Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 The U-Turn Sign

Darla knocked on her neighbor's door. "Hi, Jenna! Can you come out and play?" she asked when her friend came to see who was there.

"Sure," replied Jenna, "but come in and meet my sitter first. When Mom's gone all day, Mrs. Johnson usually comes. But she had other plans today, so she recommended Glenna. She's cool!"

The girls found Glenna in the family room, and Jenna introduced them. Glenna smiled and held up a book. "What sign are you?" she asked Darla.

"Sign?" Darla repeated. "I don't know." She held her right hand out in front of her. "A . . . a stop sign, I guess."

"Don't be silly," said Jenna. "Glenna means a sign like Gemini or Libra. You know-signs of the stars. Astrology."

"What's your birth date?" Glenna asked. "I'll look up your horoscope in this book. It tells stuff about your personality and something about your future."

"I'm a Scorpio," said Jenna when Darla hesitated. "Just before you came, Glenna read my horoscope. It says I'm going to be rich some day."

Darla frowned. "My Sunday school teacher says the only place we can learn about the future is in the Bible."

"Oh, wow!" exclaimed Glenna. "A Jesus freak!"

Darla was uncomfortable. "Come on, Jenna. Let's go outside and play," she suggested.

"Let Glenna read your horoscope first," begged Jenna. "You don't have to take it seriously." But Darla refused, so the two girls went out to play.

That evening, Darla told her parents about Glenna and the horoscopes. "I guess it was silly of me to not even tell her when my birthday is," she said.

Mom shook her head. "No, it wasn't," she replied. "I'm proud of you, honey. I'm glad you said you were a stop sign and acted like one-you stopped Glenna from reading your horoscope."

Dad nodded. "If you're confronted with this again, maybe you could be a 'U-Turn' sign," he suggested. "As soon as the subject comes up, do a U-turn-do an about-face-and get out of there. Things like that may seem harmless, but they're tools of the devil. Many people are led astray by them."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you read your horoscope in the newspaper? That may seem harmless, but if advice is offered, do you think it would be a good idea to follow it-just in case those who "read the stars" are correct?  Be careful! Don't get involved in any way. Christians do not need the devil's games to tell them how to live. Turn away from any kind of fortune telling. Let God's Word guide you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
These . . . listened to soothsayers and diviners; but . . . your God has not appointed such for you. Deuteronomy 18:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Silent Treatment

Justin frowned. Joanna never quits talking! he thought as he saw his sister coming up the walk. I wish she'd leave me alone. He snapped his fingers. I know what will fix her. I'll give her the silent treatment. So as Joanna came into the house, Justin retreated to his room. She banged on his door and called his name, but he turned up the volume on his CD player so he couldn't hear her, and Joanna finally gave up and walked away.

Later that afternoon, Joanna started to tell Justin something, but he covered his ears with both his hands and began to hum. I'll teach her, he thought. All afternoon, he refused to hear anything she said.

At dinnertime, Justin noticed that Joanna had changed clothes. "Are you going somewhere, Joanna?" asked Dad, who had just arrived home.

"The King kids and their family invited us to a pizza and skating outing with them," explained Joanna.

"Sounds like fun," said Dad. He looked at Justin. "You're not going?"

"I wasn't invited," Justin answered crossly.

"You were, too!" said Joanna. "I tried to tell you all day, but you wouldn't listen."

"Oh, no!" wailed Justin as the Kings' car turned into the driveway-too late for him to get ready.

That evening, Justin asked his parents for help with an assignment for Sunday school. "We'll be having lessons on prayer," he said. "Our teacher said if we'd each write a short essay on the subject, she'd bring a treat for us. But what should I write?"

"Well, let's see," said Dad. "Maybe you could talk about the importance of talking to God and listening to Him."

"You could tell about how you missed out on fun today by refusing to talk with your sister," suggested Mom. "Then explain that we all lose out on blessings when we fail to communicate with the Lord. We sometimes give Him the silent treatment."

Dad nodded. "When we do that, I believe He is grieved, and it certainly hurts us. We need to keep open communication with Him and not try to work things out all on our own. He wants us to talk with Him about everything."

"Good idea," said Justin. "I'll call my essay 'The Silent Treatment.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you regularly talk to God? Do you tell Him about everything going on in your life? Do you ask for help to find the best way to solve problems you face? Do you tell Him how much you appreciate the things you enjoy? Do you ask for wisdom as you work and play with friends? Or do you think it doesn't make any difference if you pray or not? It does! Don't give God the silent treatment and try to work things out in your own way. He wants to help you. Talk to Him about everything.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In everything by prayer and . . . with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

[Soldier4Christ]

 Run!

As Michelle carefully counted out the money she had taken from her drawer, her sister Rachel watched from a comfortable spot on the bed. The girls had decided to pool their money and get their mother a special gift for Mother's Day. "We should go around the neighborhood and ask if there are any odd jobs we can do," said Michelle. "Then we might have enough money to get Mom that Bible we looked at."

"Well, Mrs. Stowe is always looking for someone to do garden work for her. Let's try her," suggested Rachel eagerly.

Soon the girls were mowing and raking Mrs. Stowe's yard. It was a very hot day, and they were wet with sweat by the time they finished. Wiping her forehead, Michelle gratefully took the money Mrs. Stowe gave them. She put it in her pocket.

"Let's go see if Mrs. Barnes would like us to do her lawn, too," said Rachel.

"Okay," agreed Michelle as the started down the street, "but I'm thirsty! I'd give most anything for a nice, cold bottle of pop right now!"

"That would taste great," agreed Rachel.

Just then, the girls heard the merry music of the "Mr. Jiffy" truck as it came around the corner. "Ice cold pop," called out the driver. "Come and get your ice cold pop!"

Michelle and Rachel looked at each other. "Oh, this is so tempting, Rachel. What should we do?" asked Michelle.

"Run!" shouted Rachel. And they did! They ran in the direction of their home to get a glass of lemonade before looking for more work.

Later that day, they counted their earnings. Michelle turned and grinned at Rachel. "We have just enough to get that Bible," she said happily. "Good thing we didn't spend any on pop."

Rachel nodded. "Yes," she agreed. "It's like my Sunday school teacher told us last week. She said the best way to keep from giving in to any temptation is to run from it. I'm glad we did that. It worked!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you do when you're tempted to cheat, lie, disobey, try drugs-or commit any kind of sin? God promised to always provide a way for you to escape, but you have to do your part, too. Often that involves getting out of a situation-getting away from it. Hanging around it and thinking about how enjoyable it might be could bring defeat. Follow the advice the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy-flee! Run away from situations where you're tempted to sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Flee also youthful lusts. 2 Timothy 2:22

[Soldier4Christ]

And It Was Very Good

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

It is interesting to look at a globe of the earth. Can you find where we live on the globe? I like to give the globe a little nudge and watch it spin. It reminds me of the song, "Little Blue Top."

Little Blue Top
Words & Music: Tony Hughes

Round and round goes the little blue top;
Whirling and turning with never a stop.
Dappled with white, green, and brown;
The little blue top keeps turning around.

The earth keeps on spinning around and around and it has ever since it was created. The very first words in the Bible tell us that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Then it goes on to tell the story of God's creation.

The first thing that God created was light. The Bible tells us that God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

Then God thought, "Hmm... there needs to be a space to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters on the earth." So God made a space to separate the the earth from the the heavens. He called it "sky."

Next, God brought all the waters of the earth together to make the oceans and the seas and to create dry land between them. Then he covered the dry land with flowers, trees, and grass.

God paused, looked at the beautiful trees and flowers and said, "That's good!" Then he continued his creation.

He created the sun, moon, and stars. They were beautiful! God looked at them, and again he said, "That's good."

Then God created the birds and fish. He blessed them and told them to multiply so that the sea would be filled with fish of all shapes and sizes and the air would be filled with beautiful birds. God looked at them, smiled, and said, "That's good."

Finally, God made the animals. Tall, skinny giraffes and furry little squirrels. He made cuddly little kittens and big, ferocious lions -- animals of every kind. Then God made man and woman. The Bible says he made them to be like him and he put them in charge of all that he had created -- the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living creature.

When God had finished, he looked at all that he had created and he said, "That is VERY GOOD!"

I encourage each of you to take a walk. As you walk, look at all that God has created. Give thanks and remember, not only were we created in God's image, but he placed us in charge of his creation. Listen to what the psalmist David said: (Psalm 8:6-8 NIV)

    You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under his feet:

    all flocks and herds,
    and the beasts of the field,

    the birds of the air,
    and the fish of the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

As we look at all that God has created, let's remember, it is up to us to take care of it.

Father, we thank you for all of creation. We thank you for life and for life eternal through Jesus Christ, your Son. Help us to take good care of all that you have given us. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Mrs. McGinn's New Rules

"Did you see the new list of class rules Mrs. McGinn posted this morning?" Greg asked when his friend Brad joined him on the playground before school.

"Yeah!" Brad nodded. "The rules and what will happen if we break them!"

"Right, but her rules are impossible," complained Greg as the starting bell rang.

As Greg worked on his math that afternoon, his pencil point broke. He glanced at Mrs. McGinn. Since she wasn't looking his way, he tapped Brad on the shoulder. "Do you have an extra pencil?" whispered Greg.

"Greg Harris," thundered Mrs. McGinn, "one of our rules is that you will not whisper in class. You broke that rule, so starting tomorrow, you will stay after school for three days." Greg tried to explain, but it was no use.

When Greg told his parents about it, Mom shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said sympathetically, "but you knew the rule, so you really can't complain."

"That's right," agreed Dad as he picked up his Bible. "Ready for family devotions? I believe we're up to Exodus 20, and it's your turn to read, Greg."

Greg took the Bible and began to read. "More rules!" he exclaimed after reading several verses."

Dad nodded. "These rules are just part of God's law," he said. "The Bible also tells what punishment would be given for disobeying God's rules."

"Is it as bad as Mrs. McGinn's?" asked Greg.

"Much worse. Sin is a terrible offense against God, and sometimes the punishment was death," said Mom. "In fact, the final judgment for sin is eternal death. That's punishment in hell forever."

"But we may experience God's grace instead of the punishment we deserve," added Dad. "Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. We need to simply trust in Him for forgiveness."

Mom nodded. "God does expect us-as Christians-to obey Him, but we don't need to fear eternal punishment. Jesus took that for us."

"It would be nice if someone would take my punishment from Mrs. McGinn, too," observed Greg with a wry grin, "but at least it won't last forever!"

"Right!" Dad smiled. "It can remind you to be thankful for what Jesus did for you so that you don't have to suffer any punishment forever."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that you have broken God's rules? Exodus 20 contains what is referred to as the Ten Commandments. They're only part of God's law-and no one could ever keep His law perfectly. You deserve the punishment that follows disobedience. Jesus took that punishment and offers forgiveness. It's only by accepting Him as Savior that you can escape the penalty for sin. Believe in Him and what He has done for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

[Soldier4Christ]

 Adjustments

"Hi, Mr. Bill," said Alex as he walked across the lawn. His neighbor was watering pink and white impatiens in a flower box.

"Hi, yourself," replied the elderly man. "Have you gotten used to being back here in your father's old home town?"

Alex put his book bag down before he answered. "No," he said, "not really. I'm still praying every night that Dad will get transferred back to Oceanview. I miss swimming in the ocean and playing tennis every day."

"We do have swimming and tennis here, you know," said Mr. Bill as he began watering the plants in a large urn.

"I know. That's what Sam said-he's in my Sunday school class," replied Alex. "But he said the only place there is to swim around here is the city pool. I went with him one day, and it was so crowded, it was no fun at all! And Sam says it's nearly all girls who play tennis in this town. He says basketball or baseball are what most of the boys like to play. I never did get into those games very much."

"Sounds like you need to make an adjustment," observed Mr. Bill.

"I don't want to," Sam replied stubbornly.

"I didn't either," sympathized Mr. Bill. "Before I moved to this small house, I used to have a big garden. When I first moved here, I tried to grow the same flowers here on the north side of the house as I had grown in my big sunny garden. Most of them either died or grew spindly and didn't bloom."

"Your flowers look okay to me," said Alex, looking at the various flower boxes and urns.

"That's because I adjusted to the circumstances and planted flowers that bloom in the shade," explained Mr. Bill. He sat down on a patio chair. "I learned that God has more than one kind of beautiful flower."

"Are you saying that I should adjust to this town by taking up baseball and basketball?" asked Alex.

"You might like them-like I've learned to like impatiens and begonias," said Mr. Bill. "I think you should continue with your swimming and tennis, but it would be good to learn that God supplies other forms of enjoyable recreation, too."

Alex was thoughtful as he headed home.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have to adjust to something a new-a Sunday school class, home, school, or family member? If you see only the bad things about your new situation, you'll miss out on the good things God has for you. Don't sit back and pout. Instead, ask God to help you find something good about the changes that have occurred in your life. Think about that good thing. Thank God for it. Enjoy it. Ask God to help you adjust and be content in whatever situation He has provided for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11

[Soldier4Christ]

 Like Jesus

Rick sighed as he looked out the window. He had planned to spend the day with his grandfather. "Let's go catch some fish next Saturday morning, Rick," Grandpa had said, "that is, if it doesn't rain." But it was raining.

"This is going to be a boring day with nothing to do," grumbled Rick.

"Oh, you're always complaining," replied his sister. "Read a book or work a puzzle or something."

 The sound of a man's voice came from the kitchen where Mom was listening to one of her favorite speakers on the radio. "When Jesus appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," the man was saying.

Rick's thoughts lingered on that last phrase-"see Him as He is." I wonder what Jesus really does look like, he thought. When He was on earth, was He tall? Or short? Did He really have long hair like the pictures in books? I wish somebody who knew Him had written a description. I bet He probably smiled a lot, and maybe His eyes twinkled like Grandpa's.

The sound of the phone caused Rick to jump. "It's for you, Son," called Mom from the kitchen.

When he heard his grandfather's cheerful voice on the phone, Rick knew Grandpa was smiling. Grandpa was calling from ten miles away, but it was easy to imagine how he looked-and Rick liked it that everybody said he looked like his grandfather. "Hi, there," said Grandpa. "What do you think of the weather?"

"Not much," replied Rick. "It's raining."

"Yes," said Grandpa, "but I've got another idea. I need some help in my workshop. Are you available? And can you be ready soon?"

"I'm available, and I'm ready right now!" exclaimed Rick.

As Rick replaced the phone, the voice on the radio caught his attention again. "Our hope lies in the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. We shall not only see Him but we shall be like Him." Rick smiled to himself. It's nice to look like Grandpa, he thought, but it would be even better if people said I act like him, because he's such a nice person. And it will be better yet when I'm like Jesus because then I'll be perfect, like He is. Rick grinned. He was imagining what his sister would say about the idea of him being perfect.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you wish you could actually see Jesus or at least know what He looks like? If you know Him as Savior, some day you will see Him. Not only that, but you'll be like Him, too. You'll have a glorified body-a special body-that will never suffer anymore or die. You'll never sin again-you'll be perfect. That's definitely something to look forward to!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We know that when He (Jesus) is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Eric's Echo

On a Saturday morning hike, Eric and his father came to the entrance of a tunnel that went under a road. "Hello in there!" Eric called out. "Hello!"

"Hello," repeated an echo. "Hello . . ."

Eric grinned. "I'm Eric," he shouted. "I'm Eric."

"Eric . . . Eric," his voice echoed back.

Soon they were through the tunnel and heading across the next open field. "Hello there," yelled Eric once again, but there was no answering echo. Eric laughed. "I knew there wouldn't be an echo out here," he said. "I just thought I'd try it anyway."

Dad smiled and nodded. "When sound waves hit the hard walls of the tunnel, they bounce back as an echo," he explained. "Out here in this open space, there aren't any obstacles like that, so the sound keeps going."

After a good hike, Eric and Dad headed home. "I hope Lisa and Ellen are gone somewhere by the time we get home," Eric told his dad. "All they ever do is giggle and scream."

"Well, I recall that your sisters have complaints about you, too-they say you pick on them all the time," observed Dad. "I think all of you should try harder to get along with each other."

"C'mon, Dad," protested Eric. "You know what a pain sisters can be. You had three of them."

"Yes," agreed Dad, "I did, but I'm afraid they'd tell you what a pain brothers can be. Anyway, God says we're to love others and live at peace with them. That includes sisters."

"I've heard that enough," said Eric. "I hear it at home, in Sunday school, in Bible club-everywhere. Love others and be kind."

"Good," said Dad. "I don't think we can ever hear things like that too often." He ruffled Eric's hair. "Remember how everything you said in the tunnel echoed back to you? Well, when you hear what God says about the way He wants you to live, your words and actions should echo His words. Don't be like an open field and allow God's message to just go off into space. Apply it to your relationships with others-including your sisters."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your life echo the Scripture lessons you hear? It should. Think about the things God says in His Word. A good place to start might be Galatians 5:22. Look it up and ask yourself, "Do I echo God's love? Am I joyful and peaceful instead of complaining? Am I patient and kind and good to others?" As you read and hear God's words each day, don't let them drift into space. Apply them to your everyday life and relationships with other people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Psalm 119:4

[Soldier4Christ]

 Friends and Neighbors

Kim's heart ached as she got ready for school. "No one ever talks to me at school," she told her parents that morning. "I hate it here! We've lived here six weeks, and I still don't have one friend-not one!"

Mom looked up with a smile. "Kim, a long time ago I learned a little poem I think you need to apply to your life," she said. "It says, 'I went looking for a friend, but not one could be found. I went out to be a friend, and friends were all around.'"

Kim wiped her hands on a napkin. "What does that mean?" she asked.

"It means that you shouldn't think so much about finding a friend," Mom explained. "Instead, look for someone who needs a friend, and be a friend to that person. That's what God advises, too."

Dad nodded. "In the King James version of the Bible, Proverbs 18:24 says that a person who has friends must be friendly. Other versions don't put it exactly the same way, but they all contain lots of verses that tell us we need to show love to other people and not be so concerned about them loving us." He stood, ready to leave for work. "You've been feeling sorry for yourself, honey, and that's understandable, but it's time to think about others. Now . . . grab your books. I'll give you a free ride to school."

As Kim got out of the car at the school, Dad encouraged her. "Do what God says, honey-be friendly today," he urged. "God knows what He's talking about."

As Dad drove away, Kim noticed a girl going up the walk. That looks like the girl who sits across from me in math, thought Kim. What's her name? Oh, yes-Nadine. She doesn't seem to do much with the other kids. Maybe she doesn't have any friends, either. Maybe . . .

"Nadine," called Kim. "Wait up. Can I walk with you?"

Nadine looked up. "Sure," she said. "Thanks for asking." Nadine smiled. "You're new here, aren't you?" she asked. "I am, too. I've been here seven weeks, and you're the first person who's noticed me."

A warm feeling filled Kim, and it drove out the cold, lonely ache. Mom and Dad are right, she thought. God's advice really works.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel lonely? Left out? Do you wait for others to speak to you first? Instead of waiting for someone to be a friend to you, do what God says-show love to others. He says to love your neighbor-everyone you come in contact with-as yourself. So . . . would you like other kids to speak to you? Then speak to them. Would you like them to include you in their groups? Then include them in yours. In other words, be a friend. Start today. You'll find friends everywhere.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31

[Soldier4Christ]

 For a Good Cause

Since Gavin stayed after school for track practice, he had to ride the late bus home, and he hated it. "Some of the guys on the bus think they're so cool," he complained when he arrived home one day. "They're mean to me just because they know I go to church. I feel like punching them out!"

"And what would that do for your Christian testimony?" asked Mom. She gave him a hug. "Be patient, Son, and be true to God," she said. "He'll use all things to accomplish His purpose."

Gavin wasn't so sure. "Well, if He's going to use the way the guys treat me, I wish He'd hurry up then," he said with a sigh. "I wish He'd get it over with!"

After supper, Gavin got up stiffly from the table. "Are you sure you're not overdoing it with all your after-school practice?" asked Dad. "Maybe being on the team is too much for you, Son."

"We get really hard workouts, and I feel pretty sore," admitted Gavin. He stretched, then slowly collapsed onto the couch. "But I don't mind a little aching," he added quickly. "It's for a good cause. Coach says we're strengthening our bodies so we'll be ready when we go against tough competition."

"So I guess what seems bad now will be turned around for good, right?" asked Dad.

"Now you sound like Mom," said Gavin. "That's what she tells me when I complain about the problem I'm having on the bus. But I don't see anything good about that."

"I heard that!" Mom called from the kitchen.

Gavin and Dad grinned. "Mom's right," said Dad. "Your hard workouts are for a good cause, and they prepare your team for success later. In the same way, the hard situations we face in life are used in various ways for a good cause. God often uses them to prepare us for whatever the future holds. At other times, He may use them to show others that He gives us peace or joy even in difficult times. God will eventually turn what you consider to be negative experiences into something for your good and to bring glory to Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged and angry when you're treated badly? Or when seemingly bad things happen? Do you wonder how anything good can possibly come from what is taking place in your life? Remember Joseph in the Old Testament. Time after time, difficult things happened to him, but God was in control in his life. God is in control in your life, too. Trust Him to turn those difficult experiences into something good.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You (Joseph's brothers) meant evil against me; but God meant it for good. Genesis 50:20

[Soldier4Christ]

 Whose Fault?

"Oh, no!" groaned Dan as he and his mother stood looking at the dent in their car. "What happened?"

"Apparently someone backed into the car while we were shopping," replied Mom, "but whoever it was didn't leave a note admitting his fault." She sighed. "Well, there's nothing to be done, I guess, but I suppose we should make a police report."

After the report was made, Dan and his mother hurried home to tell Dad about the accident. "Well," said Dad as he went out to look at the car, "I'm thankful that it's just a car that's damaged-nobody got hurt." He examined the dent in the fender. "This isn't major damage, but body work can be quite expensive," he said. "I'll call our insurance agent. I think this will be covered."

"Well, I hope so, but it still doesn't seem fair," said Dan. "The person who backed into us should pay the bill. It was his fault."

"That's right, Dan, but we can't get him to pay when we don't know who he is," replied Mom, "so if the insurance doesn't cover it, we'll just have to take care of it ourselves."

 "We will? That isn't fair at all," insisted Dan, "and it makes me mad! We shouldn't have to pay when it's not our fault. Whoever it is that hit us shouldn't just get away with it."

"No, and I must admit I won't be happy if it turns out that I have to pay for repairs due to damages that are someone else's fault,"said Dad.

"Nor I," said Mom, "but there's nothing we can do about that."

"Tell you what," said Dad, "when we feel annoyed that somebody is getting away without paying, let's be thankful that we don't have to pay for everything we deserve to pay for, either. Jesus willingly paid the price for our sin, even when He knew who was at fault-us! Let's never forget to thank Him."

"Right," agreed Mom, "and let's not waste our energy being angry about this little dent. We have so much to be thankful for-nobody got hurt, the damage to the car is minor, and above all, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Would you be angry if you had to pay for something that wasn't your fault? That's natural. But just think! Jesus willingly did that. He knows who is guilty of sinning-everyone, including you! His love for you is so great that He died to pay the penalty for your sin. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior, don't wait. Accept Him today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

The Lillies of the Field

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear." Matthew 6:25a (NIV)

Look at this stone I have. It is a small, flat stone that fits into my hand in such a way that I can rub it with my thumb. Some people carry a stone like this with them all the time. They call it a "worry stone." When they start to worry about something, they just reach into their pocket or purse, take out the stone, and rub it with their thumb. They believe that rubbing the smooth surface of the stone gives them a peaceful feeling and helps them to stop worrying. Isn't that silly? How could rubbing on a stone take away your worries?

What are some of the things that people worry about? Well, some might worry about whether they will have enough money to buy food and clothing for themselves and their family. Food and clothing are very important. In fact, they are things which we must have, but does worrying about it help us to get the food and clothing that we need?

One day a large group of people was gathered around Jesus on a hillside and he began to teach them. "Don't worry about whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear," he said. "There are more important things in life than food and clothes." Then he went on to teach them a lesson about worry.

"Look at the birds in the air," Jesus said. "They don't worry where their next meal is coming from. They don't store up grain in barns. And yet, the Heavenly Father takes care of them. Surely you are worth more to him than a bird."

"And why worry about your clothing?" Jesus continued. "Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, and yet Solomon in all his glory wasn't dressed as beautifully as they are. If God cares so wonderfully for these wildflowers, surely he will take care of you. Why do you show your lack of faith by worrying about these things?"

Does this mean that we can sit around and wait for food and clothes to drop from the sky? No. God provides food for the birds, but he doesn't throw it into their nest. It is up to them to go out and gather their food. God provides clothing for us by giving us jobs so that we will have the money to buy clothes. Sometimes God provides clothes through friends and family who give us clothes. We need to have faith that God will provide, but we do have to do our part as well. Just remember -- our part does not include worry!

This morning I not only brought a worry stone, I also brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I want each of you to have one of the flowers. As you look at the flower, remember that you are more important to God than the most beautiful flower. If he cares for the flowers, he surely cares for you!

[Soldier4Christ]

 Salmon and Sunday School

"How about coming to Sunday school with me this week, Derek?" asked Jacob who was at his cousin's house for the afternoon and evening.

"Nah," muttered Derek. "I don't like Sunday school."

"How do you know?" argued Jacob. "You've never been there."

"I just know-that's all," said Derek. "Let's go see what's for dinner." He led the way to the kitchen where he peered over his mother's shoulder. "Yummy!" Derek rubbed his stomach. "Salmon patties!"

Jacob frowned. Then he was embarrassed when he realized that his aunt had noticed. "Don't you like salmon patties?" she asked.

Jacob shook his head. "No, not really," he said.

"Have you ever eaten any?" asked Aunt Betty. Again Jacob shook his head.

"Then how do you know you don't like them?" asked Derek.

Jacob shrugged. "I just know, that's all," he said.

"That's stupid!" argued Derek. "Fried salmon patties are so good! But if you don't want any, I'll eat your share."

Aunt Betty smiled. "Before you do that, I think Jacob really should try one," she said.

Jacob frowned and started to protest, but Derek interrupted him."That's true," agreed Derek. "Try it-you might like it, Jacob."

Jacob grinned. "I'll try salmon patties," he said, "if you'll try Sunday school."

Derek frowned. Then he chuckled. "Got me that time, didn't you? Okay," he agreed. "It's a deal. You try salmon patties. I try Sunday school. Okay, Mom?"

His mother nodded. "Sure," she agreed. "You can go with Jacob this week."

When they sat down to dinner, Jacob hesitantly took a bite of his salmon patty. "Not bad," was his verdict. He eagerly ate the rest. "Please pass the salmon patties again," he said with a smile. "I think I'll have some more."

And the next Sunday, on the way home from church, Derek said, "Not bad. I think I'll try Sunday school again next week. Maybe Mom and Dad will come, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you won't like church or Sunday school or Bible Club? Have you tried them? Have you really listened to the lesson and tried to learn the songs that were sung? When you don't attend, or when you don't join in the activities going on there, you're missing so much! Try really listening to what God says in the Bible. You just may want to know more and more.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

[Soldier4Christ]

 Teacher's Pet

"Are we going to invite Dee to our slumber party Friday night?" Nicole asked her friend Patti as they sat on Nicole's bed, going over their party plans.

Patti shook her head. "No way!" she exclaimed. "We can do without the 'teacher's pet' at our party." She looked at the list. "I guess we're inviting every girl in our class except Dee," she added.

Nicole put a finger to her lips. "If my folks find that out, we'll have to invite Dee, too," she said. "Keep it quiet, will you?" Nicole slipped the list into her desk drawer, and the girls went down to the kitchen.

"Hi, girls," Nicole's father greeted them. "Look what I've got."

"A puppy!" exclaimed Nicole when she saw what Dad held in his arms. She took the puppy and cuddled him under her chin. "Can we keep him?" she asked eagerly. "I'll take care of him-I'll teach him good doggie manners!" Then she thought of their other dog. "Has Frisky seen him?" she asked. "Does he like him?"

Dad smiled. "No, Frisky hasn't seen him yet," he said, "but yes, we can keep him-if Frisky will let us, that is. Let's go see."

When they opened the porch door to go out, a collie came bounding across the yard. Suddenly he stopped and growled deeply. "Come on, Frisky. Don't act like that," coaxed Nicole. "This puppy wants to be your friend." The puppy whined, but Frisky growled again. "Shame on you, Frisky," scolded Nicole. Turning to her father, she asked, "Why is he being so hateful, Dad?"

"Because he's jealous," answered Dad. "Frisky doesn't want you to have another pet."

Patti laughed. "I guess he wants to be the 'teacher's pet' himself," she said. As the girls looked at each other, they both suddenly realized that they had been acting just like Frisky because they were jealous of Dee.

"I think the two dogs can learn to be friends," said Dad, "but for now, you'd better take the puppy inside."

The girls took the puppy to Nicole's room. "I think I'll name him Blackie," said Nicole. "Here . . . hold him for me a minute." She handed the puppy to Patti. Then she pulled out the list for the party and added Dee's name. "I guess a teacher can have more than one pet," she said. "Right, Blackie?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you allowed jealousy to creep into your life? Do you envy someone you consider to be your teacher's pet? Or perhaps your mother or father's pet? Do you think a grandparent favors one of the other grandkids over you? Jealousy is ugly and cruel. It can encourage you to displease God by doing unkind things. If you're jealous of someone, ask God to give you His wisdom, which He says is peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield. Then do something nice for that person.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 Yes . . . No . . .Yes

"I agree, Jill," said Heidi as she talked on the phone. "History's so boring! I hate it, too." Heidi finished talking and replaced the phone, but it immediately rang again. Heidi answered it, and this time her remarks were very different. "History class is your favorite class?" she asked after talking for a little while. She listened for a few moments. "Oh, yeah! I love it too," she said. "It's the greatest!" By the time Heidi finished talking on the phone, her mother, who'd overheard the remarks, had gone out to the garden, and the subject didn't come up again.

That evening, however, Heidi received another phone call, and she seemed to have changed her mind again. "You're right, Janet," Mom heard her say. "History class can be a terrible drag." After talking a few minutes longer, Heidi said, "I'll ask Mom and call you right back." Heidi hung up the phone, then asked, "Mom, may I go skating with Janet's youth group tomorrow?"

"Sure, you may," said Mom. "That's a nice idea."

"Oh, I don't think you should go," teased Uncle Tom who was visiting. "You might fall!"

"Oh! You're right," agreed Mom. She looked worried. "Tell Janet you can't go, honey."

"Sounds like fun to me," observed Heidi's sister.

"Well, okay then," said Mom. "Go ahead, Heidi."

"But then I'll have to do the chores by myself," grumbled Michael, Heidi's brother.

"True," said Mom. "You'd better not go, Heidi."

"You're kidding aren't you?" asked Heidi. "Every time someone gives an opinion, you sound like you change your mind!"

Mom smiled. "Actually, I noticed today that you seemed to change your mind about history class each time one of your friends gave an opinion, and I wanted you to see what it's like to have someone be so easily swayed. Either you weren't being honest with some of the kids, or else you're too easily influenced. I'm also wondering how firm you are when it comes to your convictions regarding God and the Bible. Don't shift just to fit in or to win the approval of other people, honey. Don't let anyone persuade you to compromise on what's right or wrong. Okay?" Thoughtfully, Heidi nodded. "Good-and now you may call Janet and tell her you can go skating," added Mom.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you say the same things your friends say, just because you think it's what they want to hear? Or to get them to like you? That's not being honest. You need to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. It's especially important to stand firm when it comes to what God says in His Word. Don't be swayed by anyone who says something opposite of what He says. Let others know that you believe in Him and want to do the things that please God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58