Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids and families

Read: John 1:45-46; 4:25-29 Michael stood on a stepstool so he could see over the grille to where his dad was working underneath the hood. “What are you doing?” he asked. “I’m replacing the spark plugs,” said Dad. “Then it should run a lot better.” “Cool!” said Michael. “Are you going to do anything else?” “After this I’ll replace the brake pads,” Dad said. “I want to watch when you do.” Then Michael thought of his friend down the street who loved cars. “Can Jason come and see too?” “There should be room for both of you to watch,” said Dad. “Why don’t you go ask him while I finish up these spark plugs?” Michael was so excited, he ran the whole way. He didn’t want to miss seeing anything. Dad was ready to start on the brake pads by the time Michael returned with Jason. First, Dad removed a wheel. The boys stepped back to give him room. Then he loosened the nuts that held something called a caliper. The boys moved closer together to get a better view of the action. Dad then took off the brake pads and made sure each of them got a good look. “See how thin it is right here?” he asked, pointing to the thin layer of material on the old brake pad. “It’s worn away from use. It’s dangerous not to replace it when it looks like this.” Then he held up a new one for them to see that was black and much thicker. “Thanks for letting me watch,” Jason said after Dad had put the new brake pads on the wheels. “I’m sure glad Michael came and got me.” Dad smiled at Michael. “You running to get Jason reminds me of the story in the Bible about Philip telling Nathanael to come and see Jesus.” “You learn about Jesus at church, right?” asked Jason. “We don’t go to church.” “Why don’t you come with us sometime?” said Michael. “We learn about Jesus and sing and hear stories from the Bible. Come and see!” “Yeah, maybe I will,” said Jason. “I’ll ask my parents!” After Jason left, Dad patted Michael’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you for inviting Jason to church. I hope he comes and sees how much Jesus loves him!” –Bonnie Clarkson How about you? Do you invite others to come and see Jesus? There are lots of ways you can do that, such as inviting friends to church, telling others what Jesus has done for you, or letting people see His love and kindness in the way you treat them. Not everyone knows who Jesus is or that He died and rose again to save us, and it’s our job to tell them. Invite others to come and see how much Jesus loves them and all He’s done for them. Today's Key Verse: Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! Psalm 66:5 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Invite people to come and see Jesus

Read: Matthew 20:9-16 Bright and early in the morning, Kira flew into Grandma’s kitchen with a grin on her face while her cousins were still sleeping upstairs. Grandma had just finished setting out bags of flour and sugar and loads of cookie cutters. This could only mean one thing—Grandma’s delicious sugar cookies. “Oh, Kira, thank goodness you’re here!” Grandma exclaimed. “We have to make twenty boxes of cookies for the church fundraiser tomorrow. If you help, you can bring a dozen home tonight to enjoy.” “I’m in!” Kira cried. After an hour of working, Sophie came downstairs and spotted the cookies. “Can I help?” she asked. “Join the fun!” Grandma replied. Another hour passed and Jackson ran in with his nose in the air. “I smell cookies!” he cried. “Roll up your sleeves!” Grandma said with a laugh. Finally, just as they were rolling out the last bit of dough, Kevin wandered in yawning. Without even asking, he grabbed a cookie cutter and got to work. When all the cookies were iced and boxed, Grandma gave each grandchild a dozen cookies. But Kira frowned. “Grandma, I worked the longest,” she said. “Kevin barely did anything. Why does he get the same number of cookies as me?” “Be quiet!” Kevin shushed. “Kira, we agreed to a dozen cookies as compensation, right?” Grandma asked, crossing her arms. Kira nodded. “So why are you upset?” “It’s not fair!” Kira cried. “Maybe not,” Grandma said. “But is Jesus’s love based on fairness?” “Ooh, this is like the parable of the workers!” Sophie said. Grandma winked. “Exactly. That parable illustrates how at any stage of life, we have the chance to receive Jesus’s love and forgiveness. That might not seem fair to us who have been saved longer, but we have no right to complain when it wasn’t fair to begin with that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We serve a generous and merciful God.” “I’m glad I have a generous God and a generous grandma,” Kira said with a smile as she bit into a cookie. –Hannah Chung How about you? Has someone’s generosity ever seemed unfair to you? Perhaps your sibling got a present on your birthday or your teacher allowed another student to turn homework in late. Just remember that if you trust in Jesus, you are the recipient of the ultimate act of generosity—His gift of unconditional love and forgiveness. As you recognize His love in your life, consider how you can be generous to others too. Today's Key Verse: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: God is generous

Read: 1 John 2:15-17; 4:1-6 “C’mon, guys!” Lara jumped into the pool. “Let’s make a whirlpool!” “Ooh! Yeah!” Her brother Jerome pushed his goggles up onto his forehead. “A world pool?” Four-year-old Emelia, the youngest of the seven siblings, hung onto the ladder and scrunched her forehead. “A whirlpool, Lia. It’s where we go around and around until we make a current,” Lara explained. “I’ll piggyback you, okay?” “Okay.” Emelia leapt onto Lara’s back. They all went around and around and around, until Imogene decided she was going to go the other way. “Aaahhh! Help!” She giggled. “I can’t…move!” Lara turned and braced her feet, laughing. “I can’t either!” “Look! I’m swimming in place!” Jerome paddled furiously. “I…can…almost…reach…the wall! There!” Momma, who’d been watching from the deck, stood up. “Who wants a snack?” “Me! Me! Me!” everyone chorused. “All right.” Momma opened the cooler. “Come on out and have a granola bar, and then you can go back in.” They clambered out and dangled their legs in the water while they ate. “You know,” Momma said after a minute, “you kiddos making a whirlpool made me think about how we as Christians have to live.” “I hope we don’t go around in circles.” Lara frowned. “No, I was thinking more about the current you made. It was hard to go against it once you really got it going, wasn’t it?” “Yeah.” Imogene grinned. “I couldn’t get anywhere!” Momma nodded. “The world around us makes a current, and it can be very hard not to go along with it. But we as Christians are called to live another way—we’re called to trust and obey Jesus and follow His way of truth and love in the Bible. If we try to live that way on our own, it’s like you trying to go against the whirlpool—you can’t get anywhere.” Momma smiled. “Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t leave us to swim against the current on our own. He supplies us with His own strength and grace. And if we’re relying on Him as we go against the world’s current, His love will become evident in us.” –Ellie Shirk How about you? Have you ever made a whirlpool? It’s difficult to go against a strong current in the water, and it can be even harder to go against the world’s current. But God will always give us the strength we need to stand against the world’s ways and follow Jesus instead. Trust Him to help you follow the way of Jesus in this world so others can see His truth and love in your life. Today's Key Verse: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: Follow Jesus, not the current

Read: Psalm 51:2; Isaiah 43:25; 1 John 1:6-9 Press, stamp! Press, stamp! Kaitlyn’s thumb squished into the orange stamp pad, then she squashed it onto paper. Next, she pushed her finger into the yellow stamp pad, and a sunny oval appeared on the page. Soon she had a collection of colorful fingerprints, and she was ready to create designs with her black pen. But her fingers were coated in wet, gooey ink in every color of the rainbow! She couldn’t pick up her pen without leaving bright marks all over it. “Mom,” Kaitlyn called. “Help!” She waved ten inky fingertips in the air. Mom arrived with a warm towel, and as Kaitlyn’s fingers washed clean, the white washcloth became stained with color. “You know,” observed Mom, “this reminds me of something.” “What?” asked Kaitlyn. She picked up her pen with clean fingers and began to doodle on top of the fresh, dry ink. “When we are stained with sin, like your fingers were stained with ink, Jesus is the only one who can make us clean.” Suddenly, Kaitlyn’s elbow was bumped from behind. The black pen in her hand wildly curved across her page. “It’s ruined!” she cried. “Hunter, it’s all your fault!” Her little brother’s shoulders slumped. Immediately, Kaitlyn felt remorseful. She prayed silently. She thought of how the white cloth had just removed ink stains from her hands, and she asked Jesus to forgive her harsh words and wash her clean. Then, taking a deep breath, Kaitlyn said, “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Hunter. It was just an accident.” Hunter moved close for a little hug, then leaned against the table to watch. Kaitlyn turned that wild black line into a swooping antenna. She dotted on black eyes and colored in larger spots to make an orange ladybug. Next, on a green print, she drew curly wool, a little face, and spindly legs to make a sweet lamb. Soon Kaitlyn’s page filled with animals of all kinds. When she was finished, she turned to Hunter. “Would you like me to help you make fingerprint art?” A wide smile was her answer. –Wendy Lynne Smith How about you? Do you need God to wash away the stain of your sin? God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to take your guilt upon Himself. All you need to do is confess your wrongdoings and trust Him to make you clean. Jesus will forgive your sins and give you a clean heart. Today's Key Verse: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: Jesus washes away your sin

Read: Luke 15:4-7; 19:10 “Mom!” Nia ran into the kitchen. “My lamb is gone! I’m sure I latched the door after I fed him, but it’s open now and Wooly is gone.” “Oh dear,” said Mom. “We’d better go look for him.” They started off, calling Wooly’s name as they searched the ditch and fields along the road. “Look,” Nia said as they approached a house not far from their own. “Mr. and Mrs. Harris are working in their garden. Let’s ask if they’ve seen Wooly.” Mom nodded, and they headed over to ask their neighbors if they had seen the lamb. “No, we haven’t seen him,” said Mrs. Harris. “But we’ll help you look for him.” So she and her husband joined the search, leaving their work unfinished. Mr. Harris was the one who finally found Wooly behind a neighbor’s barn, and Nia happily took her lamb home. After making sure he couldn’t get out again, she went to thank Mr. and Mrs. Harris for their help. “I’m sorry you had to leave the work you were doing,” Nia said. “Can I help you finish it?” “No, no, we’ll finish it tomorrow,” said Mrs. Harris. “I’m just glad we were able to find your lost sheep.” Mr. Harris nodded. “Nia, do you remember the parable Jesus told about lost sheep? Pastor Roy talked about it at church last week.” “Yeah,” said Nia. “The shepherd left all the sheep that were safe and went out to search for one little lamb that was missing.” "That's right,” said Mr. Harris. “And did you know that people are like lost sheep?” Nia nodded. “And Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He left heaven and gave His life to find us and save us.” “Right again,” said Mr. Harris. “I hope our search for Wooly will help us remember we were all lost sheep once and should never be too busy to hunt for other lost sheep—other people who don’t know Jesus.” Nia thought about that. “I have a new friend at school who doesn’t know Jesus. That means she’s just as lost as Wooly was. I’m going to ask Jesus to help me tell her about Him so she can be found, just like I was!” “Good for you,” said Mrs. Harris. “We’ll be praying for her—and for you.” –Nancy I. Merical How about you? Do you know any lost sheep? The Bible says anyone who doesn’t know Jesus is lost. But there’s good news! Jesus came to find and save the lost. He found you when you put your faith in Him, and He wants you to point other lost sheep to Him so they can be found too. You can do that by praying for them and sharing what Jesus has done for you. Do all you can to help bring others to Jesus. Today's Key Verse: Your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost. Matthew 18:14 (ERV) Today's Key Thought: Tell others about Jesus

Read: Psalm 86:12-13; 2 Corinthians 9:12-15; Revelation 5:9-14 Dominic bit his cheek as he sat at his desk and stared up at his teacher. “I’m sorry, Ms. Foreman,” he said. He looked over at his handwriting on the whiteboard that read, Dominic was here. “Thank you for apologizing,” Ms. Foreman said. “But you knew the consequences of writing on the board without permission. I’m going to have to call your parents.” Just then Jamey, one of Dominic’s classmates, returned from the bathroom. He and Dominic hadn’t gone to recess yet. Jamey looked at Dominic, the board, and Ms. Foreman, then said, “Oh, that’s an easy fix.” Jamey went to the whiteboard and quickly erased Dominic’s writing. He turned around and smiled at Ms. Forman, who laughed. “That was an easy fix, Jamey, thank you.” She turned to Dominic. “You’ve been a good student, so let’s call this a warning. I won’t call home, but if I catch you breaking that rule again, I will. Understood?” Dominic nodded, then followed Jamey out to the playground. He couldn’t believe it! Jamey had gotten him out of trouble. “Thank you!” Dominic said to Jamey, but then felt like once wasn’t enough. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” he repeated. “Hey, man, it was nothing. You’re welcome,” Jamey said, smiling and blushing a little. “Sorry, I just—I can’t thank you enough. I would have gotten in so much trouble if Ms. Foreman had called my mom.” “You sound like my mom when she’s talking to Jesus,” Jamey said. “She says she can’t thank Him enough for dying on the cross and saving us from sin so we could live with Him as God’s children forever.” Dominic thought for a moment, then remembered something his dad told him about heaven. “We’re going to thank Him forever, aren’t we? In heaven. My dad says that everyone in heaven will sing praises to Jesus forever because of what He did to save us.” Jamey nodded, thinking. “That’s true,” he said. “I guess, with Jesus, we really can’t thank Him enough!” –Raven Merz How about you? Have you ever felt like you can’t thank Jesus enough for everything He’s done for you? Tell Him what you’re thankful for every day, but know that if you are a child of God, you will be able to thank Jesus and praise Him for all eternity in heaven. It’s okay that you can’t thank Him enough, because you don’t have a limited time to do it! Today's Key Verse: O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You with all my heart. I will bring honor to Your name forever. Psalm 86:12 (NLV) Today's Key Thought: We will thank Jesus forever!

Read: 1 Samuel 16:7; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:3-4 Clarissa sat looking at herself in the mirror as Tara’s words spun through her head. You’re just so plain, Tara had said. I don’t think we can be friends. Clarissa had wanted to be friends with Tara, but not anymore. She wore name-brand clothes, had hair that was—well, perfect. And her teeth—flawless! That’s what Clarissa thought anyway. She heaved a loud sigh. “Pretty plain, huh, Snowball?” she said to her kitten. Snowball meowed beside her on the bed. “What’s up?” Mom asked as she walked into the room. “Just talking to Snowball about how plain I am. Tara says I’m plain.” “Who’s Tara?” Mom asked. “Only the most popular girl in school, with the fanciest clothes, hair to die for, and perfect teeth. Everybody wants to be her friend, and I thought I wanted to be her friend too, but today she told me I was too plain.” Mom hugged Clarissa tight. “You are my beautiful daughter—both inside and out.” She opened the Bible app on her phone. “And remember, Clarissa, in First Samuel 16:7, God says, ‘People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” Clarissa thought about that as she looked at herself in the mirror again. “I want God to be pleased when he looks at me.” “He already is, because when He looks at you, He sees Jesus. When you trusted Jesus to be your Savior, you became a child of God, and the Holy Spirit now lives inside of you. Jesus has given you a new heart, which means you can show others His love and kindness—and those traits make you a great friend to people. You are far from plain. You are God’s beloved child, and He created you just how He wanted you to be and has given you a special purpose.” “To be a good friend to people?” Clarissa asked. With a nod, Mom added, “And to love people the way He loves you. Why don’t we ask Him to help you remember that next time you feel insecure?” Clarissa nodded, and she and Mom prayed together while Snowball purred. “Thanks, Mom. I feel better now,” Clarissa said as she gave her mom a hug. –Lisa Fuller How about you? Do you ever compare your appearance to how others look and what they wear? In the Bible, God reminds us that He cares more about our hearts than He does about our hair or clothes. What does your heart look like? Has it been made new and beautiful by Jesus? (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Instead of comparing yourself to others, trust Jesus to help you love them with the beautiful heart He’s given you. Today's Key Verse: You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Jesus makes your heart beautiful

Editor’s note: This story’s subject matter may not be suitable for young children. Read: Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Mom had tears in her eyes as she put down her phone. “Maria, Daniel, I’m so sorry, but Jalen died this morning.” Daniel tried to comfort his younger sister as she began to cry. Jalen was their friend and next-door neighbor, and he had been sick for a long time. “At least he became a Christian at camp last summer,” Daniel said. “That means he’s with Jesus now.” Several weeks later, Maria and Daniel walked home from school with Jalen’s sister, Audra. “Did you know that people who die can still talk to you?” she asked excitedly. “It’s true!” she insisted when she saw Maria frown. “Tomorrow my parents and I are going to a séance. That’s a meeting where there’s a medium—a person who contacts spirits of people who have died. The medium said she might be able to contact Jalen’s spirit so we can talk to him!” Daniel and Maria gave each other worried looks as Audra waved goodbye and walked to her house. When they got home, they told Mom what Audra had said. “I can only imagine the pain she and her parents must be feeling right now,” said Mom. “But the Bible says trying to contact people who have died is wrong. Only God has power over the dead; going to a medium who claims to be able to communicate with people’s spirits is an attempt to take that power for ourselves. The Bible tells us to have nothing to do with those kinds of things. Instead, we need to bring our pain and sadness to Jesus and trust Him to comfort us and give us peace.” “But Audra and her parents aren’t Christians,” said Maria. “They don’t know Jesus or trust in Him.” Mom nodded sadly. “For people who don’t know Jesus, death is a very scary thing. But as Christians, we don’t have to be afraid of death because Jesus freed us from sin and death when he died for us and rose again. When someone we love dies, we need to remember that only Jesus holds power over death and trust Him to be with us in our sadness.” “It does make me feel better to know Jalen is with Jesus now,” Daniel said. “Let’s pray that we can help Audra and her parents know that too.” –Agnes Livezey How about you? Has anyone ever tried to get you to do something they say will allow you to communicate with someone who’s died? Don’t believe it. Only God has power over people who have died, and He forbids trying to communicate with them. Instead, tell Jesus what you’re feeling and depend on Him to help you through your pain and sadness. He saved you by defeating death on the cross. Trust only Him. Today's Key Verse: I [Jesus] am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:18 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Only God holds power over death

Read: Psalm 19:12-14; Ephesians 4:29 Isabela peeked over her brother’s shoulder at the picture he was drawing. “Hey, that’s pretty good! But you need to color in that bit of sky you missed in the corner or turn it into a cloud.” “You’re so bossy!” Matías shot back. “I don’t care what you think, so stop trying to tell me what to do!” Isabela’s eyes filled with tears, and she left the room. That afternoon, Isabela played at a friend’s house while Matías and Mom went to a greenhouse. “Why don’t you look around while I find the stuff I’m looking for?” Mom said. Matías wandered around, looking at various plants. “Come see our mimosas,” one of the workers said. He pointed to some spiky green plants, and Matías went over to see them. “Blow on one of those,” the man said. Puzzled, Matías blew. He was surprised to see the plant’s leaves suddenly curl up. “Did I hurt it?” he asked in alarm. “No, it will be fine,” the worker assured him. “These plants respond to possible injury by curling their leaves. That keeps them from being harmed by insects or rain. It doesn’t take much to cause them to curl up.” Matías was fascinated by the plants, and he told Mom about them as they drove home. “Those mimosa plants remind me of your sister,” Mom said. “Isabela?” asked Matías. “How?” “They’re very sensitive,” Mom replied. “When you blow on mimosa leaves, they curl up. And when you say harsh, unkind words to Isabela, she’s hurt deep inside and withdraws to avoid being hurt more. We’ve talked about this before, but I’ve noticed that you might have forgotten.” “I’m sorry, Mom,” Matías said quietly. “I’ll tell Isabela I’m sorry too.” “Good,” said Mom. “We may not always realize it, but our words have an effect on people. That’s why we need to depend on Jesus to help us make our words acceptable in His sight. Every word He says to us in the Bible communicates His love for us and what He did to save us so we can grow in our faith. Trust Him to help you speak to others in a way that encourages them and helps them grow too.” –Karen S. Birt How about you? What kind of words have you used today? Did the things you say encourage others and help them grow—or make them shrivel up? Even if you don’t mean to, it’s easy to say things that are hurtful, so pay close attention to your words and how they affect others. Trust Jesus to help you show His love through everything you say and speak words that are acceptable to Him. Today's Key Verse: Let the words of my mouth…be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. Psalm 19:14 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: Use words to help, not hurt

Read: Revelation 21:1-5, 9-11, 18-27 “I’d rather go to school than shovel the snow left behind from the blizzard,” Miguel grumbled. “Oh, it’s not so bad.” Dad pitched a large scoop of snow into the yard before he stopped and looked at their surroundings. “I think a heavy blanket of snow like this is pretty.” Miguel scanned the horizon. The snow twinkled in the sunlight like it was dusted with silver glitter. He squinted against the brightness and harrumphed. “All I see is work.” Miguel flexed his fingers in his cold, stiffened gloves, then he scraped the flat shovel blade across a patch of sidewalk hoping he could push the snow off the cement, rather than lift the heavy precipitation. “Scooping snow is worse than taking out stinky garbage.” Dad laughed. Miguel frowned. He wasn’t joking. He hefted another scoop and flung it into the yard. “I’d rather eat Brussel sprouts than shovel snow.” Now Dad would know he was serious because Miguel disliked Brussel sprouts. A lot. Again, Dad laughed. Miguel stopped. “I’m not joking.” His angry breaths came out in huffs of vapor. Dad stuck his shovel in a deep snow drift. “Shoveling, like any chore, is something that must be done, so you might as well do it with joy. Besides, seeing the ground covered in sparkling snow makes me think God is giving us a little glimpse of heaven’s glory, a reminder to believers of what we will see someday.” Miguel scrunched his brows. “What do you mean?” “Heaven is a beautiful place. The Bible says that when Jesus comes back to make everything new, the heavenly city where we’ll live will sparkle and shine with gold, crystal, and many jewels. Of course, it’s not the sun glistening on the ice crystals that makes heaven sparkle with beauty. It’s the glory of the Lord.” “Oh.” Miguel had learned about heaven’s splendor and God’s promise to believers at church, but he never thought about seeing that beauty on earth. He shielded his eyes with a hand and looked at the yards blanketed in snow. This time he appreciated the beauty around him. He smiled at the thought that it was just a small glimpse of the magnificence he’d see one day when he was in heaven surrounded by God’s light. –Rose Ross Zediker How about you? Do you see little glimpses of God’s light on earth that point to His promise of heaven? A rainbow after a thunderstorm. A sun dog in the bitter cold of winter. The shimmer of morning dew on green grass. A mirrored reflection off a crystal-clear lake. These are small reminders of the beauty that awaits those who trust in Jesus when He creates a bright, beautiful home for us with Him in heaven. Today's Key Verse: The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: God is heaven’s light

Read: Psalm 78:10-22 "Remi,” said Mom, “will you come and dry these dishes, please?” Remi groaned. “Can’t Dayo do it?” he asked. “I’m sick of drying dishes!” Dayo rolled her eyes. “You’re always sick of one thing or another.” “We seem to get the ‘sick of something’ illness too often around here,” said Dad. “We’re about as bad as the Israelites, who complained constantly in spite of all the good things God did for them.” Mom nodded. “I have an idea for a game we can play to help us learn to stop grumbling and complaining. When one of us is caught saying we’re sick of something, we have to say one thing we’re thankful for about that same thing.” “Okay,” said Dayo. “You won’t catch me!” But all Remi said was, “Huh!” The next day, Dayo walked in from school with a bulging backpack. “I’m so sick of all this homework!” she said. “Oh really?” Remi grinned. “And what about your homework are you thankful for?” “Oh no!” Dayo smiled and shook her head. “I guess I’m thankful it helps me understand more of what we’re learning at school.” A bit later, Dayo bumped into her brother as he was walking to the table with a glass of milk. “Ugh, I’m so sick of you never watching where you’re going!” he said, grabbing a napkin to wipe the milk off his shirt. “I’m sorry, Remi.” Dayo smiled and fluttered her eyelashes. “But what about me are you thankful for?” Remi looked startled for a moment. “Well, I guess I’m thankful you’re not twins.” Dayo sputtered and started after him. “Okay, okay,” Remi said with a laugh, halting their chase around the kitchen table. “I’m thankful you always let me choose which shows we watch when I’m sick.” Dayo smiled. “That’s better.” “You guys seem to be getting the hang of this,” said Mom, who had overheard everything from the living room. “I think this grumbling game is helping you see the blessings God has put in your lives. When we focus on all He’s given us—and all Jesus has done for us—we may soon find there’s really nothing to complain about.” –Vera M. Hutchcroft How about you? Do you have a habit of grumbling and complaining? God was not pleased when the Israelites complained instead of trusting Him to care for them, and He’s not pleased when His children complain today. When you catch yourself grumbling, stop and remember all God has given you—including His own Son to save you from sin and always be with you. Then think of a reason to thank God for the thing you were complaining about. Today's Key Verse: Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14 (ERV) Today's Key Thought: Turn complaints into thanks

Read: Genesis 1:1-5; John 1:1-5 Hailey burst into applause as Liam finished saying the alphabet. “Dad, I think he’s finally got it!” “Does this mean you win your race with Jenny?” Dad asked. Hailey was trying to teach her brother the alphabet before her friend taught her dog how to sit and roll over. “Well, I need to prove to Jenny that Liam learned the alphabet first,” Hailey replied. “I’ll see if she can stop over.” When Jenny arrived, Hailey brought her into the kitchen. “Okay, Liam,” she said. “Say your ABCs, just like we practiced.” Liam took one look at Jenny, then giggled and shook his head. “Liam, come on! Please?” But Liam giggled again and covered his eyes, trying to get Jenny to play peek-a-boo. Hailey continued to coax him, but Liam refused to say one letter of the alphabet. “Ugh!” Hailey said after Jenny had left. “Why couldn’t Liam do what he was supposed to? Now Jenny doesn’t believe I taught him the alphabet.” “Well, just because Jenny doesn’t believe something doesn’t mean it’s not true,” said Dad. “I heard Liam say his ABCs.” “Yeah, but I need to prove it to Jenny to win our game.” Hailey sighed. “I wish I could prove more than that to her. As I was walking her out, I answered the question she asked me yesterday about how old God is. I told her God doesn’t have an age—that He always was, is, and will be. But Jenny said she’s not sure God even exists. I wish I could make her believe!” “Well, you can’t make anyone believe in God just by what you say, but maybe you can help Jenny think about it another way.” Dad tickled Liam’s tummy, and Liam giggled. “Would Liam be here if I never existed?” “Of course not. You’re his father, so without you, he wouldn’t exist either.” Dad nodded. “Because he’s my son, Liam points to the fact that I exist. Well, God has a Son too, and He points to the existence of His Father. Jesus came to earth to show us that God is real and that He loves us. By helping Jenny understand who Jesus is, you can help her see that God exists—and that He loves her so much He sent His Son to die for her.” –Melissa Yeagle How about you? Do you wish you could prove God exists? Perhaps you have friends or family members who don’t believe in God—or maybe you struggle to believe yourself. God reveals Himself in many ways, but the most important way is through His Son, Jesus, who came to earth and died for us. You and others can know God exists by knowing Jesus. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Today's Key Verse: In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: God exists—and He loves you

Read: Revelation 1:4-8 “A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.” Hailey looked at her three-year-old brother. “Okay, Liam, now you try.” Liam looked like he was thinking intensely. “A!” he suddenly shouted, and then, after a pause, “Z!” “Ugh!” Hailey clapped a hand to her forehead in frustration. Dad, who was watching the whole thing, began to laugh. “I’m glad you think this is funny,” Hailey said. “I’ve been working with him for an hour, and he’s just not getting it.” “Why is it so important that he know the alphabet right now anyway?” asked Dad. “Jenny and I are having a race. If I can teach Liam the alphabet before she teaches her dog to sit and roll over, I get to pick the movie we watch this weekend.” Dad chuckled and shook his head. “You guys are silly.” Hailey laughed. “Yeah, I guess.” She sighed. “Yesterday Jenny asked me a question that made me feel really silly. She asked me how old God is. I didn’t know what to say.” Liam walked over to where Dad was sitting, and Dad picked him up and put him in his lap. “Well, Liam just told you the answer.” Hailey gave her dad a confused look. “But all he said was, ‘A, Z.’ That’s not a number.” “In the Bible, Jesus says He’s the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and end. Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, like our A and Z. God is A to Z, just like Liam said. He always was, is, and will be. He doesn’t have an age.” “So God has no beginning or end?” Hailey asked. “That’s right.” Dad’s eyes twinkled. “And yet, He was born—and also died.” “But wait, you just said…” It took Hailey a moment to realize what Dad meant. “Oh, I get it—you’re talking about Jesus! He was born as a baby and died on the cross for us, and then He came back to life.” Dad nodded. “Jesus is God, who is eternal with no beginning or end, but He was willing to become human and die for us so we could have eternal life with Him.” –Melissa Yeagle How about you? Have you ever wondered how old God is? Unlike humans and everything else, God doesn’t have an age—there was never a time when He didn’t exist! But even though He has no beginning or end, Jesus still chose to be born on earth and die on the cross so we could be saved. When you trust in Him, He gives you a new life that will never end. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Today's Key Verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: God has no beginning or end

Read: 1 Samuel 23:14-18 “I’m quitting basketball,” Tyler announced flatly as his dad entered the room. “Quitting?” asked Dad. “But you could hardly wait to join the team!” Tyler frowned. “I’m just a benchwarmer. Coach Adams hardly ever lets me play.” “Well, no, he hasn’t yet, but he told me you have great potential.” “If I’m so great, why doesn’t he let me play more?” asked Tyler. “Because the older players have more experience, and Coach Adams is naturally going to use his best players when it’s necessary for a win.” “I can play as well as they can,” Tyler said. “At least, I could if I got to play in more games. Basketball is almost over for the year!” “Just be patient,” said Dad. “We all need to wait patiently sometimes.” Tyler crossed his arms. “I’ve waited long enough!” Dad scratched his chin. “Do you remember King David in the Bible? He was a benchwarmer too.” Tyler rolled his eyes. “Dad, King David never played basketball! It didn’t exist back then.” “No, but you could say he was a benchwarmer for a long time. When David was just a young boy, the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king, but he had to wait about twenty years before he actually became king.” “Yeah, but being king is an important thing, and it was something God said would happen,” Tyler said. “I don’t think God really cares if I play basketball or not.” “I think He does,” said Dad. “He gave us our gifts, and He uses them to shape us to be more like Jesus. Learning to play basketball involves more than just dribbling and shooting. A good player also knows when it’s best to take a shot or pass the ball, and that requires skills that take time and patience to develop. I think God is using this experience to teach you to be more patient. Then you’ll be a better basketball player and a more mature Christian.” Tyler nodded thoughtfully, then stood up. “How about a little one-on-one, Dad?” Dad smiled. “You’re not quitting?” “Not me,” said Tyler. “I love basketball, and I want to keep getting better.” He grinned. “I just hope it doesn’t take me twenty years to get into more games!” –Joyce R. Lee How about you? Do you feel like a benchwarmer? Perhaps your coach isn’t letting you play or your parents won’t let you do something you think you’re ready for. When things like that happen, remember that Jesus uses everyday experiences to shape you to be more like Him. Think about what He might be teaching you in the situation you’re dealing with. Then trust Him to give you patience as He helps you learn and grow. Today's Key Verse: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Learn to be patient

Read: Philippians 3:12-16 “I don’t think I did well on that history test today—I should have studied more,” Breonna said as she followed Mom into a store. “And then Shirina got upset when I said her skirt looked like one you used to wear in high school. I meant it as a compliment, but she didn’t take it that way. I tried to explain and say I was sorry, but I still feel bad about it.” Breonna sighed. “What a horrible day!” “Well, don’t dwell on it, honey,” said Mom. “Now you’ll know better next time.” “But I should have known better this time!” Breonna picked a pair of shoes and tried them on. “Hey, these are exactly what I want! Can I get them?” “It’s up to you,” said Mom. “You’re spending your own money. But this is our first stop—you might find something else in another store.” Yet Breonna was so sure she wanted the shoes that she not only bought them but also decided to wear them. In another store, they saw the same shoes again—on sale. Breonna was dismayed. “I should have waited! I could have saved money.” “Well, it’s too late now. You’re already wearing the ones you bought, so you can’t return them.” In store after store, Breonna continued to mope. Finally, Mom took some bills out of her purse and handed them to Breonna. “Here. This covers what you paid for the shoes.” Breonna gaped at the money. “But you told me to wait, and I didn’t listen! Why should you pay for them?” “Because I want you to enjoy your shoes—and I want to help you understand that because of God’s grace, you don’t have to live with regret. Grace is giving someone what they don’t deserve, and Jesus did that for us when He died to take the punishment for our sin. Because of His grace, we can trust that He will bring good out of everything that happens in our lives, even things we mess up. Instead of going over and over what we should have done differently, we can learn from our mistakes and move on. We can enjoy life with Him now instead of reliving the past.” Breonna smiled and put the money in her pocket. “Thanks, Mom.” –Hazel W. Marett How about you? Do you dwell on past mistakes and what you should have done differently? Maybe you got a bad grade because you didn’t study, or you failed to help someone when you had the chance. Learn from your mistakes so you don’t make them in the future, but then put them behind you. Jesus saved you by dying on the cross, and He wants you to look forward to a life full of peace and joy with Him. Today's Key Verse: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (CSB) Today's Key Thought: Don’t dwell on past mistakes

Read: Proverbs 22:1; Isaiah 56:5; 1 John 3:1 Alexis rushed into the house. “Mom! Bree’s mom and new baby sister are home now! She’s so cute, and her name is Arabella. I love that name! How do people decide what to name their babies?” “Well, some are named after a family member or a person the parents admire, and sometimes parents choose a name for its meaning.” Alexis was surprised. “Names have meanings?” “Most do,” said Mom. “For instance, Alexis means ‘helper’ or ‘defender.’ I can show you a website where you can search for names and their meanings if you want.” “Oh, yes please!” So Alexis and Mom looked up several names together. Bree meant “strength,” and Arabella meant “yielding to prayer.” They even looked up Dad’s name—Matthew—which meant “gift of God.” “Did you know the Bible says it’s better to choose a good name than to choose great wealth?” Mom asked as they got up from the computer. “But we don’t choose our own names,” said Alexis. “Parents give them to us.” “You’re right. You didn’t choose the name Dad and I gave you—you received it when you were born into our family. And there’s another name you’ve received that’s even more important.” “There is?” asked Alexis. “What’s that?” “When you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you became part of His family and received His name—Christian, which means ‘little Christ.’ That name means He’s made you a new person and that you have His righteousness, or goodness. Your new name means you belong to Him.” “Really?” Alexis smiled. “I didn’t realize that’s what Christian meant.” Mom nodded. “In the Bible, God even renamed some people when He called them to follow Him. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, and Simon became Peter. Their new names had special meanings that told others God had made them new people and was using them to show others who He was.” Mom smiled at Alexis. “He’s doing the same with us as Christians, shaping us to be like Jesus so we can point others toward Him. When we trust Him to help us speak and act in ways that show others who He is, we’re choosing to let people know us by the good name He’s given us.” –Agnes Livezey How about you? Do you know where your name comes from? Were you named after a special person or given your name because of what it means? We can’t choose our names at birth, but the best name of all is one anyone can have by trusting in Jesus and becoming part of God’s family. The name Christian means that Jesus has saved you and made you a new person. Let others know your new name by showing God’s love in all you say and do. Today's Key Verse: A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 (CSB) Today's Key Thought: Choose to have a good name

Read: Galatians 5:13-14 “Hey, Caleb!” Josh shouted when they got off the bus. “I almost forgot! Tomorrow I’m going to Planet Pizza, and I was wondering if you—” “I’d love to go!” Caleb started running toward his house before Josh could finish his sentence. “I’ll ask my mom!” That night, Caleb asked his mom about going to Planet Pizza with Josh. “Of course you can go,” said Mom. “I just spoke with Josh’s dad, and I’m glad you want to help.” Help? thought Caleb. I’ll always help eat pizza! The next day, a long line of people waited outside Planet Pizza. “Whoa!” said Caleb. “I hope we get a table. I’m starving!” Josh gave Caleb a funny look. “Not like they are,” he said. “Follow me.” They walked to the front of the line. “Hi, Josh!” said the man at the door. “Who’s your friend?” “Hey, Pastor Eric. This is Caleb. He came to help serve lunch.” “Help serve?” Caleb was confused. “I thought we came to eat!” “We will.” Josh handed Caleb a pair of gloves. “After everyone else is served first.” Josh ran to the table of pizzas. “Our church is buying pizza and passing it out as part of our food drive this month. It’s why we’re here!” “You mean we don’t get to eat pizza until after we’re done serving everyone else?” Josh handed Caleb a stack of plates. “I think you’ll make it.” Soon Pastor Eric let in the line of people, and Caleb and Josh helped serve slices of pizza to everyone who came in. “My name’s Tommy,” one boy said. “I’ve never had pizza here before. Is it good?” “Good?” exclaimed Caleb. “It’s the best! Here, sausage is my favorite.” After everyone was served, Pastor Eric prayed for the meal. “Dear God, thank you for this pizza and for every person here, and thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for us. Help us see the ways we can serve those around us and show others Your love. Amen.” Caleb lifted his head just as Tommy took his first bite. “This pizza is the best!” he said. Caleb smiled and slid his own piece of pizza across the table. “Here, Tommy. You can have mine too.” “Really?” asked Tommy. “Really,” said Caleb. “It’s why I’m here.” –Kelly Carlson How about you? Do you serve others? Or do you always put your own needs before everyone else’s? Even though He’s Creator of the universe, Jesus came to earth to serve and give His life for us. Ask Him to help you see the ways you can serve others and show them His love. Today, find at least one person who could use your help and serve them before you serve yourself. Today's Key Verse: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: Serve others

Read: Acts 16:19-25 Josiah felt like his head was going to explode. “Get married! You’re going to get married? To Ryan? But what about Dad?” “Josiah, you know that after your dad left, he married someone else. He won’t be back,” Mom said quietly. “I thought you liked Ryan.” “Not for a dad! And I definitely don’t want Brenner and Simon for brothers either.” Josiah stomped to his room, fighting back tears. The next day they went to church, and Josiah, who normally loved going, was sad all morning. After class his teacher, Mr. Park, asked what was wrong. “Mom’s getting married again,” Josiah told him. “The guy she’s marrying already has two sons. I don’t want someone else’s dad! I’ve got to get away.” He sank down into his seat. “I’m going to leave—for good! If they get married, I’ll never be happy here.” “Do you think you’ll find happiness someplace else?” asked Mr. Park. Josiah shrugged. “I sure won’t find it here!” Mr. Park sat down next to him. “You know, Josiah, happiness isn’t something you find. It’s rooted in the joy that comes from trusting in Jesus—from knowing He’s good and rejoicing in all He’s done for you, even through tears. The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas sang even though they were in prison. You know Jesus and have the hope of eternal life with Him, so you can be joyful too, even when things are hard.” Josiah sighed, and Mr. Park patted his shoulder. “I know it will be difficult at first, but I’ll be here if you need someone to talk to. And you can talk to Jesus about it too. Trust Him to give you patience and show your family His love. Your little sister will need her big brother, and your new stepbrothers will need help too—it will be difficult for them as well as for you.” Josiah hesitated. “I guess you’re right,” he murmured. “Give your future stepfather a chance to be part of the family,” said Mr. Park. “He loves the Lord, and I know he loves all of you.” Josiah was quiet a moment, then asked, “Will you pray for me?” Mr. Park smiled. “Of course.” They bowed their heads, and Mr. Park asked God to give Josiah comfort, peace, and joy. –Agnes Livezey How about you? Is something in your life making you unhappy? Are you doing all you can to get away from it? Running away from problems doesn’t bring joy. That only comes from trusting Jesus. Trust Him to be with you and help you through whatever is troubling you. Trust Him to help you show His love to those around you, even in difficult times. Trust Him to fill you with the joy of knowing Him. Today's Key Verse: Those who trust the Lord will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus for joy

Read: Matthew 24:35-51 Madelyn picked up the tissues and old drawings off the floor and threw them in the trash can. As she was making her bed, her little sister Aria ran into the room. Madelyn’s dad followed her. “Grandma’s coming!” Aria yelled. She had already told all her friends and teachers at preschool, and she still wanted to tell someone else the good news. “I know, Aria.” Madelyn picked up a toy and set it on her shelf. “That’s why I’m cleaning my room.” Aria bounced up on the bed, wrinkling the neatly spread covers. “Aria,” Madelyn said, frowning as she watched her hard work being destroyed, “why don’t you go watch TV?” The little girl beamed. “I can’t. I have to get ready for Grandma!” “By bouncing on the bed I just made?” Madelyn asked with a sigh. Dad smiled and lifted Aria off the bed. “That reminds me of someone else who’s coming too.” Aria’s eyes grew wide. “Someone else is coming? Who?” “Jesus!” Dad said. “We can be just as excited about His coming as we are about Grandma’s. And just like Madelyn is tidying her room for Grandma’s visit, we have to prepare for Jesus’s return. Like you said, Aria, we can’t just sit around watching TV when a visitor is coming!” “How do we prepare for Jesus’s coming, Dad?” Madelyn asked. “First we need to get our hearts ready. We do that by trusting Jesus to forgive our sin. Then we need to do what Aria’s been doing. We need to tell others about Him and let them know He’s coming again so they can get their hearts ready too.” Aria looked around the room. “Madelyn’s room is ready for Grandma, but I know some of my friends at school aren’t ready for Jesus. I’ll tell them about Him on Monday so they can get ready too!” “Good idea,” Dad said. “He’s the only one who can make our hearts as clean as your sister’s room.” Madelyn smiled and grabbed Aria’s hand. “Come on, Aria. Let’s go watch for Grandma’s car!” –Jessica Kleeberger How about you? What do you do when a friend or family member is coming to visit? Clean your room? Plan fun things to do together? It’s exciting when someone comes to visit—and when Jesus comes again, it will be even more exciting! Will you be prepared for Him? Make sure your heart is ready by trusting Him to make you clean. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Then tell others the good news of what Jesus has done for you! Today's Key Verse: Always be ready. You don’t know the day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 (ERV) Today's Key Thought: Be ready for Jesus’s coming

Read: Isaiah 55:10-11; James 1:21-25 “Mom, I can’t get the toaster to work!” called William. Receiving no answer, he went to the small office where his mother was working on her computer. “I want to make some toast, but the toaster’s not working,” he said. “It won’t heat up.” Mom shuffled through papers on her desk. “Is it plugged in?” “Umm…it always is, isn’t it?” William sighed. “I’ll go check.” He went back to the kitchen. “Oops!” he said when he found the cord nestled against the wall. “No wonder it didn’t work.” He plugged in the toaster, put a piece of raisin bread into it, and was soon enjoying perfectly browned, buttered toast. The next morning, William shared his toaster incident with his class at church. Their teacher, Mr. Scott, smiled. “William, your story reminds me of an important truth.” He picked up his Bible. “I’m sure you all know you should read your Bible every day, right?” Heads nodded. “While that’s good to do, did you know that just reading the Bible isn’t enough? What you read needs to be plugged into your life.” “Plugged into my life?” asked Lena. “What do you mean by that? The Bible doesn’t have a cord!” She and some of the other kids giggled. “When something is plugged in, it’s used to make a change,” Mr. Scott replied. “Toasters change bread. Vacuum cleaners change carpet. Phones and other devices change what we see and hear. When we trust in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, and He changes us. One of the ways He does that is by helping us understand and obey God’s Word.” “So when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit plugs it into our lives?” William asked. Mr. Scott nodded. “The Holy Spirit uses the truth of God’s Word to change us and make us more like Jesus. As you learn more and more about Jesus by reading the Bible, your thoughts and actions will be affected.” Mr. Scott smiled at the class. “So keep reading your Bible and learning more about what it says at church, but don’t stop there! Trust God to help you plug it into your life so others can see the love of Jesus in all you say and do.” –Janice M. Jones How about you? Is the Bible plugged into your life? It’s good to read it on your own and study it with others at church, but just reading and studying it isn’t enough. What it says needs to affect how you live your life, and that can only happen through the Holy Spirit. As you read and learn about God’s Word, trust Him to plug it into your life so your attitudes and actions reflect Jesus. Today's Key Verse: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: The Holy Spirit changes you