Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 Something's Wrong

"Lindsey asked Jessica over to play at her house tomorrow, but not me! That makes me so mad!" declared Stacy as she jumped into the car after school.  "Jessica's my best friend," she added. "Not Lindsey's. I hate Lindsey."

"Whoa!" said Mom as she drove out of the parking lot. "When words of hate come from the mouth of a Christian, it means something is wrong."

"Yeah, Stacy," said her brother Jon. "Why can't all of you be friends?" He pointed to a red light on the panel of the dashboard. "What does that light mean?"

Mom looked down. "I don't know," she said. "It says, 'Check engine soon.' I'd better call the service station when we get home."

When they arrived at home, Stacy and Jon had a snack. "I'm going to tell Lindsey just what I think of her," grumbled Stacy while Mom made a phone call.

"Oh, forget it!" advised Jon. "It's no big deal!"

Mom came to the doorway. "The man at the service station said to bring the car right in," she said, "so I'll do that. You kids be good while I'm gone."

Mom left, and when she called a little later, Stacy was still imagining what she'd say the next time she saw Lindsey. "I just wanted to let you know they found the problem with the car, and they'll fix it while I wait," said Mom. "I'll be home soon."

At dinner that evening, Dad heard all about the trouble with the car. "I'm glad you noticed that light and paid attention to it," he said.

"Me, too," replied Mom. "I learned long ago that it's always best to check things out right away when there's any indication that something's wrong."

"Something's wrong," echoed Jon with a grin. "That's what Mom said about the way you talked, Stacy. You better pay attention and find out what's wrong with you, too!" Stacy glared at her brother.

Mom turned to Stacy. "Jon does have a point, honey," said Mom. "Your words regarding Lindsey did indicate a problem with your heart. Why not try to be friends with her? She may never be as close to you as Jessica is, but pray about it-and pray for Lindsey. Ask the Lord to help you look for her good qualities. Keep your heart right with God, and He'll help you to at least be friendly-and to say kind things instead of angry ones."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What kind of words come out of your mouth? The Bible says your words show what's going on in your heart. Bitter, angry, and hateful words are a warning that something is wrong. If you're having a problem like that, ask God to show you what's at the root of those words. Find the problem in your heart and deal with it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart. Matthew 15:18

[Soldier4Christ]

 No Slapping on Labels

The front door slammed, indicating that Ava was home from school. But she didn't burst into the kitchen as usual, so Mom went to check on her. She found her sitting on the sofa, looking unhappy "What's wrong?" asked Mom.

Ava scowled. "I've been assigned to work on a school project with a new girl in my class-Lily," she mumbled. "You should see her. Her pants are too short, her socks never match, and her hair's always a mess."

"But what makes you think she won't be a good partner?" asked Mom.

"I just told you," grumbled Ava. "If you could see her, you wouldn't even ask."

Just then, there was a loud clunk in the kitchen. "That sounds like trouble," said Mom. She and Ava hurried to the kitchen where they found two-year-old Travis surrounded by several cans he had taken out of the cupboard-many with the labels peeled off. "Oh, no," moaned Mom as she looked at the mess.

"I'll help Travis put them back," said Ava.

After thinking a moment, Mom nodded. "Okay, Ava, but first tape the labels back on the cans," she said.

"But I won't know which label goes on which can," said Ava.

"Well, just figure it out the best you can and make them all look nice and neat," replied Mom. "Then give me one that says 'green beans.' We'll have that for dinner tonight. Beans will go well with the meat loaf I'm fixing."

"But if I just slap the labels on any old can, those that say 'green beans' will probably be something else," protested Ava.

"So what you see on the outside can be misleading, right?" asked Mom. She smiled at Ava. "You should remember that when you think of Lily. You've already judged her because of the way she looks on the outside. That's like slapping a label on her without knowing what's on the inside. Find out what Lily is really like as a person. Don't judge her by her appearance."

Ava looked startled. "I . . . I . . . okay. I should get to know Lily better," she admitted thoughtfully. Then looking at the cans, she asked, "But what can we do about this mess?"

Mom laughed. "I guess we'll be having mystery foods for a while," she said.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you judge people and slap labels on them by the way they look or dress? Don't do that! God doesn't judge by outward appearance and neither should you. A person's height, clothes, skin and hair color-these are unimportant things. Being kind and considerate, having a high standard of behavior, honoring God, respecting parents, etc.-these are the characteristics that help you know what people are like inside. So don't slap on labels; instead, get to know people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. John 7:24

[Soldier4Christ]

 Sitting with Jesus

It was early when Alex woke up. He knew it was early because there was only a little light outside and there were early-morning sounds-sounds of birds and crickets. Alex got out of bed and went to look for his mother. He looked in the kitchen, but she wasn't there. She wasn't in the living room or the family room, either. Finally, Alex peeked into her bedroom and found his mother sitting in the rocker, her Bible on her lap. Her eyes were shut; he knew she was praying.

Alex wanted a hug, so he quietly crawled onto his mother's lap. She opened her eyes. "Good morning," said Mom, hugging him close. "You're up early."

"Are you praying?" asked Alex.

"Yes," replied Mom, "I am."

"What about?" asked Alex.

"Oh, quite a few things," answered Mom with a smile, "but I was mostly just sitting with Jesus."

"Sitting with Jesus?" asked Alex. He didn't understand what she meant by that.

Mom nodded. "Just now you came in and climbed on my lap because you wanted to be with me," she told him. "I'm glad you did, because I love you, and I like to be with you, too." Alex smiled and snuggled closer. "Well, sometimes I just like to be with Jesus," continued Mom. "Sometimes I like to sit with Him-thinking about how good He is, talking with Him a little, and just enjoying Him. I think He's glad I like to be with Him."

"Can I sit with Him, too?" asked Alex.

"Sure," said Mom. "Think about Him being with us right here, right now." She closed her eyes and rocked the chair.

Alex closed his eyes, too, and thought about Jesus sitting with them. He liked sitting and rocking with his mother and Jesus.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a friend with whom you always like to spend time? Someone with whom it doesn't matter what you're doing-just so you're together? That's part of loving someone. If you love Jesus, try just "being with" Him. Sit quietly and think about Him and what He's done for you, talk with Him, and think about what the Bible says about Him. Discover the joy of forgetting the "busyness" of life and just being with Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Following Jesus

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Did you enjoy watching the Olympics on TV? Weren't they wonderful? I enjoyed watching all of the events on TV and reading all the newspaper stories about the Olympics and the athletes. Why do the athletes go to the Olympics? That's right! They go to the Olympics to win a medal -- hopefully the gold. I am sure that all of you have probably heard of Michael Phelps. Michael is a twenty-three-year-old swimmer who has won eight gold medals in this year's Olympic competition. That's more than anyone in history. How would you like to win eight Olympic gold medals? Before you say, "Yes," you might want to hear more of Michael's story and the sacrifices he had to make to win those medals.

When Michael was eleven years old, he was swimming in a pool in Baltimore, Maryland. A swim coach by the name of Bob Bowman noticed him. He immediately realized that Michael had extraordinary talent. He talked to Michael's parents and told them that the boy was very gifted and could become an Olympic champion if he trained right. He told them that it would require a total commitment to training and told Michael that he could never reach his full potential by living the life of a normal kid. So, from the time he was eleven, Michael gave up almost everything else in his life to devote himself to becoming the greatest swimmer in Olympic history. Michael Phelps lost the life of a "normal kid," but he found greater fulfillment in life as an Olympic champion.

Just as Bob Bowman saw great potential in Michael Phelps, Jesus sees great potential in each of you. That is why he has called you to become his disciples. Will it be easy? No way! Jesus once told his followers that to be his disciple would be very difficult. "If any of you want to be my follower, you must forget about yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." Jesus took up his cross, didn't he? He took his cross and carried it up a hill where he was crucified. He knew he was going to have to suffer, but he also knew he would win the victory in the end and so will we. Jesus promised, "If you give up your life for me, you will find it."

Some boys and girls think that life is all about having fun. If they spend their lives looking for fun, they never know the real joy that comes from being a follower of Jesus. Will following Jesus be easy? No, but it will be worth it!

Jesus, we want to be all that you want us to be. We know that we can never realize our full potential until we make a commitment to follow you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bursting Bubbles

"I hope I'm good enough to play in an All-Star game some day," said Logan as he left the ball park with his dad and sister.

"I'd rather sing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before the game," declared Ann.

"Not me! I'll bet baseball players have a lot more fans than singers do," retorted Logan. "Besides, if you're a good enough ball player, you get to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame."

All the way home, the children debated the question of whether singers or athletes were more popular and famous. "Why do you think it's so important to be famous?" asked Dad.

"So everybody will like you and talk about how good you are," replied Logan. "That would be great."

"And so no one would say, 'Ann Who?' They'd know my name," added Ann.

When they arrived home, they found their mother in the back yard, blowing soap bubbles for two-year-old Sherry. They all laughed as they watched Sherry's puzzled expression whenever she got a bubble in her hands-only to have it burst and disappear.

"Those bubbles remind me of the fame you kids were talking about," observed Dad. "They have a shimmering beauty that's very attractive as they bounce about. And then, even if you catch a bubble on your palm, it soon bursts. Popularity and fame are like that. The few people who reach stardom often find that after only a short time-poof! Their fame is gone, and someone else has become the star."

Mom nodded as she looked at Logan and Ann. "So who's looking for fame?" she asked.

"We both think it would be cool to be famous," replied Logan. "We're supposed to do the best we can, right? And that might make us famous."

"It's possible," replied Mom, "but I hope you're remembering that you ought to live so Jesus will receive glory-not so you get the applause of people."

"Living for Jesus may never get you recognition from people," added Dad, "but the Lord will give you honor and rewards in heaven. That's something that will never fade away."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Would you like to be famous when you grow up? The praise of man can be enjoyable, but remember that it seldom lasts very long. If you're a Christian, be an honest, loving, helpful, caring person-not trying to win praise for yourself, but to bring glory and honor to God. Then you'll someday be given rewards that will last for all eternity.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

[Soldier4Christ]

 The World's Best Babysitter

Ashley and her twin brother, Aaron, skipped along happily-each holding one of Grandma's hands. It was going to be a fun morning because Grandma was taking them to the park. They were nearly there when they met an elderly lady. "Well, Helen," she said in a shrill voice, "I declare! You've got those grandkids again! Wasn't it enough that you raised six of your own?" Narrowing her eyes, she squinted at Ashley and Aaron.

"Oh, Dorothy," responded Grandma, "I enjoy the children so much." She chuckled softly, squeezing the hand of each twin.

"Mommy went to the doctor, so we're going to the park," Ashley piped up.

"Doctor!" the lady exploded. "Don't tell me there's going to be another baby!"

"Wouldn't that be nice?" answered Grandma sweetly. "Now we must hurry or all the swings will be taken."

As they continued on their way, Aaron scowled. "Grandma, that lady was crabby," he said. "Doesn't she like kids?"

"Oh, I think so," replied Grandma, "but I guess she just would rather not take care of them today."

"Do you like taking care of kids?" asked Ashley.

"Yes, and I especially like taking care of you!" Grandma answered positively.

Aaron squeezed Grandma's hand. "I think you're the best babysitter in the world," he declared.

"Me, too!" said Ashley quickly. She walked a little closer to Grandma. "Why do you like to take care of us?" she asked.

Grandma smiled. "Because I love you," she said, "and I enjoy spending time with you. Besides, Jesus said that when we show love for one another, we show that we love Him, too."

"Then doesn't that lady love Jesus?" asked Aaron.

"We don't know that, but we hope so. In any case, I hope we've shown her that we love Him," said Grandma with a smile. She released their hands as they approached the swings. "Today let's see how many ways we can find to show that we love Jesus, okay?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you show your love for Jesus by the things you do-things like being nice to a sister or brother, obeying your parents, running errands, or helping a neighbor? These may seem like small things, but they please Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
(Jesus said) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Finished Bookcase

"I'm going to Mr. Harvey's shop to pick up the bookcase I made for Dad," Troy told his little brother. "Want to come along? We'll take the wagon, and you can help pull it."

Monty clapped his hands. "Goody!" he exclaimed. "You'll tell Daddy the present is from me, too, won't you?" he asked. "Because I'm helping?" Troy smiled and agreed.

At Mr. Harvey's shop, Troy showed Monty the bookcase. Then he walked to a back corner of the shop where Mr. Harvey was working. "Thanks for all the help you gave me and for showing me how to make the bookcase for my dad," said Troy. "Here's the money I owe for the supplies I used."

Mr. Harvey took the money, and they both turned toward the bookcase. Troy gasped. Monty was standing next to it with a raised hammer. "What are you doing, Monty?" yelled Troy.

"I'm helping make Daddy's bookcase," replied Monty. He gave it a whack just before Troy was able to grab the hammer from his hand. "You said I could help, Troy."

"I know, Monty," said Troy, "but you can't help make it, because it's absolutely, completely finished already!" He was relieved to see that Monty had made only a very small dent on the back of the bookcase, and it wouldn't show. "You can help me pull it home, and you can help give it to Dad, okay?" added Troy.

Mr. Harvey smiled. "Troy, while you were working on the bookcase, we talked several times about how we can get to heaven," he said. "Do you remember what you told me?"

"Sure. Like I said, I try hard to be good," replied Troy. "I obey my parents. I go to church. I still think I should get to heaven all right."

"But, Troy," said Mr. Harvey, "just like Monty tried to help with your finished gift of a bookcase, you're trying to help God with His finished gift of salvation. When Jesus died on the cross, He said, 'It is finished.' He did everything necessary for you to have the gift of salvation. There's nothing you can do to help. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Troy nodded as he slowly ran his fingers over the bookcase top.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you must do good works to earn your salvation? That's not possible. There's nothing you can do to earn it. God has absolutely, completely finished the work. Trusting in your own good deeds is like saying that what God did for you isn't good enough. You must simply accept what Jesus has done. He is the "author"of your salvation, and He is also the "finisher." There's no work left for you to do. Simply trust in Jesus today.



TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Torn Sail

The little blue and green sailboat was running freely when suddenly there was a loud tearing sound. The sail had ripped, and the boom swung backwards. As the boat capsized, Dave was thrown into the water. He came up next to the boat, gasping for breath. The boat was upside down in the water, it's hull sticking up like the shell of a turtle. Dave grabbed the rudder and held on to it. "Help!" he cried. "Help me!"

Dave's father was watching from shore. He quickly jumped into his motorboat and sped across the water. He soon had Dave safely in the boat. They then turned the sailboat over, tied a rope to it, and towed it to shore. "What happened, Dave?" asked Dad as they examined the shredded sail.

"I don't know," replied Dave. "Just as I was starting out, I saw a tiny hole in the sail-up near the top. I didn't think it would hurt anything, but I guess the wind caught the hole and ripped it bigger, ruining the whole thing." Dave shook his head. "I was going to tell you about it when I got back, but now it's too late to fix it," he added. "I . . . I'm sorry, Dad."

"No problem, Son. Accidents happen," said Dad. "It's no sin." Dad was thoughtful for a moment, then he added, "You know, it occurs to me that this accident does have something in common with sin, though."

Dave looked curious. "It does?" he asked. "What's that?"

"We could compare the hole in the sail to sin," explained Dad. "A wrong thing someone does may seem little and unimportant, but when sin is allowed to remain in a person's life, it often 'grows bigger'-it leads to more sinful actions. It may cause a person's testimony to become ineffective. A sin that someone refuses to give up may even ruin his life. We could say that some people have 'shipwrecked' their faith by allowing a seemingly small sin to remain unconfessed."

"Well, it was pretty scary getting tossed into the water like that," said Dave, "so after this, I'll pay attention to small holes in a sail and remember they need to be fixed right away. It will remind me that sins shouldn't be ignored, either, and that it's even more important to take care of them right away."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does a sin in your life seem unimportant because it's such a "little" thing? Confess and forsake it right away, before it grows-before it leads you to do other things that are wrong. Talk to Jesus about it and ask Him to forgive you. As you trust Him and yield to Him, He'll help you overcome any sinful habit you have developed.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Good Little Teacher

"The baby is crying again," complained Brianne.

Mom walked over to the cradle and picked up the fussy little bundle. "The baby has a name," she said. "This is Michael, and you need to be a little more patient with your brother, young lady. He's only three weeks old."

"I know, Mom," grumbled Brianne, "but I thought a baby would be more fun. All he ever does is cry, eat, and sleep."

Mom settled into the big wooden rocking chair. "You're right about that," she agreed. "I fed Michael just a few hours ago, but I think he's hungry again." The fussing stopped as soon as Mom started to feed the baby.

Brianne watched resentfully. "I guess I should have known that a baby who can't do anything is just a lot of trouble," she muttered.

"He's more than just trouble," said Mom. "He's sweet and loveable, and if you try, you can learn a lot from Michael. He's a good little teacher."

"A teacher!" exclaimed Brianne. "What do you mean? How can he be a teacher?"

Mom smiled. "Get your Bible, and find the book of First Peter," she said. "Read out loud the second verse of chapter two."

Brianne found the verse quickly. "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby," she read aloud.

Mom continued to rock and feed the baby. "What is Michael doing now?" she asked Brianne.

"Eating," answered Brianne, "but he's almost asleep again." After a moment, she added, "I guess he's eating and snoozing at the same time."

"If I had just rocked Michael or given him his pacifier without feeding him, what would he have done?" asked Mom.

"Cried," Brianne answered promptly. "He wouldn't have been happy until he got his milk."

"And that's the example God wants us to follow when it comes to His Word," explained Mom. "He wants us to be so eager for it that nothing else can satisfy us. That's one thing you can learn from watching Michael. He enjoys his food and is comforted by it and can rest again after he eats. As we read the Bible and believe it, we can find comfort and rest in it, too."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you as eager for the Word of God as a baby is for milk? If you've been around babies, you know that they can be quite demanding, and they regularly insist upon getting their milk. That's the way you should feel about God's Word, the Bible. Study it to find help in knowing how to act in your daily life. Find comfort from it when you're sad about something. Grow spiritually as you learn and do what God says. Develop an eagerness for daily spiritual food from God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2

[Soldier4Christ]

 Help from a Rabbit

"Well, kids," said Dad, "we'll be at our new home in about an hour. Are you getting excited about seeing it?"

"I am!" exclaimed Orin.

"I . . . I just wish I didn't have to change schools," said Haylee with a sigh. "What if the kids in my new class laugh at me for being on crutches? What if someone trips me and knocks me down? What if I can't . . ."

"That's too many 'what ifs,' honey," said Mom. She patted Haylee's hand. "Don't borrow trouble before it happens."

"Well, back home all the kids knew what help I needed and took care of me," replied Haylee. "There won't be anybody to help me in the new school."

"Hey! Don't forget me!" exclaimed Orin.

"And don't forget God," added Dad. "The Bible says He's a 'very present help' in trouble." As Dad spoke, he slammed on the brakes, barely missing a rabbit that had suddenly hopped right in front of the car. The next moment, a truck turned from a side road and came toward them in their lane. Just in time, the other driver pulled his truck into his own lane, and they passed by safely.

"Wow!" exclaimed Orin. "We're lucky that rabbit came out on the road! If you hadn't braked for it, we probably would have met that truck head on."

"We're not 'lucky,' but protected by God," replied Dad. "I believe He caused the rabbit to cross the road at just the right moment so I'd slow down for the few seconds we needed to avoid that truck."

Mom nodded. "God knew what that truck was going to do," she said. "He also knows what your new school will be like, Haylee. He knows just what you'll need there and how to take care of you."

"I bet He already has a rabbit-I mean, a friend-picked out for you, Haylee," said Orin with a grin.

Dad laughed. "It's true that God doesn't always send a 'rabbit' to help us avoid trouble, but no matter what problems we'll face, He already knows about them and knows how He'll provide for us."

Haylee sat up straight. "Okay. I'll try not to worry anymore," she promised.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you fearful? Do you worry about bad things that might happen? Don't forget that God is always with His children and is ready to help them. He's aware of the situations you'll go through, the people you'll face, the test coming up at school, and family problems that discourage you. You know only what's happening now, but God knows everything that will take place in the future as well. He's ready with whatever help you need.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

[Soldier4Christ]

When You Don't Understand

"Here, Conner," said Mom, They were cleaning his closet, and she handed him a box full of stuff. "Sort through this, please."

Conner took the box and sat down. He found an old pair of ice skates that were too small for him and a perfectly good yo-yo. He put the yo-yo in his pocket. Then he found an old, red rubber ball. "Look, Mom! Here's Smokey's favorite ball," he said.

"Yes, I see," replied Mom.

"Can I still keep it? To remember him by?" asked Conner.

Mom nodded. "If you want to," she said.

Conner sighed. "I wish God made dogs so they would live as long as people do," he said. "I miss Smokey."

"I know," said Mom. "I do, too. But you know Smokey was an old dog, and he did live a good, long life."

"Yeah, but I loved him," replied Conner. "I still wish he could have lived a little longer."

Mom gave Conner a hug. "Remember how Smokey hated it when we had to go away and he had to stay home?" she asked. "When it was really hot weather, we always left him in the basement because it was cooler there than it was in the house with the windows and doors all closed."

Conner nodded. "I always hated to make him go down there. I tried to tell him that he'd be more comfortable in the basement and that we'd be back soon, but he didn't understand."

"I know. And you know what, Conner? I think it's sometimes like that with God and us," said Mom. "I think there are things He doesn't explain to us because we can't understand them. We just have to trust Him anyway. When I was a kid, we used to sing a song called 'Trust and Obey.' That's what we have to do. We need to trust God and obey Him, even when we don't understand why He allows the things that are happening."

Conner nodded. "I guess we should be like Smokey," he said. "He always went to the basement even though he didn't like it, remember?"

"I remember, and you're right," said Mom. "That's the way we all should be."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder why God lets certain things happen? Do you wish He would explain the reasons to you? Or can you see that His ways are beyond your understanding? Will you trust Him anyway, even when you don't know why He allows something to happen? The Bible says that God is faithful and true and He loves you. Trust Him even when you can't understand.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

[Soldier4Christ]

Don't Get Even -- Get Ahead

If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him -- work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. Matthew 18:15 (The Message)

Look what I have. Do you know what this is? It is a balance scale . It is used to compare things to see which is heavier. If you can get items that weigh exactly the same, the two sides of the scale will be even. Let me show you. (Put a stone in one of the cups and then the other using stones of different sizes.) Are the cups even? No, let's try putting another stone in this cup. Are they even now? No, now this side is too heavy. (Continue for a few minutes making sure that the two sides are never even.) It is really hard to get the two sides even, isn't it?

Has anyone ever said something that hurt your feelings? Sure they have! Perhaps you were playing with a friend and he called you a name. What did that make you want to do? Did it make you want to want to get even by calling your friend a name? Do you know what? That is just like trying to balance these scales -- you never get even! He calls you a name and so you call him a name. He doesn't like that so he calls you another name and on and on the name-calling goes. You never get even!

I have heard people say, "Don't get mad; get even." Think about the balance scale. We saw how hard it is to get even, so here's a better idea, "Don't get even; get ahead." How do you do that? Well, let me explain. In our Bible reading today, Jesus says, "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him -- work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend." Now that's what I call "getting ahead." If we try to get even, we will lose a friend, but if we forgive someone, we will make a friend!

Jesus did not call us to be his disciples to make other people pay for their sins by hurting them back. Instead, he told us to do what he did -- love them and forgive them. Sometimes that is very hard to do, but we can do it if we ask Jesus to help us.

Dear Jesus, when someone hurts us, help us to talk to them and try to fix things up rather than to hurt them back. Help us to love and forgive others as you have loved and forgiven us. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Going with the Flow

"Look at those jellyfish!" exclaimed Patrick. "They look like tiny parachutes!" He leaned forward, watching the silky-looking jellyfish that were floating in one of the tanks at the aquarium. (See the last page for information on jellyfish.)

Amy nudged her way closer. "Wow!" she cried. "Look at the colors-pink, white, blue, yellow, green, purple, and even some striped ones!"

Dad was looking at the sign next to the popular attraction. "When out of the water," he read out loud, "jellyfish look like a glob of jelly dripping from a spoon. Jellyfish are invertebrates. They have no backbone and no central brain."

When Dad moved on, Patrick continued to study the sign. "It says they float by opening and closing their bodies like an umbrella," he said. "They hardly move unless a current comes along."

That evening, the children talked about the things they liked best of all at the aquarium. "Those jellyfish were so pretty," declared Amy. "It's interesting how they just float along, going with the flow of the current."

"I guess that's a good way for jellyfish to move along," said Dad, "but not for Christians."

"Christians!" exclaimed Amy. "What do you mean? How do Christians move with the current?"

"They sometimes just go along with what's going on around them," replied Dad. "It's as though they 'go with the flow' and don't think for themselves, Amy. I've been meaning to talk to you about that."

"Uh-oh," said Amy. "What did I do?"

"How about when Janis and Rachel were over yesterday? They were mocking Rebecca's lisp, and I heard you laughing about it, too-just 'going along' with whatever they said," replied Dad.

Amy bit her lip. "I guess I did, didn't I?" she admitted. "Janis and Rachel are so popular at school, and . . . well, they've just started acting friendly toward me, so I didn't want to . . ." Her voice trailed off.

"Jellyfish are beautiful, but they have no backbone," said Dad. "God didn't make you a jellyfish, Amy. He expects you to stand up for what is right. We sin when we just 'go along' with others who are doing wrong things-no matter what the reason." Amy sighed and nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you refuse to participate in things that you know are not pleasing to God? Do you protest if your friends make fun of others? Do you stand for what is right when someone wants you to lie or cheat? Do you say no if someone offers you a cigarette, drugs, or alcohol-even if they call you "chicken"? Don't just "go with the flow" like a jellyfish. It not only has no backbone, it also has no brain. Ask God to fill you with His boldness to do what is right.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Denying ungodliness . . . we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:12

[Soldier4Christ]

Never Enough

Jill and Ginny tagged along with their brother Curt to their uncle's toy store. While Curt looked at model trains, the girls went to the next aisle to see the stuffed animals. Little Jill hugged several of them close. "Jill wants this one," she said after a while. She held a big, soft teddy bear. Ginny walked with her to the counter where they had seen people pay for things. Jill held up the bear along with a few coins. "Here's money for my bear," she said.

"I'm sorry, sweetie, but that isn't enough money to buy the bear," said the clerk. "Do you have any more?" Jill shook her head.

Ginny spoke up. "I have two dollars. Is that enough?" she asked. It wasn't, and Jill and Ginny ran back to Curt.

Jill told Curt about the bear. "Please," she pleaded, "will you buy it for me?"

Curt looked thoughtful. "Well, okay," he agreed. "I was going to buy you a present for your birthday. This can be it."

When they arrived back home, Jill played with her bear the rest of the afternoon. She loved to tell how Curt had bought it for her. "I couldn't pay for it," she repeated several times. "Ginny couldn't, either. Curt was the only one who could pay for it." Jill looked adoringly at her big brother. "Curt bought my bear for me."

Mom smiled. "That makes a good object lesson," she said. "Just like neither of you girls had enough money to pay for the bear, no one can ever do enough good works to pay for salvation."

"I had more money than Jill, though," said Ginny.

"Yes," agreed Mom, "you came closer to having enough, but you still couldn't buy the bear. And when people try to earn salvation by doing good works, it might seem that those who do a lot of good deeds come closer to winning God's approval than those who do less. But no matter how much they do, it's never enough to earn their way to heaven."

"Jesus paid the price for salvation by dying on the cross, didn't He?" asked Curt.

"Yes." Mom nodded. "Curt was the only one who could purchase the special gift of the bear for Jill today, and Jesus is the only one who could purchase the very special gift of salvation for all of us. We need to accept it from Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you can earn eternal life? Do you think your own goodness, your good works, or your church membership will buy it for you? If you compare yourself with someone else, it may seem like you're really very good, but no matter how good you are, it's never enough. You're still a sinner and cannot buy salvation. Only Jesus, who never sinned, could do that. He purchased it with His precious blood. Trust in Him, and receive your free gift now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

[Soldier4Christ]

Bandit's Rescue

Angela was fascinated by the ten tiny, squirming, hungry piglets in the pig pen behind the barn. She enjoyed watching the mother pig care for her babies, keeping them warm and cozy and close to her side. A little piglet with several black spots and one black eye became Angela's favorite. "She looks like a bandit with that black eye, and that's what I'm naming her," said Angela. "She's so cute! I love the way she trots off to explore things all by herself."

One cool, fall morning, Angela's father came to the house with something cradled in his arms. "I need soft rags and a hair dryer," he said.

Angela's heart sank when she saw the limp form of Bandit tucked against Dad's chest. "What happened?" she asked anxiously.

"This little piggy wandered off during the night and apparently couldn't find her way back to the warmth of her mother and the other piglets," explained Dad. "I found her out in the yard. She's very cold and weak right now."

Angela took her tiny pet and wiped off the mud while Mom used a hair dryer to gently blow warm air around the unconscious little body. "Why did she go off by herself?" asked Angela sadly. "Her mother was taking good care of her. If Bandit had stayed close to her, this wouldn't have happened. Do you think she'll be okay, Dad?"

"I don't know," said Dad, putting an arm around Angela's shoulders. "We'll do our best to help her."

After dinner that evening, Dad read the story of the Prodigal Son (see today's Scripture). "The young man in these verses reminds me of your piggy," said Dad. "What can you learn from their experiences?"

"Ah . . . don't wander away from home?" suggested Angela. "Bandit and the boy in the story both wandered away from their homes where they were safe."

Dad smiled. "That's right," he agreed, "and Christians sometimes wander away from the love and care God has provided for them in their homes and also at church. They foolishly think they can take part in worldly things and not spend much time with God. They may think attending church once a week is all they need to keep in touch with Him."

"That's really not enough, is it?" asked Angela. "We should do that, but we should read our Bibles every day, too-and pray, right?" Smiling, Dad nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you faithfully attend church and Sunday school? Or do you become bored with church activities and think about going other places instead? Do you take time to read your Bible and pray each day? Skipping Bible reading, prayer, and Bible lessons in church and Sunday school would be like wandering away from the Lord. Don't do that. Stay in close touch with God, and enjoy the love and good times offered by the Lord and His people.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8