Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Allen's Allergies

"Mom, my skin is getting all itchy," said Allen, holding out his arms. "There are bumps on my legs, too."

"Oh, Allen," said Mom, "I wonder why your allergies are acting up again. I haven't changed the laundry detergent or any of our soaps. I can't imagine what has caused an allergic reaction this time, can you?"

Allen rubbed his arms. "When I was over at Bob's this morning, we dressed up in some of his dad's old camouflage clothes," he replied. "Maybe they were washed in something that caused my reaction."

"I expect that's it," agreed Mom. "Well, take a shower, and then we'll go and get your prescription refilled."

As Allen and his mother drove home after picking up the medicine, Allen sighed. "It's hard to remember that I always need to be so careful about any stuff that touches my skin," he said.

"I know," said Mom. "Dressing in those old clothes was innocent fun, and it seems too bad you have to avoid things like that. But if you don't, you're generally sorry later on because you get this negative reaction."

"Yeah." Allen nodded. "We were just having so much fun this morning, that I didn't even think about it." He rubbed his arm. "My allergies are reminding me now, though," he added. "It's too bad they don't remind me ahead of time!"

"Isn't that the truth!" agreed Mom. She smiled at her son. "You know," she added after a moment, "all of us should think ahead about the consequences of what we do. There are other things we all need to avoid, even though they may seem like innocent fun. "

"Other things?" asked Allen. "Like what?"

"Well . . . things like watching bad TV programs, reading bad books, or going places where we'll be tempted to do wrong," replied Mom. "If we yield to temptation and give in to sinful activity, it brings a negative reaction in our lives and spoils our close fellowship with God. We need to ask the Lord to help us avoid things that will harm us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you allergic to anything? A kind of food? Bees? A medicine? Weeds? Soap? If so, you know it's best for you to avoid those things. You also need to avoid sin-it can cause a very bad reaction in your life. When you avoid sinful activities, you will avoid their consequences and be able to enjoy the blessings God has for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Seeing Clearly

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24:30-31 (NIV)

I see that there are some of you who wear glasses. (If you wear glasses, you might mention that to the children as well.) There was once a little boy named Emmet who couldn't see very well. The funny thing about it was that he didn't know it. In fact, no one knew it -- not his mother or father, his grandmother or grandfather, not even his closest friends knew that Emmet couldn't see very well.

Emmet thought that everything in the world had fuzzy edges because that is the way things looked to him. He thought that all of the other children saw things just as he saw them. As he got older his mother began to wonder why Emmet always sat so close to the TV. His grandfather noticed that when he looked at a book, he held it very close to his face. When Emmet began school, he complained to the teacher that he couldn't see the words on the chalk board clearly. Finally, everyone began to realize that Emmet needed glasses.

Emmet's parents took him to an eye doctor and the doctor told them, "Emmet needs glasses." In a few short days, Emmet had a brand new pair of glasses. At first, he was afraid that the other kids would make fun of him because he had to wear glasses, but when he put the glasses on, he put his worries behind him. WOW! The world looked so different. Suddenly, Emmet discovered that everything in the world didn't have fuzzy edges. He realized that a tree had leaves. He could read a book without holding it right up to his face. He could see her mother's face clearly, even when she was all the way across the room. It was great.

You may not have trouble with your eyesight, but all of us have difficulty seeing and understanding things at times. Our Bible story today takes place just three days after Jesus was crucified and shows how some of Jesus' disciples had trouble understanding what they had seen.

When Jesus died, his followers thought that he was gone forever. They didn't know what to do. They were very sad. They couldn't see things clearly because they were so mixed up and upset. Two of Jesus' friends were sadly walking back to their home in the village of Emmaus when another traveler joined them on the road. They didn't recognize who it was, but they began to talk to him and tell him all about what had happened to Jesus and how sad they were. When it was evening they arrived at their home and invited the stranger to stay with them and have supper. The sat down to eat and when the traveler broke the bread and blessed it, something happened. It was as if they had put on little Emmet's glasses. Suddenly they saw clearly what they hadn't seen before even though they had been looking right at it most of the day. They realized that the stranger who had joined them on the road was really Jesus - alive and well. After Jesus left them, they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.

Sometimes we feel confused up and don't see things clearly. When that happens, we need help understanding our lives more clearly. Jesus is with us to help us to do that. He helps us to understand that God loves and that there is nothing to be fear.

Father, we are thankful that as we travel along life's road, Jesus is walking with us and that he will help us see and understand the things that happen in our life. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Trustworthy

Andy ran from the store with tears running down his cheeks, his feet barely touching the pavement. He felt like his heart was about to explode. Reaching home, he collapsed on the sofa where his mother found him. "Whatever is the matter, Andy?" she asked as she put an arm around him.

"Hank . . . at the s-store said . . . said . . ." Andy's voice shook. "He said . . ." As Andy remembered, his eyes widened. "But I didn't, Mom. I didn't!" He choked out the words. "God wouldn't want me to do that."

Mom held Andy tightly and asked calmly, "You didn't what?"

Andy took a deep breath. "I didn't steal candy from the store after school yesterday-or ever! Hank is the new clerk, and he said I did. He said he wouldn't tell anyone if I gave him five dollars." Andy searched his mother's face. "I didn't do it, Mom. Honest, I didn't."

Mom's mouth tightened. "I know you didn't," she assured him. "I believe you." She stood up. "I see Grandma turning into the driveway," added Mom as she glanced out the window. "I'm going to the store and see if I can straighten this out. Grandma will be here with you."

Mom left, and when she returned, Andy anxiously asked her what happened. Mom smiled grimly. "When I talked to Hank, he smirked and asked how I knew you hadn't stolen the candy. I told him, 'Because I know my son.' Just then your teacher came in. Do you know what he said when he heard what had happened? He said, 'Andy didn't take that candy. He was with me after school. But even if he hadn't been, I'd never believe you, Hank, because Andy is one of the most honest boys I know.' Hank didn't know what to say then."

Andy's mouth fell open. "I was so scared that I forgot all about being with Mr. Johnson at the library after school yesterday."

Mom squeezed Andy's shoulders. "Hank was very embarrassed. When his boss heard what was happening, he said there had been other complaints. Hank apparently has gotten money from other little kids by threatening them. But he picked the wrong one this time." Mom ruffled Andy's hair. "Thanks, Son, for being trustworthy."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you trustworthy-that is, are you worthy of people's trust? If something like Andy's experience happened to you, could your parents believe you? Would your teachers know you were telling the truth? Would your friends be very sure of that? It's important to build a good reputation-for your own sake, for the sake of your parents, and also for the Lord. Your reputation reflects on Him, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21

[Soldier4Christ]

 Corky and David

"There's David," said John as he and Carter walked home from school.

"Oh, no," groaned Carter. "Let's cut between these houses so we can get away. Hurry!" As he spoke, Carter quickly dodged across a lawn, but John lagged behind. He didn't want to irritate Carter, but he didn't think it was right to run away from David, either. "John, come on!" Carter hissed.

John hesitated. "We probably should be more friendly with David," he murmured, but he reluctantly followed his friend.

Carter shrugged. "David is so slow in every subject!" he said with a frown as they walked along. "He's no good at sports, either. In fact, he's no good at anything!" They were almost to Carter's house. "Hey, want to see our new puppies?" he asked.

"Sure, but I can stay only a minute," replied John, and soon they were bending over a box in the garage. Daisy, the mother dog, was surrounded by five little balls of fur.

Carter pointed to one that was smaller than the others. "That's Corky-she's the tiniest one, and she can't move around as well as the rest," he said. "Mom calls her the runt of the litter."

"Will she be okay?" asked John.

"I hope so," replied Carter, "but Dad says if Daisy didn't help her and protect her so much, she wouldn't have a very good chance to make it."

As John walked home later, he thought about Corky. He was passing David's home when it suddenly occurred to him that David was something like the puppy. Corky is weaker and different than the others, thought John, and David's different, too. He doesn't seem to be as smart or as good at sports and stuff as most of the other kids, but he's still part of our class. It doesn't seem right to shut him out.

As John looked up, he saw David outside. David saw him, too, and turned away. On impulse, John walked toward him. "Hi, David," he called. "Can I play with you a little while?" A smile broke out on David's face. "I'll go make sure it's okay with my mom," said John, "and then I'll come back."

John felt good because he knew he had made the right choice this time. I'll have to talk to Carter about this, he decided. It seems silly to be worried about a runt of a dog but not about a kid who's different.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you treat kids who aren't quite like you? Are you friendly-even if you think they're not dressed as nicely or can't do things as well as most of the other kids? God wants you to accept all the people He made. He loves them and wants you to treat them well. Think of something you can do to show that you accept someone who may not be well-liked by others-someone who needs extra help. Then do it to bring praise to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 Blah-Blah-Blah

Terre didn't want to go to the family reunion. "I can't stand to listen to Anna bragging for two days!" she declared. "All Anna can talk about is their new car, their new house, their new this, and their new that." But Mom insisted that Terre should go, so she went-determined to stay out of her cousin Anna's way. Surprisingly, it wasn't too hard. In fact, Anna seemed to be avoiding her, too.

It was late afternoon before the girls met in the kitchen. As they worked in cold silence, Grandma frowned. "This won't do, girls," she said. "What's wrong?"

"Wrong?" echoed Anna.

"Is something wrong?" asked Terre.

Grandma nodded her head emphatically. "Sit down, girls." Without looking at each other, they obeyed. "Why aren't you speaking to one another?" Grandma wanted to know. When neither replied, she continued. "Then we'll start with you, Anna. Why are you mad at Terre?"

Anna's face turned red. "I . . . I . . ." she stammered. "I . . . well, I'm not mad at her. It's just that I'm sick of her bragging."

Terre sat up with a start. "Bragging?" she asked.

Anna looked at her for the first time. "Yes, bragging. All I hear from you is, 'I made the honor roll. I'm class secretary. I sang a solo in the choir. Blah-blah-blah.' I'm tired of it."

Terre sat open-mouthed. Then she started to giggle. Grandma and Anna stared at her. "Would you please tell us what's so funny?" Anna asked icily.

Catching her breath, Terre explained. "I . . . I . . . well, I didn't want to come, Anna, because of your bragging. I was always hearing about a new house or a new swimming pool or a new car or a new whatever. Blah-blah-blah!" Hearing this, Anna looked startled for a moment. Then she and Grandma joined Terre in a hearty round of laughter.

"Let's declare a truce, Anna. When one of us starts to brag, the other one says, 'Blah-blah-blah,'" suggested Terre after they had quieted down. "Okay?"

Anna nodded. "Sounds good to me," she agreed, "but what's a truce?"

Terre raised her eyebrows. "You mean you don't know what a truce is? I learned that in third grade!" she exclaimed.

Anna grinned. "Blah-blah-blah!" she said. Both girls laughed merrily.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you noticed things you dislike about someone else? Have you ever found that the thing you dislike is a trait in your own life? God says to look at yourself before you criticize someone else. He wants His children to live in harmony with one another. He says to take care of your own faults instead of judging others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Different Kind of Light

Chip sat on the sofa with his grandmother as she read aloud from her Bible. The thunderstorm outside made him glad to be safe and warm in the house, but Chip would have preferred to hear Grandma read from one of the books in his "Great Adventures" series.

Chip was startled by a very loud crack of thunder. "Whoa!" he exclaimed when all the lights went out. "It's dark in here. Do you have a flashlight, Grandma?"

"There's one in the kitchen," said Grandma. "It's in the top drawer next to the stove. Do you want to go find it?"

"Sure," said Chip. He jumped up and started toward the kitchen, but he bumped his knee on a small table. "Ouch!" he yelped. He took a couple more steps and bumped into the couch. "I don't like the dark," he grumbled.

Chip finally made it to the kitchen, opened the drawer, found the flashlight, and switched it on. "This is better," he said. "I can see where I'm going now."

"Good," said Grandma. "Now let's see if you can answer this question . . . What people live in the dark all the time?" As she spoke, the lights came back on.

"All the time?" Chip looked at her in surprise. "You mean like way up north where the sun doesn't shine for weeks? But it does shine part of the year. They're not in the dark all the time."

 "True," Grandma agreed, picking up her Bible again. "Everyone enjoys some daylight, but people everywhere also need a different kind of light. That's because, in a way, those who live without the Bible live in the dark all the time. Do you know why?"

Chip looked uncertain. "Well . . . I learned a verse that says the Bible is like a light," he said.

"Exactly," agreed Grandma. "God says the Bible gives light to our lives. It shows us the way to know and love God-and how to live for Him day by day."

Chip set the flashlight on the table. "I think we should keep this right here, Grandma, just in case the lights go out again."

"Okay," agreed Grandma with a smile. "And let's keep Bible verses in our hearts for times of spiritual need. You said you don't like the dark, so let's read some more of God's Word."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read take time to read the Bible? Do you memorize portions of it so that you'll never be without the light of God's Word? Do you apply His teaching to your own life? When reading the Old Testament, you learn how God worked in people's lives, and you learn from their examples. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is your example. Use your Bible each day to light up your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

[Soldier4Christ]

 Switch Channels

Tiffany pushed the food around on her plate. "I'm not hungry," she said, "and I didn't sleep very good last night, either. I keep thinking about Dad going off and marrying someone else." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"I know, honey," Mom replied gently.

Tiffany wiped her eyes. "I thought maybe I could persuade Dad to stay with us," she said, "but I couldn't."

"The things that have happened are not your fault, honey, and you can't change them," said Mom. "Let's trust God. He wants to give us His peace."

After dinner, Tiffany turned on the TV. "There's a new game show I want to see," she said. But instead of the game show, a different program was on-one her mother never let her watch. Tiffany quickly switched the channel.

"Aren't you going to watch that show?" asked Mom.

Tiffany looked at her suspiciously. "Of course not," she said. "You never let me watch it-and I don't want to anyway. It wouldn't make me feel very happy to hear the terrible stuff they do and say. "

"You're right," agreed Mom. "What do you suppose we could watch to make us feel good?"

"Well . . . I don't know. Maybe the Christian channel," suggested Tiffany.

"Let's try it," said Mom. She smiled at Tiffany. "Honey, I want you to know that when things are troubling you, you can 'switch channels,' in your mind, too. You don't have to keep 'listening' to the things that cause pain. Doing that makes you worried and depressed. The Bible says we can have perfect peace if we keep our minds on the Lord and trust Him."

"You mean . . . I should quit thinking about all the bad things that have happened and think about good things instead?" asked Tiffany.

Mom nodded. "I know it's hard to learn to do that," she said. "I'm learning it myself. First, talk to the Lord about your problems. He cares about you and about all that's going on in your life, so tell Him all about it-tell Him how you feel. Then start praising and thanking Him for the many good things He's done for you. When you're doing that, you'll find you just can't worry."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you let troubles keep you from being happy or from eating and sleeping? Switch channels. Turn your mind off your troubles and begin thinking about the Lord and all He's done for you and given you. It's not always easy to do, and it's something you'll have to continually work at throughout your life. But it always works. If you keep your mind on the Lord, He gives you peace.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Big Winners

"Hi, Mom," said Kellie when she returned home from school. "You're not going to believe this-I know I can't!"

"Believe what?" asked Mom.

"Kayla took a babysitting job on the day of my party!" explained Kellie. "You'd think she could turn down one job! And Kirsten isn't coming, either. Her mom is going shopping, and Kirsten wants to go along." Kellie looked at her guest list and crossed off the names "Kayla" and "Kirsten."

The next day, Kellie was unhappy again. "Sandra wants to hit a big sale at the mall on the day of my party," she reported to her mother. "And Liz says she has to take care of her little sister." Kellie slumped into a chair. "What's a party with no guests? I think I'll call the whole thing off!"

"Well, now wait a minute!" said Mom. "You've invited several other friends. Some of them plan to come, don't they? They may be refusing other invitations in order to attend your party. It wouldn't be fair to them if you cancel."

Kellie looked thoughtful. "Then let's put on a super-good party, okay?" she asked. "The kids who come will be the big winners!" Mom nodded, and party-plans continued.

On Sunday, Kellie was surprised as she listened to Pastor Grey. "God has issued an invitation," he said. "He invites everyone to come to Him for salvation. But many people seem to be more interested in living for themselves here on earth than thinking about eternity. Don't you think it must hurt God when people refuse to accept His invitation?" Kellie glanced at Mom, quite sure they were both thinking of Kellie's party and how hurt she had been when a few friends turned down her invitation. "When people refuse invitations we offer, we might feel like withdrawing them, but God doesn't do that," added Pastor Grey. "He continues to invite them to accept Jesus. He's willing to receive those who change their minds and decide to follow Him after all."

Kellie hadn't ever thought about how God might feel. Silently, she prayed that many people would accept His invitation by trusting Jesus as Savior that very day.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has anyone rejected something you've offered? If so, can you understand a little how grieved God must be when you refuse what He offers you? Don't reject Him any longer. When you accept His invitation to have Jesus be your Savior, you are the big winner. You'll receive His gift of everlasting life. Don't wait. Trust in Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. John 6:37

[Soldier4Christ]

 Canyon Echo

"Yummy! Those hamburgers smell really good!" exclaimed Wendy as her mother turned the meat on the grill. "I'll call Dad and Austin. They said they'd stay close enough to hear us." The family was camping in a mountain canyon, and Wendy's father and brother went for a hike while Wendy and Mom got their meal ready.

Wendy faced the high cliffs opposite the campsite, took a deep breath, and loudly shouted, "Yoo-hoo!"

"Yoo-hoo!" came back to her, clear as a bell.

"Supper!" yelled Wendy.

"Supper!" was the immediate response.

Wendy looked a little puzzled, then she grinned as Dad and Austin walked into the campsite. "When I heard 'yoo-hoo' coming from the other side of the canyon, I thought you were answering me, Austin," she said with a giggle, "but I knew you weren't calling me to supper. It was my own echo."

"So you got acquainted with a friendly echo who lives on the canyon wall," said Dad with a smile.

"Echoes don't live on canyon walls," said Austin. "They're made by sound waves bouncing back to us so that we hear the sound again." He grinned. "Now, may I please have a hamburger? I'm starved."

After supper, Austin joined Wendy in talking with the canyon echo. Finally, Wendy called, "Good night," and then she listened as the echo repeated the message. "Echoes are fun," she declared.

Dad smiled. "Did you know that we should be echoes, too?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" asked Austin. "How should we be echoes?"

"Well," replied Dad, "when God speaks to people today, they don't actually hear a voice. His words are found in the Bible, but many people don't read it. They'll hear of God's love only as those of us who know God's Word echo it back to them."

"I get it," said Wendy. "It's like we're God's echo."

"So people hear what God says by listening to us," added Austin.

"Amen," Dad said loudly-and they all listened quietly as the answering "Amen" wafted back from the canyon wall.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is someone hearing about Jesus as you echo God's Word and His love? Think about your own life-how did you learn that Jesus loves you and died to save you? Was it "echoed" by parents? A Sunday school teacher? A friend? Not many people pick up the Bible and read and learn about Jesus all on their own. Most need someone to "echo" God's message to them. If you know Jesus, it's your privilege and responsibility to be God's echo.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
How shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Steal the Sheep

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

I remember a game we used to play during recess at school. The game was called "Steal the Sticks." Let me explain how the game is played. The class is divided into two teams and a line is drawn on the ground on each side of the playground. A pile of sticks is placed in a circle near each team's line. The object of the game is to steal a stick from the other team's circle without being tagged. If a player is behind his own team's line, he is safe and cannot be tagged by the other team. If a player is tagged, he has to stay with the other team until he is rescued by being tagged by one of his own team members. When one team has stolen all of the other team's sticks, the game is over. Otherwise, the team that has the most sticks at the end of the game is the winner. We had a lot of fun playing "Steal the Sticks," but in real life, stealing is never fun. It is very serious business.

I am reminded of a story that Jesus told that we might call "Steal the Sheep." Jesus said that sometimes a person climbs over the fence into a sheep pen. "Anyone who does that must surely be a thief and a robber" Jesus said, "because the shepherd who cares for the sheep would not climb over the fence, he would enter the gate." Jesus went on to explain that the gatekeeper knows the shepherd and will open the gate for him. The sheep know the shepherd and will recognize his voice and follow him. The sheep will never follow a stranger -- they will run from a stranger!

The Bible says that when Jesus told this story, the people didn't understand it. Do you think you understand what Jesus was talking about? Well, let me tell you what I think this story means. I think that in this story, we are the sheep and Jesus is the shepherd. Jesus loves us and he wants only what is best for us. He will watch over us and care for us and keep us from harm. He will provide everything that we need. The one who would climb over the fence and try to steal the sheep is a false teacher. He is one who will try to lead us astray and trick us into following him instead of following Jesus.

When someone tries to get you to follow him, listen to what he says and then ask yourself, "What did Jesus say?" If what he is saying is not the same as what Jesus said, watch out! Remember the warning that Jesus gives at the end of our Bible lesson today, "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest."

Dear Jesus, we know that you are the good shepherd. We love you and want to follow you each and every day. Help us to watch out for those who want to lead us astray. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Work? Fun? Or Both?

"Can you guess what I just did?" Tyler asked his mother.

"Well, I don't know, but judging by your beaming face, I'd say it must be something good," said Mom with a smile. "What did you do?"

"Well, Grandma and Grandpa will be home tomorrow, so even though we mowed their lawn a couple days ago, I mowed it again," said Tyler. "Now when they get home, it will look really nice for them."

"Wow!" said Mom. "That's great! I know they'll appreciate it."

After supper that evening, Tyler sat at the table with his homework. He frowned. "This takes way too long!" he grumbled with a sigh. "My teacher gives us too much work! She doesn't want us to have any fun."

"Oh, I'm sure that's not true," said Mom. She sat down beside Tyler. "Remember how excited you were after you mowed Grandpa's lawn today?" she asked. Tyler nodded. "Usually you don't care much about mowing lawns, but you had fun mowing Grandpa's," said Mom. "Why was that?"

"Well . . . I liked the idea of making him and Grandma happy," said Tyler.

Mom nodded. "Did you know that doing your homework makes someone happy, too?" she asked.

Tyler frowned. "I guess I'm not all that interested in making my teacher happy," he said.

Mom smiled. "I think you should be," she replied. "Besides, it also makes Dad and me happy when you do good work. But what I was thinking about is that it makes Jesus happy."

"Jesus?" asked Tyler doubtfully.

Mom nodded. "God's place for you right now is in school," she said, "and since He wants you there, don't you think it pleases Him when you to do your best?"

Tyler hesitated. "I guess so," he said slowly.

"Sometimes we all have to do things we don't feel like doing," said Mom. She smiled. "Right now, I don't particularly want to cook dinner," she added, "but I'll go do it-and I'll even enjoy it because I love you and Dad and I know it will make you both happy!"

Tyler laughed. "Besides, it will make Jesus happy, too-right?" He turned to his books. "Okay," he said. "I'll get this homework done."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you learned that work can be enjoyable-even fun? Schoolwork or chores you have to do at home can be fun if you're doing them for someone you love. When there are things you need to do, think about who will be happy to see you doing them cheerfully. Even if there's no one at home to notice your efforts, remember that if you really love Jesus, you're doing all those things for Him, too. Then you won't be so quickly tempted to complain.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

[Soldier4Christ]

 Wrinkles

"I want to wear my new blue shirt, Mom. Did you wash it?" asked Ashley as she entered the family room.

Her mother, who was sitting at a desk and writing in a notebook, looked up and nodded. "Yes, I washed it. It's on a hanger in the laundry room, but it's pretty wrinkled," she said. "It will need ironing. Do you need help with that?"

"I think I can do it," said Ashley. "I'll call for help if I need it." She hurried off and got out the iron.

When the shirt was pressed, Ashley went to show it to her mother. " Look, Mom," she said. "My shirt was pretty messy, but it's nice and neat now!"

Mom took the shirt and looked it over. "It looks great," she said. She paused, then added thoughtfully, "The iron took good care of all those wrinkles . . . and do you know that the Holy Spirit takes care of our 'wrinkly' prayers?"

"Wrinkly prayers?" repeated Ashley in surprise. "What have we said that would make you think of prayer?"

Mom smiled. "I've just been studying my lesson for Sunday school," she explained. "It's about prayer."

"Well, what are wrinkly prayers?" Ashley asked. "I've never heard of such a thing before!"

"Well, actually, that's not a very accurate description," admitted Mom. "I was just thinking that when we pray, we aren't always sure what to say. We may know only part of what's going on in the life of someone we're praying for. Even when we know all about a problem, we may not be quite sure what we should ask for regarding those needs."

"Mom, I still don't get it," said Ashley.

"When we pray about those things, sometimes we might actually ask for the wrong things because we don't know what the best solution for the problem would be," explained Mom. "Our prayers may seem unclear and confused to us."

"You mean, they're kind of . . . messy, like a wrinkled shirt?" asked Ashley. "That's why you called them 'wrinkled prayers'?"

"Exactly," said Mom, "but the Holy Spirit takes care of them so that, before God's throne, they're all 'neat' and make perfect sense."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel like you're not sure what to say when you pray? Have you heard people ask for prayer for an "unspoken request" and wondered how you could pray for something when you don't know what it is? If you're unsure what to tell God, remember that He wants you to come to Him with anything and everything that concerns you.Tell Him the best way you can. Trust the Holy Spirit, who knows exactly what you should pray, to "smooth out the wrinkles."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. Romans 8:26

[Soldier4Christ]

 Howling or Trusting?

Megan clapped her hands over her ears as loud howls continually came from the back yard. "I can't believe how loud Floppy is!" she exclaimed.

"Me, neither," said Randy, "but she has to get used to being tied until we can get a fence put up. We don't want her to run out in the street and get hit by a car. If only she could understand, she'd quiet down."

"Actually, I think Floppy is just doing what we all do when something happens that we don't like," said Dad as he put the newspaper aside.

"I've never howled like that!" protested Randy. Mom and Dad looked at each other and laughed. "Really! When have I made that much noise?" asked Randy.

"How about last summer when you had to share your room with your cousin?" suggested Mom.

"Aw, Mom, I didn't howl!" objected Randy. "Besides, being tied up is good for Floppy-she just doesn't understand that. When I had to share my room with Caden, it wasn't good for me at all! He ruined some of my stuff."

"So you think God's plan for you and Caden to share a room was not a good one?" asked Dad.

"We-e-ell," Randy hesitated. "Was it really God's plan?" he asked. "Maybe it was just our plan."

Dad smiled. "We prayed about the situation, and we all felt it was the right way to handle it. We agreed it was what God wanted us to do, remember?" Reluctantly, Randy nodded.

"God has a reason for everything we go through," added Mom. "We may not always understand it, but we can always trust that God does what's best for us-just like we're doing what's best for Floppy."

"Maybe it would be easier if God explained things to us first," suggested Megan.

"Do you think we'd understand any better than Floppy does?" asked Dad.

Suddenly, all was quiet. Randy looked at Megan, and she put her finger to her lips. Mom held her breath. After a few long minutes, there was another loud howl, and everyone laughed.

"Well, that dog certainly is not trusting God-or us," said Randy. "I'd better go bring her in before the neighbors complain!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you going through a hard time? Are you howling or are you trusting? You may not understand why you have to be sick, struggle with school work, miss a party, or lose somebody you love. You may wonder if God even cares about what's happening in your life. He does. You may not understand His ways and His plans, but you can be sure He's in control and allows only what will prove to be for your good. Trust Him and His plans for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
My ways (are) higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Stronger than Super Glue

CRASH! Philip's mother looked up from her sewing and listened. "Oh, no!" came a wail from the kitchen where Philip was putting the lunch dishes into the dishwasher. A moment later, Philip shuffled into the sewing room, holding a coffee mug with a broken handle. "I broke Dad's favorite mug," he confessed. "It fell when I was going to rinse it."

Mom took the mug and looked it over. "I know it was an accident," she said, "and Dad will understand. But I think we can fix it. Come with me."

Philip went with his mother to the kitchen, where Mom took a small tube from a drawer. She removed the cap and squeezed a tiny bead of glue onto each end of the handle. Then she pressed the broken handle to the mug and held it for a few seconds. When she cautiously let go of the handle, it stayed in place. Setting the mug on the counter, she stood back and looked at it. "There," she said. "We'll give it time to dry before we touch it again. Dad will still be able to use it."

Philip looked at the mug, too. "What will happen when it has to be washed? The glue will get wet, won't it?" he asked. "Won't the handle come off again?"

Mom shook her head. "Not if this glue is as good as the man at the store says it is," she replied with a smile. "According to him, nothing will be able to break the handle off that mug."

"I hope he's right!" said Philip.

"I hope so, too," agreed Mom as she turned to go back to her sewing. "All this reminds me of some verses in the Bible," she added.

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Philip. "I'm sure the Bible doesn't talk about fixing mugs with super glue!"

Mom laughed. "No," she agreed, "but it talks about something far stronger than super glue-God's love. The Bible says that nothing can separate us from the love of God." She picked up the mug and handed it to Philip. "Better tell Dad what happened so he can be extra careful when he uses it," she added.

"Okay, Mom," said Philip. "Thanks." He grinned. "I'll go finish the dishes now, and I'll try not to break anything else even though we have plenty of super glue. I'll remember that it may be awfully strong, but it's not nearly as strong as God's love."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Aren't you glad that God loves you and He always will? If you know Jesus, He may have to discipline or punish you sometimes, but He does love you. No matter what problems you face, He loves you and will help you through them. No matter what happens in this world, God loves you! What a wonderful God!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Romans 8:38-39)
Neither death nor life . . . nor things present nor things to come . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Humpty Dumpty Words

"You're a thief, Jack!" shouted Ethan. "Don't ever come in my room again!" He slammed his door as his brother left the room.

"What's going on here?" asked Mom, coming down the hall. "What's all this yelling about?"

"Ethan says I stole his baseball mitt, but I didn't," replied Jack angrily. "He's just a liar, and he better stay out of my room, too."

"I want both of you to come with me," Mom replied, rapping on Ethan's closed door. "Ethan, come on out here," she called. A moment later, both boys stood in the hall. "Follow me," ordered Mom, and she led them to the back porch. There, on a bench, lay Ethan's mitt. With angry words, each boy insisted that the other had left the mitt there.

"Both of you be quiet! I want to show you something," said Mom. This time she headed for the kitchen. She took an egg from the refrigerator and placed it on the counter beside an empty cup. "Jack, crack this egg into the cup," said Mom. The boys gave her a puzzled look, but Jack obeyed. "Now, Ethan," said Mom, "put that egg back into the shell again-just the way it was."

Ethan frowned. "You know I can't do that," he said. "You can't fix a broken egg."

"Like Humpty Dumpty, right?" asked Mom with a chuckle. Then she became serious. "The point is," she added, "that some other things are like Humpty Dumpty-things that can't be easily mended." She looked at them sternly. "How about a person's feelings, for example? And how about words that are spoken? You boys both said some ugly things to each other-and taking words back is as impossible as mending an egg. God says the tongue is like a fire that cannot be put out. That's how much damage words can do."

"I . . . well, I'm sorry," Jack told his brother.

"I . . . ah . . . me, too," replied Ethan. "You want to come in my room, Jack?"

Jack hesitated. "I dunno. Maybe later," he replied.

"That sounds better," said Mom, "but make sure you remember that even saying you're sorry doesn't make words disappear. Guard your tongues before angry, Humpty Dumpty words spill out!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about the words you speak, or do they sometimes get away from you before you think? It's good to apologize when that happens, but it doesn't totally undo the damage the words may have done. The person who was hurt may have trouble forgetting the things you've said. Guard your tongue, and ask God to give you wisdom to use words that are helpful and good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good. Ephesians 4:29