thoughtfully. "You couldn't walk by yourself on the icy sidewalk, and you fell several times before you finally let me hold your hand." Dad smiled as he remembered. "I think you're trying to 'go it alone' again; this time in your spiritual walk," he added. "God says He'll 'hold your hand.' In other words, He'll help you. Ask Him; and trust Him; to do that."


The next day, Owen approached Eric. "Hey, man! Are you grown up enough to join the gang I hang with?" asked Owen.


Lord, please help me to be a brave witness, Eric prayed silently. He took a deep breath. "I'm a Christian," he said, "and God wouldn't be proud of me if I did that." He hesitated, and then hurried on. "Why don't you join me instead?" he asked. "I'm going to Bible Club tonight; you'd like it." Eric sighed. Well, at least I spoke up, even if it isn't doing any good, he thought.


Just then, Eric was startled to hear Owen say, "You really think I'd like it, Eric?" He laughed. "I doubt it, but I'll give it a try; and it better be good!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you do when others want you to take part in wrong activities? Do you find it hard to speak up and tell them why you won't join them? Is it hard to witness at school and in your neighborhood? Perhaps you think it wouldn't do any good anyway. Remember that the reaction of those you witness to is not your responsibility. Your job is to witness. Depend on the Lord to help you. Trust Him to "hold your hand," and then speak up for Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

[Soldier4Christ]

That's What Friends Are For

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. " John 11:25-26a (NIV)

Have you ever seen the movie "Jungle Book?" It tells the story of a boy, Mowgli, who lives in the jungle among the animals. He is trying to make his way back to the human village and along the way he meets many very interesting characters. There's mad King Louie of the Apes and a lovable, happy-go-lucky bear named Baloo. He even meets a group of vultures who pledge their friendship in a song called "That's What Friends Are For." The words of the song go like this:

    We're your friends
    We're your friends
    We're your friends to the bitter end

    When you're alone
    Who comes around
    To pluck you up
    When you are down
    And when you're outside, looking in
    Who's there to open the door?
    That's what friends are for!

Do you have a friend who is always there for you? One who cheers you up when you're feeling sad. One who stands by you no matter what. We could all use a friend like that, couldn't we? Our Bible lesson today tells a story about that kind of friend.

There was a man named Lazarus who lived in Bethany with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. They knew Jesus and were his good friends. One day, Lazarus became sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus saying, "Lord, your dear friend Lazarus is very sick." But Jesus was in another town and didn't come right away.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Martha ran to meet Jesus and told him that Lazarus had been dead for four days. "If only you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Jesus answered, "Your brother will rise again. I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

So Martha went back and got her sister Mary and they took Jesus to show him the place where Lazarus was buried. When he arrived at the tomb, Jesus told them to roll away the stone that covered the entrance. He prayed to his Father and then he called in a loud voice, "Lazarus come out!" Do you know what happened? Even though he had been dead for four days, Lazarus walked out of the tomb! He wasn't dead -- he wasn't even sick!

Wow! How would you like to have a friend like that? Well, you do. Jesus loves you just as he loved Lazarus and he wants to be your friend. He'll pick you up when you are down. He'll be with you to the bitter end. After all, that's what friends are for.

Dear Jesus, you said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Thank you for being our friend. Amen.