Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

The Christian Bouquet

The sound of the lawn mower next door cut through the quiet of the lazy Sunday afternoon as Andrea and her mother worked on a fresh flower arrangement. "I'm glad the Bakers moved in next door," observed Mom. "It's nice having Christians for neighbors, isn't it?"

Andrea nodded as she handed her mother two red roses, being careful not to prick herself on the thorns. "Yeah, but . . ." Andrea hesitated. "I know they go to church, but they mow the lawn almost every Sunday," she said. "Dad always says we have to get it done on Saturday so we don't have to work on Sunday. He says we should keep the Lord's Day holy." She frowned. "Maybe the Bakers aren't really Christians at all," she added.

Mom smiled as she added the roses to the bouquet. "Let's think about that. What makes a Christian?" she asked.

"Trusting Jesus as Savior," said Andrea, "but . . ." She paused.

"When the Bakers first came to church with us, they told us that each member of their family does trust in Jesus," said Mom.

"But . . ." began Andrea. Again, she paused.

"Dad and I believe that the things we do on Sunday are what's right for our family, but there may be things we do on Sunday that the Bakers would never do," said Mom. She held up the bouquet. "Each of these flowers is different," she said. "This yellow one is such a pretty color. This pink one next to it isn't quite as bright, but it makes the whole bouquet smell good." Mom took out a rose. "Then there's the rose. It has thorns, but we don't throw it out. Actually, it's my favorite flower. It's beautiful and fragrant." She replaced the rose. "Like flowers, Christians are all different," she added. "We may not agree on everything, but we still recognize that anyone who loves Jesus and trusts in Him as Savior is a Christian."

Andrea nodded slowly. "I guess the Bible doesn't say exactly what we should or shouldn't do on Sunday, does it?"

"No," agreed Mom, "but it does warn us about judging other Christians. Let's leave that to God."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you accept Christians who do things differently from the way you do them? God says some things are definitely right or definitely wrong. There are other things for which He doesn't give such exact guidelines. At such times, your parents and others in authority will often help you make decisions-or even make them for you. Remember that God definitely says to obey them. And be careful not to judge others who do things differently. Leave judging to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Why do you judge your brother . . . for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10

[Soldier4Christ]

The Three Toolboxes

For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. Matthew 25:29 (NIV)

Jesus once told a story called the Parable of the Talents. In Jesus' story, a man was going away on a trip so he called his servants together and gave each some of his money to use while he was gone. You will find that story in chapter twenty-five of the Gospel of Matthew. I don't think Jesus will mind if I change the parable a little bit and tell you a story that I call, "The Parable of the Three Tool Boxes."

Once upon a time there was a man who had a construction business. The man had to go away on a long trip and so he called his three employees together and said, "I have to go on a long trip and so I am leaving you three in charge. I have put together a tool box for each of you to use to keep the business going while I am gone."

The man then gave each of his employees a tool box. The tool boxes contained all the tools the employees needed to do what the man expected of them, but since the three employees didn't all have the same abilities, each toolbox was different. To the first employee, he gave a very large tool box filled with every tool that you can imagine. To the second employee, he gave a smaller toolbox, but one that still had a very good assortment of tools. To the third employee, he gave a very small tool box with just a few tools, but enough tools for the employee to do what was expected of him.

The man then left to go on his trip. When he returned, he called his employees together to see what they had done while he was gone.

The first employee said, "I knew that you had a great love for the homeless people of the world, so I used the toolbox that you gave me to build homes for the homeless.

"That is great!" said the employer. "You have done so well that I am going to put you in charge of all new construction for the entire company."

The second employee said, "I knew that you had a great love for the elderly, so I used the toolbox you gave me to fix up the homes of old people who can no longer do the work themselves."

"That is wonderful!" said the employer. "You have done such a good job, that I am putting you in charge of all the repair and maintenance work for the entire company."

Then he turned to the third employee and asked, "What did you do with the tools that I left for you?"

"I knew that you are a very demanding boss and that you expect a lot from your employees. I was afraid that if I used the tools you gave me that one of them might get broken or that I might lose one of them and make you angry. I put the tools in a very safe place. They were there all the time you were gone. Look, here they are, just like new."

"What a worthless employee you are! I didn't give you the tools for safekeeping, I gave them to you to use in my business. You are fired!" Since they had proven that they would make good use of them, he took the man's toolbox and divided the tools between the other two employees.

I think this story is a good picture of what God has done in us. He has given each of us tools to use in building His kingdom. We don't all have the same tools, but God expects us to use whatever tools He has given to us. If we do, He will give us even more, but if we don't, He may take them away and give them to someone who will use them. Listen to the words of Jesus, "For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

Dear Lord, help us to be faithful in using the gifts that you have given to us to help others and to build up the kingdom. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Paul Revere

"The British are coming! The British are coming!" cried Steve as he spurred his horse past his Uncle Gary and thundered through the pasture back toward the barn.

Uncle Gary soon caught up. "You must have learned about the Revolutionary War and how Paul Revere warned the colonists that enemy troops were coming," he said as they walked the horses the rest of the way.

Steve grinned and nodded. "I wish I could have lived back then," he said. "It must have been really exciting! Think about it! Riding at night to warn people about the danger, and always wondering if you'd get captured or not!"

Uncle Gary nodded slowly. "Exciting, maybe, but don't you think it sounds scary, too?" he asked. "How many of us would really have dared to do that?"

"I would!" boasted Steve as he dismounted and led his horse inside the barn to rub him down. "Somebody had to warn people or they might have been captured."

"Yes," murmured Uncle Gary thoughtfully, "but I sometimes fail in my job to warn people now, so I wonder if I'd have done any better back then."

Steve looked doubtful. "To warn people now?" he asked. "What do you have to warn people about?"

Rubbing down his horse as he talked, Uncle Gary explained. "God has given Christians the task of warning people that He's coming some day  to judge the world," he said. "We need to tell them about God's provision of salvation through Jesus-and warn them that they'll spend eternity in hell if they don't accept Him as Savior."

"Oh!" Steve frowned. "Won't they think we're kind of weird?"

"Do you think Paul Revere worried about whether or not people would believe him or laugh at him?" asked Uncle Gary. Steve shook his head. "I don't think so, either," said Uncle Gary, "but we worry about such things, don't we? Our message is far more important than Paul Revere's, yet we often let the fear of being embarrassed keep us quiet. We need to show more courage and deliver God's warning." Steve didn't answer, but he was thoughtful as he worked.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How are you doing as a "Paul Revere" for the Lord? God told the prophet Ezekiel to warn the nation of Israel because of their wickedness. The Apostle Paul also warned others of God's coming judgment and their need to accept Jesus as Savior. If you're a Christian, this is your task as well. Do you have the courage to tell others how important it is for them to trust Jesus as Savior? Ask God to help you give out His warning and tell people how they can be saved.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me. Ezekiel 3:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Peacekeepers

Travis reached for the cereal box just as his younger brother picked it up. "Hey, I was going to take that," yelled Travis, grabbing the box. "Give it here!"

"No way!" retorted Blake, trying to pull it back. "I had it first."

The box flipped out of their hands, and cereal flew in all directions. "Now see what you did!" they accused each other.

Dad looked stern. "Quiet!" he ordered. "I don't want to hear another word from either of you right now. You will both clean up this mess, and then we'll talk about it." The boys glared at each other as they got to work.

"You boys do enough fighting for a whole army," said Dad when things were back in order. "We need to find a way to bring peace into this house."

Mom nodded. "I just read about peacekeeping forces sent to work in several countries overseas," she said. "Maybe we could start our own peacekeeping plan here. What could you boys do differently in order to keep peace?"

Travis scowled at his brother. "I'd make Blake share," he grumbled.

Dad shook his head. "That's not the idea," he said. "The Bible teaches us to put others first, so the best way to make peace is by changing yourself, not the other person, Travis. How could you have prevented the fight over the cereal box?"

"I . . . I suppose I could have let go and let Blake pour his cereal first," admitted Travis reluctantly.

"Yeah! After all, I . . ." Blake stopped when he glanced at this father. He could see that Dad didn't like what he was hearing. "I mean . . . maybe we could take turns being the first to do things," added Blake. "Like . . . since we usually come down for breakfast at the same time, Travis could pour his cereal first one day, and I could pour first the next day."

"Excellent peacekeeping plan," approved Dad.

Blake looked at the box of cereal standing on the table. "You can go first today," he told his brother.

"That's better," said Mom. "Now . . . will you remember who goes first tomorrow, or must you write it down?"

"Instead of writing it down," said Dad, "how about each of you letting the other go first when you can't remember or if you disagree?" Solemnly, the boys nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have frequent fights with your brother or sister or friends? You can do a lot to keep peace. There will be disagreements, but you can disagree in a pleasant way. You can learn to be polite and thoughtful of others even when you disagree. You can be willing to share and take turns. You can learn to not be greedy and to not fight for what you think is yours. God wants you to avoid conflict and live in peace with others as much as possible.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

[Soldier4Christ]

The "Who Cares" Attitude

"Mom!" called Sandra, jumping up and down as she looked out the window. "It's snowing! Cool!" Sandra ran to the living room to look out the big picture window. "Look at it coming down, Dad! I hope we get so much that they have to cancel school tomorrow!" Sandra hurried to the family room. "It's snowing, Anne," she told her sister.

"So?" murmured Anne, staring at the television screen.

"I just love snow! Snow, snow, snow," chanted Sandra. "It's great!"

"So?" repeated Anne, not at all moved. "Who cares?"

"I do! I'm happy," said Sandra. She skipped back to the kitchen. "I love snow," she said, "but Anne doesn't like it."

"I didn't say I didn't like it," said Anne, following her sister into the room. "I just don't care if it snows or not."

After dinner, Dad picked up the Bible and read a passage of Scripture for family devotions. "How can we use these verses in our lives-at work or at school?" he asked. Anne made a few suggestions, and Dad nodded. He turned to Sandra. "What about you, honey? Any ideas?" asked Dad. But Sandra's mind had wandered, and she didn't even hear the question. Dad frowned. "Sandra, I don't think you're paying attention," he said. "Don't you like our family devotions time?"

"What?" Sandra looked up, startled.

 "How do you think we could make family devotions more interesting for you?" Dad asked.

"Oh, I don't know. It's okay as it is, I guess," replied Sandra with a shrug. "I don't mind it."

Dad looked concerned. "Earlier this afternoon, you were frustrated with Anne's 'who cares attitude' about the snow," he observed. "I think we need to be careful not to develop that same lukewarm attitude when it comes to God's Word and the way it relates to our lives."

Mom nodded. "I enjoyed seeing you dance around the house, Sandra-excited about the snow," she said. "Wouldn't it be great if we all had that kind of enthusiasm for learning about our Lord and living for Him?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What does your Christian faith mean to you? Are you excited-fervent-about it? Are you busy living for God and working for Him? You should be. God had some harsh things to say about the lukewarm attitude in the church of Laodicea. (See today's Scripture reading.) Don't let that be your attitude. You have a lot to be excited about-your sins forgiven, both the Bible and the Holy Spirit to guide you, and a country where you have the freedom to live for God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be . . . not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

[Soldier4Christ]

Fish Ears

Hurry up, Dad, thought Todd as he glanced at his watch. Dad was reading a Scripture passage aloud, but Todd was anxious for morning devotions to end so the day's fishing trip could begin. It seemed like a long time before Dad finally closed with prayer.

"Ready to go!" Todd announced moments later. "The gear is in the car." He grinned at his mother. "We'll bring you some fish for our supper," he told her.

When they got to the river, Todd and his father quickly cast their fishing lines into the water. They talked as they waited for the fish to bite, but they didn't get even one nibble. "Maybe it's true that talking scares the fish away," said Todd as he and Dad moved along the riverbank to try a different spot. "I won't talk so much this time. Maybe they heard us talk about frying them."

Dad just grinned as they cast their lines out again. A few minutes later, Todd felt something tugging at his line. "I've got a bite!" he exclaimed. "I'm gonna get this one." He pulled in his catch. "My supper," he announced with a smile, and before long they caught a few more fish. Todd frowned as he took one off the hook. "I thought talking too loud was scaring the fish away," he said, "but fish don't even have ears."

"Sure they do," said Dad. "You just can't see them." Todd examined the fish carefully as Dad explained. "Just the other day I read that fish have internal ears-that is, ears on the inside-not external ones, like yours and mine." He tugged gently on Todd's ear. "But you know what?"

Todd shook his head. "What?" he asked.

"Well," said Dad, "even though our ears are on the outside, our most important hearing takes place on the inside. That happens when we listen carefully and take to heart the messages God has for us."

Dad's words made Todd remember the morning devotions. He had heard his dad's voice, but he knew he hadn't listened with his heart to hear God's message. He had been too busy thinking about the fishing trip.

"When we take to heart what God is saying, we also act upon it. So it's hearing God's message on the inside that makes a real difference in our lives," finished Dad. "Now . . . let's get these fish home for our supper."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How well do you listen when someone reads the Bible or discusses it? Do you pay attention in church and Sunday school? In family devotions? Do you just hear words, or do you hear a message from God and obey it? In other words, are you just a "hearer" of God's Word?  Or are you a "doer" of it? That's what you should be. What God says is very important. Be sure to truly listen with your heart as well as with your ears.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Hear now what the Lord says. Micah 6:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Most Loved Doll

Robin studied her doll collection. She thought all her dolls were beautiful, and she couldn't decide which one she should enter into the "Best Doll" contest at the local library. Finally, she just closed her eyes, spun around a couple of times, and reached out. Her searching fingers closed around black-haired Hiyoko. "This will be the one," she decided.

The library was crowded when Robin and her mother arrived there for the contest. Robin saw that other girls clutched all sorts of dolls-large, gorgeous dolls, small baby dolls in lace and ruffles, or glamorous character dolls. Robin had never seen so many dolls in her entire life.

A little girl standing alone in the registration line caught Robin's attention. In her arms, the girl carried a straggly-haired doll whose face was chipped and faded from use and from the hugs and kisses of many years. The doll's red dress, edged in ragged lace, was worn and wrinkled. The little girl gently smoothed it while she waited for her turn to register the doll.

Robin nudged her mother. "Mom, look! Why would that girl over there enter such an ugly old doll?" she whispered.

Mom glanced toward the child who was now speaking shyly to a lady at the registration desk. "Her doll may not be beautiful, but it certainly is loved," murmured Mom. After a moment she added softly, "I think the way that doll looks to us must be something like the way we appear to God, Robin, but He loves us and accepts us even though we're not brand new or beautiful. People come to Him with scars from the wear and tear of sin, but like that little girl, God looks beyond what's unlovely. He sees a helpless soul that needs Him, and He loves each one very much."

They watched as the lady at the desk pinned the number forty-seven on the doll's red dress. "I really hope number forty-seven wins a prize, don't you?" murmured Robin thoughtfully.

"That would be nice," agreed Mom. "If there's a prize for the 'most loved' doll, she's sure to get it."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you thanked Jesus for loving you just the way you are? He isn't impressed by your sharp, up-to-date clothes or name-brand shoes. He looks inside to see what's in your heart-and He loves you anyway! Because Jesus loves you so much, He took the punishment for your sin so you can spend eternity in heaven with Him. Accept Him as your Savior today. Then thank Him for His great love for you.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Timmy's Family

Timmy looked at the paper his Sunday school teacher had given him. "This says, 'Jesus loves you, and He'll always take care of you,'" she had told him.

Those words didn't make Timmy feel especially happy. I already have too many people taking care of me, he thought. He had his parents, which was nice, but he also had two sisters who sometimes were a little bossy. And now his teacher said Jesus was watching over him, too.

"Hi, Timmy," his sister Miriam greeted him when he came out of his class. "Deanne and I will help you get ready to go." Miriam helped him put on his coat and knelt down to button it. "Stand still," she added. "It's a cold, windy day, and we don't want you to get sick."

"You'd better wear your mittens, too," advised Deanne. "Here, I'll help you." She took Timmy's mittens and slipped them onto his little hands.

The children joined their parents, and they all went out to the car. Timmy wanted to cross the street by himself, but his sisters each took one of his hands. When they reached the car, Deanne opened the door so he could climb into the back seat.

"All set?" asked Dad as he started the car. "Did you all like Sunday school?"

"I did," answered Timmy. "We had a story, and my teacher gave me this." He handed the paper to his mother.

"Jesus loves you, and He'll always take care of you," read Mom. "That's a good thing to remember. I like to know Jesus is taking care of me."

"Is Jesus taking care of you, too?" asked Timmy in surprise. Mom nodded. "Oh! Well, I have too many people taking care of me!" declared Timmy with a frown.

Dad smiled. "It must seem as if a lot of people are telling you what to do," he said, "but we all do that because we love you. One way Jesus takes care of us is by giving us a family so we can care for each other."

Timmy turned the the idea over in his mind. So Jesus uses Mommy and Daddy and my sisters to take care of me, he thought. After a moment, he decided he really was glad to have his family. After all, it wasn't every little boy who had so many people giving him so much attention.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you glad for all the family members God has given you? Today's Scripture reading tells about the concern Jesus' family had for Him. It says He was "subject" to them-that is, He was obedient-and no doubt He was thankful for them. Do you thank God for your parents, brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandpas? What other people has God sent into your life to help take care of you? Thank God for each one of them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7

[Soldier4Christ]

Me? A Symbol?

"I never saw an eagle before!" exclaimed Joel when he and his dad spotted the huge bird as they were camping out. "I bet my friends haven't, either." He grabbed his camera. "I'll take a picture to prove I really saw it," he said with a grin.

Dad nodded. "You know that the bald eagle is a symbol of America, don't you?" he asked.

"Of course," replied Joel. "We learned that in school, and I think it's a good symbol." They watched the bird soaring high above them. "A whole section in our nature study book had lots of interesting information about them," added Joel. "It said they represent the strength and freedom of America because they're strong and courageous and independent." 

"They certainly are magnificent birds," murmured Dad. "I agree . . . the eagle is a good symbol for our country." After a moment, he added, "You know, Son-in a way, you should be like a bald eagle-all Christians should"

"Me?" asked Joel in surprise. "How can I, or anybody, be like a bird?"

"Well," said Dad, "not really like a bird, but like a symbol-a symbol for the Lord. A good representative for Him."

"So . . . when we see what the bald eagle is like, it tells us something about our country," said Joel slowly, "and when people see what Christians are like, it should tell them something about God?"

"Exactly," agreed Dad. "You learned about eagles in school, and apparently there were things that make you glad to have them represent you and your country. In the same way, I trust the Lord sees things in our lives that make Him happy to have us represent Him."

"Like . . . what, for example?" asked Joel.

"Let's see how many things we can think of," said Dad. "I'll go first." He paused. "If they see us patiently waiting for something, they may figure that God is patient," he suggested after thinking for a moment. He grinned. "Your turn."

"If we, ah . . . help each other, they can see that God is kind," said Joel. "Next!"

Dad smiled. "How about if we're loving?" he suggested.

"And forgiving," said Joel quickly. He grinned and waited for Dad's next idea.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a Christian? If so, are you a good representative of God? What do people see in your life? Jesus wants them to see love, honesty, obedience, joy, peace, patience, kindness-and all the other things that were found in His life. He is the example for you to follow. As you develop those characteristics, you will be a good ambassador for Jesus-a good representative for Him. Then people can learn much about God by watching you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6

[Soldier4Christ]

Just a Minute!

'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink'...Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?...'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:35, 37, 40

"Mom, I'm starving! When will dinner be ready?".

"In just a minute," mother answers.

Does that sound familiar? Has anything like that ever happened around your house? Sure it has. When you are really hungry, a minute seems like a long time to wait for dinner, doesn't it? This is a one minute timer. (hold up the timer) When you turn the timer over, it takes exactly one minute for all of the sand to trickle down from one section of the timer to the other. I am going to turn the time over and for one minute, I want you to think of as many things as you can that you like to eat. OK, ready, set go!

Time's up! Did you think of lots of good things to eat? I did. I thought about fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, cake, cookies, ice cream, candy, and a whole lot more. How about you? What did you think of that you like to eat? (Allow the children to respond as time permits.)

Did you know that in that one minute while we were thinKing about good things to eat, seventeen people in the world died from hunger? Of those seventeen people that died, thirteen were children. Boys and girls just like you. Just a minute! I don't know anyone who is starving to death, do you? Well, then it isn't our problem. Or is it? Jesus said it is.

As he was teaching a group of his followers, Jesus described this scene in heaven. The King is seated on his heavenly throne with angels all around. All the people of the nations of the world are brought before him. The King will divide the people into two groups. To one group of people he will say, "Come, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you. For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink."

Then they will answer him, "Master, what are you talKing about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you a drink?"

Then the King will say, "I'm telling the truth: when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me"

Then the King will turn to the other group and say, "Get away from me, for I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink."

"Then they will ask him, "Lord, when did fail to help you when you were hungry and thirsty?"

The King will answer them, "When you failed to help any of my people, you failed to do it for me."

In which of these two groups do you think the King would find us? I hope it would be the first group, but we have so much that it is hard for us to realize that there are many who go hungry every day. Will we help to feed them? Remember, when we share what we have with others, it is the same as doing it for Jesus.

Father, we have so much. Help us to look for ways to share with those in need. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Whose Team?

Caleb and Jake watched as their little brother played soccer in the park. Their father soon arrived and took a seat on the grass next to them. "How's Cody doing?" asked Dad.

"Good," answered Caleb. "He got to move the ball a couple of times."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Dad. "Cody has been so excited about being a member of the soccer team." Dad smiled. "It's been a long time since I've seen that kind of enthusiasm," he added.

"Not me," Jake blurted out. "I see it all the time, but not over soccer. There's this boy in my class-Nick-and he's about as excited over math as Cody is over soccer. Can you believe it?" Jake shook his head. "Nick gets called all sorts of names," he added. "All the guys make fun of him."

"I hope you're not one of those guys," said Dad.

Jake swallowed. "Aw, we're not really mean to him," he mumbled.

Dad shook his head in disapproval. "We're?" he asked. "It sounds to me like you are one of the boys making fun of him."

"Well, you gotta admit he's kinda . . ." began Jake, but he was interrupted by Caleb, who suddenly stood up and started shouting.

"Stop, Cody! Stop!" yelled Caleb. He turned toward his father. "Cody is kicking the ball toward the wrong side!" he exclaimed.

Jake jumped up, too. "Oh, no! Cody!" he called. "You're helping the wrong team!" Unfortunately, Cody didn't stop. He kicked the ball right into his team's goal, scoring a point against his own team. Jake sighed heavily as he dropped to his seat. "It looks like he forgot which team he belongs to."

Dad nodded. "Yes, and he's going to feel bad about that," he said. Looking thoughtfully at Jake, Dad asked, "You're sure you don't do that?"

"Me!" Jake was shocked. "No chance!"

"I wonder," replied Dad. "Just remember that any time you team up with kids who are cruel to others, you're forgetting that you belong on Jesus' team. Your actions show whether or not you're scoring points for His team or for Satan's team. Okay?" Startled, Jake slowly nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your actions show that you're on Jesus' team? He wants those who are on His team to live the way He would. Do you do that? Or do you think that in order to get other kids to like and accept you, it's necessary to do things you know are not pleasing to God? Be careful! Don't score points for the devil by what you do and say. If you belong to Jesus, He wants you to be loving and kind both in your words and in your actions. Don't forget whose team you are on.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32

[Soldier4Christ]

Run, Mike, Run

Mike got off the bus and started the mile walk home. He was joined by Stan and Bob, two high school students who lived on farms adjoining his. "Look, Bob," said Stan as they walked along a field of watermelons, "Let's each get one of those."

Bob hesitated. "I don't know," he said. "Last time we took one, Mr. Sloan caught us and said he'd report us if we did it again."

"Yeah, but these are those little ones they call personal melons," said Stan. "They're so small, I bet they'll fit in our backpacks, and nobody will even see them." He grinned. "Mike, here, can be our watch-dog. How about it, Mike?"

Startled, Mike hesitated. "I . . . I can't do that. I'd be as guilty as you," he said.

"Nah. We'll be the ones getting the melons," said Stan. "We'll get you one, too. I'll even put it in your backpack. You won't have to touch it-until you eat it, that is." He grinned at Mike.

I'd sure like a watermelon, thought Mike. Do I dare? But he knew it would be wrong-it would be stealing-and suddenly he made up his mind. " I can't do that," he said, then he turned and ran.

Mike hadn't gone far down the road when a car stopped next to him. How glad he was to see that it was his dad! He quickly jumped into the car.

"You seem to be in a rush to get home," his father said with a smile.

"No, not really," replied Mike. He shrugged. "I was just running from a watermelon."

"Interesting," said Dad. "I've never seen a watermelon chasing anybody."

Mike told him the whole story. "For a few minutes, I was really tempted. You know how I love watermelon. But I knew it would be wrong, so-I ran."

"Good for you!" approved Dad. "If you hang around temptation, you just might give in and yield to it. It's best to run. And you're in good company, too. The Apostle Paul told Timothy twice to run from something. In one instance, he warned against love of money. Another time he told Timothy to 'flee youthful lusts,' or wrong desires. So you did exactly the right thing." Dad glanced at Mike. "And now . . . look in the back seat," added Dad with a grin.

Mike turned. "A watermelon!" he yelled. There was a big grin on his face, too.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you do when you're tempted to do something wrong? Do you try to think of all the reasons why it might be okay for you to do it just this once? Don't kid yourself! If it's wrong, it's never okay-not even once. Perhaps you need to send up a quick prayer asking God to give you strength to do what is right. Then "run"-get away, if possible, from the situation where you're tempted. Sometimes it may even be a good idea to literally run away from the temptation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace. 2 Timothy 2:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Scardy Rabbit Fears

"I don't get it," Eryn sighed as she stroked her pet rabbit. "Bunnie loves to be petted, but when I want to pick him up, he tries to run away. Is he afraid of being high up?"

"He might be," said Mom. "Some kinds of animals need to be able to escape, because there's always danger of a predator coming to get them. Bunnie probably doesn't feel safe if he can't run away."

"That's silly," protested Eryn. "If a predator comes near, he'll be safer if I'm holding him than he would be on the ground."

"Yes, but it's just his natural instinct," said Mom. "Now leave Bunnie alone and go get ready. We need to be at the hospital in an hour."

Eryn sighed. "Do we have to go? I don't feel like playing with sick kids."

"Then why did you sign up?" Mom asked.

"In Sunday school, Mrs. Grey said that a good way to do something for God is to do something for others. So when she said volunteers were needed for the children's hospital, I thought it would be a good idea," explained Eryn. "But hardly anybody else signed up, and I won't know anyone there."

"You'll be too busy to notice," said Mom.

"But what do I say to the kids?" Eryn asked.

"Trust God to show you," suggested Mom.

"But what if they ask me questions I can't answer? Can't I just stay home?" pleaded Eryn.

Mom smiled. "You sound a little bit like your rabbit at this moment." Eryn looked at Bunnie, confused. "You said Bunnie would be safer in your arms than anywhere else, remember?" asked Mom. "He loves you, but he doesn't seem to really trust you to keep him safe. Right?" Eryn nodded. "Well, aren't you acting the same way toward God?" Mom asked. "You volunteered because you want to do something for Him, but you seem to be afraid to trust Him to help you with this assignment."

Eryn looked at Bunnie who was eating in the safety of his cage. Then she gave her mother a little smile. "Well, I don't want to be a scardy cat . . . or I guess I should say a scardy rabbit," she decided. "Okay. I'll get ready to go to the hospital."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you want to serve God? That's good, but how do you act when He shows you something you can do for Him? When there's a chance to speak up and let other kids know you believe in God, do you do it or are you afraid they'll think you're odd? Do you step up when you see an opportunity to be a friend to someone? Do you offer help when you see a need? Or are you afraid you'll do or say the wrong thing? Never be afraid to do any task God gives you. Trust Him to help you with it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Baby Birds

"Sara, I have a surprise to show you," announced Sara's daddy one Saturday morning. "Come with me." Sara ran to her father, and together they went out to the patio. "Remember the bird's nest I showed you out here?" asked Daddy, pointing to a large plant that hung outside the kitchen window. "The five eggs in it have all hatched."

Sara's eyes grew wide as her father lifted her onto his shoulder so she could peek into the nest. "Where are the baby birds?" asked Sara. "I don't see anything but a pile of fuzz and twigs in there."

"Watch," said Daddy. He made clicking noises with his tongue, and suddenly five tiny heads popped up out of the fuzz.

"Oh, I see them!" squealed Sara. "I see them! They have their eyes closed." Gradually the heads sank back into the fuzz. "Do it again, Daddy," begged Sara. So Daddy made the clicking noise again, and up popped five heads.

Sara and her daddy visited the birds every day. Soon their eyes opened, and they got new, larger feathers. But it became harder to get them to respond to Daddy's clicking noise. Sara wondered why. "They're learning that I'm not really one of their parents coming to bring their dinner," Daddy told her when she asked him about it. "They know I'm just fooling them." He smiled at his little daughter as he added, "We're kind of like those baby birds. We have to learn to recognize who it is that's telling us to do things."

"I know when it's you telling me something, or when it's Mommy," Sara assured him. "And I know when it's Grandma or Grandpa-or Mrs. Jones or lots of other people, too."

Dad smiled. "We have to also be able to tell when it's God's voice," he said.

"We do?" asked Sara. "How do we do that?"

"By learning about God from the Bible," said Daddy. "He will never go against what He says there."

"He tells us to do good things," replied Sara. "And Satan tries to get us to do bad things, doesn't he?

"It sounds like you're learning to recognize God's voice already," said Daddy with a smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you learned to recognize God's voice? In today's Scripture, Jesus refers to Himself as the "good shepherd" and those who know Him as His "sheep." Sheep recognize their shepherd's voice.The more you learn about God through reading and studying the Bible, the easier it becomes to  recognize His voice and know what He wants you to do-or not do. Learn all you can through Bible lessons at home, at Bible club, and at church. Hear God's voice and follow Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

[Soldier4Christ]

Clean-up Time

As the Martin family listened to the evening news, the TV reporter told about an oil spill where beautiful, sandy beaches were being smeared with thick, black goo. "In spite of massive efforts to stop the spread of oil and clean up the beaches and ocean, it looks as if Mother Nature may have to do the final clean-up job here," stated the reporter. "Environmentalists tell us that wind, sun, currents, and wave action will eventually disperse and evaporate most of the oil."

"Mother Nature!" said Dad in disgust. "People need to admit that only God can control the weather and the oceans."

"Wow!" exclaimed Noah as the TV camera turned to show an oil-soaked sea bird struggling to get free from the hands of a rescuer. "That bird doesn't look so good!"

Noah's sister Nicole shook her head. "Poor thing," she murmured. "I guess he doesn't know he'll die if he doesn't let somebody help him."

"It's sad, but . . ." Dad paused. "Last week I heard a TV evangelist refer to that oil spill," he added. "He mentioned that a lot of people are like those sea birds. That's even sadder."

"People got caught in the oil spill, too?" asked Nicole in horror.

Dad smiled. "No," he said, "but the speaker pointed out that many people are caught in something worse-they're caught in sin. Those birds have to be cleaned up if they're going to live, and people who don't know Jesus as Savior need to have their hearts and lives cleaned up, too, or they will not be able to live forever with God."

"And Mother Nature can't help," observed Noah.

"No," agreed Nicole. "The name Mother Nature refers to nature in general, doesn't it? And that's why people are in trouble in the first place-they have a sinful nature."

"That's true," agreed Dad, "and like that bird, they often don't realize they're in trouble. They don't understand that they need help and only God can clean up their lives. People have to quit struggling and simply trust Jesus to do for them what they can't do for themselves."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you aware that you are a sinner and need help? Or are you struggling to clean up your heart and life by yourself? Are you doing your best to stop talking back? To obey your parents? To quit lying? To just be good in general? Stop trying. You have a sinful nature and you can't clean up your life by yourself. You need Jesus. He's the only one who can take care of the "clean-up" job. Give up your struggle and trust Jesus today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
There is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. Ecclesiastes 7:20