CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

"Shoulder to shoulder, then fold it over," Jordan recited as he laid a final T-shirt in the laundry basket. He glanced up as his father came in and set several bags of groceries on the counter. Jordan greeted him with a smile. "Hi, Dad!" he said. "Mom's not back from her Bible study yet, but I had a snack, and I've already done my chores." He patted the clothes he had folded. "Good," Dad said cheerfully. "How was school?" "Okay," replied Jordan. "I don't have homework, so can I go over to Drew's?" Eyeing the laundry Jordan had folded, Dad lifted a T-shirt and examined it. "Where did you get this load of laundry?" he asked. "In the laundry room, of course," replied Jordan. Dad frowned and shook his head. "The basket with clean clothes is in the hallway," he said. "You got socks out of it this morning, remember?" "Oh no!" Jordan exclaimed. "You mean I wasted time folding dirty clothes?" He looked at the basket. "I didn't even notice that those things weren't clean," he said. "They don't look dirty. Just this once, can we put them away and not tell Mom?" Dad chuckled. "You really think she wouldn't notice?" he asked. "Jordan, when we try to hide wrong things we do, we only deceive ourselves." "Deceive," echoed Jordan. "We talked about that in Bible club last night. Mr. Phil read a verse that says something about deceiving ourselves. He said that's what we do when we try to convince ourselves that some sinful thing we've done is not so bad and isn't really sin." Dad nodded. "We sometimes manage to fool ourselves and other people, but we don't fool God at all." Jordan sighed. "Well, I guess it wasn't sinful to fold this stuff, but putting it away to deceive Mom would be," he said, looking at a small stain in one of the shirts he had folded. "It wouldn't fool her for very long, anyway. It wouldn't even fool me--I'd feel guilty about it. I guess I better put these back in the laundry room and fold the clothes in the other basket. Want to help me?" "Sure," agreed Dad with a grin, "if you'll help me put away the groceries." How About You? Do you try to convince yourself that some wrong thing you've done is okay and you're not sinning? It's easy to see that things like murder, stealing a lots of money, or bowing down to idols is sin, right? How about stealing just a little, speaking rudely, being jealous of someone who has a toy you want, or pretending to be busy with schoolwork when you should be helping with chores at home? Do you recognize those as sin, too? Examine your life, confess your sin, and receive forgiveness. Today's Key Verse: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8) Today's Key Thought: Don't try to hide sin

Jana plopped down on the couch. "I don't know what to think of Sophia," she told her mother. "She's a lot of fun, but sometimes she talks about sites she looks at on the internet--not good ones! And she watches some of the TV shows you won't let me watch. I've told her she should quit all that, but she just laughs." "I don't know Sophia," said Mom. "Is she a Christian?" Jana frowned and shook her head. "I don't think so, but she says her mom scolds her for watching that kind stuff. She doesn't make her turn it off, though. Sophia likes to watch it and doesn't think it hurts her a bit. I think it does. I told her it's probably where she picks up all the bad words she uses." "Buffy! Come back with that!" Brian's cry rang down the hall. "Mommy! Buffy has my shoe!" he yelled. The puppy dashed into the room and ran under the dining room table. "Give it to me, Buffy," ordered Mom. Buffy growled softly. "Come on, Buffy." Jana laughed. "I'll get it," she said. She got a dog biscuit and knelt beside the table. "Here, Buffy!" she said, holding out the treat. "Do you want something good?" The puppy quickly dropped the shoe and snatched the food. Mom grinned as she picked up the shoe. "Now why didn't I think of that?" she said. As Buffy and Brian went romping down the hall, Mom turned to Jana. "You know, to get the shoe from Buffy, you offered him something better. I wonder . . . You've talked to Sophia about things she shouldn't do, but have you told her that God offers something much better? Does she know she can enjoy peace and good times in life on earth and also have eternal life in heaven some day? Have you told her of the wonderful love of Jesus and what He's done for her?" Jana looked surprised. "No, I guess not," she admitted. "Many people who have tried all the pleasures of sin testify that Jesus gives more joy and contentment than anything the world has to offer," said Mom. "I know I should tell Sophia about Jesus," Jana murmured. Then she smiled. "I think I'll start by inviting her to my Bible club party next week. After that, maybe she'll go to the regular club meetings with me, too." How About You? Do some of your friends do things that are not good? Don't just tell them what they're doing wrong or what they should give up. Tell them about the blessings of being a Christian. The world offers some types of pleasure, but God offers the best life--not only in the world to come, but now as well. Let your friends know they can have the assurance of heaven some day, the joy and peace of having sins forgiven, and the fellowship and fun of being with other Christians. Today's Key Verse: The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. (Psalm 126:3) Today's Key Thought: God offers the best life

Hannah's screams brought her mother running. Picking up the shaking little girl, Mom looked at her two sons. "What have you done to scare Hannah now, boys?" she demanded. "She's such a baby," Josiah said scornfully. "She's scared of a little worm." The sound of a car in the driveway drew everyone's attention. "It's Dad," yelled Jeremy. "With our new computer!" The boys raced for the garage. Jeremy and Josiah helped Dad unpack and set up the computer. While Dad read the instructions, the boys looked through the application files, searching for a game. "I don't think there are any games on this computer," Josiah complained. Dad looked up. "There probably are, but the clerk said there are also games on this disc he gave me," said Dad. "Hold on a minute." He finished installing some software, then slipped the disc into the CD drive and hit a button. A game appeared on the screen---one that featured monsters chasing each other. "Look at the monster, Hannah. It's going to get you!" Jeremy teased, pointing to the screen. "Turn that off right now!" ordered Mom. The boys howled in protest, but she insisted. "You've been scaring Hannah, and it has to stop," she said firmly. Dad nodded. "When we're born, our minds are a little bit like this computer, boys," he said. "A computer does what it's programmed to do. In a way, our minds do, too, and they are programmed by things we see and read and do." "That's one reason why we have family devotions and provide good books and other things for you," Mom said. "That's why we've chosen to not have a television and why we block out certain internet sites." "That's right," agreed Dad. He frowned. "But you boys are programming fear into Hannah. If you don't stop, I'll put some fear in you!" The boys knew what he meant--they'd be punished if they kept scaring their sister. "I'm sorry," said Joshua, and Jeremy nodded. "If you're truly sorry, do what you can to influence your sister in a good way and program good things into her mind," Dad ordered. "Now, with Mom's permission, we'll find some better games." How About You? Are you programming the right things into a little brother or sister? How about into yourself? Do you read, watch, and listen to things that program good things into your mind? Is God pleased with what He sees flashing through your thoughts? Is He pleased with the influence you're having on others? The Bible verses assigned for you to read today tell what God wants you to have in your mind. Meditate on those kinds of things. Today's Key Verse: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts. (Hebrews 8:10) Today's Key Thought: Influence others in a good way

David turned off his alarm clock and stretched. Sunday morning's message still bothered him. Pastor Hill had stressed the need to trust Jesus as Savior, and David had almost decided to talk to the pastor or his dad about it. Maybe I should have, he thought, but . . . oh, well, I'm almost sure I'm saved anyway. He shook the thoughts from his mind. Right now he had other things to think about--baseball, for instance. David was shortstop for the Lions. Today we play the Bears for the city-wide championship, he thought, jumping out of bed. I can't wait! Finally it was time for the game to begin, and both teams were eager to win. As the game progressed, it became obvious that they were well matched. First the Lions were ahead, then the Bears, and then the Lions went ahead again. Unhappily for David and his teammates, the Bears scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and won the championship. "That was a great game!" Dad said as they drove home. "You played very well." "A great game?" David shook his head. "We lost!" "You ended up as the second place team in the whole city. You should feel good about that," said Mom encouragingly. "Yeah," his sister agreed. "Your team almost won!" "Well, almost isn't enough!" mumbled David. He seemed determined to be discouraged. Dad gave him a thoughtful look. "You almost persuade me to become a Christian," he murmured. "What?" David frowned. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "I was thinking of King Agrippa's answer to the Apostle Paul. Pastor Hill referred to it in his message Sunday morning," Dad replied. "And you're right, David. Almost isn't enough--neither in winning baseball games nor in getting to heaven." David was startled. He was almost certain he was saved--but what if he wasn't? He had considered talking to someone about it last Sunday. Now he knew he shouldn't put it off any longer. Being almost sure he was a Christian was not enough. "Ah . . . Dad, can we talk when we get home?" he asked. "I have to make sure about something." How About You? Are you almost sure you're a Christian? Perhaps you hear your parents, pastor, Sunday school teacher, or other Christians talk about trusting in Jesus Christ, and you think you're a Christian, too. In fact, you're almost sure of it, but not quite. Make sure right now. See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book. If you need help to understand, talk with a parent, teacher, or other mature Christian. Don't wait any longer. Receive Jesus as Savior today and know that you are truly saved. Today's Key Verse: Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." (Acts 26:28) Today's Key Thought: Accept Jesus today

"No-no, Janey," said Beth, who was baby-sitting her little brother and sister. "It's not nice to grab things from other people." Three-year-old Jane had pulled a stuffed monkey away from her baby brother, causing him to cry. The little girl clutched the cuddly toy that had been in one-year-old Toby's arms. "Janey wants it," she said stubbornly as she tried to hide it behind her. "You'll have to wait until Toby is through playing with it," replied Beth. She gently pried the monkey out of her sister's chubby fingers and returned it to Toby. "Let's play with these blocks. Okay, honey?" Still pouting, Janey nodded. They stacked blocks up high, but Toby promptly grabbed some of them. This time Beth had to mildly scold the little boy. "Mom," said Beth when her mother came into the room, "Janey and Toby are always taking each other's things. What one has, the other one wants." "I know." Mom nodded. "We have to teach them to not be greedy." A few days later, Beth went straight to her room after school. BANG! She slammed her bedroom door, causing the windows to rattle. She angrily kicked a stuffed bear that was on the floor. THUD! It bounced off the wall. Mom knocked, then opened the door. "Beth!" she exclaimed. "What's going on?" Beth scowled. "It's Sara. She was voted in as class president today. You should see her strutting down the hall at school!" Beth's face puckered. "I wanted to win so bad!" "I'm sorry you didn't win," said Mom, "but being bitter will only make you feel worse." "Oh-h-h!" A loud wail echoed through the hall as Toby toddled into the room, clutching a storybook. "Toby took my book!" cried Janey, following close behind him. "Give it to me, Toby!" After settling the problem, Mom shook her head. "Babies tend to want what someone else has," she said. "That's coveting. They need to learn to be content with what they have." She solemnly looked at Beth. "Are you a baby, Beth?" Beth glanced at Mom in surprise. "Me!" exclaimed Beth. "What do you mean? I . . . Oh!" She sighed. "Okay," she said. "You're saying I need to be content and not be jealous of Sara or pout because I didn't win. I get the point." How About You? Are you angry because someone else got picked for a part you wanted? Are you crabby because all your friends got new outfits but Mom said you didn't need one? Maybe you didn't make the basketball team, but your best friend did. Are you learning to put away the frown, wear a smile, and be thankful for what you have? Being happy with your circumstances may not come easily, but you need to learn to be content with what God gives you. Thank Him today for His gifts to you. Today's Key Verse: Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. (Hebrews 13:5) Today's Key Thought: Don't covet what others have

Nothing went right all day! Lanita thought, slamming her bedroom door. Why couldn't Dad take me to school this morning? I hate to ride the bus. And Mom should have bought bread yesterday so I wouldn't have to buy lunch at school. I hate to wait in line. With a frown, Lanita jumped into bed without praying. She didn't feel like talking to God. Why couldn't I stay up a little longer? she thought angrily. I'm not sleepy yet. I hate being sent here like a baby! Lanita sighed when she heard a gentle knock on her door. Here comes a scolding! she thought. She knew she deserved it for the way she had behaved. Dad opened the door. Handing Lanita her robe, he said, "Put this on, honey. There's something outside I want you to see." Lanita moaned but put on the robe. Out on the deck a few minutes later, Dad pointed to the moon. It was so bright and looked so huge! Dad took a dime from his pocket and handed it to Lanita. "Hold this out in front of you. Then close one eye and see if you can cover the moon with the dime," he said. Puzzled, Lanita held up the dime. "Can you do it?" Dad asked. "Sure." Lanita nodded. "You can completely block out something as big and beautiful and bright as a full moon with one small dime," said Dad. "That's an example of how little things can block out much bigger things." "Like . . . what?" asked Lanita, still puzzled. "For example, this morning you complained about your lunch and the bus. This evening, you grumbled about having to do homework," said Dad. "I think you forgot more important things--like that you are loved, have many friends, and enjoy good health." He smiled and gave Lanita a hug. "The Bible says to put off the characteristics of the 'old man' and put on the 'new man,'" Dad reminded her. "When we do that, we're not so likely to allow little things to hurt our fellowship with each other--and especially with God." Lanita knew she had let little things spoil her relationship with her family and also with her heavenly Father. "I-I'm sorry for the way I acted," she said, giving Dad a quick hug. "After this, I'll try to remember the dime and the moon." She hesitated. "May I go downstairs and apologize to Mom, too?" Smiling, Dad nodded. "You may," he said. "That's a very good idea." How About You? Do you make a big fuss about little things? Has it spoiled relationships for you? In today's Scripture, you read the characteristics in what God calls the old man and the new man. Which ones are prominent in your life? Make up your mind right now that you won't let little things bring out those old characteristics and get between you and others or between you and God. Search your heart for things that spoil fellowship with Him. Confess them and ask Him to remove them. Today's Key Verse: Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you. (Ephesians 4:31) Today's Key Thought: Don't sweat little things

For days after Cory and his family visited the Kennedy Space Center, Cory talked of nothing but the space program. "It would be cool to be an astronaut," he said. "It must have been really cool to be on that very first flight into space!" "Cory," said Dad, "did you know that space travel has been around since Jesus' time?" "Aw-w-w, Dad, you heard the guide," objected Cory. "The first manned space flight was made in 1961." "Read this." Dad handed Cory a Bible opened to the book of Acts. "Read verses nine through eleven of the first chapter." Cory silently read the verses. "So you see," said Dad with a grin, "Jesus went up into heaven--space travel!" Cory laughed. "Okay . . . space travel, but a different kind," he said. "Right," said Dad, "and Jesus is coming again someday. When He comes, all who have accepted Him as Savior will be taken up to heaven to be with Him-- making them space travelers, too." "But not like the space travelers we heard about at the space center!" exclaimed Cory. "No," Dad agreed. "For example, the guide at the center said the government spent millions and millions of dollars on the space missions, but our space travel will be free." "Cool!" Cory exclaimed. "It's free to us, that is, but don't forget that it cost Jesus a great deal," Dad added. "He gave His life for us, taking the punishment we deserve. He paid the price for our salvation so that those who accept Him as Savior can go free." Cory nodded. "The astronauts need special clothes, too," he observed, "but we won't need space suits--nor helmets, either." "Nope," said Dad, "although God does refer to our salvation as a garment and a robe of righteousness. So in a sense, only those who have on their special space suit of salvation will be taken to heaven." "I have mine on!" Cory said with a grin. Dad smiled. "I'm glad," he said, "and I have mine on, too." How About You? Will you take a space trip when Jesus returns? Are you wearing the salvation space suit? You receive it when you believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for your sin and you trust Him to forgive you and save you. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Make sure you'll be ready when Jesus returns. Today's Key Verse: He (God) has clothed me with the garments of salvation . . . with the robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) Today's Key Thought: Be ready for Jesus' return

"Lori totally ignored me at our class party," complained Emily to her friend Kayla. "What a snob!" "Yeah," agreed Kayla. "Lots of times she doesn't speak to me, either--unless she wants some help with math or something. She's so two-faced! But who needs Miss Stuck-Up anyway?" Kayla glanced at her watch. "Oh, it's getting late. I better go." After Kayla left, Emily went to the kitchen where her mother was working. "Oh-h-h! Are you making brownies?" asked Emily. "Yes, I am," Mom answered as she measured sugar. "Yum!" Emily picked up a spoon that still held a bit of chocolate and stuck it in her mouth before Mom could stop her. "Oh, yuck!" Emily groaned and made a face. "This tastes awful! Mom, what's wrong with that chocolate?" she asked. "There's nothing wrong with it, but it's unsweetened chocolate. It doesn't have sugar in it," Mom explained. "I was going to warn you, but it was too late." Thoughtfully, she added, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with Kayla. It was something like that chocolate." "What do you mean?" Emily asked in surprise. "Well, chocolate without sugar is bitter, isn't it?" Mom replied. "Things we say can be bitter, too--and it seems to me that the things the two of you said were just that. Bitter--with no sweetness at all." "But all we said is that Lori is stuck-up, and she is!" protested Emily. "We're not mean to her. We're always helping her with homework and stuff." "That's good, but . . . if she heard your words, what would she think? The old saying, 'Actions speak louder than words,' is true, but words do speak.The Bible says our words should 'impart grace to the hearer.'" Emily shrugged. "Well, Lori didn't hear us," she said. "I'm glad of that, but I did hear you, and I didn't feel any grace," Mom replied. "Chocolate needs to be sweetened to taste good, and our actions and words need to be sweetened, too--sweetened with love. The Bible says even good things we do are worthless if we don't have love. Be sure to remember that, okay?" Emily nodded slowly. "Okay," she agreed. "I'll do my best to remember." How About You? Do you pursue love? Today's Key Verse is very short, but if you do as it says, it will make a big difference in your life. Read today's Scripture verses again and be reminded of how love acts. Then when you're giving, serving, playing, or talking--whatever you're doing--think about the way love should affect your actions and your words. Ask for God's help in making sure you're doing everything with love. He says that's more important than many other characteristics we all admire. Today's Key Verse: Pursue love. (1 Corinthians 14:1) Today's Key Thought: Do everything with love

Tony slipped into a seat and waited eagerly for the weekly Bible club to begin. He really enjoyed the club meetings. He liked the songs they were learning, and he looked forward to hearing the story his teacher would tell. Song time was as good as usual, and then Mrs. Jackson got up to give the lesson. "Today we're going to talk about Jesus' disciples--the men He called to be with him while he was teaching here on earth," she began. "One of them is Andrew. And who do you think was the first person Andrew brought to Jesus?" Several children raised their hands. "His best friend?" guessed Tony. "Or maybe some guys who lived near him," suggested Travis. Mrs. Jackson smiled. "I think Andrew probably told many of his friends and neighbors about Jesus," she replied, "and we certainly should do that, too. But let's not forget that there might be people in our own homes who needs Jesus. The very first person Andrew brought to Jesus was his brother Peter." Tony squirmed and looked at the floor. His younger brother Jon had wanted to come along to Bible club, but Tony wouldn't let him. "I don't want you tagging along with me," Tony had grumbled, ignoring the tears forming in Jon's eyes. The next week, Jon was amazed and delighted when Tony said, "It's time for Bible club. Do you want to go?" They hurried to Mrs. Jackson's home. As Mrs. Jackson gave the lesson, she explained that everyone has sinned and only the blood of Jesus can wash sin away. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Jon fidgeted and whispered something to his brother. Tony nodded, and after club was dismissed, he took Jon to talk with the teacher. "Mrs. Jackson, my brother isn't a Christian, but he wants to become one," said Tony. "Can you tell him again how to do that?" "I surely can!" exclaimed Mrs. Jackson. As Tony and Jon walked back to their home, Jon looked up at his brother. "Can I go to Bible club with you again next week?" Jon asked. "Sure," Tony replied. "From now on we're going to follow Jesus together, just like Andrew and Peter did." At Jon's puzzled look, Tony grinned. "I'll tell you about them," he said. "See, it's like this . . ." How About You? Do you have relatives who don't know Jesus as Savior? Have you invited them to Sunday school or Bible club? Have you told them Jesus loves them and wants to save them from their sins? If you know Jesus, you should do all you can to bring others to Him. A good place to start is in your own home. Today's Key Verse: He (Andrew) first found his own brother Simon (Peter) . . . and he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41-42) Today's Key Thought: Bring family members to Jesus

Kyle and his cousin Devon were having a great time on their afternoon hike at the state park when Kyle glanced at his watch "Wow! Look at the time!" he exclaimed. "We're going to be late getting back to our campsite." As the boys hurried down Coyote Trail, they met a park ranger. "Excuse me, sir. What's the quickest way from here to the campground?" Devon asked him. "Coyote Trail, which is the one you're on," the ranger replied. The boys moved quickly along, but suddenly Devon stopped. "Look!" he exclaimed, pointing down the hill. "There's our camp, but the trail goes all the way around those rocks ahead. Let's just cut across here so we won't be so late." "I don't know, Dev," responded Kyle doubtfully. "The ranger said this trail is the quickest way. And the signs say to stick to the trails--no exploring, remember?" "We're not exploring. Just taking a shortcut," replied Devon. Kyle stared at the camp down the hill. It does seem silly to go so far around, he thought, and I can't see why it would hurt if we leave the trail for a little way. "Okay," he agreed. "Let's try the shortcut." The boys were hurrying down the gentle slope when Devon stopped short. "Whoa!" he called. "What's this?" A deep crevice, almost hidden by thick brush, stretched across their path. A fence kept them from going closer to it. They had no choice but to climb back up and take the long way around. Devon and Kyle finally reached the campsite. Embarrassed, the boys explained why they were late getting back. "We were so close, but our shortcut only made the way longer," said Devon. "Yeah, and it's a good thing the fence was there, or we could have fallen into that huge ditch!" added Kyle. "I wish the ranger had told us about that. We didn't really see why we shouldn't leave the trail." "There are generally good reasons for instructions you're given," replied Dad. Mom nodded. "That's true at home and in school and here in the park, too," she said. "You don't need to always understand the reasons for what you're told to do. Your job is to obey. That's actually a command God gives." "That's right. And most important of all is listening and obeying when God says something," Dad added. "I hope you'll remember that." How About You? Do you sometimes disobey, thinking it will be better to do something your way, only to learn that there was a good reason for the directions you were given? Parents, teachers, and other authorities don't always fully explain the reasons for what they tell you to do. God doesn't, either, but you can trust His reasons even when you don't understand them. Don't forget . . . one of His instructions is to obey those who have authority over you. Today's Key Verse: Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. (Titus 3:1) Today's Key Thought: Obey authority

"How soon will Robby be able to play ball with me?" Sam asked doubtfully as he got in the car after visiting his new baby cousin. "He's awful small." "He's bigger than my dolls, though," observed Sam's younger sister Grace. Dad laughed. "It will take Robby a while to get the hang of baseball," he said. "We need to be patient with babies and give them time to grow." "Did you know it takes human babies longer than almost any animal to grow up?" Mom asked as they headed home. "For example, colts can run just a few hours after they're born." "And remember the puppies Ginger had last year?" added Dad. "Puppies are old enough to leave their mother when they're only six or eight weeks old." Mom nodded. "Human babies need their parents much longer," she said. "I'm glad I can play ball already," said Sam. "But you're not all growed up," Grace told him. "You need to get lots bigger." "Did you know that baby Christians also need time to grow?" Dad asked. "What's a baby Christian?" asked Grace. "Well, a baby is someone who was recently born, and Jesus said we need to be born again," Dad replied. "That happens when we accept Him as Savior. So when you asked Jesus to save you last year, Grace, you were born again. You became a baby Christian, just like Robby is a baby person." "Am I a growed up Christian now?" Sam asked. "Not quite yet," replied Dad. "Baby Christians need to learn many things about God and how to live for Him. They need someone to teach them. That's where Mom and I and your Bible teachers come in--and Pastor James, too." "God has given us the responsibility and privilege of teaching you many things about Him," said Mom with a smile. "You need to listen and learn and grow to be more and more like Jesus." "Okay," agreed Sam. "I'm glad I'm not a baby anymore, and I don't want to stay a baby Christian, either." "Me, neither," said Grace. "I'm gonna listen, too." "Good," said Dad. "Actually, Christians should keep learning and growing more like the Lord Jesus all their lives." How About You? Are you a growing Christian? Do you know more about God now than you did when you were first saved? Do you love Him more and desire to please Him in all you do?You wouldn't want to be a baby human all your life--you want to grow and learn to do many things. Don't be satisfied with remaining a baby Christian, either. Spend time reading God's Word and talking to Him in prayer. Listen and learn from your teachers, pastor, and Christian parents. Be a growing Christian. Today's Key Verse: Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18) Today's Key Thought: Be a growing Christian

Jolene came down the hall, pulling her little brother with her. "Mom, if Josh doesn't stay out of my room, I'll . . ." Josh's lips trembled. "Jolene hit me!" he whined, interrupting his sister "I didn't hurt you. It was just a little slap," Jolene said, "and it wouldn't have happened if you hadn't gotten into my stuff again!" Mom sighed. "There's a verse in the Bible the two of you should learn. It would stop all this fussing if you'd obey it. If . . ." "The fussing would stop if he'd . . ." began Jolene. Mom held up her hand. "If you'd both practice the Golden Rule, it would end the quarrels between you. Why don't you give it a try?" "What's the Golden Ruler, Mommy?" little Josh asked. "Not Ruler," his big sister corrected. "It's Rule." "Yes, and it's a rule Jesus gave. It says to treat others like we want them to treat us," explained Mom. "Josh, would you want Jolene to go into your room and help herself to your toys without asking you?" "She'd better not!" Josh exploded. "She won't let me have any of her dumb old . . ." "Enough!" Mom said sternly. "If you don't want Jolene to use your things without asking, you shouldn't use hers without asking, either." "Yeah, Josh!" muttered Jolene. Mom turned to her daughter. "I saw you and Carrie in Josh's room yesterday," said Mom. "You were playing with his new game. Had you asked him if that was okay?" Jolene slowly shook her head. "Do you think he should slap you for that?" Mom asked. Again, Jolene shook her head. "If you would treat each other the way you want to be treated, we'd all be much happier," Mom added firmly. "Okay! We won't fuss anymore." Josh nodded his head and grabbed his sister's hand. "We promise, don't we, Jolene?" Jolene grinned sheepishly. "Well, we'll try not to," she agreed. "I'm going to 'member what the Golden Ruler says every day of my life!" declared Josh. "Good." Mom smiled. "It's a good ruler to use for measuring your actions." How About You? Do you practice the Golden Rule--the principle given by Jesus? When you consider saying something unkind, offering candy to a brother or sister, sneaking something that belongs to someone else, or helping someone with homework, ask yourself, "Would I want to be treated like that?" If the answer is yes, go ahead. If it's no, don't treat others that way, either. If you follow this biblical principle, you'll be much happier, and so will everyone around you. Today's Key Verse: Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them. (Matthew 7:12) Today's Key Thought: Obey the Golden Rule

"If you give me the rest of your allowance, you can have one of these candy bars," Nathan told his little sister. Lily looked longingly at the candy Nathan set on the desk. "They didn't cost you that much!" she argued. "Doesn't matter." Nathan shrugged. "You know Mom won't let you go to the store by yourself, so if you want a candy bar, that's the price." Lily did want candy very much, so she reluctantly gave Nathan the rest of her allowance. When the ice cream truck came by the next day, Lily ran to ask Mom if she could buy something. "If you want to spend your own money, you can," Mom said. "You get an allowance for things like that." "But my allowance is all gone," Lily cried tearfully. "Nathan took it." Lily told her mother about the candy bar. Mom called Nathan into the room. "I don't like the way you treated your sister," said Mom. "You charged her far too much for the candy." "I didn't make her give me the money," protested Nathan. "She didn't have to buy a candy bar." "No, but you knew how much she wanted it, so you took unfair advantage of her. Charging too much was a greedy act even though she could have said no," insisted Mom. "God's Word has many warnings about greed. It says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It's what caused you to charge an unfair price for that candy." Nathan squirmed and looked at the floor. "God doesn't want us to ever mistreat those who are younger, poorer, or weaker than we are--or those who don't have the advantages we do," continued Mom. "He wants us to watch out for them and help them. Taking a fair profit is fine, but we must not love money more than people. Now . . . what can you do to make things right again?" "I guess I should keep only the amount of money I paid for the candy bar and give the rest back to Lily," admitted Nathan. Then he grinned. "I'll even skip the fair profit for my trouble in getting it." Mom smiled her approval. How About You? Are you fair in your dealings with younger brothers or sisters or with small neighborhood children--or anyone at all? It's sometimes a great temptation to take advantage of those who don't know the value of money--or of other things. In today's Bible reading, God tells Christians to flee, or run away from, the temptation to seek the riches of this world. Money and things should never be more important than people. Today's Key Verse: The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) Today's Key Thought: Love people, not money

"Mom! What are you doing?" exclaimed Brandon when he arrived home from the park and saw his mother standing beside a bush in the backyard. There were branches in a wheelbarrow and on the grass all around the bush. "Those are the bushes I helped you plant, remember?" asked Brandon. "I like them. Don't cut them down!" Mom laughed. "Don't worry. I'm just pruning them," she replied. After snipping another branch, she stepped back to survey her work. "These bushes are getting tall, Brandon, but they're not filling in near the ground. If I lop off their tops, they'll fill in down low, too--not just grow taller." "They will?" asked Brandon. He stooped to pick up a couple of branches. "Like those on the other side of the yard?" "Exactly," Mom agreed. "Those are almost like a wall. They keep your little sisters inside the yard and keep other people out." Mom held up the tool she was using. "Haven't you seen me use this before? It's a pruning shears." Brandon glanced at it. "Yeah, I think I did see you cut some other stuff with that," he said. "Last Sunday Pastor Hunt talked about pruning," said Mom. "It reminded me that I needed to do some pruning in the yard." "Pastor Hunt said God prunes us, didn't he?" asked Brandon. Mom nodded. "Right. I'm glad you were listening," she said. "Sometimes God cuts away attitudes and activities and possessions to help us grow the way we should." Brandon looked at the shears again. "Do you think that's why I got cut from the baseball team?" he asked. "Dad said maybe that happened so I wouldn't have to skip our Friday night youth group because of ball practice." "Could be," said Mom. "I know you were disappointed, but God must know it's better for you to be part of youth group this year." "Well, I've been wanting to invite Tommy, and I couldn't do that if I wasn't going myself," replied Brandon thoughtfully. "Hey . . . can I go over to his house and ask him about it now?" "Sure," said Mom, "as soon as you empty this wheelbarrow for me." How About You? Is God cutting something out of your schedule? Is He using a teacher to remove laziness and disorganization from your life? Has He allowed one of your possessions to be stolen or to wear out? Pruning may be painful at times, but submit willingly. God does nothing to hurt you. He wants to help you become a happier person as you learn to trust Him in all circumstances. Today's Key Verse: Every branch that bears fruit He (God) prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2) Today's Key Thought: God prunes to improve

"Mom, I want to wear my new purple sweater to our Sunday school party next Friday night, but I can't find it," wailed Cathy. "When was the last time you wore it?" Mom asked. Cathy wrinkled her brow. "I'm not sure," she replied. "Maybe you left it at church," suggested Mom. "Call the office and ask if anyone turned it in." "No, it can't be there," moaned Cathy. "Ihaven't even worn it to church yet." "Well, you need to go now--it's time for the school bus," Mom said. "We'll keep looking for the sweater. It will probably show up." But the sweater didn't show up, so on Friday, Cathy chose something else to wear to the party. When she arrived there, she stared in amazement at Marci, one of the girls in her class. "Melissa!" whispered Cathy to her best friend. "Look at Marci. That's my sweater she's wearing!" "Are you sure?" asked Melissa. "Maybe she has one just like yours." "No way!" hissed Cathy. "We wouldn't just happen to get sweaters alike. She must have found it somewhere and just kept it." "Ask her about it," suggested Melissa. Cathy shook her head and frowned. "She'd just lie about it," she grumbled. When Marci walked past, Melissa called her name. "That's a pretty sweater," said Melissa. "It's new, isn't it? Where did you get it?" "Thanks," said Marci. She grinned. "I like it, too. I got it for my birthday." "I'll bet," muttered Cathy. She was very angry, and she told several girls that Marci had stolen her sweater. When the party ended, Cathy hurried home. She was surprised to find her grandmother there. "You'll be glad to see what Grandma brought you," said Mom, and she handed Cathy her purple sweater. "B-b-but where did you find this?" Cathy stammered. "You left it at my house last Saturday," Grandma told her. Tears welled up in Cathy's eyes. "I've made a terrible mistake," she said with a sigh. "I'll tell you about it, but first I have to make some phone calls." How About You? Have you falsely accused someone? If you have, be sure to apologize, both to the one you've accused and to anyone else you may have told about it. Remember that hasty conclusions are often wrong. The next time you're tempted to make an accusation, think about God's instructions to be slow to speak and slow to get angry. Today's Key Verse: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19) Today's Key Thought: Don't accuse anyone falsely