Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-10 Malachi and Nevaeh watched their toy robots march around the room. Malachi's was made of clear plastic, and they could see working parts and flashing lights inside the robot's body. "My robot looks better than yours," said Nevaeh. "It's nice and shiny, and you can't see all the ugly parts inside." "Well, robots aren't meant to look good," said Malachi. "They're meant to do cool stuff! Mine can probably go faster than yours. Let's race them upstairs." The kids were just about to begin the robot race when there was a loud clap of thunder and the lights went out. "What happened?" asked Nevaeh. "It must be the storm," said Malachi. "Let's go downstairs." They headed toward the stairs, but it was dark, and they had to feel their way along the wall. "Wait a minute!" said Malachi, and he flipped on his robot. The lights began to flash, and soon the kids were downstairs in the living room, guided by the light from the robot. Soon car lights appeared in the driveway, and then Mom and Dad followed the beams of their cell phones into the living room. "You're home!" exclaimed Nevaeh. "It was spooky in the dark!" "My robot helped though," said Malachi. He proudly demonstrated how his robot had saved the day. "Nevaeh was bragging about her shiny robot, but it was my see-through one that gave us light." "Well, mine still looks better," insisted Nevaeh. Dad laughed. "Your robots remind me of Christians," he said as Mom went to find some candles. "Can you guess why?" "Hmm. I know!" said Malachi. "Christians are supposed to be lights in the world, and my robot is like that." He frowned. "Nevaeh's isn't, though." "No, but hers illustrates a different way Christians can be," Dad said. "Sometimes we hide the light of Jesus because we're more concerned with how we appear to others. Jesus is our light, and His light shines through us as we show His love to the world with the help of the Holy Spirit." Neveah tilted her head. "So, just like we saw the light through Malachi's robot, the world should see Jesus through us." She then looked at her brother and said, "But I bet mine is still faster." "It's on!" exclaimed Malachi as he took his robot and bolted upstairs for a rematch. –Joyce R. Lee How About You? Did you know that if you know Jesus as your Savior, you have His light inside you? As we show others His love through our words and actions, we are shining His light into the world. Don't hide God's light by following selfish desires or worrying what others might think of you. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you be a shining light for Jesus. Today's Key Verse: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV) (Matthew 5:16) Today's Key Thought: Shine for Jesus

Bible Reading: Mark 2:1-12 Jackson stood in the backyard, looking up at the roof of his house. It was a busy place. A remodeling crew climbed up and down 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 him. "This reminds me of a Bible story we learned about in church last week," Jackson said as he watched the workers carefully lifting the window. "It 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. There was such a crowd around the house that they couldn't get the paralyzed man in through the door." "Even with power tools, it's a big job to cut a hole in the roof," said Jackson, standing back to watch the men work. "My teacher said that in Bible times, roofs would have been flatter with stairs going to the top." After a moment, Jackson sighed. "Anyway, the story made me kind of sad. Cole and I talked about how we wish we could be like those men and take Evan to Jesus to be healed." Dad gave him a sad smile. "You can do that in prayer," he replied. "We have, but Evan still has cancer," said Jackson. "Doesn't Jesus heal anymore?" "Yes, Jesus still heals," Dad assured him. "Sometimes He uses doctors to do that; other times He heals with a miracle. But sometimes--like with your grandmother--He brings the person to be in His presence in heaven, fully and forever, where there is no sickness." Jackson wasn't satisfied. "But is there anything Cole and I can do to help Evan besides pray?" "Visit him whenever you can," replied Dad. "And tell him about things like the skylight and what's going on at school and church. If I were sick, it would make me feel better just to know I had friends who would gladly 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." –Ruth McQuilkin 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? You can pray for that person, trusting God to work in the best possible way. Jesus is with us when we're hurting, and He listens to our prayers. You can also encourage that person by sending cards or messages and visiting them. Do what you can to let them know you care--and that Jesus does too. Today's Key Verse: Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (NKJV) (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Today's Key Thought: Comfort those who are sick

Bible Reading: John 1:9-13; Acts 2:36-39; Romans 10:13 Damon leaned back in his chair and started whistling. "Done with your math already?" Mom asked. "Yep. I'm the fastest fourth grader in this school!" Mom laughed. "You're the only fourth grader. I know it's time for your break, but could you play with Letty for a little bit while I make lunch?" Damon nodded and sat down on the living room floor. Letty set her coloring book aside and sat down next to him. Damon took some fence from Letty's toy barn and made a fenced area. He had already built some block houses while playing with Letty that morning. He found a farmer and construction worker and put them inside the town's walls. Damon took the construction worker and said in a deep voice, "This is the best town I've ever made. We need more people for my town." Letty picked up the farmer and pushed the construction worker aside. "It's not your town. It's mine. And there's not enough room for you here." Damon jumped his construction worker up on a wall. "What? I put the walls up and made the houses and I even put you here, Miss Farmer. What do you mean?" Letty turned the farmer's back to Damon's construction worker and said, "I'm sorry, but you have to leave." Mom stood in the doorway and said, "This reminds me of what we read in the Bible this morning." Damon got up from the floor. "You mean the part about Jesus coming to His own people and they wouldn't receive Him, even though He made them and the whole world?" "Yes," Mom answered. "They didn't believe Jesus was who He said He was. But after Jesus died on the cross and rose again, His disciples convinced them that Jesus was both Lord over everything and the one sent to save them. When they realized they'd rejected the Son of God, some of them asked for forgiveness and trusted Jesus to save them." Letty's little farmer drove her tractor through a fence. "Can you help me, Damon?" she pleaded. "It's broken!" As Damon put the fence back up, Mom said, "At least she knows who to call for help." –Laura Roesler How About You? Do you know that Jesus made you and the whole world? The Bible says that all things were made by God through Jesus. He has power over everything, yet Jesus became human and died for our sins so we could be saved. Have you trusted Him as your Lord and Savior? The Bible says that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord and receives Jesus as their Savior becomes a child of God. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) Today's Key Verse: He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. (NKJV) (John 1:10) Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus as Lord and Savior

Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 4:20–5:2 "Isaac, I need you to go to Aunt Jane's house and give her this book. She needs it for her class tonight." Isaac groaned. He used to like walking to Aunt Jane's house. But now mean Mr. Tindall spent a lot of time in his yard, and he always scowled at Isaac. And recently a new family moved into the neighborhood, and they had a gigantic, growly dog. Isaac usually liked dogs--but not this one. Mom seemed to sense Isaac's thoughts and looked out the window. "No dogs in sight, Isaac. And give Mr. Tindall a chance." Isaac took the book and started up the sidewalk, but sure enough, the growly dog bounded down the driveway. Isaac took off as quickly as he could. "What's wrong, Isaac?" Aunt Jane asked when he shot through the door. "That--that--dog!" Isaac could hardly breathe. "He's mean!" "That's Riley," said Aunt Jane. "He just looks mean. Wait! I have an idea." She went to the kitchen and came back with a handful of dog biscuits. "Here, take some dog biscuits, and when Riley runs out, throw them to him!" Isaac took the biscuits and headed home. Sure enough, the growly dog came running down the driveway. "Here, Riley," Isaac called and tossed him the biscuits. Riley happily chomped away and Isaac hurried the rest of the way home, not even noticing Mr. Tindall's scowl as he walked by. "Everything go okay?" Mom asked Isaac when he got home. "I guess," said Isaac. "I gave Riley some dog biscuits, so he wasn't growly." "Hmm," said Mom. "Maybe you should try that with Mr. Tindall." "Throw Mr. Tindall dog biscuits?" Isaac asked. "Oh, wait--you mean that maybe if I did something nice for Mr. Tindall, he wouldn't scowl at me anymore." "Exactly," said Mom. "But even if it didn't stop him from scowling, you'd be showing him the love of Jesus. He tells us to be kind to others even when they're not kind to us because He showed us that kind of love by dying for our sins when we were His enemies." The next day, Isaac went back to Aunt Jane's to get the book. But before he went, he grabbed another handful of dog biscuits--and in the other hand he carefully carried a plate of cookies for Mr. Tindall. –Linda Weddle How About You? Do you avoid certain people because you think they're mean? Have you tried showing them kindness instead? Even if they're not nice back to you right away--or ever--God says to show kindness toward everyone because He showed kindness to you by sending Jesus to die for your sins. Show kindness to others and ask God to use it to touch their hearts. Today's Key Verse: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV) (Ephesians 4:32) Today's Key Thought: Show kindness to others

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-3 "What do you think, Lyle? Do you want to go shopping for a new shell? Looks like you're about to grow out of the one you're in," Bryce said to his hermit crab. "Bryce, are you ready?" Mom called. "Coming," Bryce answered as he grabbed his hermit crab cage. "Let's go, Lyle!" In the car, Bryce said, "It sure is interesting how hermit crabs move out of their old shell into a new one as they grow. It's kind of like moving into a new house." "I guess it is," said Mom. When they got to the pet store, the owner greeted them. "What can I help you with today?" he asked. Bryce placed the cage on the counter. "Lyle needs a bigger shell." "Well, I think I can help you with that. Bring Lyle over here and let's see what size shell he needs." There were lots of shells to choose from, and Bryce looked them over carefully. "I think Lyle would like this one," he said as he handed the owner a pretty gray and white one. Once they were back in the car, Bryce put the new shell in Lyle's cage. "How long do you think it will take him to find his new shell and move in?" "I bet he'll be moved in by the end of the day," Mom said. Mom was right. It wasn't long before Lyle had moved into his new shell, and Bryce eagerly showed his dad that evening. "Hermit crabs are cool that way, aren't they?" Dad said as he admired Lyle's new shell. "As they grow, they move from one shell to another. That reminds me of our Christian walk. We don't just grow physically--once we become Christians, we grow spiritually too. The Lord doesn't want us to stay like little babies. He wants us to grow and mature in our spiritual walk with Him." Dad took a Bible and opened it to 1 Peter 2:2. "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation," he read. "What is pure spiritual milk?" asked Bryce. "The truth and promises of God," Dad replied. "As we get to know Jesus better, we learn to trust Him more and more, and He will help us grow in our relationship with Him." –Lisa Fuller How About You? Are you maturing in your walk with the Lord? Jesus doesn't want us to stay like little babies in our walk with Him. He wants us to grow in our faith, trust, and knowledge of Him so we can share His truth with others. As we learn about Him in the Bible and spend time with Him in prayer, He helps us grow in our understanding of who He is and what He's done for us. Today's Key Verse: Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NLT) (2 Peter 3:18 ) Today's Key Thought: Grow in your relationship with Jesus

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:9-12; 2 Timothy 2:22 Mason got off the bus and started walking home. He was joined by Zachary and Gavin, two high school students who lived on farms adjoining his. "Hey, Gavin," said Zachary as they walked along a field of watermelons, "let's get a couple of those." "I don't know," Gavin said. "Last time we took one, Mr. Sloan caught us and said he'd report us if we did it again." "Yeah, but these are those little ones they call personal melons," said Zachary. "They're small enough to hide in our backpacks." He grinned. "Mason can be our watchdog. How about it, Mason?" Mason hesitated. "I--I can't do that. I'd be as guilty as you." "Nah. We'll be the ones getting the melons," said Zachary. "We'll get you one too. I'll even put it in your backpack. You won't have to touch it--until you eat it, that is!" Those watermelons sure look good, thought Mason. But he knew it would be wrong--it would be stealing--and suddenly he made up his mind. "No," he said, then he turned and ran. Mason hadn't gone far down the road when a car stopped next to him. It was Dad! He quickly jumped into the car. "You seem to be in a rush to get home," said Dad. "No, not really," replied Mason. "I was just running from a watermelon." "Interesting," said Dad. "I've never seen a watermelon chase anybody." Mason told him the whole story. "For a few minutes, I was really tempted. But I knew it would be wrong, so I ran." "Good for you!" said Dad. "If you hang around temptation, you just might give in to it. It's best to run. And you're in good company too. The apostle Paul told Timothy to run from something--twice! In one instance, he warned against the love of money. Another time he told Timothy to 'flee from youthful passions,' or wrong desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace--good desires that the Holy Spirit gives us. Because He lives in those who trust in Jesus, we can always resist temptation and choose what's good instead. So you did exactly the right thing." Dad motioned toward the back seat. "Now take a look at what I just picked up at the store." Mason turned. "A watermelon!" he shouted with glee. –Vera M. Hutchcroft How About You? What do you do when you're tempted to do something wrong? Do you try to think of all the reasons why it might be okay for you to do it just this once? Don't kid yourself! If it's wrong, it's never okay--not even once. When you're tempted, remember that you belong to Jesus and that the Holy Spirit gives you the strength to do what's right. Then run--get away from the tempting situation. Today's Key Verse: Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. (CSB) (2 Timothy 2:22 ) Today's Key Thought: Run from temptation

Bible Reading: Romans 14:1-13, 19-23 The sound of the lawn mower next door cut through the quiet of a lazy Sunday afternoon as Daphne and her mother worked on a fresh flower arrangement. "I'm glad the Bakers moved in next door," said Mom. "It's nice having Christian neighbors, isn't it?" Daphne handed Mom two red roses, being careful not to prick herself on the thorns. "Yeah, but--" She hesitated. "I know they go to church, but they mow the lawn almost every Sunday. Dad always says we have to get it done on Saturday so we don't have to work on Sunday. He says we should keep the Lord's Day holy." She frowned. "Maybe the Bakers aren't really Christians at all." Mom added the roses to the bouquet. "Let's think about that. What makes someone a Christian?" "Trusting Jesus as their Savior," said Daphne. "But--" She paused. "When the Bakers came to church with us, they told us the story of how they each came to know Jesus as their Savior, remember?" said Mom. Daphne trimmed the stem of another flower. "Well, yeah…" "Dad and I believe that the things we do on Sunday are what's right for our family, and there may be other things that we do but the Bakers wouldn't." Mom held up the bouquet. "Each flower is different. This yellow one is such a pretty color. This pink one next to it isn't quite as bright, but it makes the whole bouquet smell good." Mom took out a rose. "Then there's the rose. It has thorns, but that doesn't mean we throw it out. It's actually my favorite--it's so beautiful and fragrant!" She replaced the rose. "These flowers each bring something unique to the bouquet, and the same goes for believers who belong to Jesus. We may not agree on everything, but we still recognize that anyone who loves Jesus and trusts in Him is a Christian." Daphne nodded slowly. "I guess the Bible doesn't say exactly what we should or shouldn't do on Sunday, does it?" "No," said Mom. "When it comes to topics that the Bible is unclear about, we need to trust that the Holy Spirit is working uniquely in everybody. But one thing the Bible is very clear about is not judging Christians who do things differently than we do. We need to love them and let God be the judge." –A.J. Schut How About You? Do you know Christians who do things differently from how you do them? While the Bible says certain things are definitely right or wrong, there aren't clear guidelines on everything. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom in each situation, and your family and church community can help you make decisions in these areas too. Trust God to help you make wise decisions and show grace and love to all believers. Today's Key Verse: Why do you judge your brother or sister?...For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. (NIV) (Romans 14:10) Today's Key Thought: Don't judge other Christians

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16 Four-year-old Lilia held her mom's hand as she walked home from school. "Look at all the squirrels!" she squealed. "They're gathering food for winter," her brother Casen informed her. "We learned all about it in school today." "Gathering food for winter?" Lilia repeated. "Why do they need to do that?" "Because when winter comes, there's a lot of snow. You like to make snowmen with it, remember? It's hard for the squirrels to find food when the ground is covered with snow, so right now they're gathering lots of nuts and hiding them in certain spots." Casen shrugged. "Then hopefully they remember where the food is when they need it." "That's cool," Lilia replied. "I like the black squirrels best." "Casen, did you memorize your verse for church club tonight?" Mom asked. Casen frowned and kicked a rock on the sidewalk. "Verses are hard to memorize. I don't see why I have to memorize them if they're in my Bible anyway." Mom watched as Lilia cooed at a squirrel. "Casen, this reminds me of what you learned in school today." "About squirrels?" Casen asked. "Yes, about squirrels." Mom smiled. "The squirrels take the time to gather their food and hide it away for when they need it. There's a verse in the Bible that tells us to hide God's Word in our hearts." "So we have verses when we need them?" Casen asked. "Exactly," Mom replied. "You don't always have your Bible, and being able to remember verses is helpful--like how I remembered Psalm 119:11 just now. That one goes, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.' God's Word is powerful because it tells us the truth of who God is and what Jesus did for us on the cross, and it guides us in living as God's children and showing others His love. When we memorize verses, we're storing God's Word in our hearts so it's there to remind us of His truth and love and give us encouragement whenever we need it." Casen was quiet for a moment as he watched a squirrel dash across the neighbor's yard. "I'll work on my memory verse when we get home," he said. "I'll hide verses in my heart just like the squirrels are hiding their food." –Kimberly Brokish How About You? Have you ever seen squirrels running around in the fall, hiding their food? We can do the same thing with our spiritual food--God's Word. When we memorize Bible verses, we're hiding the truth and promises of God in our hearts so they are there to nourish us whenever we need them. So take out your Bible and find a few verses you would like to start memorizing today! Today's Key Verse: Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (NKJV) ( Psalm 119:11) Today's Key Thought: Hide verses in your heart

Bible Reading: Psalm 102:25-28; Revelation 1:8 Holden climbed into the back seat of the car, eager to talk about what he'd learned in math class that day. "Mom, did you know that a number line doesn't have a beginning or an end? It's a line with every number on it, both positive and negative. Mr. Starke told us that number lines go on forever and ever in both directions, but that's kind of hard for me to understand." "One, two, three," Millie counted out. Holden giggled. "That's right, Millie, good counting. But when you get as big as me, you'll learn about negative numbers too." "Are you understanding negative numbers?" Mom asked. "Well, it's kind of confusing, but Mr. Starke said that by the end of this chapter we'll all have a better understanding of them. He sent home a practice worksheet." "After dinner I'll look over it with you," Mom said. Holden's little sister continued to count for the rest of the ride home. After dinner, Dad helped Mom clean up the kitchen while Holden took Millie to her room to play. Then Dad took Millie to the living room so Mom could help Holden with his math. "Did you finish?" Dad asked when Holden and Mom came in a little later. Holden nodded. "All done, and I think I understand my math a little better now. Number lines don't have a beginning or end because you can always count higher in either direction from zero, with positive numbers going forward and negative numbers going back." Dad nodded. "Did you know that God doesn't have a beginning or an end? Your number line made me think about that this evening." Dad took out his phone and looked up a verse. "In Revelation 1:8 God says, 'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come--the Almighty One.'" "I think I get it," said Holden. "Since we were created by God, we have a beginning, but God doesn't have a starting point because He always existed." "That's right," said Mom. "And the story doesn't stop there. God promises us eternal life if we accept His free gift of salvation, which means we will live forever with Him." "That's so cool!" Holden exclaimed. "One, two, three!" Millie shouted out. "Good counting, Millie," Holden said, and everyone laughed. –Lisa Fuller How About You? Did you know that God has no beginning and no end? That can be hard for us to understand because we were all created by God and have a starting point, but God wasn't created. He always was and always will be, and He offers us eternal life with Him. If we put our trust in Jesus, we will live with Him forever, and our joy will never end! (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) Today's Key Verse: "I am…the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come--the Almighty One." (NLT) (Revelation 1:8) Today's Key Thought: God has no beginning or end

Bible Reading: Luke 2:41-52 Josiah looked at the craft he'd made in Sunday school. It was a box covered in construction paper that said "Jesus loves you, and He'll always take care of you" on the top. Josiah sighed. Those words didn't make him feel especially happy. I already have too many people taking care of me, he thought. Between his parents and his two older sisters, it seemed like someone was always concerned about him or telling him what to do. And now Jesus was watching over him too. "Hi, Josiah," his sister Miriam said when he came out of his class. "Abigail and I will walk you to the car." After Josiah put on his coat, Miriam made sure it was zipped all the way to his chin. "It's cold outside, and we don't want you getting sick!" she said. "You'd better wear your gloves too," said Abigail. "Here, I'll help you." She took one of Josiah's gloves and was about to put it on his hand when he grabbed it from her. "I got it," he said, hoping no one from his class was watching. When they reached the car, Abigail opened the door so Josiah could climb into the back seat. "All set?" asked Dad as he started the car. "Did you all enjoy Sunday school and youth group?" "Yeah," said Josiah. "I made this." He handed the box to his mother. "Jesus loves you, and He'll always take care of you," Mom read. "That's something I need to remember." "Jesus is taking care of you too?" asked Josiah in surprise. Mom nodded. "Jesus promises to take care of all those who trust in Him, no matter how old we are." "Oh. Well, I have too many people taking care of me!" Josiah replied with a frown. Dad smiled. "It must seem like a lot of people are always telling you what to do, but we all do that because we love you. One way Jesus takes care of us is by giving us a family so we can care for one another." Josiah turned the idea over in his mind. So Jesus uses Mom and Dad and my sisters to take care of me, he thought. I guess having so many people watching out for me is a good thing after all! –Agnes Kempton How About You? Are you grateful for your family? Not all families look the same, but God provides people in your life to love and care for you because He loves and cares for you. Even Jesus had a family who showed love and concern for Him when He was on earth. Think of all the people God has put in your life to help take care of you and thank Him for each one of them. Today's Key Verse: The Lord is the One Who goes before you. He will be with you. He will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. (NLV) (Deuteronomy 31:8 ) Today's Key Thought: Thank God for your family

Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-25 "I'm done." Mom wiped her eyes and pushed back from the table. "I need a break." Reagan didn't remember the last time she had seen her mom cry, and this time it was over a sewing machine? She looked at the fabric that was supposed to become a costume for her school play. "You're not going to finish that?" "Not right now." Mom went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. "I'm going outside." Reagan watched as her mom went out onto the deck. She stood at the railing, sipping her water and staring at their yard. Reagan stepped over to the door. After a few moments, Mom set her water on the patio table and stretched her arms. Her lips were moving, as if she might be talking to herself. Mom caught her gaze, and Reagan stepped back. She hadn't meant for her mom to know that she was watching her. Mom motioned for her to come outside. "It's a beautiful day," she said as Reagan came out onto the deck. Her face looked much different than it had when she was at the sewing machine. She almost looked happy. Reagan walked over to the porch rail. "Are you going to finish my costume?" Mom smiled. "Yes. I just needed a break." She reached over and put a hand on Reagan's head. "The machine wasn't working right, and it was frustrating me. Remember how frustrated you got the other night when you couldn't solve your math problem?" Reagan nodded, her face feeling suddenly warm. "I dumped my whole pencil case all over the floor." "What could you have done instead?" Mom asked. "Taken a break?" Reagan guessed. "Right." Mom messed up Reagan's hair. "Even Jesus did that. There were times when He felt the need to get away. He took breaks to pray, and I think He would want us to take breaks to cool down rather than have us blow up." "It does feel nice to be outside," said Reagan. "Outside. In your room alone. Exercising somewhere." Mom nodded. "When we're frustrated, just taking a breather--and maybe saying a little prayer to God too--can help us feel better." –Emily Acker How About You? What do you do when something frustrates you? Do you throw the game to the floor, tackle your sibling, give up on the project, or shout at everyone around you? Next time taking a break to get away, just for a little while, could help you feel better. Jesus understands what it's like to need a break, and He's always there to listen and help you. Take some time to rest and tell Him how you feel. Today's Key Verse: Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray. (ERV) (Luke 5:16 ) Today's Key Thought: Take a break to calm down

Bible Reading: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "We made cinnamon biscuits for tomorrow's bake sale at school today," announced Lexi, bounding up the steps and into the house. "Miss Summers took us to the kitchen and helped us. They were gooey and deeeelicious! We were each allowed to have one after all the other ones had been packaged." "They sound great!" said Mom. "I'll have to buy some tomorrow. Maybe we can even make them at home sometime." "Yeah!" said Lexi. "It would be even more fun making them here. At school we each only put in a couple of the ingredients. I got stuck with measuring the dry stuff--the flour and salt and baking powder. It was okay, but I would have liked to mix the gooey part." "Well, you did have an important job," said Mom. "And it sounds like the biscuits turned out well--light and fluffy, right?" "Oh, yes!" Lexi sighed as she thought about them. "They were light and fluffy and so yummy!" "Without the baking powder, they would have been flat and hard," said Mom. "It was your baking powder that made the biscuits light and fluffy." "Really?" Lexi looked surprised. "Well, then maybe I had the most important job of all, even if it wasn't as much fun to do as the gooey part." "Not necessarily. All the ingredients were important, not just the baking powder," said Mom. "Every team member had an important job to do." She looked at Lexi. "We're something like recipe ingredients too." "What do you mean by that?" asked Lexi, perplexed. Mom laughed. "I mean that God has given unique gifts and abilities to each of us--all different, but all needed. As Christians work together and use our different gifts, we show the world God's love and point people to Jesus. It's easy to make judgments about how big or small someone's skills might be, including our own, but each gift is equally important. All of our abilities were given to us by God, and He wants us to use them to serve Him and show His love to other people." "I think I get it," said Lexi. She grinned. "Okay. I'll be the very best ingredient I can be--even if I'm not the gooey part!" –Della R. Oberholtzer How About You? Have you ever wished you could do something someone else could do? Do you feel like your role in God's work in the world isn't as important as someone else's? God loves each of us dearly and has given us special gifts. As Christians work together, each talent and ability is important in helping more people know about Jesus. Know that God sees all you do and is glorified when you use your gifts to show His love to others. Today's Key Verse: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. (NIV) (1 Corinthians 12:4 ) Today's Key Thought: Everybody is important to God's work

Bible Reading: James 1:21-25 Hurry up, Dad, thought Landon as his dad read a Bible passage aloud. Landon was anxious for morning devotions to end so the day's fishing trip could begin. It seemed like a long time before Dad finally closed with prayer. "Okay, let's go!" said Landon as soon as Dad said "Amen." He grinned at his mother. "We'll bring you some fish for dinner." When they got to the river, Landon and Dad quickly cast their fishing lines into the water. They talked as they waited for the fish to bite, but they didn't get even one nibble. "Maybe they heard us talk about frying them!" joked Landon as he and Dad moved along the riverbank to try a different spot. A few minutes later, something tugged at Landon's line. "I've got a bite!" he exclaimed. He reeled in his catch. "My dinner!" he announced, holding the fish above his head. Landon frowned as he took the fish off the hook and inspected it. "I thought talking too loud was scaring the fish away, but fish don't even have ears." "Sure they do," said Dad. "You just can't see them. Fish have internal ears--that is, ears on the inside--not external ones like us." He tugged gently on Landon's ear. "But you know what?" Landon shook his head. "What?" "Well," said Dad, "even though our ears are on the outside of our heads, our most important hearing takes place on the inside in our hearts. That happens when we listen carefully to the message God has for us. His message is in the Bible--it tells us about our need for Jesus and how we should live as God's children who have been freed from sin. When we listen to that message, God helps us live out its truth." Landon thought about their devotions that morning. He had heard Dad's voice, but he knew he hadn't listened with his heart to God's message. "I didn't do a good job of that this morning." Dad patted his shoulder. "None of us listen perfectly all the time, but God is patient with us. He's also given us the Holy Spirit to help us listen and act on His words." Landon nodded. "Maybe tonight I'll reread the devotions and listen better this time." He grinned. "After I eat some freshly caught fish, that is!" –Nance E. Keyes How About You? How well do you listen when someone reads the Bible or talks about what it means? Do you just hear words, or do you hear a message from God and take it to heart? Every single one of God's words is specially given to us so that we can know God better and experience His love and power in our lives. Trust Him to help you listen to all He says with your heart and put it into practice. Today's Key Verse: Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." (NLT) (Luke 11:28) Today's Key Thought: Listen to God with your heart

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-4 "Who would like to take this form to the principal for me?" asked Mrs. Li. "It's very important, and he's waiting for it." Flynn raised his hand high for his teacher to see. "Flynn, you may go," she said. Flynn proudly walked to the principal's office with the form in his hand. But when he got there, the principal wasn't there. He dropped the form on the principal's desk and walked slowly back to class. "Some important job," he muttered to himself. At recess, Flynn collected all the balls from around the playground and put them in the bin. No one seemed to notice. On his way home, a woman dropped her keys on the sidewalk. Flynn scooped them up and handed them back to her. But she scurried away without even a "thank you." Flynn sighed and trudged home. His mom was in the kitchen when he arrived. "Want a snack?" she asked. Flynn shrugged. "What's wrong, Flynn?" asked Mom. "Everything okay?" "My teacher at church says that since Jesus saved us we're supposed to do good deeds to show others His love and that we have faith in Him. But what's the point if no one even notices the good things I do?" Mom paused. "Do you remember the year Dad was out of work?" she asked. "Yeah," said Flynn. He did remember. It was a hard year. "And do you remember how a grocery card and Bible verse appeared in our mailbox every single week?" asked Mom. Again Flynn nodded. "Those verses and gift cards kept us going during a very hard time, but we never found out who was behind it," Mom said. "Why didn't they let us thank them?" "I guess it just made them feel good to help us," said Flynn. "I'm sure it did," said Mom. "But I also think they knew that the Bible tells us to do our good deeds in secret and that God, who sees everything, will reward us. Even though your good deeds may not get any appreciation here on earth, keep doing them. God sees every good thing you do for others out of the love He has shown you, and He knows you're doing them for Him." –Laura Kuehn How About You? Do you get frustrated when the good things you do are not appreciated by others? Don't stop doing good. Jesus, who loves you so much that He died for your sins to make you God's child, appreciates every good thing you do out of the love you have for Him. Remember that you are serving Him, not people, and that He will reward you in His way and in His time. Today's Key Verse: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV) (Galatians 6:9) Today's Key Thought: God sees your good deeds

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Grace and Alicia got off the bus and walked to Grace's front door. "Our church is having a kids' festival on Saturday," said Grace. "We'll have crafts and food, and the high schoolers will perform a drama about Jesus's death and resurrection. You want to come?" "Nah," said Alicia. "My parents say church is made up of people who believe in silly things. Besides, I think it's crazy to think that something that happened so long ago makes any difference in people's lives today." Alyssa quickly changed the subject. "What topic did Mr. Larsen give you for your history project? I got Armistice Day. Mr. Larsen said that was the day World War I ended. What did you get?" "The Lusitania," said Grace. "Mr. Larsen said that was a British ship that was torpedoed right before the war. I don't know much about it, but I think my parents have a picture of it." Grace's mom greeted them when they walked in. "Did you get your project topics today?" she asked. "Alicia got Armistice Day, and I got the Lusitania," said Grace. "Don't you have a picture of that around here somewhere?" "I do," Mom said. "Because you know what, Grace? If the Lusitania hadn't been destroyed by a torpedo, you wouldn't be here!" Grace was puzzled. "What do you mean?" "Your great-great-grandfather's first wife was sailing from New York to England to visit her very ill father. She was on the Lusitania and lost her life when it went down. A few years later, your great-great-grandfather married again and your great-grandmother was born, followed by my mother and then me and then you. None of us would've been here without the Lusitania sinking. Life would've been very different for our family if that event hadn't happened." "Wow," Grace said, "I didn't know that." Then she thought of something. "Alicia, you said a long-ago event couldn't make a difference in our lives today, but that's not true! Just like the Lusitania changed lives in our family, Jesus's death and resurrection changes lives too! What He did changes everything, because now anyone can be forgiven for their sins and have a relationship with God." "I never thought about it like that," said Alicia. "Maybe I'll go with you Saturday after all." –Linda Weddle How About You? Is there a historical event that changed your family's history? What about Jesus's death and resurrection--has that made a difference in your life? If God hadn't sent His Son to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead, we wouldn't be able to have His joy and peace in our lives and the promise of eternal life with Him. Jesus changes lives, and if you trust in Him, He will change yours today! (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) Today's Key Verse: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and…He was buried, and…He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ) Today's Key Thought: Jesus's death and resurrection changes lives

Bible Reading: Acts 20:17-21 "The British are coming! The British are coming!" Jacob cried as he spurred his horse past Uncle Eric and thundered through the pasture back toward the barn. Uncle Eric soon caught up. "You must have learned about the Revolutionary War and how Paul Revere warned the colonists that enemy troops were coming," he said as they slowed the horses to a walk for the rest of the way in. Jacob grinned and nodded. "I wish I could have lived back then. Riding at night to warn people of danger must have been really exciting!" Uncle Eric shrugged. "Exciting, yes, but don't you think it sounds scary too? How many of us would really have dared to do that and risked getting captured?" "I would have!" Jacob exclaimed as he dismounted and led his horse inside the barn to rub him down. "Maybe," said Uncle Eric thoughtfully. "But we have an even more important message to share with people, yet sometimes fear keeps me from sharing it." Jacob looked doubtful. "What do we have to tell people about?" Uncle Eric began to rub down his horse. "God has given Christians the task of sharing His message of love with the world. We need to tell people that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin and that the only way we can be forgiven for our wrongs and have eternal life is by trusting in Him." "Oh!" Jacob frowned. "Won't they think we're kind of weird?" "Do you think Paul Revere worried about what people might think when he warned them that the British were coming?" asked Uncle Eric. Jacob shook his head. "But we worry about things like that, don't we?" said Uncle Eric. "Our message is far more important than Paul Revere's, yet we often keep quiet out of fear of being embarrassed or judged. But time is short, just like it was for Paul Revere. Jesus is coming again one day to bring all those who trust in Him to live with Him forever, and no one knows when that will be. That's why we need to depend on Him to give us the courage to tell others about Him now." Jacob latched the door shut behind his horse and got an idea. "Next time we ride, maybe I'll shout, 'Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming!'" –Jean A. Burns How About You? Have you ever shared the message of Jesus's love and forgiveness with someone? God wants every single person on this planet to experience His love, and He wants us to be part of His work! If you trust Jesus as your Savior, you can ask Him to give you the words to say and the opportunity to share the good news of His love with others. Today's Key Verse: And then [Jesus] told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." (NLT) (Mark 16:15 ) Today's Key Thought: Share the message of Jesus

Bible Reading: Psalms 23; 139:1-6; Matthew 7:9-11 "Layla is crying again," Kiera told her aunt. "What do you think she wants this time?" "She's probably hungry," said Aunt Michelle as she picked up her five-week-old baby. "She can't do anything for herself, can she?" asked Kiera. "You have to pick her up and carry her. You dress her, you feed her, you rock her, and you have to give her baths." "That's right," said Aunt Michelle. "Right now your little cousin depends on me for almost everything. I take care of her day and night." When Kiera returned home, she told her parents all about Baby Layla. "Aunt Michelle must get really tired," said Kiera. "She has so much work to do. She does everything but breathe for that baby!" "We were all babies like that once," Dad said. "You were too, and Mom and I did the same things for you." "Well, I'm not like that anymore," replied Kiera, standing tall. "I take care of myself." "I'm still like a baby in some ways," said Mom. Kiera giggled. "But I am!" Mom insisted. "I depend on my Father for everything. Sometimes I get upset because He doesn't meet my needs right when I want Him to. But most of the time I rest, trusting my Father to care for me." "But Grandpa lives in California!" said Kiera. "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." Mom nodded. "My heavenly Father is with me day and night. I need Him all the time." "We all do," said Dad. "Aunt Michelle loves Baby Layla, so she's happy to take care of all her needs. But just think of how much more God loves us, and how much more capable He is in providing everything we need. When we needed a Savior to rescue us from sin, God loved us enough to send His own Son, Jesus." "Right," Mom said. "Unlike human parents caring for their children, God knows what we need before we can even ask for it." "Well, then I guess it's okay to be like a baby in that way," said Kiera. "I know I want God to take good care of me!" –Nance E. Keyes How About You? Do you know that in some ways you're like a baby? Even though you're much bigger and able to do lots of things a baby can't, you still need to depend on God. He gives you the air you breathe and provides everything you need. He knows how to best care for you and understands your deepest needs and desires. Trust that He is a good Father to you--His precious child. Today's Key Verse: If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him. (CSB) (Matthew 7:11) Today's Key Thought: God takes care of you

Bible Reading: Galatians 3:11-13; 4:4-7 "Mom, what does 'redeem' mean?" asked Brock. "Redeem?" repeated Mom. "It means to buy back. Why?" Brock pointed to a coupon in a paper. "This coupon for popsicles says it will be 'redeemed in accordance with company policy.' Does that mean somebody will buy the coupon back?" Mom nodded. "An ice cream company put that coupon in the paper to get people to buy their popsicles. After the coupon is used at the store, the ice cream company will redeem it--they'll buy it back by giving the store the amount of money the customer saved with the coupon." Brock's sister Madeline looked at the coupon. "I'd rather have ice cream bars," she said. "Do you think they'd let us use the coupon for that?" "I don't think they'd allow that," Mom replied. "'Redeemed in accordance with company policy' means according to their redemption policy--their rules." She looked at the kids thoughtfully. "You know, the Bible talks about redemption too," she said. "You mean people way back in Bible times used coupons?" asked Madeline. Brock grinned. "I don't think so! I'm sure they didn't have coupons back then." Mom laughed. "No, but when Jesus died on the cross, He paid the price for us to be redeemed by God. Everyone has sinned and strayed away from God, but Jesus gave His life to buy us back." "So does that mean God has a redemption policy like this ice cream company does?" Brock asked, holding up the coupon. "Yes," Mom said. "And that means we have to be redeemed according to God's rules. God has a pretty simple redemption policy, but people often don't want to follow it. They want to make their own rules. Many people think they're not really so bad or that the good things they do will get them into heaven." "But that's not God's way of redeeming us, is it?" said Madeline. "No," said Mom. "God's redemption policy requires that we confess our sin and our need for Him to redeem us. We must believe that Jesus really did die to save us. We need to trust in Him as our Redeemer--our Savior." "I've done that!" Brock said. "Me too," said Madeline. She looked at her brother. "So we've both been redeemed!" – Lyndel F. Walker How About You? Have you taken advantage of God's redemption offer? Or are you trying to get to heaven according to your own plan? It doesn't work that way. You can only be redeemed and have eternal life with God in accordance with His redemption policy. Jesus paid the price of your redemption. Trust Him as your Redeemer today. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) Today's Key Verse: In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (NKJV) (Colossians 1:14) Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus and be redeemed

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:17 Jadyn thrust his blue foam sword at his brother's arm and shouted, "Ha! I got you." Tyler smacked his green foam sword across Jadyn's leg and yelled back, "I hit your leg! You can't fight now." "I don't need two legs. I will fight you to the death!" Jadyn hopped on one foot and sliced his sword down, narrowly missing Tyler's hand. "Well, I will fight you until snack time!" Tyler swung his sword high in the air with both hands, his eyes wide with intensity. "Snack time!" Mom called from the front porch. The boys tossed their swords to the ground like paper airplanes taking a nose dive and scrambled to get to Mom first. "You boys having fun?" Mom sat on the front step as she handed out the snacks. Tyler took a large bite out of his apple, while Jadyn put an entire granola bar in his mouth and chewed like a squirrel saving nuts for winter. "We are the strongest boys on the block, and we have the best weapons!" Tyler said with apple juice running down his chin. "Yeah, we're good fighters," Jadyn mumbled through his mouth full of granola. "I believe it," Mom said. "But there's an even more powerful weapon than your blue and green swords. Do you know you can have the greatest weapon of all time?" The boys' eyes bulged as they looked at each other in excitement. "Really? Where is it?" Tyler asked as he took another bite of his apple. "Well, Ephesians 6:17 says that we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. There isn't anything more powerful in the world than the Word of God. That's why we memorize Bible verses--to keep our sharp swords ready for use." "I don't get it. How can words be swords?" Jadyn asked. "Remember when you were scared last week, and we read a verse about God's peace?" asked Mom. "You felt better after that. That's God's Word going to battle for you. It reminded you that you belong to Jesus and can have His peace in any situation." "Oh, I get it," said Tyler. "We'll be sharpening our God-swords when we do our devotions tonight!" He looked at his brother. "But now, we fight!" The boys laughed and ran to pick up their swords. – Tannis Oliveri How About You? Do you want to be strong and courageous? Do you want the best weapon to help you defeat the enemies in your life? Then take time to make sure God's Word is in your heart and mind. When you feel attacked, you'll be able to bring His Word to your situation. Let its truth speak God's power into your life as you read it, study it, and remember what it says. Today's Key Verse: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. (NKJV) (Hebrews 4:12) Today's Key Thought: Read and memorize God's Word

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34 Elliot looked out the kitchen window. It had rained all morning, but now the sun was shining brightly. The leaves on the big tree outside were golden and seemed to glow in the sunlight. If only those leaves could be turned into real gold, thought Elliot. Then Mom and I could solve all our problems. He sighed. He couldn't help worrying now that his mom had lost her job. Things had already been tight before--how would they manage now? Turning toward his mother, he asked, "What are we going to do about money, Mom?" "Don't you worry about that," said Mom. "I have a bit saved up, and I'm sure I'll find another job soon. There are lots of jobs available in the medical field." As Mom stood beside Elliot at the window, several sparrows swooped down and perched on the volleyball net someone had set up in the courtyard of their apartment building. Under the weight of the birds, the net sagged and swayed in the wind. Soon the thin, weak poles that supported the net became uprooted, and everything crashed to the ground. Elliot and Mom watched as the frightened birds flew away. "You know, Elliot," said Mom, "that flimsy net is like money and material things. When we count on them to hold us up in times of trouble, they always fail, just like that net failed those birds. Aren't you glad we can count on someone who never fails?" "You mean God, don't you?" said Elliot. "That's right," said Mom. "I'm thinking of a verse you learned at camp this summer--the one about birds. Do you remember it?" "About birds?" Elliot thought about it. "I think I remember. We learned Matthew 6:26, which says, 'Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?'" Mom nodded. "God takes care of the birds, and He'll provide for our needs too. Jesus has already provided for our biggest need of all by saving us from sin and giving us eternal life. Because of that, He is always with us, and we can trust Him to take care of us." Elliot smiled. "I'm glad He never fails." – Dorothy R. King How About You? Do you know someone who is out of work? Or maybe you're worried your own family might not have enough money for all the things you need. Pray about it, and trust God to provide. He loves you so much that He sent His own Son to die for your sins, and He cares more about you than you could ever imagine. You can trust Him to provide you with everything you need. Today's Key Verse: My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV) (Philippians 4:19 ) Today's Key Thought: God provides all you need