Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Bit of Beauty

As Nicole stood near the Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road, she could see patches of snow far up on the mountain sides. The few trees in the area above the timberline had been dwarfed and twisted by the icy winds of winter. But summer had come, and tiny white and yellow flowers were waving their bright heads as if dancing to music.

"Look, Nicole," said Dad when they walked over to see the flowers in a field next to the Center. He knelt among them and gently cupped one of the fragile, white blossoms in his large, rough hand. "See how very tiny this flower is! But isn't it beautiful? There must be a million of these!"

"That one has a torn petal, though," noticed Nicole.

"I see that," answered Dad, "yet here it is-adding its own little bit to the beauty of this place. Even though it's tiny and not perfect, it has a purpose in being here-just like all the other things in God's world." Nicole wondered what her father was getting at, but she didn't ask.

As they drove back down the mountain a little later, Dad said, "I think the purpose of that little flower might have been to remind me of you, Nicole. You've lived through some cold and blustery times in your life."

Nicole knew what Dad meant. She had been sick many of her early childhood years. As a result, she had to wear hearing aids. She was also a grade behind other kids her age in school.

"I know you sometimes feel small and unimportant, honey," continued Dad, "but I want you to remember that you have a purpose for being just where you are and just as you are. You are of great value to us and to your Heavenly Father."

Nicole thought about the tiny flower adding its small bit of beauty to the world. She gave her dad a little smile. "And you think I can add a little beauty in the place God has put me?" she asked.

Dad smiled, too. "I know you can," he assured her. "You already do."

After a moment, Nicole grinned. "Okay," she said. "If a tiny flower with a torn petal can add beauty to the world, I can, too! And with God helping me, I will!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you compare yourself with others and feel you don't measure up? Do you have some disability or scar that makes you feel self-conscious? Do you think God must love prettier or more talented kids more than He loves you? That's not true! Remember-God never makes mistakes! He loves you just as you are, and He has a purpose for your life. You are very precious and valuable-to other people, and especially to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I have called you by your name; You are Mine . . . I have loved you Isaiah 43:1, 4

[Soldier4Christ]

 Where's God?

Joanna lay on the sofa, her face pale, her bald head a circle against the pillow. Medical treatments had caused her hair to fall out. Her mother looked over at her just as a tear slid from her eye and down her cheek. "What's wrong, honey?" asked Mom. "Not feeling so good today?"

"I'm scared," replied Joanna in a trembling voice. "It seems like God has gone away. Ever since I got sick, it feels as if He isn't here at all."

"It may feel like that," Mom said, "but God promises to always be with us. It's hard sometimes to keep praying and trusting Him, but we need to do that." She sat down beside Joanna. "The way you feel isn't surprising, though," added Mom. "It reminds me of something that happened to me when I was little."

"Were you sick, too?" asked Joanna.

Mom shook her head. "No. I was with my family on a train trip," she said. "We stopped in a city, and my daddy got off the train. I was afraid it would leave without him. I remember watching for him to come back, and I was so relieved when I finally saw him walk past the window. But a few minutes later, the train started moving, and he hadn't come back to our car. I was absolutely terrified!"

"So had you left him behind?" asked Joanna.

"No, but even though my mother kept saying she knew my daddy was somewhere on that train, I couldn't quite believe her," replied Mom. "I was sure he had missed it, and I cried and cried until he walked back into the car." Mom smiled. "I should have believed my mother when she said my daddy was on the train," she added. "I would have saved myself a lot of worry if I had trusted her word. And we can also save ourselves a lot of worry if we trust God's Word. It's more trustworthy than any person's. When everything seems to be going wrong in our lives, we can trust God to care for us and work all things for our good. We can believe it when He says He'll never leave us."

Joanna was thoughtful. "Show me where it says that," she said after a moment. "I want to read it for myself."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
When something bad happens to you, do you feel as if God has forgotten you? When you're sick, your dad loses his job, your friend moves away, or your family splits up, it's easy to think He doesn't care and has left you on your own. But even if you don't feel God's presence, the Bible assures you He is near to those who know Him. You can choose to worry and be afraid, or you can trust that what God says is true-His loving presence is with you no matter how you feel at the moment.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

[Soldier4Christ]

 Old Unreliable

"Jenny," said Mom one Saturday morning as they got ready to go to the grocery store, "what time do you need to be at church to go with your youth group on their community service project this afternoon?"

Jenny shrugged. "I don't want go," she said. "It's too hot to mow lawns and hoe gardens today."

"But I heard you tell Pastor Jim you'd be there," said Mom with a frown. "He's counting on you."

"Well, I go to lots of things," replied Jenny. "I can't see how it would hurt to miss this one."

"Well, I can," said Mom as she picked up her car keys. They went out to the garage and got into the newer of the two cars housed there.

"I'm glad we can take this car today," said Jenny. She motioned toward the other one. "That one should be nicknamed 'Old Unreliable,'" she added.

Mom nodded. "We've had so much trouble with it that I haven't dared to drive it since it broke down on the expressway. I'll wait till I'm sure it's really fixed."

"It's a prettier car than this one," observed Jenny.

"Well, that doesn't mean much if it's not dependable," said Mom. Then she added, "I hope you won't be offended, honey, but in a way, it reminds me of you."

Jenny was surprised. "Mom!" she protested.

"That car looks great," said Mom, "but unfortunately, we can't depend on it. You're a bit like that recently. You're a wonderful person in lots of ways, and you're capable of doing many things well. But in the past few weeks, you've often wanted to get out of keeping commitments you've made to your youth leaders and teachers and to Dad and me. People are going to feel that you're unreliable-that they can't count on you."

Jenny was silent as they started out. "I'm going to insist that you go to help with the service project this afternoon," added Mom.

Jenny nodded. "I guess that's just as well," she said with a sigh. "After all, I don't want anybody calling me 'Old Unreliable.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faithful about keeping your commitments? When you say you'll do something, can people count on you to actually do it? Faithfulness is important to the Lord as well as to people. God rewards those who are faithful in serving Him. Make up your mind right now to always keep your promises. With the Lord's help, be a reliable Christian upon whom other people-and God-can depend.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
It is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Just Take It

As soon as Brad moved the checker piece, a smile came over Jeff's face. Uh oh! I must have made a wrong move, thought Brad. Sure enough, Jeff's next move was one Brad hadn't seen coming. It cost him two men, but he didn't really care. He was having a great time at Jeff's house even if he was losing more games than he was winning.

"Brad," said Jeff's mom as she came into the room, "for dinner, I'm making miniature biscuits with creamed chicken. If you'd like, you're welcome to stay."

"Really? Thanks!" exclaimed Brad. "I love your cooking!"

"Call your mother and make sure it's okay," said Jeff's mom. "Tell her we'll drop you off on our way to church. Or you can come to church with us."

"Okay," agreed Brad. After making the call, he grinned at Jeff. "Mom says it's fine," he said, "but you sure have to work hard to be Christians, don't you?"

"What do you mean?" asked Jeff.

"You go to church all the time," replied Brad, "and you can't do certain things."

"But that's not what makes us Christians," said Jeff. "Accepting Jesus as Savior is the only thing that counts." Brad just shrugged.

The chicken and biscuits tasted even better than Brad had remembered. Following Jeff's lead, he took a second helping. Even when he finished that, his taste buds called for more, but he didn't want to look greedy. "Brad, one of those biscuits has your name on it," said Jeff's dad with a smile.

"I've had two helpings already," replied Brad, hoping someone would insist he take another.

Jeff's mom seemed to have something else on her mind. "I overheard you say that being a Christian seems like a lot of work, but it's Jesus who did all the work," she said. "We go to church and try to do what's right because we love God. It's not to become Christians. Salvation from sin is a gift from God." She smiled and pointed to the biscuits. "It's just like that biscuit you have your eye on," she added. "You don't need to work for it. Just take it."

A smile spread across Brad's face. "I guess I will," he said. With a serious expression, he added, "You mean you can just . . . just take the gift of salvation to become a Christian? I want to learn more about that, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian? Have you taken the gift of salvation? There's nothing you can do to earn a gift. You cannot become a Christian by doing good, going to church and Sunday school, being kind and loving and helpful, or giving money to worthy causes. God likes to have you do those things because you love Him, but you become a Christian only by accepting the gift of eternal life. He gives it to all who believe in Jesus. Accept His gift today!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Reason to Celebrate

"Grandpa, look at that one!" exclaimed Danny as a burst of colored sparks filled the air. "It's the best one yet." The fireworks display was spectacular. Amid "Ah's" and "Oh's" from the crowd, a variety of reds, greens, yellows, blues, and blazing whites lit up the sky.

After the grand finale, Grandpa and Danny stood and stretched. "Do you know why we celebrate Fourth of July?" asked Grandpa.

"Sure," replied Danny as they walked back to the car. "It's a special day that's set aside to celebrate our freedom and liberty."

Grandpa nodded. "We live in a country where we can choose what kind of work we want to do, travel where we want, say what we think, vote for those we want to be elected, and meet for public worship of God," he said. "Not everyone has those privileges."

"I know, Grandpa," said Danny. "I'm glad we can do those things here."

"I am, too," agreed Grandpa. After a moment, he added, "But did you know, Danny, that the greatest freedom anyone can enjoy is available to people in every country of the world?"

"It is?" asked Danny.

Grandpa nodded. "Unfortunately, many people don't know about that freedom," he said. "I'm talking about the freedom that Jesus Christ gives to everyone who trusts in Him. When we ask Him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts, He does that. He makes us His children and frees us from the power and the penalty of sin.That's the most spectacular freedom anyone will ever have."

"Then we should celebrate that, too," said Danny with a grin. "Can we have fireworks again tomorrow?"

Grandpa laughed. "That might not be a bad idea," he said. "We should certainly let the world know about this freedom and tell people that they can enjoy it, too. All right. We'll have to think about a good way to celebrate our freedom in Christ, and then let's do it!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Today are you celebrating the freedoms you enjoy in your country? Are you also celebrating the freedom from sin that Jesus gives? If you know Him as Savior, you are truly free-you're no longer ruled by sin, and you're free from the penalty of sin. That's a reason to celebrate! Be as noisy about your freedom in Christ as you are about other freedoms you enjoy. Let others know they can have this freedom, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

[Soldier4Christ]

 Pray and Pray

"That was Philip again," complained Cole as he hung up the phone. "I wish he'd quit calling to ask if I'll help him with his model airplane." Cole frowned as he added, "I told him I don't like model planes and that I'm not interested, but he keeps bugging me."

The following day, Philip called again-and the day after that, and the day after that. Cole finally agreed to help. "Can I go over to Philip's to work on his plane for a while?" he asked his mother. "If nothing else, we'll get it done so he won't keep calling me anymore. Okay?" Mom nodded, and Cole was out the door.

"Well, I see that persistence scored again," observed Mom when Cole returned home. "It's just like the man in the Bible."

Cole was curious. "A man in the Bible?" he asked. "What are you talking about?"

Mom smiled. "Philip kept calling and calling until you finally agreed to help him," she said. "That reminds me of a story Jesus told about a man who helped a friend who was very persistent." (See today's Scripture.) Mom paused and then added, "When we who are Christians pray, we shouldn't give up, either. We should keep asking-keep praying in God's will-and He'll answer our persistent prayers of faith."

"I gave in to Philip even though I didn't really want to," said Cole thoughtfully. "But what if I keep praying and begging for something God doesn't want? Will He give in-like I did to Philip?"

Mom shook her head. "You need to be willing to accept God's will," she said. "Then as you're persistent in prayer and trust Him, He'll give you peace in your heart and assurance that He will answer in His own time and in His own way and do what is best for everyone, even if the answer is no."

Just then the phone rang, and Cole picked it up. It was Philip again! "I had so much fun working with you on the model plane today," said Philip. "I just wanted to say thanks for your help, Cole."

As Cole hung up the phone, he felt good. It was nice of Philip to call and say thanks, he thought. Then something else occurred to him. It's important to say thanks when God answers prayer, too.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you pray and pray and pray and pray some more? Or do you give up when you don't get instant answers to your prayers? God gives some guidelines for when you pray. One of them is to be patient but persistent. He may not always give you exactly what you want when you want it, but remain faithful in prayer, trusting God to answer in His special time and in His perfect way. And then be sure to thank Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9

[Soldier4Christ]

 Blind Leaders

"But, Mom, what's wrong with joining the Action Club? They play games and do crafts, and they help poor children, too," argued Maribeth. "After all, it's a church club. They even have a Bible lesson every week. Does it matter that it's not our church?"

"It isn't a church, Maribeth," answered Mom. "It's a cult. I know they include a lesson time, but those leaders and teachers don't believe that Jesus is God or that He died for the sins of the world and rose again. I don't want you listening to that kind of false teaching."

"Oh, Mom," protested Maribeth, "I know better than to believe that stuff. I'll just go for the fun times and the charity projects."

"Don't be so sure of yourself," said Mom. She paused, then added, "Let me tell you a true story. When I was a kid, some friends and I decided to explore the trails in the woods behind our house. I thought I knew the area so well that I could never get lost in that woods, but before we knew it, we were lost. I was so relieved when my friend Sally said she knew the way home. So she led the way, but you know what? She just led us farther and farther into the woods. The sun went down, and we spent the night out there. We weren't found until the next day."

"Wow!" exclaimed Maribeth. "Who found you?"

"Your grandpa-my father-did," said Mom. "When he heard what happened, he quoted a Bible verse-something Jesus said. 'If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.'"

Maribeth grinned. "You didn't actually fall into any ditches," she said, "but I guess, in your case, that verse might say, 'If the blind lead the blind, they both get lost in the woods,' right?"

Mom nodded. "Yes, and I don't want it to describe your friends and you, Maribeth. Unsaved people are 'blind' to spiritual truth. They can't understand the Bible, and they will lead others astray. I don't want to take a chance on having you fall into any spiritual 'ditches.'"

Maribeth sighed. "Okay," she agreed. "I understand, and I don't want to fall into any ditches, either-or get lost in any spiritual 'woods'!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that some preachers deny parts of God's Word? They may be highly educated, but to properly explain the Scriptures, they need God's Holy Spirit. They must believe all of God's Word is true and that Jesus is God. They must acknowledge that salvation from sin comes only though faith in Jesus, not by any good thing they can do. Teachers who don't know Jesus as Savior are like the "blind leading the blind."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. Matthew 15:14

[Soldier4Christ]

How Does Your Garden Grow?

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:23 (NIV)

Have you ever lived on a farm? No? Have you ever planted a garden? Some of you may have planted a garden or watched your parents or grandparents plant a garden. There is a lot of work involved in the planting and caring for a garden. What are some of the things you will need to plant a garden? You'll need a shovel to break up the ground and a rake to remove the rocks and keep the soil smooth. You need a hoe to chop down the weeds that might try to take over your garden. You will probably need some fertilizer and, unless it rains a lot, you will need a hose to water your garden. Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing that you will need. Can you guess what it is? The seed! You can't have a garden without seeds. Now we have everything we need to produce a great crop of fruits and vegetables.

Jesus liked to tell stories to help people understand his teaching. One day he told a story about a farmer who planted some seeds. As he scattered the seed in his field, some of them fell on the footpath and the birds ate them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground. The seeds sprouted, but they wilted and died under the hot sun because they didn't have deep roots. Some of the seeds fell in areas where there were a lot of weeds and the weeds choked out the young plants. Ah, but some of the seed fell on good, fertile soil and that seed grew and produced a wonderful crop.

Do you think Jesus was really trying to teach people how to plant a garden? No. The story has a much deeper meaning. In Jesus' story, the seed represents the Word of God and the soil represents the people who hear the Word. Many times people hear the Word of God, but they don't understand it. They don't take it in. That is like the seed on the footpath. The evil one comes and takes away the seed that has been planted in their heart before it has the opportunity to grow in their life.

The seed that fell on rocky soil represents those who hear the word and receive it with great joy, but when the newness wears off and the excitement fades, they drift away because they don't have deep roots.

The seed that fell among the weeds represents people who hear God's word and believe what it says, but soon the message is crowded out by the worries of life and the desire to get more stuff. If seed is planted in a bunch of weeds, the weeds will soon take over!

A person who hears God's word, tries to understand what it says and put it into practice in their daily life is like good soil. In good soil, the seed takes root and grows and produces a plentiful harvest. That is the kind of soil that Jesus wants us to be. What kind of soil are you?

Dear Jesus, we want to be like the good soil. Help us to listen to God's Word and put it into practice in our daily life. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Weeds and Flowers

It's not fair, Trevor thought as he pulled weeds out of the flower beds in front of his house. Most kids get to play and watch TV and stuff, but I'm stuck weeding. As he worked, Trevor's mind shifted to things that had happened in the last few months. His parents had gotten divorced the past winter, and now Trevor and his mother had moved to the town where his grandparents lived. His mom worked long hours to support them, and he missed his dad. Trevor also missed all his friends since he moved, and he was nervous about attending a new school in the fall. Trevor sighed as he thought of all the bad things in his life.

Later that day, Grandpa came over, and Trevor told him about his weeding project. "I don't like weeding, so I'm glad that's all done," declared Trevor. "The flower beds do look better now, though."

"You did a good job," approved Grandpa. He pointed to one of the flower beds. "Those bright pink blossoms sure are pretty," he added.

Trevor looked at the flowers Grandpa was pointing out. "I never even saw those before," said Trevor. "They must've just bloomed this afternoon. I'm sure they weren't there when I weeded this morning."

Grandpa laughed. "Actually, I saw them when I was here a few days ago," he replied. "They're so bright, I'm surprised you missed them."

"I guess I was too busy looking for weeds to notice them," said Trevor.

Grandpa was thoughtful. "This reminds me of people who see only the 'weeds' or bad things in life," he said. "They're so busy complaining that they don't notice the 'flowers'-the good things-God gives them."

Wow! That sounds like me, thought Trevor as he recalled his complaints earlier that day about how awful his life was.

"God has given us many wonderful things," added Grandpa, "and we should focus on them rather than the things we dislike in our lives."

Trevor nodded and gave his grandfather a little smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you grumble or complain about what is happening in your life? Do you often look at the bad things? Or do you notice that God has blessed your life with many good things even though there may also be some that you dislike? Choose to look at the "flowers" in your life instead of the "weeds." See what a difference it makes in your attitude.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be content with such things as you have. Hebrews 13:5

[Soldier4Christ]

 Planets and People

Nathan carefully hung a poster on his bedroom wall. He stepped back to look at it. "EXTINCTION IS FOREVER! SAVE YOUR PLANET NOW!" he read aloud. Then he ran down the stairs, two steps at a time.

"Whoa, Nathan!" called Mom. "Slow down! Where are you going, and what do you have in that box?"

"The bumper stickers we're selling for our school project," replied Nathan. "I showed them to you, remember? You said you'd buy some. The money we make is going to help with research on ways to keep people from destroying the earth. Lots of animals and plants and things are already extinct."

Mom nodded. "I assume you know what that word-extinct-means?"

"Sure. It means they don't exist anymore," said Nathan. "Lots more are in danger of becoming extinct, so we should do what we can to keep that from happening." He opened the box. "How many do you want?" he asked eagerly.

"At least a couple," said Mom. "We should have one on each of our cars."

Dad looked up from his newspaper and nodded. "We're proud of you, Son," he said. "It's important to take good care of the earth God has given us." Then he frowned slightly. "But isn't it too bad we often forget what's in the greatest danger of all?" he added.

"Like . . . what?" asked Nathan. "Some rain forests? Or . . . animals in a jungle somewhere?"

Dad shook his head. "No, I wasn't thinking of animals or the environment. I was thinking of people's souls," he said. "People who reject Jesus will experience something much worse than extinction-they'll face eternal punishment in hell. It's good to be concerned about saving the earth, but we should be even more concerned about saving souls."

"That's right," agreed Mom. "People can save all the animals on the planet and yet lose their own souls. That's sad."

"I never thought about that," said Nathan thoughtfully. "I guess you're saying I should invite friends to church more often and tell them about Jesus."

"I'm saying we all should do that," said Dad. "We need to find ways to warn people of the danger to their souls as well as the danger to the earth!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you concerned about our planet? That's good, and God is pleased when you do your part to stop pollution and to create an awareness of the possible extinction of some of His creation. But His greatest creation is man, and the eternal destiny of people should be your biggest concern. Do your part to win them to Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

[Soldier4Christ]

 Secrets and Dandelions

"Wanna know a secret?" asked Kathy. She grinned at her mom over a slice of pie. "Bill's mom and dad had a big fight," continued Kathy. "Bill told Juan and Juan told Sandy's brother and he told her." Kathy laughed. "Sandy said not to tell, but they said such funny things while they argued! They said . . ."

Mom put up her hand. "Hold it!" she said. "You were asked to not repeat that, remember? And Sandy shouldn't have told you in the first place." Mom refused to hear any more of Kathy's story.

When the pie was gone and the dishes cleared away, Mom told Kathy to come outside with her. Kathy skipped beside her mother as they walked through the back yard. Seeds flew away as her feet brushed the full-blown dandelions. "Pick one of those white dandelions," Mom said, "and then come sit with me on the porch."

Kathy eagerly picked the biggest dandelion she could find and went to the porch. She climbed onto the porch swing, being careful to not disturb the dandelion seeds. Mom smiled and took the dandelion. "Do you know what those little white things are?" she asked.

"Sure I do," said Kathy. "Each one is a seed."

Mom nodded. "Think of each tiny seed as part of the story you heard from Sandy," she said. "First, there's the argument between Bill's parents; next, Bill told Juan." Mom carefully pulled out two tiny seeds . . . and then several others. "These extras are for Juan and Sandy's brother and Sandy and you. And then you telling me. Now, blow." So Kathy blew hard on the dandelion in her mother's hand, scattering all the seeds.

"Those seeds are a picture of that story of the argument going into the world," Mom said. "But in case the story is incorrect or if it might hurt someone, we don't want it to stay out there. Run and get all the seeds you blew away."

Kathy started to slide off the swing, then stopped. "You know there's no way I can do that!" she exclaimed. "Those seeds are all over the place."

"Yes, they are," said Mom, "and that's what happens when we repeat stories. They go all over the place, and we can't get them back. We need to be very careful to tell only things that help and don't hurt. Okay?"

Kathy nodded solemnly. "I understand. I won't tell anyone else," she promised.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you repeat stories that are supposed to be a secret? When someone says, "Don't tell!" are you tempted to tell other kids anyway? Would that help or would it hurt someone? Would it please God to have you repeat it? In case it's something you think an adult should know about, ask God to help you decide what responsible adult you should tell. But remember, the general rule is to not spread secrets or unkind information about other people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13

[Soldier4Christ]

 Survival Kit

"We did a fun thing in science," David told his mother as he packed his suitcase, getting ready to spend a weekend with his grandparents. "We had to get into small groups and decide which items we would include in our survival kit if we were taking a trip to the moon. Our teacher gave us a list of twenty things, and we had to choose eight of them for our kit."

"Did everyone agree on the same eight items?" asked Mom.

David shook his head. "One girl in my group kept insisting that we take a map of the earth," he said. "What good would that do on the moon? I was disappointed that chocolate wasn't even on the list."

 Mom chuckled. "You and your chocolate!" she exclaimed.

David laughed, too. "There were a lot of foods we couldn't take, so I thought we should take vitamins. Otherwise we might not get all the stuff we need to stay healthy." He added a couple of things to his suitcase and closed it. "There! I'm ready to go to Grandpa and Grandma's," he said.

"Did you pack pajamas?" asked Mom.

"Of course," answered David.

"Toothbrush?" Mom wanted to know.

"Yep," replied David. "Don't forget, Mom-I worked on a survival kit at school today. My mind is in gear to pack all the necessary things."

"What about daily nutrition?" Mom asked.

David laughed. "Grandma will make sure I eat well," he said. "I don't need to take food along there-not even vitamins."

"What I actually meant by 'daily nutrition' this time was your Bible," Mom told him. "You need spiritual food wherever you are, and the Bible is a place to get that."

David looked at the Bible on his bedside table. "Okay. I'll take it," he said. He picked it up, opened his suitcase, and made room for it. "But even if I didn't take it along, I'm sure Grandpa and Grandma would see to it that I got spiritual food. They talk about God a lot."

"Yes," said Mom, "but it's good to read the Bible for yourself, too." She smiled. "I'm sure it wasn't on your master list at school," she said, "but it would also have been a good item to take to the moon."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you prepared a survival kit, would the Bible be included? Is it included in your daily life now? Read it. Think about what it says and how it applies to you, even while you're working and playing. Most of all, obey it. It should be part of your daily life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Grandma's Coming

"Mommy, when will Grandma be here?" asked Zoe as she stared out the window. "She's going to give me a great, big hug and bring me a present. I just know it! I'm going to watch right here till she comes."

"Oh, Zoe," said Mom, "watching for Grandma is fine, but are you really ready for her to come? She'll be sleeping in your room, you know. Why don't you go and clean it up so it looks nice for her? Maybe you can draw a picture for her, too."

Zoe clapped her hands at the idea and skipped off to her room. She picked up all her clothes and hung them in the closet. She placed her shoes in a neat row under the hanging clothes. Each time she heard a car, she ran to look out the window, hoping it was Grandma. As she sat at her desk and finished the picture she was drawing, Mom called her to lunch.

"When will Grandma get here?" asked Zoe as she took a bite of her grilled cheese sandwich. "I've been waiting so long for her, and she's still not here."

"I know," replied Mom patiently. "Grandma wasn't sure just how soon she'd arrive. Let's just keep busy. You can help clear the table, and then let's make her favorite dessert for dinner tonight."

The dessert was just finished when a car slowed down and turned into their driveway. Zoe ran to the window. "She's here! She's here!" shouted Zoe, jumping up and down.

Zoe gave Grandma a big hug, and Grandma handed her a flat, square package. Zoe was right! Grandma had a gift for her-a Bible storybook.

That night, Grandma opened Zoe's new book and read to her the story of Jesus returning to heaven. It told of His promise to come back to earth again. "We don't know when Jesus will come," said Grandma, "but we know for sure that He is coming."

"That's just like you, Grandma!" exclaimed Zoe.

"Good thinking," responded Grandma. "Your mother told me how you kept busy while you waited-how you did things you knew I would appreciate. And while we wait for Jesus, it's important that we keep busy, too-busy doing the things He wants us to do."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What are you doing to keep busy until Jesus comes? Are you busy with the things He wants you to do-things like cheerfully doing your tasks each day, being helpful and obedient, and witnessing for Him? Jesus is coming! Keep busy serving Him while you wait for Him to come.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Watch) lest, coming suddenly, He find you sleeping. Mark 13:36

[Soldier4Christ]

 Reserved Seats

"Hurry, Dad!" urged Daniel as he and his father sped down the freeway toward the baseball stadium. It was Daniel's first time to attend a major league baseball game, and he didn't want to miss any part of it. "If we're late, we might not find a good place to sit!" he added.

"Don't worry, Daniel," said Dad with a smile. "They won't give our seats away. Our tickets are right here." Dad tapped his left jacket pocket. "Bought and paid for. Our places are reserved for us."

"Reserved . . . that means they're saved for us, right?" asked Daniel.

"Right," agreed Dad as he turned into the stadium parking lot. "People make reservations all the time-for airplane tickets, hotel rooms, fancy restaurants, and . . ." Dad patted his pocket again, ". . . for seats at baseball games." He glanced at Daniel. "You may not have known it, but when you trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, you were making a reservation then, too."

"I was?" asked Daniel, looking at his father in surprise.

"Yes, you were," said Dad. "You were making a reservation in heaven, and there will always be a place there for you."

They parked the car and hurried to the stadium. "Are you sure they saved our seats?" asked Daniel as he looked at the sea of spectators. "If they didn't, I bet we'll have to stand up the entire game!"

Dad smiled as he looked at the stubs of their tickets. He motioned toward a man who was helping people find their seats. "That gentleman will show us where to go," said Dad. "Come along."

Daniel followed his father through the noisy crowd, and soon . . . there they were-two empty seats. "All right!" exclaimed Daniel. "Here they are, Dad! Waiting just for us!"

"No one else," agreed Dad. As they settled down into their reserved seats, Dad grinned at Daniel. "Always remember," said Dad, "there's also a place in heaven reserved for just you." Daniel nodded and grinned. Then they watched the game together.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there a place reserved in heaven for you? There is if you've trusted Jesus as your Savior. God guarantees a place in heaven for all those who believe in Jesus. If you haven't accepted Him as Savior, don't wait. Make that reservation today.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:3-4)
God . . . has . . . an inheritance . . . reserved in heaven for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 What Do You See?

Allie leaned over the front seat of the car. '"I'm glad I can spend the day with you," she told her grandparents. "Mom and Dad expect too much from me. Nothing I do is good enough to suit them."

"Really?" asked Grandpa. "That's odd. Just yesterday your dad was bragging about you-saying what a good worker you are."

"A good worker?" echoed Allie. "But he . . ."

"Look!" exclaimed Grandma, pointing out the car window. "See that gorgeous bush? God is a marvelous artist." Allie and Grandpa looked blank. Grandma chuckled. "It was back there," she said. "It's too late to see it now."

Allie returned to her complaints, hoping for sympathy. "My sister's a pain, too," she said. "She always bugs me, but Mom makes me take her everywhere I go."

Grandma turned to look in the back seat. "Cindi," she called. "Where are you?" Grandma frowned. "She doesn't seem to be with you today," she murmured.

Allie grinned. "No, but I do have to take her almost everywhere," she said.

Grandma smiled. "Just the other day Cindi told me that you're the 'bestest big sister in the world.' She loves you very much, Allie."

Allie looked ashamed. "Well, I mean she . . ."

"Look!" Grandpa slowed the car. "See that deer?" He pointed. "Over there-in those trees." Allie squinted her eyes to see better, but neither she nor Grandma saw the deer. "Well, it's too late now," said Grandpa as they rounded a curve in the road.

Grandma turned to face Allie. "Isn't it strange how we see what we're looking for?" she asked. "I like flowers, so I watch for them-and I saw that beautiful bush. Grandpa likes wild animals, so he saw a deer."

Grandpa nodded. "When we look for bad things in others, we find them," he said, "and when we look for good things, we find them."

"God has given you a wonderful family, Allie," said Grandma softly. "Look for the good things in your home life. When you do, you'll find them. They . . ."

"Look!" cried Grandpa. "See that covey of quail in the grass along the road?"

"I see it!" exclaimed Allie. She paused, then added, "Did I tell you that Dad has to take a trip to Arizona and he's going to take me with him? I can't wait!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you look for good things in others, or do you look for bad things? Listen to yourself sometime. Are your remarks positive or negative? God wants His children to be gentle and courteous, not harsh and judgmental. Start to look for good and talk about it. Your day will be brighter, you'll be better company for others, and you'll be a better testimony for the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Speak evil of no one . . . be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2