Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

Hot Stoves and Ski Trips

Mary opened the oven door and removed a pan of cookies. As she set it on the table, her little brother darted into the kitchen. "Cookie!" exclaimed Dylan, reaching toward the hot pan.

"No!" cried Mary, quickly pulling him away. Dylan howled and kicked furiously. "That pan is hot!" Mary told him. "You'll burn your fingers if you touch it."

"What's going on here?" asked Mom, coming into the room and taking hold of Dylan.

"Dylan's mad because I stopped him from picking up the hot cookies," said Mary. Just then the phone rang and she went to answer it, leaving her mother to deal with Dylan.

A little later, Mary slumped down on a chair as Mom took more cookies from the oven. "That was Leslie," said Mary. "She says Pastor Dan has all kinds of rules for our youth group's ski trip. I've been looking forward to it, but I'm not sure it's going to be any fun now! Pastor Dan says we all have to keep our rooms neat and clean, and we'll even have a curfew!" She sighed. "Plus, Leslie thinks we'll have chaperones looking over our shoulders all the time," added Mary. "I think Pastor Dan is being totally unfair!"

"Just like Dylan thought you were unfair for not letting him take cookies?" asked Mom.

Mary looked surprised. "I don't mind if he has a cookie," she said. "I just don't want him to get hurt."

"And Pastor Dan doesn't mind if you have fun," said Mom, "but he doesn't want you to get hurt. He's responsible before God for the young people in his youth group. And you're responsible before God, too-you're accountable to obey the guidelines Pastor Dan sets when you're under his care."

Mary sighed. "I suppose," she admitted. As the oven timer buzzed, she noticed that Dylan was sitting quietly, staring at the cookies. "Come on, little brother," said Mary with a grin. "As soon as I get this last batch out, let's have cookies and milk. That first batch has cooled down, and they'll be great now." Mary paused, then added, "And I'll try to remember that the ski trip will be great, too, if I follow the rules."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that rules are given for a purpose? God has put a variety of people in authority-like parents, policemen, teachers, church leaders, and government officials. They don't exist to spoil your fun. They're there to guide and protect you. God says you are to obey those who "rule over you." When you choose to do that, it will benefit you, and it will also delight your Heavenly Father.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive. Hebrews 13:17

[Soldier4Christ]

Ready for His Return

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:33 (NIV)

I am sure all of you know what this is. (Hold up a calendar.) That's right, it is a calendar. Most of us use a calendar like this one every day. Sometimes we write important things that we want to remember on the calendar. Today I also have another type of calendar. (Hold up the Advent calendar.) Have you ever seen a calendar like this one? It is called an Advent calendar. Advent means the arrival of an event or a person. Now, what event or person to you think we might be looking forward to at this time of year? Yes! The Advent calendar helps us to count down the days until Christmas and the celebration of Jesus' birthday.

Since some of you might not have seen an Advent calendar before, let me show you how it works. As you see, there is a picture of a manger scene and above it, there are twenty-five numbered stars. Today, we are going to color the manger scene. We'll color the stable, Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the angel, shepherd, the king, and the animals. Then, beginning tomorrow, we will color one star each day, starting with star number one. Finally, we will color the large star that is right above the manger. That's when we will know it's Christmas day, the day we've all been waiting for!

While we are waiting for Christmas, we should remember that we are also waiting for something else. We are waiting for Jesus to come again. When will that be? We don't know. We don't have a calendar that tells us when he will come again, but he promised that he would. Jesus said that even the angels in heaven don't know the day or hour of his return. Well, what should we do? We should do what the Bible tells us to do, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come."

What else should we be doing while we are waiting and watching for Jesus to return? We should be worshiping him, praising him, serving him, loving him, and loving one another as he commanded us to do. When we do those things, we will be ready, no matter when he comes.

Dear Father, we are watching and waiting for Christmas when we celebrate the day that you sent your Son, Jesus, to earth. We are also waiting for him to come again. Help us to be ready. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Leash That Lion

All week Mia had been very busy-so busy that she couldn't seem to find time to study for her weekly spelling test. There was always something more interesting to do-reading a book, going to gymnastics, playing a game, or watching a TV program. I'll study tomorrow, she told herself each night.

After school on Friday, Mia slowly walked home, not at all eager to get there. She was sure her mother would ask about the spelling test. Sure enough, when Mia finally went into the house, the question came. "How was your spelling test?"

"I got a 'D,'" admitted Mia, feeling embarrassed.  Mom looked disappointed but didn't say anything.

After dinner, Dad turned on the news. "Come and listen to this," he called. "A lion has escaped from the zoo."

Mia and Mom joined him to hear the report. "Authorities are urging people who live near the zoo to stay indoors," the reporter said. "Children should not play outside as long as the lion is on the loose. Nor should anyone go out to work in a garden or mow a lawn."

Mia shivered. "I'm glad I don't live anywhere near the zoo," she said.

Mom nodded. "A lion on the loose can really interfere with things we need to do," she agreed. She looked thoughtful as she turned to Mia. "Are you sure you haven't met any lions lately?" asked Mom.

"Me? Where would I see lions?" wondered Mia.

"Well," said Mom, "I once read a story about a lion named Procrastinate. I thought maybe you had come across him. You see, to procrastinate means to postpone or put things off. The story I read warned that when 'Procrastinate' runs unleashed in our lives, he prevents us from doing what we should be doing-like studying."

"We certainly need to leash that lion," agreed Dad. "We have to decide which things are most important and take care of them before we take time for the things we do simply for our own pleasure."

Mia blushed. "My teacher says anyone who did poorly on the spelling test may take it over next Monday," she said after a moment. "I'm going to go study for a while."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you waiting for another day to do something that should be done now? Maybe studying schoolwork isn't your problem. Maybe you put off doing your chores or helping siblings or a friend. Maybe you even put off doing your Bible reading or memorizing Bible verses. Don't wait. After all, you don't even know that God will give you another day. Make a list of things you need to do today. Then get busy and do them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Robert's Robot

Robert and Tanya watched their toy robots march around the room. Robert's was made of clear plastic, and they could see working parts and flashing lights inside the robot's body. "My robot's bigger than yours," said Tanya after a moment. "It's prettier, too. It shines like gold, and you can't see all the ugly parts inside."

"Well, robots don't have to look pretty," said Robert. "I bet mine can go faster than yours. Let's take them upstairs and race them down the hall."

The children were just ready to begin the robot race when there was a loud clap of thunder and the lights went out. "What happened?" asked Tanya, sounding worried. "I wish Mom and Dad were home. Let's go downstairs."

"It must be the storm," said Robert. They headed toward the stairs, but it was dark and they had to feel their way along the wall. "Wait a minute!" exclaimed Robert. He took his robot and turned on the switch. The lights began to flash, and soon the children were downstairs, guided by the light from the robot.

A little later, car lights appeared in the driveway, and then Mom and Dad followed the beam of a flashlight into the living room. "I'm sure glad to see you!" exclaimed Tanya. "It was spooky in the dark!"

"My robot helped, though," added Robert. He proudly demonstrated how his robot had saved the day. "Tanya was bragging about her big, shiny robot, but it was my see-through one that gave us light," he said. Mom and Dad both chuckled.

"Well, mine is still the prettiest," insisted Tanya.

"Your robots remind me of Christians," said Dad. "Can anybody guess why?"

 "Ah-h-h . . . I know," said Robert. "Christians are supposed to be like lights in the world, and my robot is like that." He frowned. "Tanya's isn't, though."

Dad shook his head. "No, but hers illustrates a different kind of Christian," he said. "Some appear to be important and attractive, but when the going gets tough, they falter and aren't much help to anyone. Others may not look as impressive, but you can always count on them to be where they're needed. As you said, the light of Jesus shines forth from the lives of those Christians!" Dad smiled. "That's the kind of Christian we all ought to be."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you the kind of Christian described in today's Scripture reading? How you look on the outside isn't nearly as important as what you're like on the inside. But the interesting thing is that what's inside will affect what people see on the outside, too. God wants to see goodness, righteousness, and truth in you. When you live as He wants you to, His light will shine out through your life and others will see things like honesty, helpfulness, generosity, kindness, and love.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

[Soldier4Christ]

Missing Guests

"Can't we skip church this morning, or at least just go for Sunday school?" asked Brent. "Why don't we just stay home and get ready for the Andersons?" The Andersons, who were former neighbors, were coming for a visit.

Mom surveyed the house. "Everything is ready," she said. "The roast is in the oven, the table is set, and the house has been cleaned from top to bottom."

"What's up, buddy?" asked Dad. "You didn't want to go to church last week, either." Brent just shrugged and went out to the car.

After church, the family hurried home, looking forward to seeing their visitors. But when they got home, they saw that there was a message on the answering machine. When Dad turned it on, they heard Mr. Anderson's voice. "We won't be able to make it today," he said. "We were all set to leave, but as my wife started down the porch steps, she stumbled and fell. She has a badly sprained ankle. We're sorry to let you know so late. Hopefully, we can get together sometime soon. We'll be in touch."

"Oh, no!" protested Brent. "I wanted to play with Matt! And Mom spent all that time cleaning and cooking-we all helped, too. Now they're not even coming!"

"It is too bad," agreed Dad. He looked at Brent thoughtfully. "In our Sunday school class today, we were reminded of someone who prepares a special meal each week," added Dad, "but some of the guests don't come. Some just don't show up, and they don't even have a good excuse."

"Really?" asked Brent. "Seems like everybody would like to go. Who makes the meal?"

"Pastor Mueller does, and the choir members and those who bring special music help, too," replied Dad. "Each week they spend many hours preparing for the service, which is like a spiritual meal for us. It's good to get together with the other guests-other Christians-too."

Mom nodded. "And even more important, God wants us to come to visit-to enjoy fellowship-with Him. We'd miss all that if we stayed home from church!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you skip church activities for no good reason? Perhaps to watch a special TV program? Or because you're tired or just don't feel like going? You should be there to  "eat" the spiritual food that comes from God's Word and to enjoy fellowship with other Christians. Most of all, be there to fellowship with God and worship Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Songs of Thanksgiving

"I love to hear Chirpy sing, Mrs. Brown," said Lucy when she stopped in at her elderly neighbor's home one day. The little yellow canary in its shiny brass cage fluttered around, pecking seeds and singing his happy songs. "I wonder why he sings so much."

Mrs. Brown smiled. "I guess maybe he sings because he's thankful," she said in her scratchy voice. "You know, Lucy, the Bible says, 'When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God.' That's Deuteronomy 8:10." Lucy grinned. Mrs. Brown had a Bible verse for almost everything, even happy canaries.

Lucy perched on a high stool, listening while the little bird poured cheerful notes into the bright sunny kitchen. "Mrs. Brown," said Lucy thoughtfully, "at our house we don't always pray before we eat. Sometimes Dad calls and says he'll be late, so Mom fixes a tray for me, and I eat in the family room while she feeds Brandon in his high chair."

Mrs. Brown smiled. "Well, no matter where you're eating, you can thank God for your supper," she said. "The Bible says we're not to forget His benefits to us." Lucy didn't answer, so Mrs. Brown asked, "Do you remember the story about Jesus healing the ten lepers-and only one returned to thank Him?"

"Yes." Lucy nodded.

"I think even Jesus seemed surprised that the others forgot, don't you?" asked Mrs. Brown. She looked at the bird cage. "No one has to remind my Chirpy to sing-he just naturally does that. Do you suppose he's trying to teach us to sing songs of thanksgiving?" Lucy saw the old lady's blue eyes twinkle behind her glasses.

Lucy knew that Mrs. Brown's sweet smile and contented manner reflected a thankful heart. "Because I practiced giving thanks to God every day, Lucy, a prayer of thanksgiving has now become as natural as a canary's song," said Mrs. Brown. "I believe God wants us to learn a lesson from this little teacher."

"I'll remember," Lucy promised with a smile. "Wait till I tell Mom and Dad that I had a lesson from a canary! Won't they be surprised!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does giving thanks come naturally to you? Today's key verse is a reminder to thank the Lord every day for His "benefits" to you-for your blessings. Do you do that? Read additional verses from Psalm 103, which lists many of those benefits. And make sure you are counted with the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, not with the nine who failed to do so.  If you practice saying thanks every day, not only on Thanksgiving Day, it will soon become a natural thing to do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2

[Soldier4Christ]

A Hole in the Roof

Tyler stood in the back yard, looking up at the roof of his house. It was a busy place. A remodeling crew climbed up and down the ladders, working on the rectangular-shaped hole in the roof. "Having a skylight will really brighten up our dark kitchen," said Dad as he joined his son.

"This is like my Sunday school lesson," said Tyler as he watched the workmen carefully lifting the window. He grinned as he explained. "The lesson was about four men who brought their sick friend to Jesus. They cut a hole in the roof and let him down through it to where Jesus was."

Dad nodded. "I know the story," he said. "There was such a crowd around the house that they couldn't get the sick man in through the door."

"Even with power tools, it's a big job to cut a hole in the roof," said Tyler, standing back to watch the men work. "My teacher said that in Bible times, roofs would have been flatter than ours is."

"And did he say there were probably outside steps going up to it?" asked Dad.

"Yeah, he did," replied Tyler. "Anyway, Cole and I wish we could be like those men and take Evan to Jesus to be healed."

"You can do that in prayer," said Dad gently.

"We have, but Evan still has cancer," replied Tyler sadly. "Doesn't Jesus heal anymore?"

"Yes, Jesus still heals," Dad assured him. "Sometimes He he uses doctors to do that; other times He heals with a miracle; but sometimes-like with your grandmother-He takes the person to heaven. There is no sickness there, you know."

Tyler wasn't satisfied. "But what can Cole and I do besides pray?" he asked. "We want to do something to help Evan."

"Visit him whenever you can," replied Dad, "and tell him about things like the skylight, school and church activities, your family and friends. If I were sick, it would make me feel better just to know I had friends who would like to put me on a stretcher, carry me up to the roof, and cut a hole to get me to Jesus. Let Evan know that since you can't do that, you'll keep on taking him to Jesus in your prayers."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a friend or relative who is very ill? Do you feel like there's nothing you can do to help? First of all, you can pray for-and sometimes with-that person, trusting God to work in the best possible way. In addition, you can send cards, cheerful notes, or small gifts. Perhaps you can also visit. Be sure the sick person knows you care and that Jesus does, too.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

The Needy Baby

"The baby is crying again," Erica told her aunt. "What do you think she wants this time?"

"She's probably hungry," replied Aunt Sue. "She lets me know when it's time to eat." Erica's aunt picked up five-week-old Kelsey.

"She can't do anything for herself, can she?" asked Erica. "You have to pick her up and carry her. You dress her; you feed her; you rock her; and you have to give her a bath."

"Yes, I do," agreed Aunt Sue with a smile. "Right now your little cousin depends on me for almost everything. I take care of her day and night."

When Erica returned to her own home, she told her parents all about Baby Kelsey. "I should think Aunt Sue would be tired," said Erica. "She has a lot of work to do. She does everything but breathe for that baby!"

Dad smiled at Erica. "We all were babies like that once," he said. "You were, too, and Mom and I did the same things for you."

"I'm not like that anymore," boasted Erica, standing tall. "I take care of myself."

"I'm still like a baby in some ways," said Mom. Erica giggled, laughing at her grown-up mother. "But I am!" insisted Mom. "I depend on my Father for everything. Sometimes I fuss because He doesn't meet my needs right when I want Him to. But most of the time I rest, trusting my Father because I know that He is caring for me."

"Grandpa lives in California!" protested Erica. "You don't depend on him to take care of you."

Dad smiled. "Mom isn't talking about her earthly father. She's talking about God-her Heavenly Father," he explained.

Mom nodded. "My Heavenly Father is with me day and night," she said. "I need Him all the time."

"We all do," agreed Dad. "Aunt Sue loves Baby Kelsey, so she's happy to give her so much time and care. But just think-God loves us, and every day He gives us even more care than human parents can give their children!"

"Well . . . then I guess it's okay to be like a baby sometimes," decided Erica, "because it's okay to let God take care of us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that in some ways, you're like a baby? Even though you're much bigger and stronger and better able to take care of yourself than any baby,  and even though you've learned a lot, you still need to depend on God. He's in control of everything, and He knows what's best for you. Psalm 23 refers to the Lord as a shepherd who provides all kinds of things for His sheep-His  children. Aren't you glad you have such a wonderful Father who cares for you night and day?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

[Soldier4Christ]

A Home in Heaven

"Do you really believe what your Sunday school teacher said?" asked Luke. He was spending the weekend with his friend Jacob. "Your teacher said some people won't go to heaven," Luke added. "If that's true, who gets to go? Do I?"

"Like Mr. George said," replied Jacob, "only people who accept Jesus as Savior will go to heaven."

"Well, I don't get it," declared Luke. "Let's go ask your dad about it." Jacob nodded, and the boys went to the living room where Jacob's father was reading. Luke cleared his throat. "Hey, Mr. Woods, everybody will go to heaven, right?" He thought he was asking the question in a way that would make it easy for Jacob's dad to agree with him.

But Mr. Woods shook his head. "Not everybody," he said, looking thoughtful. "Luke, when you go home after school each day, do you ever wonder, 'Will Mom feed me supper?' Or, 'Will Dad give me a bed to sleep in tonight?' Or maybe, 'What will I do if Mom and Dad don't let me in the house today?' Do questions like that ever come to your mind?"

Luke laughed at such a ridiculous idea. "Of course not! I'm their kid, so it's my home," he said.

"Well, Luke, do any of the other kids in your class go home with you and expect to eat and sleep and be taken care of there?" asked Mr. Woods.

Luke laughed again. "No!" he said. "They're not part of our family, so it's not their home."

"It's the same way with God's family," said Mr. Woods. "When you accept Jesus as Savior, you become a child of God-part of His family-and heaven is your future home. If you haven't accepted Jesus, you're not part of God's family, and heaven isn't your home." Mr. Woods paused, then asked, "Are you part of God's family, Luke?" Slowly, Luke shook his head. "You can be," Mr. Woods told him. "You were physically born into your parents' family, so you're their son. God says you need to be 'born again'-to be born into His family."

"Born again!" exclaimed Luke. "How?"

"It's as simple as A, B, C," replied Mr. Woods. He picked up his Bible. "Sit down and let me explain, okay?"

Luke nodded. "Okay," he agreed, taking a seat.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Will heaven be your home? Not everyone will go to heaven. Jesus said you must be born again-born into God's family-to have a place in His "kingdom." In John 14, Jesus told His disciples about that place. He told them He is "the way" to the home He is preparing.  The only way to make heaven your home is to accept Jesus and be born into God's family.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

[Soldier4Christ]

A Messenger Sent from God

"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " Mark 1:3 (NIV)

Before the days of printed newspapers, town criers walked through the streets ringing a bell and calling out, "Hear ye, hear ye!" Then they shouted out the news from every street corner announcing the time of town meetings and other items of interest to the people. Even after printed newspapers came along, you could walk the streets of a city and hear the voice of a newspaper boy crying out, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" Then he would shout out the days headlines, hoping to get the attention of those who were passing by so that they would buy a newspaper.

Today, people get the news in many different ways. Some rely on the newspaper and they read it from cover to cover, some get the news from the Internet, others get the news by listening to the radio. Probably the main way that people get the news today is by watching television. No matter how you get the news, it is important to know what is going on in the world around us.

Long before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah to tell how he would spread the news of the coming of the Messiah. This is what he said, "I will send my messenger to prepare the way. He will be a voice of one crying in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord! Clear the road for him.'" Who was the messenger that God chose to bring this good news to his people? It was a man named John the Baptist. John was a very unusual man who wore clothes made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist. His favorite food was locusts and wild honey. He traveled around in the desert preaching that people should repent of their sins and turn to God. When they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan river.

John the Baptist was very popular and had a great following, but he always told the people about Jesus. "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am," he said. "He is so much greater that I am not even worthy to stoop down and untie the straps on his sandals." Yes, John was faithful in bringing the news to the people.

It has been 2000 years since God sent his Son, but God still needs messengers to spread the news. This year, as we celebrate our Savior's birth, won't you be God's messenger to share the good news with others?

Father, we thank you for this very special time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many who do not know about Jesus. Help us to be your messengers and share the good news. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

A Matter of Honor

Samantha scuffed her shoe in the dirt beneath the swing as Shelby, a classmate, walked up to her. "Hi. Remember me?" asked Shelby. "I sat in front of you at the school assembly yesterday day. My name's Shelby. Would you like to jump rope with me?"

Samantha scowled. "No," she said gruffly. "I don't feel like it."

"Is something wrong?" wondered Shelby.

"Yes! I wish I were back at my old school across town," replied Samantha.

Shelby took the swing next to Samantha. "Why did you have to move?" asked Shelby.

"My parents said we outgrew our old house." Samantha sighed. "I wanted to stay across town and live with my grandma so I could go to my old school, but Mom and Dad said no," she grumbled. "They don't care how I feel about anything."

"I used to say that about my parents, too, but then I learned a really important verse from the Bible." Shelby hesitated. "Do you go to church and Sunday school?" she asked. "My Sunday school teacher made a big deal of having us learn the fifth commandment. She says a lot of kids act like they don't know it."

Samantha dragged her feet to bring her swing to a stop. "We learned the Ten Commandments in my Sunday school, too," she said. "The fifth one is about parents, right? Well, I do obey my parents! I'm here, aren't I?"

Shelby laughed. "Yes, you are," she agreed. "I didn't mean to suggest you didn't obey them. I was just thinking about something my teacher said-that honoring parents is more than just obeying them. It includes accepting their rules and discipline without getting all mad about it or holding a grudge against them. I find myself doing that sometimes."

Samantha scowled as she drew a pattern in the dust with her shoe. She knew her attitude was wrong. Finally, she looked up. "I guess I should be glad my parents watch out for me," she admitted. Then she smiled at Shelby. "I could always make some new friends," she added. "Do you still want me to jump rope with you?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you honor your parents in addition to obeying them? Or do you obey them just so you won't get in trouble? Do you grumble and complain when they tell you to do something or refuse to let you go certain places? God gave you parents to guide you and care for you. Show respect for them and accept their rules. Thank God for them-and thank them for caring for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Honor your father and mother. Ephesians 6:2

[Soldier4Christ]

Cement and Habits

"Mom, why is Dad scowling?" asked Daniel as he and his mom watched his father working at the edge of the new concrete patio he had poured. "I think the patio looks great!"

"I think so, too," agreed Mom, "but the concrete is setting up faster then Dad had expected."

"Setting up?" asked Daniel. "What does that mean?"

"That means the concrete is getting hard," replied Mom. "Remember how easily Dad could tamp the cement down and level and smooth it after he first poured it? When it's hardened, or 'set up,' you can't change it, so now he has to work pretty fast to try and get it the way he wants it before it's too hard. There are still a few spots that are a little too rough to suit him."

Daniel nodded sympathetically. "I wish I could help," he said, "but I guess I can't." He picked up his baseball mitt. "Is it all right if I go to the park to practice ball with Jose for a while?" he asked. "He wants to be a catcher, and I want to practice pitching, okay? We can ride our bikes over there."

"That sounds all right . . . if you've done all your chores already," said Mom. "Is your room picked up, and is the trash out? And how about your Bible study? Is that finished?"

Daniel nodded. "I knew you'd ask that, and I did all those things right after breakfast."

"Good for you," approved Mom. "I'm glad to see you're making it a habit to do your work and read your Bible before taking time to play. It's important to practice good habits."

"I know," said Daniel. He grinned. "That's so they harden in place-like the concrete, right? Then I'll keep doing them even when I'm older."

"Right," agreed Mom. She chuckled, then added thoughtfully, "Both good and bad habits can become hardened into a person's life. That's why it's so important to establish good ones while you're young-before your life 'sets up' and becomes difficult to change."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you forming good habits? Do you practice the habit of spending time each day reading God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15) and praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Do you practice gratitude by thanking God for food, family, and friends (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Do you practice the good habit of going to church each week (Hebrews 10:25)? Yes, these and other good habits do take practice. Now, while you're young, is the time to form habits that are pleasing to God.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come. Ecclesiastes 12:1

[Soldier4Christ]

Mercy or Punishment?

Randy and his sister Michelle looked nervous as their mother told Dad what had happened that afternoon. "Officer Johnson from the police department called," reported Mom. "Our two children were caught with a group of kids who were stealing. The police took them in for questioning, along with the others. The police said most of the group were guilty of shoplifting, but our kids hadn't actually taken anything."

"Shoplifting?" asked Dad, surprised.

"Like Mom said, we never took anything, Dad," said Randy quickly. "We told the other kids they shouldn't take things, either, but they wouldn't listen."

Dad frowned. "You shouldn't be hanging around with kids who shoplift," he told them. "Some people would say you're 'guilty by association.' In other words, they figure if you're with that kind of crowd, you must share some of the responsibility for what's going on."

Michelle began to cry. "I . . . I'm sorry. I'll never, ever go with them again," she promised.

Dad looked at Randy. "Neither will I," said Randy, looking down. "I'm sorry I went with them this time."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that," said Dad, "but I'm sure you really knew better than to go with them today. Mom and I will still have to give some thought to your punishment."

Michelle nodded. "Dad," she said a moment later, "in family devotions this morning, we read from the book of Jonah, remember? It told how the people of Nineveh were sorry for their sin, and God didn't punish them. You said we should always remember that He's merciful and forgives us, too, when we're really sorry for our sin, and . . . Randy and I are sorry."

Randy nodded. "Since we're both sorry, couldn't you show mercy, too, and not punish us?" he asked hopefully. "We'll be careful about who we're with after this."

"Well . . . I'm sure you mean that, but . . ." Dad paused. "Mom and I will talk it over," he added. "We'll let you know what we decide."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that God is a God of mercy? He doesn't enjoy punishing you. He would rather have you repent and turn away from your sin-like the people of Nineveh did. But never think it doesn't matter what you do so long as you confess it later. Keep in mind that the natural consequences of sin cannot always be avoided. Thank God for His mercy and try to always obey Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. Micah 7:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Mercy or Punishment? (Cont'd.)

"Where's your brother?" asked Mom when Michelle arrived home from school one day.

Michelle hesitated. "Uh . . .well . . . he went to the sports store with some of his friends," she said slowly.

"What friends?" asked Mom suspiciously. "I hope it's not the same kids who were caught shoplifting last week." Michelle didn't answer. "Is it that group?" demanded Mom, and Michelle reluctantly admitted that it was.

When Randy came home an hour later, Dad was already there. "Where have you been, Son?" Dad asked.

"Oh, I was just at the sports store," replied Randy.

"And who were you with?" asked Dad.

"Uh . . . just a couple of guys from my class," answered Randy. "Nobody bad."

"Careful!" warned Dad. "Michelle tried to get out of telling, but when Mom insisted, she admitted that you went with the same kids who were caught shoplifting last week. Isn't that right?"

Randy stared at the floor. "All right," he finally said with a sigh, "but nobody shoplifted anything today. Besides, I'll never go with them again if you think it's so important. I promise! Honest!"

Dad reached for his Bible. "I think we need to read about Nineveh again," he said, "only this time we'll read in the book of Nahum. (Be sure to read today's Scripture.) The book of Nahum was written about 150 years after the book of Jonah."

As Dad read, Randy squirmed in his chair. "These verses talk about the destruction of Nineveh," explained Dad when he finished reading. "God had shown mercy to the people when they turned from their sin, but they eventually forsook Him and went back to their evil ways. God is holy and cannot overlook sin. Punishment was needed." Dad looked at Randy and shook his head sadly. "Mom and I showed you mercy when you were with kids who got into trouble last week, but . . . I'm sorry. I'm afraid we can't be merciful with you this time, Son. You didn't learn your lesson, so now you must be disciplined."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know that God hates sin? He is a God of holiness and justice as well as a God of mercy. When people will not forsake their sin, discipline is necessary. Sometimes-like with Nineveh-it's severe punishment. When you do wrong things during your younger years, God often uses parents or teacher to administer that discipline. Recognize that it's from God. Accept it and learn from it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whom the Lord loves He chastens. Hebrews 12:6

[Soldier4Christ]

The Sneaky Squirrel

"Oh, no! The squirrel is back!" exclaimed Grandpa. He slid his glasses from his nose and rubbed his eyes. "I thought we had seen the last of him."

"Why don't you like that little squirrel, Grandpa?" asked Oliver.

"Yeah, Grandpa," said Audrey. "I think he's cute, all black and fluffy-and look how he can jump!"

"Exactly," said Grandpa, putting his arm around Audrey's shoulder as they all peered out the window. They watched the little animal leap from tree to tree. Then it ran along a cable wire like a tight-rope walker until it was out of sight. "Do you know where that little squirrel is now?" asked Grandpa.

"Maybe he's playing on your roof," suggested Oliver.

Grandpa frowned. "As we speak, that little bushy-tailed squirrel is probably gnawing his way through roof tiles and insulation and getting ready to make himself at home in our attic," he said. "He's been there before and ruined blankets and clothes Grandma kept up there. Trust me-he isn't cute!"

"How can something that looks so harmless be so destructive?" asked Audrey.

"Destructive is a good word for it," said Grandpa.

"My Bible class teacher said Satan can be like that," remembered Oliver. "He said Satan can tempt us with things that look harmless. But if they're not something Jesus would want us to do, they're destructive-just like this black squirrel."

"Your teacher is right," said Grandpa. "Do you remember how tricky Satan was when he used the serpent and lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden?"

Audrey nodded. "I remember," she said. "Satan made Eve think it was okay to eat from the tree God had said they weren't to use for food."

"Yes," agreed Grandpa. "We can't always tell if a thing is good or bad by the way it looks, but we can always ask God if it's right or wrong. Satan may be sneaky, but he can't fool God." Grandpa strolled to the door. "And now let's see what we can do to discourage that sneaky squirrel."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to know if something is right or wrong? Good or bad? Sometimes it's a difficult decision to make, especially if other kids keep telling you it's okay. You can check things out in the Bible. If you still can't decide or don't know where to look, talk about it with an older Christian, and don't forget to pray and ask for God's help. A good rule to follow is, "If in doubt, don't." Wait until you're sure God approves of an activity before you take part in it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23