CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

"I wish I could have actually seen a space shuttle launch," said Clay one evening. "At school today, we had a film about one. It showed a lot of the stuff the astronauts had to do, and we heard clips of them talking to the space control center. It was really cool, but it's not like seeing it for real!" "Well, they aren't doing any launches now, but they probably will again sometime in the future. So why don't you study to be an astronaut?" suggested his brother Patrick. "I heard on the news not long ago that they're working on a new spacecraft. Maybe someday you could not only see a launch, you could take off on a spaceship." "Maybe I will," replied Clay. "Not me," put in their sister Grace. "I wouldn't like to wear those special uniforms they have to put on. They're not very pretty!" The boys laughed. "Who cares about that?" scoffed Patrick. "I do," declared Grace, "and I'm not going on any spaceship, either. It might crash right back down to the earth!" Mom smiled. "Are you kids aware that all Christians will participate in a liftoff someday?" she asked. "They will? Oh . . . you mean when Jesus comes, don't you?" asked Grace. "That's right," said Mom. "When Jesus returns, He'll take all those who believe in Him to heaven." Patrick nodded. "Without using a spaceship," he said. "Or those ugly clothes," said Grace. "No, we won't need those kinds of uniforms or spaceships," agreed Mom, "and it will all happen much quicker than the spaceship launch. It will be as quick as a flash--or as the Bible puts it, 'in the twinkling of an eye.' It will be a wonderful event when Jesus comes again." "Well, even if I never do get to take off in one of our spaceships, I'll take part in the lift-off when Jesus comes," said Clay. He grinned. "Who knows? Maybe I'll get to do both." How About You? Will you take part in the special liftoff that is coming--the one that will take place when Jesus returns? Do you trust in Him as Savior? When Jesus comes back in the clouds, all who have placed their faith in Him will rise to be with Him. If you haven't done that, don't wait. Accept Him right now--He may come back today! (Click on the ABCs of Salvation link on the right.) Today's Key Verse: (Jesus said) "I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3) Today's Key Thought: Be ready for lift-off with Jesus

Jeremy grinned as he and his sister stood in line for their first ride on the new Thrillinator roller coaster. "Before you know it, we'll be zooming down those slick, metal rails--upside-down, downside-up and every which-way in between," said Jeremy. "I can hardly wait!" "I can!" replied Tiffany. "I can't believe you like doing this stuff! This thing will hurl us at incredibly dangerous speeds through insane twists and turns and drops. I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to ride this terror-mobile with you!" Jeremy laughed. "I know what you were thinking," he said. "You wanted the funnel cake I promised to buy you for going on the roller coaster with me." He had agreed to buy it for her because it always felt weird to ride a roller coaster alone. "Besides," he added, "roller coasters have a good lesson for you. Remember what Dad compared them to?" "Sure," said Tiffany. "Dad said a roller coaster is something like life--full of ups and downs." She shook her head. "It seems like our family's been going through a lot of the downs lately. Aunt Susie died and Mom's been sick, and our dog is lost." She frowned. "Like I said, I don't really like roller coasters." "Well, don't forget what else Dad told us," said Jeremy, grinning as the Thrillinator came to a halt. It was their turn next. "Dad said roller coasters were carefully designed with safety in mind, and that we'd spend less time worrying if we'd remember that our lives are, too." Tiffany nodded as they both moved forward to climb into the waiting car. "I remember," she replied. "He said we're in the hands of the Great Designer--a loving God who knows what's best and helps us face all the high and low points ahead." Jeremy recalled Dad's reminder that if they were faithful to the Lord, there would be a reward in heaven someday. Kinda like Tiffany will receive her funnel-cake reward for riding the roller coaster with me, he thought. He was ready to explain that to her, but she shrieked as the roller coaster suddenly jerked ahead. They were about to begin racing through corkscrew turns and zooming down steep hills. "Don't forget--it's safe," Jeremy yelled to his sister. He smiled. He knew they had nothing to fear in life, either. How About You? Do you get scared when you think about the future? Maybe someone in your family is sick, and it really worries you. Maybe you're moving and will need to make new friends. Maybe school is becoming too difficult. You can't know what's going to happen in life, but you can trust your Heavenly Father to take care of you as you go through it. Then you'll enjoy the ride of life a little more, and you'll fear the twists and turns a little less. Today's Key Verse: He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10) Today's Key Thought: Trust God through ups and downs

It had been hard to do, but Joel had apologized to the Petersons for his bad behavior in church. He had also told them he hoped they would visit the church again. To Joel's surprise, the Petersons came back to church the very next Sunday. Cool! he thought when they even gave him a friendly smile as they walked in. Before the service started, Joel's dad took out a notebook and a pen. He held them out to Joel. "I want you to write down at least three things the pastor teaches or talks about in his message today," Dad instructed him. "I think you'll find note-keeping will help you listen more carefully." "Do I have to?" Joel asked. "I . . . I never really understand much of what Pastor Holt says, but you don't need to worry--I'll sit quietly. I promise." Dad just smiled and continued to hold out the notebook. Joel sighed as he nodded and took the book and pen. At first, Joel doodled a lot, but then he began to listen for things to write down. He was surprised that he could understand more of the message than he had expected. By the end of the service, he'd written five things the pastor taught--two more than his dad had told him to write. Doing this isn't so bad, thought Joel. I guess I never understood Pastor Holt's messages before because I didn't really listen to them very well! After church Joel showed the pastor his notes. "I'm going to do this every week, Pastor Holt," he said. "Great!" approved the pastor. "That's a very good idea. Why don't you suggest it to the other kids, too? Who knows? They might find that they like it as much as you do." "Well . . . okay," Joel agreed, but he was quite sure the other kids would think he was acting like a nerd. Oh well. It can't hurt to suggest it, he decided. "I liked church this morning," he announced on the way home. "The Petersons came back, and now I know a good way to learn something from Pastor Holt's sermons. Taking notes makes them more interesting." Joel grinned slyly at his father and added, "I think you should try it, Dad." How About You? Have you tried taking notes on your pastor's sermons? It may be a good way to help you learn more and more about God and grow in your trust and relationship with Him. If your pastor uses a word you don't understand, write it down and ask him about it. You can also ask your parents to discuss the messages with you. They can help you understand what your pastor is teaching from God's Word. 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: Grow in knowledge of God

"I heard some sad news at the church board meeting last night," said Joel's father one morning. "You did?" Joel looked up. "What was it, Dad?" "It involves a family who moved into the yellow brick house on Elm Street," Dad told him. "Their name is Peterson. Last Sunday they attended our church, and on Monday night Pastor Holt visited them. They apparently liked what they heard of his message." Dad paused. "What's sad about that?" asked Joel in surprise. "Sounds fine to me!" "The sad part is that they couldn't hear the message very well," replied Dad. "Three boys were sitting behind them--talking and laughing during the entire service. The Petersons were offended by their disrespectful attitude and told Pastor Holt they were going to look for another church." "Really? Maybe if . . ." began Joel, and then he remembered that some new people had been sitting in front of him and his friends this past Sunday night. He suddenly realized why his dad was telling him about the Petersons. Joel knew that he was one of the kids who had been noisy and disrespectful. "Son, we've told you before that it's not only important to listen for what you can get out of a message, but it is just plain bad manners to disturb those around you!" said Dad. "For the next few months, you will sit with Mom and me at every service. After that, if you do sit with your friends again, you will sit in front of Mom and me--not behind us." Joel nodded numbly. "I didn't think about how I was acting at the time," he said quietly. "And there's something else you need to do," continued Dad. "You need to go and see the Petersons and apologize for making so much noise." "Me? By myself?" protested Joel. "The other guys were talking, too!" "They're not my sons," said Dad. "You are. You will have to go." Joel wanted to argue, but he knew he had done wrong, and he was sorry. He nodded reluctantly. "Maybe they'll change their minds and decide to come to church again," he said with a sigh. How About You? Do you listen quietly during the church service? Wouldn't it be sad if someone refused to return to your church because of the way you behaved? Wouldn't it be even worse if somebody failed to hear the Gospel because of your misbehavior? Be polite to those who are around you. Smile and greet new people. Sit still. Don't make it difficult for them to listen to the message. And listen for God to speak to you at each service. Today's Key Verse: Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear. (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Today's Key Thought: Be polite in church

"I've got the Gideon New Testament they gave us in school and the one Mom and Dad gave each of us when we turned five. And I've got the one I earned in Sunday school," Tom hollered from his room to his sister Tara's. "Did you count the one you got for memorizing all those verses in Vacation Bible School?" Tara yelled back. "Twins! Twins!" their father called from the foot of the stairs. "What is all the shouting about up there?" Tara ran to the top of the steps. "Oh, Daddy, the man who spoke to our Bible club today told us to go home and count how many Bibles we have," she explained. "He said there are people in some countries who would give a whole six months wages--or maybe even more--just to get a part of the Bible in their own language. I've found three Bibles of my own so far, and I think Tom has four." "I see. Well, how about counting them with a little less noise," suggested Dad. Soon the twins came downstairs with a list of Bibles they had found. "Dad, can we please count the Bibles in your office?" Tom asked. "Okay,"agreed Dad, "and be sure to count those in the bookcase in the den, too." "Yep."Tom nodded. By evening, the twins reported that they had found twenty-two Bibles. "Tara thinks we have more Bibles than most people 'cuz you're a preacher, Dad," said Tom. "She's probably right," Mom agreed, "but I'm sure most Christians in this country have several Bibles in their homes." "Yes. It's hard to realize that some people don't have freedom to read God's Word whenever they want to," said Dad. "There are also countries where many people are unable to read, and others where the Bible has never been translated into their language." That night, the family thanked God for the availability of God's Word and for the way He had changed their lives as they studied it. They prayed for Christians living in countries where God is not honored. They also prayed that the Bible would soon be available in all languages. How About You? How many Bibles do you have in your home? Do you take them for granted? Think of all the Christians who don't have the opportunity to read God's Word each day. Are you reading your Bible? Its words are God's message to you, and they're more precious than gold. Never forget to be thankful for the Bible--and for your ability to read it. Treat it with respect and love. Pray for those who are not blessed as you are. Today's Key Verse: Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21) Today's Key Thought: Appreciate your Bible

Cameron paced his room. For a couple of days, he had meant to confess something to Mom. It grew harder to do each day he put it off. I've got to tell her, he thought with a sigh, so I might as well do it and get it over with. When Cameron reached the kitchen, he saw that the refrigerator was pulled away from the wall. Mom was kneeling behind it with a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. "What are you doing?" Cameron asked. Mom looked up. "I'm trying to get rid of all this dirt that's collected on the floor back here," she said. "It's been hidden behind the refrigerator so long that it's really hard to scrub off." She got up and stretched. Cameron took a deep breath. "I . . . I have to tell you something." He hesitated. "Remember when my Sunday school teacher called me last week? He reminded me about a class project on Friday night. I wanted to go to a baseball game instead, so I told him you were sick and I had to stay home and help you." Mom frowned and Cameron hurried on. "Then we went to Grandma's last weekend, so I didn't see any of the kids on Sunday, and . . . well, at school on Monday, Noah gave me a get-well card for you from my Sunday school class. I didn't know what to do, so I took it, but I told him you're fine now." Cameron held out the card. "Noah said the girls thought they should pick some flowers for you, too. But nobody brought any yet, so maybe they gave up the idea." "Well, you'd better call Noah right away!" Mom exclaimed. She looked at the card, and then she pointed to the floor. "The longer I let this scum hide behind the refrigerator, the worse it got." Cameron looked thoughtful. "It's the same with sin--such as your lie," continued Mom. "The longer you waited to confess it, the more difficult it became to do that, right? You lied, and then the problem grew bigger when you took that card and let Noah think flowers would be acceptable. You'll have to repay the money for the card--and for flowers, too, in case they decide to buy some." With a sigh, Cameron nodded. "That's after you confess what you did and apologize to them,"Mom added sternly. "Okay, Mom," murmured Cameron. "I will. And I already confessed it to God." How About You? Have you ever told a lie and then had to keep lying to hide the truth? You need to confess lies--or any other sin--to God, and there are times when you need to confess to others, too. That's usually hard to do, but don't wait. The problem won't just go away. Take care of it immediately before it grows and causes even bigger problems. Today's Key Verse: I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. (Psalm 32:5) Today's Key Thought: Confess sin immediately

"That looks like fun," said Renee as her mother showed her how to make candles. Mom had thin sheets of wax and knew how to heat them just right, put in a wick, and form special, interesting shapes. "Do you think I could make one shaped like a flower?" "Sure. When you've practiced a little more," said Mom. "Make one or two simpler ones first." "Okay," agreed Renee, and she got busy with a new one. After working a few minutes, they were interrupted by the shrill ring of the telephone, and Renee dashed off to answer it. It was Erica, a friend from church, and the girls talked for quite a while. When Renee returned to the family room where she and Mom had been working, she picked up the candle she had started. "Erica said her neighbor, Mr. Jackson, died," Renee told her mother. "Grandpa knew him--remember? Grandpa told us once that he had witnessed to old Mr. Jackson for years and years." Renee frowned as she looked at the candle in her hand. The wax had become stiff, and it was almost impossible to form it the way she wanted to. "I wonder if Mr. Jackson ever did accept Jesus," Renee added. "I don't know," said Mom. She pointed to the candle Renee was holding. "You know, the hardened wax in that unfinished candle reminds me of the importance of giving yourself to Jesus while you're young--and allowing God to mold your life," she added. "When people get older, they sometimes become spiritually cold and hard--kinda like that wax did. Then they're often less interested in being saved." Renee looked at the cold, stiff wax she was trying to make into a candle. "My Sunday school teacher said that, too," she replied. "She said there are a couple of reasons why it's dangerous to wait." "And what are they?" Mom asked. "Well, first of all, we don't know that we'll live long enough to get old--we could die while we're still young," replied Renee. "And second, even if we do get old, it's like you said--we might no longer be interested in being saved." She smiled. "I'm glad I already know Jesus as my Savior." How About You? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Maybe you think you'll do so later, when you're older. Remember, when you get older--if you get older--you could become cold and hard toward the Gospel of Christ. Don't wait. Waiting is dangerous. Make the decision and accept Jesus today. (Click the ABCs of Salvation link at the right.) Today's Key Verse: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth. (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Today's Key Thought: Accept Jesus now

"Please forgive me, Lord," prayed Andy one night at bedtime. "I didn't mean to run into Mrs. Allen's fence this afternoon. I . . . I guess I shouldn't have been cutting across her lawn, and I . . . I won't do it again. Please forgive me for breaking her rose bush, too. Thank You. Amen." He jumped up and climbed into bed, ready to be tucked in. Andy's mother kissed him and covered him up. "Andy," she said, "you didn't say anything to me about Mrs. Allen's fence. What happened?" Andy frowned. "Do I have to tell you?" he asked. "I already asked God to forgive me." "Yes, and I believe you really are sorry, so God has forgiven you," Mom assured him, "but if you share what happened, I might be able to help you make amends." "Make amends?" asked Andy. "What does that mean?" "It means to make things right with someone. The Bible teaches that if our sin hurts somebody besides ourselves, we must do our best to make things right with that person, too," explained Mom. "God forgives the sin if we're truly sorry for it, but we're still responsible to do whatever we can to straighten out the situation. Perhaps you need to go see Mrs. Allen and apologize for what happened." Andy was quiet for a few moments. "Yeah, I . . . I guess I do," he admitted finally. "She didn't see me stumble against her fence and knock it into her rosebush, but . . ." Andy hesitated. "Do I have to offer to pay for them with money from my bank?" "What do you think?" asked Mom gently. "Yeah." Andy sighed. "I think I do." Mom nodded. "When you ask God's forgiveness for sin, your actions should show that you're truly sorry," she said. "I'm really glad you're willing to make things right with Mrs. Allen. I'm sure doing that will make you feel better, too." How About You? Has something you've done hurt someone else? In Old Testament times, an animal sacrifice had to be offered on an altar, and the situation had to be corrected. This often involved repayment of money or other goods. Because Jesus made the supreme sacrifice for sin, you no longer have to sacrifice animals. But the principle of making amends is still important. If you've wronged someone--even unintentionally--do all you can to make it right. Today's Key Verse: He shall make restitution (amends) for the harm that he has done. (Leviticus 5:16) Today's Key Thought: Make things right

Luke was worried. He and his family had been living in their new home a whole week, but he still hadn't seen any kids in the neighborhood. Luke had moved away from good friends, and he was beginning to think he would never find new ones here. "Pray about it," said Dad when Luke told him his problem. "Pray about it," said Mom when Luke told her about it. "Pray about it," said his older sister when Luke looked sad. So Luke prayed. He asked God to send him a friend--someone he would like as much as he liked his old friends, especially Aiden and Todd. He sure missed them since he moved. The next morning the doorbell rang. "It's for you, Luke," Mom called up to his room. "Someone's here to see you." Luke bounded down the stairs. There at the front door stood . . . a girl! She had blond curls and freckles, and she wore a blue baseball cap. "Hi," she said. "My name is Toby, and I live right behind you. I was hoping someone with kids would move into your house, but I didn't see you outside until yesterday. There aren't many kids around here, so I hope we can be friends. Hey, do you collect baseball cards?" "Yes . . . yes, I do," stammered Luke. "Do . . . ah . . . do you want to see them?" "Yeah!" exclaimed Toby, and they spent an hour looking at cards and talking baseball. "I have a tree house in my back yard," said Toby. "Come over after lunch, and I'll show it to you." After Toby left, Luke turned to his mom and shook his head. "I asked God for a friend, but I didn't think He'd send a girl!" "Sometimes God says no to our prayers," said Mom. "Sometimes He says wait, sometimes he says yes, but sometimes . . ." Mom hesitated, then she chuckled. "Sometimes He gives us a surprise." "That's true!" Luke laughed. "Can we eat soon so I can go see Toby's tree house?" "Sure!" agreed Mom. "I met her parents yesterday, and I think that will be fine. Go wash up now. Lunch is as good as ready." How About You? Has God given you any surprises lately in answer to your prayers? You may want Him to answer in a particular way, but remember--God always knows what's best for you. You can trust Him to answer in the way that's exactly right. It may not be in the way you expected or hoped, but it will be right for you. What a good God you have! Today's Key Verse: In the day when I cried out, You answered me. (Psalm 138:3) Today's Key Thought: God answers prayer

"Hey, Dad," said Elise one day as she leafed through a garden catalog, "there's a section in here called Unusual Seeds. Can we order some?" "Why not?" agreed Dad. "Exactly what kind did you have in mind?" "Ginseng," said Elise. "Is that okay? This catalog says it's so valuable that its dried roots will sell for a lot of money in health food stores." Dad looked at the catalog. "I don't know," he said. "Those seeds cost a lot, and it seems to me I've heard they take a long time to come up and grow--maybe even a year or more. Don't you think you'd rather have something you'd see sooner?" Elise shrugged. "Well, maybe . . . but most of the stuff we plant will grow faster, and I'd like to try raising something different, too," she said. "Even if only a few of the seeds grow good, they could be worth a lot of money. Besides, you always say anything worth having is worth waiting for." "I guess you've got me there," admitted Dad. "Okay, include ginseng in our order." He grinned as he added, "But promise me you'll wait a little more patiently for them to come up than you're waiting for the seed you planted last night to show results." "Last night?" asked Elise. "I didn't plant anything last night." "Sure you did," said Dad. "I heard you and your friend Eva talking about God. Eva seemed to think a loving God would allow everyone into heaven, and you told her she needed Jesus to get there." Elise frowned. "Yeah," she said, "but Eva still doesn't think God will refuse to let her in. She'll probably never change her mind." "Every time we witness, we're planting the seed of God's Word," replied Dad, "and like I said, we have to be patient and not be discouraged if we don't see immediate results. Sometimes it takes a long time for that seed to grow. But when it does, it produces fruit that lasts forever." "And that's worth the wait, right?" Elise asked. "Definitely!" said Dad. "After you plant your ginseng seeds, you and I can remind each other to have faith and patience to see results--not only in the garden, but also in witnessing!" How About You? Have you planted the seed of the Gospel--the Word of God? Have you been discouraged because you haven't seen any results? Be patient. Continue to share God's Word, and leave the timing up to God. It may be that you won't ever see the results, but He promises that His Word will accomplish its purpose. Trust Him, and keep planting. Today's Key Verse: My Word . . . shall accomplish what I please. (Isaiah 55:11) Today's Key Thought: Plant the seed of God's Word

As Jesse angrily stomped out of the room, a swear word exploded from his lips. "Jesse! Come back here!" Mom ordered. Jesse returned, gritted his teeth, and stared at the floor. "Did you say what I think you said?" asked Mom. Jesse didn't answer. "You know we don't tolerate swearing," said Mom sternly, "and you know the punishment for it." "But, Mom, I didn't mean to swear," Jesse pleaded. "All the guys at school say that word and . . . and it just slipped out. But I'll be more careful! It won't happen again. I'm sorry! Really I am!" Mom sighed and looked at him closely. "I believe you are," she decided. "Well . . . all right. We'll forget it this time." Later that evening, loud, angry words burst from Jesse's room. "How many times have I told you to stay out of my stuff?" he roared. As Mom started down the hall, she heard Tina's voice. "I just wanted to borrow a pencil," whimpered Tina. "I didn't mean to break anything. I'm sorry." "That's what you always say, but you don't leave my things alone. The only thing you're sorry about is that you got caught," scolded Jesse angrily. "You think I'll forget about it if you cry." He didn't see his mother come into the room, and he swore softly as he bent over to pick up a broken model plane. "Jesse!" At the sound of Mom's voice, Tina scooted out of the room, and Jesse jumped and dropped the model. "I'm afraid Tina isn't the only one who's sorry about getting caught," said Mom. "Didn't you tell me this afternoon you were sorry you swore and that you wouldn't do it again?" Jesse nodded slowly. "God says we are to repent when we sin and to turn from it," continued Mom. "True repentance is more than saying a couple of words. It's being truly sorry for what you've done and also making every effort to stop doing it." "I-I will, Mom. It's just that . . ." Jesse began, but Mom held up a hand. "We have no excuse to go on sinning," Mom said. "We need to depend on God for the power to stop." She shook her head as she added, "And we can't overlook your words this time." Jesse nodded. He knew he deserved the punishment that would come his way. How About You? Are you being truthful when you say you're sorry? Or do you sometimes say it simply to keep out of trouble? Pretending to be sorry might fool others for a while, but usually not for long. And it never fools God. Being truly sorry includes turning away from the thing you did wrong. If you know Jesus, you have God's power to help you each day. Today's Key Verse: Repent, and turn from all your transgressions. (Ezekiel 18:30) Today's Key Thought: Turn from sin

It seemed to Alex that every tree in town was decorated with a yellow ribbon. He knew they were put there to welcome servicemen home. "But why yellow ribbons?" he asked his mother. "Why not red, white, and blue ones?" "Well, there's an old story about it--actually, there are several different versions of the story," said Mom. "According to one, a young man--we'll call him Jim--committed some crime and went to prison far from his home. In those days, people couldn't travel as easily as we do now, so Jim's family was not able to visit him. After several years he was released, but he was afraid they would not want him back home. He sent a letter to his wife. 'I am so sorry for the way I behaved, and I'll understand if you never want to see me again,' Jim wrote, 'but I still love you very much. I've learned the bus route still goes right past our house, so next Friday I'll be on the four-thirty bus. If you can forgive me and want me to come home, tie a yellow ribbon around the trunk of the old oak tree out in front of the house. If it's there, I'll get off, but if it's not there, I'll stay on the bus and stay out of your life.'" "Wow!" exclaimed Alex. "I bet he was nervous when the bus got close to where he lived." "Yes, he was," said Mom. "He was very nervous. 'Sir,' he said to the man sitting next to him, 'will you do me a favor?' Jim told the man his story. 'I'm so afraid to look,' said Jim. 'Will you look for me and tell me if there's a yellow ribbon tied around that old oak tree?' "The man agreed, and as the bus rounded a curve, Jim buried his face in his hands while the man watched for the tree. Suddenly, the man grabbed Jim by the arm. 'Look!' he shouted. 'Look!' Jim looked. He saw a yellow ribbon around the tree trunk--and more yellow ribbons hanging from almost every branch! His wife and other family members stood in front of the tree, waving a big sign that said, 'Welcome Home, Jim! We love you!'" "Cool! That sounds kinda like the prodigal son story." Alex grinned. "Do you think his father put out a yellow ribbon, too?" Mom laughed. "I don't think so," she said, "but since the story became well-known, yellow ribbons have become the symbol that says, 'Welcome home!'" How About You? Are you a runaway? Perhaps you haven't run away from home, but have you tried to run away from God? Are you a Christian who is stubbornly doing things that don't please Him? God wants you to admit your sin and turn from it. The yellow ribbon story shows that the love of family is great. But the love of God is even greater! He wants to welcome you back into fellowship with Him. Today's Key Verse: I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned." (Luke 15:18) Today's Key Thought: Return to the Lord

Audrey frowned as she squinted at the mirror. As if glasses and braces aren't bad enough, she thought. Now my hair seems to have a mind of its own. I've used oodles of Mom's hair stuff, and it still sticks out in all directions! Sighing, Audrey turned off the bathroom light and headed downstairs. It was still early, but she knew her brother Daniel would be up. He had to leave that morning to return to college after his Christmas break. "Hey, beautiful," Daniel greeted her as she came through the kitchen door. Audrey made a face. "Who are you talking to?" she asked, glancing around the room as if looking for someone. "I know it can't be me, 'cuz I . . . well, look at my hair!" "Looks good to me," said Daniel. He grinned and handed her a small, round object. "Here--I have a goodbye present for you." "Wow! Thanks! Just what I always wanted," said Audrey sarcastically as she looked at a bumpy, gray rock about the size of a golf ball. "It's just lovely." Daniel laughed. "It's a geode," he explained. "Inside this plain little rock is a heart of exquisite beauty. Honest! Come on. I'll show you." He led the way to the basement and placed the rock securely on Dad's workbench. Then he picked up a hammer and small chisel. He carefully tapped the chisel around the middle of the rock until it cracked into two halves. Audrey gasped. The geode was hollow, and the inside was lined in sparkling crystals. The colors ranged from deep purple to lavender to purest white. "Oh-h-h-h! I love it!" exclaimed Audrey. "It really is lovely." "It's a pretty one," agreed Daniel. "My Bible professor says God made geodes and people alike in some ways." Audrey wrinkled her nose. "How's that?" she asked. "The real beauty is what's inside," Daniel explained. "A person's character--kind or mean, generous or stingy, that sort of thing--determines true beauty. The outside appearance isn't so important." Daniel gave Audrey a warm hug. "You, my dear sister, are beautiful," he added, "both inside and out." Audrey smiled at her brother. She forgot her hair issue and didn't even think about her glasses or braces. How About You? Are you unhappy with your physical appearance? Do you wish you were taller? More handsome? Prettier? Do you wish your hair, eyes, or skin were a different color? Do you think you'd look better if you had nicer clothes?God says the way you look on the outside isn't the most important thing. What comes out of your heart is what matters. When you live to please the Lord, He sees real beauty, and others will, too. Today's Key Verse: The Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Today's Key Thought: Inner beauty is what matters

Austin jumped up when he heard his father call his name. "Sounds like my dad's ready to go, Rick," he said. The boys had played in Rick's room while their fathers talked out in the yard. Rick went outdoors with Austin. The night was black; no moon, no stars. "Hey . . . don't you have a flashlight?" asked Rick as their fathers bid each other goodbye. "You can borrow mine." "We won't need one--it's not very far to our house. We'll just cut across the field and through the woods," replied Austin as the boys went over to where the men were standing. "See you at school tomorrow." Rick and his dad turned to go into the house, and Austin and his father started home. It was a bit hard to see in the dark, but they quickly found the path the boys had worn through the woods. As they wound their way around the trees, suddenly . . . THUNK! "Owww!" Austin exclaimed. He rubbed his forehead. "I never even saw that branch!" As he spoke, he heard another sound . . . Zzzzkt! ZZZKttt! What's that? Austin wondered. He wasn't usually afraid in the dark, but these sounds seemed different . . . threatening even. I'm glad Dad's with me! Austin's eyes strained to see what was ahead. "Dark, isn't it?" observed Dad. "We should have brought a flashlight." "Yeah," agreed Austin. "Truth is, Rick offered me one, but I said we wouldn't need it." Dad laughed. "Oh, well," he said, "I'm sure we'll find our way without it. And maybe all this darkness around us tonight will renew our appreciation for the fact that we have the light of the world with us." "The light of the world?" asked Austin. "So . . . turn it on already." "Oh, it's on all right," said Dad. "The Bible says Jesus is the light of the world, remember? People are lost in the darkness of sin, but Jesus came to give God's light to all who will trust in Him." "And like me, people sure need light," added Austin, "even when they think they don't!" "Yes," agreed Dad. "I'm glad we both have Jesus to help us as we travel life's pathway. That's much more important than having a light on this path." How About You? Do you know Jesus, the light of the world? Perhaps you don't feel like you need Him, but making your way through life without Him is like walking in darkness. You may often not know where to turn or what to do. Jesus wants to help you. Trust Him as Savior, and then follow Him each day. You can reach a home in heaven only by receiving Him. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Today's Key Verse: I (Jesus) am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness. (John 8:12) Today's Key Thought: Jesus is God's light

"Grandma! Grandpa!" called Janie and Tyler as they ran outside to greet their grandparents, who had just pulled into the driveway. Grandma gave them each a big hug. "We missed you while you were on vacation!" she exclaimed. "Did you have a good trip?" "We sure did--and come see what we brought home," said Tyler. He and Janie led their grandparents into the family room. "Look," said Tyler, pointing to a covered glass bowl filled with living green plants. "Nice plants," Grandpa said. "Very nice." "Look again, Grandpa," suggested Janie. "Look right there." She pointed to a small branch resting on the bottom of the bowl. Grandpa looked where Janie pointed. "Oh, I see it now," said Grandpa. "It's a chameleon, isn't it?" "It looks almost like a little leaf," Grandma said in amazement. Janie grinned. "My Sunday school teacher says God gave chameleons camouflage uniforms so they can blend in with their surroundings." "Know what else we learned about them?" asked Tyler. "My science book says their skin doesn't grow like their bodies do. When they get too big for their skin, they begin shedding it. They get rid of the old stuff, and soon they have all new skin." "It's kind of like what we should do, too, isn't it?" observed Grandpa. Janie and Tyler stared. "How would we do that, Grandpa?" asked Tyler. Grandpa laughed. "I guess I was thinking out loud," he said. "Chameleons shed their skin, and we are to shed sinful things. The Bible gives a whole list of things we need to get rid of. A chameleon puts on new skin, and we are to put on new, godly characteristics. The Bible says we're to 'put off the old man' and 'put on the new man.'" "We learned about that in school, too," said Tyler. "In Sunday school." "Good for you!" approved Grandpa. "But . . . this old man's hungry. What's for lunch?" Laughing, they headed for the kitchen. How About You? Are you shedding sinful habits--things like complaining, telling so-called little white lies, or sneaking out of the house to avoid work? Are you putting on the characteristics that please God--things like kindness, cheerfulness, and especially love toward God and others? Reread today's Scripture passage. Ask God to help you put off the things listed there that displease Him and to put on those that are pleasing in His sight. Today's Key Verse: You have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge. (Colossians 3:9-10) Today's Key Thought: Shed old, bad habits