Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Banner

"That was a great movie!" exclaimed Braedon as he shut off the TV, "but the way guys fought wars long ago sure was different than it is now."


Colton nodded. "That was really something!" he said, shaking his head. "When that whole troop of knights on horses came charging down from the crest of the hill, it threw the enemy into total chaos!"


"Yeah, but there's something I don't get about that whole battle scene. Why did that king ride out in front waving a big flag?" asked Braedon. "It's almost as if he were wearing a sign that said, "Hit me!'"


Dad, who had watched the show with the boys, smiled. "Actually, it was a banner; a rallying point for the king's troops," he explained. "Seeing their leader out front inspired the whole army. It gave them courage in the face of attack."


"So instead of making the king a target for the enemy, the banner was more like a . . . a "You can do it!' sign for the troops?" asked Colton.


"Right," said Dad. "Just this week I needed that kind of encouragement myself; and do you know where I got it? From God's Word."


"You did?" Colton was puzzled.


Dad nodded. "I was totally overwhelmed with the work I had to do this week," he explained. "I had recently read about the victory God gave Israel over the Amalakites. Afterward, Moses built an altar to God and named it "The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.' So in my mind, I imagined God going ahead of me like a banner, inspiring me, directing me, leading me through the tricky parts of my job."


"Did it work?" asked Braedon. "Did it make the tough stuff disappear?"


"It didn't make everything easy," said Dad. "I still had to work long hours, but God gave me the energy I needed." He smiled. "I guess you could say that I got some battle scars when I failed to depend on God and my boss wasn't impressed that I overlooked something. But when I focused on God's promises, it was like He was "out front'; leading me. It inspired me to get busy and take care of things. God didn't make the battle go away, but He led me through it."


"Well, then the next time I face something hard; like exams or teasing; I'll try picturing God out front like a banner for me to follow," decided Braedon.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What tough things do you have to face? Does the idea of God going before you and leading the way seem strange? Does it seem like He wouldn't be interested in kids' problems? He is. He'll be a "banner" for you just like He will be for adults; and like He was for Moses. Ask Him to help you with difficult assignments, to comfort you when you feel sad, and to show you how to respond to people. Try picturing God going before you to help you with all of the things you have to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner. Exodus 17:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 Friends? Or Not?

After grabbing the backpack and matching lunch box from her locker, Danielle slammed the metal door shut. Her soft brown eyes searched the crowded hallway for her friend Ellen. The two girls had been classmates ever since their first day in kindergarten, and they usually walked home together.


When Danielle spied Ellen down the hall, her face lit up with a broad smile and she hurried toward her. Ellen was surrounded by several girls that Danielle didn't know very well, and she felt a little out of place as she walked up. "Hi, Ellen!" said Danielle with a smile, stepping closer to the huddled group.


The other girls ignored Danielle. "Come on, Ellen. Walk home with us," said one of them. She glanced at Danielle. "She's not your friend, is she, Ellen?" the girl added in a loud whisper.


Ellen bit her lip and turned away from Danielle. She grabbed her books and coat, and ignoring her old friend, she ran off with the group of girls.


Danielle stood still and silent. Her heart felt empty and so very heavy. Then she slowly shuffled down the hallway. As she trudged wearily home, Danielle recalled the sermon her pastor had preached just the day before. "Is Jesus your friend, or is He not?" Pastor Dodge had asked. Then he'd read Scripture verses about denying that Jesus is a friend. Pastor Dodge said Christians often do that by simply being ashamed to let others know they're believers and by not speaking up for Jesus. He'd challenged them to take special note in the coming week to see if they denied Jesus in that way.


Danielle thought about the hurt she felt when Ellen's actions had denied their friendship. This must be how Jesus feels when we deny Him, she told herself. She knew that the way Ellen had treated her would hurt for a long time, but she also knew she had now learned an important lesson from this experience. People shouldn't have to wonder whether or not Jesus is my friend, she thought. He wants me to stand up for Him and not be afraid to let others know that He definitely is a friend of mine.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you felt the hurt of having someone act as if he or she didn't know you? Have you been guilty of hurting someone else in that way? How about the Lord Jesus? Have you ever pretended you didn't know Him so kids wouldn't laugh at you? Jesus says it's important to "confess Him" before others. Be willing to acknowledge that you know and love Him, and also let your actions speak for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 10:32

[Soldier4Christ]

 Training Time

"Mom, you're always scolding and punishing me," complained Alicia as she sat on the "time-out" chair. "You never get mad at Seth."

"Oh, yeah? Think again!" The challenge came from Seth, who had come into the room and overheard the remark. "I used to get punished a lot-and I still do sometimes. So quit pouting and learn your lesson, sis."

That afternoon, the family attended a festival held on the outskirts of their town. A special feature of the event was elephant rides. After watching for a while, Seth chose to have a ride on the larger elephant, and Alicia wanted to ride the smaller one.

"Want to see how you looked?" asked Dad when the rides were over. He held out his digital camera, and they all gathered around to see the pictures he'd taken.

"Did you notice that the trainer just spoke to the bigger elephant while you were riding?" asked Mom. "He sometimes used his stick with the smaller one."

Alicia nodded. "At first, I thought it was mean of him to do that," she said, "but he said it was a young elephant and was just learning to obey. He only tapped it-he didn't hurt it."

"I'm sure the older elephant also gets disciplined from time to time," said Dad, "but it probably learned from its earlier training and doesn't need to be corrected so often."

Mom nodded. "I guess Dad and I are 'trainers,' too," she said. "We give you instructions, and sometimes we need to correct or discipline you so you'll learn."

"Yeah," said Seth, "and I've already learned a lot from having had more years of training than you've had, Alicia."

Dad smiled. "The Bible instructs parents to correct their children," he said. "That's the purpose of occasional scoldings and things like the 'time-out' chair."

Seth pointed to a booth next to the elephant rides. "Hey, Dad, maybe you should buy one of the elephant saddles they're selling over there," he said. "We could use it for the time-out chair."

"Yeah," agreed Alicia. "That would make the 'time-outs' more fun!"

Dad laughed. "A time-out isn't supposed to be fun, so no elephant saddle time-out chair," he said. They all laughed with him.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think your parents are "mean" when they correct and discipline you? Does it seem like you get punished more often than a brother or sister? The Key Verse contains God's instruction to parents. He uses them to train you to live the right way. Be thankful for parents, and be willing to accept the training-even the discipline-they're giving you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

[Soldier4Christ]

 Not Finished Yet

"Are we going to tap all the trees today?" asked Gary as he helped his father drill a hole into the trunk of a maple tree and insert a little pipe. "This will take forever."

"Making maple syrup does take a long time, and it's hard work," agreed Dad, "but it's worth the effort."

When all the maple trees had buckets hanging from the pipes, ready to collect the sap that would drip out during the week, Dad and Gary returned to the house. Gary slumped into a chair. "In another week or so, we'll have to collect all those buckets of sap," he said with a sigh. "But we won't have syrup yet! First we'll have to dump the sap in that big container and build a fire under it and boil it for a long time. Finally, what will we have? Gallons and gallons of syrup? No! By the time the water is out of the sap, we'll probably have one little pail of syrup." He sighed. "I hate having so little to show for all the work we do! It sure would be a lot easier to buy syrup instead of making it!"

"Yes," agreed Mom, "but it wouldn't be nearly as good. We're going for quality. You keep at it, and we'll be eating the best pancakes ever!"

"Do not grow weary in doing good," said Dad.

Gary grinned. "I know that Bible verse, Dad," he said, "but I don't think it's talking about making syrup."

Dad smiled. "I don't think so, either," he agreed, "but maybe we can learn something if we compare making syrup with growing spiritually. As we diligently and patiently keep that fire going under the sap, we reap good results-yummy maple syrup. And as we trust God and strive to do His will-as we obey Him one step at a time-God works in us and brings out good results for His glory."

Mom nodded. "As we finish making syrup this year, let's remember that God is working in our lives. Let's ask Him to help us trust Him as He takes us through various experiences in order to make us more like Him." She smiled. "He'll do that for us and for each of His children," she added. "My father used to often say, 'God isn't finished with me-or others-yet.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like you'll never learn how to witness to your friends? Or to truly love the unlovely? Do you wonder if you'll ever get control of your temper? Or be able to cheerfully do your assigned chores? Or maybe you know someone else who seems to be making very little progress in the Christian walk? Remember that spiritual growth is a process. Trust God to turn your life-and the lives of other Christians- step by step, into quality "syrup," slowly making each of you more like Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) who has begun a good work in you will complete it. Philippians 1:6

[Soldier4Christ]

 On Your Side

Elise sighed as she sank into a chair at the kitchen table. "It seems like today was 'Gang Up on Elise Day' at school," she said sadly. "In science class, we talked about dinosaur fossils, so I mentioned that fossils could have been made by sediment after a great flood. Mr. Edmunds interrupted me and said if I was referring to the biblical account of Noah and his ark-he called it a boat-to forget it. He said we were studying science, not legends." Elise frowned. "Mandy looked at me kind of funny, and at lunch time, she passed me a note saying she and Emma were going to play together today. She quoted that old saying that two is company and three is a crowd, so I knew that meant they didn't want me to join them."

"That's too bad," said Mom, "but the good thing is . . . I think you were something like Daniel in the Bible. Remember what happened to him? Do you think he may have felt like people were ganging up on him, too?"

"Like when some of the leaders knew Daniel prayed to God, so they got the king to sign a law that said anybody who did that would be thrown to the lions?" asked Elise. "But Daniel prayed anyway, just like he always had."

"Right. He prayed and thanked God." As Mom spoke, Elise's brother Tory burst into the room.

"Dad says we can go to the basketball game tonight!" exclaimed Tory, pouring a glass of juice. "I can't wait to see Jon Burns play again. The kids are starting to call him 'Magic Jon.' I'm sure glad he's on our team and not against us!" Tory grinned. "Gotta go get my homework done so I'll be ready when it's time. Are you going to the game, Elise?" he asked. He grabbed his juice and hurried to his room.

Mom and Elise laughed. "Tory's in too big a rush to wait for an answer," said Mom, "but think about what he said, Elise."

Elise frowned. "You mean . . . about Jon Burns?" she asked.

"Yes." Mom nodded. "Tory is glad Jon is on his side, right? Now think about Daniel. He knew God was on his side, so no matter what happened, he didn't have to be afraid. And God is on your side, too, honey. That's the important thing."

"I know," said Elise, "but sometimes I forget. I'll try to remember-and to always be like Daniel and stand up for what's right, no matter what anyone says."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there days when it feels like people are "ganging up" on you? Are there times when you try to witness for Jesus, but your words aren't very well received? Do kids refuse to be your friend when you stand up for what's right? Remember that God is on your side. Like Daniel, make it a habit to talk to Him about everything, and continue to do what is right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

[Soldier4Christ]

 Safety-Pin Lesson

"Mary, please come out and play with me," pleaded little Amy.

Mary frowned. She did not want to play with her little sister. "I can't," she said. "I have to do my homework now."

As Amy walked away sadly, the phone rang. "I'll get it, Mom," called Mary. She picked up the phone. "Oh, hi, Audra," she said. "What? No, I don't have anything else to do, and making cookies sounds like fun. I'll ask Mom if I can come over, and I'll call you back."

As Mary turned from the phone, she saw her mother standing in the doorway, shaking her head. "Why did you tell Audra you had nothing to do after telling Amy you had to do your homework?" asked Mom.

Mary looked uncomfortable. "Well, I . . . I don't feel like playing Amy's games," she said. "They're for little kids. But I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I needed an excuse."

Mom frowned. "That wasn't an excuse, Mary," she said. "It was a lie. If you don't want to play with Amy, simply say so. Don't lie about it and say you can't."

"It was just a little lie," protested Mary. "Besides, I do have homework-but it can wait a while."

Mom sighed. "Honey," she said, "in God's sight, sins are not big or little. He says if we break His law in just one point, we're guilty of breaking it all. We should hate sins, not make excuses for them." After a moment, Mom added, "We've told you about a scary experience when you were a baby and swallowed an open safety pin, remember? It got stuck in your throat." Mary nodded. She had heard the story often.

 "When the doctor successfully retrieved the pin, he asked me if I wanted to keep it for a souvenir," continued Mom. "It made me shudder. I certainly didn't want it! It didn't matter that it was just a 'little' pin-I figured it could have killed you, and I never wanted to see it again! And, honey, our sins did kill Jesus. Do you think we should want to hold on to any of them-big or small?"

Mary slowly shook her head. "I never thought about it like that," she said. "I'll apologize to Amy and play with her a little while before I go over to Audra's."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you excuse some of your sins, calling them "little" or "not very bad"? Don't forget-no sin may enter heaven. Even the sins people think of as "little" were bad enough to make it necessary for Jesus to go to the cross and take the punishment for them. Don't make excuses for any sins. You should be sorry for them, confess them to God, and-with His help-never repeat them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. Psalm 38:18

[Soldier4Christ]

 False Teeth and Teaching

"Aagh!" squealed Olivia when she looked into a cup on her grandmother's bathroom counter. "There are teeth in this cup!" Grandma, who was walking by, laughed as she stopped at the doorway. Olivia looked at her. "I forgot that you wear false teeth," said Olivia. "They don't look false when they're in your mouth."

"Good," said Grandma. "Then maybe only my dentist and I know for sure." She gave Olivia a toothless grin as she added, "And you."

At school the following week, Olivia became friends with Ginny, a new student who often talked about God. "We all have God in us, so we can all figure out what's right and wrong for ourselves," said Ginny one day. "You may think certain things are wrong, but I may think they're okay. And that's fine. We should each make our own decision." Olivia knew that wasn't true, but she was so glad to find a friend who wasn't afraid to talk about God that she didn't speak up and let Ginny know she disagreed with her.

One day, Olivia got into trouble for hitting her brother Stan. "He was teasing me," protested Olivia, "so I don't see anything wrong with hitting him! My friend Ginny says we're all a part of God and should decide for ourselves what's right!"

"And who is Ginny?" asked Mom.

"She's a new Christian friend at school," explained Olivia. "She talks about God a lot."

"Are you sure she's a Christian?" asked Mom. "What she said sounds like things many people believe, but not like what God teaches." Mom shook her head. "People may talk about God and say things they've heard in religious groups," she added, "but if they don't teach what the Bible teaches, they're like . . . well, like Grandma's teeth."

"Grandma's teeth!" exclaimed Olivia. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Her teeth look so real, you don't think about the fact that they're false," said Mom. "In a similar way, people who often mention God in their conversations may look like real Christians to us. But if they disagree with what He says, they're 'false Christians,' not real ones. God's standard is perfect and holy, and He certainly does not say you can decide for yourself what is right or wrong." Mom looked at Olivia as she added, "Hitting your brother is definitely not acceptable."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you assume that anyone who talks about God is a Christian? Repeating words and phrases often used by Christians is not proof that someone belongs to Jesus. Don't be fooled by anyone who says he knows God but teaches things contrary to what God says. That's false teaching. Compare what is said with what is taught in God's Word so you won't believe false doctrine.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Take heed that no one deceives you. Matthew 24:4

[Soldier4Christ]

Lay Your Cloak Before Him

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Matthew 21:8 (NIV)

Many superheroes like Superman and Superwoman have something in common. Do you know what it is? Many of them wear a cape. Their cape has many uses. It can protect them from bullets. It can keep them warm when it is cold or it can keep them dry when it rains. It can help them fly through the air or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Have you ever pretended that you were Superman or Superwoman? When I was a child, I used to tie a cape around my neck and pretend that I was Superman flying through the air. You probably have done that too.

In the day when Jesus lived, many people wore a garment called a cloak. It was a loose outer garment similar to a cape and, like the Superheroes' cape, it served many purposes. It provided them protection against the harsh winds and blowing sand in the desert. It also provided protection from the hot desert sun. In our Bible lesson today, we will see a very unusual way the people used their cloaks.

Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem and had stopped near a small village called Bethphage. Jesus sent two of his disciples to go on ahead into the village. He told them that when they got there, they would find a donkey and her colt which they were to bring back to him. Of course the disciples were a bit concerned because they imagined that these animals might belong to someone who might not appreciate having their animals taken. Jesus simply told them, "Tell them that the Lord needs them and they will let you have them." So the disciples went into town and sure enough, there was a donkey and her colt. They grabbed them and as they were leaving, someone asked why they were taking the animals. They answered, "It is for the Lord." And the people let them take them just as Jesus had said they would. When they arrived back at the camp, the disciples took their cloaks and put them on the donkey to make a nice soft seat for Jesus. Jesus got on the donkey and headed toward Jerusalem.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!

The Bible tells us that the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King -- and he will be if you will allow him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.

Jesus, come into our lives and create in us a new heart. May we excitedly welcome you just as those that awaited your arrival in Jerusalem did. Thank you for being here with us. We praise you Lord! Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Birthday Gift

"I had fun today," said Tommy happily when his mother came to tuck him into bed. He had spent the afternoon at a birthday party for Jeff, a friend in his Sunday school class. "I really like the truck I gave Jeff," added Tommy with a grin, "and he likes it, too."

Mom smiled. "Good," she said. "Now you need to settle down. It's time to pray and then go to sleep."

After they prayed together, Mom turned down the covers. Tommy looked up with a puzzled expression. "Mom, how do you know for sure if you're really saved?" he asked as he climbed into bed.

"Do you understand that Jesus died for your sins, and that you can't save yourself?" asked Mom.

Tommy nodded. "Sure-I know all about that, and I asked Jesus to be my Savior last spring. But sometimes I still sin, and that makes me wonder about it."

Mom nodded. "Tommy, think about that truck you took to Jeff's party today," she said. "You really like it, so did you bring it home again when the party was over?"

Tommy shook his head. "No," he said. "It's Jeff's. I gave it to him."

"What if he's mean to you tomorrow?" asked Mom. "Then will you take the truck back?"

"Of course not!" said Tommy. "It belongs to Jeff now, not to me."

Mom nodded. "That's right, Son," she said. "You gave it to him as a gift, so it's his. And when you trusted Jesus to forgive your sins and save you, God gave you a gift-the gift of eternal life. You didn't earn it, just like Jeff didn't earn the truck you gave him. And just like you gave it to him to keep, God gave you eternal life to keep. He doesn't take back His gift, either."

"Whew!" Tommy sighed with relief. "I'm glad I don't have to worry about that anymore." He yawned. "'Night, Mom," he added, snuggling down in his bed.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you admitted that you're a sinner? Have you trusted Jesus to save you? If not, won't you do that right now? (See the ABCs at the end of this book.) If you have done that, do you sometimes still have doubts that you belong to Jesus? If you really meant it when you asked God to forgive your sins-if you're truly trusting in Jesus-you are a Christian. God's gift of eternal life is yours. He won't ever take it back. Once you belong to Jesus, you will always belong to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said ) I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. John 10:28

[Soldier4Christ]

 Stretch or Snap

Tim kicked at a stone on the pavement. "Did I tell you that I can't go live with my dad?" he asked his friend Brett. "It's been decided that we kids have to stay with Mom." Tim sighed. "Dad always took time to do stuff with me. Y'know-guy stuff. Now I'll get to be with him only every other weekend."

"Well, you can talk to him on the phone, too, can't you?" asked Brett. "You still have a lot to be thankful for."

As Brett spoke, Tim noticed that his eyes were bright. Are those tears in Brett's eyes? wondered Tim. As he thought about it, he realized that, although he'd known Brett since the beginning of the school year, he'd never seen or heard anything about his friend's father. "Does your dad live with you?" Tim asked.

Brett shook his head. "My dad died," he said softly.

"Oh! I'm sorry," said Tim, not sure what else to say.

The boys walked quietly. "It's been tough, and I miss Dad a lot," Brett said finally, "but one day, Mom helped me understand how she deals with it. I had read that you can stretch rubber bands across a long box and strum them like a guitar, so I tried it. They make different sounds, depending on how tight they are." He paused, and Tim looked at him curiously. "Some of the rubber bands fit over my box easily," continued Brett, "but others were tight and had to be stretched out thin in order to get around the cardboard. A few even snapped." He was silent, remembering the incident.

"What does that have to do with missing your dad and getting along without him?" Tim asked.

"Mom pointed out that when I strummed my make-believe guitar, the rubber bands that fit super-tight made more music-like sounds than the ones that were loose. She said life is like that, too-that as things happen, we're stretched like those smaller rubber bands," explained Brett. "We may be uncomfortable, but we can choose to make music even during the hard times of our lives, or we can give up and snap and be useless." Brett paused again, then added, "Mom and I decided to trust God to use this hard part of our lives for His good." He looked shyly at his friend. "I . . . I'll pray that you'll be able to do that, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have things happened in your life that are hard to accept? The death of someone you love, a divorce in the family, a move away from old friends, a difficult time at school-in all these, and in everything else that happens, God wants you to trust Him. Decide that with His help, you'll "make music" by accepting whatever circumstances He allows to enter your life. Let your attitude be a testimony for Him. Let it encourage others to trust Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust. Psalm 40:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 What Color?

"What are those for?" asked Jason. He pointed to the bouquet of flowers Lisa was arranging.

"For the dinner table," Lisa replied. "Aren't they pretty?"

"Yeah, I guess so," muttered Jason as he walked over to the window. "Oh, look. The new family is moving in across the street today."

"I saw the truck," replied Lisa. She picked up a stem of daisies and tucked it into her hair. "I hope they have a girl my age."

"They do," Jason told her. "And a boy my age. His name is Joey."

As Lisa placed the flowers on the table, Dad came into the dining room. "That's certainly a pretty bouquet, Lisa," he observed.

"Thank you," replied Lisa. "I love to work with flowers. There are so many pretty kinds and so many colors." She touched the flower she had placed in her hair. "They make me feel beautiful, too," she added.

"Now that would take a lot of doing!" teased Jason. Lisa laughed and gave her grinning brother a gentle shove.

Mom set a bowl of salad on the table. "I'm glad God painted our world with color," she remarked. "It's not just flowers that are colorful. Look at this salad-green lettuce, red tomatoes, yellow cheese, white mushrooms . . ."

Just then Lisa gasped. She pointed out the dining room window. "Is that the new family getting in the car across the street?"

Jason nodded. "Yep. That's them."

"But . . . but . . ." stammered Lisa. "They . . . well . . . they're not like us."

"You mean they're a different color?" asked Mom. She looked Lisa straight in the eye, and Lisa nodded.

"So what?" demanded Jason. "What difference does that make? All roses aren't red."

Mom nodded in agreement as Dad said, "Right. And all vegetables aren't green. Remember, God used color to make this a beautiful world."

"I think Joey's neat," declared Jason. "I like white people."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you judge people by the color of their skin? If you do, you may miss some beautiful friendships. God says all races are made "of one blood." (See today's Scripture reading.) We all belong to the family of man-we're all descendants of Adam. Don't sin by favoring one race or color over another. God doesn't, and He doesn't want you to do that, either.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If you show partiality, you commit sin. James 2:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Is It Clean?

"Brad, please take the dishes out of the dishwasher and put them away," said Mom one afternoon. "And be sure to check over the glasses. I've noticed water spots on them lately. If you hold them up to the light, you'll be able to see if they're clean or spotted."

"Okay," agreed Brad, and he carefully checked each glass by holding it up to the light coming in from the window. As Mom had suggested, a few had water spots. "What should I do with these?" asked Brad.

"If there are spots, just leave them in the dishwasher, and I'll add some rinse solution and wash them again," replied Mom.

Brad finished his work and had started to close the dishwasher when Dad came into the kitchen. "Hold it, Son," said Dad. "There are glasses in there yet. Put them away before you quit."

Brad grinned as he picked up one of the glasses. "You're sure you want me to put this in the cupboard?" he asked, holding the glass up to the light for his father to see.

Dad grinned back at Brad. "Better not," he decided. As Brad turned to put the glass back in the dishwasher, his father stopped him. "Wait a minute-let me have one of those spotted glasses," said Dad. "That illustration is just what I need for my Sunday school class tomorrow."

"Illustration?" asked Brad. "What illustration?"

"If we're not sure whether a glass is clean or dirty, we can hold it up to the light to find out," replied Dad. "And if we aren't sure if something we want to do is right or wrong, we should hold it up to God's light-to see if it's 'clean' or 'spotted.'"

Brad thought he knew what Dad meant. "God's light is the Bible?" he asked.

"Exactly," agreed Dad. "There are principles in God's Word that will help us make right decisions. If what we want to do looks good when God's truth shines on it, then we know it's okay. If it violates a principle God gives in His Word, we'd better not sin against Him by doing what displeases Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you make sure your activities and attitudes don't break God's commands? Do you check them in the light of His Word? As you read your Bible or hear lessons and stories from it, ask God to show you how the things you're learning apply to your daily activities. Ask Him to show you what is right and clean and good for you to see and do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalm 119:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Real Offering

"Do you have your offerings to put in the collection?" Mom asked Joanne and Luke.

Joanne nodded, but Luke shook his head. "I don't have anything. I spent all my allowance this week," he confessed. "Will you give me some money for the offering, Mom?"

Mom frowned, but she reached into her wallet and took out some money. "Just this once," she agreed as she handed it to Luke.

That afternoon, Luke had a suggestion for his mother. "My birthday is next week, you know," he said. "If you can't think of anything to get me, I have some ideas."

Mom looked thoughtful a moment. "Well, actually, when Grandpa and Grandma Peterson were here last week, they left a birthday present for you. Maybe I'll just give you that." She smiled brightly at Luke.

"Mom!" exclaimed Luke. "I'm serious. I'm talking about what you might get for me, not what they're giving me. Like I said, I have some ideas."

"What's wrong with my idea?" asked Mom, pretending surprise. "I'm sure the package they left holds something very nice."

Luke frowned. "You're just kidding, right?" he asked. "I mean . . . it won't really be from you if you give me something they bought me."

"You're absolutely right, Luke," agreed Mom. "I'm not truly giving if I give you something that doesn't belong to me-something to which I didn't give any thought or effort or money. You wouldn't be happy about that, would you?" Luke shook his head. "But at church this morning, you were satisfied to give God a gift that wasn't really from you," Mom pointed out gently.

"Well . . . you used to always give us money for church," protested Luke.

"When you were too young to have your own money, I gave you some so you'd get in the habit of giving to God," replied Mom. "Now that you have an allowance, you should willingly give some of your own money to the Lord. Then you'll be giving a real offering instead of simply dropping money into the collection plate, right?" Thoughtfully, Luke nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you give the Lord a portion of money you've received? Everything you have is from God, and the Bible teaches you to return a part of it to Him to help spread the Gospel of Christ to the world. When you give to the Lord, give from your heart and from your blessings rather than from your parents.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let each one give . . . not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 Dirty Dishes

Supper was ready, and everyone was called to the table. After Dad prayed, Jill was the first to notice that something was wrong. "Yuck!" she exclaimed. "These dishes are dirty. Why are they on the table?"

Mom gasped as she looked at her plate. "My fault," she said. "I told Grandma to use the plates from the dishwasher. I must have forgotten to turn it on last night."

"Oh, dear!" exclaimed Grandma, who was nearly blind. "They must have been rinsed off good, and I couldn't see well enough to know they were still dirty. I'm so sorry!" After a good laugh, Jill and her sister Dana jumped up to remove the dirty dishes and replace them with clean ones.

After reading the Scripture passage for family devotions that evening (see today's Scripture), Dad closed his Bible thoughtfully. "In the verses we just read, our bodies are called 'vessels'-vessels to be used by God," he said. "At supper tonight, we all saw how unpleasant it would be to eat out of dirty vessels, right? We want clean dishes for our food."

"That's for sure," agreed Dana.

"When God says we should keep our 'vessels'-our bodies-clean, do you suppose He means we should take a bath?" asked Dad.

"Well, when I'm dirty, Mom tells me that cleanliness is next to godliness," said Jill.

"Is that in the Bible?" asked Dana.

Dad chuckled. "No, it's not," he said. "We should keep our bodies clean, of course, but I don't think that's what is meant in these verses."

"I don't think so, either," agreed Mom. "God is concerned that we live clean, pure lives. I think that's what He's referring to here."

Dad nodded. "The Apostle Paul said Timothy should do that by 'fleeing' evil desires young people typically have, and also by developing virtues like faith, love, and peace. Keep that in mind when you're tempted to do such things as smoke, drink, use drugs, or commit immoral, impure actions with your body."

"When you're faced with those temptations, remember the dirty dishes we had today," suggested Grandma. "I'm sure you don't want to be like them. Right?"

 Jill and Dana vigorously nodded their heads.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you keeping your "vessel" clean and pure? The Apostle Paul's advice to Timothy is good advice for all Christians, young or old. You're told to "flee" things or situations that tempt you to sin-to deliberately stay away from them. You are to "pursue" right living and practice the virtues pleasing to God. When you do that, you'll be a "vessel" God can use.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

[Soldier4Christ]

 You're Out!

Ricky and his father sat on the couch, watching a baseball game. "It's too bad Pete isn't here," said Ricky. "He loves baseball."

"Who's Pete?" asked Dad.

"He's a new kid at school," Ricky answered. "I like him."

Dad smiled. "I talked to a new family at church last week," he said. "They have a son named Pete. I wonder if that's him."

"I doubt it," said Ricky. "Our church talks a lot about Jesus dying on the cross for us, but Pete says it's foolish to believe Jesus can save you. He believes in God, though, and he's a really good kid."

"Well, that's nice, Ricky," said Dad, "but Pete's missing out on salvation by not believing in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross." Dad's words were muffled by loud cheering as the batter slammed the ball far into right field and the player already on first base sped toward second.

"Go! Go!" yelled Ricky, jumping up. The runner passed second base and raced to third. "He'll score for sure!" exclaimed Ricky as the player rounded third base and headed for home. But Ricky's cheer turned to a groan as the runner tried to dodge the catcher and missed home plate altogether. Instead of scoring, he got tagged out. It was the final out of the ball game.

"It's too bad, isn't it?" Dad remarked sadly. "That player made a fine effort, but he didn't make it home. At the end, he didn't score. He reminds me of your friend Pete."

Ricky's eyebrows shot up. "Why?" he asked.

Dad clicked off the TV. "In baseball, you don't score if you miss home plate. Passing first, second, and third base isn't enough. As for Pete, he may be nice and believe there's a God-he might even admire Jesus-but all that's not enough. You said you don't think Pete believes in the cross-that he doesn't believe Jesus died for him. In that case, it's as though he's passing all the bases and missing home. He's missing Jesus, the Savior. Unless he changes, Pete won't be saved. He'll be considered 'out'-he'll be left out of heaven."

Ricky frowned. "Tomorrow I'll tell that to Pete," he decided after a moment.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who's really nice but who doesn't believe in Jesus? Do you know kids who think that just believing there's a God is enough to get them to heaven? Is that what you think, too? Don't be fooled; don't come to the end of life and find that you're "out"-out of heaven. God sent His Son to die on the cross and pay the penalty for your sin. Trusting in Him is the only way to heaven.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 2:8-9)
By grace you have been saved . . . not of works, lest anyone should boast.