Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

God's Laws

"Hey, Jared! Did you forget that flying is for birds?" joked Uncle Derek as he looked at the cast plastered around Jared's ankle. "Your mother tells me you jumped off the garage roof. Good thing you landed in the shrubs or you might have broken both ankles."

"It was higher than I thought," replied Jared, embarrassed.

"You probably have a new respect for the law of gravity," said Uncle Derek. He sat on the couch. "I've come to appreciate all of God's laws."

"You mean the Ten Commandments?" asked Jared.

Uncle Derek nodded. "Yes, but those are only part of God's laws," he said. "When God created the world, He put into place every scientific law there is." Jared looked puzzled. "God made botanical laws that say certain seeds produce certain fruit, and He made biological laws that say people require food and water to stay alive," explained Uncle Derek. "Chemical laws say that certain mixtures of gases will create explosions, and there are reproductive laws that say chickens hatch chicks-never ducks. Mathematical laws say two plus two equals four."

"And like you said, there's the law of gravity," added Jared with a grin.

Uncle Derek laughed. "Right," he agreed. "God holds the universe together, and His laws never change. It pays to respect God's laws if you want to stay alive." Uncle Derek took a small New Testament from his pocket. "We haven't talked about God's most important laws-His spiritual laws,"added Uncle Derek.

"You mean like the things Pastor Harris preaches about in his sermons?" asked Jared thoughtfully.

"Yes," answered Uncle Derek. "Some people don't believe there are spiritual laws, but they're as real as the physical ones. You either respect them and do what they say, or you go your own way and lose out in the end."

"And that's even worse than forgetting the law of gravity and getting a broken ankle," said Jared with a smile.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you respect God's laws-including His spiritual laws? Those laws teach you about sin and God's provision for forgiveness. God says everyone has sinned, and sin separates from you from Him.  His spiritual laws say you must trust Jesus alone as Savior to become His child. Anyone who doesn't will be separated from God forever and never go to heaven. Will you trust Jesus today? You must decide for yourself.


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

[Soldier4Christ]

Special Lights

"Wow! Look at that!" exclaimed Alyssa. She and her family were driving around the city, taking what they called their annual "Christmas lights tour." Dad pulled to the side of the street so they could get a good look at the house that had won the award for having the best display of lights. They admired it for a few minutes. As they continued on their way, they agreed that no other place could compare to the house that won the award.

The next day was the first day of Christmas vacation for Alyssa. "I'm glad we won't have school for a little while," she declared at the breakfast table. "I can't do anything right there. I don't read good. I can't spell. I'm crummy in math." She gave out a long, exaggerated sigh. "I'm a failure," she added dramatically.

"I know school is hard for you, but . . ." began Dad. He paused. "Go get your coat," he said as she finished her breakfast. "I want you to see something."

Alyssa eagerly jumped up and went out to the car with her father. "Where are we going?" she asked as they drove through the city.

"You'll see," said Dad. Soon he pulled to the side of the street. "Do you recognize this place?"

Alyssa nodded. "That's the house we saw last night-the one that had all the beautiful lights!" she exclaimed in surprise. "It looks different now. It doesn't look very special at all."

Dad smiled. "You're right-it's when we see the lights shining in the night that it looks beautiful," he said. "I thought about that when you were telling us you can't do anything well. You see, we may not always be able to do things as well as we'd like to, but because we're Christians, we have something special-we have the 'light of life.' People need to see that light-the light of Jesus in us." Dad paused as he smiled again at his daughter. "Alyssa," he said, "I want you to know that the Lord surely does shine through you-and that's more important than getting good grades in school." He gave her a hug. "Last night we were looking at special lights," he added, "and you are a special 'light' yourself."

Alyssa smiled, too. "Thanks, Dad," she said, turning to give him a big hug. "You always know how to make me feel better!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like a failure? Like you can't do anything well? Do you feel that you don't have any great talents or special abilities? If you're a Christian, you have a great ability-and a great responsibility-to be a light and a witness in the world. That makes you a very special person-to God and to everyone you meet!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14

[Soldier4Christ]

Christmas Lights

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6-8 (NIV)

Christmas is the most wonderful season of the year! Don't you agree? I love all of the decorations, especially the lights. Many towns have a lighting contest to see who can decorate their home the best. Usually, the newspaper publishes pictures of the most beautifully decorated homes and during the holidays, people get in their cars and drive all around town to see the beautiful lighting displays. It is so easy to get so caught up the beauty of the lights that we might think that that is what Christmas is all about, but it isn't. You see, the lights aren't Christmas, the lights are just reminders of the One True Light that came to bring light into the world.

There is a beautiful song that we hear a lot at this time of year. It is called, "Shine On Us." The words go like this:

Lord, Let your light,
Light of your face shine on Us.
That we may be saved,
That we may have life,
To find our way in the darkest night,
Let your light shine on us.

Our Bible reading for today tells us that there was a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came to tell about the light so that everyone would believe. John wasn't the light, he only came to tell others about the light. Who was the light that John came to tell people about? That's right, it was Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

This Christmas, as we enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights, let's remember that while they are beautiful, they are only reminders of the one true light -- Jesus. Let's also remember that we have been called to tell others about Jesus -- the light of the world -- that they might be saved, that they might have life, that they might find their way in the darkest night.

Heavenly Father, this is such a beautiful time of the year. As we enjoy the lights of Christmas, we give thanks for your Son, the light of the world. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Spare Attitude

"Let's go get an ice cream cone at the Eskimo Palace, Dad," said Kaitlin. "We can be back long before Mom gets home from her committee meeting."

"Good idea," agreed Dad, so they went out to the car.

As they drove along, Kaitlin and Dad saw a couple of Kaitlin's classmates playing together. "I can't stand that girl with the long braid!" exclaimed Kaitlin.

"Really?" Dad sounded surprised. "Do you know her well?"

"No, and I don't want to know her, either!" grumbled Kaitlin. "She's the one who beat me out of a place on the volleyball team."

Just as Dad started to reply, there was a loud bang, and the car veered to the right. "Oh, no!" groaned Dad. "Flat tire!" He pulled over to the side of the road and got some tools and the spare tire from the trunk. Soon he had the car jacked up. He and Kaitlin chatted as he worked. "Kaitlin," said Dad, "I want to hear more about why you don't like that girl we saw. The fact that she got the place you wanted on the team is not a reason to dislike her. I'm sure you know that."

Kaitlin looked at the ground and kicked at a pebble. "Well, my friend Alicia knows her, and she doesn't like her, either," mumbled Kaitlin.

Dad frowned as he removed the wheel with the flat tire and replaced it with the spare one. "I'm glad we have this spare to use," he said. He paused, then asked, "Don't you think your attitude needs to be changed-like the flat tire needed changing? Maybe it's time for you to find a spare attitude to replace the grudge you're holding against your friend."

"She's not my friend," protested Kaitlin. "She . . . she's an enemy!"

"I see," said Dad, putting the flat tire in the trunk. "Well, do you remember what Jesus said about the way you should treat your enemies?"

"I remember," Kaitlin murmured. "He said we should love them."

Dad closed the trunk. "Shall we see if those girls are still outside and invite them to join us for some ice cream?" he suggested. Kaitlin hesitated only a moment before she nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a hateful attitude toward someone-are you holding a grudge? Do you really have a good reason to dislike anyone? Stand back and take a good look at the entire situation. Think about your attitude. Remember that God loves everyone-even your enemies-and He tells you to love them, too, and to not hold grudges. Ask Him to help you change your attitude and to treat that person as your neighbor.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You shall not . . . bear any grudge . . . but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18

[Soldier4Christ]

Inside-out Times

"But why did Buster have to die?" wailed eight-year-old Zachary when the family's loyal, old dog died. "He was a hero," continued Zachary. "Remember when Billy got lost and Buster found him playing in the woods? And the time when I was so sick, Buster stayed in my room every day until I was better. Even you weren't there as much as he was, Mom. Why did he have to die?"

"I wish we could have kept Buster longer, too," answered Mom sadly, "but he was very old, and his body just wore out. Let's try to be thankful for all the years we did have him."

"But . . ." Zachary had just begun to ask another hard question when Billy, his four-year-old brother, burst into the room.

"Varo-o-o-om!" called Billy as he zoomed in a circle and then stopped in front of his mother and Zachary. He was wearing a yellow and blue shirt that had the name of the local school on the front. But Billy's shirt showed a jumbled mass of colored threads where the bright school emblem should have been.

"Your shirt's inside-out, Billy," snapped Zachary angrily. He was upset for being interrupted as he was talking with his mother.

"Yes, it is," agreed Mom, "but look closer, Zachary. Maybe Billy's shirt can answer your questions about Buster." She gently told Billy to hold still so they could see his shirt better.

"These knots and loose threads here on the inside of the shirt show how the disappointments in life look to us," said Mom. "When someone we love dies, or when something happens that seems bad, life may look to us like an ugly mess." She smiled at Billy and helped him turn the shirt rightside-out. "The same threads that looked so bad a moment ago make this side beautiful," continued Mom. "This reminds me of what God does in our lives. None of the difficult things that happen can separate us from God's love. He helps us through them. He takes each disappointment and each hardship and uses them to form a beautiful design. He says He works them together for good in the lives of those who love Him." She put an arm around Zachary's shoulders. "When you miss Buster, will you try to remember that God wants only what's best for you?" she asked. Solemnly, Zachary nodded.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has a friend or family member gone away and left you feeling lonely? Maybe school hasn't been going well this year, or you weren't picked for your favorite sports team. Such things hurt, but let God teach you through these "inside-out" times. Remember that God loves you and nothing can separate you from Him. Trust Him to use those occasions to make something beautiful of your life.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:.37

[Soldier4Christ]

Helpful Ants

"How about a break?" asked Dad. He stopped pedaling, leaned his bike against a tree, and then plopped onto the park bench beside the bike trail.

"Good idea!" agreed Sam, resting his bike against the end of the bench. "I'm tired and thirsty!" He and his dad took water bottles from their bikes. Dad also pulled two granola bars from his bike bag and handed one to Sam.

As Sam removed the wrapper, a piece of granola fell to the ground. A tiny ant appeared and tried to whisk it away. Sam watched as the ant tried again and again, but the piece was just too large for it to handle. After a moment, a mass of scurrying ants appeared. They worked together, lifting and dropping the chunk several times until it fell apart. Then each ant seized a small piece, and they all ran off in the same direction.

"Did you see that?" asked Sam. "That ant needed help-and he got it!"

"He sure did," said Dad. "That's a good example of how we should behave."

Sam looked at Dad. "You mean we should help each other, right?" he asked.

"Yes," agreed Dad. "It's what God wants us to do."

"Like when that big storm ripped shingles off our garage roof last summer and a bunch of guys from church helped you repair it," suggested Sam. "With all their help, it didn't take very long before it was fixed. A big job became a small one-just like this one with the ants."

Dad nodded. "I'm sure the men from church didn't think about it at the time, but they were actually demonstrating to our neighbors the love Christians should have for each other."

"But we're supposed to show God's love by helping unsaved people, too, aren't we?" asked Sam. "Anyway, that's what my Sunday school teacher says."

"That's correct," replied Dad. "Helping unsaved people can be a powerful witness for Jesus, and helping other Christians can, too." Dad got up and put his helmet back on. "Mr. Locke, next door, was so impressed by what our Christian friends did, that he wanted to know more about it," he added. "I explained that we love one another because we love Jesus. I'm praying that he'll soon know Jesus, too." He grinned at Sam. "Come on. Let's finish this ride and get back home to Mom's good cooking!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can people see that you love God by the way you show His love to others? Do you show love by willingly helping your mother clean the house? Do you cheerfully help with the yard work? Are you available to help neighbors or classmates as much as you can? By having a kind, helpful attitude, you can show that you love God. When people see that you love God and others, perhaps some of them will want Jesus in their lives, too.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

[Soldier4Christ]

Martha, Martha

Philip was doing his schoolwork at the kitchen table when Dad arrived home. They talked for a little while, and then Dad had a question for Mom. "Are you getting as much as I am out of that devotional book we both decided to read?" he asked her. "Today's Scripture helped me make a decision about a problem I had at work."

"That's great!" replied Mom. "What was the Scripture about?" She blushed when Dad looked at her in surprise. "Actually, I haven't gotten around to reading it the last couple of days," she admitted. "I've been so busy lately! The hours fly by so fast, and I never get everything done."

"Oh, Martha, Martha," Dad reproved lovingly.

"Mom's name is Mary-not Martha," Philip reminded his father.

Mom and Dad both laughed. "Martha is the name I call her when she gets too busy and starts acting too much like the Martha in the Bible," explained Dad. "Remember that story? Martha was so busy with preparing and serving food and other things that she didn't have time to sit and learn at Jesus' feet."

"I have to admit it-that's what has been happening to me lately," said Mom. "I've allowed things to keep me from what's really important." She pointed toward the floor, and added, "I could have let this floor stay dirty a little longer instead of mopping it this morning, and I suppose it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had bought pies for the school bake sale tomorrow, instead of making them."

Dad chuckled. "Well, the day isn't over. You can still do your reading."

"You're right," agreed Mom. "So, instead of fixing supper right now, I'll just go into the other room and 'sit at Jesus' feet' for a few minutes and catch up a bit on my Bible reading."

Just then Allison came bursting into the kitchen. "Where's my Bible?" she demanded. "I'm in charge of devotions tonight at my youth group, and I haven't had a minute to prepare all week."

"Oh, Martha, Martha," said Mom. Philip and Dad laughed together. "You explain," Mom told them as she left the kitchen.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you let distractions keep you from the study of God's Word or from prayer? What can you do to solve that problem? Maybe the exciting book you want to read can wait a while. Maybe you could skip a TV program. Or maybe you could play with your friends a little later. When something has to be omitted from your schedule, don't let it be your time with the Lord. Have a 'wise' ear ready to receive the knowledge He wants to give you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

[Soldier4Christ]

Flying Like Eagles

Lisa softly sang a Scripture song. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles . . ."

"Time to go," called Dad.

Reluctantly, Lisa turned and followed her parents to the car. Usually she loved going to church retreats, but this year, Julie, her best friend, wouldn't be there. Julie had died just two weeks ago. A tear trickled down Lisa's cheek, and she hastily rubbed it away as she slid into the back seat of the car, closed the door, and fastened her seat belt.

"All set?" asked Dad. Lisa nodded.

"I like the song you were singing," said Mom.

Biting her lip as another tear escaped, Lisa whispered, "That song was one of Julie's favorites."

"I remember hearing her sing it," said Dad, and as he backed out of the driveway, he began singing the song again. Mom and Lisa joined him.

"Dad, just what does it mean to 'mount up with wings as eagles'?" asked Lisa when they finished singing. "We can't really fly."

Smiling, Dad replied. "The eagle is a unique bird, honey. Other birds try to avoid storms, but I read that the eagle flies straight into them.  He uses the violent winds to lift himself up high above the storm clouds."

"Does that help him fly better and be safe?" asked Lisa.

"Yes," Dad agreed, smiling at his daughter. "With God's strength, you can be like an eagle. You can 'fly' straight into the storms of life instead of running away from them. That means accepting hurts and troubles-like the loneliness you feel from Julie's death-to help you grow as a Christian."

Brushing away her tears, Lisa nodded. "It still hurts, even though I know Julie's in heaven," she said, "but I do want to 'fly' the way God wants me to-and Julie would want that, too. Will you and Mom help me, Dad?"

"We sure will, honey," Dad assured her.

"Let's sing that song again," suggested Mom.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
What problems are you facing today? Are you sad because a friend has died or moved away? Because your mom or dad is out of work? Because what's happening in your life makes it seem like your world is falling apart? Remember that God loves you and wants to help you face your problems. Let Him use the clouds and storms of life to develop your character and help you become more Christ-like.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hungry Hearts"

"Why does Pastor Cummings have to preach such long sermons?" grumbled Chris on the way home from church. "I sure get tired of sitting there!"

"I wished Pastor Cummings hadn't quit so soon," commented Dad. "He helped me understand some verses that had been hard for me to grasp before."

Chris shrugged. "Our Sunday school class was really boring, too," he complained. "We used to have good Bible stories, but now it's usually other stuff."

"My class wasn't boring," said his sister, Megan. "We didn't have a Bible story, but it was an interesting lesson anyway. I really like Sunday school."

After dinner that noon, Chris put some scraps in the cat's food dish. "Come here, Mac. Look what I've got for you today," he called. The cat walked to the dish, sniffed the food, and walked away with his tail held high. "Hey, Mac, you just don't know what's good," declared Chris.

Megan was standing at the window, looking out. "Come see the baby birds in their nest!" she called. She laughed out loud. "The mother bird brought food for them, and they all have their mouths wide open!"

Chris went to look. "Well, they're smarter than Mac is," he decided. "Mac wouldn't even taste the good food I offered him."

"I guess he's not hungry," said Megan.

"Grandma always says he's just finicky-choosy about his food. I'm sure he'd like what I gave him if he'd try it," insisted Chris, "but he won't."

"That's why you were bored at church today while the rest of us got a lot of good from being there," murmured Mom.

"I was bored because Mac won't eat?" asked Chris. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that, like the baby birds, we were hungry-we had hungry hearts. We opened them and we listened to see what spiritual food God was offering through our pastor and Sunday school teachers," Mom told him. "But like Mac, you wouldn't even try the 'food.' You expected to be bored and didn't even attempt to receive a blessing by listening and thinking about the lessons."

Dad nodded. "When we go to church tonight, how about really listening? Try taking a few notes. Don't be like that finicky cat. Develop a hungry heart with an appetite for spiritual food."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you eager to see what you can learn about God? When you read your Bible or go to Sunday school and church, do you open your heart to learn what God wants to say to you? The Bible offers milk-some simple truths for spiritual growth in new Christians (1 Peter 2:2). It also offers solid food-deeper truths to help Christians grow stronger (1 Corinthians 3:2 ). It is sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103). Take a good appetite to church, for God always fills a hungry soul (Psalm 107:9).


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

[Soldier4Christ]

"No Hopeless People"

A loud wail came from the family room. "Look at my poster," moaned Debbie tearfully. "I worked on this for two weeks, and now it's ruined! I was using a calligraphy pen to sign my name, and I accidentally knocked over the ink bottle."

Mom shook her head when she saw the smear of black ink on the poster. "Oh, honey! I'm so sorry," she said. "It was beautiful, and . . ."

"It doesn't look very beautiful anymore!" interrupted Debbie's brother as he eyed the poster. Then he grinned. "I know . . . have it cleaned," he joked. "I've read that they do that to famous paintings."

"You're not funny, Jack," said Debbie, but knowing he was trying to cheer her up, she smiled faintly. "This picture isn't famous; it's hopeless. I won't have a poster to enter in the contest."

"Sorry, sis," said Jack, "but don't feel too bad. Someday you'll have a famous painting. I just know you will! You'll see."

That evening, Jack talked about a new student in his class. "I can already tell that Ross is going to be a pain," he declared. "He's brand new in school, but he acts like he owns the place."

"Well, don't judge too quickly," cautioned Mom. "Maybe he's just putting on an act-trying to be brave. If you're friendly and help him as he learns the ropes at his new school, his attitude may change. Give him a chance."

"Yeah-maybe he's like my poster," added Debbie. "It looks like a mess, but if you could get that black ink off, you'd see a pretty picture. Maybe Ross is like that."

Jack looked doubtful. "He's a mess like your poster all right-and you said your poster is hopeless, remember?"

"Ah!" exclaimed Mom. "But people are more like the famous paintings you were talking about, Jack! They can be made clean. God can see their potential beauty, and He can change them."

"Well . . . okay," said Jack. "I'll try to remember that Ross isn't hopeless."

"Good," said Mom. "As you accept him, maybe you'll get a chance to let him know that God changed you and can also change him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone you think is a mess-not physically, but in the way he or she acts? Someone who doesn't seem to be very nice? Don't give up on anyone. Remember that Jesus can change a mean, unhappy, grumbling attitude into a pleasant, caring personality. He can change a prideful, superior act into something beautiful. Pray for the one you have trouble accepting. Do what you can to introduce him to Jesus, who can make "old things . . . become new."


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
If anyone is in Christ . . . old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

[Soldier4Christ]

A Visit from an Angel

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. Luke 1:30-32 (NIV)

What do you put at the very top of your Christmas tree? Some people put a star at the top of their tree. That's a good choice. After all, a special star played a very important part in the story of Christmas. Some people like to put an angel at the top of their tree. That's a good choice too, because angels also played a very important role in the Christmas story.

As you probably know, angels are messengers from God. Today, I want to tell you about a very important angel by the name of Gabriel. Many years ago, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to deliver a message to a young virgin named Mary who was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.

The angel appeared to Mary and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

Mary was frightened and confused by the angel's greeting. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her. "You have found favor with God. You will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus."

Mary asked the angel. "How can this happen? I am a virgin."

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The baby will be holy and he will be called the Son of God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary replied, "let everything happen just as you have said."

God could have chosen anyone to give birth to Jesus, but he chose Mary, a young virgin living in the little village of Nazareth. She wasn't very important, but she was important to God, and he chose her to do the most important thing one could imagine -- he chose her to give birth to his Son. God still chooses unimportant people to perform important tasks. He has given you and me the task of sharing the good news of Jesus and his love to the whole world. "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:19) Can you imagine a more important task? This year, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us, like Mary, answer God's call. "I am the Lord's servant, Let it be with me just as you have said."

Dear Father, we thank you for this story about how you sent the angel Gabriel to take your message to Mary. We also thank you that you have given us the task of taking the message of Jesus and his love to all the world. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Heat and Pressure"

As Molly walked into the kitchen, she barely glanced at her mother, who had just finished sorting and folding a basket of laundry. Molly helped herself to an apple and took an angry chomp. "Hi, Molly," said Mom.

"Hi." Molly almost snarled the word.

"Problems at school?" asked Mom as she picked up a shirt to iron.

"Yes! Mr. Burns makes me so mad!" growled Molly.

"Your basketball coach?" asked Mom. "I thought you liked him."

"I did at first," replied Molly, "but now he's always yelling at me. 'No, Molly, hold the ball like this. Come on! Run! Work on those shots!'" Molly sighed and idly picked up a shirt from the table. She stared at it. "Oh, Mom," she wailed, "my new shirt looks terrible! Will all those wrinkles iron out?"

Mom laughed. "Oh, I think so," she said. "I'll iron it next. Here-hand it to me. I'm ready for it now. Don't worry-I'm sure it will be fine." Mom took the shirt and ironed it while Molly continued to complain about her coach.

"There! See how pretty this looks now," said Mom when the shirt was finished. "I needed to put a little heat and pressure on it to make it look good." She smiled at Molly. "Coach Burns has been putting a little heat and pressure on you lately. You may not like it, but . . ."

"You're right about my not liking it," Molly glumly interrupted her.

"Well, think about it," said Mom. "What reason do you think your coach has for criticizing the way you play basketball?" Molly shrugged. "Do you really think he's being mean, or is he trying to make you into a better player?"

"I . . . I . . . to make me a better player, I suppose," admitted Molly.

"Yes, so next time Coach Burns hollers at you, think about how much better you'll be able to play if you follow his advice," said Mom. "Ask God to help you take it as a chance to grow and improve." Mom smiled. "In fact, whenever you're criticized by anyone, ask God if He's using that person to help you improve some aspect-some part-of your life. Remember that heat and pressure are sometimes needed to teach us patience and discipline and other valuable lessons in life."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you feel when somebody criticizes you? Does it make you feel hurt or angry if someone points out an error or suggests a way to improve? Instead of resenting criticism and correction, look at them as helpful tools that show you ways in which you can grow. God can do great things in your life and teach you important lessons when you're willing to accept some heat and pressure from people around you as well as from Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:3-4)
The testing of your faith produces patience . . . that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Good Food"

"Let's stop at the bookstore," said Mom as she and Diana walked through the mall. "I'd like to get a new cookbook."

"Okay," agreed Diana. She loved reading, and when they reached the bookstore, she decided to find a book for herself. Soon she was back at her mother's side. "Can I get this book, Mom?" she asked. "I have enough money for it." Diana held up a fiction paperback for her mother to see.

Mom took the book and read the back cover. Then she opened it and leafed through the pages. "Honey," she said, "I've heard that the story line in this series of books deals with things that aren't honoring to God, and as I flipped the pages, I noticed bad language. I'm sorry, but no-you can't buy this book."

"Oh, please, Mom," begged Diana, but her mother shook her head. "Oh, all right," Diana grumbled angrily. She scowled and returned the book to the shelf.

Diana didn't say a word when they left the bookstore, and she was still pouting when they sat down at a table in the mall's food court. Mom looked at her thoughtfully. "Did you see that, Diana?" asked Mom as she placed her packages on the table.

"See what?" asked Diana.

"The people that just left the table over there had quite a bit of pizza left over," said Mom. "I saw them dump it in the trash can right next to that second post. I'm sure there's other food in there, too. I'll stay here and watch our stuff, and you can go get some of it." Mom smiled as she spoke.

"Thanks-but no thanks!" exclaimed Diana, giving her mother a puzzled glance. "I know you don't want to eat garbage, so you've got to be kidding. But what's your point?"

"Well, you don't want to feed garbage to your body, either, do you?" asked Mom. Diana shook her head. "But you apparently do want to feed garbage to your mind by reading things that are filled with bad language and evil ideas," Mom added. Diana didn't have an answer. "We're responsible to God for the things we put into our minds," continued Mom. "That's why I didn't let you get that book. I want you to give your mind good things to 'eat.'"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your parents set rules regarding what you may read and listen to? Do you wish you could choose for yourself? When the time comes for that to happen, remember that healthy minds need healthy "food." Don't put garbage into your mind-don't put anything "wicked before your eyes" in either print or in pictures. Read books that are good for you, and watch wholesome programs.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things. Psalm 119:37

[Soldier4Christ]

"All One Team"

Jason's uncle, who raised sled dogs, had harnessed his team, and they were ready for action. "Now, Jason, which dog do you think is most important?" asked Uncle John.

"The one in front," answered Jason promptly.

Uncle John smiled. "That's Silver. He's called the lead dog," said Uncle John. "Which one do you think is least needed?"

"Well, I guess this one way in the back," replied Jason. "He probably can't even see where he's going."

Without a word, Uncle John unbuckled the harness of the last dog. "Now which is least needed?" he asked. When Jason pointed to one of the smaller dogs, Uncle John unharnessed that one and asked the question again.

"You're not going to unharness them all, are you?" asked Jason as he pointed to another dog.

Uncle John grinned he went to unharness that one. "I'll certainly leave the lead dog," he told Jason. "You already said Silver was important. Now . . . which is next?"

"But . . . but Silver needs the other dogs to help pull the sled," protested Jason. "He can't do it alone. I don't think the other dogs are as important as the leader, but he does need their help."

"Yes, he does," agreed Uncle John, "but if the others are needed, doesn't that make them just as important as the lead dog?"

"I . . . guess maybe it does," admitted Jason thoughtfully. "It just seemed like the one in front would be more important than the others, but I guess he really isn't."

"He seemed more important because he's in a more prominent position," said Uncle John, "but always remember that the smallest or least noticed member of a team is as important as the most noticed one. They all work together." Uncle John began harnessing the dogs again. "People are a lot like that," he continued. "Sometimes we think the leaders are the only ones needed, but that's not so." Jason wondered if his parents had told Uncle John that he often felt as though other kids were given the most important things to do. "Remember, Jason-in God's sight, you're just as important as anybody else," added Uncle John.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that you're important even though you may be small-or even though the things you're asked to do aren't the things people notice? God does notice. He gives gifts and talents to each of His children, and He can use anyone in His service. Each one working for Him is needed, and all are equally important.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another. 1 Peter 4:10

[Soldier4Christ]

"What God Sees"

"Wow, Mom! Look at that huge candied apple!" Nathan exclaimed when he and his mother stopped to buy bread at the grocery store. "Can I get it to take to school tomorrow? Please? Please . . . please . . . please?"

Mom laughed. "Well, a regular apple would be better for you, but that one is a beauty," she said. "Okay. You may have it this one time."

During classes the next morning, Nathan thought about the huge apple in his lunch bag. His mouth watered as he imagined biting into it. He was glad when lunch time finally came. Sandwich first, Nathan told himself, and then the carrot sticks. At last he pulled out the apple. He held it up to show his friends, and one of them tried to grab it. Nathan laughed and quickly bit into it. To his great dismay, the inside of the apple was soft and brown, and it tasted bad. He tried to eat just the good caramel from the outside, but he kept getting some of the soft apple with it.

When Nathan got home, he opened the refrigerator to find a snack. There in the fruit bin were several large, shiny, red apples. He considered them, but chose a cheese stick instead. "I don't trust any apples now," he told his mother when she took one out. "The one we bought yesterday was no good. I had to throw it away."

"What a shame," replied Mom, shaking her head. "It was so pretty!"

A moment later, she grinned at him. "Guess what," she said. "I just thought of a good thing that came from your experience with that candied apple." Nathan raised his eyebrows in question. "It will be a great example to use with my Sunday School class," explained Mom. "Sometimes we're like that apple-we aren't always what we appear to be. It's pretty easy for us to hide thoughts and feelings from other people, but we can never hide them from God. Even more serious is the fact that some people we think are Christians may not really be Christians at all. They seem to say and do the right things, but if they aren't trusting in Jesus as Savior, their hearts aren't right with the Lord."

Nathan nodded as he watched his mom cut her apple. "You can see the inside of this apple now, and it looks great," she said as she handed him a slice. "Have a piece."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you learned the right words to say to make people think you're a Christian?  You may be able to fool other people, but you can never fool God! Like the scribes and Pharisees mentioned in today's Scripture, you may be able to make yourself look good to people. But Jesus saw what was in their hearts, and He sees exactly what's in your heart, too. Make sure it's right with Him. Admit your sin and trust in Jesus as your Savior.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You (God) alone know the hearts of all. 1 Kings 8:39