CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

"Watch it!" gasped Uncle Sid. "Slow down, Abby!" In the back seat, Zach turned to Jill and grinned. When Aunt Sue asked Uncle Sid to get something from the grocery store, he offered to let Abby drive them there. She'd had a driver's license only a week, and as she drove, Uncle Sid instructed her almost non-stop. "There's a yield sign up ahead. It's a little hard to see," cautioned Uncle Sid. He paused only a moment. "I slow down when I pass this fire station . . . oh, and two lights down we'll turn right. Be sure to hug the curb when you turn that way . . . and have you learned that the best way to pull into parking places is . . ." Uncle Sid hardly stopped talking long enough to breathe. When they reached the store, Abby parked and handed the keys to her uncle. "Thanks for letting me drive, Uncle Sid. But I think you should drive home," said Abby. "You're more familiar with the car than I am." "Well, dear, are you sure?" Uncle Sid asked as he took the keys. "Yes, I'm sure," Abby answered. She smiled and winked at Jill and Zach. When Uncle Sid was out of hearing range, she murmured, "It's usually fun to drive, but with Uncle Sid . . ." She rolled her eyes, and they all laughed. Mom smiled when the kids told her about the incident. "Uncle Sid should have trusted Abby," Jill protested. "She's a good driver." "Don't be too hard on Uncle Sid," Mom replied. "Actually, we're all a little like that at times." "I'm not," protested Zach. "I trust Abby." "Yes, but do you always trust God?" asked Mom. "When we accept Jesus as Savior, it's like inviting Him to take over the driver's seat of our lives. But often we act as though we're sitting beside Him, telling Him exactly how to drive." She paused. "Your account of Uncle Sid's instructions to Abby reminded me of what you said earlier today about your baseball team." Zach was thoughtful. "You mean because . . ." He frowned. "Because I asked God to help me get on our class baseball team--and He did. But now I don't like it that I have to play left field instead of pitching?" Mom nodded. "We all need to remember that God knows how to drive--how to manage our lives--better than we do!" How About You? Do you trust God and accept the way He steers your life? He knows the very best way for you to travel on the highway of life. You don't know where the curves are or what may be around the next corner, but God does. He knows what difficulties and what pleasures you will face. Trust Him to help you through all of them. Today's Key Verse: Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4) Today's Key Thought: Trust God to direct your life

Wow! thought Theo after reading a few pages of his science homework. This sure doesn't sound like what the Bible says. He decided to ask his dad about it. "Dad, my science book doesn't teach creation like the Bible does," said Theo when he found his dad working on the car in the garage. "According to my book, scientists believe the first particle of dust or . . . whatever . . . just happened to come into existence. They say people and everything else evolved from that." "Well, Son, most books--including that one--have been written by man, and men make mistakes," replied Dad. "The Bible, on the other hand, is actually the Word of God, and He never makes mistakes. As you already pointed out, some people say everything evolved from a small particle, but God says in the Bible that all things were created by Him. So who are you going to believe--people or God?" "I know the Bible is true," said Theo, "but scientists have done a lot of studying. It doesn't seem like all of them could be wrong." "Actually, not all of them are wrong. I know that many scientists agree with the biblical account of creation," said Dad. "If you think about it, you realize it's the only view that makes sense." "I guess that's true," replied Theo. Dad pointed to the car. "What would you say, Theo, if I told you this car just happened to come into existence--that nobody put the engine, the body, the seats, the wheels, and all the other parts together? What if I said there was once just a little speck of iron dust and all these parts evolved from that? And then they came together by themselves?" Theo grinned. "I'd say that was the craziest thing I ever heard," he said. "That's pretty much what I'd say, too," Dad agreed, "except that the human body is far more complicated and wonderful than this car. Yet some people try to tell us that we--and every other part of the world--just evolved from nothing. What nonsense! We're not accidents--we are part of God's creation and plan." "You know what, Dad? The Bible makes a lot more sense than any science book that says there is no God," Theo said firmly. How About You? Have you been taught evolution as if it were fact? Have you had to study books that say God is not the Creator? Don't believe them! The Bible says God made the whole world. He made the trees and other growing things. He made the animals and the people. He made you! He loves you, and He has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. Believe what He says. Today's Key Verse: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) Today's Key Thought: God created everything

"I wonder why Ethan hasn't come--or called," said Jake as he looked at the model plane he was putting together. "Ethan was supposed to help me finish my plane this morning." "Maybe his mom or dad needed him to help at home," said Mom. "Maybe," Jake replied, "but Ethan said he'd call if he couldn't come. It's almost noon, and he still hasn't shown up or called." "Well, why don't you see if he can come this afternoon instead?" suggested Mom. "Maybe that will work out better." "Okay. I'll see," said Jake. He put the model down and went to call Ethan from the phone in the kitchen. When Jake picked up the phone, he heard his sister's voice as she talked with one of her friends. He scowled as he replaced the receiver. "Nicole's on the phone, and she's probably been talking all morning!" he exclaimed. "If Ethan's been trying to call, he's been getting a busy signal!" Jake reached for the phone again. "I'm going to tell her to get off the line." "Hold on," said Mom. "I'll talk to her in a minute. I know Nicole had to make several calls today, so like you said, maybe Ethan couldn't get through to you because the line was busy." Mom was thoughtful. "That busy signal reminds me of my Bible study group this week," she added. "A question in our workbook was, 'How often do you think the Lord gets a busy signal when He wants to get through to us?'" Jake shrugged. "What does that mean?" "Well, sometimes we don't hear the things God wants us to hear because we're too busy with other things," explained Mom. "For example, the women in my study group--including me--might think we have so much housework or cooking or knitting that we don't have time to read the Bible or visit shut-ins or serve God in other ways." Mom smiled at Jake. "What do kids like you do that sends a busy signal to God?" "Well, ah . . . we have homework and music practice and football games," replied Jake. "Oh! And model planes!" He grinned. "I'll check and see when Ethan can come over, but I better learn my memory verse for Bible club before I finish working on my plane." How About You? Do you send God busy signals? He wants to communicate with you through His Word. He wants you to talk with Him in prayer. Your daily activities are important, but don't let them keep you from spending time with God and learning things taught in the Bible. Read it, think about it, memorize it, and act upon it. You'll find it helps you as you go about all your other activities. Today's Key Verse: I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:16) Today's Key Thought: Don't send God busy signals

"Hey, there, Kurt," Uncle Ed called. "Come have a ride in my new car." "Okay!" agreed Kurt. "I've never ridden in a sports car like this before." He climbed into the car and reached for the seat belt. Uncle Ed laughed. "No need to fasten those things," he said. "We're just going a little way." Kurt buckled up anyway. "In school they taught us that seat belts save lives. And we learned that a whole lot of accidents happen close to home." Uncle Ed pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "I suppose you'll tell me next that smoking is hazardous to my health, too," he muttered. Kurt grinned. "Well, you can't really argue with all the scientific evidence on that," he replied. "Everyone knows smoking is bad for you." Uncle Ed turned and glanced at his nephew. "You're getting to sound more and more like your dad," he snapped. "Well, Uncle Ed, you know you should use seat belts, and you know smoking is bad," retorted Kurt, "so how come you ignore all the warnings about those things?" Kurt's uncle was quiet for a while. "The truth is," he said at last, "I don't have a reason. But look who's talking! You're just like me!" "I am not!" protested Kurt. "If your dad were here, he'd also want to know why I haven't become a Christian, since life is uncertain and death could come at any time," Uncle Ed replied, "and he'd ask you the same question! See? In some ways you're just like me!" Kurt had no answer for that, but long after they returned home, he continued to think about his uncle's words. Uncle Ed knew it was foolish not to use seat belts, yet he often didn't use them. He knew smoking could cause cancer, but he continued to smoke. Worst of all, both Uncle Ed and Kurt knew they would be eternally lost if they did not accept Jesus as Savior, yet neither of them gave it much thought. I'm not going to be like Uncle Ed anymore--at least not about where I spend eternity, Kurt decided suddenly. He jumped up and went to ask his father to explain once again just what it means to trust Jesus. How About You? Do you ignore warnings about your health? That's dangerous--but it's even more dangerous to neglect your spiritual welfare. Don't be like Felix in today's Scripture and think you'll wait for a more "convenient" time. That convenient time may never come. The Bible says you are a sinner and need Jesus as your Savior. Don't wait. Accept Him today. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Today's Key Verse: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) Today's Key Thought: Don't put off salvation

As Becky nibbled half heartedly at her breakfast, she thought about the big math test she would take later that day. She had studied hard, but she still felt nervous about it. Tests always made her nervous. "Not hungry this morning, honey?" asked Mom when she noticed Becky's nearly full cereal bowl. "I keep thinking about that awful math test," Becky replied with a sigh. "But you seemed to know how to solve all the problems when you were studying last night," said Mom. "Yes, but it's different when you or Dad quiz me on them than it is when I have to do them on a test," replied Becky. "If only Mom or Dad could go to school with you, you could just pretend they were quizzing you," said her brother Kraig. He grinned at her. "But never fear . . . I'll be there. Well, at least I'll be in the same building as you. That's just as good as having Mom or Dad, isn't it?" "No, it isn't," Becky said. "Sorry!"She grinned when Kraig pretended to feel hurt. Mom smiled. "Dad and I can't be there, but don't forget that you have a heavenly Father who will be with you all through your test," she said reassuringly. "He doesn't want you to worry. He tells us to give all our worries and anxieties to Him because He cares for us so very much." "I know." Becky sighed. "But I still get nervous," she added. "Feels like butterflies in my stomach." Mom smiled understandingly. "Tell God how you feel," she suggested. "Ask Him to remind you throughout the day that He's right there with you. Ask Him to give you His peace so you can think clearly--and then believe that He'll do it. Okay?" "Okay," agreed Becky. "All right," said Mom as she gave Becky a hug. "Now how about eating some of your breakfast as evidence that you trust Him to help you?" "Yeah," agreed Kraig. "It's hard to take a test on an empty stomach." How About You? Do tests, news reports, or illness give you butterflies in your stomach? Do you worry about things that are happening--or that might happen? Remember that your heavenly Father is with you and wants you to give your worries to Him. He cares for you--and for those you love, too. Talk to God about the things that concern you. Then trust Him, and let Him give you His peace. Today's Key Verse: Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Today's Key Thought: Give your worries to God

We gotta be the first ones into Grasswater Cove so we can get Old Mossback, Isaac thought as he snuggled down into his bed, almost too excited to sleep. He could hardly wait to go on the early morning fishing trip he and Dad had planned. The next thing Isaac knew, a hand was tapping him. "Isaac, wake up!" Dad whispered. "Time to go after Old Mossback." Isaac jumped out of bed, dressed quickly, and soon they were on their way in the pickup truck. In his mind, Isaac could see Grasswater Cove. Why, he could almost feel his line go tight with a solid, hard strike, and then he'd . . . . "What's that?" Dad's voice broke into his thoughts. The pickup's headlights lit up a car lying on its side just off the road. Dad stepped on the brakes, pulled over, and stopped. "Wait here," he ordered as he jumped out and ran over to the car. Soon Dad returned, bringing with him a man who was limping. "This is my son Isaac," Dad told the man, "and Isaac, this is Mr. Paulson. His ankle needs attention. He's from Rockville, so we'll take him back there to get help." "I hate to be so much trouble," Mr. Paulson protested. "I could call for help on my cell phone." "No problem," said Dad. "We're always glad to help out a neighbor." Isaac's heart sank a little as they headed away from the lake. Good-bye, Old Mossback, he thought sadly--but he began to feel better about the delay as he listened to Dad's answer when Mr. Paulson asked why Dad had called him their neighbor. "The Bible teaches that a neighbor isn't only a person living near us," Dad was saying. "It can be anyone we meet. God wants us to act in a good, neighborly way whenever we see someone who needs help." Mr. Paulson listened intently as Dad continued to talk about God and the Lord Jesus. By the time Mr. Paulson was taken care of, it was quite late and the fishing had to be postponed. "I'm sorry about that," Dad told Isaac, "but I think Old Mossback will wait for us another day." Isaac was disappointed, but then he remembered how their "neighbor" had listened while Dad talked about the Lord. Mr. Paulson's more important than any old fish, anyway, Isaac decided. We'll get Old Mossback another time. How About You? Did you know that anyone at all can be considered your neighbor? What kind of neighbor are you?Are you one who is ready to help whenever it's needed?Helping others isn't always easy, and it may even cost you something. But when you act in a neighborly way for Jesus' sake, you'll find that it's worth whatever it costs. It may even be the thing that causes someone to become interested in knowing the Lord. Today's Key Verse: You shall love . . . your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Today's Key Thought: Be a good neighbor

"What are you doing, Mr. Ward?" Scott asked when he saw his neighbor--who was also his Sunday school teacher--getting out some tools. "I'm going to use my garden tiller to get rid of some weeds," said Mr. Ward. "Do you want to help?" "Sure," responded Scott. Mr. Ward started the tiller and showed Scott how it worked. "Start here, and keep your eyes on the space between the plants. Walk straight down the row," said Mr. Ward, pointing to the other end of the garden. "When you come back this way, you can take the next row." Scott began eagerly, hoping he would do a good job. His confidence built as the weeds in row after row disappeared. He was almost finished when he heard someone call his name. Turning his head, he looked back and saw Mrs. Ward with a tall glass of lemonade. "Shut it off and take a break," she called. Grinning, Scott turned to shut off the machine. To his dismay, he saw that while he had been looking back toward Mrs. Ward, the machine had swerved and taken out a few garden plants. Mr. Ward saw what had happened, too. "Don't worry about it, Scott," he said. "There's not much damage. Come have some lemonade, and then you can finish the last row." As they sat under a tree with their lemonade, Scott mentioned a problem he was having with some of his old friends. "Those guys are always after me to do stuff I used to do," he said. "And why don't you do those things now?" Mr. Ward asked. "Well, I'm a Christian now," Scott replied. He sighed. "I know it would be wrong to do some of that stuff, but . . . sometimes it looks like fun," he admitted. Mr. Ward gazed over the garden. "When you turned and looked back while working in the garden, it messed up a row," he said, "and looking back at your old lifestyle could mess up your life. Instead of looking back to old friends, look to Jesus and God's Word for direction in your new life." After a minute, Scott nodded. "In the end, I know that will bring me more fun anyway," he said with a grin. How About You? Do you often look back to things you used to enjoy? Do those old activities seem attractive? Do friends want you to do things that would displease the Lord? It may be necessary to replace some old friendships with new ones. Your closest friends should be kids who are Christians. Instead of looking back at old habits and friends, look to God's Word, the Bible. Ask God to help you know what He wants you to do. He will give you joy as you follow His leading. Today's Key Verse: Jesus said . . . "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) Today's Key Thought: Don't look back to old pleasures

Bridget and Ava were huffing and puffing when they finally reached the top of a steep, rocky hill. "Wow! You can see a long way from up here!" exclaimed Bridget. She grinned at her cousin. Then she pointed toward the valley below. "Look at Brett," she said. "He's got the cows almost to the corral." Looking down, the girls watched Ava's brother herd the cattle toward the gate. Suddenly Ava gasped. "Coco got out!" she exclaimed, pointing to a dog running toward the animals. "I don't think Brett sees him, and he's headed straight for the cows!" Ava and Bridget waved and shouted, trying to catch Brett's attention, but it was no use. Coco reached the cattle, barking wildly, and the cows scattered. Brett had to round them up all over again. When the girls got back down the hill, dinner was ready. "Bridget and I were on top of the hill, and we could see the whole farm," Ava told her brother as they sat down to eat. "We saw that Coco got out, and we shouted and waved. But you were too far away to notice us." "I did see you," Brett admitted with a sigh, "but I figured if I didn't keep my eyes on the cows, they would scatter again. Now I know I should have paid attention to you. You knew what would happen." Dad smiled. "What a good illustration of how God sees our whole lives--just like the girls could see the whole farm," he said. "God cares for us and knows just what will happen. We need to trust Him." Mom nodded. "Yes, and we often forget that we need to trust Him on ordinary days as well as on difficult ones," she said. "Trust Him on ordinary days?" asked Brett. "What do you mean?" "Well, when something goes really wrong, we pray and ask for help," said Dad, "but God wants us to talk to Him and seek His guidance every day. So . . . what help do you think you might you ask for on an ordinary day?" "Ah-h-h . . . how about asking for help with studying?" suggested Ava. "Yeah. Or maybe with choosing a book for a book report?" said Brett. "Or . . ." Bridget was thoughtful. "Or for enough nerve to witness to a friend?" "Good ideas." Dad nodded. "Let's ask for God's help and then be sure to pay attention and trust Him enough to do whatever He prompts us to do." How About You? Was today an ordinary, normal day for you? A day with no big problems or unusual things happening? Did you remember that you still need God? Did you pray and think about how He would want you to live your life today, or did you just take the ordinary things for granted? Be thankful for them, and remember to ask for God's guidance every day of your life--on ordinary days as well as on more difficult ones. Today's Key Verse: In all your ways acknowledge Him (God), and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6) Today's Key Thought: Trust God on ordinary days

Julie skipped all the way home. Baking chocolate chip cookies for Tonya's sleepover tomorrow night will be fun, she thought. She pictured the girls munching cookies at midnight as they painted their toenails. "Mom!" Julie hollered, slamming the screen door. Her voice echoed, but Mom didn't answer. That's when Julie spotted a note on the table. "Grandma came down with the flu,"she read. "I'm at her house. Love, Mom." Julie groaned and quickly dialed Grandma's number. "You've got to come home, Mom," Julie pleaded. "I promised to take home-baked chocolate chip cookies to Tonya's sleepover tomorrow. I need you to help me make them." "I'm sorry, honey, but I'm sure you can do it alone," said Mom. "You helped me often enough. And if you promised, you need to do it. After all, a promise is a promise. Besides, you don't really want me to leave Grandma, do you?" "No,"said Julie. So she hung up and went to get out the recipe. When she found it, she carefully measured the ingredients, dumped them into a mixing bowl, stirred them together, and got out the cookie sheets. The first batch of cookies lay cooling on the counter when Dad came through the kitchen door. He promptly snitched one and began munching. "Yum, still warm," he said. "Is it a new recipe?" "Same old chocolate chip recipe," replied Julie. Dad threw her a puzzled look. "Strange," he said. "I didn't get a single chocolate chip." Julie's face fell. "Chocolate chips!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe I forgot the chocolate chips!" "That's all right. They're delicious the way they are," Dad assured her as he grabbed another cookie and took a big bite. "I promised Tonya I'd bring homemade chocolate chip cookies for her sleepover. And chocolate chip cookies aren't chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips." Julie grinned, realizing how many times she'd said "chocolate chip." Dad smiled. "It's not too late to stir in chocolate chips," he pointed out. "And just think how chocolaty chippy the rest will be." He scooped up another cookie. "Okay, Dad. You can have those, but go easy on the ones that will actually have chocolate chips," said Julie. "I need them for tomorrow night. I made a promise, and a promise is a promise, you know!" How About You? In our Key Verse, the word vow means promise. The verse says it's better to not say you will do something than to say you will and not follow through. Are you careful to only make promises you know you'll be able to keep? Always be sure you can do what you say you will do. It's one small way in which you can honor God. Today's Key Verse: Pay what you have vowed--Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) Today's Key Thought: Always keep your promises

"I get this one," said Mike, grabbing the biggest piece of pie. His sister Melissa frowned. "You always take the biggest piece for yourself," she grumbled. Their brother Josh joined in. "Yeah," he said. "Can't you ever think of anyone but yourself?" Mike just scowled at Josh and went out to play games with some neighborhood kids. As Mike and his friends played in the back yard, his voice could often be heard over all the others. "Me first!" he shouted whenever a new game began. Melissa and Josh shook their heads and talked about Mike's behavior. "It's embarrassing when he always has to be first," said Melissa. "We've gotta do something about him!" So together, they thought up a plan. The next day after again hearing Mike say "me first" several times, Melissa and Josh decided it was time to put their plan into action. When Mike came in, from play, they were ready. A plate holding three shiny, red apples was on the kitchen table. "Oh, yummy!" exclaimed Mike. "I get this one." He grabbed the biggest apple, and Melissa and Josh quickly took the two smaller ones. Mike started to put the big apple to his mouth, then pulled it away and looked at it suspiciously. He tested it with his teeth. "Oh, you jerks!" he sputtered. "You tricked me! You served a plateful of wax apples." "Maybe you really tricked yourself," said Josh, biting into his apple. "Oh-h-h! This one is sweet and juicy. How's yours, Melissa?" "Delicious!" Melissa replied. She looked at Mike. "If you hadn't been greedy and taken the biggest one for yourself, you could have been eating one of these apples." With a scowl, Mike stalked out of the room. "Do you think he learned anything from that?" asked Melissa. "I don't know; I hope so," said Josh. "I guess time will tell. We'll just have to wait and see. Maybe we should try to think of more ways to show him that being selfish isn't the right way to live." How About You? Are you willing to take turns being first? Are you willing to sometimes let others have the biggest or best things? In today's Scripture reading, God warns against "exalting" yourself--thinking you're the best and putting yourself first. He says the way to be first is to be a servant. So put God first of all in your life, and then make "you first," not "me first," your motto. Today's Key Verse: If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. (Mark 9:35) Today's Key Thought: Let others be first

"Look at the plant Grandma gave me," said Adele when she came home after spending an afternoon with her grandmother. "Grandma says it will have flowers. Can I keep it in my room and take care of it myself?" Mom nodded, so Adele took the plant to her room, where she made a place for it on her dresser. From time to time, Adele checked for buds on the plant. She frowned when she found only the stems and leaves--and they seemed to be turning brown. "Are there buds on your plant?" Grandma asked when she came over one day. Adele shook her head. "No. In fact, it looks like it's dying," she said. "Have you been watering it regularly?" asked Grandma. "Well, I . . ." Adele hesitated. "I try to remember. Want to see it? Maybe you can tell me what's wrong with it." Grandma followed Adele into her room to check it out. "Oh, my!" Grandma exclaimed. "This poor plant is drowning in water! What happened?" Adele shrugged. "I forgot to water it for a couple of days, so I just gave it lots of extra water this morning," she explained. Grandma shook her head. "Adele, how would you like it if your mother forgot to fix dinner for a few days, and then when she remembered, she made you eat enough for all the meals she had forgotten?" she asked. Adele laughed. "I wouldn't like it," she said. "I'd be starving on the days she forgot, and I'd get way too full when she remembered again." "Your plant doesn't like that kind of treatment, either," said Grandma. "You need to water it regularly." As they turned to leave the room, Grandma noticed the Bible on Adele's desk. "I see you have your Bible handy," she said approvingly. Adele nodded and picked it up. "This is one thing I haven't forgotten, Grandma," she said. "When you gave it to me, you told me to read it every day, and that's what I've been doing." Grandma smiled. "That's great!" she said. "It's the best book in the world. It's full of spiritual food for you, and I'm glad to see you're getting a regular diet of that." How About You? Do you read your Bible every day? Or do you sometimes forget--or neglect it even when you do remember? When that happens, do you try to catch up by reading faster or reading a lot at a time? That doesn't work well. The Bible gives you spiritual food. If you want to see growth in your Christian life, set up a schedule for regular Bible reading. Read it, think about what it says, and follow its teaching. Today's Key Verse: I have treasured the words of His (God's) mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:12) Today's Key Thought: Read God's Word regularly

"Look at that bumper sticker." Evan pointed ahead. "It says, 'Life is short, and then you die.'" Evan looked at his mother. "Is that supposed to be funny?" "Maybe--but it's not funny," said Mom. After a moment she added. "It does make a point, though. Remember all the cicadas that were around last summer?" "Those big bugs that were kind of like grasshoppers, but with big wings?" Evan asked. "The ones that were always making such a lot of noise?" He laughed. "They were always flying into people, too." Mom nodded. "They show up every seventeen years," she said. "At my high school graduation party, they got into our clothes and in our hair! It wasn't a very fun party! But the cicadas don't last very long. They live for only about six weeks." "Sounds like that bumper sticker could apply to them," observed Evan. "Like it says, their lives are short, and then they die. But you said the bumper sticker makes a point, you didn't mean about cicadas, did you?" "No." Mom shook her head. "A cicada's life is very short compared to the lives of most people, but in a way, our lives are short, too," she said. "Take your great-grandmother, for instance. She's ninety years old, but . . ." "Yeah, so she lived a long time," Evan interrupted. "Well, we forget that there's no time in eternity," Mom replied. "Actually, ninety years is only a short time compared to eternity. James 4:14 says, 'What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.'" "So . . . the bumper sticker is right," said Evan thoughtfully. "We live here on earth for just a short time, and then we die and go to heaven." "Are you sure?" asked Mom seriously. "I think so," Evan replied. "Don't we? Or can't we know for sure?" "Yes, we can," said Mom. "The Bible says we can know where we'll go when we die. It says we are all sinners, and when we accept Jesus into our hearts, He cleanses us and makes us children of God. The Bible assures us that those who accept Jesus will spend eternity with Him in heaven." She glanced at Evan. "Have you accepted Him?" Evan smiled. "Yep, I have," he said. "I'm going to heaven for sure!" How About You? Are you sure you'll go to heaven when you die? You may be young, but death can come to anyone at any time. Where will you be after that? The Bible says you're a sinner and can go to heaven only by trusting in Jesus. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Thank Him for showing you how you can know for sure that you'll see Him in heaven. Today's Key Verse: What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14) Today's Key Thought: Life is short; make sure of heaven

"Mom! Come see what I found!" Jos tugged on his mother's hand and led her to the back porch. He pointed to a large box. Mom looked inside. "Three puppies!" she exclaimed. "Yeah. I found them in the ditch. Can we keep them?" Jos frowned. "Do you think they've been without their mother very long?" he asked anxiously. "Not too long, but they'll need to be fed soon," Mom said, petting a fuzzy black puppy. "I'll warm a little milk and we'll see if they'll take it. And no, we can't keep them--at least not all of them--but we'll do our best to find homes for them." After the puppies had been fed, Jos carefully placed the box in the garage and then went back to the kitchen. "I love dogs," he told his mother. "I'm glad you, do, too." Jos grinned. "I like all animals." "I know you do," said Mom. "Your actions show it." She smiled. "It reminds me of my Sunday school lesson last week. It was from the book of James, which says our faith is seen by our actions. When we truly trust in God, we show our faith by the things we do." "What kind of things?" Jos asked. "Well," said Mom, "would getting angry because you didn't get something you want show that you trust God?" Jos shook his head. "How about praying for a nice day for a picnic and then not worrying about it and not getting angry if you don't get it?" Jos thought about that, and then he nodded. Just then Mom and Jos heard Dad's car door slam shut. "The strangest thing . . ." said Dad, entering the room a minute later. "I thought I heard a squeaking sound out in the garage." He put down his briefcase. "I'd better go check." Jos jumped up. "Follow me, Dad," he said. "I'll explain everything." Jos led the way out to the garage. Mom smiled when she heard Jos's chatter as he and Dad returned. "So . . . I say I love animals, and Mom says I show it by what I do--by the way I treat them," said Jos. "And I say I have faith in God, and I show that by what I do, too." He grinned up at his father. "I guess it's like our actions talk for us," Jos added. "They should tell people that we love God." How About You? What is something you really, really like? Is it animals, a particular sport, or a hobby? Your friends probably know what you like because you spend some of your time reading about it, watching or playing a certain game, or talking about your interest. Do those people also know that you are a Christian because of the way you act, what you read, and how you spend your time? There's an old saying:actions speak louder than words. It's true! Do something today to show your faith in God. Today's Key Verse: I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18) Today's Key Thought: Real faith is seen in actions

Sarah almost bumped into her mother whenMom stopped short as they walked on the bike path near their home. Sarah started to say something, but she noticed the shushing finger her mother held to her lips. Mom pointed to the side of the trail a little ahead of them. A small animal was standing in the tall grass. At first Sarah thought it was a cat, but then she saw the white stripe. As Sarah gasped softly in surprise, Mom looked at her and grinned. They both stood still for an extra minute or two after the skunk had disappeared into the weeds along the bike path. Then they started walking again, but they still didn't talk for a few minutes. When Sarah was sure the skunk was far behind them, she let out a relieved giggle. "Wow! That was a close one!" she exclaimed. Mom smiled her agreement. "Sorry I stopped short in front of you," she apologized, "but I didn't want to get any closer to that smelly little critter!" "That's okay," said Sarah. "I sure wouldn't want to get sprayed by that skunk! I'm glad you stopped so we could wait for him to get away from the path." As they walked along, Sarah could tell Mom was thinking hard. Mom's going to come up with a lesson we can learn from what happened, thought Sarah. She smiled when Mom looked over and said, "You know, that skunk reminds me of something." "I thought it might." Sarah grinned. "You've thought of a Bible lesson for me, haven't you?" "For both of us," Mom replied. "I was just thinking that we could compare that skunk to sin, or perhaps to temptation. When some people face a temptation or see a sinful situation in front of them, they just keep heading right for it." "I know what you mean," agreed Sarah. "Sometimes when I hang out with friends, somebody suggests we should do something bad--like disobey or lie or cheat. I have to admit there have been times when I went along with those kinds of things. From now on, I'll try to remember that skunk and turn away from places or situations where I'd be tempted to do wrong." "Good," said Mom, "and I will, too. Avoiding sin is even more important than avoiding that smelly little creature." How About You? Are you careful to stay away from sin? The Bible says that a prudent (smart or wise) person sees danger in a situation and avoids it, but a foolish person keeps going and suffers for it. Which kind of person are you? Be wise. Avoid places where you'll be tempted to do something wrong, and spend time with people who honor God and His values. Whenever you are tempted, stop and think about what God would want you to do. Today's Key Verse: A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3) Today's Key Thought: Avoid sinful situations

Bethany laughed as she watched her little brother Shawn playing in the living room. He had climbed up into Dad's favorite chair and was pretending to read the newspaper. As he crossed his feet and tried to make them reach the footstool, he shouted, "Look at me! I'm just like Daddy!" Bethany couldn't resist giving Shawn a big hug. "Wait right there so we can show Mommy what a big boy you are!" she said. By the time Bethany returned to the living room with Mom, Shawn had put the paper down on his lap and was pretending to fall asleep. He was even leaning back with his hands behind his head, the way Dad did when he finished reading the paper. "Isn't that cute, Mom?" whispered Bethany giggling. "He's trying to be just like Dad." Mom nodded. "That's how children learn," she said, smiling. "They imitate the people they see." "Did I ever do that?" asked Bethany. "Did I imitate you?" "Sure you did," replied Mom. "You used to pretend you were making dinner. You would get the pots and pans out of the cupboard and tell me you were making mashed 'tatoes!" Bethany laughed. "That sounds like me," she said. "I still like to make mashed potatoes." "Actually, this reminds me of my Bible reading earlier today," continued Mom. "Kids imitate parents and other adults, and God says Christians are to imitate Jesus." "But we can't see Jesus! How can we imitate something we can't even see? We . . ." Bethany began. "Oh, wait a minute! We have the Bible. It tells us how Jesus lived!" "Yes," agreed Mom. "That's one reason we need to study it. It tells us how Jesus responded to people. We learn something about His relationship with God, the Father. We see characteristics of His personality and how He acted in various situations. As we study His life, we learn how to live like He did." How About You? Who do you imitate? A parent? A teacher? A sports figure? Or are you learning to imitate Jesus? Kids--and adults, too--often imitate a variety of people. That's okay if those people honor God. But don't limit yourself to imitating them. Be sure to make Jesus your prime example. To find out how He would act and what He would say, study God's Word. Then try to think of what Jesus would do if He were in your place in any situation. Imitate Him. Today's Key Verse: Be imitators of God as dear children. (Ephesians 5:1) Today's Key Thought: Imitate Jesus