CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

Anna's heart pounded as she stood looking down at her brother. He looked very small from her perch among the tree tops. "You can do it!" he called up to her. "Easy for you to say, Casey," Anna retorted. "You're not standing on a log thirty feet in the air!" It was her first time on the high ropes course at her church retreat, and she was supposed to walk across the log as if it were a balance beam. Anna looked at her father down below. "Are you sure the rope will catch me if I fall?" she asked. "Absolutely," Dad said. Anna tugged one more time on the safety rope attached to the body harness she wore. She tensed, getting ready to take that first step. You can do it, Anna told herself. If you fall, the rope will catch you. Just walk out there. She wiped her clammy hands on her jeans, took a deep breath, and inched out onto the log. First one tiny step. Then another. And another. Soon she was all the way across. "Great job!" Dad called. "Now I'll lower you to the ground." "You're sure the rope will hold me?" Anna asked. "Yes. Trust me!" Dad called back. "Just lean out a little, and you'll feel it start to pick you up." Anna did as he directed and gasped with relief when she felt her harness tighten around her waist. She let her feet leave the platform then, and slowly descended to the ground. "Was that fun?" Casey asked as Dad unclipped Anna's harness from the rope. "Yeah!" Anna said. "I was so scared up there, though. I knew the rope was attached to me, but I couldn't feel it. I felt a lot safer after I was off the log and the rope caught me." "You know," Dad commented, "the rope wasn't holding you only when you felt it. It was holding you the entire time. You just didn't test it." He paused. "And that makes me think of God," he added. Anna thought for a second. "You mean because sometimes when life is tough, it feels like He's not even there?" she asked. "But whether it feels like it or not, God is with us all the time, taking care of us?" Smiling, Dad nodded. "So will you go up and walk the log again?" Casey asked. Anna lifted the safety rope and smiled. "Yeah," she said. "I'll do it again." How About You? Are there times in your life when you don't feel like God is with you? When tough things happen or it seems like God isn't answering your prayers, do you start to wonder if He even cares? The truth is that God will never, ever leave you. He gave His word that He will always be with you. So instead of relying on your feelings, rely on the truthful Word of God. And even if it doesn't feel like He's there, rest assured that He is still taking care of you. Today's Key Verse: Do not be afraid . . . the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Today's Key Thought: God is always with you

Juan picked up something from the closet floor and waved it at his friend Eric. "Remember the game piece we lost when we played Spider last time you were here?" Juan asked. Eric nodded and looked at the object. "Hey! You found it!" he exclaimed. "Yep. It was right there," replied Juan, pointing to the closet floor. Eric looked where Juan indicated. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "It's a wonder you ever found it in there! What a mess! It's way worse than my closet--and my mom thinks it's bad! I can help you pick up all this stuff." "Nah. I'll do it later," replied Juan. Eric grinned. "You sure?" he asked. "I remember the mess we made in your backyard a couple weeks ago. I offered to help you with that, too, but you wanted to do something else and said you'd do it later. Only you didn't." "I know," said Juan. "My dad was so mad! I was grounded for a whole week." Juan frowned. "Sometimes you get me in trouble with my mom, too. She thinks I should be more like you. You're what she calls a 'cleanie.' That's a girl thing!" "Hey! Watch what you say!" Eric pretended to be annoyed. "I just don't like to leave a mess like that," he added with a shrug. "I'd rather take care of things right away instead of later." Juan jumped up. "Ichanged my mind," he said. "I'll surprise Mom and clean this up--you can help me." So together the boys put games in place and sorted markers, shoes and even some dirty socks. "There," said Juan. "I took care of what I usually put off. Now how about taking care of what you keep putting off?" Eric looked puzzled. "I told you--I don't put things off." "Yes, you do," replied Juan promptly. "We've talked about Jesus before, and you've even admitted you do wrong stuff and can't earn your way to heaven. But you never come right out and say you trust in Jesus to save you. Okay . . . you like things to be taken care of right away, and accepting Him as your Savior is the most important thing you need to take care of. So don't put it off any longer." "Well, I . . . I . . ." Eric didn't know what to say. "I guess you're right," he said at last, "but you better go over it with me again, okay?" Gladly, Juan nodded. How About You? Are you trusting Jesus as your Savior? Or have you been putting off that decision? Nothing is more important. Maybe you'll live a long time and have other opportunities to decide. On the other hand, this could be the last time you'll hear about Jesus. Won't you trust Him as Savior today? (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Today's Key Verse: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth. (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Today's Key Thought: Receive Jesus today

"Are your mom and dad going to let you go to Jenny's all-night party?" Madison's friend Leslie asked as the girls walked home. "No, and I'm not even sure why not," said Madison. "I forgot about it, so when Dad dropped me off this morning, Iasked him if I could go. He just said they didn't want me to. I was late, and there wasn't time to talk any more about it." "My parents said no at first, too," replied Leslie, "but I told them that was unfair and that they never trust me! I kept at 'em, and they gave in and said I could go." She grinned. "Why don't you tell your mom and dad how unfair they're being? Maybe they'll change their minds, too!" Madison shook her head. "Don't you think that when your parents tell you no it's because they believe that's what's best for you?" she asked. She paused, then added, "I mean . . . I really trust my parents. I'm sure they want to make the right decisions for me and just have to say no sometimes." Leslie frowned. "Oh, that's what they always say," she muttered, "but I don't believe it. I think it's mean to boss kids around!" When the girls turned to cross the street to Leslie's house, she saw her dog sitting in their driveway. "Lady got out!" exclaimed Leslie. "I wonder if somebody left the gate open." The dog looked their way, then jumped up and came running toward them. "Stop, Lady! No!" Leslie called out. Lady stopped right away. "Good dog!" approved Leslie when she reached her pet. "How did you get out?" "You're sure mean to Lady--keeping her penned up in the back yard most of the time!" said Madison. "And like now . . . she just wanted to come across the street and meet you, but you wouldn't let her. That's mean!" "Mean?" asked Leslie in surprise. "I'm not mean. Keeping her in the back yard keeps her safe. If I just let her run across the street, she might get hit by a car." "So saying no was really for her good?" asked Madison with a smile. "Of course it . . ." Leslie stopped. "Okay . . . okay. I see your point," she said. "I had to say no to Lady, and parents sometimes have to say no, too." How About You? How do you respond when your parents say no to something you want? Do you get angry or upset? Remember that God has placed you under the care of adults--usually parents, but sometimes grandparents or other guardians. He has given them the responsibility of making many decisions for you until you're older. And He has given you the responsibility of obeying them. So even when you don't understand the reasons for all they say and do, trust them and obey. Today's Key Verse: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Colossians 3:20) Today's Key Thought: Accept your parents' decisions

David gasped and choked. He turned so Alex couldn't see his face. David knew he shouldn't be smoking, but Alex had dared him to try it, and he didn't want Alex to laugh at him. "How'd ya like it?" Alex spoke to David's back. "Great," David lied, glancing at his watch. "Hey--I gotta run or I'm gonna be in trouble. See you tomorrow." Without waiting for a reply, he walked quickly out of the alley and into the sunlight. Guilt tugged at his heart as he hurried toward home. When David entered the house, he heard his little sister's voice. "But I didn't do it, Mommy! I didn't!" "Tiffany," said Mom, "I know you did." As David looked into his parents' room, the smell of perfume was almost strong enough to choke him. The carpet was sprinkled with powder, and tiny footprints led from the vanity to the door. "You'd better 'fess up, little sister," teased David. "You're caught for sure this time." "I-I-I'm sorry. I just wanted to s-s-smell pretty for D-D-Daddy," sobbed Tiffany. Mom tried to hide her smile. "The whole house is going to smell pretty for Daddy," she said. "Go sit in your room while I clean up this mess." She turned toward David. "And what have you been up to?" she asked. "N-n-nothing," stuttered David. Mom had been teasing, but David's guilty face told her he'd done something he shouldn't have. She repeated his words. "Better 'fess up," she said. "You know the Bible warns that when we sin we'll be caught sooner or later. God always knows about it." "Well, I just . . . I . . . I . . ." David looked at the floor. "Alex offered me a cigarette, and I took a few puffs," he confessed. "It was terrible, and I think I've learned my lesson." He took a deep breath and added, "I'm glad I confessed." "So am I," replied Mom. "Be sure to talk to God about this, too, and ask Him for help to resist temptation." As David nodded, Mom continued, "I hope this is a lesson you'll never forget." "Me, too,"agreed David. "It was bad in more ways than one." How About You? Is something bothering your conscience? Do you need to 'fess up? Never think you can permanently get away with doing wrong. God already knows what happened. Talk to Him about it right now--and consider whether you need to tell your parents or whoever else is involved. Confess what you've done wrong and ask God to help you not repeat it. He wants to hear from you and restore to you a clean conscience. It is a priceless possession. Today's Key Verse: Be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23) Today's Key Thought: Confess your sins

"We've got work to do before we go fishing," said Dad as he and Robb reached their camp site, "so let's get the tent up." "All right! That will be fun!" exclaimed Robb. He eagerly helped his father stretch out the tent and set it up. Then he pounded the stakes into the ground on one side while Dad worked on the other side. Soon they were ready to get out their poles and catch some fish. Fishing was good, and they hardly noticed that it was getting cloudy. They were surprised when a light rain began to fall. A strong wind came up, too, as Robb and his dad headed back to the tent. "Oh, no!" exclaimed Robb when they reached their campsite. "One side of our tent fell down. Hey . . . it's my side! What happened?" Dad stooped over and picked up a stake that was lying on the ground. "I'm afraid you didn't pound these deep enough," he said, "and the wind and rain took the tent down. But come on . . . let's get this back up." This time, putting up the tent was not so much fun because they had to work in the rain. Robb felt like it was his fault. "Sorry, Dad," he apologized. "Don't give it another thought," said Dad. "It's no more your fault than mine. I should have checked before we left to make sure the tent was firmly staked." When the rain stopped and they were finally able to cook their fish, Robb grinned at Dad. "We studied some verses in Sunday school--something about being rooted in Christ and established in our faith," said Robb. "Our teacher said if we're very familiar with the things God teaches and put them into practice, our spiritual stakes will go deep. Then we won't be easily fooled by false teachers or be quick to wander away from God. I guess we wouldn't collapse like this tent did." Robb's father smiled broadly. "Well," he said, "you may not be too great at pounding in a tent stake, but if you continue listening and learning as well as you did last Sunday, I don't think I'll have to worry about your spiritual stakes." How About You? Are you firmly convinced that what God says is true? It's important to pound your spiritual stakes deep by listening well in church and Sunday school, studying Bible lessons, and obeying what God says. Learn to check what you hear with what it says in the Bible, and become firmly staked spiritually-- "established in the faith." Today's Key Verse: Built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught. (Colossians 2:7) Today's Key Thought: Be firm in your faith

Hannah walked into the house with a big grin on her face. "Mom," she called out, "we had the best time in school today!" "What did you do that was so much fun?" asked Mom with a smile. "Oh, we had a substitute teacher today. It was so funny!" Hannah laughed. "Some of the kids switched seats, so all day long the sub was calling them the wrong names. Pete and Joel told her our teacher always lets us out for recess early. She believed them, so we got out five minutes before everyone else!" Mom frowned. "How would your substitute know who the kids are or where they were supposed to sit?" she asked. Hannah shrugged. "I know our teacher left a seating chart with everybody's name on it," she said. "But if the kids used each other's names, how would the sub know if they were in the right seats or not?" asked Mom. "And how would she know the boys were lying about being let out early for recess? No one corrected them, right?" "Well, no. I . . . I guess she wouldn't know," admitted Hannah. "Why didn't you tell her?" asked Mom. "Showing her respect and obeying her is not only common courtesy; it's a command from God!" Hannah's eyes widened. "It is?" she asked in surprise. "I know the Bible says to obey your parents, but it doesn't mention teachers, does it?" "When you were learning your memory verse for Bible club last week, I heard you recite it several times," Mom said. "It was Romans 13:1, right? Who does it say you should be subject to? Who should you respect and obey?" Hannah thought for a moment. "Ah-h-h. Governing authorities," she finally replied. (See today's Key Verse.) "Yes," said Mom. "We're to obey anyone who is in authority over us, aren't we?" "Oh! Well, she's just a sub," replied Hannah with a shrug. "It doesn't matter." "Oh, yes, it does matter!" exclaimed Mom. "When she's teaching your class, you are under her authority. Like I said, God commands that you obey her." "I-I-I'm sorry," stuttered Hannah. "I . . . I know what I'll do! I think she's coming back tomorrow, so I'll tell her who the kids are and what rules we have!" How About You? How do you treat substitute teachers in school or Sunday school? If you decide to have a little fun when you have subs, make sure it's fun for them as well as for you. If you or your classmates give the substitute a bad day, it isn't funny to God. He says you must obey and respect those who have authority over you. That includes teachers, substitute teachers, employers, coaches, and government authorities. Today's Key Verse: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. (Romans 13:1) Today's Key Thought: Respect authority

"Hello, Austin," said Grandpa Thompson. "Is everything copacetic with my grandson today?" "Co . . . pa . . . cetic? What does that mean, Grandpa?" asked Austin, but even as he asked, he was sure his grandfather wouldn't tell him. He'd probably say to look it up in the dictionary. Just like expected, Grandpa smiled and said, "Look it up. You know that's what dictionaries are for!" So Austin got out a big dictionary and quickly looked up the word. "Copacetic," he murmured softly. "Here it is, and it means . . ." He paused and read the definition to himself. "It means very satisfying," he added, closing the book just as his older brother walked in the door. Bruce is in high school and thinks he's pretty smart, thought Austin. I'll try this word on him. "Hi, Bruce," said Austin. "Everything copacetic?" Bruce looked at his brother. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "What does that word mean anyway?" Grandpa winked and Austin grinned. "Look it up, Bruce," he said. "That's what dictionaries are for. Right, Grandpa?" While Bruce flipped through the dictionary, Austin sat down on the couch next to his grandfather. "You sure like using new words, don't you, Grandpa?" Grandpa put an arm around Austin. "Yes, I do," he agreed. "The way I look at it, the use of words is a gift from God. He has given man the ability to develop languages and to write words that express ideas. Some words do a better job of that than others, so I like to look for the best ones to say something." Grandpa paused, then added, "Communication is a vital part of life. Man can take that God-given ability and abuse it, or he can use it for good." "I never thought about that," said Austin. "I guess that means we should be careful to use good words, right?" He got up to go to his room. "See you later, Grandpa," he added, "and I hope you have a copacetic day!" How About You? Have you thought about the importance of words? They are used every day in books, on radio and TV programs, on the internet, and in conversations with your family and friends. Remember that words can be used to either honor or dishonor the Lord. Are the words that come from your mouth pleasing to Him? They should be--so think before you speak. Thank God for the ability to communicate through language, and make sure whatever you say is acceptable to Him. Today's Key Verse: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good. (Ephesians 4:29) Today's Key Thought: Use good words

"Are you as smart as a donkey?" asked Mr. Jim, the leader of the children's church service. The kids laughed, and several announced that they were much smarter than any donkey. Mr. Jim smiled. "That's great," he continued. "Then I'm sure you can serve Jesus. The donkey in today's lesson did." (See today's Scripture reading.) "I don't get it!" exclaimed Trevor. "Jesus rode on the donkey's back, didn't He? You mean we're supposed to give people rides on our backs?" Trevor liked to ask questions that might make the other kids laugh. Mr. Jim laughed, too. "No," he said, "but the donkey gives us a great picture of a servant. First of all, he was where God wanted him to be--he was available. We should ask ourselves, 'Am I available to God? Am I in a place where He can use me?'" Trevor shrugged. "I am," he said. "I'm here at church all the time--whether I want to be or not." Some of the kids laughed again, and Trevor felt pleased with himself. "But I'm not good at singing or speaking," he added. "I don't have any money to give, either." "I've sat in front of you in church, Trevor," said Mr. Jim. "I happen to know you actually have a very good singing voice." He smiled as he added, "Think about the donkey again. He had to be untied. Maybe you need to let Jesus untie your fears--maybe you're afraid to try to serve Him." Trevor frowned. He couldn't think of any smart reply, and Mr. Jim continued the lesson. "Also, the donkey was willing to let Jesus control him," said Mr. Jim, and he explained that even though the donkey had never been ridden before, he did what Jesus wanted him to do. "Have you truly let Jesus control you, or have you been stubborn?" asked Mr. Jim. Trevor began to feel more uncomfortable. "How about it, class?" asked Mr. Jim at the end of the lesson. "Will you ask God to take control of your life and untie your fears? Will you be a servant just like the little donkey was?" "I'll do my best," Trevor said slowly, "but I'm still not so sure I can sing." Then he grinned. "Of course, if it makes people laugh, that might be good, too." How About You? Are you willing to serve Jesus in any way you can? Or are you afraid to sing or play an instrument in public because you think kids will laugh if you make a mistake? Maybe you really don't have the talents for those things, but are you available when help is needed for a class project?Are you willing to give a testimony or share a Scripture verse? Take a lesson from the donkey. Be available for whatever task, great or small, God has for you. Ask Him to remove your fear and control your life. Today's Key Verse: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. (Romans 12:1) Today's Key Thought: Be God's servant

"I like Easter Sunday," said Rosanne as the family finished dinner. "Easter lilies are so pretty, and I like to hear the account of when Jesus arose." "I like Easter dinner!" her brother Caleb said with a grin. "Everything is so yummy." But then he frowned as he looked at his father. "My Sunday school lesson was about how we'll be raised from the dead like Jesus was," said Caleb. "Then on the way home, we heard on that news report about a fire at one of the restaurants downtown. It said two people died in the fire." Caleb hesitated. "It's one thing to picture in my mind Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days," he added, "but I just can't see how bodies that have been burned or have been dead a long time could ever be raised up and be alive again." "It's hard for us to understand," agreed Dad, "but . . . come with me out to the garage. Maybe another example of the resurrection will help." Caleb and Rosanne followed Dad to the corner of the garage where Mom kept her garden tools. "Hand me that jar over there," instructed Dad. Caleb took a jar from one of the garage shelves and shook it. "Those are marigold seeds Mom saved from the old flowers last fall," said Rosanne. "That's right," said Dad. "Let's plant a few. Fill one of those flower pots with this stuff." He nudged a bag of potting soil toward Caleb, who scooped out some dirt and filled a pot. Then Rosanne dropped a few seeds into the dirt. "Okay. Cover them up with soil," said Dad. "Bury them." Caleb smiled as it suddenly occurred to him what Dad was trying to show them. "Like bodies are buried, right?" Caleb asked. "Yes," said Dad. "Now what do you think will happen in the next few days?" "I know what will happen," said Rosanne. "The seeds will start to grow." Dad nodded. "God can take those shriveled, dead-looking, brown seeds and resurrect them--make them alive again. He'll turn them into something beautiful--and it's just as easy for Him to do that with any body as with seeds." Several weeks later, a pot full of bright yellow marigolds stood on a patio table. I don't know how those dry, shriveled, little seeds turned into such pretty flowers, Caleb thought to himself, but I'm sure it wasn't any problem to God! How About You? Do you wonder how dead bodies could possibly live again? Raising them from the dead is no greater problem to God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it's no problem to Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead and He'll raise believers, too. He'll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those they had before. It's impossible to understand, but God will do it! Today's Key Verse: Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:54) Today's Key Thought: God will raise the dead

I wonder if Mom will ever be well again, thought Maria as she got out of the car and walked with her aunt and uncle toward the church. Maria had been sent to stay with them while Dad took Mom to a special doctor in a distant city. Everybody says God knows best, but I sure can't see how Mom's illness is best for anybody! Maria grabbed her aunt's hand for comfort. "Look at that window, Maria," said Aunt Laura, pointing to a stained glass window. "I never cease to marvel at the skill of the man who created that." Maria looked up, but she wasn't impressed. "It's just a lot of little dark pieces of glass," she said with a frown. "Wait till we get inside, and then look again," replied Aunt Laura. "Then tell me what you think of it, okay?" Numbly, Maria nodded. After they took their seats, Aunt Laura nudged Maria. "Look!" she murmured, and Maria looked up at the stained glass window. It looked much different from this side. The sun shone brightly through the colored glass, revealing a picture of children gathered around Jesus. Maria nodded and tried to smile at her aunt. As they were leaving their seats at the end of the service, Aunt Laura again motioned toward the window. "You know, that window looks so different with the sun shining through it, and that reminds me of life," she said. She reached over to squeeze Maria's shoulders. "From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we're going through bad times--like your mom's illness," she added. "From God's point of view, each little part fits together just right to make a beautiful picture." Maria sighed deeply. "I'm so scared, though," she murmured. "I understand, honey," said Aunt Laura, "but just like the artist knew what he was doing when he used each piece--even the dark ones--God knows what He's doing, too. In fact, He's a far better artist than the window designer. Can you trust God to use even this difficult time for your good?" As Maria stared at the window, she could see that the beautiful gleam of the dark pieces added to the beauty of the picture. Slowly, she nodded and gave a small smile. "I'll try," she promised. "I'll really try." How About You? Does life look dull and dreary to you? Perhaps there's been sickness or a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend has moved away. If you could see as God does, you'd find there is a reason and a purpose for those hard things. You may not understand, but God truly is working for your best. Trust Him to make something beautiful out of your life. Today's Key Verse: Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12) Today's Key Thought: Trust God with your life

Karl burst into the room. "Mom, guess what happened at Bible Club!" he exclaimed. "Marc accepted Jesus as his Savior!" "That's wonderful!" responded Mom. "His parents aren't Christians," said Karl solemnly. "Marc's dad told him he should forget all about God." "Let's ask the Lord to help Marc be a testimony to his parents," Mom replied. Karl nodded. "I will," he promised, "and I'll help Marc any way I can." A few weeks later, Karl was quite annoyed at his friend. "I asked Marc to go with me to play pool at Don's house, but you know what? He said, 'Karl, I thought you were a Christian!' Then he walked away!" Karl frowned. "Maybe Marc's father plays pool in the bars where there's a lot of drinking," replied Mom, "so Marc associates the game with drinking and wasting money. He may not understand that a game of pool in somebody's basement can be okay." As Karl thought that over, Mom added, "Maybe you should give up pool for a while." "Give it up!" exclaimed Karl. "Why?" Baby Joey, who had just learned to walk, toddled toward his toy box. Wobbling uncertainly, he tried to step over some building blocks in his path. He stepped on one of them, lost his balance, and fell. More scared than hurt, Joey began crying, and crawled to his mother for comfort. As Mom soothed Joey, she said, "You know, Marc is kind of like your brother. Baby Joey is a new walker and stumbled over those building blocks." Mom paused. "Marc is a baby Christian. He may not understand that the game of pool can be separated from the bad things he associates with it. Right now, pool playing is a problem for him, so your right to play pool might become what the Bible refers to as a stumbling block. If Marc sees you do something he believes is wrong, it might tempt him to do it, too--and that might hurt him spiritually." "I didn't think about that," said Karl. He hesitated. "Okay, I'll stop playing pool for a while since it bothers him," he decided. He grinned as Joey wiggled to get down. "Maybe by then, Joey will be a better walker, too!" Karl added. How About You? Have you ever been a stumbling block in someone's faith? Sometimes it's hard to know if people are just being picky when they criticize what you do--or if they're being tempted to do something they believe is wrong. You may want to ask an adult to help you decide. Your actions do influence others. Refuse to be a stumbling block, even if it means you have to give up something you think is okay. Today's Key Verse: Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. (1 Corinthians 8:9) Today's Key Thought: Don't be a stumbling block

"Do you think Barney will be okay?" Ryan asked his Mom anxiously. "I think so, but we'll just have to wait and see," Mom replied. Ryan's dog had broken his leg, and the veterinarian was setting it in a cast. "I'll help pay for the vet bill," offered Ryan. "You can use all the money I've saved in my piggy bank." Mom smiled. "Thank you, Son. You can contribute a little if you want to, but we'll take care of most of the bill," she said. "I appreciate your willing heart, though." Mom was thoughtful as she put an arm across Ryan's shoulders. "Remember when we talked a few days ago about giving money for God's work?" she asked. "Yeah. Mr. Pete had just paid me for shoveling his walks, and you reminded me to keep some of the money for the church offering," said Ryan with a frown. "I did, but then it didn't leave enough for a game I wanted to get that day. Now I'm glad I didn't get it. I'd rather use the money to help Barney." Mom nodded. "It was a little hard for you to be a cheerful giver right then, but just now you didn't hesitate to offer your whole savings to pay the vet." Ryan swallowed. "No, but Barney is . . . I'd give anything to make him all right, Mom. Besides, I know things have been pretty tough on the farm lately and the vet bill will be expensive." Mom leaned over to give Ryan a hug. "Your willingness to help pay the bill shows that you love Barney--and Dad and me, too," she said. "When we really love someone, we're glad to give. That's how God wants us to give to Him--not because we have to, but because we love Him so much . . . especially when we remember all He's done for us." Ryan nodded. "Sometimes it's hard, though," he said. "That's true," replied Mom. "But it will help if you think often of all He's done for you." Just then, the vet came into the waiting room. "Your dog will be fine," he said with a smile. "It was a clean break, and he'll heal in no time." "All right!" exclaimed Ryan. "God heard our prayers, didn't He, Mom?" Smiling, Mom nodded. How About You? When you receive money, do you give part of it to God? Did you know He wants you to do that? But He wants you to do it willingly. It's easy to say you love God, but it's harder to prove it by giving cheerfully! If you know you haven't done that but would like to, stop and think about all God has done for you. Ask Him to help you be a cheerful giver. Today's Key Verse: God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Today's Key Thought: Give cheerfully

"My whole life is ruined!" Sara said as she went out to the back patio. where her father was watering plants. "Everything is going so-o-o wrong. I failed the test that I studied so hard for, and my best friend is mad at me." Sara frowned. "I don't even think God loves me!" "Oh, honey, you know He loves you very much," said Dad as he began to water a large plant. Sara shrugged. "Why are you watering that one?" she asked. "It's going to die soon, isn't it? Look at the buds--they look all wilted." "This is an amaryllis. The buds don't look good now, but the flowers will be beautiful,"Dad assured her. "You'll see." "You mean those wilted buds will really turn into pretty flowers?" Sara asked. "Yes," said Dad, "and you know what, honey? Just like these buds look ugly to you now, your life doesn't feel good to you. But Jesus loves you, Sara, and He knows that you sometimes have to go through tough times so you can grow and become a stronger Christian. Trust God. He has good plans for you." "I hope you're right," said Sara. Day by day, Sara watched the amaryllis buds. She smiled as she saw them changing. They reminded her of Dad's words and of her need to trust God. When Sara came home from school with exciting news one day, she again found Dad on the patio. "Oh look at the flowers!" exclaimed Sara as she joined him. She gazed at the miracle--four dark pink flowers had come out of one small bud. The beauty was breathtaking. "Wow! They're beautiful!" Sara said in awe. "Yep. They've all come out and are in full bloom," said Dad. "God's ways are always best. Have you found that to be true in your life, too?" "Yeah," replied Sara. "I knew I had been mean to Emma, and today God helped me tell her I was sorry. She forgave me and we're friends again. She said she'd help me study for my next test. God sure planned everything perfectly." "Great!" said Dad. "Always trust God no matter how things look." He turned to go in the house. "Wait here," he added, then went to get the camera so he could take a picture of his daughter next to the beautiful flowers. How About You? Do you feel like everything is going wrong? Does it feel like God doesn't care? He really does care. God cares so much that He has plans for you. But He knows that there are times when it's good for you to go through difficulties and testing to become the person He wants you to be. When you do something wrong, confess it and ask God to help you correct it. When troubles come, trust Him to use those hard times to bring you closer to Him, knowing that His way is best. Today's Key Verse: The Lord will do great things. (Joel 2:21) Today's Key Thought: God's way is best

"There! My homework's done," said Jasmine, closing her math book. "You finished with yours, Em?" Emily nodded. "Yep," she said. "Let's go outside--it's so nice out tonight." After getting permission from Mom, the girls went out to the porch. Twinkling stars in the sky glistened like distant diamonds. The full moon seemed to shine brighter than usual. As Emily gazed at it, she thought about the things she wanted to do and to have some day. After a few minutes, she turned to her sister. "What do you want to do when you're older, Jasmine?" "Oh, let's see . . ." Jasmine grinned. "I dream of . . . of becoming a rich and famous singer or author," she said. "You know--the kind of person people wait in line to see." "I'd rather win a gold medal in the Olympics," replied Emily. "That should make me rich and famous, too." "Heard you," said Dad as he came up the steps. "Well, whatever you achieve, don't forget who deserves the credit," he added. Emily grinned at her dad. "You figure you should be in on it because you'd pay for my education, right?" she asked. "Well, okay, I'll share with you, but if I work hard to win a medal and get lots of money, I think I should get most of the credit." She pointed toward the sky. "I'd shine like that moon up there." Dad smiled. "It's okay for you to shine like the moon," he said, "because even though that moon might seem to shine very brightly, you have to remember something. It really can't take the credit for its brilliance." "Why not?" asked Emily, looking surprised. "I know," said Jasmine. "Our science book says the moon has no light of its own. It shines because it reflects the light of the sun." Dad nodded. "So when we shine like the moon," he said, "we reflect a light that is not our own. It's God's. He made you and gave you any abilities you have. Remember to give the glory to God for anything you ever accomplish." How About You? What have you accomplished? Or what do you hope to accomplish some day? Do you think success in anything is from your hard work alone? You should work hard toward your goals, but never forget that the ability you have to accomplish anything is a gift from God, your Maker. Any success or wealth you acquire on earth is a reflection of the goodness of God shining upon you. Today's Key Verse: Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name. (Psalm 29:2) Today's Key Thought: Give God glory for all you can do

Rick and Brittany were relieved when Mom and Dad said they could keep the puppy they had found. Rick even thought Ragamuffin was a good name, but Brittany refused to call him that. "Let's name him Muffin," she suggested. "Muffins are good!" With a shrug, Rick agreed. The kids enjoyed playing with Muffin. They taught him tricks, and took him on walks. "Good dog!" exclaimed Brittany when Muffin fetched a stick she threw. "Now if only you'd learn not to track mud into the house or knock things over and break them!" "Yeah . . . and not to chew slippers and hide shoes," added Rick. "Are we always going to have to scold and punish you for doing that stuff?" Brittany sighed. "I'm afraid he'll stop liking us if we scold him so much." Rick nodded. "Me, too," he agreed, "but we have to get him trained." Their fears were groundless--Muffin was always loyal. He ran to meet them, wagging his tail and jumping up and down with excitement. He followed them around and constantly wanted to be with them. "Muffin makes us feel as if he likes us even though we scold him sometimes," observed Rick after firmly sending the dog away from the table as they ate dinner one day. "Well, I'm sure he knows you love him," Mom said. "You rescued him, and you take good care of him. Muffin knows that, and he loves you in return." "I think we could take a lesson from him," observed Dad. "Our heavenly Father loves us. He saved us, and He provides for us. Do we often praise Him and show Him that we're grateful--even if He has to discipline us when we sin? Do we accept that as we should? Do the things we do and say show that we love Him in return for all He's done for us?" "I'm afraid not," said Mom, "at least not often enough." "How would we show Him?" wondered Brittany. "Well, Ragamuffin likes to spend time with us, and . . ." began Rick. "His name is Muffin!" Brittany interrupted her brother. Rick grinned. "He's learning to obey us, too," he added. "Like Muffin, we should learn to serve and obey the one who loves and cares for us." How About You? Do you show God that you love Him in return for all He's done for you? Do you praise Him with your lips and your life, even when things don't go your way? Accept and learn from the discipline as well as from all the blessings He sends your way. Show Him how important He is to you by giving Him your time, your love and service, and your obedience. Today's Key Verse: We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) Today's Key Thought: Show your love for God