CBH Ministries - Keys for Kids

"It's just not fair," stormed Cole as he and Pete came into the kitchen after school. "I'm your own brother!" Mom looked up. "What are you two arguing about?" she asked. "Pete asked another kid to do his paper route for him while he's at church camp," Cole told her. "He could have asked me. He knows I could use the money. He's just being . . ." "Hey! I asked you to help me not long ago," broke in Pete. "I told you to put the papers on the porches in case it rained. But you were in such a hurry to finish, you just tossed them toward the houses, not bothering to see where they landed. It did rain, and my customers were not happy." "I remember hearing Pete warn you that his customers complain when their papers get wet, Cole," said Mom. "I guess it's no wonder he doesn't want to give you the responsibility of his paper route for three whole days!" Cole glared at his brother. "I think he's being mean," muttered Cole as he stomped away. For family devotions that evening, Dad read aloud from the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. (See today's Scripture). "What happened to the servants who faithfully took care of the things for which they were responsible?" Dad asked. "They were rewarded," said Pete promptly. "Yes. And, Cole, how about the one who didn't do well with his responsibilities?" asked Dad. "Oh, um . . ." Cole couldn't help but think about how irresponsible he had been with Pete's newspaper route. "That guy got scolded, and . . . ah . . . the little bit he had was taken away from him, too," Cole answered hesitantly. "That's right," said Dad. "It's good for us to check up on ourselves to see how we're handling our responsibilities. Jesus wants us to always do our very best in whatever job we're given, whether it's homework, some kind of employment, a job in the church, or whatever tasks come our way as we live for Him each day." Cole nodded. I'm gonna do better--then maybe Pete will even let me do his route sometime again, he thought. I sure don't want to end up like that last guy did. How About You? What kind of work do you do? Do you work to the best of your ability, or do you try to finish as quickly and as easily as possible? Maybe you think the tasks you have to do are so small it doesn't matter if you do them carefully or not. But it does matter! Whatever you do--even the little things--should be done in a way that brings glory to God. If you can be trusted to do a small job well, people will also trust you with bigger and better jobs. And God will, too. Today's Key Verse: He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. (Luke 16:10) Today's Key Thought: Always do your best work

When little Adam let out a loud scream, Mom hurried to the backyard to see what happened. "I just took this piece of glass away from him," explained Tami, holding out a glittering piece of broken glass. "Adam found it on the ground and was about to put it in his mouth when I stopped him. He didn't like that." Mom picked up the little boy. "Thanks for watching him so carefully, Tami," she said. "You probably saved him from getting a bad cut." Tami shrugged. "Yeah, but Adam sure didn't appreciate it," she said. "He thought I was being mean." "I know. That's because he's just a baby," Mom replied. "Babies don't always understand that you're helping them." She smiled at Tami. "You've helped me a lot by watching Adam today," added Mom, "but now it's time for his nap. Would you like to go play with Carrie for a while? Or ask her to come over?" "Carrie is mad at me," replied Tami. "She was mad at her mom for making her turn off a TV show their family used to watch before they were Christians. When I said her mom was right and that I wasn't allowed to watch it either because it's not a good show, Carrie got mad at me, too." "That's too bad," said Mom. "Try to remember that she hasn't been saved very long, and be patient with her. It's like she's just a baby Christian." "So sometimes she'll probably get upset like Adam did when I took the broken glass away from him?" asked Tami. "Yes," said Mom. "When someone tries to help new Christians and protect them from dangerous things, they may resist and become angry because they feel they're not being allowed to live the way they want to. They may resent guidance from older Christians." Mom shook her head. "Even those of us who have been Christians for quite a while often don't like to accept help." When Tami thought about it, she knew she didn't always want advice from her parents or other adults, either. I hope I don't act that way too often! she thought. I'll try to be more patient with Carrie--and I'll try to listen better when older Christians tell me something. How About You? Do you accept the advice and help that is offered to you by your parents? By your pastor? Your Sunday school teacher? Grandparents and other mature Christians? They are more experienced in life and know more than you do about the dangers and tricks of Satan. Be open to their guidance. Today's Key Verse: He who heeds council is wise. (Proverbs 12:15) Today's Key Thought: Accept advice from mature Christians

As Micah opened the back door, he saw that his mother was taking chocolate chip cookies from the oven. "Yummy!" exclaimed Sammy, Micah's little brother. "Those smell so good! Can we have some?" Mom smiled. "You can each have a glass of milk and two cookies for a snack," she said. Sammy got his milk and eagerly helped himself to two cookies, but Micah shook his head. "I'm getting ready to run an important track race, so I need to have healthy snacks now," he declared. "Can I have a banana?" "Sure," agreed Mom, so Micah took a banana to the living room, turned on the television, and settled down to relax while he watched a talk show. After a few minutes, Mom came into the room. "What are you watching?" she asked, looking at the TV screen. "What I just heard didn't sound like something you should be listening to." Micah looked embarrassed. "It's just an afternoon talk show," he said. "I'm going to turn it off and start on my homework as soon as I finish my banana." Mom frowned as she watched the program a little longer. "That's not the kind of thing you should be feeding your mind," said Mom. "You need to turn it off, Micah." "But I'll watch it only a few minutes," objected Micah. "I don't think it's going to hurt me." "You were careful to choose a healthy snack today, and that was smart," said Mom. "You shouldn't feed your body unhealthy things, and you shouldn't feed your mind unhealthy things, either--not even an unhealthy snack. Turn that show off now." Micah sighed. "Okay," he said, "but . . . is it okay if I turn on our local channel? Our volleyball game is supposed to be on today." "That's fine," agreed Mom. She smiled and added, "Always remember that what you feed your mind is even more important than what you feed your body. What you listen to and think about determines the kind of person you become." Micah nodded. "We had a memory verse that said something like that," he remembered, "so I'll try to be more careful about what I watch." How About You? Are you careful about what you feed your mind? It's good to take care of your body and keep it healthy. It's even more important to take care of your mind. The television programs, internet sites, movies, music, and books you use to feed your mind can change the way you live and think. God says your mind should be filled with thoughts that encourage you to live the way He desires. Today's Key Verse: Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2) Today's Key Thought: Feed your mind good things

"It's not fair!" Shelly continued as she and her mother walked into the supermarket. She'd been complaining about a teacher almost nonstop since Mom picked her up after school. "It's just not fair! When Mr. Benson said we could have free time to study and I opened my history book, my pencil fell off my desk. I couldn't reach it from where I was sitting, so I stood up to get it, and he yelled at me! He didn't ask why I was standing up or anything--just told me to write 'I will stay in my seat' fifty times! It's ridic . . ." Shelly's voice stopped in the middle of the word as she spotted Mr. Benson himself at the produce counter. The teacher greeted Shelly and her mother and then looked awkwardly at his cart. "I'm not used to planning meals and doing the grocery shopping," he said, "but my wife had surgery and is still in the hospital." "I'm so sorry to hear that," Mom replied. "How is she doing now?" "Much better, but . . ." Mr. Benson nodded. "Actually, the biggest challenge each day is getting two of my kids to day care and the third to kindergarten," he said. "Teaching, parenting, and trying to spend as much time as possible with my wife keeps me busy!" After talking a few more minutes, Mr. Benson turned back to his cart and moved on. "Now do you know why Mr. Benson scolded you unfairly today?" Mom asked as she and Shelly picked out some vegetables. "He looked very tired and worn out." "I know. I never thought about a teacher having problems before," said Shelly. "I guess I shouldn't have gotten so mad at him, should I?" Mom smiled. "I've had the same kind of experience," she said gently. "There have been times when I felt someone acted unfairly toward me. I got upset about it, only to discover later that the person I was angry with was reacting to a serious personal problem. We need to remember that God wants us to be patient and accept other people. We should be kind and help them through their difficulties instead of becoming angry with them." "I'll ask God to help me be nice to Mr. Benson," Shelly said thoughtfully. "I'm not mad at him anymore." She grinned at her mother and added, "I'll try to remember that teachers are people, too." How About You? Are you sometimes treated unfairly? It's easy to get angry when that happens, isn't it? Remember that the Lord tells you to have patience with others and to be forgiving. All people --parents, teachers, pastors, other kids, neighbors--all have problems. Perhaps those who treat you badly have a serious problem you don't know about. Your friendly attitude could help them feel better. Who knows--it could even make them more open to your witness for the Lord. Today's Key Verse: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. (Ephesians 4:32) Today's Key Thought: Be understanding

"Wow! Look at that bear yawn!" exclaimed Cameron on their visit to the local zoo. "See all those teeth? I bet he could really hurt someone with them!" Dad smiled. "I'm sure he could," he agreed. "He's got sharp claws, too." A little later, Cameron pointed to a large tiger. "Imagine that guy sneaking up on you in the jungle!" he exclaimed as the tiger stared at them. His sister Olivia shivered. "I'd rather not," she said. On the way home, Cameron thought about the fierce animals they had seen. "Dad, which kind of animal do you think is the most dangerous?" he asked. "Well, I don't really know, but I guess I'll vote for the lion," replied Dad. "Or the grizzly bear," Olivia suggested. "Look!" exclaimed Cameron. "The guy that just came out of that bar can hardly walk! And there's a man sitting on the curb over there--and another one sprawled out right in the street. A policeman is talking to them." Dad nodded. "That's sad, isn't it?" he said. "You know, we wouldn't want to get too close to fierce animals like those we saw at the zoo, but you're looking at evidence of something even more dangerous than lions or bears or any of those other animals." "Things around here don't look very neat," murmured Olivia, "but there aren't any animals here, Dad." "Not the kind we saw at the zoo," Dad agreed, "but the Bible compares Satan to a roaring lion, and what we see here shows some of the damage he can do. More homes are broken and more people die due to man's sin than from all the animals put together." "So you're saying Satan is the most dangerous animal of all," said Cameron. "In a way," said Dad. "What we're observing here looks bad, but Satan also knows how to make things look good. Because of that, people often like to try what he offers. That's dangerous and often results in destroyed lives. We need to be alert and resist Satan no matter how good he makes bad things look." "Okay," said Cameron. "I'll remember that--and I'll remind Olivia, too." Olivia smiled. "We'll remind each other," she said. How About You? Would you be scared if you met a lion or bear? You should be much more frightened of books or movies with bad words and immoral actions. You should be afraid of the alcohol or drugs a friend might want you to try. And even of a so-called little white lie that seems so harmless. These are things Satan uses to try to destroy you and others. Be smart--stay as far away from sin as possible. Today's Key Verse: Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Today's Key Thought: Stay away from sin

Passenger trains no longer came through the little town of Judson, but for the city's anniversary celebration, a train was running on the old tracks once again. "Look, Dad!" exclaimed John, pointing to a sign. "Free Rides!" Dad read aloud. "Climb aboard and enjoy an old-fashioned train ride to Rock Island." So John and Dad got on the train. After what seemed a long time, John asked, "Shouldn't we be going by now?" Dad looked around. "Maybe they're waiting for more people," he suggested. Just then a conductor stepped into the car. "Guess you folks didn't read the sign carefully," he said after greeting the people. "This car's not going anywhere." "How come?" asked John in surprise. "It's on a side track and isn't hooked up to an engine," the man explained. "The train on the main track is the one we're using. It will be back soon, and then you can have a ride." John and his father felt a little foolish as they and several others got off the train to wait. "We got on that train fully expecting a ride to Rock Island, but we didn't get there," Dad observed. "We were on the wrong track and weren't attached to the engine we needed. That reminds me of Uncle Perry." "It does? Why?" asked John. "Just last night he said he fully expects to go to heaven, but he thinks doing good deeds and attending church regularly are what will get him there," Dad explained. "It's like he's on the wrong track and isn't connected to the engine." "Being connected with the engine to get to heaven means knowing Jesus as Savior, doesn't it?" John asked. "Yes," agreed Dad. "Anyone who hasn't come to Christ and trusted in Him is not on the right track." Hearing a train whistle, John and Dad looked up and saw their train coming. "You'll have to tell Uncle Perry about this train ride," suggested John a few minutes later as they boarded the car right behind the engine. "Maybe I'll tell him myself. We're hooked up to the engine now, so we're going somewhere this time." How About You? Are you on the right track to heaven--are you connected to the engine?God's Word doesn't say you get to heaven by going to church, giving to the poor, being kind and helpful, or doing any other good thing. It says you must believe in God's Son, Jesus. You will not reach heaven unless you're connected to Him. Trust in Jesus as your Savior today. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Today's Key Verse: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31) Today's Key Thought: Jesus is the only way to heaven

Jenna glanced out the window just as elderly Mrs. Carlson tripped over the curb and fell to the ground. I wish Mom were home, thought Jenna as she jumped up and ran out to see if her neighbor was hurt. Mrs. Carlson was trying to get up when Jenna reached her, but she obviously was in great pain. "It's my back," gasped Mrs. Carlson. "I hope I didn't break it." "Don't move," cautioned Jenna. "You might hurt yourself worse. I'll go and call 911." Mrs. Carlson nodded, and Jenna ran back into the house. When Jenna returned, Mrs. Carlson looked up and smiled weakly. "Thanks so much, Jenna," she said. "You seem to know what to do." Soon the ambulance arrived, and the paramedics carefully lifted Mrs. Carlson into the vehicle. At Sunday school the next day, Jenna told her class about the incident. "I'm glad I took a first aid course last summer," said Jenna. "I knew enough to have Mrs. Carlson lie still so she wouldn't hurt herself worse." "That's great!" exclaimed Mr. Berry, the teacher. "It's good to know what to do in emergencies." He paused briefly. "You know," he added, "it's good to be prepared to give physical help when it's needed, and we should also be prepared to give spiritual help to those we meet." "You mean . . . like we should know how to show them how to be saved?" asked one of the kids. "I don't think some of my friends are Christians," said another, "but I don't really know what to say or how to talk to them about accepting Jesus." "Me, neither," said Jenna. "I . . . I'm a little afraid to try because I might not know how to answer their questions or make it clear to them," she admitted. "I understand, but . . ." Mr. Berry paused. "Jenna took a first aid course and then practiced what she learned," he reminded the class. "Think of church and Sunday school and Bible study as a spiritual first aid course. You learned many things about God; now practice them. Ask Him to give you courage tell your friends about Jesus and what He did for you--and what He wants to do for them." "What if we goof up?" Jenna asked fearfully. Mr. Berry smiled. "Trust God to give you the right words," he said. "He won't fail you. You may not see it right away, but He'll use what you say for His glory." How About You? Are you afraid you won't know what to say if you try to tell friends about Jesus? It will be easier if you've prepared by regularly reading your Bible and memorizing verses. Listen carefully in Sunday school and church. Learn all you can about the Lord, and then speak up for Him. Share your testimony with your friends and trust God to use it. They need Jesus. Today's Key Verse: I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 1:16) Today's Key Thought: Prepare--then talk about Jesus

Charlie pushed open the door that had a sign with Dr. David Brown--the name of his father--printed on it. As he entered the waiting room, the office nurse smiled at him. "Hi, Charlie," she said. "Your dad is almost done for the day. He'll be with you in a few minutes." Soon Charlie and his father were in the car, headed for home. "Dad, I heard on the radio that the president was having his annual checkup today," said Charlie. "When people come in for a one of those, they usually feel okay, don't they? So how do you tell whether they're sick or not?" "Well, we check a lot of things and may run some tests," said Dad with a smile. "Generally, if the vital signs are all good, the patient is healthy." "Vital signs?" asked Charlie. "Like what?" "Oh, things like blood pressure, heartbeat, and lungs," said Dad. "I also check the patients' height and weight and look at their ears, eyes, nose, and throat. I ask if they have any complaints at all. If I suspect there's any problem, I order other tests." "And that's why a checkup is so important?" asked Charlie. "Because there might be something wrong even if you feel good?" Dad nodded. "The sooner illnesses are detected and treated, the better the chance of a cure," he said. As he turned into the driveway, Dad added, "There's another kind of checkup that's even more important--and it's one we can give ourselves." "We can?" asked Charlie. "What is it?" "A spiritual checkup," replied Dad. "We should take a look at the vital signs of our Christian life. For example, we should see if prayer and Scripture reading have become regular habits. In general, we should have a positive attitude toward things of the Lord and toward other Christians." "So . . . like if we're mad at some of them, that's a bad sign?" asked Charlie. "Or if we don't want to witness or go to church?" "Good thinking," said Dad. "Those signs indicate that we need to repair relationships as soon as possible--with God and with others. We need to ask God to reveal any areas of sin in our lives." Dad smiled at Charlie. "Let's both give ourselves a spiritual checkup today." Thoughtfully, Charlie nodded. How About You? When was the last time you gave yourself a spiritual checkup? Are you interested in learning more about God and what pleases Him? Do you talk with Him--do you thank Him for your blessings and tell Him your problems? Do you enjoy being with other Christians? Is all you do acceptable in God's sight, or are there things you'd rather He didn't see? Take regular checkups of your spiritual life. Ask God to show you if something is needed to improve your spiritual health. Today's Key Verse: Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord. (Lamentations 3:40) Today's Key Thought: Give yourself spiritual checkups

"All together now!" Amanda called out. She and Grandpa sat in the back of a pedal boat; her sister Jessica and Grandma sat in the front. They started out all pedaling together. They were having a good time, but when Jessica got tired, she lifted her feet. For a while, Grandma kept pedaling, but then she stopped, too. "I need to give my knees a rest," said Grandpa a few minutes later. He stretched his legs out on the side of the boat, leaving Amanda to pedal alone. "This is too hard since you all of you quit," muttered Amanda. She quit pedaling, and the boat soon drifted to a stop. They enjoyed drifting for a little while; then Grandpa sat up straight. "Pedaling is harder than it looks," he said, "but are you all ready to tackle it again? If we don't work together, we'll sit out here all day." "Yeah, and I'm getting hungry," said Jessica. She lifted her feet and began to pedal. The others did the same, and soon they were back at the boat dock. "That was fun," said Amanda as they headed for a restaurant, "except when I had to pedal alone." Grandpa smiled. "That reminds me of a Bible verse," he said. "Galatians 6:2 says, 'Bear one another's burdens.' How can we do that?" "By everybody pedaling," said Jessica promptly. "You're right," agreed Grandpa. "That's certainly the way to do it when we're in a pedal boat. What are some other ways to help bear people's burdens? Like . . . well, think about Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, for example." "They like us to visit since they're shut-ins," Jessica said. "They liked the cookies we gave them, too." Amanda nodded. "And we can send cards and pray for them," she suggested, "and for other shut-ins we know, too." "The Petersons' daughter cooks for them and cleans their house," said Grandma. "I know she appreciates all the help others give her elderly parents." "It would be hard for her to care for them all by herself," said Jessica. "Like having to pedal the boat all by myself," groaned Amanda. She grinned. "I can see that working together makes life easier in all kinds of situations." How About You? Do you know any kids who are having a hard time? Maybe they've been sick, parents have lost their jobs, or school work is difficult. Pray for those kids, offer to help with homework, invite them to your house--and be sure to let them know Jesus loves them. Like riding in a pedal boat, life is easier when people work together and help each other. Today's Key Verse: Bear one another's burdens. (Galatians 6:2) Today's Key Thought: Work together

Troy struggled to unscrew the lid of a small bottle of paint he needed to use on a model airplane he'd gotten for his birthday. His face turned red as he tried with all his might to turn the lid. Finally, he took the bottle out to the garage, picked up one of Dad's screwdrivers, and tried to pry the lid off. The screwdriver slipped and jabbed his finger. "Ouch!" Troy cried as he watched a trickle of blood run from the cut. He put the bottle down and went into the house for a bandage. When Troy returned to the garage, Dad had just gotten home from work. "What did you do to your finger?" Dad asked, looking at the bandage on Troy's hand. Troy explained about the lid. "Did you read the directions on the bottle?" asked Dad. "Directions?" Troy frowned. "To open a bottle?" Dad picked up the bottle of paint and pointed to the writing on the top of the lid. "It says to push down and then turn, Troy. Did you do that?" Troy shook his head. "I didn't see that," he said. When he followed the directions, the lid came off easily. Troy laughed. "Next time I try something new, I'll know enough to read the directions. Want to see how far I've got my model done, Dad?" "Sure," Dad replied, and they went into the house. "Good job," said Dad, admiring the model airplane. "Ihope your sore finger won't bother you too much while you finish it." "Me, too," said Troy. After a moment he added, "Hey, Dad, this is like what you told me last week." Dad grinned. "I told you a lot of things last week," he said. "Which piece of good advice are you thinking of?" "You said the Bible gives us directions for life," replied Troy, "and that without them, we might do things that are wrong and then we're sure to get hurt. Like I hurt my finger when I ignored the directions on the bottle of paint, right?" "Good thinking," said Dad, "but when you don't follow God's instructions on how to live, you can get hurt a lot worse than having a sore finger." "Yeah, well, like I said . . . now I know enough to read the directions," Troy replied with a smile. "And I even know I better follow them, too!" How About You? Do you read the directions God gives in the Bible? Do you follow them? Or do you attempt to do things your own way? It's important to read the Bible and learn what God says, but be sure you don't just read His directions. Failure to do what God says can result in getting hurt spiritually--and sometimes even physically. Remember . . . read and follow Gods directions. Today's Key Verse: Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. (James 1:22) Today's Key Thought: Follow God's directions

"I feel like cooking something," said Kris. "Can I fix supper? It'll be fun." "Sure," said Mom, "but Dad has a business dinner tonight, so it will just be you and Doug and me." "Let's have TV dinners then, okay?" asked Kris. "But can I make some extra potatoes? We have a box of instant mashed potato flakes, don't we? I know how to do them. And can I fix instant pudding for dessert? With whipped topping?" "If you like," agreed Mom. "I've already made a salad--it's in the refrigerator. We could have brown-'n-serve rolls, too. Think you can handle that?" "No problem," said Kris. She went to work, and soon the meal was ready. As they ate their dinner, they talked about what had happened that day. "Instead of collecting our homework, Mrs. Derks just asked if we had finished it," Kris reported. "Before school started, Natalie told me she hadn't done hers, but when Mrs. Derks asked her, she said it was all finished! Can you believe that?" "That's nothing unusual. Kids do that all the time," said Doug. "Yes, but she's supposed to be a Christian!" exclaimed Kris. "I felt like telling her off." "She hasn't been a Christian very long, though," said Doug. "I mean, we all do wrong things, too, and we've been Christians quite a long time." "Doug has a point," said Mom. "But she lied!" protested Kris as she got up to get their dessert. "I'm not excusing what Natalie did," said Mom, "and maybe you can lovingly remind her that God wants her to be honest, but don't be too hard on her." "Looks good!" said Doug when Kris set the instant pudding in front of him. "It does," agreed Mom. "You know, it occurs to me that these days we often get the idea that everything should be instant--like much of this meal is. Most of these things were easy and quick to fix because they're instant foods--they're pre-cooked. Sometimes we expect spiritual maturity to be like that, but it isn't." "So it's more like the salad you made?" Kris asked. "That took quite a bit of time, didn't it?" Mom nodded. "Yes, and it takes time to become a mature Christian, too. So don't expect too much too soon from Natalie. Give her time to learn and grow." How About You? Do you have friends who are new Christians? When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are instantly saved--but you aren't instantly mature. Don't expect instant maturity from your friends, either. Pray for them, and learn to be patient as together you grow and learn more about God and what pleases Him. Today's Key Verse: We who are strong ought to bear with the scruples (failings) of the weak. (Romans 15:1) Today's Key Thought: Spiritual growth takes time

Andy trudged home, a grim look on his face. He knew his mother would take one look at his clothes and know he had been in another fight. And Dad would . . . well, Andy didn't know what Dad would do. But I don't care! thought Andy. Ever since Jase lied and got me in trouble, I can't stand that guy! As Andy passed an empty lot, he glanced toward an old tree stump where a swarm of bees had made a hive. There were none buzzing around, and he noticed a few lying on the ground. "Dead bees! I guess they couldn't stand the cold! I've been wanting one for my insect collection," he muttered. "Here's my chance to get it without getting stung." He picked up a bee and carefully put it in his pocket. When Andy arrived home, it was just as he expected. "Andrew James!" his mother exclaimed. "You've been in another fight! I suppose it was Jase again." Andy's father was already home, too, and Andy felt bad when he saw the disappointed look on his dad's face. "Well, Jase is always mean to me," said Andy, trying to defend his actions. "He says all kinds of hateful things!" "We've discussed before what Jesus says about the way we should treat those who aren't nice to us," said Dad. "Using our fists on them is not one of the thingsHe wants us to do." "No, but I . . . I try not to get mad, but I just can't help it," mumbled Andy. He shoved his hands into his pockets. With a yelp, he jerked them out again, and a bee flew to the window. "It stung me!" Andy exclaimed. "I thought that thing was dead!" As Dad removed the stinger from Andy's finger, he shook his head. "You know, Son," he said, "the anger and unforgiveness you have toward Jase is something like that bee. Those feelings lie quietly in your heart and seem to be dead, but when Jase provokes you, they flare up again. You need to give your hurt and anger to God." "I've tried," said Andy. "It doesn't seem to work." "You can't just say the words; you have to mean them," said Dad. "And do what God says--do good to Jase. I think you'll be surprised at what happens." "Be nice to him?" Andy asked. "But he . . ." Andy paused. "Be nice to him," he repeated after thinking it over. "I'll try it. I'll give him a . . . a cookie tomorrow." How About You? Does anger, envy, or selfishness flare up in your heart from time to time? Did you think you had conquered it, but there it is again? Perhaps you've prayed about it and said all the right words, but you never tried God's method of overcoming it--you've never replaced it with doing good to the other person involved. Sincerely ask God to show you a nice thing you can do for the person you dislike, and then do that nice thing. Today's Key Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) Today's Key Thought: Overcome evil with good

Elijah looked up when his grandma spoke. "Why so glum, buddy?" she asked. "No one likes me," replied Elijah with a sigh. "The kids call me big mouth." "And why is that?" asked Grandma. "I . . . I said something about a guy on my soccer team, and he found out," said Elijah. "And then . . . well, I told a secret after I promised Patrick I wouldn't." "Hm-m-m," murmured Grandma, taking a book of Chinese folk tales from a shelf. She settled into a chair near Elijah. "Maybe this story will help you," she said. Grandma began to read aloud. "In a small Chinese village a woman known for her hateful way of talking about others, decided one morning to turn over a new leaf. She wanted to be remembered for good things. So she went to the wisest old man in the village. 'I don't want people to remember me as a hateful loud mouth,' she said. 'How can I make it right?'" Grandma glanced at Elijah, then continued reading. "The old man stood up, looked around his small home, and picked up a pillow. 'Let's take a walk,' he said, ripping a hole in the pillow. As they walked all over the village, he held the pillow in the breeze and let the tiny white feathers inside float away. "Puzzled, the woman looked at the old man. 'Aren't you going to tell me how to make things right with the people in this village?' she asked. "'Go back,' the man said, 'and put every feather back into the pillow. Then you will know.' "'That's impossible,' cried the woman. 'They're everywhere. They can never be taken back.' "The old man smiled. 'Nor can the words of our mouths be taken back once they are spoken,' he replied. "'Then what should I do?' the woman asked sadly. "'Stop spreading the feathers,' was the answer." Grandma closed the book. "So . . . then would people remember her for good things?" Elijah asked. "And if I change my ways, my friends will notice and stop being mean?" "Hopefully," Grandma replied. "The Bible says we can use our mouths to be a blessing, but if we aren't careful they can be a real problem. You can't take words back, but you can apologize and use your mouth to be a blessing from now on." Elijah nodded. "I'd much rather be a blessing than a feather spreader." How About You? Are you guilty of spreading unkind words? What consequences have you faced as a result? Has it made other kids distrust and perhaps dislike you? Someone has suggested that before you say anything about someone else, you should ask yourself, "Is it true and is it kind?" Also be sure to ask yourself, "Will it be pleasing to the Lord?" Make a commitment to God to never be a feather spreader by saying something you'll want to take back. Say only things acceptable to Him. Today's Key Verse: Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. (Psalms 19:14) Today's Key Thought: Use words acceptable to God

"I wish my dad liked camping like your dad does," Sonya complained to her friend Bethany. Bethany looked at the beautiful furnishings in Sonya's home. "Well, I wish we had as many nice things as you do," she said, "but we don't have very much money." The girls went on to compare and complain about their circumstances. "I think you girls need something useful to do," said Sonya's mother, who was tired of their complaints. "I need to make some visits for the church welcoming committee. How about coming along?" Hesitantly, the girls agreed. At the first stop, a young woman invited them in. "You'll have to excuse this house," said Mrs. Marsh. "My kids drive me crazy. I'll be glad when they're all in school and I can get a little peace and quiet." Motioning for her guests to sit down, she said, "I wish we had never moved to this unfriendly town!" And for the rest of the visit, she continued to complain about everything and everybody. When they left, Bethany whistled. "Wow! I wonder if she's ever happy about anything," she said. A smiling lady answered the door when they made the next call. "We're so happy here," Mrs. Perry bubbled to her guests. "We're thankful we found a loving church family so quickly." As they visited with her, she went on to praise the church, the schools, and the people in their neighborhood. "Mrs. Marsh and Mrs. Perry are so different!" exclaimed Sonya on the way home. "They moved to town about the same time; their husbands work for the same company; they live in the same neighborhood; and they attend the same church. But one grumbled the whole time we were there, and the other one is happy about everything. Why is that?" "Well," said her mother, "God says we're to think about good things. It seems Mrs. Perry has learned to look for and think about what's good in any situation, and Mrs. Marsh has not." "I guess not!" exclaimed Bethany. "There are two 'tents' in which we can live," added Mom quietly. "One is contentment, and the other is discontentment. It's not activities or time or money that determines how happy you are. It's which 'tent' you choose to live in." How About You? Are you living in contentment? That's what God wants you to do. You often aren't able to choose the circumstances in which you must live, but look for the good things in any situation and ask God to help you be content with what He provides. Choose to be satisfied, knowing that He wants only what is best for you. Choose to live in contentment, not in discontentment. Today's Key Verse: I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (Philippians 4:11) Today's Key Thought: Learn to be content

Toby stretched, yawned, and turned off the alarm. For several minutes he argued with himself. One voice in his thoughts said, Get up. It's time for Sunday school. Another voice said, Why not skip it? Your folks don't go. Sleep a little longer. In the end, the wrong voice won. "I'll never be missed," Toby mumbled as he pulled the blanket over his head. "Those guys don't care if I come or not." At recess the next day, Toby tripped over a stump and broke a toe. "Oh-h-h!" he moaned as the doctor checked it out. "It hurts so bad!" Dr. Bradford nodded. "It will hurt for a while," he said, "but it will heal just fine. Give it time." When Toby went to the mall with his mother on Saturday, he saw his Sunday school teacher there. While Toby's mom paid for the things she was buying, Toby and Mr. Burns talked. "I see you're limping. Did you hurt your foot?" asked Mr. Burns. "Is that why you weren't in Sunday school last week?" "I broke my toe on Monday," Toby answered. "I didn't come Sunday because . . . well . . . I just figured I wouldn't be missed anyway." "Oh, you were missed," said Mr. Burns. "The kids wondered if you were sick. They prayed for you." "Really?"Toby asked. "Really," Mr. Burns replied. "When you're absent, there's a big gap in our class." He pointed to Toby's foot. "Your toe isn't very big, but when you broke it, did it just bother that one toe or did it affect your whole body?" "For a couple of days, I couldn't do much at all," Toby said. He laughed. "Dad said I acted like I broke my back." "So it affected your whole body," said Mr. Burns with a smile. "It's like that with Christians, too. Each one is important, even those who may think they're the little toe. When one member hurts, we all hurt." He patted Toby's arm. "You are important to our class, Toby. Don't ever forget that." Toby grinned. "I won't, Mr. Burns," he said. "My toe won't let me. For a while, every step I take will remind me. See you tomorrow morning." How About You? Do you know someone who feels unimportant and needs encouragement? Each Christian is a member of the body of Christ and should share others' joys and sorrows. Let them know when you have something you'd like them to pray about, and ask if there's something they'd like you to pray about, too--and then be sure to do that. Be glad when good things happen to others, and share your happy experiences as well. Today's Key Verse: Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) Today's Key Thought: Share joys and sorrows