Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Flower Garden

"Austin!" called Mom when she saw her son arrive home from school. "I'm out here in the garden."

Austin raced around to the side of the house and found his mother on her knees, pulling weeds from a bed of brightly colored flowers. "Hi, Mom," he said. "Want to hear a joke Tommy told me on the way home?"

Mom smiled as she stood up and walked to a stone bench. "Come sit with me, Austin," she invited. "Let me hear that joke. I bet it's a good one."

Austin sat on the ground beside the bench and told his mother a story that made fun of Hollanders. She laughed at the silly joke, then she said, "Guess what? I have a surprise for you. You're a Hollander, yourself, Austin-your great-grandparents came to America from Holland. So when you make fun of Hollanders, you're making fun of yourself." Mom smiled as Austin's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Laughing at yourself is okay," said Mom, "but laughing at others is another story. You need to be very careful about telling jokes that poke fun at various nationalities."

"Do you think they might get mad about it?" asked Austin.

"Well, most people don't mind a good joke," replied Mom, "but there are some who might feel hurt or angry."

"So I shouldn't tell a joke unless I know it won't hurt anyone's feelings," said Austin.

"That's a very good idea," responded Mom. "Always remember that people are different from each other because that's the way God meant them to be." She waved a hand toward the flower bed. "What do you notice about the flowers?" she asked.

Austin considered them for a minute. "Well, they're all different colors-and different shapes, too," he said. "I like them that way."

"So do I," agreed Mom. "God didn't make all flowers exactly the same, and He didn't give all people the same color skin or hair or shape-or the same personalities. God likes variety, and we should, too." Smiling, she added, "I hope, Son, that you'll appreciate every person God has created."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you considerate of people who are different from you? Remember that God created everyone in His own image and for His own pleasure. It's interesting to learn about different races and cultures. Enjoy the differences in them. Learn to see others as God sees them and to love them as He does.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. Leviticus 19:33

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Does It Hurt?

Emily lay on her bed in the dark, thinking about Uncle Dale. He was in the hospital, possibly dying. "Jody," she whispered, "are you asleep?"

"No," came the answer from the other bed. "I wish Mom and Dad would get home from the hospital."

"Dad said the driver of the other car was drunk." Emily's voice broke. She sobbed softly. "How dare that man drink and drive! Now Uncle Dale might be dying, and the other man is walking around perfectly okay."

When their parents finally arrived home, the girls were still awake. Dad came and knelt between their beds. "First," he said, "I want you to know that Uncle Dale is doing a little better. And I met the driver of the other car tonight. He's very sorry and upset."

"Well, he should be," stormed Jody. "That man should be put in jail-forever!"

"He may have to go to jail," said Dad. Taking Jody's hand in his, he added, "He told me that he's a Christian, but . . ."

"I don't believe that!" interrupted Emily.

"Well, I don't know, but he said his friends talked him into drinking tonight," Dad explained. "He could have chosen not to, but he didn't. Now he's very sorry, but he can't take back what happened. He knows he deserves to be punished."

"But no Christian would do what he did," protested Emily.

"Christians do sin," Dad reminded her. "And people are affected by it whether we like to think so or not."

"I guess that's true," admitted Jody. "Remember when my friend Sally wouldn't come to Sunday school with us for a long time? She said it was because Christians weren't any different from other people. She knew some Christian kids who lied and cheated on tests and did stuff like that just as much as she did."

Dad nodded. "No matter what our sin is, it does affect others," he said. "We need to consider who, besides ourselves, will be hurt. Always remember that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think your sin isn't hurting anyone? Every sin you commit affects others. Things like alcohol, drugs, gambling, and robbery have ruined whole families. But things like so-called "white" lies, cheating, and unfriendliness have caused deep hurts, too. Just one sin could hurt your testimony and make it difficult for someone else to trust in Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
None of us lives to himself. Romans 14:7

[Soldier4Christ]

 Who Does It Hurt? (Cont'd.)

"You brought my favorite board game!" exclaimed Emily and Jody's uncle when they visited him in the hospital. "Let's play it!" The girls happily set it up, and they were playing when a man entered the room. "Hi, Jed," said Uncle Dale cheerfully. "Emily, Jody-meet Jed Turner." Uncle Dale introduced his nieces to the new visitor. "Jed comes to see me every day, and we have a Bible study," he explained to the girls.

"Don't let me interrupt you," said Jed. "I have some errands to run. I'll come back in a little while."

"That will be fine," said Uncle Dale. "Don't forget."

"No chance," replied Jed as he left.

The girls were silent for a while. "Jed Turner," murmured Emily. She frowned. "I know that name! He's the man who caused your accident, isn't he?" she asked. "Why are you friends with him? It's his fault you can't walk."

"I was angry right after the accident," admitted Uncle Dale. "Then I read Colossians 3:13 during my devotions one day." He picked up his Bible from the bedside table. "Here, Jody. Will you find that verse in my Bible?"

Jody quickly found the verse and began reading. "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

"Shortly after I read that verse, Jed came to my room," continued Uncle Dale. "I sure had a complaint against him! But he asked me to forgive him." Uncle Dale cleared his throat. "God helped me do that and used the accident to bring both Jed and me closer to Him," he said quietly.

Emily had tears in her eyes. "I just don't think I can forgive Jed," she said. "Is there something wrong with me, Uncle Dale?"

"Nothing that God can't cure," her uncle assured her. "You love me and don't like to see me hurt-that's natural. But . . . why don't you girls stay for my Bible study with Jed? I'd like you to get to know him better."

The girls glanced at each other. "Well . . . okay," said Emily, and Jody nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone hurt you so badly that you feel like you can't forgive him? Remember that you have done wrong things, too. You don't deserve to be forgiven, but Jesus is willing to forgive you. He asks you to be willing to forgive others. Will you follow His example and forgive for His sake?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 TLC Needed

"Whatever happened to Luke Dickson?" asked Laura as she worked with her brother in the garden. "Why doesn't he come to church with you anymore?"

"I don't know," replied Nick. He settled back on his heels. "Luke seemed to fall apart when his parents got divorced. He started hanging around with the wrong crowd and when I invite him to come, he always says he's busy."

"But he is a Christian, isn't he?" asked Laura.

"I think so, but you sure can't tell it now." Nick started to pull weeds again. "Kinda disgusting, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like telling him a thing or two."

"Watch what you're doing!" exclaimed Laura. "That's one of Mom's lavender plants you're trying to pull up."

"Whatever it is, it's dead," said Nick, "and stuck, too. I can't get it out."

Laura knelt beside him. "Look. It's not really dead. There's a little green on it down here." She pointed to the green spot. "And it's stuck because lavender plants put their roots down really deep."

"Well, if it isn't dead, I'd like to know why it looks like this," responded Nick.

Laura shrugged. "It had a hard winter, I guess. The other day, Mom said some plants 'weathered the winter' better than others. She said that meant some weren't damaged by the winter weather but others didn't do as well. I guess that plant is one of those that had a tougher time for some reason. We'll just have to take special care of it now." Laura grinned. "Mom says those plants will need what she calls TLC-tender, loving care," she added.

Nick sat and stared at the plant for a long time. Finally, Laura nudged him. "Hey, get back to work."

"I was thinking," Nick said slowly. "Maybe Luke needs TLC, too. He's had a rough time lately, so maybe I should be taking special care of him."

"I think you're right," agreed Laura. "Instead of judging him, you should pray for him-and I should, too."

"And I'll keep inviting him to Sunday school and youth group," said Nick. He jumped up. "In fact, I'm going to call him right now and invite him to come with me to our Sunday school class party this week."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a friend who seems to have forgotten the Lord? Are you praying for that person? Are you encouraging him to come to church activities? Are you loving him like Jesus would? Perhaps things you're totally unaware of are happening in his life, and he's been having a hard time recently. Whatever the reason, don't judge. Instead, pray for your friend, encourage him, and keep inviting him to come back. Give him lots of tender, loving care.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

[Soldier4Christ]

 Antibiotics

Mary took the pill her mother handed her. "Do I still have to take this medicine?" asked Mary with a frown. "My throat isn't hurting anymore."

"That's good, but Dr. Banks said to be sure to take all of those antibiotic pills," replied Mom. "He said if you quit too soon, you might have a relapse and your throat would be sore again."

That afternoon, Mary stubbed her toe. "Ouch!" she exclaimed loudly. Then some crude, nasty words slipped out of her mouth. Mary's little sister heard her and wasted no time in telling their mother.

"Mary!" exclaimed Mom. "I'm disappointed! I thought you had overcome your . . . tongue problem. Have you forgotten the Bible verse you were going to recite to yourself whenever you were tempted to say nasty words?"

Mary looked ashamed. "Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord," she murmured. She sighed. "I know the verse, but I don't say it much anymore," she admitted. "I used to say it over and over in my mind, but lately I haven't needed it-at least, I thought I didn't."

Mom shook her head. "Looks like you quit taking your 'antibiotic' too soon," she said.

"My pills?" asked Cathy. "I took one just a little while ago. Don't you remember?"

"I didn't mean your pills. I meant your Scripture verse. It's something like a spiritual antibiotic," explained Mom. "Your throat feels much better, but you still need to take the antibiotic pills to fight against any germs that remain there. In a similar way, you've gotten much better in controlling your tongue, but you still need to rely on the Word of God to help you fight against your habit of using bad language."

Mary nodded slowly. "I need to use my Bible verse to keep from having a relapse, right?" she asked.

"That's right," agreed Mom. "One or more doses of Scripture a day can help you fight against any temptation. Of course, just reciting the verse doesn't magically keep you from using nasty words. You need to really think about what God says. As you become more and more familiar with His Word and develop a desire to live for the Lord, He will help you overcome the temptation."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you fill your heart and mind with God's Word? Do you ask Him to help you stand strong against temptation? When difficult things happen, perhaps you're reminded that you need the Lord's help. But even when things are going well, you need to read and study your Bible to be prepared for whatever comes your way. When Jesus was tempted, He responded with verses from the Scriptures. Doing that will help you resist temptation. Following God's teaching will keep you from sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

[Soldier4Christ]

Delivering the Good News

As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Matthew 10:7 (NIV)

Do you ever read the newspaper? I read it every day. That's how I keep up with what's happening in the world. Every morning, before I eat breakfast, I walk out my front door and pick up the newspaper which has been delivered to my doorstep by a person whose job it is to deliver the news.

When I open my newspaper, the first thing I look at is the front page. That's where they put the most important stuff. Next, I look at the sports page. I like sports and like to see if my favorite teams won. Some days they do, and some days they don't. Finally, I turn to my favorite part -- the comics! Why do I save the comics for last? Well, sometimes, some of the news might not be good news, so I like to finish reading the newspaper with a smile on my face! The person who delivers the newspaper to my doorstep each day helps me to get my day started with a smile. You know, I don't even know that person. He, or she, gets up very early in the morning while I am still asleep, rolls the newspapers, and drives all around the town delivering the news.

The Bible tells us that Jesus traveled all around the countryside. He went to many different towns and villages, and everywhere he went he saw crowds of people who were lost and helpless. It broke his heart. One day, he turned to his followers and said to them, "There are so many who need help, but there are not enough who are willing to help them. Get on your knees and pray that the Lord will send workers to help them."

When they had finished praying, Jesus called twelve of his followers to come to him. "Go," he said, "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons." Do you know what else Jesus told his disciples? He said, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'"

Wow! That's good news, isn't it? Think about it. "The kingdom of heaven is near." It isn't some far off place where we will go at some far off time. In fact, you might even say, "It's right here -- right now." Of course Jesus came to give us eternal life in heaven, but he also came so that we could have life, and have it to the fullest -- right now. (John 10:10) Now, that's good news that everyone should hear!

My newspaper carrier has been given the job of delivering the news. When I go out to get my newspaper, I expect it to be there. If the carrier doesn't do his job, I don't get the news. Just as Jesus called the twelve to deliver the good news, he has also called you and me to deliver the good news. If we don't do our job, someone won't get the good news today.

Father, there is no better news than the good news that you love us and sent your Son so that we might have life and that we might have it abundantly. Help us to faithfully share that good news with others. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 No More Dust

"I hate dust," grumbled Pam as she dusted the dining room furniture. "I wish it would just . . . just disappear!"

"Well, you'll soon be finished, and then you may go for a swim at Marcie's," said Mom. "She called to invite you."

When Pam arrived at Marcie's house, she saw that Amanda-another neighbor girl-was there, too. Oh, no! thought Pam. Why did Marcie invite her?

"Watch this!" called Amanda when she saw Pam. Amanda dove down into the water and did a handstand. "Watch this," she called again when she burst back up from the water. She plunged down, this time spinning into a somersault. Water splashed into Pam's eyes. "I can do more," Amanda boasted when she was back on her feet. She continued to splash and show off.

That girl is just too much! decided Pam. I'm leaving! So she thanked Marcie for inviting her and headed back home. There she made her complaints to her mother.

"Amanda may not be the kind of person you'd choose for a best friend," said Mom, "but you have to look for the good in situations, honey-and that includes in people." Mom shook her head. "I'm remembering that earlier today you wished the dust would disappear, and now it's Amanda that you don't want," she added. "They both have value."

"I'd be happier without either of them," said Pam.

"Don't be so sure," replied Mom. "Remember the sunset we watched last night? If the particles of dust in the air weren't reflecting the sun's rays, we wouldn't have seen those beautiful colors."

Pam looked surprised. "Well, okay. I guess I can put up with dust if it's needed for pretty sunsets," she agreed, "but I can still do without Amanda."

"God created everything-and everyone-for a purpose," insisted Mom. "Who was it that volunteered to help disabled kids at their swim class?"

"Oh. Well, Amanda did," admitted Pam.

"And who patiently cleaned up the craft things that were used in VBS last . . ."

"Okay," Pam interrupted her mom. "I guess I shouldn't be so hard on her." She looked thoughtful. "I . . . I guess I'll go back and swim a little longer with Marcie and Amanda," she added. "Is that okay?" Smiling, Mom nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look for good in people and in situations? Look past the things you don't like and ask God to help you recognize something positive about them, knowing that He has a purpose for them.God looked at all He created-including people-and the Bible says it was "very good." Will you call it good, too? Then instead of being angry, you can be thankful in any situation and for all that God allows you to experience.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. Genesis 1:31

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Growing Boy

"God is great. God is good," prayed Dennis, "and we thank Him for our food. Amen."

Mom frowned as Dennis poured milk on his cereal. "You've been reciting that same prayer for an awfully long time," she said.

Dennis shrugged and quickly ate his cereal. He put the empty bowl in the dishwasher, and Mom wiped the table. "It's supposed to be very warm today," she said. "You may dig out some of your light-weight clothes if you like." With a grin, Dennis went to get ready for school.

Soon he returned. "Mom," he said, "look at this shirt. Did it shrink?"

Mom looked at him. "It certainly is too small," she agreed with a laugh, "but it didn't shrink. You grew! You're a growing boy, you know." She went to help him find a different shirt, but the summer ones were all too small. His mother left the room for a moment. "Try this one," she said when she returned. She handed Dennis one of his father's shirts.

"Way too big," said Dennis when he tried it on. "I haven't grown that much." He took Dad's shirt off and pulled one of his own over his head. "I'll wear winter ones until I get some that fit," he added.

"Well, we'd better go shopping soon," decided Mom. As they returned to the kitchen, she looked thoughtful. "Clothes and prayers should fit," she murmured. "The prayer you recite every morning was fine when you were small, just like those shirts were fine a year ago," she explained when Dennis looked at her curiously. "But you've grown-both physically and spiritually. You're old enough to express your thoughts to God in more of your own words when you pray."

"But I can't pray good like you and Dad do," protested Dennis.

"You don't need to pray the same way your dad does-just like you don't wear his shirts," said Mom. "But you aren't a baby Christian anymore, so I think it's time for you to use your own words when you talk to God. 'Praying good' isn't a matter of what words you say, but of being sincere-talking to God from your heart. Okay?"

"Well . . . okay," agreed Dennis. He grinned as he added, "Next time."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you still saying the prayers you learned when you were little? If you think about what they say and really mean them, that's fine. But just like you grow physically and enjoy getting new clothes that fit, you should grow spiritually and enjoy learning new things about God. The time comes for you to start using your own words when you pray. Instead of reciting words you've memorized, simply talk to God as you would to a friend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 Paper Grandpas

Janie plopped down in the porch swing. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and birds singing-a day when she should have been happy, but she wasn't. She looked up as her Uncle Tim came up the porch steps. "Hi, Janie," said Uncle Tim. "Do I see a frown on this beautiful day? What's up?"

Janie sighed. "My friend Karen's rich grandpa paid for a vacation in Florida for her whole family. I heard all the details at least a hundred times! Karen says she feels sorry for me because I don't have a grandpa like hers." Janie paused, then added, "Why can't I have a rich grandpa, too-instead of just paper ones?"

"Paper grandpas? What do you mean?" asked Uncle Tim.

"Well, Grandpa Brown's picture has been standing on the desk for as long as I can remember," explained Janie, "and that's all I know of him. And my other grandpa died so long ago that I can't remember him, either. We just have pictures of both of them-paper grandpas."

Uncle Tim frowned. "You have an awfully poor reason for wanting a grandpa," he scolded, and Janie looked ashamed. "Both your grandfathers are in heaven, Janie," added Uncle Tim after a moment, "but in a way, they planned a trip for you, too-one that's even more special than a trip to Disneyland."

Janie was wide-eyed. "They did?" she asked.

Uncle Tim nodded. "Your grandpas made sure their families knew what the Bible teaches about sin and salvation and how we can 'take a trip' to heaven some day." Uncle Tim paused and smiled at Janie. "A trip to Disneyland lasts only a little while," he said, "but when Jesus takes us to heaven, it will be forever-we'll 'always be with the Lord.' I guess neither of your grandpas had a lot of money, but they had something much more important. Their greatest hope and prayer was that all the members of their families would trust in Jesus and join them in heaven."

Janie gave her uncle a little smile. "And I have accepted Him," she said. "When Karen comes back, maybe I should tell her about the trip planned for us."

"Good idea." Uncle Tim grinned. "Your grandfathers would be pleased with that. Maybe they're just pictures to you now, but when you meet them in heaven, they won't be paper grandpas anymore."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you value in your parents or grandparents? Is it the enjoyable things they can provide for you in this life? Or have you learned that, for Christians, the best is yet to come? If you have a Christian family, thank God for a heritage that allows you to know the importance of trusting Jesus as Savior. But remember-you must personally trust in Him yourself. Whether or not you have Christian parents, you can make sure of a "trip to heaven." (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We . . . shall be caught up together with them . . . thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

[Soldier4Christ]

 Washed, not Erased

Ginny dipped a sponge into the water. "I'm glad Grandma found this chalkboard in her attic and gave it to me," she said. "Did you wash it when you were a kid, Mom? I like washing it instead of just erasing it."

Mom smiled. "Washing makes it really clean," she agreed. "It looks brand new."

That evening during family devotions-and for each of the next few days-Ginny prayed for forgiveness for lying to her parents a few days before. "I'm sorry I did that, Lord," she prayed. "Please forgive me and help me not to do it again."

Ginny's mom and dad heard her prayer each day, and they assured her over and over that the sin was forgiven by them-and by God. But Ginny wasn't sure. "When someone asks me to forgive her for something, I say I will-and I mean to, but sometimes I have trouble really forgetting it," she told her parents one evening. "I just want to be sure God knows I'm really sorry."

When Mom went to tuck Ginny in that night, she surprised her daughter by suggesting that she should wash her chalkboard before getting into bed. "Make sure it's nice and clean," said Mom.

"I washed it already," replied Ginny. "It's clean."

"Well, why not do it again, just to make sure," replied Mom.

"But I haven't even used it since I washed it," protested Ginny. "If it had been just erased, you probably could still see some smears of chalk. Sometimes you can even figure out what words were erased, but I washed it with water. You said yourself that it looks brand new."

   Mom nodded. "Well, when we confess a sin to people, it's something like when you erase the board," she said. "They generally forgive us, but sometimes they have trouble forgetting it-and we do, too. But when we confess our sin to God, it's like when you wash your chalkboard. Our sin is totally removed. Every bit is washed away. And God promises that He not only forgives that sin, but He also forgets it and sees us as totally clean and new again."

Ginny liked that. And when she prayed the following night, she omitted her usual confession about lying. God has forgiven and forgotten that sin, she decided, so I'll stop reminding Him of it.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever felt like you needed to keep apologizing to God for some sin? When you do that, it's as if you're doubting God. He uses several illustrations to show that He forgives your sins. He says He will cast them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). He washes your sin away (Psalm 51:7). He removes it and forgets it (Hebrews 8:12). Believe Him. Confess your sin, turn from it, and then thank God for the forgiveness He promises.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Best Bullfrog

Julie helped her mother clear and wash the table after their Sunday evening snack. Then the two of them went out to sit in the swing on the back porch. They enjoyed the night sounds that came from the pond and the open fields behind their house. "Wow!" exclaimed Julie. "Listen to all those bullfrogs tonight. They're really loud!" She laughed. "I like to hear them," she added.

Mom laughed, too. "Yes," she agreed. "They're taking center stage with their music, aren't they?" After relaxing a little while, Mom spoke again. "Did something go wrong today, honey?" she asked gently. "You've been so quiet ever since we got home from church this morning."

"Oh, Sunday school was okay, I guess," muttered Julie, "but Mrs. King assigned parts for the Sunday school program. I'm supposed to sing in a trio, but you should hear my part. It's horrid. I sound like a . . . like a fog horn or a bullfrog or something."

"Surely it's not that bad!" said Mom. "Who's singing with you?"

"Laurie and Suzy. They sing the pretty parts while my part is just a boring sound. It's not fair!" stormed Julie. "I don't want to sing in the dumb old program at all!"

Mom put an arm around Julie's shoulder. "Honey," said Mom quietly, "maybe your part doesn't sound great alone, but I'm sure it sounds nice with the other parts. And I think God is pleased when you use your voice to praise Him."

"But . . . but there's no music to the notes I have to sing," protested Julie. "Like I said, it's just a drone. How can such a horrid sound honor God?"

"Even bullfrogs sing praises to their Creator," replied Mom with a smile. "We've been hearing them all evening-you said you like to hear them."

Julie was silent for a few moments. Then she giggled. "All right, Mom," she said. "I'll do my part. I'll be the best bullfrog the church has ever heard."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel jealous of kids who seem to get nicer parts than you do? Does it seem like things assigned to others are more important or more interesting than those assigned to you? Always remember that all of God's children have a necessary part in the body of Christ. To us, some people may seem more special than others, but everyone is equally important to God. Do your part to honor and serve Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Magnet

"I hate homework," complained Becky as she and her brother sat at the kitchen table. She jabbed the sharp tip of her pencil at a long division problem.

Tom lifted his nose out of his science book. "I don't mind doing science homework," he said. "These magnets are interesting. Watch this." He took a nail and rubbed it across a magnet several times. Then he held the nail close to a straight pin. "See? It picked up the pin just as if it were a real magnet," he said.

"Wow!" exclaimed Becky. "Why does it do that?"

"Some magnetism got rubbed off onto the nail," explained Tom.

"Can I try it?" asked Becky. She took the nail and held it over a few paper clips. She giggled as one sprang up toward the nail. Next, she took a clip from her hair and held the nail over that. This time, nothing happened.

"My book says the nail soon loses its power to attract things if it isn't rubbed against the magnet again," said Tom. "That's why it didn't pick up that clip. To keep it working, it has to be rubbed over the magnet quite often."

Becky reluctantly returned the nail to her brother and went back to her math paper while he continued to tinker with the magnet. A little later, he spoke again. "This nail is just like a Christian," he said.

"Like a Christian!" exclaimed Becky. "That doesn't make sense. What are you talking about?"

"Well, look! This magnet is like God, and the nail is like us," said Tom. "When we get saved we get close to God." Tom illustrated by rubbing the nail against the magnet as he continued. "The nail gets power from the magnet, and we receive power from God to live like Jesus and attract other people to Him as we witness."

Becky nodded. "And if we don't stay close to the Lord by obeying Him and reading the Bible and praying, we begin to lose our power to attract others to Jesus," she suggested. "Then we're like a plain old nail again." She grinned at her brother. "You're pretty smart to think of that illustration. I'm impressed!"

Tom grinned too. "Good! Keep thinking like that," he said. "Of course, my Bible teacher used a magnet like this for an object lesson last week, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have thought of it myself." He laughed as Becky threw an eraser in his direction.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you like a magnet, attracting people to Jesus and witnessing to them? To do that, you need to receive power from God. Read your Bible daily, think about what it says, obey it, talk to God in thanksgiving and prayer, and trust Him to help you witness. Don't be like a nail that has lost the ability to attract. With God's help, be a "magnetic Christian."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me. Acts 1:8

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Like Dad

One day when Nathan and his father were shopping, an elderly man walked up to them. "Excuse me," the man said. "My name is Bill Cook. I've been watching the two of you, and I can't help but notice how much both of you look like a school chum I had years ago. His name was Nathan Nobel. Are you related to him?"

"That's my name, and my dad's, too!" exclaimed Nathan. He grinned. "Dad is Nathan Nobel, Jr., and I'm Nathan, the Third," he added proudly. "But you look too old to have been in school with my dad."

The two men laughed. "Nathan, I think this gentleman is talking about your grandfather," explained Dad.

Mr. Cook nodded. "I just knew you must be related," he said after they had talked a few minutes. "Your boy here, with his red hair and freckles, looks very much like old Nate did in grammar school. You both walk and talk like him, too."

They chatted a little longer. Then after Mr. Cook left, Dad smiled at Nathan. "I consider it a real compliment, Nathan, to have been recognized as my father's son," he said. "I've always admired my dad very much, and I guess I've copied his ways more than I realized. I'm really proud to be just like Dad."

"Yeah-that was amazing!" exclaimed Nathan. "Mr. Cook hasn't seen Grandpa in years, and yet he recognized how much we were like him."

Dad looked very thoughtful. "There's someone else we should be like, Nathan," he said. "The Bible says we should be 'imitators of God as dear children.' People watch our actions and hear our words, and they should be able to tell that God is our Father."

"But . . . but God is perfect, and He can do all kinds of miracles," Nathan pointed out. "We can't be exactly like Him."

"That's true," agreed Dad, "but if we do our best to live without sin, and if we show His love, forgiveness, and kindness to others, surely some people will say, 'There goes a child of God.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been told that you look, sound, or act like one of your parents? Can people also tell by watching you that you're a child of God? Are your actions, attitudes, and words the kind that Jesus would display if He were here today? Christians should be like their Heavenly Father in every way possible.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1

[Soldier4Christ]

You Are Precious in His Sight

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29, 31 (NLT)

What are some hobbies that people enjoy? Reading, stamp collecting, and photography are popular hobbies. Some people like to build things like model cars or airplanes. Others may enjoy outdoor activities like fishing or hiking. Do you have a hobby? What is your hobby? (Allow time for children to respond.)

Do you think God has a hobby? OK, I know the Bible doesn't tell us that God has a hobby, but if He did, do you know what I think it might be? Bird watching! If I use my imagination, I can see God sitting in heaven with a pair of binoculars. Perhaps he has a book like this one that I found in the library and he is looking at pictures of all the beautiful birds which he has created and he is trying to see how many of them he can find with his binoculars. If I really stretch my imagination, I can even hear him saying, "There's a Bluebird, and a Cardinal. Oh look, there's an Eagle, a Meadowlark, and a Sparrow." A Sparrow? Of course he would see a Sparrow, there are millions of them. You've seen them -- common, ordinary, brown Sparrows -- but God must have loved them, because he made so many of them.

One day Jesus was teaching his disciples that they should not be afraid. "Don't be afraid when people threaten you" Jesus said. "Two sparrows are sold for a penny, but not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father knowing it. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."

It has been said, "God must have loved the common people, because he made so many of them." I don't think that God sees us as common or ordinary. If he did, he would not love us in such an uncommon and extraordinary way! The Bible says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) We are more precious to him than a whole flock of sparrows -- and we know how much he loves the sparrow.

Father, we know that we are precious in your sight. Thank you for loving us with such an uncommon and extraordinary love. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 First Things First

Leanne sighed as she dropped beach toys, snack food, games, and books into the car trunk. "You don't seem very excited about going to Family Bible Camp this year," observed Dad. "I thought you liked going there."

"I do, but I have to do so many things this summer," replied Leanne. "I have to help paint the new clubhouse and practice diving and help in VBS and . . ." Leanne hesitated while she crammed things into the trunk. She finally set some of the suitcases on the ground. "I can't fit it all in," she complained.

"The luggage or your activities?" asked Dad.

"Both," said Leanne. "My summer's too full, and these suitcases are too big."

"Well, then let's make some choices," suggested Dad. "Which of these items  we're packing are the most important?"

Leanne looked at the things in the trunk. "Our clothes," she decided, taking some items from the car trunk. She held them up. "We could leave these beach toys behind. The camp has lots of them-and lots of life jackets, too."

"Okay," said Dad. So they emptied the trunk and then began refilling it-this time putting the luggage in first and fitting smaller things into the spaces around the suitcases. Soon everything was in, except the items they felt they could do without.

"When we put the important things in the trunk first, most of the little stuff fit in, too," said Dad. "That principle of putting first things first will also work for your summer schedule. What needs to have first place in your life this summer?"

Leanne shrugged. "I don't know," she said.

"Well," said Dad, "then I'll remind you that God created us to fellowship with Him, so that should be first. One reason we all go to camp for a week is because it gives us a special opportunity to fellowship with God."

Leanne nodded. "If we planned all our other activities first, we would never find a whole, empty week to fit camp into our schedules, would we?" she asked.

"No, so we fit in Bible camp first," said Dad, patting the big suitcases, "and there are still 'empty spots' left for other summer activities. That will work with our daily schedules, too. Let's put fellowship with God and service for Him first each day, and we'll find there's time for other activities as well."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does God have first place in your life? Does He come before everything else? Jesus said that Mary, who sat and learned at His feet, had chosen the best place (see today's Scripture). God never demands your time, but He desires it, and He blesses you in many ways when you put Him first. Take time each day to read something from His Word and talk with Him in prayer. Put service for Him ahead of "fun times." When you put Him first, you'll find you have time for other activities, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33