Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Helpful Light

"Hey, Mom, what are you doing?" asked Mary as she and her mother stood at the linen counter in the department store.

Mom held a napkin up toward the light. "These napkins are called 'seconds,' Mary," she said. "That means there's some flaw in them, so they cost less than regular ones. When I hold them up to the light, I can see what's wrong and whether or not it's a serious problem."

"How can you tell?" Mary wanted to know.

"The light shines through the material, and then I can see if there's a thin, weak spot," said Mom. She pointed to one of the flaws. "Most of these aren't bad, and I think I'll buy some." So Mary helped her mother inspect and choose several napkins.

After family devotions that evening, Mary showed her dad how they had decided which napkins to buy. "Light is a great help," he agreed as Mary held a napkin up to the light and pointed out a small flaw. He grinned. "Does this remind you of one of the verses we read in our devotions tonight? It's one you've memorized."

"Ah-h-h . . . I know! It's the verse that says God's Word is a lamp to our feet!" exclaimed Mary.

Dad nodded. "And a light to our path," he said. "When we examine our actions in the light of His Word, the flaws in our lives will show up."

"Flaws?" asked Mary. "Like what?"

"Well . . . remember when you were angry with Christy and wanted to get even with her?" asked Mom. "We looked up Bible verses that gave 'light' on the subject, and you were able to see that trying to get even with her was wrong."

Mary nodded. "I know. The verses said to repay evil with good. At first I didn't want to do that, but I'm glad I finally did. Christy is one my best friends now."

"That's great," approved Dad. "Sometimes there may be parts of our lives that we'd rather not hold up to God's light because we're afraid we'll have to change what we're doing. We forget that the only way to truly live for Jesus is to let His light show us where we're wrong and then to correct our behavior. "

"True," agreed Mom, "and when we do that, we're much happier. It's the only way to real joy and peace. Always remember that, Mary."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you willing to let the light of God's Word show up any flaws in your life? Pay careful attention when you read the Bible or hear it explained by teachers or parents. Check to see if you are doing the things Jesus commands. When you discover flaws in your life-any unkind words or feelings, any lack of obedience, any desire to do wrong things-ask the Lord for strength to correct them. You'll be glad you did.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Feeding the 5000

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Matthew 14:20 (NIV)

Are you hungry? I am! Sometimes I get really hungry during church. What would you think if we had a little snack this morning instead of a children's sermon? I brought a bag with my snack in it. Let's see what is in here. Oh my, We have a problem. All I have is five peanut butter crackers and a couple of pieces of fruit. I don't think there is any way that would be enough to feed all of you. Let's see. (Start counting the children.) One, two, three, four, five... no way. There just isn't enough for all of you.

That reminds me of something that happened to Jesus and his disciples one day. Jesus and his disciples were very tired and needed some time to relax. They got into a boat and went away to a quiet place to rest. When they reached their destination, there were people there waiting for Jesus. The Bible tells us that there were Five thousand men and who knows how many women and children! They wanted Jesus to teach them and heal the sick. Jesus needed to rest, but when he saw the people, he loved them so much that he forgot all about being tired. He healed the sick and taught the people about the kingdom of heaven.

Soon it was time to eat. The disciples went to Jesus and said, "It is getting late and we are hungry. Send the people away so that we can go and get something to eat."

Jesus answered, "They don't need to go away," Jesus said, "you feed them."

"Feed them? How can we feed them? There is a little boy over here with five loaves of bread and two small fish. That is all the food we have."

Jesus told the disciples bring him the loaves and fish and to tell everyone to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the loaves and fish and looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He then gave the food to the disciples to give to the people.

If I were to share my snack with you today, there might be enough for each of you to have one tiny bite. But when Jesus blessed the loaves and fish, the Bible says that everyone ate until they were full! Wait! That's not all! After they had eaten until they were full, they gathered up the leftovers and there were twelve baskets full. Can you imagine taking these five crackers and two cookies and feeding everyone here today and still having food left over? We couldn't do it, but God could.

What can we learn from this Bible lesson today? We learn that when we give what we have to God, he can take it, bless it, and do more than we could ever imagine. Even though we may not have very much, little becomes much when it is placed in God's hands.

Dear Father, just as Jesus used the lunch of a small boy to feed more than five thousand people, we pray that you will use the boys and girls here today to bless everyone they meet each day. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Baseball Lessons

"How did you like our game today, Dad?" asked Patrick when he and Jacob joined their father after their baseball game.

"It was great!" declared Dad. He grinned. "Do you mind if I use you guys for an example in my Sunday school class tomorrow?" he asked as they started home. "Our lesson is about the Christian's walk with Jesus, and you gave me some good examples. Can you boys figure out what they are?"

Jacob and Patrick looked at each other and shrugged. "Well, ah . . . was it because we were on the winning team?" suggested Patrick after a moment.

"Good thought!" said Dad. "With Jesus, you're on the winning team, too. But I had some other things in mind. One of them was something Jacob did."

Jacob grinned. "Something good, I hope?"

Dad smiled and nodded. "Something good," he said. "I noticed that while you were waiting for your turn at bat in the sixth inning, some boys in the bleachers were calling out to you just as your coach came up to say something."

"Yeah. Those guys are on my soccer team at school, and they wanted me to come over to the fence and talk to them," Jacob explained. "We always have a lot of fun goofin' around."

"Well, I was glad you didn't let them distract you and miss something your coach wanted to tell you," said Dad. "It's important to listen to him."

"Right," replied Jacob. "Coach Bob always tells us that, too." He frowned. "But . . . why did that remind you of Christians? I don't get it."

"Christians need to listen to their coach-to God," explained Dad. "He talks through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we don't pay attention to Him because we're so busy doing our own thing. Other times we might be distracted by voices of friends and family, or just by things that look like fun. We may fail to listen to Jesus then, too."

"So . . . just like us guys need to pay attention to what our baseball coach says, Christians need to pay attention to what God says, right?" asked Patrick slowly. "And we do that by paying attention to what the Bible says and by listening to pastors and teachers-stuff like that?"

Dad nodded. "You got it!" he said. "Be sure to remember."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you listen to the Lord? He speaks to you through His Word and through parents, pastors, and teachers-and even through your own conscience. Be alert to what God is saying. When it's different from what your friends or classmates tell you, be ready to say no to them and yes to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

[Soldier4Christ]

 Baseball Lessons (Cont'd.)

Jacob and Patrick grinned at each other. Their Dad often used incidents from everyday life to illustrate lessons from the Bible. He'd already reminded the boys that just like baseball players need to listen to their coach, Christians need to listen to their coach-God. Now Dad turned to Patrick. "Remember that home run you hit in the baseball game today?" Dad asked him.

"Of course!" said Patrick. "I blasted that ball almost out of the park!"

"It was quite a blow all right," agreed Dad. "When you reached third base, it looked like you would have just enough time to beat the ball to home plate, and Coach Bob motioned for you to keep going. I wondered if you would slow down and look around to see where the ball was and then decide for yourself whether to go on or stay at third."

"I wanted to look," admitted Patrick, "but Coach Bob is always telling us we have to trust him enough to simply follow his directions, so I just ran for it!"

"And it's a good thing you did. Taking time to look around would have cost you a run," said Dad. "Now . . . who would like to compare that to living as Christians should?"

Jacob and Patrick looked at each other. "It's like you said before," Patrick answered. "We need to listen to our coach-to God."

Dad smiled. "Right," he said, "but this time it goes a little farther. Sometimes there's something we know God wants us to do, but we hesitate. We may feel in our hearts that we should serve Him in a particular way, but we don't trust Him enough to immediately obey Him. We want to think it over and decide for ourselves whether or not to do it. Unfortunately, by the time we make the decision, we may have missed the Lord's timing. We need to be obedient to God and His Word and follow Him as soon as we know of something He wants us to do."

Jacob, who had been listening carefully, summed it up. "When we listen to our baseball coach and follow his directions without hesitating, we do better in our ball game. And when we listen to God and obey Him right away, we do better in what you sometimes call the 'game of life,' right?"

"Absolutely right!" agreed Dad.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are there times when you know the Lord wants you to do a certain thing-but you hesitate to obey? Perhaps you know He wants you to speak to someone about Jesus, to be kind to a new student, or to help someone with a task. When you know He's prompting you to do something, don't hesitate. Obey immediately.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. Deuteronomy 12:32

[Soldier4Christ]

 In His Arms

Paige tore open the screen door and stumbled down the hallway. "Mom! Mom!" she called. "Is it true?"

"Whoa! Settle down there, honey." Dad met her and put an arm around her shoulders. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, Daddy-David Grant said his mom doesn't have a job anymore, and that all the plant workers have been laid off. You, too? You're home from work already, so it must be true!" exclaimed Paige. "Daddy, if you don't have your job any more, how will we pay Kari's doctor bills?"

Just then Mom came down the stairs with Kari. The baby's eyes lit up when she saw Paige, and she eagerly held out her arms. Dad let Paige out of his bear hug so she could take Kari.

Paige remembered the time when Kari was so sick and often had to go to the hospital for treatments. She had been such a quiet and dull baby then-not at all like the bright, happy baby she was now. Paige squeezed her little sister even tighter in her arms.

Dad saw the tight hug Paige gave Kari. "Paige, whose arms are holding Kari?" he asked.

"That's a funny question," said Paige. "You know my arms are holding her. Why did you ask that?"

"Is she safe in your arms?" asked Dad. "Maybe I should take her."

Paige gave Dad a very puzzled look. "Why, Dad? You and Mom have taught me to be very careful with Kari. I'm in the fifth grade, you know. Why wouldn't you trust me with Kari now?"

Dad smiled. "Actually, I do trust you," he said, "and I'll leave her with you. But think about this . . . a few minutes ago, you were worried because I was out of work. I know that's a scary thought. I'll admit that Mom and I feel a little shaky about it, too, but we decided we're safe in the arms that are holding us."

Paige stared blankly at her father for a minute. Then she smiled. "God's arms," she said quietly. "Our family is in God's arms." She knew it was true that God would help them, no matter what happened with Dad's job.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you worried about your future? About someone who has lost his job, is very ill, or has some other problem? Does it seem like there's no solution to what is happening? Keep in mind that God knew it was going to happen before you did, and He knows what to do about it. No matter how the situation looks to you, remember that you are in God's care-in the "everlasting arms" of our eternal God. Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

[Soldier4Christ]

 On Target

"Bulls eye!" said Ethan as his arrow hit the target at the end of the garden.

"Cool! Let me try," begged his little brother. "It looks easy." Ethan smiled, handed the bow to Kevin, and showed him how to hold it and align the arrow with the small dot in the center of the target. The large bow felt awkward in Kevin's hands, but he took careful aim and let the arrow fly. Anxiously, he watched, but the arrow didn't even reach the target. Kevin was surprised. "I need to be closer to the target," he said.

"Okay," said Ethan. "I'll help you, too."

Kevin shook his head. "I want to do it by myself," he insisted. So he moved several steps nearer to the target and again sighted down the arrow. He slowly pulled back on the string and let go. This time the arrow went far enough, but it was way off course. After a few more tries, Kevin was ready to give up.

"Here . . . I'll help you," offered Ethan again. He leaned down, and together the boys held the bow and arrow, slowly pulled the string back, and then released it. Kevin heard the solid thud as the arrow was embedded in the target-only half an inch away from the bull's eye. He tried again, but he could hit the mark only with Ethan's help.

A little later, Kevin went into the house. "I missed the mark every time," he moaned, sitting at the table with his mother. "I can't hit the target unless Ethan is helping me."

"That's okay, honey. You'll learn." Mom smiled and closed the Bible she had been reading. "You know what?" she asked. "I often miss the mark in what I'm doing, too. Like you, I need someone's help to keep me on target."

"You do?" asked Kevin, looking surprised.

Mom nodded. "Yes-and in more serious areas than a target in the back yard," she said. "I've been a Christian a long time, but sometimes I still miss the mark-I do wrong things. I sin. So . . ." She pointed to the Bible.

"You mean you need Jesus' help?" asked Kevin.

Mom nodded again. "After a while you won't need Ethan's help anymore to hit the target with a bow and arrow," she said, "but you'll always need Jesus' help to have victory over sin and do the things that please Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian who still finds it hard to always do the right thing? To tell the truth? To be kind? To control your temper? To obey promptly? Don't give up. Recognize that, like all Christians, you need help to have victory over sin-and the help you need is available! When you do something wrong, confess that sin. Then continually ask the Lord to help you "hit the mark"-to live the way He wants you to live. He alone can keep you on target and give you victory over sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Sunflower Dilemma

Oh, no! The head of one of my biggest sunflowers is gone! thought Tyler as he looked at the row of flowers he had planted along the back fence. Eric must have taken it! Eric lived in the house right behind Tyler's yard, and the two boys often played together. Tyler ran to tell his mother about the missing sunflower head. "It had to be Eric who took it," said Tyler angrily.

"How do you know?" asked Mom. "Can you prove it?"

"No, but I know he did it!" insisted Tyler.

"Don't accuse anyone unless you have proof," replied Mom. "One of the Ten Commandments says we're not to 'bear false witness' against our neighbors. One translation reads, 'Do not accuse anyone falsely.' You need to be very careful."

Tyler sighed and went back outdoors. He looked over toward Eric's house. Both boys had been excited when the first green shoots of the sunflowers appeared. They'd watched the plants grow until they towered above the fence. At first, they had looked like giant daisies, always smiling at the sun. "They smile at me in the morning and at you in the afternoon," Tyler had told Eric one day. After that, the boys generally played in the yard toward which the sunflowers were smiling.

As the flowers matured, their big heads no longer followed the sun. Instead, they hung heavily downward. But now the biggest head was missing. Tyler was sure Eric had taken it, and he was furious. I feel like going over there and telling Eric to his face that he's a thief, thought Tyler. Oh, well. I'll fix him! He got a stepladder and twine from the garage and took them to the fence. Standing on the stepladder, Tyler looped a piece of twine around a couple of the biggest plants. He hung a small cow bell on the twine and hid it as best he could. His trap was set. Next time Eric takes one of the sunflowers, the bell will ring, thought Tyler, and I'll catch him!

As Tyler sat on the front steps a little later, he heard the bell ringing. He dashed to the back yard, and there he saw a squirrel busily gnawing near the head of a sunflower plant. In a moment, the big head fell to the ground. With a loud shout, Tyler chased the little animal. Then he picked up the sunflower head and ran to tell his mother about it. "Oh, Mom!" he exclaimed. "I'm sure glad now that I didn't go to Eric's house and call him a thief!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever accused someone and later learned you were wrong? As today's Scripture indicates, God takes that very seriously. Be sure you know the facts before you make any accusations. Even then, talk to God about the problem-and perhaps to a parent or other adult-instead of angrily saying things you might regret. If you have already broken God's commandment regarding this, ask Him to forgive you. Also apologize to the person you have wronged.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Proverbs 24:28

[Soldier4Christ]

 Ice Bags and Prayers

"Hi, Mom!" called Kirsten as she pushed the kitchen door open.

Mom answered from the family room, and Kirsten headed that way. She found her mother staring out the window, a sad expression on her face. "What's wrong?" asked Kirsten. "You look like you're not very happy about something."

Mom sighed. "Aunt Mary called," she replied. "They heard from your cousin Jeannie for the first time since she ran away from home."

"That's good, isn't it?" asked Kirsten. "They finally know where she is, right?"

"Yes, she called from some place in Texas," answered Mom. "But Jeannie is making a terrible mistake. My heart aches for her and for Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom." Kirsten noticed tears in Mom's eyes.

"Well, I'm sorry for them, too, but Jeannie's been nothing but trouble for the last few years!" exclaimed Kirsten crossly. "I have a hard time feeling sorry for her! Isn't she supposed to be a Christian? What kind of Christian would do that to her family?" Kirsten turned and walked out of the room.

A moment later, Kirsten let out a loud wail. "Oh-h-h!" she cried. "Ouch!"

"Kirsten!" called Mom. "What happened?" She hurried to the kitchen where Kirsten crouched on the floor, clutching her foot.

"I slammed my toe into that chair leg," moaned Kirsten. "It hurts so bad!"

Mom fixed an ice bag to place on the injured toe. "That helps," said Kirsten after applying the ice, "but it still hurts a lot."

"I'm sorry," said Mom. "Just sit still until it feels better." A moment later, she asked, "But why such a fuss? It's just a little toe."

Kirsten blinked in surprise. "It makes me hurt all over," she wailed.

Mom nodded and smiled a little. "I know it does, honey," she comforted. Then she added softly, "Your cousin is like that little toe. Jeannie's trouble brings pain to all the members of her family-at least it should."

Kirsten looked thoughtful. "I . . . I suppose you're right, Mom," she admitted. "But . . . what can we do to help her or Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom?"

"We can pray for them," said Mom. "Christians can pray for each other-whether it's for broken hearts or sore toes."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you sensitive to the feelings of others? Or when people go through especially sad or happy times, do you feel like those things are neither your joys nor your problems? God says you should share the joys and sorrows of others-and also pray for them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Puppet

Jeffrey was so excited that he could hardly open his birthday gift. He hoped it was a puppet-something he'd been wanting ever since a ventriloquist had performed with one at a school event. He tore off the wrappings and opened the box. Sure enough, there was a puppet inside. His little sister, Debbie, looked on with wide-eyed wonder. "A doll," she said. "Will you play dolls with me, Jeffie?"

"No way!" responded Jeffrey. "This isn't a doll. It's a puppet like the one the guy had at our school carnival. Remember?"

"His puppet was alive," said Debbie. "It could move and talk, but yours can't, can it?"

"It wasn't alive the way we are. That man made it move, and he talked for it," said Jeffrey. He grinned. "Mine will come to life like that, too," he declared. "I'm naming my puppet 'Ricky,' and I'm going to learn to be a ventriloquist. I'll make Ricky move and talk." And starting that very day, Jeffrey worked hard at learning how to turn his puppet's head, move its mouth, and speak for it.

"Ricky is alive now, just like that man's puppet," declared Debbie several weeks later. Jeffrey beamed. He figured he was truly getting good enough to perform as a ventriloquist.

At family devotions one morning, Dad turned to the second chapter of Ephesians. "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins," read Dad.

"What are tepsus?" asked Debbie, frowning.

"Trespasses!" corrected Jeffrey. "They're the wrong things we do. They're kinda the same thing as sins."

"Well, who was dead, Daddy?" asked Debbie.

"In a way, everyone was-and many still are," replied Dad. "God says we all do wrong things, so that makes us spiritually dead." He looked at Jeffrey. "People are like Ricky-Jeffrey's puppet," continued Dad. "Ricky is entirely limp and lifeless except when Jeffrey speaks for him and slips his hand inside him to operate the controls. Ricky needs Jeffrey to have any kind of life, and people need to trust Jesus as personal Savior to receive spiritual life. When we trust Jesus, He makes us alive."

Debbie smiled at her brother. "I like it when Jeffie makes Ricky alive," she said.

"And it's even better when God makes us alive," said Dad with a smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been "made alive"? Or are you still "dead in sin"? Maybe you're trying your very best to be really good so that you'll go to heaven some day. But God says you're a sinner, and someone who is "dead" in sin can never be good enough to earn a place in heaven. You must be made "alive" by God. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Savior, trust in Him today. Then you'll begin to truly live.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
And you He (God) made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Joseph and His Brothers

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph — a beautiful robe. Genesis 37:3 (NLT)

Look at my big box. Can you guess what's inside? Let's take a look and see. Oh my! Look at all of these pieces of brightly colored cloth; red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and orange. There is just about every color you can imagine. Wouldn't it be beautiful to take all of these pieces of cloth and sew them together into a shirt or a dress? I imagine that if you had a shirt or dress with so many beautiful colors, everyone who saw it would be very jealous and wish that they had one too.

That reminds me of a story in the Bible about a boy named Joseph. Jacob, Joseph's father, had twelve sons. Of all his sons, he loved Joseph best because he was born to him in his old age. To show how much he loved Joseph, he made him a beautiful coat that had many colors. Joseph's brothers were jealous because it showed that he was his father's favorite son.

A few days later Joseph’s father said to him, "Your brothers are out tending my sheep. I want you to go check and make sure that they are ok." Joseph did what his father told him, but when his brothers saw him coming, they made plans to kill him.

"Let’s kill him and throw him into a pit and say that he was eaten by a wild animal."

When Reuben, the oldest of the brothers heard of their scheme, he came to Joseph’s rescue. "Let's not take his life. Instead, let’s throw him into this pit here in the desert, but don't harm him. Then he’ll die without our laying a hand on him." Reuben said this because he planned to come back later and rescue Joseph and take him back to his father.

When Joseph arrived, his brothers grabbed him, ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing, and threw him into the pit. Then they sat down to eat their dinner. As they were eating, they looked up and saw a caravan of merchants coming their way. They were on their way to Egypt. "What will we gain if we kill our brother? Let's sell him to these merchants instead." So when the merchants came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him up out of the pit and sold him for twenty pieces of silver.

The brothers began make up a story to tell their father. They killed a goat and smeared its blood over Joseph's coat of many colors. They took the bloody coat back to Jacob and said to him. "We found this bloody coat in the wilderness. Look at it and see if it is Joseph’s coat."

"It is my son's coat!" Jacob cried. "Surely some ferocious animal has eaten him."

What a terrible thing for Joseph's brothers to do -- just because they were jealous of their brother. I hope that we would never do anything so terrible, but we can learn from this story that jealousy can cause us to do things that will hurt other people. It is something that we should guard against. We have to learn to be happy with whatever our Heavenly Father has given us.

Before we close, I must tell you that this is not the end of the story of Joseph and his brothers. The story does have a happy ending and Joseph is reunited with his father and brothers. But for today, we learn the lesson of the terrible things that happen because of the sin of jealousy.

Father, you love all of your children and you want the very best for them. Help us to guard against feelings of jealousy that might come into our heart. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fresh Air

"Do I have to go to family camp with you next week?" asked Tom. "All the guys say it's kid stuff."

"Exactly who says that?" asked Dad. "Mason and Bryce-the two new boys you've been spending time with lately?" Tom nodded and lowered his eyes as Dad continued. "Well, I think being at family camp and away from those boys for a week will be good for you."

Tom knew there was no use arguing, so a few days later, they all were off to camp. Tom did have a good time there. He even enjoyed the devotional times around the campfire, but he sure wasn't going to admit that to Mason and Bryce!

When the family arrived home the following week, Tom was the first one in the house. "Man! What a nasty smell!" he exclaimed. "What died in here?"

Dad trudged in with suitcases and sleeping bags. He sniffed the air and frowned. "You're right. It does smell bad," he agreed, "but not like something that died. I'd say it smells more like . . . like what? Garbage, maybe?"

"Garbage!" exclaimed Mom. "Oh, dear! I cleaned the fridge the day before we went to camp and there were a few leftovers that were looking pretty bad. I tossed them in the trash. I can't believe I forgot to get them out to the garbage can, but I obviously did!" She began to open windows. "We need fresh air," she declared.

Dad grabbed the waste basket and hurried out with it. "This would have made a good illustration for our men's Bible study group at camp," he said when he returned. "We talked about the fact that sin has a 'bad odor'-it's an offense to God. We live in a world that's full of sin, so we need 'fresh air' on a regular basis, too. We can get that by studying God's Word and spending time with other believers."

The next day, Tom saw Mason and Bryce teasing some little kids who were playing at the park. Those guys shouldn't do that, he thought. He remembered what his father had said. I guess Dad thinks I might copy them and do that kind of stuff, too, and that would be like a "bad odor" to Mom and Dad-and to God. But being at camp was like the "fresh air" I needed. It was fun, too! I'm glad now that Dad made me go, and I guess I should spend time with Christian friends more often.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of kids do you spend most of your time with? Do they love the Lord and want to please Him? Or do they mostly live to please themselves? Do some even mock others who try to obey God? There are times when you'll naturally be with kids who don't know Jesus. That's fine-they need someone who can be a testimony to them. But be careful about copying bad attitudes and actions. You need the "fresh air" that you can get from having fun and fellowship with Christian friends.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

[Soldier4Christ]

 Fast Food

"Okay, kids. Into the car," called Dad after Kiara's swimming meet had ended. "We have only half an hour before Keagan's soccer game,"

Mom nodded. "Looks like we'll have to grab a quick supper at some fast food restaurant again!" she exclaimed as she closed her car door.

Keagan let out a whoop. "All right!" he said. "I like this! I could live on fries!"

"Well, I'm actually sorry that we're going to a fast food restaurant again," said Mom as they headed out. "It's really not a very healthy choice."

"In school we're learning about food groups," said Kiara. "We learned that our bodies need something from every group so that we get the right mix of vitamins and nutrients and have the energy we need to grow and be healthy."

Keagan laughed, "I'm fine with the food groups of fries and burgers," he said. "Oh . . . and frozen dairy treats, too! Keep them coming Mom!"

Mom smiled. "I know you like those things, but we need to either figure out a way to eat healthier in spite of our busy schedule or make the schedule less busy."

"We just may have to do that," agreed Dad. "A schedule that's too busy can also interfere with our spiritual diet. We often get a big dose of Bible on Sundays but settle for spiritual 'fast food' the rest of the week-like a quick prayer before meals and only a nibble of a verse here and there on week days."

"I know," said Mom. "I'm afraid we forget the importance of the Bible and all it does for us. Long ago I learned Psalm 19, and it often comes back to my mind. It says God's Word makes us wise, gives us joy, lights our way, and warns us. Plus-when we obey it, we are rewarded!"

"Right," agreed Dad, "and Jesus, Himself, said those who 'hear the Word of God and keep it' are blessed."

"Sounds like the Bible is a healthy choice!" said Kiara.

"Yeah," said Keagan as Dad parked at a fast food place, "but I'm glad we're having supper here!"

Mom smiled. "This will do for tonight," she said, "but it sounds like it's time for our family to make some changes so we can have healthier bodies and healthier souls!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of spiritual food do you get? Do you just get a good meal of God's Word-the Bible-on Sundays? Is prayer just something you quickly squeeze into your day? What specific things can you do today to improve your prayer life and your intake of God's Word so you'll have a healthier relationship with Him? Look over today's Scripture once again and list all the benefits you will get from "eating" more of God's Word.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
All Scripture is . . . profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 Redeeming the Time

Jim came in from his youth group meeting and laid a small book on the kitchen counter. Dad picked it up. "Quiet Time Diary,"he read. "What's this?"

"A book," said Jim with a grin. "They gave those to us at our youth group a couple months ago. It gives a verse to learn and some Bible verses to read each day. Then we're supposed to write out answers to questions about it." He stretched. "I'm gonna go play that new computer game before dinner," he added.

"Mind if I look at your book?" asked Dad.

Jim shrugged. "Go ahead," he said as he left.

Dad thumbed through the book, pleased to see the work Jim had done. But then he noticed that the answers to questions in the last few weeks were skimpy or missing entirely. Looks to me like Jim hasn't done much in this book since about the time I brought that new computer game home, thought Dad with a frown. We often have to tell him to turn it off and do his homework or finish his chores, too.

Dad took the book and went to the family room, where he found Jim deeply engrossed in the game. When Dad spoke, he didn't get an answer, so he went over and switched off the computer monitor. "Son, I'm sorry I bought that game," said Dad as Jim began to object. "I can see that it's had a bad effect on you, so I'm going to limit your use of it for a while."

 "Aw, Dad," protested Jim, "this game is so much fun! What's wrong with it?"

"There's nothing wrong with the game," said Dad. "The problem is with you. You spend way too much time playing it."

"But I get other stuff done, too," protested Jim. "Like my . . ." He hesitated as he noticed the Quiet Time Diary in his father's hand. "I just like to play this game. It's a good break from other things I have to do," Jim added weakly.

"Fun things are good," said Dad, "but a good thing becomes bad when it takes the place of what is best. Your chores, your homework, and your Bible time have all suffered because you spend so much time playing this game." Dad held up the book. "Today's verse to learn is Ephesians 5:16. It says, 'Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.' To 'redeem time' means to use it wisely. In this case, it means spending less time on computer games and more time on better things."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend time wisely? Do church activities, schoolwork, chores, and friends come ahead of things you do just for fun? Does God have first place in your time schedule-do you spend time with Him and His Word, the Bible? Today's Scripture reminds you to be careful how you live. Don't let anything become more important than doing what the Lord wants you to do. Spend your time-both at work and at play-in activities that please Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bless Everyone

"God bless everyone. Amen." Grace ended the brief prayer in her usual way.

When Grace opened her eyes, she saw a slight frown on her mother's face. "What do you mean when you say 'God bless everyone'? Exactly who is everyone? " asked Mom thoughtfully. ""

"Well," replied Grace, "I mean Grandma, Scott, my friends, my Sunday school teacher, the missionaries-everyone."

"What do you want God to do for them?" asked Mom.

"Bless them," answered Grace. "You know-Grandma needs help with her eyes, and Scott's having trouble sleeping. Those kinds of things."

"Then don't you think you should tell God that those are the things you're concerned about?" asked Mom.

Grace shrugged. "I suppose I could, but it's easier to just say 'bless everyone.' God knows what I mean." She jumped up. "I better hurry or I'll miss my bus!"

After school, Grace and her mother went shopping. When a clerk asked if they needed help, Mom smiled. "My daughter needs . . ." she began. "Some clothes," she added.

"Jeans?" asked the clerk. "Or tops? Or a coat?"

"Just something to wear," answered Mom.

Grace frowned. "I need jeans and a couple of tops, too," she said. Soon she was busy in the fitting room.

"That was so embarrassing, Mom!" complained Grace after they left the store. "Why didn't you tell the clerk what I needed? She must think we're weird!"

"It was easier not to go into detail," answered Mom. When Grace looked at her suspiciously, Mom added, "I'm sure you agree, don't you?" Grace still looked puzzled. "Actually, when the clerk spoke to us, your quick and easy 'God bless everyone' prayer came to my mind," explained Mom. "I thought maybe my answer would show you that it's important to communicate clearly-both to people and to God. It's true that He knows what you're thinking, but He's pleased to have you talk with Him, expressing your thoughts and feelings. Okay?" Grace nodded her head thoughtfully. "You'll find that when you make specific requests, it helps you recognize God's answers," added Mom. "Be sure to include thanks for those answers and for all His blessings."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you specific when you pray, or do you hurry and not bother with details? Take time to communicate with God. Yes, He does know what you need before you ask, but He wants you to talk with Him, telling Him about your needs and desires and also your blessings. You'll be encouraged when you see answers to your prayers-and don't forget to say thank you!


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

[Soldier4Christ]

 True "Spark" of Joy

The biggest, fanciest car Jeremiah had ever seen pulled in at his dad's repair shop one day. Out climbed Mr. Watson and his son. "Hi, Koby," Jeremiah greeted the boy with a grin. "Wow! That's some car! Is it yours?"

Koby nodded. "Yep, it's ours," he replied, "but it's not running so good." Then while their fathers discussed the work needed on the car, Koby and Jeremiah talked about school and sports activities in which they both took part.

"Hey, Kev," said Mr. Watson a little later, "call your mother and ask her to pick us up. The car will have to stay here a day or two to be fixed."

After Mrs. Watson had come to pick up Koby and his dad, Jeremiah grinned at his father. "Koby is the kid I've been trying to get to come to Bible club with me," said Jeremiah. "He's a nice kid, but his family doesn't go to church anywhere."

"Sounds like their car," said Dad.

Jeremiah looked at him curiously, then grinned. "Right, Dad! If the Watsons don't go to church, I guess their car doesn't, either," he joked.

Dad laughed. "Their car has a lot of fancy equipment," he said, "but Mr. Watson says it doesn't have much 'spark.' And I think . . ."

"Spark? What does that mean?" asked Jeremiah.

"The engine is sluggish and slow," replied Dad. "It doesn't 'take off' when Mr. Watson steps on the gas. He says it just pokes along."

"That doesn't sound like Koby to me," said Jeremiah. "He's smart and rich, and does all kinds of cool stuff."

Dad nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, like the car, Koby apparently has a lot going for him," he agreed, "but for true 'spark,' or joy, in his life, Koby needs God. We'll check the car over. I expect it'll have new life when we're done with it. But we can't give Koby the 'spark' of new life that he needs. Only God can do that."

"Yeah . . . well, like I said, I've been trying to get him to come along to Bible club," said Jeremiah. "I'll just have to try harder, I guess."

"You do that," approved Dad. "Let's pray Koby will see that he needs Jesus as his Savior so he can have the spark of a new life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have the "spark" of real joy in your life? Have you learned that true happiness doesn't come from having lots of money and other things, or from being smart or good-looking? Those things might make you feel good for a little while, but they don't bring lasting joy. The Bible says that comes only by trusting in the Lord Jesus. He's the source of true happiness. Trust Him as Savior today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20