CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

Erin grinned as Mom put a plate of spaghetti in front of her little brother. "You'll have to wash Nick's hair when he's done," said Erin. "He always makes a mess." Mom smiled. "I know," she said. "I'll have to put him in the tub, but it's worth it. He loves spaghetti, and he likes to help himself when he eats." As she spoke, the phone rang, and Erin went to answer it. Hearing the voice of her friend Anna, Erin frowned. A week ago, Anna had said something hurtful and Erin lost her temper. As the girls talked, Erin tried to be polite, but she was still angry and soon made an excuse to hang up. "You didn't sound very friendly," observed Mom, who overheard Erin's part of the conversation. "You told me what Anna said last week, but she apologized for her remarks, didn't she?" "Yes, but . . ." Erin sighed. "I try not to lose my temper so quick, but I just . . . I can't help it." She glanced at her little brother and laughed. "Look at Nick," she said. "He's got spaghetti sauce in his hair and smeared all over his face." Mom laughed, too, as she picked him up to take to the bathtub. "You know, honey," she said, "Nick hasn't learned how to clean himself up yet, so if nobody gave him a bath, he'd get to be a worse and worse mess, wouldn't he?" Erin grinned. "He sure would. He'd have all kinds of food on his face and in his hair," she replied. "He needs help!" "Yes, he does," Mom agreed. "We're like him in that way. We need help, too." "Mo-o-om! I clean myself up,"protested Erin. "We clean our face and hair," agreed Mom, "but we're in trouble when we try to clean up our sinful habits--like a tendency to lie or disobey or . . ." "Or get mad?" Erin interrupted. "Or get mad," agreed Mom. "We can't clean up on our own." She gave Erin a hug. "Depend on God to help you when something causes your temper to flare up, honey. As you yield to Him, He'll give you victory over temptation and sin." She shook her head. "By the way, how do you feel when you hold a grudge?" "Not so good," admitted Erin with a sigh. "I think . . ."She paused. "I think I'll go call Anna back." How About You? Do you wish you could overcome some sin in your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Or is there a bad habit you need to break?You can't do it on your own. Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom. He'll give you the grace and power you need to overcome temptation. Today's Key Verse: Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6:14) Today's Key Thought: Seek God's help to overcome sin

As Katie stopped in the middle of the mountain trail, her friend Gretchen bumped into her. "Whoa!" exclaimed Gretchen. "Why did you stop?" Katie pointed to a hillside across the valley. "Mom said we'd see a place where there had been a forest fire--and that's it!" "Wow!" exclaimed Gretchen as the girls stared at the charred remains. When they moved on, she turned to Katie. "Did you know Blake cheated on a test and might even get suspended from school?" Gretchen asked. "Yeah. He says he didn't do it, but who's gonna believe that?" replied Katie. "And what about Steve? Mary thinks he stole money from her desk. He should be suspended, too." "Want some water?" Turning, the girls saw Katie's mother coming to join them. She held out the canteen, and they sat on a fallen log to rest. "What caused that forest fire, Mom?" asked Katie, pointing to the hillside again. "It sure destroyed a lot of trees, didn't it?" "The news report said it started from a little campsite fire," replied Mom. She frowned as she added, "A fire always reminds me that the Bible calls the tongue a fire. Our words can have the same effect as that campfire." Katie grinned. "I can burn down a forest with my mouth?" she asked, knowing that wasn't right. Mom smiled. "Your words can't destroy trees," she said, "but they can destroy friendships and damage lives. When we say unkind things, it can hurt people's feelings and their reputations." "But it's okay to say things if we know they're true, isn't it?" Gretchen asked. "Not necessarily," replied Mom. "Occasionally, there may be some useful purpose for repeating it, but it's generally better to keep to yourself anything that would hurt another person. Like a tiny spark, a tiny, unkind suggestion can spread and cause a lot of harm." Mom pointed toward the hillside. "It will take a long time for trees to grow back in that area," she said, "but it may take even longer to repair damage done by unkind words." Gretchen held up her camera. "I'll take a picture," she decided, "to remind myself of what a little fire--or a few mean words like I've used lately--can do." How About You? Have you caught yourself spreading personal information about others? Has anyone ever spread gossip about you? Sometimes you may say things without realizing the damage your words can do. It's a good idea to think before you speak and to ask God to help you keep from starting any fires with your tongue. Today's Key Verse: Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (Proverbs 26:20) Today's Key Thought: Refuse to spread gossip

"What's Laura's problem?" asked Jacob as his sister left the room. "Is she sad about something?" "This is the day her friends leave for summer camp," said Mom with a sigh. "Why didn't she go, too?" Jacob wondered. "She always loves camp." "Yes, but the Lord provided a summer job for Laura. She felt she should take it and help with school expenses since Dad had to miss work so often this year on account of his health," Mom explained. "Then let's do something special so she won't feel so bad," suggested Jacob. He wrinkled his brow. "Let's have a party for her! A surprise family party." "Maybe a You're Special to Us party?" asked Mom. "All right. I'll fix her favorite dinner, and you can decorate the dining room." "What about a present?" asked Jacob. Mom thought for a minute. "Why don't we give her coupons--we'll call them Love Coupons. I'll make one with a promise to make her bed and clean her room every day this week so she can sleep later. You could wash the dishes when it's her turn." Jacob groaned. "Let's not get carried away," he protested. "We want to make her feel better, but there's a limit!" Mom laughed and gave Jacob a quick hug. "This is a lovely idea, Son. God says we should show love to one another, and you're doing that today." She went to the kitchen. "We'd better get busy. We have a lot to do." When Laura came home from work that afternoon, she stood in the doorway and stared. The table was set with the best china, and balloons hung from the light fixture. "Surprise!" exclaimed Jacob. "Is it somebody's birthday?" asked Laura. "I know it's not mine!" "Nope, but you're special," Jacob told her, "so we're having a party for you." After enjoying her favorite meal, Laura took the coupons family members had placed beside her plate. "I love all of you," she said after reading them. Glancing at the dirty dishes and at Jacob, she added. "Especially you tonight, little brother. It's my turn to wash dishes." She winked at him. "I hope you won't be getting wrinkled dishpan hands this week!" How About You? Is there someone among your family or friends who needs encouragement? As you remember what God did to show His great love for you, will you go out of your way to show love to a discouraged person? Maybe you can do more than your share of chores at home, help a friend with school work, mow a neighbor's lawn, or help in some other special way. They'll be pleased, and God will, too. You'll be surprised to find how much it lifts everyone's spirits--including your own! Today's Key Verse: Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18) Today's Key Thought: Let your actions show love

Tears ran down Dedra's cheeks as her father drove off. She pulled away from her mother's gentle hug and ran down the street. She heard her mother call her name, but she ran on furiously. Today was the worst day of her life! Earlier that morning, her father and mother had sat on opposite ends of the couch and calmly spoke the words that tore her world apart. "We both love you, kitten. We just can't live together anymore," said Dad. "You'll spend weekends with Daddy and weekdays with me," said Mom. Dad nodded. "We'll go to special places every weekend, honey. We'll have fun . . . you'll see," he added. The words had pierced her heart. Dedra finally stopped running and sat on a swing at the neighborhood park. She could no longer cry; she felt empty. As the weeks went by, Dedra's life fell into a new pattern. After school on weekdays, she and her mother cooked dinner and spent the evenings together. On Fridays, her father picked her up after school, and she went to his apartment for the weekend. They had good times, but it just wasn't the same as having him home. One Friday, Dedra's father called to say he couldn't come. After that, Dad sometimes came, and sometimes he didn't. When he told her she was going to have a new family--he was going to get married, and she would have stepbrothers and sisters--she wasn't quite sure where she fit in. One day, Dedra accepted the invitation of the lady next door to go with her to church and Sunday school. Dedra listened as the teacher in her class talked about the love of God. Love comes and goes, thought Dedra. One day you're a family, and the next day you can be lost somewhere in the middle. Tears began to well up, and she stayed in her seat, even after the other children left. "Can I help?" asked Mrs. Mason as she knelt beside Dedra. "Love's not like you said," murmured Dedra. "My dad doesn't love me like that." "God's love is not like human love," said Mrs. Mason gently. "Nothing can separate God's children from His love." "Are you sure?" asked Dedra. It would be great to have someone love me like that, she thought, and she listened carefully as Mrs. Mason told her about Jesus' love. How About You? Have you been disappointed in friends or family or circumstances? Have they failed you? God will not and cannot fail. He loves you more deeply than anyone--even parents--do. He loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. Do you love Him in return? Have you trusted Him as Savior? You can. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Take comfort in the fact that nothing can ever separate God's children from His love. Unlike people, God never changes. Today's Key Verse: Neither death nor life, nor . . . any . . . thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39) Today's Key Thought: God's love doesn't change

"Let's go for a hike," suggested Mandy after enjoying a big meal at the family reunion. "Let's take one of those nature trails through the woods." Several of her cousins agreed, and soon they made their way to the trail. A large map was posted beside the path, and they glanced at it briefly before starting off. The kids talked and laughed as they walked along. When they came to a place where the trail divided, they looked at it uncertainly. "Let's take the path to the left," said Amy. "It doesn't look as steep as the other one." "Sissy! We're going to take the trail that goes up the hill and around the lake," declared Ben. "Right, guys?" The other boys nodded and headed up the trail. After hesitating a few minutes, the girls followed. "I'm tired!" said Amy after nearly an hour. "How much farther is it to the park?" "How should we know?" snapped William. "We haven't been here before." "Did it look very far on the map?" asked Mandy. "You checked it, didn't you?" William frowned. "Well . . . sorta," he replied. "Didn't you?" Mandy shook her head. "I thought you guys would have it all figured out." "We only glanced at it," Ben explained, "but I'm sure we'll get to the road--sooner or later." Mandy stood still. "Well, I'm exhausted," she said. "I'm going back the way we came." Most of the others agreed--even the boys. So although there was some grumbling, they all turned and headed back down the trail. When they finally got to the map at the beginning of the trail, they stopped to look at it. They saw that if they'd kept on going, they would have soon come out on the road near the park. "It's a little late to read this now," said Amy. She laughed. "Can't you just imagine what Granny Williams will say when she hears about this?" Pushing her glasses to the end of her nose, Amy shook her finger at the group. "You're just like all those people who try to get through life without reading the Bible," Amy said in her best Granny voice. "Don't depend on someone else to lead you," Mandy added, also trying for a Granny tone. "Read the map for yourself." Everyone laughed as they hurried back to the picnic area. Granny was really very wise! How About You? Are you studying the map God provided for you--the Bible? Or are you depending on someone else to tell you what God says? Good preachers and teachers who love the Lord can be a great help, but you should read the Bible for yourself, too. God's Word will direct you on the right path for your life. Make up your mind to read a little each day. Think about the verses you read, and then follow any instructions God gives you through them. Today's Key Verse: Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4) Today's Key Thought: Read your Bible

Jesse sighed as he looked at the unopened boxes stacked against the living room walls. "Tired of opening boxes?" his mother asked, stepping back from the picture she'd just hung up. "No, it's just that I . . . I wish we hadn't moved," said Jesse glumly. Mom put down the hammer. "I know it's tough for you," she said, "but once we're settled in, I'm sure you'll enjoy living here." "I don't know anyone here. I'm a stranger at school and at church and . . . and everywhere," said Jesse as Mom picked up a plant. The leaves of the plant rested on the edge of its pot. It reminded Jesse of the way his dog's ears flopped over the side of his water bowl when he drank. "That plant doesn't look happy, either," he mumbled. "It looks droopy." "You're right; it does," agreed Mom. "It's an African violet, and it's in a state of shock because it was uprooted--I repotted it a few days ago. But . . ." Mom smiled, ". . . it has me to take care of it. It will soon take root in the new dirt and get the nourishment it needs. With time, it will even start to thrive--to do very well. Like you." "I don't think I'm doing good at all," Jesse said. "Being uprooted and making a new start is difficult," said Mom, "but like my plant, you have someone looking after you--someone who does a better job of it thanI ever could." Jesse frowned. "You mean God, don't you?" Mom nodded. "Jesus can give you the courage and strength you need to get used to new places and new people. He'll help you adjust to the move." "Maybe, but I guess I'm still in the shocked stage," said Jesse. He stood up and stretched. "Think I'll take Bailey out for a run." As Jesse walked with his dog, Bailey's long velvety ears flapped with every step. He seemed as happy to be outdoors as Jesse was. At a corner, a boy about Jesse's age was waiting for the traffic lights to turn. "Hi," said Jesse. "Is there a park somewhere around here?" "Just a couple of blocks away--I'll show you," answered the boy. A warm feeling grew inside Jesse as the boys walked and talked. God is taking care of me, he thought. He's giving me some of that courage and help Mom talked about. How About You? Have you been uprooted so you need to adjust to a new situation? Are you shy about meeting new people in your neighborhood, attending a new class, or joining a new sports team? Ask the Lord to give you the courage to be friendly. Ask Him to help you adjust to your new surroundings. Trust Him and thank Him for opportunities to enjoy new people and new things--and that He has put something good into every situation. Today's Key Verse: He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Today's Key Thought: God helps in times of change

The man on TV waved his arms as he spoke. "Do you have health problems? Money problems? Family problems? Do you want to get rid of your troubles? Just follow Jesus," he shouted. "He'll take your troubles all away." As the speaker paused, Mary glanced out the window and saw Mrs. Koning, who was using her cane as she walked by. Mary jumped up and ran outside. She skipped up to her neighbor and put her small hand in the wrinkled one of the elderly lady. "What do you think I just heard a man on TV say?" Mary asked. Mrs. Koning chuckled. "I can't guess," she said. "A preacher said all your troubles will be gone if you follow Jesus," Mary told her. She peered in curiosity at Mrs. Koning. "You follow Jesus, don't you?" Mrs. Koning smiled. "I certainly do, Mary," she replied. "Well, why doesn't God make you strong so you don't need a cane?" Mary asked. "He could do that," Mrs. Koning told her. "He's powerful enough to give me perfect health. But God never promised all my troubles would go away if I followed Jesus. What He did promise is that He'd be with me in times of trouble. He promised to be my friend and take care of all my needs." "But that preacher said you would be well," insisted Mary, "and rich, too, if you trust Jesus." Mrs. Koning chuckled. "In a way, he may be right," she said. "My sins are gone, so my soul is healthy. That's far more important than being healthy physically, don't you agree?" "I-I guess so." Mary slowly nodded. "But . . . are you rich, too?" she asked. "I don't have a lot of money, but I'm rich in blessings from God and also in love for God and others," said Mrs. Koning. She squeezed the little girl's hand. "Never try to use Christianity as a way to have smooth sailing through life, honey," she advised. "Christians experience troubles, too--God often uses them to teach valuable lessons. The difference is that Christians have God to help them through their troubles. Following Jesus does make them both healthy and rich--but not necessarily in the way some people want you to think." "Oh-h-h," murmured Mary. "Somebody should tell that preacher!" Once again Mrs. Koning chuckled. "I think you're right," she agreed. How About You? Have you heard that God wants Christians to have lots of earthly goods--money, beautiful clothes, adoring friends, and perfect physical health? This may be God's plan for you--or His plan for you may be to come to know Him in a special way through troubles. Accept whatever plan He has for you, confident that He knows what is best and is with you through hard times as well as pleasant ones. Today's Key Verse: My (God's) grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Today's Key Thought: Accept God's plan for you

As part of a service project, the kids in Molly's Sunday school class made a weekly check on the senior church members who lived in their neighborhood. "I don't mind doing that," Mollymuttered to Elena, her project partner, "but it takes so much time, especially when it's the day we have to check on Mrs. Deaton. She always talks and talks!" Elena agreed, but they dutifully called on the elderly lady once a week. One day, Mrs. Deaton showed the girls some faded photographs. "Who are these kids?" Elena asked, pointing to a picture of two little girls. Mrs. Deaton smiled. "They're my children," she replied. "How come they never visit you or take care of you, now that you're old?" Molly blurted without thinking. "They were in a boating accident many years ago, and the Lord took both of them to be with Him," explained Mrs. Deaton. Molly fidgeted when she heard that. "Now don't fret," Mrs. Deaton added. "As it says in the book of Job, the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. But He never forsakes! He's been with me all these years." Not long after that, Mrs. Deaton didn't come to the door when the girls rang the bell. Molly peered through a window. She couldn't see clearly, but it looked as though Mrs. Deaton was slumped over a table. "Oh, no!" Molly cried in alarm, but just then Mrs. Deaton's head jerked up. Seeing Molly's frightened face, Mrs. Deaton quickly went to the door. "Come on in, girls," she said. "I was so busy, I didn't even hear you." She smiled at them. "You see, I may be old and unable to do much, but I can pray," she added with a wink. "I was praying for the missionaries from our church." When Molly got home, she told her mother what had happened. "I kind of thought Mrs. Deaton was a useless old lady," admitted Molly, "but I'm sure the missionaries she prays for don't think so." "I'm sure they don't," agreed Mom, "and I think you've learned something from her, too, haven't you?" Molly nodded. "If I live to be as old as she is, I hope I'll be as caring, too--praying for people and talking about Jesus!" How About You? How do you feel about older people? Do you respect them? Do you spend time with them and listen to what they have to say? You'll find that older people can teach valuable lessons from the experiences they've faced. If you treat them with dignity, they'll enrich your life. God has given His senior saints, as well as younger Christians, a job to do. They're valuable to Him, and they can be to you, as well. Today's Key Verse: When I am old . . . O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. (Psalm 71:18) Today's Key Thought: Learn from older Christians

Maria set up her music stand, then took her violin out of the hall closet. She began to play, but as she drew her bow across the strings, many notes that came from the violin were shaky and unsure. "I'm outta here!" exclaimed her brother Carlos, heading for the door. "Those high, squeaky notes hurt my ears!" "Carlos is right--they sound awful!" wailed Maria. "I know just what my teacher would say--she'd call those sour notes! This piece is too hard!" "Try it again," said Mom, coming into the room. "Keep practicing." With a sigh, Maria did so. Though she still couldn't play the song perfectly by the end of her thirty-minute practice session, it had definitely improved. "Did everyone have a good day?" asked Dad at the dinner table that evening. "What did you all do?" "Well . . . I practiced the new piece my violin teacher assigned," said Maria. "It still needs a lot of work, but it's coming along." "Some of us guys played ball in the empty lot at the corner," reported Carlos. "John got mad and went home. He doesn't do that as much as he used to, but he sure blew it today." "That's too bad," said Mom, "but I'm glad he's been doing better." "He's a Christian, isn't he?" asked Maria. "He should know better than to get mad like that." "Well, let's pray for him and be thankful he's making progress," Dad said. "It's easier to be patient with others when we remember that we all need a lot of improvement in living for the Lord." "Right," agreed Mom. "Think about your violin practice, honey. Remember all the sour notes we heard at first? When we sin, we're like a sour note, and the harmony we had with God is gone. But when we confess our sin and ask Him to forgive us, our friendship with Jesus is like new." Dad nodded. "When we accept Jesus, God changes us and helps us live in a way that pleases Him," he added. "It takes time, but God has promised to continue working in our lives. You didn't give up on your music, and I'm glad God doesn't give up on us." He smiled. "He won't give up on John, either." "Okay,"said Maria. "I'll keep practicing, and I think John will, too." How About You? Have you or your friends been making sour notes lately? Maybe you've heard the saying, "Be patient. God isn't finished with me yet." That is true--God is still working on you. Thank Him for His patience and for not giving up on you. When you sin, ask God to forgive you, and try each day to learn more from His Word and to grow more like Him. Today's Key Verse: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) Today's Key Thought: God won't give up on you

When Matt and Mark came in from school, Matt went to his room, but his twin bounded into the kitchen. "I got all A's on my report card," Mark announced. Mom hugged him. "Good for you!" she exclaimed. She looked around. "Where's Matt?" When Mark shrugged and pointed down the hall, Mom went and tapped on the twins' bedroom door. "May I come in, Matt?" she asked. "I guess so," came the muffled reply. "I guess you want to see my report card." Without looking at his mother, Matt handed it to her. Mom took the card and smiled as she looked at it. "All right! All C's or better! Even an A," she said with enthusiasm. "You did well, Son." "Mark got all A's," said Matt angrily. "I didn't even make the honor roll." "No, but making the honor roll isn't the most important thing in life," replied Mom. She sat down next to Matt. "I'm proud of both you and Mark. You're twins, but you're very different, and that's a good thing. Mark loves to read and study. You, on the other hand, are . . ." ". . . stupid!" Matt interrupted. "You certainly are not!" Mom exclaimed. "You're smart, too--but in a different way from Mark." She put a hand on Matt's shoulder. "When his bike was broken, who fixed it?" "I did," said Matt with a shrug, "but there wasn't much wrong with it," "Last Christmas, we gave Mark a chess game, and we gave you a set of tools, remember?" asked Mom. "Did it make you mad that we didn't give the two of you the same thing?" "Of course not," said Matt. "We wouldn't even want the same things." "No, so we gave you different gifts," Mom said. "God gives His children different gifts, too. Remember the verses we read from First Corinthians this morning?" Matt nodded, and his mother continued. "Mark is very good in scholastic things, but you have mechanical abilities that he doesn't have. Don't think less of your talents just because they're not the same as Mark's. Thank God for the gifts He's given you, and use them for His glory." "Well, I . . ." Matt hesitated. "I told Petey next door that I'd change the tire on his bike," he said. "Can I go do that now?" Smiling, Mom nodded. How About You? Do you compare your abilities with those others have? Do you want to be able to do well in math or reading, shoot lots of baskets, or sing or play the piano well just because you have a brother, sister, or friend who can do one of those things? Remember that God has not given everyone the same gifts. So do your best at whatever you do. Use the talents God has given you--not so you can brag about them, but to be helpful to others in some way and to bring glory to God. Today's Key Verse: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another. (1 Peter 4:10) Today's Key Thought: Be yourself

Mindy sniffed. "I told all my friends I was going to see the Niagara Falls and Canada this summer," she whined, "and now Dad . . ." "Dad can't help it that we had to change our summer plans," interrupted twelve-year-old Jeff. "You know one of the guys at work broke a leg, and that's why Dad can't be off now. He said he was sorry." "I think we have two choices here," said Mom. "We can feel sorry for ourselves and mope around all summer, or we can be thankful for the things we are able to do. We can have a celebration summer with mini vacation outings." Mindy frowned. "What would we celebrate?" she asked. "How about good health and being together--and the job God has given Dad?" suggested Mom. "How about celebrating our ability to go places and do fun things?" "But . . . how would we celebrate things like that?" asked Mindy. "One way might be to spend time at the lake and in the woods and enjoy the beauty of God's creation around us," Mom replied. "Can we do some of the special things we always say we want to do someday?" asked Jeff. "I'd sure like to go to the steam engine show." "We'll plan to do that,"Mom promised. "How about the museum, too, and the candy factory?" asked Mindy, starting to feel a little excited at the idea. Mom nodded. "Sounds good," she agreed. "And let's go camping at that huge pond on Mr. Bixby's farm," Jeff suggested. "He invited us to do that sometime. We could go on a weekend so Dad can come, too." "And let's take Grandpa James with us," Mindy added. "He'd love it. He knows a lot about camping, and he offered to teach us." Mom smiled. "That's a splendid idea. Why don't we include a friend or two on each of our outings? Let's share with others the good times God gives us." "All right!" Jeff grinned broadly. "This sounds like lots more fun than riding day after day in the car," he decided. "And this year it won't be just a two-week vacation," said Mindy as she went to find a calendar. "It will last all summer long!" How About You? Is your family unable to take a big vacation trip this year? Then why not ask your parents if you can take mini-trips? Even if that doesn't work out, you can have good times in your own neighborhood. Open your eyes. Enjoy the things God has placed around you. And in your planning, don't forget to include someone who may be lonely. Most of all, thank God for all the good things--the many benefits--He provides for you to enjoy each day. Today's Key Verse: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits. (Psalm 68:19) Today's Key Thought: Enjoy the blessings all around you

"We're lost--or at least we will be if we choose the wrong path," Austin said slowly. He and Carter were retracing their way back to camp, and they had just realized they didn't know which fork in the trail they needed. "Oh, no!" groaned Carter. "Nobody knows where we are since we didn't get permission to go hiking. We should have asked if it was okay." "We couldn't--the rules say no hiking without a counselor!" grumbled Austin. "They shouldn't make such strict rules!" He thought for a few minutes. "Let's pray for help," he suggested. Carter nodded, so the boys bowed their heads and asked God to help them find the way back to camp. Then Austin studied each of the two paths again. "Hey, look!" He pointed. "That's the path we came on! There's the candy wrapper you dropped when we came this way." Carter grinned sheepishly. "I guess it's good I was a litterbug today," he said. When the boys arrived at camp, everyone was relieved that they were safe. They had been missed, and a search party was being organized to look for them. Carter and Austin exchanged worried glances when Mr. Heston, the camp director, told them he wanted to see them in his office. "I think we're in trouble," whispered Austin nervously. "Let's tell Mr. Heston how we prayed and God answered," Carter whispered back. "That should make him forget we broke the rules." Mr. Heston listened soberly as the boys told him about praying. Then he said, "I'm not at all sure God answered your prayers." Austin and Carter could hardly believe what they heard. "I didn't hear any indication that you boys were sorry you broke the rules--only that you got lost," Mr. Heston continued. "You didn't ask me to forgive you for disobeying, and as far as I know, you didn't ask God to forgive you, either. The Bible says if we regard iniquity in our hearts--that is, if we aren't sorry for our sin or we refuse to give it up--the Lord won't hear us." "But after we prayed, we found the right path," argued Austin. Mr. Heston nodded. "While you prayed out there in the woods, the counselors and I prayed here at camp," he said. "I wonder . . . Do you think God answered your prayers, or ours?" How About You? When you get into a tight spot, do you quickly pray for help? That's good, but as you pray, be sure to examine your heart. Is there unconfessed sin there? Are you willing to turn from it? If not, God says He won't hear your prayer. But if you're sorry and confess it to God, asking Him to forgive you, you'll be ready to bring your requests to Him. Today's Key Verse: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. (Psalm 66:18) Today's Key Thought: Confess sin, then bring requests

The sound of breaking glass brought Dylan running into the dining room. "Oh, Megan!" he gasped. "Look what you've done!" Megan stared in horror at the shattered pieces of crystal on the floor. "That's the vase Uncle Don gave Mom just before he died!" Dylan exclaimed. "Boy, will she be mad!" "I . . . I . . . c-c-couldn't help it," said Megan nervously. "I . . ." "What's the matter?" Both children jumped at the sound of their mother's voice. A look of sorrow spread over her face as she saw what had happened. Megan burst into sobs. "I d-d-didn't mean to break it, Mom. I was just looking for a pencil, and it . . . Oh! I'm s-s-so sorry." Mom put an arm around Megan. "There, there, honey. Don't cry!" "She'll have to buy you another one, won't she?" asked Dylan. "It'll probably take all her savings to replace it." "No," Mom said sadly. "Some things can't be replaced, and this is one of them." "Then are you going to ground her?" Dylan wanted to know. Mom shook her head. "Spank her?" was Dylan's next question. When Mom shook her head again, Dylan frowned. "Aren't you going to punish her at all?" he asked. "No," said Mom. "I'm going to show her mercy. Megan has already learned that she needs to be more careful, and she's shown me that she's very sorry about what happened." Dylan shrugged in disgust. "If I had broken the vase, I wouldn't have been able to have any fun for a week!" he grumbled. "That's not true, Dylan!" said Mom. She shook her head. "Don't be jealous when mercy is shown to someone else,"she advised. "It's something for which we should all be very grateful. Except for the mercy of God, we would all receive the eternal punishment we deserve. So thank God for His mercy. Be glad when others are merciful, too. Who knows--tomorrow you may again need someone to show mercy to you." As Dylan was thinking about this, Megan got the broom and dust pan. "I'll get the trash can," Dylan decided. "I can help you." How About You? Do you grumble when a guilty person is allowed to go unpunished? When that happens, the person is receiving mercy instead of what he or she deserves. If he's sorry for doing something wrong, it shouldn't make you angry that he is forgiven. No doubt you haven't always gotten what you deserved, either. God, who is very merciful, wants you to love mercy--even when it's given to others. Remember . . . you never know when you will again need it yourself. Today's Key Verse: What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) Today's Key Thought: Love mercy

"Yummy! This is so good!" exclaimed Marissa as she helped herself to the popcorn at her Sunday school class party. "I think I could eat the whole panful." "Me, too," agreed Emma, and several other girls laughed and nodded. "Ow!" exclaimed Kim just as their teacher asked the girls to settle down for a short devotional time before they had to leave. "I bit into a hard, burnt kernel!" added Kim as she took a seat on the sofa. "Sorry about that, Kim,"said Miss Jones, "but now let's talk about the Lord for a few minutes before you go." She paused, then asked, "Who knows what made the difference between the hard popcorn kernels like the one Kim just got and the tasty ones we all enjoyed?" Sheri grinned. "That doesn't sound like talking about the Lord," she said, "but I'm guessing you're going to use it for an illustration, so . . . okay. Um . . . the good kernels popped, and the ones like Kim just bit on didn't." Miss Jones smiled. "Right," she agreed. "Do you have any idea why those like Kim's didn't pop?" The girls thought it over. "Not really," said Emma. "Heat makes them pop, but they all got heated, didn't they?" Miss Jones nodded. "They did," she said, "and some of the kernels responded to the heat, but others didn't. It occurs to me that people are sort of like popcorn." The girls looked at their teacher in surprise. "Popcorn people?" asked Marissa. "I don't get it." Miss Jones smiled. "The popcorn needs to be changed," she said, "and people do, too. Popcorn changes as it responds to heat. What do you think changes people?" "God?" asked Sheri. "We're changed when we become Christians, right?" "That's right," agreed Miss Jones. "People who hear the message of salvation from God's Word and trust in Jesus are changed. Those who hear but don't yield to Him are like the hard, unpopped kernels that felt the heat but didn't respond." She looked around at the group. "It's my prayer that each of you will be like a popped kernel--that you will respond to God's love and put your faith in Jesus." How About You? Which kind of "popcorn person" are you? You've heard the Gospel. You know you're a sinner and that Jesus died for you. Are you trusting Him as your Savior? Have you become a child of God? Or do you remain unchanged--hard and unyielding? Won't you yield to Jesus in faith today? (Click the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Today's Key Verse: If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation . . . behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Today's Key Thought: Believe and yield to Jesus

Drums beat, flags waved, and trumpets blew! Adele and Brad's eyes darted here and there, trying to capture all the excitement at the Fourth of July parade. The school band proudly marched down the street in new uniforms. As they played "The Star Spangled Banner," the crowd stood at attention and sang along. "Our class learned that Francis Scott Key wrote the words to our national anthem," said Brad as the family drove home after the parade. "While British ships were firing at Fort McHenry all through the night, Mr. Key watched from a ship off shore. He knew that if Fort McHenry fell, Baltimore and other important cities would probably be captured, too. The guns finally stopped, and at dawn what do you think Mr. Key saw?" "Ah-h-h . . . I don't know," said Adele. "I give up. What was it?" "The American flag," Brad replied. "The story said when he saw it, Mr. Key shouted, 'The flag still stands!' Right after that, he wrote the song." Adele was impressed. "The flag still stands!" she repeated. "Will the flag always stand, Dad?" Brad answered her. "Sure, it will!" he said confidently. "Our country is strong!" "God's Word teaches that nations do not rise or fall because of their own great strength," Dad reminded them. "It says safety comes from the Lord, not from special equipment or well-trained armies." Mom nodded. "Perhaps Francis Scott Key knew that, too," she suggested. "The last lines of the final verse of the song say, 'Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: In God is our trust. And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!'" "I wish we'd always sing that verse, too," Dad said. "God has been very good to our country and has blessed us in so many ways. We should thank Him for the privilege of living here, and we should pray daily for our people and for our leaders. When I see the attitude of so many toward immoral things, I fear for our land. Our nation needs to turn back to God." "Yes," agreed Mom. "Remember that, kids. Pray every day for those in authority. Pray that they will honor God in the decisions they make." How About You? Did you thank God today for your country? Did you pray today for its leaders? Will you pray for them? Pray, too, for all the people--in your neighborhood, your town, your state, and pray for yourself. Pray that you and your nation will put away the things that displease God and will trust Him to keep you free. The nation "whose God is the Lord" is the nation He blesses. Today's Key Verse: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm 33:12) Today's Key Thought: Pray for your government