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

Read: Matthew 25:14-30

Every afternoon for an entire week, Sebastian got out pencils, paints, and poster board as soon as he got home from school. “I want to win the art contest at the city library,” he told his dad. “I love to draw things.”

On the day of the judging, Sebastian waited anxiously for the judges’ decision. Finally, they nodded in agreement. Then one of them put a third-prize ribbon on one of the posters. It wasn’t Sebastian’s. The second-prize ribbon went on another poster, but it wasn’t his either. Sebastian’s stomach twisted in a knot. Finally, a judge picked up the first-prize ribbon, walked over to a poster, and attached it to a corner. Sebastian blinked to hold back tears as he realized he had not won a prize.

“I’m giving up on art,” Sebastian told his dad after the contest.

“Really?” Dad rubbed his chin. “Do you know who Babe Ruth is?”

“Sure,” said Sebastian. “He was a famous baseball player in the 1920s. He’s probably the most famous player in the history of the sport.”

“Right,” said Dad. “He was the first one to hit sixty home runs in a season, but did you know he also struck out a lot of times?”

“He did?”

“Yep,” said Dad. “What made him a good player was that he kept swinging the bat when others would have gotten discouraged and given up. Persistence is needed in everything—whether it’s swinging bats or painting pictures.”

Sebastian sighed. “I guess you’re telling me I shouldn’t give up on art, huh?”

Dad nodded. “God gave you your love for drawing and painting so you could use it for Him—not earn recognition for yourself. You may win prizes for your art one day, and that would be great, but that shouldn’t be the reason you do it. Instead of quitting, keep enjoying and developing the ability God has given you and use it to point others to Jesus.”

“Well, I did see a flyer at school yesterday that said they need volunteers to help with facepainting at the preschool’s family night next week,” Sebastian said. “Maybe I should take a swing at that.”

“That’s a great idea,” said Dad. He grinned at Sebastian. “Batter up!”

–Carolyn E. Yost

How about you? Are you patiently developing the talents God has given you? It can be frustrating at times, and there may be some things He only wants you to do for a while and then move on. But don’t give up something you enjoy just because you’re not getting prizes or recognition. God gave you that talent so you could use it to help others and show them His love. Trust Him to help you keep on swinging!

Today’s key thought: Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

Today’s key verse: Patiently develop talents

Read: Romans 12:4-8; 1 Timothy 4:12

“Tobias, Gramps just called. He needs you to help him on his computer this afternoon,” Mom called from the kitchen.

Tobias giggled. “Always glad to help Gramps.”

After school Tobias walked to his grandpa’s house. “Thanks for coming over,” Gramps said. “I just get so confused when I’m trying to order anything online, and you always seem to know exactly what you’re doing.” Gramps sighed. “All this computer stuff is just too hard for an old guy like me to learn.”

“No, it’s not, Gramps. I’ll help you!”

Tobias showed Gramps how to order the item he needed. “Thanks for your help,” Gramps said as he clicked the order button. “Are you still free to go fishing this weekend?”

Tobias nodded eagerly. “I can’t wait!”

On Saturday morning, Tobias climbed into the johnboat with Gramps. “I’m going to show you how to use the trolling motor today,” Gramps told him.

“I don’t know, Gramps. Do you think I can do it?”

“Sure you can!” Gramps carefully explained how to start and maneuver the trolling motor, then turned it over to Tobias.

At first Tobias had a little trouble getting the motor started. Then it took a little time to get used to steering it. But by the end of the day, he could steer the boat with no trouble.

“Thanks for sticking it out with me today until I got the hang of it. It was a lot of fun!”

“Next time you can be the captain,” Gramps said as he grabbed the cooler out of the boat. “Now, let’s get these fish cleaned.”

As they cleaned the fish, Gramps said, “You know, you and I helped each other learn something new this week. It reminds me of how Christians are supposed to help each other.”

Tobias looked confused. “How?”

“Everyone who trusts in Jesus is part of His church, which the Bible calls the body of Christ. We’re all different—some people are old like me, some are young like you, but we can all learn from each other and encourage one another in our faith.” Gramps smiled at Tobias. “You’re never too young to help others know more about Jesus.”

Tobias smiled back. “Or too old to learn something new about Him!”

–Lisa Fuller

How about you? Do you ever think you’re too young to help someone older than you? You’re not. We all learn and experience different things in life, which means any of us can use what we’ve learned to help someone else, no matter how old we are. That’s especially true in the body of Christ. Never be afraid to share what you’ve learned in your walk with Jesus. Your words might be just the encouragement someone needs to hear!

Today’s key verse: In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Help others learn about Jesus

Read: Matthew 23:25-28

Thomas walked into the bathroom and was surprised to see his dad’s legs sticking out from under the sink. “Dad? Why are you hanging out in the cupboard?”

“Well, I saw a water stain on the ceiling downstairs,” his dad’s voice echoed from inside the cabinet. “Water can really damage the inside of a house, so I did a little detective work. Found out this sink is leaking water all the way downstairs.”

“But Dad, it’s Saturday. Don’t you just want to relax? You could just paint over the stain.”

Through the sink drain, Thomas heard a laugh. “Some people do. But that would just cover up the damage. The sink would keep leaking, and our house would rot from the inside out. I’d have to spend a lot more than a Saturday—and a lot more than a few bucks on new fittings—if I ignored this leak.” His head emerged from the cabinet. “You know, I had a situation like this with our pastor this week.”

Thomas’s eyebrows went up. “Pastor John has a leak?”

Now they both laughed. “No, I think he’s fine,” Dad said. “But at church this week, I wanted to look like a good guy. When I was talking to Pastor John, I wanted to tell him about the work we’ve been doing with refugees—not to honor Jesus, but to honor myself. Then I realized I was focusing on outward appearances, just like someone who paints over a water stain. I was more concerned about how others saw me than what Jesus was doing through me.”

“Isn’t that like those guys in the Bible?” asked Thomas. “The…pair-of-fleas, or something like that?”

Dad was tucked in the cabinet again, and his belly quivered with laughter. “You crack me up! Yep, like the Pharisees. Jesus said they were like a nice tombstone—painted on the outside, but inside, full of rotting bones.”

Thomas wrinkled his nose. “Gross!”

“Exactly. If we do things to make ourselves look good but they don’t come from our hearts, God can see the rottenness inside. That’s why we need Jesus to fix our hearts. When we admit our pride and selfishness to Him, He removes the rottenness of our sin so we can show His goodness and love to others from the inside out.”

–Janel Breitenstein

How about you? Is there a leak in your heart that needs to be fixed? Are you trying to cover the stain by looking good on the outside? Even if you can make yourself look good to other people, God sees what’s inside. Don’t try to cover up sin in your heart—you need Jesus to fix it. Confess your sin to Him, and He will remove it and help you be kind and loving inside and out.

Today’s key verse: God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (ERV)

Today’s key thought: Do good from the inside out

Read: Psalms 27:1-6; 34:4; Isaiah 21:4; John 14:27

Madison giggled. She couldn’t help it. Her cousins Benjamin and Alex were visiting, and she was too excited to sleep.

“Shhh,” Benjamin whispered from his pallet of blankets on the living room floor.

Madison’s brother Andrew came bounding into the room wearing a blanket around his shoulders like a superhero cape. “What have I missed?” he asked loudly.

“Shhhhhhh!” said all the cousins.

Holding a flashlight up to his face, Benjamin began. “In a dark, dark galaxy, there was a dark, dark world. In the dark, dark world was a dark, dark mountain. On this dark, dark mountain was a dark, dark house. In this dark, dark house was a dark, dark closet. And in the dark, dark closet”—he paused dramatically—“was a pink jellybean!”

The cousins burst out laughing.

“See? That wasn’t scary,” Benjamin said as he turned off the flashlight.

Andrew lay down and stared at the ceiling. “I wonder if I wouldn’t have been so scared if I knew the ending was good.”

“Yeah,” said Madison. “I was fine once we got to the pink jellybean, but the not-knowing was a little freaky.”

Alex grinned. “Kind of like a Bible verse I read once that said something like, ‘My mind reels and horror overwhelms me.’”

Benjamin playfully punched Alex’s arm. “That is not a comforting thought.”

Madison sat up. “I’ll be right back.” She ran to the kitchen and returned with a magnet. “Look!”

“What does it say?” asked Andrew. “Shine your flashlight on it, Benjamin.”

Alex read, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

“Mom says she looks at it whenever she feels afraid of the unknown,” Madison told her cousins. “She says it reminds her that she has everything she needs because Jesus died to take the punishment for her sin. He saved her and is always with her, so why should she be scared?”

Andrew yawned. “I like that Bible verse much better than ‘My mind reels and horror overwhelms me’!”

“Me too,” said Benjamin, turning off the flashlight. “’Night, everyone.”

The cousins were almost asleep. Then, from across the room, Alex called out, “Is anybody else hungry for pink jellybeans?”

–Kelly Hope

How about you? Is there something you’re afraid of? Jesus promises that He will always be with those who trust in Him, so we don’t have to be afraid. Memorize Psalm 27:1. The next time you start to feel scared, say that Bible verse out loud. Remember that you don’t have to be afraid because Jesus saved you and will always help you.

Today’s key verse: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Don’t be afraid

Read: Matthew 16:24-27; Ephesians 2:8-10

“Look, Dad! Miss Eva gave me some money for helping with her trash and recycling bins this week!” Danner exclaimed, showing his father several crisp green bills as he walked through the back door.

“That’s great. I know you helped without expecting anything in return, but it’s kind of her to reward you,” Dad answered. “Why don’t you put these dishes away, and then you can join me at the grocery store. Our home group from church is coming over, and we need to buy some salad ingredients for dinner.”

“Okay. Maybe I can buy something with this money at the store.”

Danner placed the clean dishes in kitchen cabinets and then shouted, “Meet you in the car, Dad!” He considered buying his favorite candy bar with the cash from Miss Eva. He might have enough money for two.

Later, Danner and his dad waited in line to purchase their food. Danner had helped select carrots and cucumbers for that night’s salad. Then he found the chocolate candy he wanted.

But as they stood in line, Danner shifted from foot to foot. Did he really want to spend his money on the candy bar? He had enough for just one. And once he spent the money, he knew it would be gone.

Danner quickly returned the candy to its shelf as the cashier greeted them.

“Did you change your mind?” Dad asked as they loaded grocery bags into the van.

“I’m not sure I want to spend my money on candy, Dad,” Danner replied.

Dad nodded. “I understand. That money’s kind of like life.”

“How?” Danner asked.

“When we put our faith in Jesus and trust Him to forgive our sins, we start a new life as God’s children. Since God is our Father, we want to live those new lives for Him, making the most of every day we have,” Dad explained. “Instead of focusing on ourselves and the things in this world that won’t last, God helps us love others and point them to Jesus.”

“And we get just one life, right, Dad?” Danner patted his pocket where he’d stuffed the dollar bills from Miss Eva. “I’m going to make my life count for Jesus. And I’m going to think about how to make these dollars count too.”

–Allison Wilson Lee

How about you? Have you ever received money and wondered how to spend it? Having a limited amount of something important means we want to use it wisely and not waste it. God wants the same thing for our lives. To live wisely, we need to live for Jesus instead of ourselves. As we grow in our relationship with Him, He helps us make wise choices and share His love with others.

Today’s key verse: For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Live your one life for Jesus

Read: Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:31-32

Kevin leaned against the garage doorframe and watched his dad tip the lawn mower onto its side. “What are you doing?” he asked.

Dad knelt beside the mower. “I need to sharpen the blade. But first, I’ve got to get it off.” He glanced up and noticed the frown on Kevin’s face. “What’s wrong? I thought you were playing at the neighbor’s house.”

Kevin kicked at the concrete. “Steven cheated at dodgeball. So, I left.”

Dad grabbed a screwdriver from his toolbox and scraped grass off the mower. “You know, getting along with people is a bit like using tools.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow. “How’s that?”

Dad rummaged through his toolbox and pulled out a utility knife. “Well, sometimes people’s words are sharp, like this knife.” He placed it back down and grabbed a file. “Other times, their actions rub us the wrong way.” He tapped the hammer. “And sometimes they pound away at our feelings.”

Kevin crossed his arms. “Tools can do a lot of damage.”

“They can,” Dad said, holding up a piece of sandpaper. “But they can also repair things—if we use the right ones. Take this sandpaper. It might seem rough, but it can smooth out a lot of rough edges. Same with forgiveness.” Dad glanced at the wrenches on top of his workbench. “Can you grab the 5/8 for me?”

Kevin walked over and handed him the wrench. Dad jiggled it onto the mower bolt, then gave it a hard twist. With a squeak, the bolt loosened, and the blade came off.

“See? The right tool makes all the difference.” Dad stood up and placed the mower blade on his workbench. “Fixing relationships is no different. There’s a verse in Proverbs that says a soft answer turns away wrath. If you talk to Steven about what he did and respond to him with kindness instead of holding a grudge, you might be able to smooth things over. Remember that Jesus always forgives us for the wrong things we do because He died for our sins so we could have a relationship with Him. And He gives us the tools we need to be kind and forgiving to others.”

Kevin thought for a moment, then turned to go.

“Hey, where are you going?” Dad asked.

Kevin gave a little shrug, then smiled. “I guess it’s time to put God’s tools to work.”

–Mark Wainwright

How about you? Have you ever tried to fix something without the right tool? It’s tough, isn’t it? The same goes for friendships. When someone hurts you, holding a grudge doesn’t help. Instead, trust God to help you forgive and show kindness. It’s not easy, but He’ll give you the tools you need to respond in a loving way and make your friendship strong again.

Today’s key verse: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Fix friendships with forgiveness

Read: Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11-13

Julia slammed the door to her room. It had been a month since her family had moved away from Texas. Her dad had gotten a better job in Tennessee. Life in Texas had been hard, but at least she’d had her friends and family. After crying for a while, Julia heard her door creak open.

“Julia, what’s wrong?” Mom asked.

“I want to go back to Texas,” Julia said. “Why did we have to leave everyone behind?”

Mom walked into the room and sat down on the bed. “I know that moving was a big change for you.” She hugged Julia. “But things change sometimes.”

Julia rubbed her eyes. “But I don’t want things to change!”

Mom was quiet for a minute. “Do you see those orange maple leaves on the trees outside?” she asked as she pointed to the window in Julia’s room. “Did they have to change to turn orange?”

Julia rolled her eyes. “Of course, Mom. They were green when we moved here, and now they’re orange because the weather is getting colder. I learned about it in school. The tree is getting ready to sleep for the winter and doesn’t need the green leaves anymore.”

Mom nodded. “You’re right. The tree will grow new leaves in the spring. Change is hard, but it’s needed for growth. Just like those pretty leaves, lots of things change in the world. Sometimes God allows seasons of change in our lives to help us learn to trust Him more and grow in our faith. When you trusted Jesus as your Savior, God started something new in your life, and He is continuing to change you and help you become more like Jesus.”

Julia looked at the trees outside the window. “Do you think God can help me even though I miss Texas?” she asked.

“Of course!” Mom smiled. “The Bible talks about how God’s way is always best—He knows what He’s doing when things change in our lives and promises to help us through them. Why don’t we pray right now and ask God to help us trust Him and remember He’s with us?”

Julia smiled. “Great idea, Mom.”

–Brooke Morris

How about you? Has something big happened to you? Maybe you had to move to a new place, or you had to change schools and leave your friends behind. Change is hard, and you might feel upset about it. Remember that God has a reason for the change in your life. He will be with you through the hard times, and you can trust Him to use the changes in your life to help you grow to be more like Jesus.

Today’s key verse: I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. Philippians 1:6 (ERV)

Today’s key thought: Trust God even through change

Read: Matthew 7:21-23; Philippians 3:8-10

Wyatt and Nicholas, along with their families, joined thousands of other fans in the bleachers surrounding the basketball court. They cheered loudly for their team—and jumped up and down whenever their favorite player, Anthony Smith, dunked the ball.

When the score was tied and there were only a few seconds left in the game, Anthony got the ball again. “Come on, Anthony!” Nicholas shouted. “You can do it!”

They watched in awe as the ball sailed across the court and into the basket just as the buzzer sounded.

“He did it!” Wyatt yelled, jumping out of his seat. “They won!”

Once the cheering had stopped and the crowd began to leave, Wyatt turned to Nicholas. “Let’s go to the locker room. I can’t wait to meet Anthony!”

“I’m sure they don’t let just anybody into the locker room,” Wyatt’s mom said.

“No, but Nicholas knows Anthony. He used to live in Anthony’s hometown. Come on, Nicholas! You can get us in, right?”

“He’ll probably be too busy to talk to us now,” Nicholas said, averting his eyes to avoid the look his mother was giving him.

“Then can you take me to meet him later?” Wyatt asked.

“I’m sorry, Wyatt, but I don’t think Nicholas will be able to do that,” Nicholas’s mother said as she glared at her son.

Suddenly, Wyatt realized Nicholas didn’t really know Anthony Smith at all.

At church the next day, Wyatt told his teacher about the game. “Nicholas said he knew Anthony Smith, but he really didn’t. I can’t believe he’d lie to me like that!”

“He did lie to you, and that was wrong,” said Mr. Jones. “But I wonder if he also lied to himself. Sometimes we can fool ourselves into thinking we know someone when we really only know about them. For example, we can say we know Jesus because we’ve heard about Him in church. Maybe we can even quote verses about Him from the Bible. But if we’ve never admitted that we need Him to save us from sin and trusted Him as our Savior, we don’t know Him personally—we only know about Him.”

“I’ve trusted Jesus to forgive my sins, so that means I really know Him,” said Wyatt. He sighed. “And I know He’ll help me forgive Nicholas for lying to me.”

–Jan L. Hansen

How about you? Do you know Jesus as your friend and Savior? Or is He someone you only know about? He wants to be your very best friend and be with you every day of your life. You can know Him personally by trusting Him as your Savior. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. Philippians 3:10 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: You can know Jesus personally

Read: John 1:35-42

“Hey, Nicholas, wait up!” Wyatt called as he ran to catch up with a new boy in his class. “Didn’t you just move here from Chelton?”

“Yeah,” said Nicholas. “Got here last week.”

Wyatt beamed. “Isn’t that the hometown of Anthony Smith, the basketball player? Do you know him?”

“Oh yeah, I know Anthony,” Nicholas said, happy to meet someone who was interested in basketball.

“Chelton is a small town, so everybody knows everybody. I’ve seen Anthony play lots of times, and he even helped coach my team at basketball camp when he was in high school. He taught me everything I know about basketball.”

Wyatt and Nicholas became close friends. If they weren’t playing ball, they were talking about it and hoping they could see Anthony Smith play. Nicholas always spoke proudly of his friendship with the famous basketball player. “My mom says I listen to him better than I do to her,” he said with a grin.

Soon the boys’ parents made plans to see Anthony Smith play. Their families would sit together in the bleachers close to the court. Everyone was looking forward to the big day.

On the Sunday before the game, Wyatt could hardly contain himself as he shared the news with his class at church. “Guess what! I’m going to meet Anthony Smith!”

“The basketball player?” asked his teacher, Mr. Jones.

“Yes! My friend Nicholas knows him,” said Wyatt. “We have tickets to see him play this week!”

“No way!” said one of the boys.

Wyatt nodded. “Nicholas talks about Anthony all the time. Since he knows him, I’ll get to meet him after the game!”

“That’s great, Wyatt!” said Mr. Jones. “And that’s also a good intro for what we’re going to talk about in class today—the importance of telling others about Jesus. Your friend Nicholas is a good example of someone who is eager to talk about an important person he knows. Are we just as eager to tell people that we know Jesus? He’s the Creator of the universe who became human and died for our sins so we could have a relationship with Him. When we share how exciting it is to know Jesus, we give others an opportunity to know Him too.”

–Jan L. Hansen

How about you? Are you eager to tell your friends about important people you know? What about Jesus—do you tell others you know Him? Today’s Bible reading tells how Andrew brought his own brother to meet Jesus. You can introduce a brother, sister, or friend to Jesus too! Tell them how wonderful it is to know Him personally and that they can know Him too.

Today’s key verse: The believers…preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Acts 8:4 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Share Jesus with others

Read: Philippians 4:6-8; James 5:13-16

“Mom! Amara’s in her closet crying,” called out Sadie. “She was fussing all the way home from school too!”

Sadie and Amara shared a bedroom, and Amara often hid in her side of the closet when she was upset or wanted to be alone.

Pulling back a few dresses, Mom peered into the closet. Tears were streaming down Amara’s face, and her arms were wrapped around her bent knees. Mom gently touched Amara’s arm. “Hey, sweetie, what’s the matter?”

Through her tears, Amara muttered, “A kid at school cussed at another kid. The bad words keep coming into my head.” Amara wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “Why doesn’t it go away?”

Mom crawled into the closet and held Amara. “Oh, Amara, sometimes that happens to us. When it does, we need to remember that we belong to Jesus, whose sacrifice on the cross covers all our bad thoughts—those we think on purpose and those we don’t. Let’s ask Him to help you with this.”

Mom closed her eyes and held Amara’s hands. “Dear Jesus, please help Amara know You love her and that You can help stop these bad words in her mind. Your Word tells us to share our problems with others and pray. Please help her as she struggles with these bad thoughts. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”

Mom gave Amara a hug. “You know, Amara, another thing that can help with upsetting thoughts is the Bible. There’s a verse in Philippians that tells us to think about good things, and that can help bad thoughts go away. When we read and memorize God’s Word, it helps us focus on Jesus, who promises to be with us in our struggles and give us grace.”

Mom picked up Amara’s teddy bear and wiggled it. She gave the bear a silly voice: “Amara, do you want to go find Sadie and have some ice cream with me?”

Amara smiled and nodded.

The rest of the day, Amara was her happy self, singing and playing with Sadie.

During bedtime prayers, Amara said, “Jesus, thank You for loving me and helping me think about good things.”

–Carrie Hetzel

How about you? Did you know you can talk to God about anything? No matter what you’re struggling with, He wants to hear about it and help you. Sometimes our thoughts can be troubling and scary, and it can be helpful to tell a doctor or trusted adult about how we’re feeling too. God wants us to share our struggles with one another so we can pray and point each other to the truth and love of Jesus. Let His promises in the Bible remind you that He’s with you and offers you grace in every situation.

Today’s key verse: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Seek help with struggles

Read: Hebrews 13:5-6

Daniel tightened his helmet and straddled his all-terrain vehicle.

“The gas tanks are full,” his older brother Tim shouted over the engine roar. “Let’s tear up the trails.”

Daniel kick-started his engine and revved the motor. “Oh yeah. I have a need for speed.”

“Follow me,” Tim called. He hit the gas, spinning the tires and shooting dirt and gravel everywhere.

They steered their ATVs onto the old freight train route, which had long been abandoned. The wood ties and steel rails had been removed years ago, leaving miles of continuous trails. After several miles, they entered a secluded clearing with a dozen old abandoned train cabooses nearly hidden from view. They both skidded to a stop, cut their engines, and pulled off their helmets.

“It looks like a caboose graveyard,” Daniel said.

Tim nodded. “Let’s explore.”

They set their helmets on the ATVs and cautiously walked toward the cabooses.

“You think there’s anything—or anyone—living inside them?” Daniel asked.

“We’ll know in a minute,” Tim said. “The first caboose has a broken door. Let’s go inside.”

Tim pushed the door. It creaked as it opened, sounding like a haunted house. “This is so cool,” he said.

They checked each caboose. They were all identical, with fading paint, cracked windows, and sagging doors. Daniel scratched his head. “Why would anyone abandon them?”

Tim picked up a piece of rotting wood. “Somebody felt they weren’t important anymore.”

“I’m glad that Jesus doesn’t feel that way about us,” said Daniel.

Tim tossed the wood into the tall grass. “The Bible says Jesus will never abandon us.”

Daniel smiled. “No matter what trail of life we’re on!”

“That’s right,” Tim said. “He loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins. We’re always important to Him.”

Daniel looked at the darkening sky. “We’d better head back. But I hate to just leave these things. I wonder if I can adopt a caboose.”

Tim laughed. “Have fun getting it home!”

–Matt Shoemaker

How about you? Have you ever experienced the feeling of being abandoned? People can do hurtful things that make us feel like we’re not important, but Jesus promises never to abandon those who trust in Him. He died for you and rose from the dead so you could have life with Him forever! No matter where you go or what you do, He promises to always be with you. You are important to Him.

Today’s key verse: Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Jesus will never abandon us

Read: Psalm 121; Isaiah 41:10

“Wow, Dad! Did you see those fish?” Maya’s eyes sparkled as she lifted her face out of the water and adjusted her snorkeling mask.

“I sure did!” Dad said. “Those little blue ones look like some they have in aquariums at the pet store.”

“And I almost touched one of those black-and-yellow-striped ones!” Maya was bubbling with excitement.

Dad looked at the setting sun. “Well, it’s getting late. We’d better start swimming back to shore. Are you ready?”

“So soon? Well, okay. Bet I can beat you back!” They started toward shore, but it was farther away than Maya had realized. “Dad, can we rest a minute?” she called out after a while.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Dad said as he swam up beside her. “If we do, this current may take us too far off shore. Here—” Dad stretched out his hand. “I’ll pull you along.” Soon they reached shore, tired but safe.

When they got home, Maya told her mother about their afternoon. “It’s a good thing Dad was there to tow me in to shore,” she said. “I was really tired!”

Mom smiled. “You know, I needed a little towing myself this afternoon.”

Maya looked at her in surprise. “You did?”

Mom nodded. “I was preparing the lesson I have to teach at church this week, and I felt like quitting. God used a phone call from a friend and some verses I read in the Bible to encourage me. It’s like I was towed back to a better attitude.”

“Sometimes Christians can get a little weary of doing things we know are right,” said Dad. “There are times when we need encouragement and help to move us along.”

“I know where I’d go for encouragement and help,” said Maya. “You and Mom!”

Dad chuckled. “Good. We’ll help as much as we can. God often uses other Christians to help us when we struggle against the current of temptation or difficult circumstances. But there’s an even better source of help we can run to—Jesus Himself. He saved us, and we need to learn to depend on Him in every circumstance. He’s always there to encourage us and pull us along.”

–Richard S. Maffeo

How about you? Do you sometimes get discouraged in living the Christian life? Do you struggle with temptation or get made fun of for doing what’s right? When you need help and encouragement, turn to Jesus. He may use a Bible verse or another Christian to encourage you. Whenever you’re feeling down, trust Him to be with you and give you the help you need.

Today’s key verse: I [God] am with you…I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Look to Jesus for help

Read: Ephesians 4:26-32

The baseball blasted off Logan’s bat like a rocket.

“Nice shot,” Jayden said.

The ball crashed through the upstairs window of the Cooleys’ house. Mrs. Cooley screamed, and a man’s shouts filled the air.

Logan dropped his bat. “We’re dead. Let’s get out of here.”

Jayden was already tightening his shoe laces. “If we’re gonna run, it’s now or never.”

Mr. Cooley appeared from inside the broken window. “Stay right there, Jayden!” he yelled. “I’m coming down. You’re gonna pay for this!”

Jayden froze. “How does he know my name?” he asked Logan.

The boys moved closer together as Mr. Cooley stepped into the yard and stomped toward them.

“Guess you won’t have to wash the window today, dear,” Mrs. Cooley called from inside.

Mr. Cooley stopped—and smiled. “She’s been wanting me to clean that thing all day, but I didn’t want to pull out the ladder. You two may have done me a favor.”

Logan looked at Mr. Cooley nervously. “We’ll pay for the damages,” he said.

Mr. Cooley sighed. “I really erupted like Mount St. Helens, didn’t I?”

Jayden scratched his head. “Who’s St. Helen? Your wife?”

Mr. Cooley laughed. “No. Not my wife. Mount St. Helens is a volcano in Washington State that blew it’s top in 1980. It was one of the largest natural disasters in US history.” He shook his head. “Sorry, boys. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. It was wrong.”

“You’re saying sorry—to us?” Jayden asked. “But we busted your window!”

“And I overreacted,” said Mr. Cooley. “The Bible has a lot to say about anger. While it’s okay to feel angry, we shouldn’t let our anger cause us to sin and keep us from showing others God’s love.” He smiled at the boys. “It’s clear I’m still learning lessons about controlling my anger.”

Jayden smiled back. “That’s okay.”

“And you boys need to learn some lessons too,” Mr. Cooley said. “Like not to play baseball too close to houses.” Mr. Cooley held up the ball and pointed to Jayden’s name written on it. “And to never write your name on a ball if you’re going to send it through a window.” He winked. “There are too many hotheads living around here!”

–Matt Shoemaker

How about you? Do you have trouble controlling your anger? Does your temper erupt like a volcano? It’s natural to get angry, but letting anger lead to hurtful and unkind words does a lot of damage and keeps you from showing others God’s love. When you feel like you’re about to blow your top, stop and remember how much Jesus loves you. Then trust Him to help you love others the way He does.

Today’s key verse: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Control anger

Read: 1 John 1:5-9

Holding his dirty, greasy hands high in front of him, Dad pushed the kitchen door open with his elbow. “Please turn on the faucet for me, Charlie,” he said. “I don’t want to touch anything.”

“Wow!” said Charlie, quickly turning on the water. “How did you get your hands so dirty?”

“I’ve been working on the car,” replied Dad.

Charlie shook his head. “You’ll never get those hands clean.”

“Sure I will,” said Dad. “But not with regular soap. There’s some special hand cleaner under the sink. It’s made for removing grease and oil.”

Charlie reached under the sink and pulled out the container of hand cleaner. Dad sank his fingers into the goo and rubbed it over his hands. He worked it in well, scrubbing between his fingers and around the nails with a soft brush. When he was finished, he rinsed his hands under the warm water. “What do you think?” he asked, holding up his hands for Charlie to inspect.

“That’s amazing!” said Charlie. “You had the dirtiest hands I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe you got them so clean!” Dad grinned as he dried his hands.

That evening Dad and Charlie watched a news report about a prisoner who said he had turned his life over to Christ and was now totally changed. Charlie turned to Dad. “Did you hear all the awful things that guy did?” he asked. “He can’t just say he’s sorry and be forgiven after doing all those horrible things, can he?”

“If he’s trusted Jesus as his Savior, God has forgiven him,” Dad replied. “Jesus shed His blood on the cross for our sins, and that blood is powerful enough to cleanse even the most sinful of souls.”

“So if a person trusts Jesus to save them from sin, God will forgive them no matter what they’ve done?” asked Charlie.

Dad nodded and held up his hands. “The blood of Jesus is far more powerful than the cleanser I used on my dirty, greasy hands,” he said. “Jesus’s blood truly is an amazing cleanser!”

–Judith A. Philip

How about you? Has your sin been washed away by Jesus’s blood? Maybe you’ve done some really terrible things and don’t think you could ever be forgiven. It doesn’t matter how big or small your sins seem to you or other people. All sin is terrible in God’s sight, but Jesus’s blood is powerful enough to wash it all away! Confess your sin and trust in Him, and He will forgive you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: The blood of Jesus washes sin away

Read: John 15:9-14; 1 John 3:16-18

“Mom, there he is! Grab the bag!” Harper pressed her nose against the glass of the car window as Mom smiled and handed the man on the corner a bag filled with food and treats.

The man smiled and said, “God bless you!” as he accepted the free gift.

Whenever they went out, Mom, Harper, and Lincoln would bring a bag of food for anyone they saw who was in need. Then they would pray for the person after they received their bag.

“Dear God,” Lincoln prayed, “please help this man have enough food to fill him up today, and give him a warm place to sleep tonight. Most of all, if he doesn’t know You, we pray that he would open up his heart to you. Amen.”

“I bet he’ll love those chocolate chip banana muffins we made!” Harper said with a grin.

Lincoln laughed. “Yeah, good thing we went out today. There might not have been any left if we hadn’t—they were so tasty!”

Harper grew quiet as she looked out her window. “Mom? Do you think that man knows what love is?”

“Do you remember the verse we wrote down and put in the bag for him?” Mom asked.

“Yeah! First John 3:16. ‘This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.’”

“Exactly right,” Mom answered. “Do you know the rest of that verse? It says, ‘And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.’”

“We can’t die for people every day!” Lincoln reasoned.

Mom laughed. “No, we can’t. But we can let our words and actions tell others that Jesus loved them enough to die for them. We not only need to tell people about God’s love, we need to show it in the way we act toward others.”

“So I guess that man does know what love is, because we showed him!” Harper said excitedly.

“Hey, Mom?” Lincoln asked as they pulled into their driveway. “After we unload the groceries, will you show us the love of Jesus by making us more muffins?”

–Savannah Coleman

How about you? Do you want to show others love? God showed us the greatest love there is by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us. You can share that love with others every day through your actions as well as your words. Can you make a card for someone who is sick or rake up leaves for an elderly neighbor? God will use whatever you do for Him to show others His free gift of love in Jesus Christ.

Today’s key verse: Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Show God’s love in action

Read: Isaiah 42:6-7; Luke 4:18; 10:23-24

“Mom, what’s that lady doing over there?” Layla pointed to a woman with dark glasses who was tapping a small thin cane back and forth on the floor.

“She’s blind,” Mom answered as she placed a bag of sugar in their shopping cart. “That cane helps her know where she’s going.”

“You mean she can’t see?” Layla asked, feeling sorry for the woman.

“That’s right.” Mom looked at the woman again. “Wait, that’s Rebecca Thomas! She lives down the street from us. Let’s go say hello.”

After talking to Miss Thomas for a while, they finished their shopping and were soon on their way home.

“Mom, I don’t understand something,” Layla said. “How can Miss Thomas be so happy? If I was blind, I’d be miserable!”

“Rebecca used to be miserable, even before she went blind,” Mom replied. “She once told me that before she knew Jesus, she only thought about herself and her own comforts and desires. After she lost her sight, she became very bitter. Then someone told her about Jesus, and she trusted Him as her Savior. He helped her see in a whole new way. Now she uses her time to help other blind people know about God’s grace and love.”

“Wow! So she’s happy because Jesus helped her see better as a blind person?”

Mom laughed. “I guess you could say that. He helped her see His love for her and her need for Him, and He’s using her to help others see they need Him too.”

“Like in the song ‘Amazing Grace,’” said Layla. “How does that part go? ‘I was blind, but now I see.’”

Mom nodded as she turned the car into their driveway. “Even though Miss Thomas can’t see physically anymore, Jesus gave her spiritual sight so she could see and know Him. He used a bad situation in her life and turned it into something good. Now she’s helping others who are going through dark, difficult times know that the goodness of Jesus and the joy of knowing Him outweighs everything bad.”

“I’m going to remember that,” Layla said. “I want to help others see and know Jesus too!”

–Elena Ketner

How about you? Has Jesus given you sight? Can you see His great love for you? You can’t see Him with your physical eyes, but with spiritual sight, you’re able to see the love and grace He offers everyone. You can have peace knowing He’s always with you, even in life’s darkest moments, and you can help others see Him too. Seeing and knowing Him is the greatest blessing of all. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: Then Jesus turned to his followers…He said, “It is a great blessing for you to see what you now see!” Luke 10:23 (ERV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus gives spiritual sight

Read: Joshua 2:8-11

“Here you go.” Louis handed his sister a doll. “I found her on the ground outside and didn’t want you to lose her.”

Louis looked to his mom as his sister ran off. “Grandma and I have been reading the Old Testament together,” he said. “That’s the first part of the Bible. There are some pretty cool stories in it.”

“Yeah?” Mom said, glancing up from the cookbook open in front of her.

Louis nodded. “God helped the Israelites by making the water part so they could walk across it. And He rescued them and helped them fight bad guys. He even made a donkey talk.”

Mom smiled like she didn’t believe him. “I don’t know, bud,” she said. “If all of that was true, wouldn’t other people have noticed? Wouldn’t they all have believed in and worshiped God?”

“There are stories of that too,” Louis said. “There was one woman who told the Israelites that the people where she lived were scared because they’d heard stories of what God could do.”

Mom looked at him for a long moment before closing the cookbook. “You know,” she said quietly, “I guess I can see how maybe…well…” She sighed. “I have seen you changing since you started going to church and studying the Bible with your grandma. You’re a lot kinder to your sister, for one. And you’re helpful at home. Maybe there’s something to all of that.”

“There is!” Louis said. “Jesus made me a new person and helps me love others. I can tell you so many stories about God, Mom.”

Mom smiled. “I might have you do that one day.”

Louis hoped it would be soon. “Not today?” he asked.

Mom shook her head. “I need to get dinner going.”

“Okay.” Louis sighed. “I’ll go play with Lily while you do.” If being nice to his sister was helping to convince his mom that there was a God and that He was up to great things, he would keep praying and trusting God to help him be a good big brother.

Please, God, he prayed, help Mom believe. Thank you for doing big things to show people that You are real and powerful and that you love them.

–Emily Acker

How about you? Have you ever shared a story from the Bible with someone to help them know more about God? Have you shared what Jesus has done for you and how He’s changed your life? God’s power is as real today as it was in the past, and you can help others know about it. As you share God’s truth from the Bible and let His love be seen in your life, others can know how powerful and good He is.

Today’s key verse: Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Show God’s power

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

“Mrs. Melton sure is going to like the dinner we’re taking to her,” Kehlani said, buckling her seat belt and peeking at the rolls under the bread cloth.

Mom smiled. “I think so too. Her hands must be full with the new baby.”

Kehlani put both hands firmly on the warm bowl of rolls. “Mom, will I have a baby when I grow up?”

“I don’t know, honey,” Mom replied. “Only God knows that.”

“But I want to know. I want Him to tell me now.” Kehlani stared glumly out the window as they approached a stop sign.

“Turn right at the next intersection,” said a voice on Mom’s phone, and Mom did as instructed.

“Didn’t we pass the library the last time we drove to the Meltons’?” Kehlani asked, twisting in her seat to look back at the intersection. “Is the map on your phone wrong?”

“No. It knows where it’s taking us,” Mom assured her. “The Meltons moved to a new house last month, remember?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” Kehlani leaned back. “Good thing your phone knows where to go. It tells you each direction just when you need it.”

Mom nodded. “It’s a little like what God does. He directs each turn in our lives—just one turn at a time.”

“But how does He give directions?” asked Kehlani. “Through the Bible?”

“Yes, often through the Bible,” Mom replied. “And sometimes He uses other things to point us in the right direction. Like…a phone call telling us someone is in the hospital might also tell us to pray for that person or go visit them.”

“Turn left,” the voice broke in.

“When I’m driving, I don’t need to know all the turns right away. All I need is the next turn,” said Mom. “We don’t need to know all the turns in life either. We just need to remember that God will reveal each next turn in His perfect time. He’s our heavenly Father who sent His own Son to die for us and make us His children, and we can trust Him to guide us through all of life’s turns.”

Kehlani grinned as the car wheels crunched on a gravel driveway. “I think I know my next turn—taking these rolls in to Mrs. Melton!”

–Laura Raborn

How about you? Do you wonder what kind of job you’ll have when you grow up? Or where you’ll live? Or who your friends will be? God knows every detail of your future, but you don’t have to know it all now. What direction does He have for you today? Is it to help out at church, or to be there for a friend in need? Trust Him to show the turns you should take, one by one.

Today’s key verse: Do not worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Trust God for life’s next step

Read: Jeremiah 23:24; Hebrews 4:13

Mark and Sarah ran home. “Dad!”

Dad was in the kitchen. “Did you record videos of ducks at the park?”

“Sarah and I…” Mark panted, “saw…a crime!”

Sarah handed Dad his phone. “A lady’s purse was stolen!”

“This is serious,” Dad said. “You two are eyewitnesses. What happened?”

“We set your phone on a bench and started the video,” Sarah said. “Then we put bread out for the ducks and hid.”

“Someone yelled,” Mark said. “We looked and saw a guy grab a lady’s purse and run away. He never saw us, but we saw him!”

“The thief ran into the parking lot,” Sarah said. “He jumped into a pickup truck and sped away.”

“A red Ford,” Mark said, nodding.

Sarah shook her head. “A rusty brown Chevy.”

Dad grabbed a pen and paper and began writing. “What did he look like?”

Mark fanned his sweaty T-shirt. “I’ll never forget him as long as I live—he had brown hair and a beard.”

Sarah looked at Dad. “He only had a mustache.”

“And he had a tattoo of a compass on his arm,” Mark said.

Sarah pictured it in her mind. “It was an anchor.”

“I hope the purse-snatcher won’t get away,” Mark groaned.

Dad tapped his Bible. “I’m sure he’s hiding, but who can’t he hide from?”

“That’s easy,” Mark said. “God!”

“Right,” Dad said. “The Bible tells us He sees everything we do—both good and bad. Humans can’t see everything, and we often get the details wrong. But God sees us perfectly and knows every detail of our lives. He knows we all do wrong things, but He loves us so much that Jesus died to save us. We can’t hide anything from Him.”

“Wow, God’s the ultimate eyewitness!” Mark said.

Dad held up his phone. “You said you had the video running the whole time?”

Seconds later they watched the clip—and every detail of the purse-snatching was there. Even a clear shot of the man’s face—and his truck.

“The camera caught everything,” Mark said. “But God sees every detail even better!”

Dad dialed 9-1-1. “Hello, I’d like to report a crime.”

–Matt Shoemaker

How about you? Have you ever tried to hide something you did? Some people think that because they can’t see God, He doesn’t see them. That’s not true. Even if our sins are not seen by others, God sees them. He doesn’t miss anything, ever. He sees everything clearly and in exact detail—and even when we sin, He still loves us. Instead of hiding your sin, confess it to Him and He will forgive you.

Today’s key verse: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: God sees everything

Read: Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14-15

Jackson Henry! Had Dad really called out that name to be in their small group nature walk tomorrow? Nolan was still mad at Jackson for goofing around and breaking his compass on their last church campout. Renewed anger filled Nolan. He stomped off to the cabin.

A few minutes later, Dad opened the door. “Come with me. I want to show you something.” Dad’s tone left no room for argument.

Sighing, Nolan scuffed across the floor to the door then followed Dad down a trail.

Dad stopped by a large rock and pointed toward the top of a tall tree. “See that spruce tree with the orange yellow clump on its branches?”

“Yes.” Nolan looked intently at the tree. “Is it some kind of nest?”

“No. The tree is diseased with a fungus commonly called broom rust. The mass created by the disease looks like the bristles of a straw broom.”

Nolan studied the bristled mass. “Why don’t the forest rangers treat the tree to kill the disease?”

“They can’t. Once a tree is diseased, there is no cure.”

“That’s too bad,” Nolan said.

“I agree. You know, that same type of thing happens to people. Our feelings get hurt or a possession gets broken, and instead of forgiving the offender, we carry a grudge. Holding a grudge causes bitterness to fester and grow inside of us. Over time, it shows on our faces and in our actions—kind of like that fungus on the tree.” Dad raised his brows. “I saw your reaction after I read Jackson’s name. I’m confused. I thought you forgave Jackson when he apologized for breaking your compass.”

“I tried,” Nolan said. “But I feel angry when I think about my compass or when Jackson’s around. I’m not sure how to get rid of the bad feelings.”

Dad put a hand on Nolan’s shoulder. “Unlike the infected spruce tree, Christians have someone who can cure our spiritual diseases, like grudges. Jesus died so you could be forgiven for all your sins, and He can heal your heart. Trust Him to help you forgive others and replace those feelings of anger and bitterness with love. Have you asked Him to help you forgive Jackson?”

“No, but I will.” Nolan bowed his head and began to pray.

–Rose Ross Zediker

How about you? When someone wrongs you, do you dwell on the incident and harbor ill feelings toward that person? God tells us to forgive as He forgives us. He doesn’t dwell on our past mistakes because Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross for all our sins. Forgiving can be hard, but if you depend on God to help you, He can replace the bad feelings in your heart with His love.

Today’s key verse: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Trust God to help you forgive