Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Basketball Blues"

Ben yanked the door open, bounded into the house, and fell dramatically into an overstuffed chair in the living room. Behind the newspaper, Dad's mouth twitched as he watched his son from the corner of his eye. Then he asked his usual before-supper question. "So, Ben, how was your day?"

"Fine," muttered Ben as he stared out the window.

Dad folded the newspaper and laid it down. "Want to talk?" he asked.

Ben opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it, changing his mind. A moment later, he sighed. "I didn't make the basketball team," he said.

"I didn't know you were going out for the team," said Dad. "I didn't think you liked playing basketball."

"No, but . . ." Ben shrugged. "All my friends are on the team," he said.

"I see," said Dad, reaching over to pick up a sculpture of a bird. He looked thoughtful as he turned it around it his hands. "So will your friends like you less if you're not on the team?" he asked.

"Not really, but I want to fit in with them-and hang out with them," replied Ben.

"You mean you want to be like them?" asked Dad. Ben nodded. "Well, what if your friends decided to rob a bank, would you still want to be like them?"

Ben laughed. "Of course not, Dad," he said, "but that's different. That would be doing something wrong. Playing basketball isn't wrong."

"True," agreed Dad, "but it is something you don't especially like to do. Why not concentrate on something you really enjoy?"

"Like what?" asked Ben. Then he noticed the sculpture his dad was holding. "You mean like art stuff?" he asked. "I made that bird in sixth grade art class."

"Apparently God didn't give you an interest in being a great basketball player," observed Dad, "but He did give you a gift for art-and you enjoy it."

"Yeah," agreed Ben. He took the bird and examined it closely. "You know, Dad, maybe I'll sign up for an art class next year."

"What about your friends?" asked Dad.

Ben laughed. "Maybe I'll carve a basketball for them."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you try to "fit in" with your friends-even if it means doing things you don't care about? God has given you special talents of your own. Are you good at writing? Gardening? Singing? Babysitting? Cleaning? Don't try to be what others are if it's not right for you. Be honest with yourself. Whatever your talent is, find it and use it for God's glory.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Do not neglect the gift that is in you. 1 Timothy 4:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"Gradual Growth"

After breakfast, Nathan sat quietly as his father read a portion of Scripture. "Wow!" exclaimed Dad as he closed his Bible. "This says we're to 'walk' just as Jesus did. We should all be changing and becoming more like Him." Dad looked at his family. "How about sharing a few changes you've noticed in your life?"

No one said anything for a moment. Then Nathan grinned. "I don't get in fights as much as I used to," he said, "and I don't cheat on spelling tests anymore. I like Sunday school better, too." His expression turned thoughtful. "But I'm not changing much lately. Should I be?"

"Well, we should never stop growing in the Lord," said Dad, "but often it's hard to pinpoint where the changes are taking place." After they discussed the verses a little more, Dad led in prayer. Then they all gathered their things for a trip to visit Grandma Bell, who lived several hours away.

When they got there, Grandma greeted them eagerly. "You've grown!" she exclaimed as she hugged little Leah. "I see you've lost some teeth, too!"

"Thwee teeth," lisped Leah.

"And Nathan, you must be six inches taller," said Grandma, hugging him. "My! You're a young man now!" Throughout the day, she frequently commented on how much they had changed.

As Mom tucked Nathan into his sleeping bag that night, he said, "I didn't think I had changed much since the last time we saw Grandma, but she couldn't stop talking about how much I've grown."

Mom laughed. "I know. I often don't notice how you and Leah grow, either-until someone points it out or until you grow out of your clothes. I guess I see you too much to notice the gradual changes." She gave Nathan a hug. "That reminds me of what we were talking about this morning. Maybe we're too close to ourselves to notice gradual changes that make us more like Jesus. But Grandma saw them. She mentioned how you and Leah play together without quarreling, and how you took part in our discussion during family devotions and in the prayer time."

"Really?" asked Nathan.

"Really," said Mom. "Let's ask God to show us what other changes we still need to make-and to help us not get discouraged as we strive to be like Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can you see that you're growing spiritually? Be faithful in learning what God says in His Word, the Bible. Do your best to obey and serve Him by serving others. Ask Him to help you grow daily to be more like Him. Remember that growth takes time-so don't be discouraged if you can't see a lot of change from one day to the next. But think about what changes there may have been in the past year. You could also ask someone who knows you well if he's seen any changes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

[Soldier4Christ]

"Cobwebs and Cables"

"My Sunday school teacher said we should read the Bible by ourselves every day-not just in family devotions," Marcie told her parents on the way home from church. "I'm going to start doing that today."

"Great," said Dad. "It's good to have your own personal daily devotions."

That afternoon-and for the next couple of days-Marcie read a whole chapter in her Bible. As time went by, however, she read less and less often.

"I should go read some verses from my Bible," said Marcie as she and her mother sat on the porch a few weeks later. She gave a little sigh. "I'm so mad at myself, Mom," she said. "When I decided to read the Bible every day, I really intended to do it. But I forget most of the time, and sometimes it seems like I'm too busy or too tired."

"I used to neglect reading my Bible, too," Mom told her, "but then I made it a habit to read at a certain time every day. For me, mornings are best, and I try to not let anything interfere with my Bible reading time. By doing this, I developed a habit, and I seldom miss now."

"Maybe I . . ." began Marcie. "Oh, look!" she interrupted herself. "There's a huge spiderweb between that post and the telephone cable."

Mom laughed. "I was just now thinking of something my grandmother used to say about habits and spiderwebs," she replied. "Grandma called them cobwebs, and she said, 'Habits are first like cobwebs, then like cables.' What do you think that means?"

 Marcie was quiet as she studied the spider's web. "I think it means that when you first start doing something on a schedule, it's easy to forget or just not do it. You're trying to make it a habit, but it's easy to break-like spiderwebs are," she said. "But if you keep on doing something over and over, the habit you're working on will become strong and hard to break-like that cable."

"Good for you!" Mom nodded and smiled. "It's good to make a strong habit of your Bible reading," she encouraged. "Shall I wake you up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning so you can read the Bible the first thing each day?"

"Get up early?" asked Marcie. "Well . . ." She nodded. "Okay, let's try that."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take time to read the Bible each day? If not, why not? Do you forget? Or do you think it's not important? Knowing what God says in His Word can make a big difference in your life. Begin now to make daily Bible reading a strong "cable"-make it a lifetime habit.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16

[Soldier4Christ]

Our God Is Faithful, 100%!

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Luke 2:25-26 (NIV)

Have you ever read the story, "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss? It is a wonderful story about an elephant named Horton. The story begins with a lazy bird named Mayzie sitting on her egg in a tree. Sitting on the egg was tiresome and boring and Mayzie hated it. "I'd take a vacation, fly off for a rest if I could find someone to stay on my nest!" said Mayzie.

That’s when Horton walked by. Mayzie asked Horton if he would sit on her egg while she took a little rest. Horton objected at first, but Mayzie promised that she would not be gone long, so Horton finally agreed and soon he was sitting on the nest while Mayzie flew off to Florida for a vacation.

In Florida, Mayzie had such fun that she decided she would never return to her nest. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, but Horton kept sitting there, day after day. Winter came and icicles hung from Horton's trunk and his feet, but still he remained faithful to his promise to Mayzie.

"I'll stay on this egg and I won't let it freeze," he said with a sneeze. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant is faithful, 100%."

Now, I don't know if elephants are really faithful 100% or not, but I know someone who is. God is faithful, 100%! The Bible is full of the promises of God, and God is always faithful to keep his promises.

In the Bible, there is a story about a man named Simeon. Simeon was a very old man who had faithfully served God all of his life. Simeon was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Christ, the promised Messiah. A few days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him to God. Simeon was in the temple. As soon as Simeon saw the baby, he knew that Jesus was the Christ and that God had kept his promise that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. God is faithful to his promises, 100%!

We are at the beginning of a new year. Many of us will make promises to God about things that we will do in the new year. I'm afraid that many times they are promises made, but never kept. If God is faithful to keep his promises to us, don't you think that it is important for us to keep our promises to him?

This year, as we make our promises to God, let us say, like Horton, "I meant what I said and I said what I meant. I'll be faithful to God, 100%."

Dear Father, as you are faithful in keeping your promises to us, may we be faithful in keeping our promises to you. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Peace and Good Will"

"This house is like a war zone," fretted Mom. "Fussing, arguing, quarreling! Oh, for some peace and quiet!" Just then, Amy slammed the door as she came into the room. "Now what?" asked Mom.

"Who do you think got the part of Mary in the Christmas play?" Amy asked sarcastically. "Holly, of course. She didn't even want it. I'm the reader-again!"

Dad looked up. "Isn't Holly your best friend?" he asked.

Amy made a face. "Was my best friend," she corrected.

As four-year-old Mindi helped Mom decorate cookies a little later, she practiced her part for the Christmas program. "Glory to God in . . . in the high . . . highest, and on earth peace, good . . . good will toward men," she recited. Then she asked, "Mommy, did Mary get baby clothes for Jesus at the Goodwill Store?"

Mom smiled. "No, honey," she said. "They didn't have Goodwill Stores then."

"Mom," said Amy, coming back into the kitchen, "when are Aunt Lynn and Uncle Ben coming?"

Mom frowned. "They're not," she replied shortly.

"Not coming!" cried Amy. "Why not? It won't be like Christmas without them!" Mom didn't reply, and Amy looked at her suspiciously. "We haven't seen them since Grandma Kerr's funeral," said Amy with a frown. "Are you still mad about that picture album?"

"I'd rather not discuss it," answered Mom icily.

"You're mad at Aunt Lynn," observed little Mindi, "and Amy's mad at Holly. I don't know who I'm mad at." She went back to practicing her lines. "On earth peace, good will toward men."

Mom sighed. "On earth peace, good will toward men," she repeated softly. "I could use some peace and good will, too." She went to the telephone. "I'm going to call Aunt Lynn. It's still not too late to invite them to come for Christmas."

Amy smiled. "Really?"

"Really," said Mom, "and wouldn't you like to call Holly?"

"I . . . I . . . okay," decided Amy. "Maybe she can come over and help decorate these cookies."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have bad feelings in your heart toward anyone? Is there someone you need to make up with? Jesus came to bring peace and good will on earth. He wants you to have peace in your heart and live in peace with others. If there are hard feelings between you and someone else, do what you can to mend the problem. Do it for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Wonderful Gift"

"Oh, Mom! Dad just drove in," said Kendra. "I bet he brought a Christmas tree! I'll get my coat on and help him bring it in." But as she opened the closet door, Dad came in, and he didn't have a tree.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," said Dad, giving Kendra a hug. "I tried to find . . ." But Kendra shrugged away from him and hurried to her room. She didn't feel like celebrating Christmas. She felt more like pouting, which was what she did. Dad knows how much I want a tree, she thought, and he let me down.

The sound of voices interrupted her thoughts, and she went to her door and listened. "I feel so terrible that we can't afford a Christmas tree this year," said Dad. He sounded very sad. "I know Kendra was looking forward to one. Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought they'd be marked down, but they were still pretty high-priced. And with all the extra expenses we've had, I didn't feel justified in getting one." Kendra couldn't quite make out her mother's reply, but she felt ashamed of her attitude, and a plan was beginning to form in her mind.

A little later, Kendra went out to join her parents. "Mom, last week you mentioned the little artificial tree we used in Grandma's hospital room a year ago. Can't we use it?" she asked.

"Sure," agreed Mom, and she got the tree.

Kendra pretended to be thrilled with it. "Help me decorate it," she begged her parents. As they worked, she continued her cheerful act. "I remember when you and I went shopping and bought this ornament, Dad," she said as she hung a bird in a cage on the tree. "We had so much fun."

The angel they had used in years past seemed too big for the tiny tree, but they put it on the top anyway. "Mom and I bought this angel for your first Christmas," Dad, reminded her-just like he did every year.

By the time they finished working and talking, Dad's spirits had lifted, and Kendra was surprised to find that she no longer had to pretend to be happy. Her joy was real, and she looked forward to Christmas morning. Kendra didn't expect to get many presents, but it didn't matter anymore. She had already received a wonderful gift-the joy of making another person happy.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something you can do to make someone's Christmas happier? Can you express greater appreciation, reduce your own "want list," or hide a disappointment? Remember the wonderful gift that God gave, and learn to truly give, too. Unselfish giving brings joy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

[Soldier4Christ]

"Rock Solid Protection"

Kevin listened as the TV weatherman reported that temperatures had dropped to a record-breaking low with a strong wind. "Can we still go for our breakfast tomorrow morning?" Kevin asked anxiously. To him, the best part of the season was having breakfast with his dad on the day before Christmas. Each year, they'd get up at dawn, bundle up, and take backpacks with firewood, a skillet, food, and matches. Then they'd walk through the snow to a favorite spot on a nearby lake. It would be a cold walk, but then they'd start a fire and cook their food, and Kevin would forget how cold it had seemed. Now he wondered if they would have to change their plans because of the weather.

"It will be an adventure-a really cold one," said Dad, "but let's do it."

Early the next morning, they dressed in several layers of warm clothes and headed for the lake. Wind whipped the snow all around, stinging Kevin's cheeks. When they finally made it to the rocky lakeshore, Kevin was so cold! "Maybe we shouldn't have come," he yelled to his father over the sound of the wind.

"We'll be okay; you'll see," Dad assured him. "Head for those huge boulders over there."

Behind a towering rock, Kevin instantly felt warmer. Within minutes, they had a fire going, and they began to warm up even more. "I can hardly feel the wind here," said Kevin.

"I know," said Dad as he turned bacon in the frying pan. "We can hear it blowing all around us, but the rocks protect us from most of its effects." As he cracked eggs into the pan, he added, "This huge rock is a good picture of what the Bible means when it says God is our Rock. He gives shelter and protection, and we can trust Him even though there's chaos all around."

"My Sunday school teacher said something like that," said Kevin, "but I didn't really know what it meant. This helps me understand."

Dad put the bacon and eggs on their plates, and Kevin poured hot chocolate out of the thermos. "I'm glad we came," said Kevin, "but I'd hate to be out here very long without this rock to shelter us."

"Me, too," agreed Dad. "It reminds me that life can also bring many storms-and I'd hate to be in this world without God, our Rock, to shelter me."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever stood behind a big rock to get out of the wind-or perhaps to hide from someone? Rocks can protect you in many ways, and the Bible says God is a "Rock" for Christians. He gives shelter and protection from the bad things of this world. Remember that He is there for you during storms in your life-the difficult experiences you sometimes have to face. Go to Him and trust Him to see you through.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He (God) only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:6

[Soldier4Christ]

"Candy Cane"

"May we each have a candy cane?" begged Josh as he looked at the Christmas tree decorated with several kinds of candies, including striped candy canes.

"Yeah, may we? Please?" echoed his sisters, Adriane and Nicole.

Mom smiled. "All right," she said, "but as you eat them, I want you to think of a way in which they can remind you of the reason we celebrate Christmas."

Each of the kids quickly selected a red and white striped candy cane from the tree. They sat down, unwrapped the candy, and began to eat. For a few minutes, no one spoke. Then Nicole held her candy at arm's length and stared at it. "I don't really see what candy canes have to do with Christmas," she said, "except that it's the time of year when you always see lots of them." She frowned. "Or maybe it's because there's red on them-Christmas colors are red and green."

"Nah. That's not a good enough reason," said Josh. He stared at his candy cane, too. "Hey!" he exclaimed. "Part of our Sunday school verse last week said, 'By His stripes we are healed,' so the stripes can remind us of how they whipped Jesus."

"That's part of the Easter story," said Adriane. "It doesn't have anything to do with Christmas, does it?"

"Oh, indeed it does," said Mom who had been listening. "It has to do with the reason Jesus came to earth. He came to suffer and die and take the punishment for our sins. He came to be the Savior of anyone who believes in Him and trusts in Him."

Nicole looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Then the red stripe on the candy cane can stand for the blood Jesus shed for us when He died on the cross, can't it?" she asked.

"And the white can stand for having our sins washed away when we trust Jesus as Savior," suggested Adriane.

Josh nodded. "And look," he said, holding his candy cane upside down. "When you hold it this way, it's a 'J'-a 'J' for Josh." He grinned as his sisters started to protest. "Just kidding," he said. "It's a 'J' for Jesus."

"Excellent thinking," said Mom. "I have a booklet that tells the story of the candy cane and what it stands for. It includes some of the same things you mentioned. I hope the red and white canes will always help you remember those things-not only at Christmas time, but all year long."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get excited about Christmas candy and presents? That's okay, but be sure you don't forget the real reason for celebrating Christmas. On this special day, be sure to truly celebrate the fact that Jesus was born for a special reason-to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life and died on the cross to do that. Accept the wonderful gift Jesus offers you-the gift of salvation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

[Soldier4Christ]

"Super"

Andy wore a frown as he hurried into the house. "Hi, Son, and happy birthday," Dad greeted him. "But you don't look very happy."

"You wouldn't look happy, either, if somebody always called you carrot-top!" grumbled Andy as he put his things away. "Some day I'll get even with Carl and call him elephant-ears, like some of the kids do." Dad began to answer, but was interrupted by his cell phone.

Andy stared when he spied the birthday cake standing on the cupboard. "Super!" he exclaimed. He grinned and gave his mother a hug. "What's for dinner?"

"Your favorites," replied Mom. "Fried chicken-including drumsticks, of course-sweet corn, finger jello . . ."

"Oh, wow! What a super dinner," said Andy. "Let's eat!"

After they ate, Andy again exclaimed over the super chicken, super corn, super everything-especially the super cake. Mom laughed. "I'm glad you liked it," she said. "Now . . ." She handed him a package. "Ready to open your gift?"

"Yes!" Andy eagerly pulled off the wrapping paper. "Super! My very own binoculars!" he exclaimed. Andy took them out of the case and peered through them. "This is a super-good gift! Thanks, Mom and Dad. "

"You're welcome, Son," said Dad. He smiled, then added, "You really like that word super, don't you? Do you know what it means?"

"Sure. It means extra special," replied Andy.

Dad nodded. "That's right, and it also means 'above the natural.' That's what God wants His children to be-supernatural," said Dad.

"How can we be supernatural?" asked Andy. "We're just human, you know."

"Well," said Dad, "when you came in, you were angry because Carl called you carrot-top, remember? You felt like getting even. That's natural. But . . . what would be supernatural?"

"Forgiving him, I guess," replied Andy with a sigh. "That would be hard to do."

"Yes," agreed Dad, "but God can help you. Like I said, He wants all His children to be supernatural." Dad stood up. "Come on," he said. "Let's go outside now, and I'll show you how to adjust those super binoculars."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like getting even with someone? Are you tempted to push back when you've been pushed? Or, if somebody calls you a name, do you want to call him something worse? That's the natural way, the ordinary way of acting. But Jesus wants you to be super-yes, supernatural. That is the Jesus-way.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 6:27-28)
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you . . . pray for those who spitefully use you.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Friendly Conversation"

"What did you talk about in Sunday school today?" Helen's father asked as the family drove home from church.

"Not much," replied Helen. "We learned . . . ah-h-h . . .well, we learned that Jesus took time out of his busy day to pray."

"Yes, He did, and that's a good plan for all of us," said Dad.

"Yeah, I know," responded Helen with a sigh, "but I'm so busy most days. I have softball and gymnastics and Bible club. And I have a lot more homework this year, too. I just don't have have time to pray very much."

Mom smiled. "Honey," she said, "what's the first thing you do when you get home from school?"

Helen thought. "I call Stacy," she answered, "unless she calls me first."

"Right," said Mom. "And why do you call Stacy?"

"Because . . . she's my friend," replied Helen.

"If you're so busy, how do you find time to talk to her every day?" asked Mom.

"I don't know." Helen shrugged. "I just do. I make the time. I like to talk with her. Like I said, she's my friend."

Mom and Dad both nodded. "Jesus is our friend, too," said Dad. "He wants to be our very best friend. We should spend time talking with Jesus because we love Him-just like you spend time taking with Stacy because you care about her."

"But I . . . I never quite know what to say when I pray," murmured Helen. "It seems like the stuff I'm interested in wouldn't interest God."

"Oh, but it does," said Dad, "and you can talk with Him any time or place."

"Stacy doesn't go to your school, so you're not able to talk to her throughout the day," said Mom, "but Jesus is with you all the time. You can ask Him for help whenever and wherever you need it. He's also interested in hearing about all the ordinary things you do."

"Cool!" exclaimed Helen. "I'm sure I've heard that before, but I never really thought about prayer as being like talking with a friend."

"God is always available, but don't forget to also make a special time each day to talk with Him for a few minutes," added Dad. "He wants to hear from you."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you like to talk with friends? Do you realize that Jesus is your friend? He's always right there with you, and He wants you to tell Him what you're thinking-what you enjoy and what you'd like changed, how you feel about things, what you'd like help with. Throughout the day, talk to Him like you would talk to your best friend. And don't forget to make a special time each day to shut out other things and just talk with Him for at least a few minutes.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12

[Soldier4Christ]

"Quit? Or Press On?"

As Carla played at the piano recital, she suddenly couldn't remember the right notes. Embarrassed, she stumbled through the piece as best she could. It's my first recital, and this happens, she thought as she returned to her seat. I'm quitting!

"Don't be discouraged," said her teacher after the recital. "You have a lot of ability, but it takes time to develop it." Carla's family agreed and praised her for doing her best, but she was sure she'd never want to play the piano again.

The next day, Carla persuaded her dad to take a bike ride with her. As they rode, Dad asked, "Do you remember when you were learning to ride a bike?"

Carla nodded. "I sure do! I fell a lot," she said with a giggle.

Dad smiled. "Remember the time you hurt your knee and said you'd never get back on the bike again?" he asked.

Carla nodded. "But I rode it again that same afternoon," she said.

"Yes, you did," said Dad with a smile. "You know, honey, in some ways, learning to play the piano is a lot like learning to ride a bike. They both take practice. You were discouraged by what happened at your piano recital yesterday-but don't give up."

Carla said nothing, so Dad continued. "I wonder if the Apostle Paul ever felt like quitting. He suffered a great deal as he traveled to spread the Gospel, but he didn't quit. He said he wanted to forget the past and 'press on.' He wanted to keep on doing the things God called him to do." Dad smiled at Carla. "I think God is pleased when we work hard at developing our talents-especially when we go on to use them for Him.

"But maybe playing the piano isn't my talent," responded Carla.

"Well, as your teacher pointed out, you do have a lot of musical ability, honey. You need to keep practicing to see how it develops." Carla didn't like to admit it, but she knew her dad was right.

When Carla and Dad arrived back home, Carla wasn't surprised to hear Dad say, "Go in and practice your piano lesson before you play any more this afternoon."

Carla sighed. She knew she could either practice cheerfully and enjoy it, or she could practice against her will and be miserable. Quickly she made up her mind. "Okay," she said quietly. "I will."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you developing a talent God has given you? Does it seem too hard or too much trouble? Are you thinking of giving up? Don't be a quitter! Perhaps you're not quite sure yet what your talents are. Maybe you've tried some things and nothing seems to suit you. Don't be a quitter! Try some of them again-and try new ones, too. Ask God to show you what you can do for Him. "Press on" to find and develop your talents. Do it cheerfully. God will help you succeed.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Gift That Keeps On Giving"

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12-13 (NIV)

This tie I am wearing was one of my Christmas gifts. I really do like it. Did you receive a lot of gifts for Christmas? I'm sure that you did. Of all of the gifts that you received for Christmas, what was the very best one? What was your favorite? (Give the children an opportunity to tell you about their favorite gift.)

You know, there is one thing that I have learned about Christmas gifts. No matter how much you enjoy receiving them, they just don't last. Some of you may have received new clothes. They look nice and you enjoy wearing them, but sooner or later, they wear out, go out of style, or you outgrow them. I am sure that many of you received toys. You really enjoy the toys, but eventually, they either get broken or you get tired of playing with them. Perhaps you got some candy. Well, when you eat it, it is gone. Except for what you wind up wearing around your waist.

There is one Christmas gift that is different. It never wears out. It never goes out of style. You will never become tired of it. It is like the Energizer Bunny -- it is a gift that keeps on giving year, after year, after year. Do you know what that gift is? It is the true gift that Christmas is all about. It is God's gift to us. His Son, Jesus.

The Bible tells us that all who receive Jesus and believe in his name become the children of God! When we become the children of God, we have all of the rights and privileges of being His child. He will love us, protect us, and provide everything that we need. The best part is that it never ends. The Bible says that "kindness and love will be with us every day of our life, and we will live forever in the house of the LORD." (Psalm 23:6 paraphrased)

I enjoy giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, but I think it is important for us to remember that the greatest gift of all was God's gift to us. It is the gift that keeps on giving!

Dear Father, we thank you for loving us so much that you gave your Son so that we too could become your children. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Walrus Family"

"Listen to this, Adele," said Seth. "This book says that when a walrus calf is old enough, its mother pushes it into the freezing water to make it learn how to search for its own food."

Adele shivered. "Br-r-r-r! I'm glad I'm not a walrus," she said.

Just then Mom appeared in the doorway of the family room. "It's time to leave for the nursing home, Adele," she said.

"I . . . I decided I don't want to go," replied Adele with a frown. "It's . . . it's always so stuffy there!"

"Life isn't always pleasant things," Mom told her, "and this is one way we can bring a little joy to the people there. God is pleased when we serve others. Besides, I need your help. You said you'd take charge of passing the cookies."

"Why doesn't Seth have to go?" asked Adele.

"He'll be going another time," said Mom. "Come along now."

Adele went along reluctantly, but she was in a happy mood when she and her mother returned home later that afternoon. "You should have come, Seth," she said. "You missed some great stories. There's a man there that everyone calls Gramps, and he told one funny story after another!" Adele turned to her mother. "When can we go back, Mom?" she asked.

"How about next Tuesday, after school?" suggested Mom. "You could go then too, Seth."

"No, thanks," answered Seth. He looked up when Adele gave him a sharp shove. "What did you do that for?" he asked angrily.

"Remember the mother walrus in your book?" asked Adele. "Mom knew it would be good for me to go to the nursing home, so she gave me a shove-like that mother walrus did-and made me go." She turned to her mother. "Thanks, Mother Walrus. And now, Seth, I'm giving you a shove," she told her brother.

Seth scowled. "You're not my mother," he grumbled. "You can't make me go."

Mom smiled. "Seth is right," she said, "so I'll give him the shove he needs. Plan on going with us next week, Son." Mom looked thoughtful. "I was just thinking that the Holy Spirit sometimes gives us a 'shove,' too," she added. "He never forces us to do His will, but He finds ways to encourage us."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like you should tell someone about Jesus? Who nudges you to speak up? God the Holy Spirit does. Have you watched an elderly neighbor work in her yard and thought you should help her? Who planted that thought? The Holy Spirit did. Has He also nudged you to put a generous part of your allowance into the missionary offering? Don't be afraid of God's nudges-even if they seem to be difficult or make you feel uncomfortable. When you obey Him, He will reward you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The Spirit of truth. . . will guide you into all truth. John 16:13

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Walrus Family (Cont'd.)"

"I can't believe it!" Seth told his father after a visit to the nearby nursing home. "I actually enjoyed myself. Maybe I'll go help at the city mission, too. Pastor Jim says a lot of the men who come there are homeless and don't have warm clothes. Our youth group is already collecting coats and blankets to give them."

"That's great," said Dad. "I think you'd enjoy going there, too, Seth."

"I hope so," replied Seth. With a grin, he gave his mother a hug. "Thanks, Mother Walrus, for forcing me to get started by making me go to the nursing home," he teased, using the name his sister had called Mom after hearing how a mother walrus forces her young to learn to find food.

Mom laughed. "I'm not sure I like my new nickname, and I think I'm getting credit for something the Holy Spirit did," she said. "I think He's been talking to you. Like Dad said, you'll enjoy the mission work, and I know you'll be blessed if you go. The Bible says we'll be rewarded when we help the poor."

Dad smiled. "Rewarded with blubber, do you suppose?" he asked.

"Blubber!" exclaimed Adele in horror. "That sounds gross." She looked at her father. "What do you mean?" she demanded.

"Well, it sounds like this is a walrus family," said Dad, "and God gave walruses lots of blubber-or fat-to protect them from the freezing cold. So I figured . . ." He paused, and Adele giggled. "When I was your age," continued Dad, "I learned a verse in the Bible that says, 'The liberal soul shall be made fat.' That's Proverbs 11:25." Dad chuckled at the expression on Adele's face. "Actually," he added, "a more recent version says, 'The generous soul will be made rich.' When we generously share with those who are needy, God gives us riches that are somewhat different from the blubber He gives to protect walruses from the cold. What God gives us is His Word, His promises, and His presence. They protect us from the cold hardships of life." Dad smiled. "Does that sound better than blubber?"

"Sure does," replied Adele.

"Sounds better to me, too," said Seth.

Mom laughed. "And to me," she agreed. "Remember that service for God never goes unrewarded."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know any poor people? How can you help? If you are willing to share, you'll be blessed. Could you offer to babysit-free-for a young family with limited finances? Could you go without a few candy bars or cokes to buy gloves and hats to send to a mission? Could you collect canned goods and give them to a community pantry? However you choose to help the poor and homeless in your community, you will be blessed.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 19:17

[Soldier4Christ]

"God's Family"

As Elise watched her uncle's car pull into the driveway, she wondered what her cousin Lizzy would be like now. Lizzy and her family had moved away nearly two years before, but now they were in town and coming for dinner. Lizzy, who was older than Elise, had never had much time for her younger cousin.

After dinner, Elise invited Lizzy to her room. She found that the two years away hadn't made her cousin any more friendly. However, Elise was determined to be nice. "For my birthday, Grandma gave me this doll," said Elise as she took a porcelain doll from the shelf. "It was hers when she was a little girl."

Lizzy gasped. "Grandma gave it to you?" she asked. "It should have been mine! You don't even belong to this family-you're adopted." With that, Lizzy walked out of the room. Elise choked back her tears as she followed.

Later that evening, Elise told her mother what had happened. "Oh, honey," said Mom, "Lizzy was being unkind. She was wrong in what she said, too. You most definitely are a part of this family."

"Really?" asked Elise tearfully.

"Indeed you are," Mom assured her. "Adoption makes you just as much a part of the family as if you were born to us." She put her arm around Elise and held her close. "You know, honey," she continued, "adoption is the only way to get into the most important family of all."

Elise nodded. "Into God's family," she said.

"That's correct," replied Mom as she picked up a Bible and opened it. "Let's read about it again." She handed the Bible to Elise and pointed to the eighth chapter of Romans. "Read verses fourteen through seventeen out loud."

Elise read the verses. "So . . . when we accept Jesus as Savior, God adopts us as His children and we become members of His family," she said with a smile. "I knew that, Mom, but it's good to be reminded."

"Remember, honey," said Mom, "as far as we know, Lizzy hasn't accepted Jesus as her Savior. Let's pray that she'll come to trust in Him soon. Then she'll be able to understand how great it is to be adopted."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been adopted by God? You can be. God wants you to be one of His children-a part of His family. Jesus died on the cross to make that possible. John 1:12 says He gives those who receive Him-those who believe in His name-"the right to become children of God." Accept Him and become His child today.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
You received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15